Whoever Lives in Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lucy Marin

Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet in the summer of 1811 when he is staying at Netherfield Park with his friend, Charles Bingley. They are immediately drawn to each other. Love soon blossoms, and they look forward to an autumn wedding. Mr Darcy’s family, including his sister, Georgiana, is surprised by his choice of bride, but, as he explains to her, love matters more than fortune and connexion.
Mr Darcy brings Georgiana to Netherfield, but when he must go to Pemberley for several weeks, she asks to spend the period of his absence at Rosings Park with her aunt and cousin rather than remain in Hertfordshire. It is only upon his return to Elizabeth that they discover Georgiana is no longer in Kent. She left, purportedly travelling to Derbyshire upon Mr Darcy’s request—and under the protection of her companion Mrs Younge and George Wickham. It is too late to prevent their flight, and Mr Darcy and Elizabeth anxiously await news of his sister, knowing and fearing what must have happened.
Is Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s love strong enough to survive Georgiana and Mr Wickham’s elopement? Mr Bennet threatens to withdraw his permission, and Mr Wickham does everything possible to add to Mr Darcy’s misery and cause a breach between him, his sister, and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth cannot bear to see him so angry and unhappy. She decides to take matters into her own hands, using the strength of her love to battle against Mr Wickham and protect those she has claimed as her own, especially her beloved Mr Darcy.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2025

About the author

Lucy Marin developed a love for reading at a young age and whiled away many hours imagining how stories might continue or what would happen if there was a change in the circumstances faced by the protagonists. After reading her first Austen novel, a life-long ardent admiration was borne. Lucy was introduced to the world of Austen variations after stumbling across one at a used bookstore while on holiday in London. This led to the discovery of the online world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction and, soon after, she picked up her pen and began to transfer the stories in her head to paper.

Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.

Reviews

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth fights for love.
In Whoever Lives in Love, right from the start it is all sparks and wedding plans until Georgiana runs off with Wickham. Cue Darcy’s meltdown and Mr. Bennet threatening to nix the engagement, and Wickham is on the sidelines gleefully making it worse. I’m wishing he’d trip into a ditch.

What I appreciated most, however, was Elizabeth’s response. She is not the type to sit back while the man she loves falls apart. She takes action, driven by her deep love for both Darcy and even Georgiana—who, let’s be honest, is so naïve it hurts. Instead of giving up, Elizabeth comes up with a plan to deal with Wickham, hoping to find some small trace of decency buried under all his lies. It is a risky endeavour, but I admired her determination. “None of us are entirely good or evil,” she insists. The trouble is, without meaning to, she does not confide in Darcy and he thinks her attentions to Wickham reveal that he's losing her love to him. This was the most angsty part of the book for me—Darcy’s uncertainty about her love even as she fought for him.

But Darcy’s “I don’t know what I did to deserve you” and “I love you more than I can express” lines felt repetitive. I wanted Darcy to articulate more fire and flair, some lush and ardent prose and more banter to match his passion. Still, this variation’s early love story and Elizabeth’s backbone and her fight for love kept me in it. If, like me, you love Lucy Marin's Pride and Prejudice reimaginings, it’s a solid read—just don’t expect me to root for Wickham.

Sweet, clean read.

Recommend

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.

August 7-8, 2025 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Emilie Wylie. She gives a very expressive performance. I look forward to more from her.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting twist to P&P. The author does relate in her story description that not only do Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love quickly (I did like how that insult was cut off so their relationship started on more positive note.) but also Wickham is successful in eloping with Georgiana, who was at the time staying with Lady Catherine along with her companion, Mrs. Younge.

Elizabeth and Darcy are then denied the privilege of setting a wedding date by Mr. Bennet as he waits to see how the elopement affects the couple. Many pages are given to Elizabeth's efforts to change the relationship between Wickham and Darcy; hoping to bring back some of the friendship they had in their youth. She does recruit both Darcy and the Colonel to her plan. However, there are moments when Darcy wonders at what her relationship with Wickham has become as he observes her talking to Wickham and Wickham turning on his charm.

There is a "surprise" learned by E. about Georgiana's relationship with Wickham. (Although I had guessed at that, myself.) I won't spoil the story by relating such.

