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Something Wickham This Way Comes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The tune was halting and imperfect, mirroring how their love had grown and would continue to grow in the next months and years.
When Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr Darcy, he is running away, for she is in the company of Mr Wickham, her suitor. Mr Darcy expresses vague concerns and hints at improprieties in Mr Wickham’s past but does not give her any specifics on the matter.
Elizabeth had been immediately taken in by Mr Wickham’s charm, as was everyone else within Meryton and Hertfordshire. Mr and Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth’s sisters, Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle Philips, and Mr Wickham’s friend from the militia, Mr Denny, all believe Wickham and Elizabeth are perfect for one another. They both love walks, humorous anecdotes, and laughing at her disastrous playing of the pianoforte.
Ignoring her aunt Gardiner’s warnings, and well as Mr Darcy’s veiled criticisms of her beau, Elizabeth decides that if Mr Wickham offers for her, she will accept. Though the friendship between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth might be growing, it is not enough for her to be swayed from her original course.
Mr Darcy finds himself growing increasingly intrigued by Elizabeth Bennet but is reluctant to tell her the truth about the man, or to show her interest of his own. As he grows increasingly attracted to Elizabeth, he fears telling her the full truth of why Mr Wickham is unsuitable yet equally fears it will be too late to extricate her from his grasp.
Elizabeth had been immediately taken in by Mr Wickham’s charm, as was everyone else within Meryton and Hertfordshire. Mr and Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth’s sisters, Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle Philips, and Mr Wickham’s friend from the militia, Mr Denny, all believe Wickham and Elizabeth are perfect for one another. They both love walks, humorous anecdotes, and laughing at her disastrous playing of the pianoforte.
Ignoring her aunt Gardiner’s warnings, and well as Mr Darcy’s veiled criticisms of her beau, Elizabeth decides that if Mr Wickham offers for her, she will accept. Though the friendship between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth might be growing, it is not enough for her to be swayed from her original course.
Mr Darcy finds himself growing increasingly intrigued by Elizabeth Bennet but is reluctant to tell her the truth about the man, or to show her interest of his own. As he grows increasingly attracted to Elizabeth, he fears telling her the full truth of why Mr Wickham is unsuitable yet equally fears it will be too late to extricate her from his grasp.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 22, 2025
Wickham can't keep his true colors hidden for long.
Wickham's charm is so strong, Elizabeth grows attached very quickly. I almost thought this was a fantasy story and he had a witchy-charm.
The what-if here is Elizabeth falling for Wickham, hook, line and sinker. Not sure I felt like this meshed for me. After all, part of her getting drawn in to his persona is that he is opposite to the insulting Darcy, yet she meets Wickham before Darcy.
However, in a way, this novella is a coming of age for Elizabeth. She learns of all her weaknesses and foibles like a punch to the gut and needs to rebuild from the ground up. The piano is an interesting metaphor for this. As for the first time in her life she works hard at something, through which she taps into her inner strength.
This author has a talent for weaving *intense* stories with the power of her words. For all Wickham draws Elizabeth under his thrall, it is the few scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy, and how natural they are together, which shine as the true reflection of love. It just takes time for our dear girl to lose her fantastical delusions and notice the real man standing beside her.
Wickham's charm is so strong, Elizabeth grows attached very quickly. I almost thought this was a fantasy story and he had a witchy-charm.
The what-if here is Elizabeth falling for Wickham, hook, line and sinker. Not sure I felt like this meshed for me. After all, part of her getting drawn in to his persona is that he is opposite to the insulting Darcy, yet she meets Wickham before Darcy.
However, in a way, this novella is a coming of age for Elizabeth. She learns of all her weaknesses and foibles like a punch to the gut and needs to rebuild from the ground up. The piano is an interesting metaphor for this. As for the first time in her life she works hard at something, through which she taps into her inner strength.
This author has a talent for weaving *intense* stories with the power of her words. For all Wickham draws Elizabeth under his thrall, it is the few scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy, and how natural they are together, which shine as the true reflection of love. It just takes time for our dear girl to lose her fantastical delusions and notice the real man standing beside her.
June 7, 2025
“He was amiable and kind, and had an unnameable power that drew her in.” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth Bennet falls for the charming and handsome Mr. Wickham. As this is a short novella, things happened very quickly. For me, too quickly and a bit incongruous. I had a hard time wrapping my head around some of the behaviours, actions and tone of speech.
Please read other reviews to obtain a more balanced perspective. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The title was well chosen for this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 24, 2025
The basic idea for this novella is good in theory, and the author does as well with it as I can imagine for this particular storyline. As long as you don't examine characters' logic (or lack of it), it's a pretty good book.
