What do you think?
Rate this book
Longbourn Unexpected #2
Love's Fool: The Taming of Lydia Bennet: What Happened After Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit
What happens when England's most thoughtless girl, Lydia Bennet, marries the man most determined to reform her? Follow our headstrong anti-heroine to her marriage and her new life in Newcastle. This is a Pride and Prejudice alternate story, based on the events in Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
29 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Owen
11 books48 followersElaine Owen was born in Seattle, Washington and was a precocious reader from a young age. She read Pride and Prejudice for the first time in ninth grade, causing speechless delight for her English teacher when she used it for an oral book report. She practiced writing in various forms throughout her teen years, writing stories with her friends and being chief editor of the high school yearbook. She moved to Delaware when she married.
In 1996 she won a one year contract to write guest editorials in the Sunday edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, and she continued her writing habit in political discussion groups and occasional forays into fiction.
In 2014 she began to write Pride and Prejudice fan fiction and decided to publish her works herself to see if she might possibly sell a few copies. Thousands of books later, the results have been beyond her wildest hopes, and she plans to continue writing fiction for the foreseeable future.
When she's not writing her next great novel, Elaine relaxes by working full time, raising two children with special needs, and earning a third degree black belt in karate. She can be contacted at elaineowen1@lycos.com. Look for her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ElaineOwenAu...
In 1996 she won a one year contract to write guest editorials in the Sunday edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, and she continued her writing habit in political discussion groups and occasional forays into fiction.
In 2014 she began to write Pride and Prejudice fan fiction and decided to publish her works herself to see if she might possibly sell a few copies. Thousands of books later, the results have been beyond her wildest hopes, and she plans to continue writing fiction for the foreseeable future.
When she's not writing her next great novel, Elaine relaxes by working full time, raising two children with special needs, and earning a third degree black belt in karate. She can be contacted at elaineowen1@lycos.com. Look for her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ElaineOwenAu...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 12, 2017
“A broken heart is just the growing pains necessary so that you can love more completely when the real thing comes along.” J.S.B Morse, Now and at the Hour of Our Death
From the first chapter, I knew this would be a 5-star rating for me. I have laughed at the outrageous behavior of Lydia in her attempts to have her way. I’ve never see such machinations and naivete in one person. This book followed Mr. Darcy’s Persistent Pursuit. It’s possible to read this as a stand-a-lone, but the first story really sets the pace for the Wickham character and how he used Lydia to enact his plans for revenge on Darcy and Mr. Bennet.
To say Lydia was too young, does not defend her behavior. To say she was naïve, does not excuse her conduct. To say she was used by a scoundrel and a rake, is an understatement. However, there are consequences for behavior, regardless of age or level of understanding. And Lydia had to face the consequences for her behavior.
“The whole world can become the enemy when you lose what you love. Kristina McMorris
Lydia was not best pleased when Wickham didn’t come for her. Forced to marry a total stranger [Captain Jonathon Fret] and shipped off to the north [Newcastle], Lydia found married life to be totally different than she supposed. She was now isolated in a small country cottage with a new husband, that she scarcely knew. With no servants, no balls, or parties, no visits, no shopping for bonnets, ribbons or dresses, no officers, or officers’ wives, and no assembles, Lydia was forced to learn to do everything herself.
Before she left London, Aunt Gardiner had given her a journal to record her thoughts and feelings. This was an absolute scream. Her reflections and first impressions were hilarious. Little did she know that her new husband, Captain Fret, also kept a journal. His was filled with military strategies, objectives and tactics on how to handle his new wife. I laughed so hard as we read her account, then read his account on how he handled her… or not. This was such a cute creative way to describe their learning to live with each other. His letters to Mr. Bennet were hilarious, and even Lydia’s letters were revealing.
There are many excellent reviews on this book. It was really funny and such a sarcastic view on her life and reformation. I loved Captain Fret’s style and his behavior. He was so good to her. This was such a delightful story.
The ending letter was like an epilogue and it brought forth a few tears. I really liked this Lydia. Bite my tongue… I know. I never thought I’d say that… but I did. This author made me like her. Yeah… authors are like that sometimes.
This was a PG-13, no explicit or graphic scenes; however, things were discussed or hinted at. She was compromised after all and they needed to discuss that problem.
From the first chapter, I knew this would be a 5-star rating for me. I have laughed at the outrageous behavior of Lydia in her attempts to have her way. I’ve never see such machinations and naivete in one person. This book followed Mr. Darcy’s Persistent Pursuit. It’s possible to read this as a stand-a-lone, but the first story really sets the pace for the Wickham character and how he used Lydia to enact his plans for revenge on Darcy and Mr. Bennet.