Bingley and Jane do have their romance although he keeps putting off proposing. Bingley is a generous host in this story as he has more than just Darcy staying with him. The Hursts and Caroline remain in London for most of this story.

I do enjoy this author's stories. I borrow them through KU without having to read any reviews. Thus I highly recommend this story.

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is a boundless privilege... ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oh, Georgiana! What have you done?

Great Plot!
Great Writing!

Loved it!

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

“Manipulation is the dark side of charisma.” (Max Weber)

In this love at first sight variation, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are drawn to each other. I enjoy this trope, as I know that it can and does happen.

“Elizabeth was the best of them, the shining star in a dark sky beckoning to him. He knew at that moment that to resist was futile. His fate had been decided the moment he looked at her and decided to ask her to dance.” (quote from the book)

Mr. Darcy’s insult is not said at the Assembly when he looks at her. He asks her to dance and so begins their growing bond and love for each other.

“We all know there is something…irregular, shall we say, about your sister’s situation, the older man said, regarding them through narrowed eyes. I am attempting to overlook it, but I am not sure how much longer I can.” (quote from the book)

Their love, however, is tested from outside forces. The marriage of his sister, Georgiana, to the worthless cad, Mr. Wickham, wreaks havoc on Darcy’s equilibrium. Mr. Bennet will not give permission for the wedding date to be decided until the issue with the Wickham’s is resolved.

“You must consider how you act towards your sister and him when you meet. If you are prepared, perhaps you will avoid arguing and causing a breach that cannot be repaired.” (quote from the book)

Elizabeth helps to ground Darcy in their quest to deal with Wickham. She is a voice of reason. However, when Elizabeth comes up with a further plan, and doesn’t tell Darcy, I became frustrated. The spark went out of the story for me. I did not find it angsty, and I ranted at my Kindle when it all comes to a head.

My emotions did become engaged for Georgiana. She is cruelly manipulated by Mr. Wickham. As to how her story plays out, I wanted to see more of how she truly overcomes it. I did feel there was a bit more telling than showing in this story.

I do recommend the story. I just found it did not fully work for me. Please read other reviews for a more balanced perspective.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
What a difference a few months can make in the story (Darcy is less jaded, Elizabeth less prejudiced) when Darcy and Bingley arrive at Netherfield in early summer rather post Ramsgate. Well, the prologue is a bit shocking! We are then left to see the lead up to that shock with a very endearing ODC and then the fallout from said shock.
It wouldn't be ODC if there wasn't some discovery of what 'to assume' really translates to (ass-u-me), but it will be no surprise that they pull through. Also no surprise that some others had a hard lesson in what it means.
There's lots of love, laughs, betrayals, doubt, heartache with good storytelling that will keep you turning the pages (and occasionally wanting to yell or rant at a character).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

full of angst

Lizzy and Darcy fall in love very soon in the story. But after that there is so much angst about Darcy marrying way below his importance is a constant drone.

Given the real life angst happening world wide currently, I couldn’t enjoy the story. If you don’t mind the high level of angst I’m sure you will enjoy the story more than I could.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

E & D come to an early understanding and then struggle against circumstances including a scandal in Darcy’s family and a reluctant Mr Bennet.

It all starts when Darcy does not insult Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly and dances with her instead. Weeks later they are declaring their love for one another and become engaged. The first road block is Mr. Bennet who insists on a long engagement, the second is Wickham who is up to his old tricks this time with a more compliant Georgiana. I admired the way Elizabeth stood by Darcy throughout and did everything in her power to help the situation. There’s no Mr Collins and very little Lady Catherine. We meet some other Darcy relatives but they mostly stay in the background except to lend their support in a few key scenes. There is a lot of D & E page-time and the story kept me so engaged that I finished it in one day.

I received a free copy to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Darcy arrives at Netherfield in the summer of 1811 he is instantly drawn to Elizabeth Bennet. Soon they come to an understanding and plan to marry in autumn.
Then his sister Georgiana, who is staying with their aunt Lady Catherine in Kent, elopes with Darcy's enemy George Wickham. Lady Catherine thought her on her way to Pemberley to meet Darcy and hadn't therefore notified anybody. Due to this it's too late for Darcy to follow his sister and she returns to Hertfordshire as a married woman. Can Darcy and Elizabeth's love withstand the scandal that the elopement may evoque if it becomes widely known? Will Mr Bennet withdraw his permission for Darcy and Elizabeth's union? And what is Wickham’s true aim when he is not willing to abandon Georgiana for money?

