With This Ring: A Pride And Prejudice Variation

by Lily Michaels

He insulted her at the assembly and paid for it with his heart. He had a second chance when they met unexpectedly at a coaching inn.

When the wealthiest bachelor in Derbyshire insults her at the village assembly, Elizabeth Bennet walks away, and she continues to keep him at arm’s length until the Netherfield party returns to London.

But Mr. Darcy has unknowingly left his heart behind, and when fate brings her back into his life, he is determined to make her his own.

When the youngest Bennet daughter drags the family to the brink of ruin, Mr. Bennet finally takes decisive action to safeguard their future. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet is equally determined to preserve the estate, especially from falling into the hands of a distant cousin far too disagreeable to tempt any of her daughters.

This heartfelt Pride and Prejudice variation centers on the enduring love between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose relationship unfolds with passion and emotional depth. Though Elizabeth and Darcy are the heart of the story, readers will also glimpse the evolving lives and fortunes of all five Bennet sisters as they navigate a world of uncertainty, duty, and romance.

This version is clean with gentle innuendo, closed door;

Readers who prefer not to delve into the intimacies of marriage may not enjoy this re-telling. The beloved couple grows more physically intimate during their brief betrothal and after marriage, though they honor the marriage vow and wait until after their wedding to consummate the relationship. The innuendo remains tasteful and modest throughout.


Journey with Hero • House Party in Bakewell • House Party at Pemberley • Villainous schemes • Protective hero • Rival Suitors • Slow-burn romance • Jealous Mr. Darcy • Loyal Colonel Fitzwilliam • Secret Morning Meetings • Happily Ever After

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2025

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started strong but became There's Just Something About Lizzy, as multiple characters attempt to kidnap, harm, or kill her. The story should have wrapped up shortly after her engagement.

The worst part for me was the sex obsessed couple who travel by carriage for 36 hours to visit a sick relative, arrive with a treatment they believe will restore the declining patient to health, but they delay for 2 hours so they can have sex before caring for the patient.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Ms Michaels sets up a good story, yes, but logic flies out the window. A house party turns dangerous, a situation that would have been avoided had the offending person been kicked out when the troubles began. Darcy insists Elizabeth step out with a guard during the house party because of the aforementioned creep, but it’s news to her the next day; fresh umbrage is taken. There are too many examples to count.

What I can’t stand is a Darcy who constantly seethes with jealousy. It’s not only juvenile, it’s oppressive. Will Elizabeth spend every day of her life having to calm him down? Will he forever be insisting, “It’s not you I don’t trust. It’s them?” They do not have a healthy relationship, and I can’t bear to read the last third.

[Jeannette Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I loved this story. This was a different tale where the Bennett's develop and become happy.
Mr Collins is a nasty piece of work,Wickham is his usual reprobate but does not feature much.
I won't spoil the tale but Darcy in the beginning is so insulting to Elizabeth that he brings her to tears.
Charles Bingley allows his deranged sister to separate himself and Jane. Jane ends up very happy.
Mrs Bennett falls in love and this brought me to tears. She lives her life without the man who has stolen her heart.
It examines the attitudes of courtship and marriage in this Regency period.
Read it is a great tale.

[Debra McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not ruined

Mr Bennet finds Lydia in a most unseemly position—and the family is changed thereafter for the good when he takes immediate action to prevent their ruination. Even Mrs Bennet secretly contributes to the new situation in her own way. Caroline and Collins are worse than usual; a handful of other villains interfere. Lady Catherine isn’t one of them because she simply isn’t told. A few things don’t fit well in my opinion—no spoilers—but not enough to seriously detract from a good read. Jane’s happy marriage, not to Bingley, is as good as she is.

[Sam H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out well

The premise was great, setting a back story with a stronger Bennet making big changes.

Then it began to fall apart. Inconsistencies, lack of research of the era, disjointed scenes.
I didn't get the impression this was AI, but the author definitely needed a couple of good beta readers.

Our dear couple fall into physical infatuation at first sight, and apparently so did many men for Elizabeth and one or two women for Darcy. Then there were the violent attacks.

I ended up disappointed. Polyannas, four sons for every couple and Bingley ends up alone.

Shame though, the potential was there...

[avid reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

For me this was just not as good as some P&P variations that I’ve read from other authors. Elizabeth Bennet wasn’t very Elizabeth at all she might as well been a Jane such a watering can. FD was cruel and on my honest and humble opinion Elizabeth forgave him too quickly for my liking. The story ran too long as well.

[Meghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

For some reason this book made me feel like I needed to take notes, so I thought I'd leave them here. 100% be warned there are huge spoilers!

- Mr Collins attacking Mary and being a creep is so wrong. He is specifically described in the book as "not cruel", just ridiculous. Charlotte wouldn't have married a bad man.
- WTH!? Why is Mrs Bennett sleeping around? And now she's freaking pregnant!? Never in a thousand guesses for a retelling of P&P...
- Why is Mary all the sudden so attractive and says she has no hobbies - she obsessed with the piano, always has been and always will be.
- Who is Alexander Lucas?? Never heard of him.
- Wow, Miss Bingley is mean, literally pulling a curl from Lizzie's head... wait, Mr Darcy was also way more mean at this ball! She literally left in tears and walked home, where is the strong heroine we know and love?
- Hold up... Miss Bingley is sneaking into Darcy's room to entrap him??! Why would the author do this? Caroline's character is much to proud to ever consider a scandal like this.
- I'm only 21% of the way through this... should I just quit before it gets worse? Can it get worse!?
- Jane having a new suitor makes me angry. I don't care how nice or rich this new Mr Linfield is, he's no Bingley! Also, he's all concerned he's too old for her - while she's 23 and he's 30. That is a great age gap! In this time period women were marrying men older than their fathers, old enough to be their grandfather and society was fine with it.
- How dare Jane the author use the same words Jane said about Bingley and their love to describe this new Sir Linfield! Those were meant for Charles!
-WHAT? WHAT? Jane married Linfield?? I thought something would stop this or Charles would come back to take her away. I'm shocked, I have no other words.
- I can't stop laughing at how ridiculous this is!
- Lizzie doing an apprenticeship with a doctor was not a turn I expected either. Women didn't do medicine.
- They're leaving Longbourn!? Jane Austen is rolling in her grave if she hasn't been already from this book.
- Ok, Mary is getting married now before any of the other sisters (but Jane) and she'll love at Longbourn with her husband. Was I tricked into reading a Mary Bennett story? Where is Mr Darcy & Elizabeth??!?
- Wow the writing is bad. They first introduced Jane's husband as Edward, and now it's Edmund. Lol
- I had to look up the summary of this book again, and I believe I started the wrong book. I thought it was a retelling of if Mr Bennett died but the rest of the story was similar, but this is just a complete retelling where the only things that are the same are the names.
- 30% through and I think nothing will or can be the same as the original P&P. I'm having to pretend this is just a coincidence these characters have the same names.
-Linfield is an old respected friend of Darcy, so now with Jane married to him, Lizzie's connections are improved. Will he love her despite these things now? There are far less objectives to overcome with love in this version.
- The insta forgiveness from her is wild. It's called Pride and Prejudice, not easy forgiven friends that fall in love easily.
- No! They did NOT just have Elizabeth buy a copy of Sense & Sensibility from a bookstore! I hate it, I hate it so much. Also the Charles Bingley slander is too much!
- “I cannot imagine where you put it all, Miss Elizabeth. You are so petite, yet you eat more than I do.” I don't think this author knows how flirting works. This is so bad.
- Elizabeth runs now. Every morning she's got to go for a run like she's in freaking 2014. She even has "specially design slim trousers" that her and Jane designed and "imported running moccasins from America". Just so stupid.
- The consistency is so bad. Elizabeth is slapped by Sir Edmund's sister after playing the piano, while he watches. He is so angry that he throws her out of his house and says she's not welcome anymore. He asks Darcy to tend to Lizzie and make sure her face is fine. After just 2-3 paragraphs, Elizabeth asks Mr Darcy to tell Sir Edmund that her cheek injury is just an accident while dropping sheet music "so he doesn't worry". But like... he SAW it happen. Did the author forget the story on the same page that it happened??

I just gave up taking notes and getting my thoughts out, it was all too much.

Final thoughts: this book sucked. I'm surprised I even finished it. I don't understand why Elizaneth had to be desired so much by every man she met that they all tried to do her harm. It also made me upset that the author turned Darcy into a jealous monster who the author mentioned, when he was angry, he would turn dark and unfamiliar without a trace of the man she loved. That is scary and not what I want my main leading man to be. I don't recommend this book if you are a fan of the original, beloved Pride and Prejudice story. It was like a horrible car crash I couldn't from which I couldn't look away.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

The entire dynamic of the Bennett family changes when Mr Bennett discovers Wickham about to rape Lydia, and Mr Bennett experiences a wake up call. He sends the two youngest to school, and pretty much commands that Jane forget about Bingley and get herself a husband asap, which she does with the help of Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. Only after both Jane and Mary are married is Elizabeth reunited accidentally with Darcy. He's still fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, but Colonel Fitzwilliam takes him to task for not pursuing his perfect match.

I found this story to be disjointed and awkward, with some cartoonishly bad villains. The author has made Elizabeth a superwoman who is an accomplished healer, artist, pianist, singer, and chess player, as well as being an authority on estate management and animal husbandry. Men can't seem to resist her, which leads to trouble. The things that redeemed the story for me were the romance and the clever banter between characters. Once Darcy makes up his mind to pursue Elizabeth, he's a swoon worthy and skillful lover.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting premise

An interesting and entertaining premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Lily Michaels. I enjoyed it.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast start, quick response and then happily ever afters in order with some creative solutions. There are some bad guys but they are quickly taken care of.

[Dorothy W. Le Pere · Rating 2 out of 5]

too much sex

There are some good plot lines but the book i heavily instilled with sex scenes which do little to forward the plot.

[Lynette Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

first time read by the author

Most def a good love story! Not just for ODC but for the Bennet Family too! what a loss to me if I had not taken the opportunity to read this first for me author. In this version, we see how Bennet Family’s lives almost completely destroyed despite E/J Bennet’s sister leadership. Insightful long term family growth happens bc Lydia and Kitty do a major screwup but fantastically, Mr B plots a tense and chaotic course to lead his family to relative safety despite the entail and a truly evil Collins. (Mrs B will quite shock 😳 you with her contribution to support the family’s futures!) Most known characters are evident: Caroline B truly a ruthless virago, Charles B sooo wishy-washy, FD’s assembly insult incredibly cruel (EB crushed) Wickham is ultimately dealt with by middle of the book but other real threats do abound! ODC ‘s reluctant journey to their HEA drives most of the plot, but we also see/hear supporting characters inner lives in authentic situations which displays rather deep inter-personal relationships which are totally believable; all this innermost emo stuff makes this book so very interesting—I was never tempted to skip pages! You will adore FD once he gets outta his own head, truly ODC deserves the HEA they earned together. Some early story threads examined then dropped & not mentioned again til near the end & happens so very neatly ie., Collins didn’t get his comeuppance as quickly as I prefer & this reader felt cheated (& what was Charlotte thinking/experiencing the time she was married to the jerk? That would be very interesting addition/part of the epilogue but her thread was glossed over) Still—Will most definitely read this book again and keep in my top 10 fav JAFF books, and look for more work by LM.

[Kendra Wellnitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Idea, Uneven Execution

I read With This Ring on Kindle Unlimited. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I think the author had a genuinely good idea. The story itself felt like a solid outline for something with real potential, and I am glad I read it.

That said, the execution left a lot to be desired. The writing lacked emotional depth, which made it hard to connect with the characters or feel invested in their relationships. Elizabeth is portrayed as overly fragile and tearful, which stripped her of the intelligence and resilience that usually define her. Darcy swings between distant and overly possessive in a way that feels abrupt rather than layered.

The romantic interactions were often forced, and many of the more intimate scenes took place in public settings, which felt unrealistic and uncomfortable. Instead of creating romantic tension, these moments felt awkward and excessive. Elizabeth constantly attracts attention from men, but the attention is almost always inappropriate. It was unsettling how often these men attempted to take her by force. Rather than creating drama or urgency, it became repetitive and exhausting.

The dialogue and tone were also inconsistent with the setting. Characters sometimes used modern language that clashed with the Regency atmosphere. Moments like Darcy calling Elizabeth “honey” broke the immersion entirely. At times, the characters acted more like they belonged in a 2000s teen soap opera than an Austen-inspired world.

Still, the foundation of the story was strong. With more attention to emotional pacing, character nuance, and period-appropriate tone, this could have been a very enjoyable variation. While it did not fully land for me, I appreciate the author’s creativity and effort, and I am glad to have experienced it.

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

I loved it!

Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand. This version is a little spicy; readers who prefer not to delve into the intimacies of marriage may not enjoy this re-telling. The beloved couple grows more physically intimate during their brief betrothal and after marriage, though they honor the marriage vow and wait until after their wedding to consummate the relationship. The innuendo remains tasteful and modest throughout.

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 Book 1 of the Pride and Prejudice Variation series.

This heartfelt story centers on the enduring love between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose relationship unfolds with passion, wit, and emotional depth. Though Elizabeth and Darcy are the heart of the story, readers will also glimpse the evolving lives and fortunes of all five Bennet sisters as they navigate a world of uncertainty, duty, and romance. When the youngest Bennet daughter drags the family to the brink of ruin, Mr. Bennet finally takes decisive action to safeguard their future. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet is equally determined to preserve the estate, especially from falling into the hands of a distant cousin far too disagreeable to tempt any of her daughters. 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.