To say Lydia was too young, does not defend her behavior. To say she was naïve, does not excuse her conduct. To say she was used by a scoundrel and a rake, is an understatement. However, there are consequences for behavior, regardless of age or level of understanding. And Lydia had to face the consequences for her behavior.
“The whole world can become the enemy when you lose what you love. Kristina McMorris
Lydia was not best pleased when Wickham didn’t come for her. Forced to marry a total stranger [Captain Jonathon Fret] and shipped off to the north [Newcastle], Lydia found married life to be totally different than she supposed. She was now isolated in a small country cottage with a new husband, that she scarcely knew. With no servants, no balls, or parties, no visits, no shopping for bonnets, ribbons or dresses, no officers, or officers’ wives, and no assembles, Lydia was forced to learn to do everything herself.
Before she left London, Aunt Gardiner had given her a journal to record her thoughts and feelings. This was an absolute scream. Her reflections and first impressions were hilarious. Little did she know that her new husband, Captain Fret, also kept a journal. His was filled with military strategies, objectives and tactics on how to handle his new wife. I laughed so hard as we read her account, then read his account on how he handled her… or not. This was such a cute creative way to describe their learning to live with each other. His letters to Mr. Bennet were hilarious, and even Lydia’s letters were revealing.
There are many excellent reviews on this book. It was really funny and such a sarcastic view on her life and reformation. I loved Captain Fret’s style and his behavior. He was so good to her. This was such a delightful story.
The ending letter was like an epilogue and it brought forth a few tears. I really liked this Lydia. Bite my tongue… I know. I never thought I’d say that… but I did. This author made me like her. Yeah… authors are like that sometimes.
This was a PG-13, no explicit or graphic scenes; however, things were discussed or hinted at. She was compromised after all and they needed to discuss that problem.
September 30, 2017
What an enjoyable novel that kept a smile on your face and even made me chuckle every once in awhile. Some of the words used by Lydia as she referred to men in her life as "Maggot," "Toad," or "Louse."
Lydia and her husband kept individual journals as to their everyday activities and Lydia's were
in the beginning were mostly of complaints. His journal mostly was of how in military fashion to get her to grow up and become responsible. These journals were used for most of their lives.
I really did enjoy the plot and the way it was written to keep the reader interested in their life. It came across as if you were there while all the happenings were occurring.
I also thought the idea of the journals being passed down to the grandchildren so they got to understand their grandparents and the love they had for each other throughout their lives. Since their marriage was a planned one by her father to Captain Jonathan Fret and she was carrying another man's child and the love didn't blossom right away.
Thank you for a delightful read Ms. Owen.
Lydia and her husband kept individual journals as to their everyday activities and Lydia's were
in the beginning were mostly of complaints. His journal mostly was of how in military fashion to get her to grow up and become responsible. These journals were used for most of their lives.
I really did enjoy the plot and the way it was written to keep the reader interested in their life. It came across as if you were there while all the happenings were occurring.
I also thought the idea of the journals being passed down to the grandchildren so they got to understand their grandparents and the love they had for each other throughout their lives. Since their marriage was a planned one by her father to Captain Jonathan Fret and she was carrying another man's child and the love didn't blossom right away.
Thank you for a delightful read Ms. Owen.
February 12, 2017
Did into your backlist for this one. Worth a strong look!
January 10, 2015
This book is great!! It is definitely a P&P what if and prominently features Lydia; but don't let that stop you from trying it. In this version Lydia doesn't marry Wickham but instead has an arranged marriage to a Captain Fret.
Needless to say she isn't a happy bride and the story reveals the struggle on part of both the bride and the groom. There is a wonderful back story and the book is presented in he said / she said via their diaries.
Absolutely wonderful you will be cheering for Lydia as she accepts her new roles as wife, mother and adult. Her transformation is gradual and inspiring. I really didn't want it to end.
Needless to say she isn't a happy bride and the story reveals the struggle on part of both the bride and the groom. There is a wonderful back story and the book is presented in he said / she said via their diaries.
Absolutely wonderful you will be cheering for Lydia as she accepts her new roles as wife, mother and adult. Her transformation is gradual and inspiring. I really didn't want it to end.
March 8, 2017
This book is the story of Lydia Bennet after she is abandoned by Wickham and forced to marry a man she has never met. To release her boredom while waiting for the wedding, her aunt gives her a journal to write in and so begins the log. The whole story is told via journal entry and letters. Her husband's writings are my favorite. At multiple times I laughed out loud.
I have read letter style books before that were painful, but this flowed and kept my interest. I would love to meet these characters. It was amazing to read of Lydia all grown up!