The book was very well written by the author Lucy Marin. I like her style of writing very much and I also enjoy the creation of her own figures, especially Lord Bramwell and his intended Rebecca, who are, as always, of great help for Darcy and Elizabeth.

Normally I'm a Darcy guy, but I love Elizabeth in this variation. She is clever, she is brave, she is caring, she is kind, she loves deeply. I love that she is willing to do everything for her love for Darcy and that she desperately wants to ease the burden the situation with Georgiana and Wickham creates for him. I love that she is the one to find a way to “solve” the problem and that she finds all the major clues for a solution. I love her way to be there for Darcy and to comfort him and give him the strength to carry on. She is his sunlight amongst rainy clouds.

Darcy is, for some parts of the story, very depressed due to the situation with his sister and Wickham. It is understandable. He is forced to act against his nature and tolerate Wickham for the sake of his sister. But at the same time his sister does resent him because she thinks Darcy does not treat Wickham the way he deserves (in her mind). I'm so glad Darcy has Elizabeth at his side and that she is able to help him in this difficult time. She helps him find a way to deal with the situation and also lights up his mood.

Bingley is only a side character in this variation but I like his way to show his friendship to Darcy and that he is, like Elizabeth, willing to do everything for his friend, he even puts back his personal matters and delays his engagement to Jane to not make matters worse for Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship (remember: Mr Bennet is thinking about withdrawing his permission for Darcy and Elizabeth's union).

Georgiana Darcy was in this book more naive than ever, and also in more ways than you may imagine first. I sometimes pitied her because she was used by Wickham for his purposes. But sometimes I also wanted to shake her because she really acts like a stupid girl. She does not question anything, she acts in the way people tell her to do and it is therefore extremely simple to manipulate her. I know she is from high society and her brother and his cousin try to protect her from the world but can one really be so clueless? Evidently.

As you may imagine, Wickham is the villain of this book. But please don't dismiss the story because of this, the outcome is a bit different than one might think at the beginning. I will not tell more, you definitely need to read Wickham's part of the story for yourself.
I also struggled a bit to like Mr Bennet in this variation. There is nothing to say against Darcy as a suitor for his daughter and he nevertheless delays an engagement. And once Georgiana's elopement is known he even thinks about ending Elizabeth's engagement. One gets the feeling that he does not really care about his daughter's happiness. I definitely do not really like him in this variation.

If you like to know how Georgiana's successful elopement might affect the relationship of her brother and how Darcy and Elizabeth find a way to cope with the couple, you should definitely read this excellent book.

I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gill M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

In this variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy does not insult Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton assembly.

They dance, become friends and rapidly fall in love.
Soon they are betrothed.

If it all seems too easy, you would be right!

Darcy's fifteen year old sister, Georgiana arrives at Netherfield, delighted to announce that she eloped with George Wickham. They should congratulate her on becoming Mrs Wickham.

Unfortunately, Wickham is a friend-turned enemy, who delights in gloating of his power over his young wife.

Soon Elizabeth and Darcy must find a way to deal with Wickham, while protecting Georgiana from harm.

To add to their woes, Mr Bennet takes a dim view of the scandal and suspends any discussion of a wedding date.

Wickham is horrible and Georgiana is staggering dumb.
Darcy is barely restraining himself from violence and is only kept under good regulation by Elizabeth's loving support.

Lucy Marin is always worth reading and I am happy to recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* rounded down.

I prefer stories where Darcy is a strong, honourable, and decisive gentleman. In this book, his love for his sister clouds this latter characteristic. Instead, he draws his strength from Elizabeth's cleverness and compassion. The pacing is somewhat slow in the middle of the book, but with patience, the reader will discover that their relationship is a lovely one to read.

Darcy and Elizabeth's love is like a furnace—quick to flame and continued warmth as it is fed by their devotion, trust, and communication with each other. The pacing of the remainder of the story is a drawn-out mystery about how to mitigate the conflict, that being Georgiana's actions.