Mr. Wickham targets Elizabeth Bennet, using his flattery and charm to take advantage of her innocence with regards to men. Meanwhile, she has ambivalent feelings about Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth first sees him in Meryton when she's in company with Mr. Wickham, and Darcy storms away without being introduced to her or her sisters. At Longbourn, he engages her in intelligent conversation and takes her point of view seriously, but when she teases him about whether he has secrets and been crossed in love, she's surprised when he reacts in anger. It's typical of their subsequent encounters, where he runs hot and cold toward her. Besides, she's aware he could never consider attaching himself to a young woman lacking in wealth or social standing like herself. He warns her about Wickham but too vaguely. She is under the rogue's spell-- to the point that she even agrees to marry him.
I do appreciate Ms. Ray's obvious writing talent, but this plot is problematic.
First of all, the book should have a trigger warning. When Wickham finally shows his true nature (as you know he will), he physically overpowers Elizabeth and puts his hands around her throat, squeezing forcefully enough to leave marks on her neck.
Also, Elizabeth's behavior around Wickham is more like Lydia than the clever Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice, who wishes to marry for love but isn't foolish about her situation. This Elizabeth is clearly in lust rather than in love and never stops to think practically. How does she expect Mr. Wickham to support a wife on his militia salary? Neither she, nor her father, nor even Mrs. Gardiner address the topic.
Wickham is OOC, too. It's common knowledge around Meryton that Longbourn is under an entail and that the girls have only small dowries. A man whose goal is to marry for money would make it his business to know that before pitching woo to one of the daughters. Why is he surprised that Elizabeth can't cough up enough money to cover his gambling debt?
And why does Elizabeth take his threat to sue for breach of contract seriously? There's no mention of a solicitor and no mention of binding legal papers signed between him and Mr. Bennet. The idea of Wickham suing the Bennets, despite Mr. Bennet's verbal blessing, is therefore laughable.
The bottom line is this is a well-written novella that moves at an appropriately brisk pace. Unfortunately, I found the story unconvincing with these characters.
Content is clean, but there's an extremely unwelcome kiss when Wickham threatens Elizabeth.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mr. Wickham targets Elizabeth Bennet, using his flattery and charm to take advantage of her innocence with regards to men. Meanwhile, she has ambivalent feelings about Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth first sees him in Meryton when she's in company with Mr. Wickham, and Darcy storms away without being introduced to her or her sisters. At Longbourn, he engages her in intelligent conversation and takes her point of view seriously, but when she teases him about whether he has secrets and been crossed in love, she's surprised when he reacts in anger. It's typical of their subsequent encounters, where he runs hot and cold toward her. Besides, she's aware he could never consider attaching himself to a young woman lacking in wealth or social standing like herself. He warns her about Wickham but too vaguely. She is under the rogue's spell-- to the point that she even agrees to marry him.
I do appreciate Ms. Ray's obvious writing talent, but this plot is problematic.
First of all, the book should have a trigger warning. When Wickham finally shows his true nature (as you know he will), he physically overpowers Elizabeth and puts his hands around her throat, squeezing forcefully enough to leave marks on her neck.
Also, Elizabeth's behavior around Wickham is more like Lydia than the clever Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice, who wishes to marry for love but isn't foolish about her situation. This Elizabeth is clearly in lust rather than in love and never stops to think practically. How does she expect Mr. Wickham to support a wife on his militia salary? Neither she, nor her father, nor even Mrs. Gardiner address the topic.
Wickham is OOC, too. It's common knowledge around Meryton that Longbourn is under an entail and that the girls have only small dowries. A man whose goal is to marry for money would make it his business to know that before pitching woo to one of the daughters. Why is he surprised that Elizabeth can't cough up enough money to cover his gambling debt?
And why does Elizabeth take his threat to sue for breach of contract seriously? There's no mention of a solicitor and no mention of binding legal papers signed between him and Mr. Bennet. The idea of Wickham suing the Bennets, despite Mr. Bennet's verbal blessing, is therefore laughable.
The bottom line is this is a well-written novella that moves at an appropriately brisk pace. Unfortunately, I found the story unconvincing with these characters.
Content is clean, but there's an extremely unwelcome kiss when Wickham threatens Elizabeth.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2025
This was unexpected fun.
Never have I read of an immature Lizzy as silly as her younger sisters! Maybe the silliest girl in all of England!
Meeting a charming Wickham she is immediately taken in by his amiable handsome looks.
Though she has met Darcy she doesn’t like his stern cold rude demeanor. But enjoys their conversations.
This Elizabeth acts like a teenager, a complete fool who buys in to every insincere compliment that drips from Georgie’s lips.
Of course it all goes wrong for her and she barely escapes with her reputation/virtue. But help eventually is coming in the form of a tall dark handsome man from Derbyshire. Definitely a fun read.
Never have I read of an immature Lizzy as silly as her younger sisters! Maybe the silliest girl in all of England!
Meeting a charming Wickham she is immediately taken in by his amiable handsome looks.
Though she has met Darcy she doesn’t like his stern cold rude demeanor. But enjoys their conversations.
This Elizabeth acts like a teenager, a complete fool who buys in to every insincere compliment that drips from Georgie’s lips.
Of course it all goes wrong for her and she barely escapes with her reputation/virtue. But help eventually is coming in the form of a tall dark handsome man from Derbyshire. Definitely a fun read.
June 17, 2025
When the dashing officer George Wickham comes to Meryton everyone is taken in by his charms. He quickly forms a friendship with Elizabeth Bennet which eventually turns into love just as Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield. Elizabeth nevertheless becomes fast friends with Bingley’s friend Darcy but is not willing to hear his warnings about the officer she has fallen in love with. Soon after becoming engaged to Mr Wickham he shows this true face, trying to blackmail Elizabeth for money. Will she be able to extract herself from this alliance? Will Wickham damage her reputation and the standing of her family in society? And what about her friend Darcy who has warned her beforehand? Will he even recognize her now?
The book was written by the author Michelle Ray. It’s under 100 pages and therefore a short read that perfectly fits in between other books. Sometimes there are bigger time leaps in the book but that does not affect the story, because of its shortness only the important parts are told. The title is definitely very unique and an eye catcher.
I will give four out of five stars. The book may not have been my cup of tea but others may like it very much.
In my opinion Darcy and Elizabeth were totally out of character. That’s not per se a bad thing but in this variation these chances didn’t pull me in the story, I was rather annoyed by the changes in character of both of them.
In my opinion Elizabeth was totally naive (for example even in Jane Austen’s book she recognizes that a soldier may not support a wife and only flirts a little, in this story she even becomes engaged without further thoughts). I sometimes thought I was reading a story about Lydia or Kitty, as for them Elizabeth's attitude would have been fitting but not for 20 year old Elizabeth. I didn’t recognize Lizzy who normally always rises to the challenge, who has her wits about her and who judges characters (not always in a correct way but she does it). None of it here. There was also no close relationship with her sister Jane, maybe this relationship might have prevented Elizabeth from an alliance with Mr Wickham.
Mr Darcy was also totally out of character, I really liked that he was more open and talkative at the beginning, he and Elizabeth even became friends. But later his first reaction when Elizabeth asks for his help is something like: I told you beforehand to be careful. Nothing I would have expected from Mr Darcy who, even in Jane Austen’s original, is willing to do everything for Elizabeth. His reaction saddened me a little. Fortunately he nevertheless helps in the end.
Maybe it was just the idea of an alliance between Elizabeth and Mr Wickham that didn’t let me enjoy the book. Or it was the great changes in character made by the author.
But maybe this is exactly what anyone else will like and enjoy.
If you like to know how Elizabeth becomes engaged to Mr Wickham and what she does when she discovers that he is a scoundrel you should read this variation.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was written by the author Michelle Ray. It’s under 100 pages and therefore a short read that perfectly fits in between other books. Sometimes there are bigger time leaps in the book but that does not affect the story, because of its shortness only the important parts are told. The title is definitely very unique and an eye catcher.
I will give four out of five stars. The book may not have been my cup of tea but others may like it very much.
In my opinion Darcy and Elizabeth were totally out of character. That’s not per se a bad thing but in this variation these chances didn’t pull me in the story, I was rather annoyed by the changes in character of both of them.
In my opinion Elizabeth was totally naive (for example even in Jane Austen’s book she recognizes that a soldier may not support a wife and only flirts a little, in this story she even becomes engaged without further thoughts). I sometimes thought I was reading a story about Lydia or Kitty, as for them Elizabeth's attitude would have been fitting but not for 20 year old Elizabeth. I didn’t recognize Lizzy who normally always rises to the challenge, who has her wits about her and who judges characters (not always in a correct way but she does it). None of it here. There was also no close relationship with her sister Jane, maybe this relationship might have prevented Elizabeth from an alliance with Mr Wickham.
Mr Darcy was also totally out of character, I really liked that he was more open and talkative at the beginning, he and Elizabeth even became friends. But later his first reaction when Elizabeth asks for his help is something like: I told you beforehand to be careful. Nothing I would have expected from Mr Darcy who, even in Jane Austen’s original, is willing to do everything for Elizabeth. His reaction saddened me a little. Fortunately he nevertheless helps in the end.
Maybe it was just the idea of an alliance between Elizabeth and Mr Wickham that didn’t let me enjoy the book. Or it was the great changes in character made by the author.
But maybe this is exactly what anyone else will like and enjoy.
If you like to know how Elizabeth becomes engaged to Mr Wickham and what she does when she discovers that he is a scoundrel you should read this variation.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
Sorry, but.... ugh!!
This (thankfully) short tale gives us an Elizabeth Bennett who is unrecognizable in her silliness and flightiness, more reminiscent of Lydia than anyone else. She meets Wickham before she meets Darcy, and she's weak kneed and swoony from the get-go. Don't be looking for our beloved Elizabeth who is smart, sensible, and confident, because she's MIA! She then meets Darcy who, along with Aunt Gardiner, warns her against Wickham in no uncertain terms, but of course Elizabeth is too busy sighing over Wickham to listen, and she agrees to an engagement. Never mind that she's a gentleman's daughter, that he's an impoverished militia man, that they have no place to live, etc, etc. The whole premise is so ludicrous that I was glad to not have devoted too much time to this.
Although the book is written well enough, I don't recommend it. It did nothing but annoy me, and I skimmed over half of it, never a good sign. There's absolutely no romance, not even between ODC. I've read this author before, but this one is a definite miss.
This (thankfully) short tale gives us an Elizabeth Bennett who is unrecognizable in her silliness and flightiness, more reminiscent of Lydia than anyone else. She meets Wickham before she meets Darcy, and she's weak kneed and swoony from the get-go. Don't be looking for our beloved Elizabeth who is smart, sensible, and confident, because she's MIA! She then meets Darcy who, along with Aunt Gardiner, warns her against Wickham in no uncertain terms, but of course Elizabeth is too busy sighing over Wickham to listen, and she agrees to an engagement. Never mind that she's a gentleman's daughter, that he's an impoverished militia man, that they have no place to live, etc, etc. The whole premise is so ludicrous that I was glad to not have devoted too much time to this.
Although the book is written well enough, I don't recommend it. It did nothing but annoy me, and I skimmed over half of it, never a good sign. There's absolutely no romance, not even between ODC. I've read this author before, but this one is a definite miss.
July 7, 2025
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
When the Militia come to Meryton, the populace are excited. None more so than the Bennet sisters.
The addition of Mr Wickham (soon to be Lieutenant) is even better. Wickham's charm and charisma draws in all of Meryton and much of Hertfordshire. In fact, I felt as though I was reading a Pride and prejudice variation / Magic crossover.
Elizabeth Bennet is completely in his thrall. When her Aunt Gardner warns caution, she is unimpressed.
When her new friend Fitzwilliam Darcy informs her of a vast array of red flags about Wickham, it seems to speed her to folly.
So when Wickham proposes, Elizabeth is swept up in the moment and agrees.
Then, suddenly Wickham backs off. When he visits a week later, he shows his true self. The betrayal is truly shocking.
Somehow, Elizabeth needs to find her way out of ruin. Maybe a friend can help?
Enjoyable novella.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
When the Militia come to Meryton, the populace are excited. None more so than the Bennet sisters.
The addition of Mr Wickham (soon to be Lieutenant) is even better. Wickham's charm and charisma draws in all of Meryton and much of Hertfordshire. In fact, I felt as though I was reading a Pride and prejudice variation / Magic crossover.
Elizabeth Bennet is completely in his thrall. When her Aunt Gardner warns caution, she is unimpressed.
When her new friend Fitzwilliam Darcy informs her of a vast array of red flags about Wickham, it seems to speed her to folly.
So when Wickham proposes, Elizabeth is swept up in the moment and agrees.
Then, suddenly Wickham backs off. When he visits a week later, he shows his true self. The betrayal is truly shocking.
Somehow, Elizabeth needs to find her way out of ruin. Maybe a friend can help?
Enjoyable novella.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
This novella length tale explores an altered storyline if Wickham and Elizabeth had progressed to more than friends, and she and Darcy didn't have the same misunderstandings. This was tough for me, being an ODC purist, but I thought it was expertly done. There was much angst packed into this bite-sized story, including a little on-page violence (trigger warning) that really had me wondering how Elizabeth was going to extricate herself from such a mess.