I have read letter style books before that were painful, but this flowed and kept my interest. I would love to meet these characters. It was amazing to read of Lydia all grown up!
January 23, 2024
Entertaining!
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2019
I didn’t think I’d like this book, as Lydia was never one of my favorite characters. I really liked the journal format and humor, and the happy ending.
Second read - July 14, 2021
I had a random thought about this book this morning but couldn’t recall the title. A helpful member of Austen Readers helped me out and I do believe I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2019
I didn’t think I’d like this book, as Lydia was never one of my favorite characters. I really liked the journal format and humor, and the happy ending.
Second read - July 14, 2021
I had a random thought about this book this morning but couldn’t recall the title. A helpful member of Austen Readers helped me out and I do believe I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
September 27, 2018
An eventful turn of events
I found this story captured my attention and I really liked Captain Jonathon Fret. It is a very interesting tale that depicts how he made a success of taming and educating Lydia Bennet.
I found this story captured my attention and I really liked Captain Jonathon Fret. It is a very interesting tale that depicts how he made a success of taming and educating Lydia Bennet.
October 16, 2025
A different take on Lydia Bennet's story, and quite funny. This is a sequel to Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit, a variation on Pride and Prejudice, and it was well worth rereading that, to prepare me for this.
November 26, 2014
Don't skip this just because it's about Lydia! This book grabbed me from the first chapter and made me laugh and cry almost every time I picked it up. The characters are developed thoroughly and believably, and each character's voice is distinct and memorable, and by the end, I was completely in love with both Lydia and especially her amazing husband Jonathon. You will not regret the time spent on this book.
March 16, 2015
Perfection
This book was much better than the previous one. I liked the change in Lydia and her circumstances. The length of the book was perfect as well. Plenty of room for substance without all of the additional nonsense often included to pad out the book.
This book was much better than the previous one. I liked the change in Lydia and her circumstances. The length of the book was perfect as well. Plenty of room for substance without all of the additional nonsense often included to pad out the book.
March 20, 2016
Very enjoyable. I never like reading about Lydia but this was overcome. This book was fun and Lydia sufficiently annoying. It is refreshing to see how her life starts to change. I really enjoyed her husband's philosophy on how to learn to run a household.
February 1, 2015
If you enjoy Jane Austen Fan Fiction then you will love this book. Very different from the first book but just as enjoyable! The author is ver witty and I found myself laughing out loud.
December 24, 2014
Not quite what I expected based on reviews, but a very good book nonetheless. It was really enjoyable to see Lydia finally grow up.
September 14, 2018
A wonderful look at what could have been. A Lydia who was forced to grow up, but retained her vivacity.
March 30, 2020
Loved this book until the end thus four stars. With Lydia tamed, the ending quickly followed but not without giving us a summary wrap-up. It is the wrap-up that I disliked.
December 27, 2018
Now this book was something I enjoyed, far more than I did the first book in the series. In this book, Lydia starts off as foolish and naive, tricked by a man and made mean and selfish with it, but then you see herself developing into her own person throughout this book and that was the real strength here.
In this book, Lydia marries Fret, one of Colonel's Darcy officers who is willing to marry a girl 'ruined' by another man. The book is told in the format of diary and journal entries by Lydia and Fret, as well as the occasional letter in between friends and family. Lydia is moved up north by her husband and has to learn how to be a farmer's wife when she has never done any hard or useful work in her life.
Lydia's diary entries had the same kind of humour that we see so infrequently in Pride and Prejudice. She is smart and witty and hardworking but she never gets the chance to try in her home at Longbourn as nothing is ever expected of her. In her marriage, she is the lady of the household and much is expected of her. When most women would falter and stumble, Lydia's innate stubbornness helps her to adapt to her changing surroundings and help her develop into a better person. What I enjoyed is how Fret has to learn to be a husband at the same time as Lydia has to learn how to be a wife. This wasn't strictly one sided, though the main character is Lydia. I loved seeing Fret's motivation for why he married Lydia in the first place and the new community Lydia had built up around her in her new home.
This was definitely a book I preferred to the first one in the series. 4 stars!
In this book, Lydia marries Fret, one of Colonel's Darcy officers who is willing to marry a girl 'ruined' by another man. The book is told in the format of diary and journal entries by Lydia and Fret, as well as the occasional letter in between friends and family. Lydia is moved up north by her husband and has to learn how to be a farmer's wife when she has never done any hard or useful work in her life.
