The Heir and Spare: Twins of Pemberley

Jane Austen Adaptations

by Jen Geigle Johnson

When Elizabeth Bennet falls for the enigmatic Arthur Darcy, she’s unaware of one small detail—he has an identical twin with a mind (and heart) of his own.

Elizabeth Bennet expected the usual trials of a house party in the English countryside: social niceties, whispered intrigues, and perhaps the occasional dance. What she didn’t expect was to fall for the enigmatic Arthur Darcy—a man whose sharp wit and guarded heart challenge her in ways she never imagined. But there’s a catch: Arthur has a twin.

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Arthur’s charming yet mysterious brother, has a knack for stirring trouble—and Elizabeth’s emotions. As she gets to know them separately, she will soon be faced with them together. Who is truly courting her heart, and who might be hoping for something more of convenience only.

Caught in a web of mistaken identities, simmering tensions, and irresistible attraction, Elizabeth must untangle the truth before her heart chooses the wrong Darcy—or loses them both.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice will swoon over this irresistible tale of love, deception, and the thrilling question: which Darcy does she love?

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2024

About the author

An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter--@authorjen
Instagram--@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...

Reviews

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth is very confused

At times, so was I, especially after everyone ended up at Pemberley together.

Some may have an issue with the license this author takes. Elizabeth still ends up as Mrs. Darcy, but not the Mistress of Pemberley, as her guy is the spare.

Still, Arther Darcy is awesome. Dutiful and serious, but lacking the austerity of Darcy Canon.

An interesting story for those who can bear Elizabeth not ending up with Fitzwilliam Darcy.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked! I'm a big fan of Jane Austen's works. And I love anything Regency! This was a fun twist on the beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice. Some readers are purists and don't want any changes to the classic. I enjoy reading them for fun. I know they're not the original but think it's fun to have some imaginings for spin offs or what might have been situations. And I loved how Jen Geigle Johnson reimagined P&P!

I read the whole book in one reading! It was delightful, had me laughing, pausing in some moments to think about the twists, swooning and sighing over the sweet romance, and loving it all!!!

If you're in the mood for a fun and quick read, this is one I would definitely recommend! I'm still smiling thinking about it all!!!

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun reimagining of Pride and Prejudice featuring Fitzwilliam and Arthur each taking some of our Mr Darcy’s traits. It offers a wonderful glimpse into each side and which side is a better fit by Lizzie. Also featured are some nods to Jane Austen herself and some satisfying veers from the original story.

If you love a good romance or a good retelling. This encompasses both of these things. The writing and the story are strong and can fully stand as an independent story.

I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I loved the alternate story where our usual Darcy character has an identical twin named Arthur Darcy. It is very confusing to Elizabeth Bennet when she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy at the dance and she overhears his comments and then she thinks she meets the same man again at a house party and he doesn't even seem to remember her.

Elizabeth Bennet is invited with her sister Mary, to a house party that a friend of her father is having at his estate. She is totally surprised to be introduced to the man who had slighted her with unkind remarks at a recent country dance. She has a hard time letting her guard down around Mr Darcy but he seems to seek her out. Just as her heart seems to be turning towards Mr Darcy a letter from home will have her accusing him of destroying her sister Jane's chances of marriage. With news also of Lydia running away with Wickham the sisters must return home.

Arthur Darcy is the second son and the responsible one who has been taking care of things at Pemberley until his brother Fitz finally decides to step into his role as the heir. Arthur has his own estate and he wants to find a bride, so when he receives the invite to the house party of his father's friend, he decides to go. Elizabeth Bennet catches his eye but she seems to have a problem with him that he doesn't understand. Just as they seem to be growing closer, bad news from home has her leaving the house party. When Arthur finds out that Wickham is involved, he and his brother Fitz will try to save Lydia's reputation. But suddenly Fitz is interested in Elizabeth. Arthur is used to doing what's best for Pemberley and Elizabeth would make Fitz a good wife and mistress of the estate but he wants her for himself.

When Elizabeth discovers there are two identical Darcy brothers which one will capture her heart.

I enjoyed that many of the original characters and story line was in this book with enough changes to make it very interesting and fun.

I received a copy of this book from the author and thias is my honest unbiased review.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

clean romance

An excellent retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
I admit it was a bit of a stretch for me at first since I love the Jane Austen book. I tried to fit this story into those guidelines. Once I let myself “fall” into THIS story for the story it was… I was delighted.
The author does a marvelous job of spinning a new twist to the beloved tale.
The plot keeps taking surprising turns and the characters are very real.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heir and the Spare: Twins of Pemberley offers a reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved "Pride and Prejudice." This is a delightful twist on a beloved classic; blending Regency romance with a tale of mistaken identities and irresistible attraction, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Elizabeth Bennet is confused by Mr. Darcy. On one occasion he's slightly aloof and on another he's charming. She can't figure the man out until she discovers there are two Darcy brothers.

I liked this twist of Pride and Prejudice and thought it was a fun read. With the brother's contrasting personalities, I wondered which one would end up with Elizabeth. I won't spoil it and tell you which one she chose but I agree with her choice. Whether you're a die-hard Austen fan or new to Regency romances, this is a delightful escape.

4.5 stars. I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, low angst Pride & Prejudice variation and Darcy is a twin, which does cause confusion. I was somewhat surprised with Fitzwilliams's characterization. I would have thought him to be more like Arthur. I was also surprised by some of the pairings. Some surprises in the story were kinda fun changes. I don't always love it when a character ends up paired with someone different but I still enjoyed reading this variation.
If you don't typically read variations just know that you get a chance to enter the P&P world but see the story told in a new way. Sometimes the changes are delicious. Enjoy....

No sex or language
Some unwanted sexual advances

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational, Remarkable Retelling

Although I loved the original Pride and Prejudice, this version is superior !!! Puzzled by the vicissitudes of Mr. Darcy, Jen has created a twin concept that is superlative! Different events like the spontaneous tour of Pemberley and the meeting with Georgianna in an educational setting are great improvements. All the changed events are suitable and superior to what actually Austen wrote. Having Lydia rescued safely and Wickham transported to Australia is especially appreciated. In the past, retold Austen stories had deficits. Not this one. Great job Jen !

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bennet was slighted by Darcy when she overheard him say "Not handsome enough to tempt me." Elizabeth was quite upset, he did not even know her! "As she drifted off to sleep, one unresolved thought remained. Even after it all, she did find him handsome. Too bad his personality ruined such a perfect face." When Elizabeth meets Darcy again he is nothing like their first meeting! Could Elizabeth have overreacted? An enjoyable read! Well done, Jen Geigle Johnson!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie and Darcy

This is an interesting Jane Austin adaptation with twin Mr. Darcys. It held my interest and I enjoyed the events and excitement leading up to the engagement.

[Andrea DeJong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, enjoyable book. However, I listened to it on Audible and it was an AI narrator. That was a harsh switch from the amazing narration I’ve been treated to in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read both of this author’s Pride and Prejudice adaptions. At first I wasn’t too excited about either of them and then I hit a point where I really quite enjoyed them! Fun retelling!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie Bennet is a bit confused with the way Mr. Darcy treats her. One time he is cool and indifferent, and the next time she sees him he is charming and personable. Little does she know at first that she is seeing identical twins. I loved that the men are very different and that Fitzwilliam was not who I was expecting him to be. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Johnson weaves parts of the original Pride and Prejudice into this new rendition of the story. I also liked that some characters’ lives turned out better than they had in the original story.

This is a Regency era book that can be enjoyed by readers from teens through adults. If you like to be surprised and have a different perspective on a well-loved book you’ll enjoy reading this original fan fiction story.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

Merged review:

Lizzie Bennet is a bit confused with the way Mr. Darcy treats her. One time he is cool and indifferent, and the next time she sees him he is charming and personable. Little does she know at first that she is seeing identical twins. I loved that the men are very different and that Fitzwilliam was not who I was expecting him to be. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Johnson weaves parts of the original Pride and Prejudice into this new rendition of the story. I also liked that some characters’ lives turned out better than they had in the original story.

This is a Regency era book that can be enjoyed by readers from teens through adults. If you like to be surprised and have a different perspective on a well-loved book you’ll enjoy reading this original fan fiction story.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

[Mariska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorably Amusing

There's an element of a great comedy of errors in this book that lends the story great charm. I enjoyed this fun story very much, it's a bit too farcical for any angst or deep drama to grip a reader's emotions, but that is it's charm.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Once I let go of the original telling I really enjoyed myself. The concept of twin Darcy brothers is perfect. It creates fun, chaos and delightful confusion to one Miss Elizbeth Bennett. I liked the Bennett sisters much better in this book than the original Pride and Prejudice. Overall a delightful book.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Pride and Prejudice retelling this author has done recently. I enjoyed this one. I loved the premise so much, two Mr. Darcy's that look alike, but don't act like. And it doesn't hurt that they are both attracted to Elizabeth!

The relationship building is fun! The banter is fun. This retelling made me smile!

Thanks for another good read Jen!! Glad to have you writing again!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down
This is It is a delightful twist on Jane Austen that keeps you saying just one more chapter. Elizabeth had been insulted at the assembly when she heard Mr. Darcy comment she was “Not handsome enough to tempt me” to dance. She soon realized that he was uncaring and rude as well as insulting. Now she and her sister have been invited to a house party that is also being attended by Mr. Darcy. The first time she approaches him, she is ready for his barbs but instead he acts kind, caring, and even gentle. As they mingle at the party, they soon are drawn together but when she sees him in other settings he is back to uncaring and insulting. It is a mystery how one man can be so different in differing settings. Such a great story.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Geigel Johnson is back. I have missed her stories as she has been on a creative hiatus. But she has found her groove in this lovely and charming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Can you imagine two Mr. Darcy‘s, be still my heart! Fitzwilliam and Arthur are twins, but William is the eldest by mirror moments and will be the air of Pemberly. Arthur is much more subdued and mild mannered than his brother. He has inherited an estate from his mother’s family, but will miss Pemberly immensely. Elizabeth meets both of the Darcy’s separately and has no idea that there are two of them. I highly recommend you read this delightful story to find out which of the Darcy brothers, Elizabeth will choose. It is a clean, wholesome romance with witty banter, intriguing characters and a happily ever after.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25* This was a sweet case of mistaken identity and I cannot say that I am sorry for the way it turned out. While I am usually disappointed if ODC don't end up together unless one or the other is truly not deserving this wasn't the case here. But Arthur in the end was the more deserving,m mature and sincere of the twins.

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun variation of Pride and Prejudice. Each Mr. Darcy seems to reflect the good or the bad tendencies of their predecessor. Lizzie is as fun and spunky as ever. I love that sister Mary gets a chance to shine and perhaps in the future will get her own happily ever after.

[Jen Geigle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this book.
But it took a long time.
Not because the story was hard to write.
It was more I was really having a hard time finding my beautiful creative space to write.
But it is returning.
And I'm so grateful.
Please enjoy my fun take on the world and characters in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

I mean, what if Darcy was a twin?