[Elizabeth Swing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things I dislike about fan fiction

This book had real potential but included several things that I dislike about fan fiction. First i really dislike when authors have a particular interest or talent that they attach to Elizabeth as an accomplishment. In this case Elizabeth knows more than the physicians bc the author has medical background. Secondly, I dislike when the Bennet sisters or in this case, Elizabeth, are accomplished and better at things than men and allowed to function in that role. Lastly, I get very annoyed when Darcy and Elizabeth are alone before marriage. This would have been considered a compromise.

Now specifically, the timeline seemed rushed and off. Mrs. Bennet fell in love and cheated and conceived a child, but then seemed content with her husband and life? Oh, and no consequences. Elizabeth is vaccinating everyone? One lesson in self defense and Elizabeth thwarts her attackers? Lydia completely reforms in less than a year? I just feel this story could have been so much more.

[Adelle Stavis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet writing

Sweetly written with an interesting plot line. Could be a little tighter to improve pacing. ODC interactions are meaningful and romantic, though Elizabeth being one who cries easily is OOC. Peripheral storylines are better focused than the main storyline.

Not your book if anachronisms and being purposely inconsistent with Regency social norms are pet peeves. Things that take a single Google question to determine they had not yet been written or invented are used (ex: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King).

Competently written on technical level. Long swatches of the story are satisfying, interesting, and engaging. But stylistically, could use tightening.

Perhaps three and a half stars is more accurate.

[Terri M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just about every male character in this book is in lust with Elizabeth no matter her circumstances (single, engaged, married), and some are willing to do violence to have her.

Poor Darcy. Once he finally wins Elizabeth, after first insulting her, will he be able to keep her? It seems as if almost every man who lays eyes on her falls instantly into lust. He’s jealous, but Elizabeth doesn’t give any other man a reason to think she’s open to their advances. But Darcy is wise to keep his eye on her. Trouble finds her. And if it’s not bad enough to have psycho men trying for her Miss Bingley has an even more evil plan in mind to get rid of her.

If you enjoy a”Perils of Pauline” story, this one is right up your alley.

[RTD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

I was entertained to the point where I could overlook things that usually annoy me, such as Elizabeth being perfect, her continuing to go on walks alone, and a damaging loose end.

What I liked:

- Elizabeth's (perfect) character

- Darcy throws punches 🫢(Hey, this is fiction, not real life. Its about time someone did.)

- Speaking of real life, Mrs. Bennet got away with something I'm sure many have throughout time. I kind of like that it was silent on that front. I don't need everything to be tied up neatly in the end. Add to that the fact that I wasn't interested in a storyline leading to Mrs. Bennet's ultimate comeuppance.

[Anna Wenzlick · Rating 3 out of 5]

good. but historical discrepancies

Biggest blaring error that drove me bonkers is the noting and use of reference to the nutcracker and the mouse king which wasn’t published in English for another 20 years after the original story was written. And the original in German wasn’t printed until 1816 also making it impossible for it to be known or used as a Christmas reference. However for the most part this story was done fairly well. But it’s not accurate for society standards of the era. I don’t usually leave reviews like this. But those errors drove me bonkers.

[Rosanne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

This P&P was highs and lows. Mrs. Bennett was a transformation I did not like. Mr. Bennett had the scales fall from his eyes but sorrowfully he continued to not take responsibility in his part of Lydia’s behavior.
Elizabeth was better than the original P&P but still the same. Darcy did transform. There are the other daughter’s stories told. Ann DB was a wonderful surprise.
This one is a keeper!

[Jeanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyable!

Could not put it down until done. A true and plausible variation. “With this ring” takes our beloved characters from P&P and shuffles the order of things within the story. Simple timing leads to changes which cause our characters to make better choices. As a result, Mr. Bennet take steps long overdue to fix the family deficiencies. And the Bennet family benefits. Truly enjoyable story.

[Wendy Wasiunec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story

I loved it! It took awhile to get ODC together, but the spark was there from the beginning. Seems in this story, all the Pride and Prejudice was on Darcy. I enjoy a story where Jane isn't hooked up with Bingley. I recommend this story. It is something I will definitely read again.

[tracy witz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible but overwrought

Spoilers, but . . . Fanny Bennett has an affair and a son? Elizabeth escapes near-death or ruin three times? It’s okay, it’s just a lot. Not really a believable or romantic take.

[Kelly Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading a different variation.

The book is so unexpected and so good.
I could not put it down and I am now glad to have finished it so I can clean my house. Very different and enjoyable.

[Alexandra Straus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and thoughtful variation of long known book.

It is delightful and wide-spread story radiating positive calm energy, with a unexpected sprinkle of bursts of violent behavior, and amazing expressive love moments.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Interesting premise.
The bad guys are over the top, and there are some that I found unnecesarry to the story.
Over all good story