I found that this book was well-written, and it provided a twist to the typical Wickham elopement scheme. It's very enjoyable for readers who enjoy Darcy and Elizabeth-focused stories like me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not finish

I stopped reading at the 39% mark. It wasn’t terrible, but it annoyed me and was a bit dull at times.

From what I gathered from the portion I read:

- Wickham seems to control both Georgiana and Darcy, while Elizabeth has a healthy, advisory role in Darcy’s life. However, Darcy almost appears weak. Perhaps it’s my fault for expecting a more take-charge version of Darcy.

I am pleased that Darcy and Elizabeth reached an early understanding.

This Elizabeth is bland—not quite like a Jane, but not the Elizabeth I'm used to.

I could have pushed through, but the excessive coddling of Georgiana was too much for me. I understand if they want to be gentle, but I believe this was negligence. No one will tell her the truth about her husband’s character. Even when she expresses things Darcy knows are false, he refrains from contradicting her. He later claims to others that Georgiana falls for Wickham’s lies; of course, she does because no one tells her differently. Instead of telling her the truth, he either offers her a brotherly kiss or a hug or says nothing. Georgiana deserves the truth and some accountability. It feels irresponsible, and I couldn't like Darcy and, to a minimal degree, Elizabeth's handling of the situation.

Now, I feel like I need to find a story in which Georgiana faces actual consequences to bring balance.

[Monica Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it took me a bit to get comfortable with this story, I’m glad I completed it because it was a fascinating read.

The story, which begins with a courtship and engagement between E&D, is met with obstacles involving Georgiana’s elopement and Mr. Bennet’s objections. While a recently engaged Darcy stays at Netherfield, Georgiana shows up married to Mr. Wickham.

In this story, Elizabeth is a problem-solving optimist. Seeing how upset Darcy is by the news of his sister’s elopement, Elizabeth comes up with a scheme for Mr. Wickham (who behaves like the devil himself). The plan is, essentially, to “kill him with kindness.” This leads to her spending more time around Wickham.

Cue in the short period of angst between E&D, which is Darcy’s own turmoil telling him that Elizabeth prefers his enemy’s company. Thankfully the story does not go in the direction of E&D being terrible at communicating. So the misunderstanding with Mr. Darcy is short lived, and he too agrees to approach W with civility. The goal in mind is for W to reform his ways (doubtful) or leave G alone with her family to protect her. About 35-80% of the book is the mystery of what Wickham will do. He is rather piqued at the kindness coming from Darcy even admitting that Darcy should despise him for deceiving his sister into marriage. Something most surprising occurs around 79% of the book’s completion, which made the problem go away without too much drama.

If you are looking for something new in the sea of P&P variations, I can recommend this one for its originality.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

As the book summary indicates, Elizabeth and Darcy hit it off immediately and get engaged after only a month or so. Mr Bennett insists on a long engagement, due to their haste. Georgiana comes to Netherfield and is portrayed as completely naive, empty headed, and somewhat arrogant about rank, but she reluctantly accepts Darcy's engagement. She goes to Rosings to supposedly visit the Debourghs, and then shows up a short time later back at Netherfield married to Wickham. Elizabeth comes up with a plan of sorts to help ease the tension and hostility between Darcy and Wickham, and in her efforts to get to know Georgiana better, she eventually discovers something about Georgiana's marriage to Wickham that changes everything.

I like this author, and she's an automatic purchase for me. Although it's written well enough, the storyline was so angsty for such a large portion of the book that it pretty much killed the romance. Darcy is in such a miserable state for so long that I started to get annoyed. Instead of a confident and "take charge" Darcy, it's Elizabeth that had to continuously bolster his mood and provide direction. Darcy was a blubbering puddle of angst and uncertainty for way too long. The repetition in the text of why this was so became tedious.

Thankfully things start looking up about two-thirds of the way in, and we're given a little joy. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But as long as I have you, how could I possibly be unhappy with anything? Our surroundings do not matter to me nearly as much as having you next to me as we observe it.”

First of all, I love a variation centric around Elizabeth and Darcy. We get this amazing connection from the beginning, but we have to work to get the happy ending. This might have been Elizabeth and Darcy at their best; he narrowly avoids insulting Elizabeth and therefore finds in her a treasure. She also doesn't get overly stubborn except to fight hard for Darcy. We just get a full story of ODC working together to fight for many relationships even beyond their own. I will never not love a story that gives Elizabeth and Darcy lots of page time in love. Whoever Lives in Love was sweet and satisfying.

Admittedly, the story started a bit slow for me, but Georgiana and Wickham showing up married changed the pace and intensity of the story. It stays relatively moderate in terms of angst, and is bookended in a similar way to its start, allowing the reader to decide whether they are satisfied or conflicted with how things end. I personally found the ending satisfying for the direction of the story, even though it is a little bittersweet.

This is another great Pride and Prejudice variation from the wonderful Ms. Marin.

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant and emotional

A very poignant and emotional variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Lucy Marin. She is an expert at emotionally charged and compelling stories that bring us laughter and tears. Another well written book that I enjoyed.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, no! Georgiana Darcy has eloped with George Wickham!

This story begins traditionally, at the Meryton assembly. However, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth hit it off immediately. It doesn't take many subsequent encounters with her for him to realize she's perfect for him, and he asks her hand in marriage. She is just as smitten as he is and happily accepts.

But other obstacles suddenly pop up. Georgiana doesn't show enthusiasm about gaining a sister, even one as delightful as Elizabeth, and she finds the liveliness of the Bennets overwhelming. One thing leads to another, and she actually has her brother leave her and Mrs. Younge at Rosings on his way to Pemberley, where he has some business that will take him away from Hertfordshire for a while.

Lady Catherine receives a forged letter, supposedly from Darcy, sending for Georgiana and informing his aunt that Mr. Wickham would bring his sister and her companion to him in Derbyshire. Darcy doesn't learn about it until two weeks later, so Wickham and Georgiana easily travel to Scotland and wed over the anvil without interference.

Wickham doesn't wait for them to be found; he and his new bride soon show up at Netherfield. This adds insult to injury; the two are irrevocably married, and there's nothing Darcy can do about it. Although he withholds her dowry until her majority, which he knows Wickham would only gamble away, he needs to be near them so he can be sure his sister is not mistreated. His despicable new brother-in-law taunts him whenever Georgiana isn't present.

Meryton gossip starts speculating about the couple's mismatch in age and social sphere, and the neighborhood suspects the scandalous truth: an elopement. Mr. Bennet had not been thrilled about losing his favorite daughter so quickly from the start and so had delayed allowing Elizabeth and Darcy to set a wedding date. Now he fears that the Darcy name will be in disgrace and, if Elizabeth Bennet becomes Mrs. Darcy, that disgrace will extend to the Bennets, making it more difficult for his other daughters to marry well.

Ms. Marin’s writing is lovely, and the situation provides lots of page time between Darcy and Elizabeth. They obviously click together right from the start, and their chemistry continues to be evident throughout the book. Mr. Bennet is an unusual antagonist, and his rigid stance causes the couple as much anguish as Mr. Wickham.

Much as I like the premise, I’m sorely disappointed with how it’s developed. Lots of odd plot choices.

I got tired of reading episode after episode of Wickham’s antics (more than necessary to make the point) that tweak Darcy and his cousin Richard, who are uncharacteristically dull-witted over the situation. The obvious solution, to maneuver Georgiana into overhearing Wickham speaking with them, never occurs to them.

Speaking of Georgiana, she may be young, shy, and naïve, but this book makes her positively stupid. She’s stayed with her Fitzwilliam aunt, uncle, and cousins in the past, so she ought to realize the restrictions George places upon her are not normal, especially since he won’t even allow her to be alone with her own relations.

Wickham is said to leave several times after breakfast and disappear for hours. Why doesn’t anyone follow him? Why mention it without later explaining where he goes? Why don’t they take that opportunity to shake some sense into Georgiana without her husband present?

Darcy’s miraculously beneficial influence over Elizabeth’s younger sisters is yet another plot feature that made me roll my eyes.

Lastly, I can’t understand why Bingley delays his intended proposal to Jane until Darcy’s situation is resolved. What does one have to do with the other?

