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The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy
Mr. Darcy got his happily ever after in Pride and Prejudice, and now it’s his sister’s turn in this swoony queer romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.
Georgiana Darcy has only ever kissed one girl before, and the resulting blackmail almost ruined her reputation. Since then, she’s carefully calibrated her life to be as quiet as possible, focusing on books and music. She certainly isn’t planning on falling in love with another girl. But then she meets Kitty Bennet, and everything is thrown off kilter.
After a moonlit kiss shifts their newfound friendship into something more, Georgiana follows Kitty to the Bennets’ home. The visit proves ill-timed when she encounters the one man who knows her secret and threatened her with it before. Terrified of testing the limits of her family’s love and of putting Kitty in danger, Georgiana doesn’t know if there’s any chance of a happy ending.
Every etiquette guide she’s ever read makes it clear that if she wants to protect her family name, Georgiana must pretend her heart follows society’s accepted rhythm. Unless, with a little help from those who understand how it feels, she can compose the future she and Kitty both deserve.
Georgiana Darcy has only ever kissed one girl before, and the resulting blackmail almost ruined her reputation. Since then, she’s carefully calibrated her life to be as quiet as possible, focusing on books and music. She certainly isn’t planning on falling in love with another girl. But then she meets Kitty Bennet, and everything is thrown off kilter.
After a moonlit kiss shifts their newfound friendship into something more, Georgiana follows Kitty to the Bennets’ home. The visit proves ill-timed when she encounters the one man who knows her secret and threatened her with it before. Terrified of testing the limits of her family’s love and of putting Kitty in danger, Georgiana doesn’t know if there’s any chance of a happy ending.
Every etiquette guide she’s ever read makes it clear that if she wants to protect her family name, Georgiana must pretend her heart follows society’s accepted rhythm. Unless, with a little help from those who understand how it feels, she can compose the future she and Kitty both deserve.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 24, 2026
utterly perfect in every way. if there’s one thing a lesbian knows what to do, it’s YEARN and this was the best sapphic historical YA i’ve read recently. i clearly need to get more into this subgenre!! kitty’s self discovery paired with georgiana’s down bad inner monologues were heart wrenching in the best way, i can’t wait to annotate a physical copy due to all the stand out quotes ❤️🩹
thank you to netgalley for the arc!!
thank you to netgalley for the arc!!
February 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Like I preface with every Pride and Prejudice sapphic spin off story, I have not read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I do not believe you need to in order to enjoy books like The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy. I will say, I have read two or three other books that are sapphic spin offs and I do feel as if I have gotten a good understanding of what went on in the original. This version did NOT dissapoint.
I saw that this was YA and I was a little apprehensive. YA isn’t my usual choice. But it didn’t really read like one, Really the only YA thing about this story is the lack of spice and that Georgiana is seventeen.
Getting to see Georgiana fall in love was great. I do wish that there was a little more showing than telling. A lot of Kitty and Georgiana’s intial interactions are off page. So it did feel a little insta lovey when they kissed and confessed their love for each other. The building of their relationship/friendship was important and not seeing it on page did subtract a little from the “strength” of the relationship. The chemistry was there, don’t get me wrong, I just had a hard time believing that it was “love”, at least in that moment. Key word being “in that moment” because they do interact on page more as the story progresses, This strengthens their love and the authenticity of it. Their love and chemistry explodes off the page. I love how much they care for each other and the ways that they show it. You could really feel it with each interaction they had.
I always love when there are more queer characters in historical fiction than just the MCs. It was both tragic and lovely to learn about Charlotte and her situation. In contrast, seeing Lady Butler and Miss Ponsonby be able to live together as they please and freely was nice. I enjoyed that there was some angst and challenge towards the end of the book. I was wondering how the author would remedy the situation and I appreciate how she did.
Georgiana and Kitty are so freaking adorable. I really do believe I’ll be thinking about them together for weeks to come!
Like I preface with every Pride and Prejudice sapphic spin off story, I have not read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I do not believe you need to in order to enjoy books like The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy. I will say, I have read two or three other books that are sapphic spin offs and I do feel as if I have gotten a good understanding of what went on in the original. This version did NOT dissapoint.
I saw that this was YA and I was a little apprehensive. YA isn’t my usual choice. But it didn’t really read like one, Really the only YA thing about this story is the lack of spice and that Georgiana is seventeen.
Getting to see Georgiana fall in love was great. I do wish that there was a little more showing than telling. A lot of Kitty and Georgiana’s intial interactions are off page. So it did feel a little insta lovey when they kissed and confessed their love for each other. The building of their relationship/friendship was important and not seeing it on page did subtract a little from the “strength” of the relationship. The chemistry was there, don’t get me wrong, I just had a hard time believing that it was “love”, at least in that moment. Key word being “in that moment” because they do interact on page more as the story progresses, This strengthens their love and the authenticity of it. Their love and chemistry explodes off the page. I love how much they care for each other and the ways that they show it. You could really feel it with each interaction they had.
I always love when there are more queer characters in historical fiction than just the MCs. It was both tragic and lovely to learn about Charlotte and her situation. In contrast, seeing Lady Butler and Miss Ponsonby be able to live together as they please and freely was nice. I enjoyed that there was some angst and challenge towards the end of the book. I was wondering how the author would remedy the situation and I appreciate how she did.
Georgiana and Kitty are so freaking adorable. I really do believe I’ll be thinking about them together for weeks to come!
Did Not Finish
April 3, 2026I was really craving a historical romance, so I dove into The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy with high hopes. Unfortunately, it left me feeling underwhelmed. The plot didn’t pull me in as much as I’d hoped, and I found the characters somewhat one-dimensional, which made it hard to connect with either Georgiana or Kitty. The romance followed a similar pattern for me... I didn’t feel much chemistry between them, and their feelings developed so quickly that it came across as pure insta-love, a trope that rarely works for me.
Because of that, I decided to set the book aside unfinished. That said, I can easily see why it would appeal to others! It seems like the perfect sweet, light YA historical romance for readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories with a gentle, swoony vibe in a Regency setting.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC opportunity!
Because of that, I decided to set the book aside unfinished. That said, I can easily see why it would appeal to others! It seems like the perfect sweet, light YA historical romance for readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories with a gentle, swoony vibe in a Regency setting.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC opportunity!
September 17, 2025
This was super cute, and very heartwarming!
This is an adorable and endearing romance, featuring characters from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
The world has come to know the story of the beloved Mr.Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.
This story offers a fun take on things, with the forbidden love of Mr.Darcy’s sister- Georgiana, and Elizabeth’s sister- Kitty.
I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice myself, but I am familiar with the characters, so this was quite an easy read for me.
If you are not familiar with them, I do not think it would be a huge problem as you don’t particularly need much background information going into this.
The romance was very sweet.
Georgiana and Kitty felt like a good match, and I liked the way their relationship played out.
I do wish that there was a bit more tension at the beginning, as things between them seemed to develop quite fast.
I didn’t mind that much though, because we see some more tense moments and drama later in the story.
I enjoyed the style of this quite a bit!
This is more akin to an extension of the original story, as opposed to a retelling. Which was very intruging to me.
It makes it more unique, and I think it’s great for people that love Jane Austen, and want something that includes the actual characters from her books.
The authors writing is nice as well. I always find myself a bit nervous to read regency romance, or books based on classics- because the language tends to be flowery and hard for me to focus on.
This however, isn’t like that.
It has a nice balance of old and modern language, and I didn’t have any trouble reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers and author Erin Edwards for providing me with the eARC of “The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
This is an adorable and endearing romance, featuring characters from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
The world has come to know the story of the beloved Mr.Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.
This story offers a fun take on things, with the forbidden love of Mr.Darcy’s sister- Georgiana, and Elizabeth’s sister- Kitty.
I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice myself, but I am familiar with the characters, so this was quite an easy read for me.
If you are not familiar with them, I do not think it would be a huge problem as you don’t particularly need much background information going into this.
The romance was very sweet.
Georgiana and Kitty felt like a good match, and I liked the way their relationship played out.
I do wish that there was a bit more tension at the beginning, as things between them seemed to develop quite fast.
I didn’t mind that much though, because we see some more tense moments and drama later in the story.
I enjoyed the style of this quite a bit!
This is more akin to an extension of the original story, as opposed to a retelling. Which was very intruging to me.
It makes it more unique, and I think it’s great for people that love Jane Austen, and want something that includes the actual characters from her books.
The authors writing is nice as well. I always find myself a bit nervous to read regency romance, or books based on classics- because the language tends to be flowery and hard for me to focus on.
This however, isn’t like that.
It has a nice balance of old and modern language, and I didn’t have any trouble reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers and author Erin Edwards for providing me with the eARC of “The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
April 19, 2026
3.25/5
A sweet, sapphic continuation of Pride and Prejudice revolving around a forbidden romance between Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett.
Told through Georgiana's first person pov, the style of storytelling gives off vibes akin to journaling as she relates the events of her life. There is instant attraction between her and Kitty, and while that is not my favorite trope in romance, I felt the author did a good job portraying the sweet, slow build up of their relationship.
I did wish Georgiana to be a stronger protagonist, and it must be noted that prior rudimentary knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is needed to understand who's who in this book (minimal description of other characters is given) - a fact that might alienate any audience who wishes to read this as a standalone sapphic love story.
Overall, I think this was a quick and lovely read, which could have perhaps been a higher rated one with more detailed scene descriptions and a deeper level romance. I'd be interested to read future works by the author!
A sweet, sapphic continuation of Pride and Prejudice revolving around a forbidden romance between Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett.
Told through Georgiana's first person pov, the style of storytelling gives off vibes akin to journaling as she relates the events of her life. There is instant attraction between her and Kitty, and while that is not my favorite trope in romance, I felt the author did a good job portraying the sweet, slow build up of their relationship.
I did wish Georgiana to be a stronger protagonist, and it must be noted that prior rudimentary knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is needed to understand who's who in this book (minimal description of other characters is given) - a fact that might alienate any audience who wishes to read this as a standalone sapphic love story.
Overall, I think this was a quick and lovely read, which could have perhaps been a higher rated one with more detailed scene descriptions and a deeper level romance. I'd be interested to read future works by the author!
April 15, 2026
Moonlit meetings, secret longings, and whispering touches—this tender romance captures the feeling of having your heart cradled for the first time. MISS DARCY composes a vibrant, clever, and much-needed tune for the Regency genre.
Thank you for the opportunity as an author to blurb!
Thank you for the opportunity as an author to blurb!
May 8, 2026
You know that if it involves Jane Austen and anything sapphic, I'm going to read it.
I thought this was super cute. There's not a ton of substance here, but I read it quickly and had a great time. I didn't know who the love interest was when I started, and it shocked me a bit, to be honest. But I like how the Pride and Prejudice characters were integrated into this story.
This is actually one of two sapphic retellings out this year in which Georgianna Darcy is a main character.
I thought this was super cute. There's not a ton of substance here, but I read it quickly and had a great time. I didn't know who the love interest was when I started, and it shocked me a bit, to be honest. But I like how the Pride and Prejudice characters were integrated into this story.
This is actually one of two sapphic retellings out this year in which Georgianna Darcy is a main character.
April 10, 2026
3,25/5⭐
June 2, 2026
Was I the exact target audience for this book?? Yes!
May 13, 2026
Erin Edwards’ The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy is exactly the kind of book I tend to enjoy in the moment: cozy, sweet, low-stakes, and deeply affectionate toward its source material. As a sapphic continuation and reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, it follows Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennet as they gradually develop a romantic attachment that feels tender and believable within the softer, domestic tone of the novel. While I ultimately found it very cute and charming, it is also the sort of story that may not stay with me for very long after finishing it.
The premise itself is immediately appealing. Rather than retelling Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance yet again, Edwards shifts the focus toward two characters who occupied the margins of Austen’s original story. Georgiana Darcy, still shy and recovering from the emotional fallout of her near-elopement with Wickham, is trying to navigate adulthood under the watchful protection of her brother. Kitty Bennet, meanwhile, has matured somewhat since the events of Pride and Prejudice but still struggles to define herself apart from Lydia’s influence and the expectations placed upon her family.
Their relationship develops slowly through companionship, shared vulnerability, and mutual understanding. Georgiana’s reserved nature balances well with Kitty’s warmer and more impulsive personality, and I appreciated that the romance grows out of emotional intimacy rather than instant attraction. The novel leans heavily into the “cozy romance” atmosphere: quiet conversations, lingering glances, walks, letters, and yearning carry most of the emotional weight. Readers looking for high drama or explicit romance will not really find that here. The spice level is extremely mild, mostly limited to kissing and affectionate tension, which honestly suited the tone of the book perfectly.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how affectionate it feels toward Austen’s world. Edwards clearly understands the emotional framework of Pride and Prejudice and writes the familiar characters with care. Georgiana especially gets the depth and attention she deserved in the original novel. Her anxiety, caution, and longing for independence are compelling, and I liked seeing her struggle between duty and desire. Kitty also benefits from being centered in a way she never was before. Austen often treated Kitty as a quieter extension of Lydia, but here she becomes her own person — thoughtful, romantic, and eager for genuine connection.
That said, the book occasionally struggles with balancing modern romantic sensibilities against the emotional logic already established in Austen’s canon. My biggest issue with the story comes from the decision to have Georgiana and Kitty run away together in order to be together. On paper, I understand the appeal of the grand romantic gesture and the desire for freedom from societal expectations. However, emotionally it felt difficult to reconcile with Mr. Darcy’s established history and trauma.
A major part of Pride and Prejudice revolves around Georgiana’s previous attempted elopement with Wickham and the devastating effect it had on Darcy. He was horrified not only because of the potential scandal, but because he genuinely feared for his sister’s safety and emotional well-being. Because of that history, having Georgiana choose to run away again — even for entirely different reasons and with someone she truly loves — felt strangely insensitive to the emotional weight of that earlier experience. The novel acknowledges Darcy’s protectiveness, but I do not think it fully grapples with how painful and frightening this decision would realistically be for him. Instead, the conflict resolves a bit too neatly for my taste.
Even so, I still found the novel enjoyable overall. It is warm, comforting, and clearly written with love for both Austen and sapphic romance readers. The pacing is gentle, the romance is sincere, and the emotional atmosphere remains consistently soft and hopeful. While it may not be the most memorable retelling I have ever read, it absolutely succeeds as an easy, cozy comfort read. For readers who enjoy low-spice historical romance, character-focused storytelling, and queer reinterpretations of classic literature, The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy offers a sweet and satisfying experience.