I really liked how Elizabeth functions as the "Lydia" of this variation, and as movie Darcy would say, "you must know, it was all for you." His rescue is pretty precious. The leap from difficult friends to more was really fast, and possibly expected given the length, but I would have loved a final chapter that didn't gloss over the happy ending. I will always advocate for more ODC page time. But this Wickham was particularly wicked, and I adore a good comeuppance.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable variation!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
I really liked how Elizabeth functions as the "Lydia" of this variation, and as movie Darcy would say, "you must know, it was all for you." His rescue is pretty precious. The leap from difficult friends to more was really fast, and possibly expected given the length, but I would have loved a final chapter that didn't gloss over the happy ending. I will always advocate for more ODC page time. But this Wickham was particularly wicked, and I adore a good comeuppance.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable variation!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
June 27, 2025
This was a fast paced foolish Lizzy story. And she was foolish. I can almost imagine this if Lizzy were just a little younger than in canon. I did like the premise as a change of pace. The writing was excellent.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This very short story makes Elizabeth out to be about as foolish as Lydia, except that Elizabeth accepts a proposal of marriage...not a plan to elope. She finds Wickham handsome and charming. He doesn't waste time courting her.
Wickham didn't quite play true to the man we know in canon. In the original story, Wickham knew the Bennet sisters had no dowries, except what their mother brought to her marriage, which would only go to her daughters upon her death. In this he assumes they have such and expects to use Elizabeth's to pay off his gambling debts. When he learns the truth, he turns...mean and vindictive!
We do have a HEA but some attention is given to stopping Wickham from spreading lies about Elizabeth.
I did like how Elizabeth gives attention to her accomplishments, i.e., practicing the piano.
This very short story makes Elizabeth out to be about as foolish as Lydia, except that Elizabeth accepts a proposal of marriage...not a plan to elope. She finds Wickham handsome and charming. He doesn't waste time courting her.
Wickham didn't quite play true to the man we know in canon. In the original story, Wickham knew the Bennet sisters had no dowries, except what their mother brought to her marriage, which would only go to her daughters upon her death. In this he assumes they have such and expects to use Elizabeth's to pay off his gambling debts. When he learns the truth, he turns...mean and vindictive!
We do have a HEA but some attention is given to stopping Wickham from spreading lies about Elizabeth.
I did like how Elizabeth gives attention to her accomplishments, i.e., practicing the piano.
June 24, 2025
A lot happens in 94 pages.
In this variation, Elizabeth meets Mr Wickham and is completely taken with him. She enjoys a courtship with Wickham while simultaneously building a friendship with Darcy. I don't want to reveal more of the story.
The story is well written. I read it in one evening without hitting grammar speedbumps or roundabouts. The pace is quick. The content is clean. While Elizabeth is naive in this variation, one must remember that their courtship is official. Everyone except the guys at Netherfield promotes the match. And, Wickham behaves like a perfect gentleman... until he doesn't.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this variation, Elizabeth meets Mr Wickham and is completely taken with him. She enjoys a courtship with Wickham while simultaneously building a friendship with Darcy. I don't want to reveal more of the story.
The story is well written. I read it in one evening without hitting grammar speedbumps or roundabouts. The pace is quick. The content is clean. While Elizabeth is naive in this variation, one must remember that their courtship is official. Everyone except the guys at Netherfield promotes the match. And, Wickham behaves like a perfect gentleman... until he doesn't.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Elizabeth taken in by Wickham!!
The story is a bit on and off. A fast read but not quite smooth.
It could be difficult to capture the characters of the familiar people as we know in canon in such limited length. And the development of love and relationship between either B&J or D&E were not convincing to me. I found it hard to persuade myself that these were the people we have in P&P and failed to recognise the similarity.
However, I did very much enjoy another book, There You Were, by the same author.
The story is a bit on and off. A fast read but not quite smooth.
It could be difficult to capture the characters of the familiar people as we know in canon in such limited length. And the development of love and relationship between either B&J or D&E were not convincing to me. I found it hard to persuade myself that these were the people we have in P&P and failed to recognise the similarity.
However, I did very much enjoy another book, There You Were, by the same author.
July 9, 2025
In this short novella Elizabeth Bennet meets Wickham and falls under his spell before Darcy comes to Meryton. The characters of Elizabeth and Darcy were very different than in canon. I felt like Elizabeth was behaving like Lydia, very carelessly and throwing cautious to the wind. Wickham is charming at the beginning but then he becomes nasty. I found the growing friendship between Elizabeth and Darcy sweet. Overall, it is a nice and sweet read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2025
is nice to see a different Elizabeth, with more lessons to learn. She is more than a Lydia than a Lizzie in this story but the writing and the plot is superb.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Didn't live up to the cleverness of the title.
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