As well-written as this book is, and as much as I like the starting premise, it lost its credibility for me less than halfway through

Content is clean.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kathi Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book went straight into my reread collection

What happens if Bingley leases Netherfield in the summer instead of Michaelmas? Miss Darcy doesn't go to Ramsgate. Without the turmoil and self-loathing over his failure to protect his sister, Darcy acts like the gentleman he is. He quickly falls in love with the vivacious, warm, intelligent Elizabeth. But Wickham still gets to Georgiana. That's what.

Ms. Marin's latest story gets five stars from me because it has gone straight into my reread collection. I really enjoyed it. Here's why.
- It is clean and sweet.
- Well written, and I can't recall any grammar speed bumps or continuity roundabouts.
- Darcy and Elizabeth working together to overcome difficulties is one of my favorite tropes.
- Moderate angst: Only a little angst is between Darcy and Elizabeth. I did get choked up and teary-eyed toward the end.
- Elizabeth is warm, caring, and clever but not perfect.
- Darcy allows himself to be vulnerable with the ones who love him. He realizes he is too close to the situation and relies on Elizabeth and his best friends to help instead of doing everything himself.

Two toxic relationships are the driving force of this story. Wickham hates Darcy and wants him to suffer. He uses Georgiana to torment Darcy. His toxic relationship with Georgiana has her willingly submitting to his control and emotional isolation from the people who love her.

Rather than distance himself from the Wickhams, Darcy keeps them close with the help of his friends. He wants to be ready to catch Georgiana when Wickham throws her aside. This means Darcy is constantly subjected to Wickham's attempts to manipulate Georgiana and Elizabeth. He takes every opportunity to tear Darcy's character to shreds. But good communication keeps the couple strong. They share their thoughts and feelings with only a few hiccups where they fail to communicate. They learn quickly from those mistakes and lay the foundation for a life of mutual love and respect.

I'll say it again. Five stars.

Note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely, poignant story. The prologue begins with a marriage…Georgiana Darcy elopes with George Wickham.

Prior to the elopement Darcy meets Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly. There is no insult…only an instant, mutual attraction. An engagement soon follows. Darcy brings his sister, Georgiana, to meet Elizabeth but Georgiana is withdrawn and does not engage with Elizabeth or her family. When it is necessary for Darcy to go to Pemberley to manage some estate business, Georgiana begs Darcy to take her to Kent to stay with Lady Catherine and Anne. Despite his misgivings he takes Georgiana to his aunt’s home under the care of her companion Mrs Young. Oops! From there Wickham and Young manage to spirit Georgiana to Gretna where they are married over the anvil.

Mr Bennet’s prejudices about the upper class and soon Georgiana’s elopement cause him to threaten to dissolve Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement. Elizabeth is adamant that she will marry Darcy but Mr Bennet will not allow a wedding date to be scheduled. Elizabeth concocts a plan to smooth out gossip regarding the elopement and to counteract Wickham’s siege against Darcy and the Fitzwilliams.

Elizabeth’s plan is beginning to work when she discovers a new facet of the Wickhams’ marriage. Will she and Darcy ever be able to marry? Will the Darcy name forever be tainted? Will Georgiana discover the true reason for Wickham eloping with her? What will Georgiana’s future bring being forever tied to a wastrel?

I read this story greedily. I loved the strong relationship of love and trust that formed between Darcy and Elizabeth. The story drew me in and did not let go until the end and I still wished for more. The best kind of story.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a standalone story that is part of the Happiness in Marriage series. This is a love at first sight, Darcy and Elizabeth against the world
story, with closed door content and moderate angst including the elopement of a secondary character.

Despite having met a short time ago, it seemed as though he had always known her. Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy have an instant attraction to one another when they meet in the summer of 1811 at Netherfield Park. Love blossoms quickly and an autumn wedding is planned for the happily betrothed couple.

Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana is spending time with her aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Kent when she suddenly goes missing. Her aunt believes Darcy sent for her to go to Pemberley under the protection of her companion Mrs Younge. Alas, too late, it is discovered that Georgiana has eloped with George Wickham, having fooled everyone. By the time she returns, she is married to the blackguard and a scandal is poised to erupt.

Can love survive in the midst of a family crisis? Mr Bennet delays the wedding as the newly married Wickhams come into Hertfordshire and make everyone around them miserable. Darcy offers to release Elizabeth from their engagement but Elizabeth has a different idea. Will she be able to save them all from ruin? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Camille Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly Interesting

Yes, I expected it to be interesting, but not in the way it was. Why was Wickham so awful when he only wanted money? Just to get Darcy to send him away? I suppose. But he seemed to enjoy goading Darcy so much.

How did Elizabeth know exactly the path to take, even if it was a ruse at first? How grateful Darcy was for following said path, once he found out it really was a ruse.

Why was Mr Bennet so adamant to disallow their wedding in case others found out about Wickham and Georgiana's elopement? Did he really care about other's whispers? If so, why didn't he curb his youngest daughters? Just asking.

Anyway, it is well written, well edited, and surprisingly different. Enjoy.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually like P&P variations in which Elizabeth and Darcy have to endure some difficulties or misunderstandings before they get their happy ever after, but Whoever Lives in Love had interesting developments, that kept me in suspense about how they would be resolved. In this story, Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love at first sight, at the Meryton Assembly, but unexpected events take place, that impose obstacles on their happiness. I liked Elizabeth in this story very much. She is clever, witty, compassionate, lovely, strong and sweet. She does not allow difficulties to deter her and is very loyal to Darcy. Overall, the story is engaging and enjoyable and I hope other readers will enjoy it as much as I have.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Craftyhj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-structured and unusual plot idea - 4.5*

An excellent new offering from Lucy Marin with such an unusual plot idea. There are some which have come close but this was really very carefully and unusually handled. The writing is all from the POV of either Darcy or Elizabeth meaning that conversation between the two other protagonists is not "heard". I think this was an elegant decision making for a little more uncertainty.

The book is a little too long in my opinion. One last pruning would have elevated it to the full 5* but it is definitely well worth reading and I recommend it freely.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had plenty of angst and a mostly sweet romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. For me, it did lag a bit when Darcy was lost in his distrust of Elizabeth and her seeming regard for Wickham. Elizabeth bore part of the blame when she just acted on her own, without either of them communicating with the other.

The characters were wonderful! Particularly, Bingley and Mr. Bennet. I loved Bingley's charm and graciousness. As a parent, I completely understood his protection of Elizabeth during that era. And Wickham, ever the villain, had his moments.

It was a very delightful read.

[CEK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness often benefits the giver most of all

Set a few months before canon, Darcy visits Netherfield as in canon but behaves better initially with Elizabeth as he falls for her quickly. Darcy and Lizzy join forces to redirect Wickham with kindness after the villain successfully elopes with Georgiana, endangering their engagement with the scandal. Mr. Bennett is difficult, the Colonel is fierce, Georgiana is almost a cipher, and love conquers all.

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly original premise

In this variation, Marin presents us with a stumble free romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, where all the angst derives from the impact of Georgianna’s relationship with Wickham. The ramifications of their relationship impacts Darcy and Lizzy and Bingley’s and Jane. Darcy’s journey is perhaps front and centre but it is engrossing. Marin writes very well, and the book is well edited.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this. It was good, but I think I need to reread it to get a better feel for it. I did not like the way that everyone was so careful not to let Georgiana know the truth about Wickham's character. I realize that it wasn't all her fault, but she was stupid enough to let herself get talked into the elopement in the first place, I did not agree that they should coddle her like a delicate baby.

Perhaps a second reading will improve my understanding of the book.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very much high angst thanks to George Wickham. I didn't know what was coming so from the start I was shocked but I do like variations where D&E get together early on and work together to resolve the conflict. They were very loving toward each other.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever Loves in Love

A complicated sweet tale. Enjoyed how Darcy did not insult Lizzy. But heartbreaking for Georgiana. Heavy sadness for Darcy and all of his family. Unbelievable that Wickham thought ...
Georgiana was so naive and young.
Enjoyed this story.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book it was so good I will read it again soon.
I just love this authors work.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

No pride and no prejudice, but how does our dear couple handle Georgiana eloping before their wedding. They must communicate, work together and stay the course.