The premise itself is immediately appealing. Rather than retelling Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance yet again, Edwards shifts the focus toward two characters who occupied the margins of Austen’s original story. Georgiana Darcy, still shy and recovering from the emotional fallout of her near-elopement with Wickham, is trying to navigate adulthood under the watchful protection of her brother. Kitty Bennet, meanwhile, has matured somewhat since the events of Pride and Prejudice but still struggles to define herself apart from Lydia’s influence and the expectations placed upon her family.
Their relationship develops slowly through companionship, shared vulnerability, and mutual understanding. Georgiana’s reserved nature balances well with Kitty’s warmer and more impulsive personality, and I appreciated that the romance grows out of emotional intimacy rather than instant attraction. The novel leans heavily into the “cozy romance” atmosphere: quiet conversations, lingering glances, walks, letters, and yearning carry most of the emotional weight. Readers looking for high drama or explicit romance will not really find that here. The spice level is extremely mild, mostly limited to kissing and affectionate tension, which honestly suited the tone of the book perfectly.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how affectionate it feels toward Austen’s world. Edwards clearly understands the emotional framework of Pride and Prejudice and writes the familiar characters with care. Georgiana especially gets the depth and attention she deserved in the original novel. Her anxiety, caution, and longing for independence are compelling, and I liked seeing her struggle between duty and desire. Kitty also benefits from being centered in a way she never was before. Austen often treated Kitty as a quieter extension of Lydia, but here she becomes her own person — thoughtful, romantic, and eager for genuine connection.
That said, the book occasionally struggles with balancing modern romantic sensibilities against the emotional logic already established in Austen’s canon. My biggest issue with the story comes from the decision to have Georgiana and Kitty run away together in order to be together. On paper, I understand the appeal of the grand romantic gesture and the desire for freedom from societal expectations. However, emotionally it felt difficult to reconcile with Mr. Darcy’s established history and trauma.
A major part of Pride and Prejudice revolves around Georgiana’s previous attempted elopement with Wickham and the devastating effect it had on Darcy. He was horrified not only because of the potential scandal, but because he genuinely feared for his sister’s safety and emotional well-being. Because of that history, having Georgiana choose to run away again — even for entirely different reasons and with someone she truly loves — felt strangely insensitive to the emotional weight of that earlier experience. The novel acknowledges Darcy’s protectiveness, but I do not think it fully grapples with how painful and frightening this decision would realistically be for him. Instead, the conflict resolves a bit too neatly for my taste.
Even so, I still found the novel enjoyable overall. It is warm, comforting, and clearly written with love for both Austen and sapphic romance readers. The pacing is gentle, the romance is sincere, and the emotional atmosphere remains consistently soft and hopeful. While it may not be the most memorable retelling I have ever read, it absolutely succeeds as an easy, cozy comfort read. For readers who enjoy low-spice historical romance, character-focused storytelling, and queer reinterpretations of classic literature, The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy offers a sweet and satisfying experience.
May 5, 2026
Georgiana Darcy is a quiet, smart young woman who is learning to know her own heart. She's kissed one girl before - and the resulting blackmail nearly ruined her - but it's enough to know she never wants a husband. The moment Kitty Bennet steps into her life, Georgianna is smitten. Now she needs to prove to Kitty how much she's willing to give up to find happiness together.
We are lucky readers to get two sapphic romances featuring Georgiana Darcy this spring, and The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy is the second one that I picked up (though it did publish first). This leans YA, only in that Georgiana and Kitty are closer in age to their characters in the original Pride & Prejudice story. Georgiana has not formally debuted, and as an unmarried young woman, she is very much under her brother's care still. Darcy leans overprotective, which makes Georgiana feel even younger at times. That said, Georgiana's inner monologue is very age appropriate and is less a queer awakening than a coming of age/finding the right person for her. The book is told entirely in Georgiana's perspective in first person, which works well for the format. YA books in first person read well because our main character is often analyzing boundaries and working to forge their adult identity. It never felt juvenile, and while Georgiana feels naive at times, the writing never does.
This was fun to read, and I definitely recommend it to younger readers looking for a sapphic romance in the Pride and Prejudice world. I loved having the comparison to The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley, to see how two different authors give Georgiana a queer HEA. Georgiana and Kitty's happily ever after fits perfectly with their storyline.
Thank you to Little, Brown for an eARC. The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy is out 4/7/2026.
We are lucky readers to get two sapphic romances featuring Georgiana Darcy this spring, and The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy is the second one that I picked up (though it did publish first). This leans YA, only in that Georgiana and Kitty are closer in age to their characters in the original Pride & Prejudice story. Georgiana has not formally debuted, and as an unmarried young woman, she is very much under her brother's care still. Darcy leans overprotective, which makes Georgiana feel even younger at times. That said, Georgiana's inner monologue is very age appropriate and is less a queer awakening than a coming of age/finding the right person for her. The book is told entirely in Georgiana's perspective in first person, which works well for the format. YA books in first person read well because our main character is often analyzing boundaries and working to forge their adult identity. It never felt juvenile, and while Georgiana feels naive at times, the writing never does.
This was fun to read, and I definitely recommend it to younger readers looking for a sapphic romance in the Pride and Prejudice world. I loved having the comparison to The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley, to see how two different authors give Georgiana a queer HEA. Georgiana and Kitty's happily ever after fits perfectly with their storyline.
Thank you to Little, Brown for an eARC. The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy is out 4/7/2026.
June 12, 2026
Actual rating: 3.25 stars
I struggled to like the first half of this book because I thought the author made Georgiana meeker and more introverted than I have pictured in my own mind. I understand her hesitation when it comes to Wickham, but I wanted her to have a little more...gumption, if you will. I think that's why the second half was more enjoyable to me. Despite some of her reservations remaining, I think Georgiana really took "control" (as much as she could) of her own life. It was actually quite shocking to me that she thought her brother would abandon her, but I suppose that's a teenaged girl's brain and a great fear during this time period, considering she is wholly dependent on her brother.
I also just wasn't sure why Kitty. I don't her personality really shone through in this book and perhaps that is because I personally don't remember much about her in the original book, so it was hard for me to form a proper picture in my head for why Georgiana would like her so much. I did, however, find their relationship to be cute, shy, awkward, and definitely giving "this is my first crush" type of vibes. I enjoyed how the author handled Charlotte (formerly Lucas, now Collins) but also juxtaposed her life with that of the Ladies of Llangollen.
While I appreciate Elizabeth's support of Georgiana and Kitty, I was more amused by Darcy's silent acceptance of it, just like he wasn't sure what to make of it but still wanted to show that he loved his sister. This also might be a bit of a pet peeve, but I just assumed that Darcy and Georgiana would call Elizabeth "Lizzie" like her family does, yet I'm surprised that doesn't happen. I thought it was something those close to her would call her, so I felt a little taken aback when it didn't happen in this book.
Also, I really wanted Darcy to put Lady Catherine "in her place" in regards to how she handled Georgiana staying with her.
I struggled to like the first half of this book because I thought the author made Georgiana meeker and more introverted than I have pictured in my own mind. I understand her hesitation when it comes to Wickham, but I wanted her to have a little more...gumption, if you will. I think that's why the second half was more enjoyable to me. Despite some of her reservations remaining, I think Georgiana really took "control" (as much as she could) of her own life. It was actually quite shocking to me that she thought her brother would abandon her, but I suppose that's a teenaged girl's brain and a great fear during this time period, considering she is wholly dependent on her brother.
I also just wasn't sure why Kitty. I don't her personality really shone through in this book and perhaps that is because I personally don't remember much about her in the original book, so it was hard for me to form a proper picture in my head for why Georgiana would like her so much. I did, however, find their relationship to be cute, shy, awkward, and definitely giving "this is my first crush" type of vibes. I enjoyed how the author handled Charlotte (formerly Lucas, now Collins) but also juxtaposed her life with that of the Ladies of Llangollen.
While I appreciate Elizabeth's support of Georgiana and Kitty, I was more amused by Darcy's silent acceptance of it, just like he wasn't sure what to make of it but still wanted to show that he loved his sister. This also might be a bit of a pet peeve, but I just assumed that Darcy and Georgiana would call Elizabeth "Lizzie" like her family does, yet I'm surprised that doesn't happen. I thought it was something those close to her would call her, so I felt a little taken aback when it didn't happen in this book.
Also, I really wanted Darcy to put Lady Catherine "in her place" in regards to how she handled Georgiana staying with her.
March 6, 2026
This was a delightful YA Regency romance and a fun take on a queer Pride & Prejudice spin-off featuring 17-year old Georgiana Darcy (Mr. Darcy’s younger sister) and her sister-in-law Kitty Bennet. The moment they meet, they are instantly drawn to each other. The yearning in this book is amazing!
I think we all know that the further back we go in history, the harder life was for queer people to live as themselves. This was no different for Georgiana and Kitty. One thing I appreciated about this story, despite the emotions it brought up, was how rooted in reality the challenge of being queer at this time was. In some other sapphic Regency stories I’ve read, the author takes liberties to make the challenges of being queer less of an issue (which is a wonderful alternative take, but I appreciated the realism of Edwards’ writing). These aspects weren’t overlooked in an attempt to create a lighthearted romance, yet we still get a great HEA in the end.
I did find the initial falling in love to be a bit rushed and unrealistic though. I’m not usually a fan of instalove stories, and this definitely had that vibe. Georgiana was basically in love with Kitty long before they’d had any real conversations. It was still a very enjoyable read that I could not put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think we all know that the further back we go in history, the harder life was for queer people to live as themselves. This was no different for Georgiana and Kitty. One thing I appreciated about this story, despite the emotions it brought up, was how rooted in reality the challenge of being queer at this time was. In some other sapphic Regency stories I’ve read, the author takes liberties to make the challenges of being queer less of an issue (which is a wonderful alternative take, but I appreciated the realism of Edwards’ writing). These aspects weren’t overlooked in an attempt to create a lighthearted romance, yet we still get a great HEA in the end.
I did find the initial falling in love to be a bit rushed and unrealistic though. I’m not usually a fan of instalove stories, and this definitely had that vibe. Georgiana was basically in love with Kitty long before they’d had any real conversations. It was still a very enjoyable read that I could not put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2026
I desperately wanted to like this more than I did. The concept of a queer love story set in the familiar world of Austen's literature seemed like a home run. This book is cute, but it never goes deeper than that for me. Georgiana and Kitty both were rendered a little too shallow, too one-dimensional for me to really buy the love story at the center of the novel. There was no chemistry, no real connection, that gripped me and made me care about the fate of the lovers.
The scenes and angst eventually became repetitive, not helped in any way by none of the characters feeling like fleshed out human beings. I think this book relies a bit too much on the reader's affection and knowledge of Pride & Prejudice to fill in the gaps. I see the potential in a story like this, I just don't think it was well-executed.
2.5 / 5
The scenes and angst eventually became repetitive, not helped in any way by none of the characters feeling like fleshed out human beings. I think this book relies a bit too much on the reader's affection and knowledge of Pride & Prejudice to fill in the gaps. I see the potential in a story like this, I just don't think it was well-executed.
2.5 / 5
April 29, 2026
It feels like the first half of the book is repeated mooning with nothing happening. All of the "Pride & prejudice" parts aren't very Jane Austen. I guess a 40 year old woman isn't the target audience. Might be a better read for teenagers.
September 20, 2025
I love Pride and Prejudice, so a queer contining of the story, of his sister, yeah, I had to read it, and I had such a great time!
September 8, 2025
If you are looking for a continuing Pride and Prejudice story then this quick read soon to be released novel is the one for you! I for one foubd this story to be very engaging and I enjoyed every moment of it. The main focus of the novel is Georgiana Darcy the infamous sister of Mr. Darcy. Georgiana has always tried to be the proper young maiden of society but the problem is that she prefers women to men.
However, years ago she was shamed with blackmail but managed to bounce back her reputation. But after meeting with Kitty Bennett she finds her old feelings creeping back in. Worst of all the very same person who blackmailed her in the past finds out about her new relationship. Will Georgiana and Kitty manage to overcome and find happiness?
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
However, years ago she was shamed with blackmail but managed to bounce back her reputation. But after meeting with Kitty Bennett she finds her old feelings creeping back in. Worst of all the very same person who blackmailed her in the past finds out about her new relationship. Will Georgiana and Kitty manage to overcome and find happiness?
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
April 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
When Kitty Bennet comes to visit her sister at Pemberley, Georgiana Darcy wants her quiet back. She adjusts to the liveliness of two Bennet sisters under the same roof, only to realize she has a major crush on Kitty. After the introduction of this premise, the YA novel The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards dives into the world and characters of Pride and Prejudice as Georgiana and Kitty navigate their feelings for each other and the unaccepting society they live in.
The narrative shines from Georgiana's perspective, and I loved her personality. She's a girl who'd rather read, play chess, or work on her music; in short, she likes solitude and the company of only a few. Her yearning for Kitty is unmatched in this book, and it had me rooting for them to stick together despite society's limitations. I liked Kitty but did not love her and found her too flat for a main love interest. I kept craving more of her personality to shine through. She is presented as a wild Bennet sister who is outspoken and full of life, and she is in some scenes. Overall, she felt one-dimensional with moments of strong characterization. At the end of the novel, she all but disappeared when it came to dialogue and action, which was a bit disappointing.
Their romance unfolds at an easy pace with many sweet scenes between the two as they get to know one another. However, after about the first third of the book, the pace really slowed down, and for me, not enough happened in terms of plot or character development to keep me sucked into the book, so I found myself picking it up for a chapter or two and putting it back down in the middle. The end of the book had a quicker pace that kept me reading and made the book feel a bit more adventurous. I did not find the change in pacing an issue, but it did lead to sections where I felt less invested than others.
The main weakness of the book in my reading experience is that the stakes are not believable. Given that the story takes place in the 1700s and centers on a romance between two teenage girls, the stakes should be high. These teenagers have reputations, family reputation, their financial futures at stake--but I could never fully buy in. But then the world loses its sense of realness at certain points. Personally I wish Edwards had either stuck to the stakes even if it meant an imperfectly happy ending or that she had completely thrown the rules of Austen's world and played a bit more with what could happen.
I will say this is a book I wish existed when I was a tween/teen because I read Pride and Prejudice at about 12 and would have loved to see this representation. Edwards includes many beloved and some infamous characters from the original text, so for fans of the book, there should be something for everyone to be found here. If you're someone who loves all things Pride and Prejudice or enjoys reimagined classics, you should consider adding this to your reading list! If you're a middle grade or teen reader who wants diversity and representation in their school reads, give this book a shot to enhance your experience reading Pride and Prejudice.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
When Kitty Bennet comes to visit her sister at Pemberley, Georgiana Darcy wants her quiet back. She adjusts to the liveliness of two Bennet sisters under the same roof, only to realize she has a major crush on Kitty. After the introduction of this premise, the YA novel The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards dives into the world and characters of Pride and Prejudice as Georgiana and Kitty navigate their feelings for each other and the unaccepting society they live in.
The narrative shines from Georgiana's perspective, and I loved her personality. She's a girl who'd rather read, play chess, or work on her music; in short, she likes solitude and the company of only a few. Her yearning for Kitty is unmatched in this book, and it had me rooting for them to stick together despite society's limitations. I liked Kitty but did not love her and found her too flat for a main love interest. I kept craving more of her personality to shine through. She is presented as a wild Bennet sister who is outspoken and full of life, and she is in some scenes. Overall, she felt one-dimensional with moments of strong characterization. At the end of the novel, she all but disappeared when it came to dialogue and action, which was a bit disappointing.
Their romance unfolds at an easy pace with many sweet scenes between the two as they get to know one another. However, after about the first third of the book, the pace really slowed down, and for me, not enough happened in terms of plot or character development to keep me sucked into the book, so I found myself picking it up for a chapter or two and putting it back down in the middle. The end of the book had a quicker pace that kept me reading and made the book feel a bit more adventurous. I did not find the change in pacing an issue, but it did lead to sections where I felt less invested than others.
The main weakness of the book in my reading experience is that the stakes are not believable. Given that the story takes place in the 1700s and centers on a romance between two teenage girls, the stakes should be high. These teenagers have reputations, family reputation, their financial futures at stake--but I could never fully buy in. But then the world loses its sense of realness at certain points. Personally I wish Edwards had either stuck to the stakes even if it meant an imperfectly happy ending or that she had completely thrown the rules of Austen's world and played a bit more with what could happen.
I will say this is a book I wish existed when I was a tween/teen because I read Pride and Prejudice at about 12 and would have loved to see this representation. Edwards includes many beloved and some infamous characters from the original text, so for fans of the book, there should be something for everyone to be found here. If you're someone who loves all things Pride and Prejudice or enjoys reimagined classics, you should consider adding this to your reading list! If you're a middle grade or teen reader who wants diversity and representation in their school reads, give this book a shot to enhance your experience reading Pride and Prejudice.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
April 10, 2026
Book review: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: regency romance
Themes: sapphic romance, historical, feminism, appearances
📖 Read if you like: A Lady for All Seasons
Pride and Prejudice gets a spin off that gives new meaning to the word prejudice. In this sapphic love story, two fairly bland characters from the beloved classic get their own turn in the spotlight. It had all the longing and erratic behaviour of first love, but it equally showcased the bounds between siblings and how support makes freedom of choice easier to grasp.
Georgiana Darcy always seemed debilitated by her timid shyness and gullibility, while Kitty Bennet was one of the senseless duo who followed her younger sister around in silliness. In this take Georgiana is quietly clever speaking several languages, is a chess master and writes her own compositions. Instead of being falling for Wickham, she agrees to a bargain with him to protect another girl and the secret they share. In this version of history, Georgiana made a strategic decision to preserve her family name.
Free of Lydia’s constant companionship, Kitty is now free to form her own opinions. She is a ray of sunshine who marvels at the world and wishes to see more of it. When she goes to Pemberley to visit her sister, Kitty will meet Georgiana for the first time. For Georgiana the attraction is instantaneous, while Kitty is intrigued by this creature who is unlike any woman she knows. As a friendship blossoms during midnight rendezvous in the library and over plates of gingerbread, the possibility of something more heats between them.
I liked that this sequel gave sidelined characters a voice in a what if tale. Making this a love story set in regency England also highlighted the trials of such a relationship during that period. There were undoubtedly many with similar preferences, but pride and appearance within the aristocracy hid much. It was rather sweet to have Darcy and Elizabeth as fierce supporters of their siblings, though I am not sure the prideful Darcy would be so accepting as he was framed to be here.
I struggled a little with the initial attraction. It read a lot like youthful infatuation with reckless abandonment leading the charge in decision making. It was hard to believe real feelings developed, though I liked the idea of it. I thought Kitty needed to be more interesting. She remained a blank canvas that shaped itself around Georgiana rather than an entity of her own. Still their loyalty towards one another was rather sweet, as was their hope for a future together. Also liked that Charlotte got a shout out as I always thought she had feelings for dear old Lizzie.
I don’t read a lot of romance, but I do reread Jane Austen regularly and enjoy all these spin offs, though it is hard to replicate the master and her witty dialogue. Thank you to Colored Pages book tour, the publisher and the author for gifting me this book.
Genre: regency romance
Themes: sapphic romance, historical, feminism, appearances
📖 Read if you like: A Lady for All Seasons
Pride and Prejudice gets a spin off that gives new meaning to the word prejudice. In this sapphic love story, two fairly bland characters from the beloved classic get their own turn in the spotlight. It had all the longing and erratic behaviour of first love, but it equally showcased the bounds between siblings and how support makes freedom of choice easier to grasp.
Georgiana Darcy always seemed debilitated by her timid shyness and gullibility, while Kitty Bennet was one of the senseless duo who followed her younger sister around in silliness. In this take Georgiana is quietly clever speaking several languages, is a chess master and writes her own compositions. Instead of being falling for Wickham, she agrees to a bargain with him to protect another girl and the secret they share. In this version of history, Georgiana made a strategic decision to preserve her family name.
Free of Lydia’s constant companionship, Kitty is now free to form her own opinions. She is a ray of sunshine who marvels at the world and wishes to see more of it. When she goes to Pemberley to visit her sister, Kitty will meet Georgiana for the first time. For Georgiana the attraction is instantaneous, while Kitty is intrigued by this creature who is unlike any woman she knows. As a friendship blossoms during midnight rendezvous in the library and over plates of gingerbread, the possibility of something more heats between them.
I liked that this sequel gave sidelined characters a voice in a what if tale. Making this a love story set in regency England also highlighted the trials of such a relationship during that period. There were undoubtedly many with similar preferences, but pride and appearance within the aristocracy hid much. It was rather sweet to have Darcy and Elizabeth as fierce supporters of their siblings, though I am not sure the prideful Darcy would be so accepting as he was framed to be here.
I struggled a little with the initial attraction. It read a lot like youthful infatuation with reckless abandonment leading the charge in decision making. It was hard to believe real feelings developed, though I liked the idea of it. I thought Kitty needed to be more interesting. She remained a blank canvas that shaped itself around Georgiana rather than an entity of her own. Still their loyalty towards one another was rather sweet, as was their hope for a future together. Also liked that Charlotte got a shout out as I always thought she had feelings for dear old Lizzie.
I don’t read a lot of romance, but I do reread Jane Austen regularly and enjoy all these spin offs, though it is hard to replicate the master and her witty dialogue. Thank you to Colored Pages book tour, the publisher and the author for gifting me this book.
April 9, 2026
Title: The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy
Author: Erin Edwards
Publication date: 4/7/26 | Read: 4/7/26
Format: e-Book 336 pgs.
Genre:
*YA
*Historical Fic
*LGBTQIA+
*Romance
Tropes:
*sapphic romance
*instant attraction
*shares room
*family drama
*forbidden romance
*friends to lovers
*hidden truth
POV: 1st person single
⚠️TW: homophobia, blackmail, the patriarchy/societal norms, death of parents
🌎 Setting: England
Summary: After being blackmailed for kissing her BFF Helena, Georgiana was sent to London for proper etiquette training. Now she's back with her brother Mr. Darcy and retreats into her music and books. She hates balls and has no plans to marry. She meets and falls for Kitty even though neither can risk the shame or ruin their family's reputation for love. Will her brother and sister-in-law help her and Kitty be together or banish them forever?
Heroine: Georgiana "George" Darcy
Heroine: Catherine "Kitty" Bennet
Other Characters:
* Mr. Darcy-Georgiana's brother
*Elizabeth "Lizzy"-Kitty's sister
*Jane and Mr. Bingley-Elizabeth's sister and husband
*Lydia- Elizabeth's sister, married George Wickham who tried to blackmail Georgiana
*Lady Catherine-Georgiana's aunt trying to marry her off
*Charlotte Collins-Elizabeth's BFF
*James Honeyfield-Georgiana's new suitor
*Emma-Georgiana's lady's maid/confidante
*Frances-a chamber maid banished by Darcy for kissing another woman
*Lady Eleanor and Miss Sarah-an older same-sex couple living together
🤔 My Thoughts: This was an interesting twist on the unconventional love story between Kitty Bennet and Georgiana Darcy. Their forbidden romance was explored with an intense lack of faith in their family's acceptance. They tried to keep things secret but were caught together, and Georgiana was sent to Aunt Catherine's. They ran away together and spoke to other queer women who have made sacrifices for their love.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 3/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Erin Edwards for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Erin Edwards
Publication date: 4/7/26 | Read: 4/7/26
Format: e-Book 336 pgs.
Genre:
*YA
*Historical Fic
*LGBTQIA+
*Romance
Tropes:
*sapphic romance
*instant attraction
*shares room
*family drama
*forbidden romance
*friends to lovers
*hidden truth
POV: 1st person single
⚠️TW: homophobia, blackmail, the patriarchy/societal norms, death of parents
🌎 Setting: England
Summary: After being blackmailed for kissing her BFF Helena, Georgiana was sent to London for proper etiquette training. Now she's back with her brother Mr. Darcy and retreats into her music and books. She hates balls and has no plans to marry. She meets and falls for Kitty even though neither can risk the shame or ruin their family's reputation for love. Will her brother and sister-in-law help her and Kitty be together or banish them forever?
Heroine: Georgiana "George" Darcy
Heroine: Catherine "Kitty" Bennet
Other Characters:
* Mr. Darcy-Georgiana's brother
*Elizabeth "Lizzy"-Kitty's sister
*Jane and Mr. Bingley-Elizabeth's sister and husband
*Lydia- Elizabeth's sister, married George Wickham who tried to blackmail Georgiana
*Lady Catherine-Georgiana's aunt trying to marry her off
*Charlotte Collins-Elizabeth's BFF
*James Honeyfield-Georgiana's new suitor
*Emma-Georgiana's lady's maid/confidante
*Frances-a chamber maid banished by Darcy for kissing another woman
*Lady Eleanor and Miss Sarah-an older same-sex couple living together
🤔 My Thoughts: This was an interesting twist on the unconventional love story between Kitty Bennet and Georgiana Darcy. Their forbidden romance was explored with an intense lack of faith in their family's acceptance. They tried to keep things secret but were caught together, and Georgiana was sent to Aunt Catherine's. They ran away together and spoke to other queer women who have made sacrifices for their love.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 3/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Erin Edwards for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
February 21, 2026
“i was still georgiana darcy, and i knew exactly what behavior was expected of me. the trouble was, i much preferred being kitty’s george.”
georgiana darcy’s plans for a quiet life at pemberley are upset by the arrival of one kitty bennet. georgiana falls head over heels for elizabeth’s younger sister, and when kitty is summoned home for a family emergency, georgiana follows, only to come face-to-face with the man who nearly ruined her life once before. torn between her love for kitty and her fear of rejection and sense of duty, georgiana must consider what future she can live with—and if happily ever afters exist for girls like her.
jane austen’s writing is so witty and incisive and the unruly heart of miss darcy is decidedly not. it reads like the author relied too heavily on playing in austen’s sandbox and while i think this is one of the more believable depictions of instalove i’ve come across—of course two sheltered teenagers with no other queer people in their circles (at least initially), suddenly living under the same roof, might fall for each other—i found the whole romance rather lackluster. what do georgiana and kitty have in common beyond each being the only age-appropriate sapphic the other knows of?
the unruly heart of miss darcy might be more enjoyable if you haven’t read (and adored) pride and prejudice and can approach it as a standalone, without cringing at how OOC some of the more familiar characters are. (although i didn’t mind charlotte’s storyline.) i think it’s passable as YA historical fiction, just not as a jane austen retelling.
i received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
rating: 2.5/5.0 stars
April 26, 2026
The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards reimagines the world of Pride and Prejudice through a queer lens, centering Georgiana Darcy in a story defined by longing, fear, and emotional risk. Written in a close first-person perspective, the novel effectively heightens the internal stakes, immersing the reader in Georgiana’s anxious and often conflicted inner world.
Edwards excels at portraying the psychological tension of a character navigating desire in a society that offers no safe space for it. Georgiana’s past experience with blackmail lends urgency to her present feelings, and her growing attachment to Kitty Bennet is shaped as much by uncertainty as it is by affection. The narrative carefully balances Georgiana’s fear of exposure with Kitty’s own struggles, ensuring that both perspectives carry emotional weight.
The novel is, at its core, a gentle and affectionate romance. While its tone leans toward the chaste, it remains deeply satisfying, particularly in how it expands upon familiar characters. Mr. Darcy is further developed with warmth, Elizabeth remains as compelling as ever, and Charlotte is given intriguing new dimensions. The presence of figures such as Mr. Wickham reinforces the tension, while the unexpected inclusion of the Ladies of Llangollen adds a thoughtful historical touch.
Though understated in its romantic expression, The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy succeeds in crafting a story that is both emotionally engaging and thematically resonant, offering a compelling exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the courage required to pursue love against the expectations of one’s time.
Edwards excels at portraying the psychological tension of a character navigating desire in a society that offers no safe space for it. Georgiana’s past experience with blackmail lends urgency to her present feelings, and her growing attachment to Kitty Bennet is shaped as much by uncertainty as it is by affection. The narrative carefully balances Georgiana’s fear of exposure with Kitty’s own struggles, ensuring that both perspectives carry emotional weight.
The novel is, at its core, a gentle and affectionate romance. While its tone leans toward the chaste, it remains deeply satisfying, particularly in how it expands upon familiar characters. Mr. Darcy is further developed with warmth, Elizabeth remains as compelling as ever, and Charlotte is given intriguing new dimensions. The presence of figures such as Mr. Wickham reinforces the tension, while the unexpected inclusion of the Ladies of Llangollen adds a thoughtful historical touch.
Though understated in its romantic expression, The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy succeeds in crafting a story that is both emotionally engaging and thematically resonant, offering a compelling exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the courage required to pursue love against the expectations of one’s time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I suspect if I had read this book when I was a teenager, it would be one of my favorite books, which does make it hard to talk about now, when it wasn't. Overall, I did enjoy reading it. Georgiana and Kitty were very cute together, but I felt like too much page time was spent on obstacles and separation that was mostly solved with a brief conversation, and I wish that time was spent instead on further relationship development. I also don't personally tend to love random appearances of real people, and the language sometimes felt a little modern for me.
Honestly, though, my biggest issue was just the way the book treated Georgiana's history with Wickham, changing it from him manipulating and taking advantage of her to outright threatening and blackmailing her, while she thought back to the story she told her brother about the situation (the story being the one presented in Pride and Prejudice) as her letting him think of her as an easily led child and the narrative still kind of treating Lydia, who is also a teenager this adult man took advantage of, with disdain. I admit this is a subject I am touchy about, though.
I think this book has a lot to offer, particularly for queer teenage fans of Pride and Prejudice, and I think the emphasis it placed on being able to see yourself in your stories was particularly strong. I hope to see this book do well. I just think I might be a little too old to get everything out of it that I would have when I was the target audience, which is not a crime on the part of this book.
Honestly, though, my biggest issue was just the way the book treated Georgiana's history with Wickham, changing it from him manipulating and taking advantage of her to outright threatening and blackmailing her, while she thought back to the story she told her brother about the situation (the story being the one presented in Pride and Prejudice) as her letting him think of her as an easily led child and the narrative still kind of treating Lydia, who is also a teenager this adult man took advantage of, with disdain. I admit this is a subject I am touchy about, though.
I think this book has a lot to offer, particularly for queer teenage fans of Pride and Prejudice, and I think the emphasis it placed on being able to see yourself in your stories was particularly strong. I hope to see this book do well. I just think I might be a little too old to get everything out of it that I would have when I was the target audience, which is not a crime on the part of this book.
March 24, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! This sapphic Jane Austen continuation immediately caught my eye. In it we are following Georgiana Darcy who is extremely shy and also grappling with secrets she believes could cause her loving older brother to disown her.
The stakes feel high, but the vibe was cozy. I've been looking for cozy reads, but unfortunately I'm never intrigued enough to pick up the more popular recs out there. If you're like me, I recommend checking out retellings and continuations of classics you love. I'm immediately invested in the characters and I'm intrigued by whatever spin the author will put on the story. Erin Edwards did just that. These are the Pride & Prejudice characters I know and love. A common fear with these types of books is that they'll ruin characters, but Edwards handled them and the topic of the book with care.
My only complaint of the book is the lack of detail in the beginning of the love story. I wish we had more scenes between Georgiana and her love interest so we could more easily understand why they fall in love. I'm not a huge fan of instalove, and this book does have a hint of that with Georgiana's immediate attraction to the love interest. This issue didn't ruin the book for me, but I likely would have given it a higher rating if it had more pining and tension at the beginning of the story.
For readers who prefer more intense romances, this is a young adult novel about girls in the Regency era. The romance is extremely tame and we never see more than kisses. I think the book is perfect for teens who love Jane Austen and are looking for a queer story.
Thank you to Erin Edwards, Little Brown Books, and Netgalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The stakes feel high, but the vibe was cozy. I've been looking for cozy reads, but unfortunately I'm never intrigued enough to pick up the more popular recs out there. If you're like me, I recommend checking out retellings and continuations of classics you love. I'm immediately invested in the characters and I'm intrigued by whatever spin the author will put on the story. Erin Edwards did just that. These are the Pride & Prejudice characters I know and love. A common fear with these types of books is that they'll ruin characters, but Edwards handled them and the topic of the book with care.
My only complaint of the book is the lack of detail in the beginning of the love story. I wish we had more scenes between Georgiana and her love interest so we could more easily understand why they fall in love. I'm not a huge fan of instalove, and this book does have a hint of that with Georgiana's immediate attraction to the love interest. This issue didn't ruin the book for me, but I likely would have given it a higher rating if it had more pining and tension at the beginning of the story.
For readers who prefer more intense romances, this is a young adult novel about girls in the Regency era. The romance is extremely tame and we never see more than kisses. I think the book is perfect for teens who love Jane Austen and are looking for a queer story.
Thank you to Erin Edwards, Little Brown Books, and Netgalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2026
Jane Austen is my favorite favorite favorite, so I've never liked any book set inside her worlds — until now! When writers do Austen, they're either trying too hard to BE Austen (impossible), or they accept they'll NEVER be her, so they go so far in the other direction it's unreadable to me. Erin Edwards did such a great thing here, in staying very true to the characters, and as much of the time period as possible here in 2026, but the voice was her own. The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy reads like really good P&P fan fic (complimentary). At first I thought Georgina and Kitty were falling for each other too fast to sustain the momentum of the book, but actually, it's because they had to spend the last third going on a grand adventure to save themselves! I won't say to where, only that if you love lesbian history, you'll swoon over where they're headed. I delighted in this version of Georgina, the retcon of what really happened with her and Wickham, and the ways she uses her limited freedoms to chase her true heart's desire. I also loved how she [REDACTED] WICKHAM IN THE [REDACTED]. A really lovely queer YA book worthy of the Darcy on the cover.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide and honest review.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a lovely, lovey dovey book about a teenage Georgiana Darcy falling in love and finding courage with Kitty Bennet!
Georgiana is the quiet, introverted younger teen sister of Fitzwilliam Darcy (actually, hilariously, she always calls him Darcy in this). She hates parties and company, which means that every time Elizabeth and Darcy throw their monthly ball at Pemberley, she hides in another part of the house. She just absolutely does not want to find a husband, but that's not something she thinks she can tell anyone. Well, one day, Kitty Bennet comes to visit, and she is BEAUTIFUL. Georgiana and Kitty fall in love immediately. But it's the Regency Era, so how can two women possibly be together?
This historical romance was soft and kind, and I felt for Georgiana. Her attempted elopement with Mr. Wickham is not what we thought it was, and she's still scarred by the ordeal. She's haunted by her brother's dismissal of a lesbian maid during her childhood. She's terrified of what might happen if her family rejects her for being a lesbian.
Luckily, everything goes as well as we'd hope.
If you're in the mood for a YA historical romance that makes you feel soft, this is the one for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!
Georgiana is the quiet, introverted younger teen sister of Fitzwilliam Darcy (actually, hilariously, she always calls him Darcy in this). She hates parties and company, which means that every time Elizabeth and Darcy throw their monthly ball at Pemberley, she hides in another part of the house. She just absolutely does not want to find a husband, but that's not something she thinks she can tell anyone. Well, one day, Kitty Bennet comes to visit, and she is BEAUTIFUL. Georgiana and Kitty fall in love immediately. But it's the Regency Era, so how can two women possibly be together?
This historical romance was soft and kind, and I felt for Georgiana. Her attempted elopement with Mr. Wickham is not what we thought it was, and she's still scarred by the ordeal. She's haunted by her brother's dismissal of a lesbian maid during her childhood. She's terrified of what might happen if her family rejects her for being a lesbian.
Luckily, everything goes as well as we'd hope.
If you're in the mood for a YA historical romance that makes you feel soft, this is the one for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book is a very sweet sapphic romance. I think there are parts of it that rely on a reader already knowing the cast of characters. As a Pride and Prejudice lover, I was able to jump right into the story and know who everyone is. I know the circumstances that led to the start of this book - which is about a year after the end of P&P. Unfortunately, that does young readers a disservice.
While I love Georgiana and Kitty, readers don't get a deep dive into who they are, beyond what they do with each other. Georgiana loves playing her instruments, reading, and her solitude. While Kitty's interests aren't really spoken of, except for her liking to spend time with Georgiana while she does her own hobbies.
I think some readers will dislike the changes to Georgiana's past with Wickham, though it serves a purpose in this book.
For young audiences, this is a sweet peek into Jane Austen's work, but it doesn't feature the biting and witty societal commentary that Austen was famous for. However, it does give young queer readers characters who look like them and think like them. And in the world right now, that's absolutely needed
*I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This book is a very sweet sapphic romance. I think there are parts of it that rely on a reader already knowing the cast of characters. As a Pride and Prejudice lover, I was able to jump right into the story and know who everyone is. I know the circumstances that led to the start of this book - which is about a year after the end of P&P. Unfortunately, that does young readers a disservice.
While I love Georgiana and Kitty, readers don't get a deep dive into who they are, beyond what they do with each other. Georgiana loves playing her instruments, reading, and her solitude. While Kitty's interests aren't really spoken of, except for her liking to spend time with Georgiana while she does her own hobbies.
I think some readers will dislike the changes to Georgiana's past with Wickham, though it serves a purpose in this book.
For young audiences, this is a sweet peek into Jane Austen's work, but it doesn't feature the biting and witty societal commentary that Austen was famous for. However, it does give young queer readers characters who look like them and think like them. And in the world right now, that's absolutely needed
*I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
May 14, 2026
I am a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. I am a huge fan of sapphic romances. This book was not my cup of tea. I did not expect this to match the quality of the original novel, but still was disappointed. It is much more Bridgerton than Austen. Characters and the narrative lack depth or empathy.
Things I did not like:
- This novel does not display any understanding of the complex social and economic elements of the original. Jane Austen was not just a romance writer, but a writer of poignant social commentary and everyday life that feels grounded in reality. I was not expecting anything close to Jane Austen's work, but I expected some discussion of class, or marriage as a financial decision. Jane Austen frames marriage as something many women do to ensure a roof over their heads. It is not something that is required or something your family can force upon you. but is strongly recommended if you have no relatives who can financially support you. Austen herself never married. Instead in this story marriage is framed much how Bridgerton frames it, something you do because you "have to", with things like forced marriages being a threat.
- I think Elizabeth Bennet's characterization as nosy and pushy towards marriage is quite out of character. She displays an extreme lack of empathy for Georgiana's feelings and past, bringing up Wickham somewhat frequently. In general, characters who are supposed to be ones we are rooting for lack empathy.
- The narrative shows a complete lack of empathy for Lydia. She, in the original and in this book, is the unknowing victim of a predator who took advantage of her when she was a teenager. The POV in this books seems to chastise anyone who would fall for a charming older man trying to groom them. Probably the most unsavory aspect of this book for me.
- Much of the etiquette rules (such as dances being only expected to be attended by those looking to court) are incorrect. Social events, like dancing, were events for people to socialize, catch up, have fun, and perhaps meet new people. They were not exclusively "suitor finding" events. It feels unsavory to me to present them as such.
- Georgiana and Kitty had no foresight or understanding of financial situations that I think should have been very clear to them.
- Imposing and complex antagonists in the original novels were flattened into cartoon villains.
Things I did like:
- I liked Georgiana's complex relationship with her mother's memory.
- I liked the inclusion of real sapphic figures.
Things I did not like:
- This novel does not display any understanding of the complex social and economic elements of the original. Jane Austen was not just a romance writer, but a writer of poignant social commentary and everyday life that feels grounded in reality. I was not expecting anything close to Jane Austen's work, but I expected some discussion of class, or marriage as a financial decision. Jane Austen frames marriage as something many women do to ensure a roof over their heads. It is not something that is required or something your family can force upon you. but is strongly recommended if you have no relatives who can financially support you. Austen herself never married. Instead in this story marriage is framed much how Bridgerton frames it, something you do because you "have to", with things like forced marriages being a threat.
- I think Elizabeth Bennet's characterization as nosy and pushy towards marriage is quite out of character. She displays an extreme lack of empathy for Georgiana's feelings and past, bringing up Wickham somewhat frequently. In general, characters who are supposed to be ones we are rooting for lack empathy.
- The narrative shows a complete lack of empathy for Lydia. She, in the original and in this book, is the unknowing victim of a predator who took advantage of her when she was a teenager. The POV in this books seems to chastise anyone who would fall for a charming older man trying to groom them. Probably the most unsavory aspect of this book for me.
- Much of the etiquette rules (such as dances being only expected to be attended by those looking to court) are incorrect. Social events, like dancing, were events for people to socialize, catch up, have fun, and perhaps meet new people. They were not exclusively "suitor finding" events. It feels unsavory to me to present them as such.
- Georgiana and Kitty had no foresight or understanding of financial situations that I think should have been very clear to them.
- Imposing and complex antagonists in the original novels were flattened into cartoon villains.
Things I did like:
- I liked Georgiana's complex relationship with her mother's memory.
- I liked the inclusion of real sapphic figures.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Advanced reader's copy review
This book really embraced the historic period, and as a result there was a lot of external conflict. Georgiana and Kitty quickly fall in love, and then spend much of the book fighting to be together as so many different forces drive them apart. I struggled a bit with how much they moved around the country and beyond, wanting more wholesome moments of close proximity. Their love was incredibly sweet, and they were so earnest and honest with each other, with Kitty’s flowers for Georgiana, and Georgiana’s sonata and reading for Kitty. I adored every moment of them together, and hated how frequently they got separated. I also struggled a bit with them as individual characters. I found Kitty underdeveloped, and while I loved Georgiana and her journey, I struggled a bit with her distrust of Darcy. I also felt most of the conflict could have been avoided if everyone just sat down and talked, instead of the constant coming and going. Once that finally happened at the end everything was easily resolved. So overall this was sweet but a bit fast and busy for me.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book really embraced the historic period, and as a result there was a lot of external conflict. Georgiana and Kitty quickly fall in love, and then spend much of the book fighting to be together as so many different forces drive them apart. I struggled a bit with how much they moved around the country and beyond, wanting more wholesome moments of close proximity. Their love was incredibly sweet, and they were so earnest and honest with each other, with Kitty’s flowers for Georgiana, and Georgiana’s sonata and reading for Kitty. I adored every moment of them together, and hated how frequently they got separated. I also struggled a bit with them as individual characters. I found Kitty underdeveloped, and while I loved Georgiana and her journey, I struggled a bit with her distrust of Darcy. I also felt most of the conflict could have been avoided if everyone just sat down and talked, instead of the constant coming and going. Once that finally happened at the end everything was easily resolved. So overall this was sweet but a bit fast and busy for me.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sapphic Pride and Prejudice sequel of my dreams. It took me about a chapter or so to warm up to the story, but after that point I didn’t want to put the book down! Georgiana was so relatable. My heart immediately went out to her. And it was lovely to see Kitty step out of Lydia’s shadow and truly come into her own. Their romance felt so real and was extremely swoon worthy. That first kiss? A jaw dropper. And the letter from Kitty? Sigh. My heart ached for them to be together and I was so happy when they got their well-deserved HEA.
I also enjoyed getting to see more of Elizabeth, Darcy, Mary, and Charlotte. Elizabeth’s acceptance and support, especially her hilarious comment about men, felt sincere and was exactly what I’d expect from her, even given the constraints of the times. I also LOVED the inclusion of the historical figures that made a cameo. My only complain is that I wish I could have seen Mr. Wickham end up on the wrong end of a duel, though that’s more for my sake than the good of the story.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I also enjoyed getting to see more of Elizabeth, Darcy, Mary, and Charlotte. Elizabeth’s acceptance and support, especially her hilarious comment about men, felt sincere and was exactly what I’d expect from her, even given the constraints of the times. I also LOVED the inclusion of the historical figures that made a cameo. My only complain is that I wish I could have seen Mr. Wickham end up on the wrong end of a duel, though that’s more for my sake than the good of the story.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
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