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Mr. Darcy’s Forgotten Heir: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Romance
Elizabeth as a single mum? Darcy’s secret baby? They spend one night at an inn before Darcy is viciously attacked, leaving him without memory. Will the heart remember what the mind has forgotten?
Cast out by her family for refusing Mr. Collins, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself alone and penniless at a coaching inn. There she encounters Mr. Darcy, whose gallantry in the face of her compromised situation leads to a hasty marriage. When Darcy seeks transportation for his bride, he falls victim to a vicious attack that robs him of his memory and their marriage documents.
While Darcy recovers in London, Elizabeth discovers she carries his child. With no proof of their union and rumors spreading, she retreats to a remote Yorkshire sheep farm where she gives birth to a son nobody believes is the Darcy heir.
When Darcy finally arrives—alive but changed—he doesn’t recognize the wife who once shared his bed or the dark-eyed boy who calls him “Da-Da.” He is inexplicably drawn to this fallen woman and her toddler son, and finds himself falling in love with a very inappropriate woman.
Their growing attraction battles against Elizabeth’s guarded heart and Darcy’s confusion over dreams that feel like memories. As harvest festivals and cozy evenings by the fire bring them closer, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to hope that what was lost might be found again.
Neither suspect that George Wickham, the architect of their separation, still holds the stolen documents that could restore their marriage—for a hefty price.
As memory wars with instinct and desire threatens their careful distance, can love survive being forgotten? And when the truth finally emerges, will forgiveness be possible for the man who lost everything—including the family he never knew he had?
Their bond transcends memory. Their love is worth fighting for twice.
Secret Marriage • Amnesia Hero • Secret Baby • Single Mother • Yorkshire Setting • Found Family • Falling in Love Again • Compromised heroine • Second Chance Romance • HEA Guaranteed
134,000 words
Cast out by her family for refusing Mr. Collins, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself alone and penniless at a coaching inn. There she encounters Mr. Darcy, whose gallantry in the face of her compromised situation leads to a hasty marriage. When Darcy seeks transportation for his bride, he falls victim to a vicious attack that robs him of his memory and their marriage documents.
While Darcy recovers in London, Elizabeth discovers she carries his child. With no proof of their union and rumors spreading, she retreats to a remote Yorkshire sheep farm where she gives birth to a son nobody believes is the Darcy heir.
When Darcy finally arrives—alive but changed—he doesn’t recognize the wife who once shared his bed or the dark-eyed boy who calls him “Da-Da.” He is inexplicably drawn to this fallen woman and her toddler son, and finds himself falling in love with a very inappropriate woman.
Their growing attraction battles against Elizabeth’s guarded heart and Darcy’s confusion over dreams that feel like memories. As harvest festivals and cozy evenings by the fire bring them closer, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to hope that what was lost might be found again.
Neither suspect that George Wickham, the architect of their separation, still holds the stolen documents that could restore their marriage—for a hefty price.
As memory wars with instinct and desire threatens their careful distance, can love survive being forgotten? And when the truth finally emerges, will forgiveness be possible for the man who lost everything—including the family he never knew he had?
Their bond transcends memory. Their love is worth fighting for twice.
Secret Marriage • Amnesia Hero • Secret Baby • Single Mother • Yorkshire Setting • Found Family • Falling in Love Again • Compromised heroine • Second Chance Romance • HEA Guaranteed
134,000 words
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
199 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Rachelle Ayala
250 books1,228 followersRachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.
Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.
Sign up for her NEWSLETTER to get a FREE surprise book and her latest book news! https://www.rachelleayala.net/newsletter
Visit her Reader's Guide at http://rachelleayala.net/books/ or contact her at http://smarturl.it/ContactRachelle
Join her STREET TEAM https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClubR...
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/rachelleayala
FB Fan page https://www.facebook.com/rachelleayal...
Twitter http://twitter.com/AyalaRachelle
She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.
For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels
SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save
SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound
HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window
NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella
Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.
Sign up for her NEWSLETTER to get a FREE surprise book and her latest book news! https://www.rachelleayala.net/newsletter
Visit her Reader's Guide at http://rachelleayala.net/books/ or contact her at http://smarturl.it/ContactRachelle
Join her STREET TEAM https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClubR...
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/rachelleayala
FB Fan page https://www.facebook.com/rachelleayal...
Twitter http://twitter.com/AyalaRachelle
She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.
For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels
SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save
SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound
HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window
NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 18, 2025
Very interesting read. The beginning engages from the start. The storyline is unique as having never read a similar story. it's written well with only minor places where for whatever reason the author repeats her wording. The only strange occurrence is the entire book is written in third person until the last chapter where it suddenly changes to being written in first person making it a very strange finish -- not something I enjoyed.
September 13, 2025
Mr. Darcy's Forgotten Heir is a wonderfully complex, new Pride and Prejudice variation. Ms. Ayala really "messes" with the story - generating a look at Lizzie and Fitz that the reader will not soon forget. For plot details, see the blurb. All I will say is that the cherub on the cover nearly steals the entire story. I earned a new appreciation for Mary Bennett, continued to admire Lady Eleanor and fell in love with Bellfield Grange. The Grange is where Lizzie waits out her pregnancy, demonstrates her strength of character and proves herself a wonderful mother. This well written tale is one of the longer length that I love. I did not get a lot else done during the two days I spent immersed in this tale of Wickham's treachery! I loved every minute of it.
September 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I have tried reading this author before and we have not jelled, but this one I am happy to say we did.
Its pretty orginal and well written.
I liked it a lot.
Its pretty orginal and well written.
I liked it a lot.
September 26, 2025
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.
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. Part of the Darcy and Elizabeth Forever: Pride and Prejudice Variations series. This story features a secret marriage, an amnesia hero, a secret baby, a single mother, a Yorkshire setting, a found family, falling in love again, a compromised heroine, a second chance romance, and a HEA guaranteed. Elizabeth as a single mum? Darcy’s secret baby? They spend one night at an inn before Darcy is viciously attacked, leaving him without memory. Will the heart remember what the mind has forgotten?
Cast out by her family for refusing Mr. Collins, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself alone and penniless at a coaching inn. There she encounters Mr. Darcy, whose gallantry in the face of her compromised situation leads to a hasty marriage. When Darcy seeks transportation for his bride, he falls victim to a vicious attack that robs him of his memory and their marriage documents. While Darcy recovers in London, Elizabeth discovers she carries his child. With no proof of their union and rumors spreading, she retreats to a remote Yorkshire sheep farm where she gives birth to a son nobody believes is the Darcy heir.
When Darcy finally arrives, alive but changed, he doesn’t recognize the wife who once shared his bed or the dark-eyed boy who calls him “Da-Da.” He is inexplicably drawn to this fallen woman and her toddler son, and finds himself falling in love with a very inappropriate woman. Their growing attraction battles against Elizabeth’s guarded heart and Darcy’s confusion over dreams that feel like memories. As harvest festivals and cozy evenings by the fire bring them closer, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to hope that what was lost might be found again.
Neither suspect that George Wickham, the architect of their separation, still holds the stolen documents that could restore their marriage, for a hefty price. As memory wars with instinct and desire threatens their careful distance, can love survive being forgotten? When the truth finally emerges, will forgiveness be possible for the man who lost everything, including the family he never knew he had? Their bond transcends memory, and their love is worth fighting for twice. 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.
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.
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. Part of the Darcy and Elizabeth Forever: Pride and Prejudice Variations series. This story features a secret marriage, an amnesia hero, a secret baby, a single mother, a Yorkshire setting, a found family, falling in love again, a compromised heroine, a second chance romance, and a HEA guaranteed. Elizabeth as a single mum? Darcy’s secret baby? They spend one night at an inn before Darcy is viciously attacked, leaving him without memory. Will the heart remember what the mind has forgotten?
Cast out by her family for refusing Mr. Collins, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself alone and penniless at a coaching inn. There she encounters Mr. Darcy, whose gallantry in the face of her compromised situation leads to a hasty marriage. When Darcy seeks transportation for his bride, he falls victim to a vicious attack that robs him of his memory and their marriage documents. While Darcy recovers in London, Elizabeth discovers she carries his child. With no proof of their union and rumors spreading, she retreats to a remote Yorkshire sheep farm where she gives birth to a son nobody believes is the Darcy heir.
When Darcy finally arrives, alive but changed, he doesn’t recognize the wife who once shared his bed or the dark-eyed boy who calls him “Da-Da.” He is inexplicably drawn to this fallen woman and her toddler son, and finds himself falling in love with a very inappropriate woman. Their growing attraction battles against Elizabeth’s guarded heart and Darcy’s confusion over dreams that feel like memories. As harvest festivals and cozy evenings by the fire bring them closer, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to hope that what was lost might be found again.
Neither suspect that George Wickham, the architect of their separation, still holds the stolen documents that could restore their marriage, for a hefty price. As memory wars with instinct and desire threatens their careful distance, can love survive being forgotten? When the truth finally emerges, will forgiveness be possible for the man who lost everything, including the family he never knew he had? Their bond transcends memory, and their love is worth fighting for twice. 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.
October 28, 2025
This “what if” takes the story for a spin!
A completely different set of circumstances dictates a whole new tale. In it we see an Elizabeth having to confront very challenging situations and also a very different scenario in Meryton and all its residents. Captivating from beginning to end!
A completely different set of circumstances dictates a whole new tale. In it we see an Elizabeth having to confront very challenging situations and also a very different scenario in Meryton and all its residents. Captivating from beginning to end!
September 29, 2025
Mr. Darcy's Forgotten Heir is a deeply heartbreaking and yet also a wonderfully uplifting journey that is sure to touch your very soul. You will find yourself navigating the world of London society and social expectations of the time as you allow your heart to cheer for Elizabeth and Darcy and what lies before them. Within these pages, I found myself a bit adrift along with Elizabeth, but I knew that if anyone could find their way through it was her. What I discovered was nothing short of miraculous and beautiful almost too much for words to contain.
The circumstances that Elizabeth finds herself in is dreadful and most sinister, but hope is not far from her side. All she must do is decide whether she has the courage to take its hand and imagine more for her life then she thought possible. Will she rise from where she has been discarded and move ahead with dignity, or will she leave herself in a place even worse than she thought possible? Darcy must make a choice to step up and follow his heart, or hold onto his pride and walk away forever. Can he muster the courage to take the step he has always wanted to take and grab hold of a future that takes his breath away? These two have some very serious decisions to make, but can they choose one that will bring them both happiness, or will one miss out while the other gains?
Darcy keeps his emotions close to the vest while carefully showing only constrained emotion. While that works to keep you safe, it will not bring the kind of happiness and joy he truly longs for. Elizabeth can debate and sharpen her wit with the best of them, but she longs for a deeper connection with someone who will see her an equal. She wants love and a home full of warmth and security and true emotion. Can she risk her heart and take a leap of faith while Darcy decides if he risk his heart to the one who makes him feel alive?
This couple is one that never loses their fascination and wonder. They always seem to find each other no matter how they are thrown together or apart. The heart knows what it wants and it won't settle for less then everything. Once you throw a sweet child in the mix, you are guaranteed to lose your heart as you watch this beautiful little family come together. Rachelle Ayala has given us a wonderful new rendition of Elizabeth and Darcy that are sure to stay with us for a very long time to come.