Lydia's diary entries had the same kind of humour that we see so infrequently in Pride and Prejudice. She is smart and witty and hardworking but she never gets the chance to try in her home at Longbourn as nothing is ever expected of her. In her marriage, she is the lady of the household and much is expected of her. When most women would falter and stumble, Lydia's innate stubbornness helps her to adapt to her changing surroundings and help her develop into a better person. What I enjoyed is how Fret has to learn to be a husband at the same time as Lydia has to learn how to be a wife. This wasn't strictly one sided, though the main character is Lydia. I loved seeing Fret's motivation for why he married Lydia in the first place and the new community Lydia had built up around her in her new home.
This was definitely a book I preferred to the first one in the series. 4 stars!
December 12, 2018
After Wickham exacted his revenge on Darcy and ruined Lydia, Darcy has no choice but to force Lydia to marry, and soon. He chooses Captain Fret for the challenge, and their wedding date is set. Mrs. Gardiner gives Lydia a journal and Lydia begins to document her new married life with a stranger.
I've read some fantastical P&P variations in the last few years, from modern adaptions to historical versions, even one that had Darcy as a cowboy and Lizzy as his mail order bride. Imaging Lydia could become a mature and responsible young woman just seemed impossible! But the author accomplished it SO WELL! The whole read was a pleasure from beginning to end, and I had a smile on my face almost the entire time.
This is the sequel to Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit, it isn't strictly necessary to listen to the first book first, but I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed the first one. This book is written in journal format, with entries from Lydia, her new husband, and various letters from Lydia's family. Rather than Lydia coming off as annoying or flighty, her entries were just so much fun. The juxtaposition between her thoughts and her soldier husband's thoughts was interesting and well done. Just a pleasure from beginning to end, and I'd recommend it to P&P variation fans.
I've read some fantastical P&P variations in the last few years, from modern adaptions to historical versions, even one that had Darcy as a cowboy and Lizzy as his mail order bride. Imaging Lydia could become a mature and responsible young woman just seemed impossible! But the author accomplished it SO WELL! The whole read was a pleasure from beginning to end, and I had a smile on my face almost the entire time.
This is the sequel to Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit, it isn't strictly necessary to listen to the first book first, but I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed the first one. This book is written in journal format, with entries from Lydia, her new husband, and various letters from Lydia's family. Rather than Lydia coming off as annoying or flighty, her entries were just so much fun. The juxtaposition between her thoughts and her soldier husband's thoughts was interesting and well done. Just a pleasure from beginning to end, and I'd recommend it to P&P variation fans.
August 18, 2019
Absolutely Interesting Use of Journals to Describe History
I found this book fascinating by the use of regular voice by Lydia and military terminology by Jonathon. It created for amusing views of similar events and showed Lydia’s maturation into a bright and capable wife and mother that would rival Lizzie in character. The story behind why Jonathon accepted a potentially ruined Lydia posed an interesting mystery in the beginning half. The only part that could have benefited from more explanation was Lydia’s and Wickham’s daughter talking to the niece. It is clear that she married Lydia’s best friend’s son, who was only a month older. But what happened to her mom and dad could have been explained or who she was writing to deserved a bit of explanation. But overall a great book with an interesting plot and a kind reflection on Lydia, who is painted in the variations stories as the same as she was in the original. It was great to see her mature into a wonderful person separate from the silly, selfish 15 year old she was.
I found this book fascinating by the use of regular voice by Lydia and military terminology by Jonathon. It created for amusing views of similar events and showed Lydia’s maturation into a bright and capable wife and mother that would rival Lizzie in character. The story behind why Jonathon accepted a potentially ruined Lydia posed an interesting mystery in the beginning half. The only part that could have benefited from more explanation was Lydia’s and Wickham’s daughter talking to the niece. It is clear that she married Lydia’s best friend’s son, who was only a month older. But what happened to her mom and dad could have been explained or who she was writing to deserved a bit of explanation. But overall a great book with an interesting plot and a kind reflection on Lydia, who is painted in the variations stories as the same as she was in the original. It was great to see her mature into a wonderful person separate from the silly, selfish 15 year old she was.
March 24, 2019
A Picture of a Married Lydia Bennet
I enjoyed this story. I’m not sure if this counts a epistolatory or not. It is a novel written with letters and journal entries. I found it to be funny, entertaining and altogether interesting. The story is about Lydia Bennet and her new husband. It chronicles the life of Lydia Bennet after she marries. Her family arranges for her to marry a strong man of principle and he patiently teaches her to grow up. She is fights him tooth and nail but eventually she realizes the truth about how she has lived her life and how lucky she is. It a good book.
Elizabeth and fitzwilliam Darcy have minimal roles in this story.
I enjoyed this story. I’m not sure if this counts a epistolatory or not. It is a novel written with letters and journal entries. I found it to be funny, entertaining and altogether interesting. The story is about Lydia Bennet and her new husband. It chronicles the life of Lydia Bennet after she marries. Her family arranges for her to marry a strong man of principle and he patiently teaches her to grow up. She is fights him tooth and nail but eventually she realizes the truth about how she has lived her life and how lucky she is. It a good book.
Elizabeth and fitzwilliam Darcy have minimal roles in this story.
February 15, 2021
Literally one of the best novels I have ever read.
Well, I never would have thought that a JAFF with Lydia as the heroine would so capture my heart, but this one has done it. I cannot recommend this book enough. It would definitely behoove the reader to enjoy the predecessor "Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit" first, but I don't believe it is completely necessary if you are familiar with the general theme of Lydia running away with Wickham in our beloved "Pride and Prejudice".
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Clever style, endearing characters, humor, romance, and triumph..
Well done Ms. Owen, well done.
Well, I never would have thought that a JAFF with Lydia as the heroine would so capture my heart, but this one has done it. I cannot recommend this book enough. It would definitely behoove the reader to enjoy the predecessor "Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit" first, but I don't believe it is completely necessary if you are familiar with the general theme of Lydia running away with Wickham in our beloved "Pride and Prejudice".
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Clever style, endearing characters, humor, romance, and triumph..
Well done Ms. Owen, well done.
October 21, 2018
Solid, sweet, and funny
This is even better than the first in the series. Lydia is more fleshed out here, shown with all her flaws which can manifest themselves as strengths. Her new husband soldiers on (heh) and approaches her as one would a wild stallion. Between her journal entries and his record keeping, you can see both sides of one very stubborn coin.
This is a great example of a story being told through the biased lens of a character.
This is even better than the first in the series. Lydia is more fleshed out here, shown with all her flaws which can manifest themselves as strengths. Her new husband soldiers on (heh) and approaches her as one would a wild stallion. Between her journal entries and his record keeping, you can see both sides of one very stubborn coin.
This is a great example of a story being told through the biased lens of a character.
January 14, 2024
A true love story.
Unlike so many Pride and Prejudice variations, this has an almost completely original plot, characters, almost no re-tells of the original plot. The epistolary style is both funny and addicting as two stubborn, opposite, conflicting marriage partners find their ways to each other. Plot warning, but don't worry about it, Lydia finally gets her officer, but scarcely in the way she expected.
Unlike so many Pride and Prejudice variations, this has an almost completely original plot, characters, almost no re-tells of the original plot. The epistolary style is both funny and addicting as two stubborn, opposite, conflicting marriage partners find their ways to each other. Plot warning, but don't worry about it, Lydia finally gets her officer, but scarcely in the way she expected.
October 1, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice sequel we read a story of what if Lydia didn't marry Wickham but an alternative was put to her. This is a lovely story of how the silly foolish Lydia Bennet grew into more than she could ever be staying a Bennet or becoming a Wickham.
A very enjoyable story with some delightful characters.
A very enjoyable story with some delightful characters.
January 22, 2019
I loved this Austenation! The title calls back Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, but I felt this book owed more to the fairy tale King Thrushbeard, which is one of my favorites. I’m generally fond of Lydia anyway, but I loved the way Owen gives us an improved Lydia who remains recognizably *our* Lydia. Just charming.
October 17, 2019
I don’t usually care to read about side characters, but this was fun. The format is journal entries, which worked ok. It might have been 5 stars if it was written more traditionally. It just lost some emotional depth with the format because it was only summarizing the action. Still a fine read, with Lydia truly changing in a believable way.
September 5, 2018
Love this one!
It really holds up on a second reading, too. Lydia is hilarious, Jonathon is hilarious, the story is poignant (yet still hilarious). Whoever would have thought of such a future for Lydia Bennet?
It really holds up on a second reading, too. Lydia is hilarious, Jonathon is hilarious, the story is poignant (yet still hilarious). Whoever would have thought of such a future for Lydia Bennet?
October 23, 2019
A new Lydia
I liked the characters here as well as the alternative to Lydia and Wickham marrying. I never did see Lydia as wholly stupid, rather, ignorant and misdirected or more apt, undirected.
I liked the characters here as well as the alternative to Lydia and Wickham marrying. I never did see Lydia as wholly stupid, rather, ignorant and misdirected or more apt, undirected.
February 21, 2018
Totally enjoying
Never could have imagined this story. Really encouraging to see how the author developed the stubbornness into an amazingly positive attribute
Never could have imagined this story. Really encouraging to see how the author developed the stubbornness into an amazingly positive attribute
April 14, 2020
Clever narrative told through journal entries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews