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Five Gentlemen at Netherfield: Pride and Prejudice Variations

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Rivals may pursue Elizabeth Bennet, but only Mr. Darcy can claim her heart

When Netherfield is let at last and five eligible gentlemen arrive, Hertfordshire is alive with laughter, rivalries, and hopeful hearts. Yet, the Bennet sisters are far from desperate. Mary is the wealthy heiress of the family, and each sister’s fortune brings delightful opportunities and surprising challenges.

Jane, more independent than ever, forces Bingley to prove he deserves her, while Lydia and Kitty discover that lessons in maturity may lead to happiness far beyond their girlish dreams. Amid laughter, stolen glances, and altered fates, every sister has a chance to grow—and to love.

Without the shadow of insult and misunderstanding, Elizabeth and Darcy’s acquaintance begins with mutual respect, blossoming into admiration. Their journey toward love is tender, steady, and deeply romantic—yet not without obstacles, for Elizabeth attracts more than one suitor, and Darcy must win her heart through his quiet heroism and steadfast devotion.

As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘Brighton Rescue’

This brand new story is over 500 pages. Both novels are sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.

581 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2025

299 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Laraba Kendig

47 books110 followers
I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

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5 stars
203 (50%)
4 stars
138 (34%)
3 stars
50 (12%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,712 reviews207 followers
October 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I previously read and posted a review of Brighton Rescue: A Pride and Prejudice Variation which is included in this book. This first story is 455 of the 755 pages therein.

We read that a Lord Stanton, Sir Quinton Marston, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Hurst, and Fitzwilliam Darcy are guests of Bingley at Netherfield. The Bennet sisters have now been endowed with £5,000 dowries from their Aunt Amelia. However, Mary's portion is quite generous, £25,000. The dowries are under the control of Uncle Phillips and Uncle Gardiner.

This story slowly has various attractions between these characters, obviously. And some of the couples do agree to a courtship so that they can get to know one another better. Jane even turns down a proposal, wanting to see what develops.

A major event takes up much page space, as Mr. Bennet suffers an apoplexy and lingers, needing constant attention. Mrs. Bennet is in hysterics most of the time. The older daughters exhaust themselves tending to him. It comes to a point that Darcy persuades several to come to Pemberley to regain their own health.

Collins and Lady Catherine play roles.

This story rather dragged for me. I did enjoy the new role for Mary with her wealth.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,350 reviews81 followers
October 15, 2025
Nice story, but light plot
This is good, sweet, story, as all are by this author, but I found this one to be particularly light on the plot, which is how four gentleman guests join Bingley at Netherfield and all five ultimately find a bride. It all went a little too smoothly for everyone, except poor Mr. Bennet. Sometimes a little bump in the road adds more interest to the story—even Wickham was dealt with quickly. This is also a multi-epilogue book. One of them takes the reader to the time of Queen Victoria’s during a coronation fair. It made me think I’d like to read a variation that bring ODC and company in the Victorian era.

I did enjoy the audiobook though, and always look forward to Laraba Kendig’s next. I listened to a couple of hours each evening as I wound down before sleep.

Harry Frost brings his wonderful talent to the story which kept me in it throughout. He’s always fantastic. Five stars.
1,234 reviews33 followers
November 5, 2025
Interesting, A character study

As the title indicates, Bingley, Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, his elder brother Zachary Fitzwilliam, and a Sir Quinton Marston, are all at Netherfield, along with the Bingley sisters and Hurst. The three eldest Bennett daughters are of interest to some of them. However, in this story a maternal aunt has left all of the girls some money, with by far the most going to Mary Bennett. Some time after Mr Collins arrives for his visit, Mr Bennett suffers an apoplexy, resulting in partial paralysis and weakness. Since Mrs Bennett is useless in any crisis, it falls to the eldest three daughters to keep the house and estate running, and also to care for their very ill and needy father. Soon, the stress and effort starts to wear them all down. Certain gentlemen from Netherfield will step up to assist where they can.

I like this author, and can always count on superb writing and a well constructed story. The fortune left to the girls by the aunt, and Mr Bennett's stroke, are the main twists around which the story is built, especially since the money radically alters the attitudes of the three eldest to marriage. I wouldn't call this a romantic story because the three eldest will make their suitors work for their acceptance, and the work the suitors do is more thoughtful and understated, rather than any grand romantic gestures. Most of the relationships involved almost seem a bit too clinical, but I suppose that's a sign of the Regency era.

I recommend the book for an interesting tale from a wonderful author.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,247 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2025
Really interesting

By changing certain aspects of the plot, a new story arises. I found this book very entertaining, the circumstances believable and well written. It also provides several intriguing stories to explore. Lovely!
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,885 reviews16 followers
October 3, 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. This is part of the Pride and Prejudice Variation series. As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘Brighton Rescue’. Both novels are sweet and clean, low angst variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.

Rivals pursue Elizabeth Bennet, but only Mr. Darcy can claim her heart. When Netherfield is let at last and five eligible gentlemen arrive, Meryton is alive with laughter, rivalries, and hopeful hearts. Yet, Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters are far from desperate. One is a wealthy heiress, and each sister’s fortune brings delightful opportunities and surprising challenges. Jane, more independent than ever, forces Bingley to prove he deserves her, while Lydia and Kitty discover that lessons in maturity may lead to happiness far beyond their girlish dreams. Amid laughter, stolen glances, and altered fates, every sister has a chance to grow, and to love.

Without the shadow of insult and misunderstanding, Elizabeth and Darcy’s acquaintance begins with mutual respect, blossoming into admiration. Their journey toward love is tender, steady, and romantic, yet not without obstacles, for Elizabeth attracts more than one suitor, and Darcy must win her heart through his quiet heroism and steadfast devotion. 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.
2,552 reviews20 followers
January 14, 2026
More Gentlemen is a Good Thing!

What a wonderful variation! I enjoyed how much of the story revolves around interactions within a relatively short timeframe At Netherfield and Longhborn. Introducing a few other eligible men as romantic interests added to the plot. I think the realities of life, illness, death and slow building relationships were what I liked best. The series of epilogues moving well into the future allowed us to see a long-standing HEA. The Brighton Rescue reimagines the situation with Lydia in a way that brings more new characters and possible connections to the forefront.
Profile Image for Nina.
285 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2025
This is low angst variation, but it isn’t one of my favorite by this author.
I listened to the audiobook and Harry Frost is one of my favorite narrators.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,350 reviews70 followers
February 20, 2026
In this Pride and Prejudice variation due to the death of their aunt the Bennet daughters each have a dowry of £5000 except Mary who has £25,000. How will this affect their futures especially when five gentlemen arrive at the newly leased Netherfield.
An entertaining and well-written story
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2025
Another good book by Laraba Kendig. This one has more bible verses than some, but given the theme it’s not overly preachy.

As the title says five unmarried gentlemen come to Netherfield, including Darcy and his two cousins the Colonel and Viscount, as well as a baronet. Caroline Bingley has several men to pursue and she does her best to give all of them her attention, but Darcy as the lowest ranked gets a bit of a holiday from her usual excesses. The author has also given Jane a bit of a backbone and no love for the rude Bingley sisters. She also does not approve of Charles’ passive behavior and is willing to let him know why she doesn’t just fall at his feet.

The Bennet daughters have inherited money from a wealthy sister of Mrs Bennet, with Mary receiving the lion’s share. This gives her options for her future as does the smaller competence each of the other daughters receive. The money is managed by their uncles so their parents are unable to squander it.

Mr Bennet’s failing health is also a big part of the story. Elizabeth and Darcy must find a way to court while her father is unwell and Elizabeth runs herself ragged running the estate and caring for her father.

This is a good story with happy outcomes for all the Bennet girls. It also comes with a bonus book, “Brighton Rescue.”
Profile Image for Deb Hughes.
326 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2025
Loved both of these variations

Laraba Kending has an excellent imagination to create our dear characters in a more positive light without quite so much angst. Don’t get me wrong we still have problems with regular irritating characters but with easily accomplished problem solving.
199 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2025
Very Enjoyable

Five Gentlemen come to stay at Netherfield plus the Bingley sisters. One married Charlotte Lucas Mr Bingley Marries Jane, Mr Darcy Marries Elizabeth and Colonel Fitxwilliam marries Mary. The Bennet sisters have been left an inhertance by their Aunt but Mary is the main one to inherit
Profile Image for Kelly.
232 reviews12 followers
January 23, 2026
Audiobook review.... Harry Frost, the narrator, is always fantastic. The story was good too--having enough variation in plot and characters from P&P to make it interesting. However I did stop after reading the second epilogue. There was at least one other one... but three or four or ? epilogues seemed overkill to me. 😉
9 reviews
January 26, 2026
JOY FINDS THE BENNETTS

Happiness and joy are gifted to the reader from the first page. The development of the well loved characters were wonderful. The demise of Wickham was well done. The happiness of the Bennett family touched my heart throughout the story.
It is a joy to read such an uplifting book.
I sincerely appreciate the author's talent. It touched my romantic heart
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 5 books12 followers
September 26, 2025
Double value

Kendig has taken to offering a free bonus offering with her new publications. They are both very good. There is always original twists, as well as characters true to canon and excellent dialogue. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Leatrice.
8 reviews
October 6, 2025
Delightful!

I thoroughly enjoyed this well constructed story. I’m always happy to have a better outcome for Charlotte, but, I think Mary King deserves better.

I appreciated the bonus variation which I had read before but, enjoyed revisiting. Thank you!
Profile Image for Sue.
200 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2025
Positioning Mary as the heiress is delightful.
53 reviews
November 28, 2025
excellent

As always, Ms. Kendig has produced an excellent story. Five Gentlemen at Netherfield was well written and engaging. So nice to have the villains so quickly dispatched.
Profile Image for Charlene S. Robinson.
338 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2025
Once again, Excellent stories

I loved both of these stories! Totally different from each other, but so charming! Keep up the good work and I will keep reading!!
Profile Image for Shannon.
20 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2026
A lighthearted enjoyable story for the most part with happy endings for all the Bennet sisters.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,805 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2026
I enjoyed this sweet and gentle read. It lacks passion and excitement but makes up for it with comfort. Everyone gets their Happily Ever After even Caroline, the annoying one. A good read.
271 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2025
A delight to read

I have savored this duo of stories several times over. In addition to Five Gentleman at Netherfield, it was a pleasure to reread Brighton Rescue. In Five Gentleman at Netherfield, having Colonel Fitzwilliam appear early on, or in this instance, from the beginning always seems to change things for the better as he anchors Darcy. It’s also pleasing that Bingley gets taken to task. Brighton Rescue has a shock in store for Lydia Bennet with beneficial results. I really liked the character developments in Brighton.
195 reviews
October 28, 2025
This book is a lot of fun. All the characters, new and old, are introduced in a way that endears them to us very easily. The scenarios and conversations are beautifully written and we are swept up into the lives and lives of all our favourite P&P heroes and heroines.
Don’t miss this one because it’s a lovely journey.
Profile Image for Ashton Butler.
1,107 reviews
October 18, 2025
sweet sweet

It’s like five gentlemen for five ladies. Such a good sweet story about the five guys falling in love with five ladies of Meryton.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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