The circumstances that Elizabeth finds herself in is dreadful and most sinister, but hope is not far from her side. All she must do is decide whether she has the courage to take its hand and imagine more for her life then she thought possible. Will she rise from where she has been discarded and move ahead with dignity, or will she leave herself in a place even worse than she thought possible? Darcy must make a choice to step up and follow his heart, or hold onto his pride and walk away forever. Can he muster the courage to take the step he has always wanted to take and grab hold of a future that takes his breath away? These two have some very serious decisions to make, but can they choose one that will bring them both happiness, or will one miss out while the other gains?
Darcy keeps his emotions close to the vest while carefully showing only constrained emotion. While that works to keep you safe, it will not bring the kind of happiness and joy he truly longs for. Elizabeth can debate and sharpen her wit with the best of them, but she longs for a deeper connection with someone who will see her an equal. She wants love and a home full of warmth and security and true emotion. Can she risk her heart and take a leap of faith while Darcy decides if he risk his heart to the one who makes him feel alive?
This couple is one that never loses their fascination and wonder. They always seem to find each other no matter how they are thrown together or apart. The heart knows what it wants and it won't settle for less then everything. Once you throw a sweet child in the mix, you are guaranteed to lose your heart as you watch this beautiful little family come together. Rachelle Ayala has given us a wonderful new rendition of Elizabeth and Darcy that are sure to stay with us for a very long time to come.
September 13, 2025
Mr. Darcy's Forgotten Heir is a wonderfully complex, new Pride and Prejudice variation. Ms. Ayala really "messes" with the story - generating a look at Lizzie and Fitz that the reader will not soon forget. For plot details, see the blurb. All I will say is that the cherub on the cover nearly steals the entire story. I earned a new appreciation for Mary Bennett, continued to admire Lady Eleanor and fell in love with Bellfield Grange. The Grange is where Lizzie waits out her pregnancy, demonstrates her strength of character and proves herself a wonderful mother. This well written tale is one of the longer length that I love. I did not get a lot else done during the two days I spent immersed in this tale of Wickham's treachery! I loved every minute of it.
September 13, 2025
Mr. Darcy's Forgotten Heir is a wonderfully complex, new Pride and Prejudice variation. Ms. Ayala really "messes" with the story - generating a look at Lizzie and Fitz that the reader will not soon forget. For plot details, see the blurb. All I will say is that the cherub on the cover nearly steals the entire story. I earned a new appreciation for Mary Bennett, continued to admire Lady Eleanor and fell in love with Bellfield Grange. The Grange is where Lizzie waits out her pregnancy, demonstrates her strength of character and proves herself a wonderful mother. This well written tale is one of the longer length that I love. I did not get a lot else done during the two days I spent immersed in this tale of Wickham's treachery! I loved every minute of it.
September 15, 2025
A very enjoyable read... though I must say that around the 55% mark I was so upset by Elizabeth's unfair treatment of Darcy that I almost stopped reading. I'm glad I didn't!
September 10, 2025
Great story
I enjoyed this story. From the inn where Elizabeth was left at to Lady Catherine being denied a Christmas with the Darcys! I'd definitely recommend this to all Pride and Prejudice Variation enthusiasts.
I enjoyed this story. From the inn where Elizabeth was left at to Lady Catherine being denied a Christmas with the Darcys! I'd definitely recommend this to all Pride and Prejudice Variation enthusiasts.
September 18, 2025
Absolutely Wonderful
Five happy stars for this compelling story that never stops keeping a reader happily consuming every single word. Instead of being filled with enormous amounts of angst, this book is mostly filled with determination, hope, and faith. Yes, the faith sometimes falters but it never really fails.
Five happy stars for this compelling story that never stops keeping a reader happily consuming every single word. Instead of being filled with enormous amounts of angst, this book is mostly filled with determination, hope, and faith. Yes, the faith sometimes falters but it never really fails.
November 4, 2025
A broken Darcy. Clever Elizabeth
Though i enjoyed it for the most part, this is a much different version of P &P. I will read more of the authors offerings, but understand there may be issues.
Some have mentioned that this was low angst. I disagree.
Darcy is grievously injured early on in the
story. I had to suspended belief due to a prolonged period of "coma" where no human could survive without liquids. Especially considering the time period.
There were relatively few editing issues and factual problems until close to the end.
I missed Jane not being part of the story. Kitty, Lydia & the Gardiners are hardly there. Pemberly is only talked about.
Though i enjoyed it for the most part, this is a much different version of P &P. I will read more of the authors offerings, but understand there may be issues.
Some have mentioned that this was low angst. I disagree.
Darcy is grievously injured early on in the
story. I had to suspended belief due to a prolonged period of "coma" where no human could survive without liquids. Especially considering the time period.
There were relatively few editing issues and factual problems until close to the end.
I missed Jane not being part of the story. Kitty, Lydia & the Gardiners are hardly there. Pemberly is only talked about.
September 14, 2025
The plot of this variation is too unbelievable for my taste. I like my variations grounded in reality. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are not entirely pleasant but their obvious flaws make them humans so that's ok. The book focuses on Darcy and Elizabeth, as it should, but the characters and motivations of Lady Catherine, Wickham, Mr and Mrs Bennet are not developed enough, or consistent enough, even if their actions are essential to the story. It weakens the whole plot. I skipped a lot towards the end because the story never really engaged me.
September 20, 2025
A sad but redemptive story. A husband who is nearly killed his wedding night, his bride waiting anxiously for him. Lost marriage papers and people paid to lie are part of this story. Elizabeth's steadfast love keeps her hopeful since she is apart from Darcy while he heals. She is pregnant and has no proof of their marriage and Darcy has no memory of it. This story goes through the painstaking months while they are apart. Darcy keeps a log of their child's developments and never gives up. She has a loyal set of friends who help her through this time. The waiting is painful.
November 5, 2025
Suspend your belief, the characters are rather OOC. I could have found this more tolerable had everything between Elizabeth and Darcy in the beginning not happened sooooo quickly. There needed to be some kind of foundation instead of just throwing them together, especially at that point in the original Pride and Prejudice, as Elizabeth did not like him at that time.
This book could use a little bit of editing/proofreading. I found a couple of moments where one aunt was referred to as the other and vice versa.
This book could use a little bit of editing/proofreading. I found a couple of moments where one aunt was referred to as the other and vice versa.
October 12, 2025
is this a comedy
I never thought Mary or Mr Collins would be my favorite characters but as they were the only ones in the whole book who told the truth or acted with any sense, there it is. The whole ride was frustrating and simultaneously unintentionally hilarious. I found myself yelling JUST TELL HIM among other things at Elizabeth who, double minded, insisted on getting everything she wanted and then rejecting it hilariously. Don’t bother with this one it’s so bad.
I never thought Mary or Mr Collins would be my favorite characters but as they were the only ones in the whole book who told the truth or acted with any sense, there it is. The whole ride was frustrating and simultaneously unintentionally hilarious. I found myself yelling JUST TELL HIM among other things at Elizabeth who, double minded, insisted on getting everything she wanted and then rejecting it hilariously. Don’t bother with this one it’s so bad.
September 26, 2025
Another beautifully written book by an amazing author. Elizabeth’s life hasn’t been easy and now it’s even more difficult. Will things ever go back to normal. Don’t miss out to find out what happens.
October 29, 2025
Unbelievable
You will have to step completely out of all realms of believability to truly enjoy this story. One thing after another that is just not plausible.
You will have to step completely out of all realms of believability to truly enjoy this story. One thing after another that is just not plausible.
September 17, 2025
This book is so well written that you feel the loss and pain that Elizabeth goes through. Greatly enjoyed all the twists and turns as Darcy comes to find his love and correct his mistakes. Little William is so sweet and utterly adorable!. Highly recommend you read this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews