Jane's Story: Pride & Prejudice & Potions

Jane Austen Cozy Mysteries: Pride & Prejudice & Potions #5

by Rebecca Yockey

Jane Bennet isn’t the type to chase after a man—especially one who vanished without a word. She’s ready to leave Charles Bingley firmly in the past. But when a business convention turns into an unexpected reunion and a murder investigation, Jane and Charles are thrown together once more. Untangling the mystery proves tricky… almost as tricky as their feelings for each other. To solve the case—and matters of the heart—Jane must decide whether to take a chance on love or walk away for good.

Genres: Mystery

Reviews

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRIDE & PREJUDICE & POTIONS
JANE AUSTEN COZY MYSTERIES.
Jane's story
By REBECCA J. YOCKEY.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Absolutely in love with the cover for this one.
Yet another epic story in an epic series.
Who doesn't love a cozy murder mystery this time of the year.
Bring on the next one ☺

[Marie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I felt really went off the original storyline a bit. Jane travels and stays with her aunt, but meets up with Charles. However, things don't automatically head toward happily-ever-after. She's only there because their last photographer has died, and suddenly another body shows up. I do love how Jane does decide to make her own decisions about her life instead of sitting and letting things just happen. Very excited for Charlotte's story coming next!

[Claire Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book over my fall break. My favorite part was the mystery and the ending was a surprise.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Rebecca Yockey for my eARC, here is my honest review.

The sweet dependable Jane that we all know and love from the original story is transformed in this book into a caring, empathetic and charming young woman. Jane was left confused after Charles had left Austen Heights suddenly following the Netherfield Ball. Reflecting on her life and future she finds that she must pursue her own path and applies for a photographer job in the city, whilst she considers her true passion in life and whether she can take the steps to make it come true.

Sudden doubts appear when she finds out she will be replacing the previous photographer, who died two days earlier in suspicious circumstances.
The job turns out to involve a familiar face and together they become embroiled in solving the crimes that happen at an alarming rate! Will spending time together lead to something more.

This book felt more contained with it being set outside Austen Heights for the majority but it was nice to spend time with Jane as the focus. There are still plenty of faces familiar to Jane Austen fans. It was nice to see Jane's character and strengths show and the development of her path in the overall story. The season is also starting to change from fall and move towards Thanksgiving and Christmas so it is full of cosy vibes. I'd recommend this book to snuggle down under a blanket with a hot chocolate as a great witchy Fae cosy read.

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No secrets among family, and I’m afraid this young man knows them all now. You’ll just have to keep him." 💛

I’ve been loving the Pride & Prejudice & Potions series and Jane’s Story was such a lovely continuation. Rebecca J. Yockey has such a talent for balancing cosy mystery, slow-burn romance and Austen-inspired charm. Jane finally gets her moment to shine in this book... kind, gentle, and quietly strong, she really comes into her own.

I adored how her relationship with Charles developed too. It’s tender and sweet, perfectly suited to both of their personalities and felt very true to who they were in the original Pride & Prejudice, just with a fun magical twist! The mystery element was engaging without overshadowing the emotional journey and I loved the way magic is woven naturally into the world.

It’s another heart-warming, witchy, feel-good read that’s perfect for curling up with a cuppa on a cosy afternoon. I can’t wait to see which Bennet sister gets the spotlight next!

✨ Tropes / Themes:
💞 Slow Burn Romance
🕵️ Cozy Mystery
🔮 Light Magic / Witchy Vibes
👩‍❤️‍👨 Friends-to-Lovers
🏡 Small Town Setting
💪 Self-Discovery / Finding Confidence
📖 Austen-Inspired Retelling

[Kellie- SpicedTeaandChapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful series continues with Jane’s story, and I was so excited to finally see her take the spotlight, especially with the vibrant setting of New York City!

I was so sad when Charles just up and left without a word (seriously, Charles??), but pleasantly surprised when their paths crossed again in this installment. The murder mystery element was fantastic, and I absolutely loved that Aunt Penny joined in on the hunt. She was such a fun addition to the story!

Jane truly finds herself in this book, growing stronger and more confident with every chapter. And while the ending left me mildly infuriated (again… Charles!), I really admired Jane’s determination to take charge of her own life and choices.

I can’t wait to see where the next book in this charming series takes us next!

[Jocelyn Reddoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐️

OMG LOVEEEE!! I absolutely loved this story, Jane is such a sweet, beautiful, caring soul! Her thoughts and emotions were so beautiful described that I literally felt like I was living this story through her eyes.

This story was one of the best ones for sure! I had no idea of who the killer was until the very end, and THAT was a huge surprise!! I’m so glad this was able to keep me HOOKED from the very beginning!

Please read this book, it was fun, mysterious, and I was literally on edge the whole time trying to figure out who the bad guy in the story was, you’ll love it!! 🫶🏼

(P.S. Charles… UGHHHHHH WHY CANT YOU JUST MAKE IT EASY FOR EVERYONE AND MARRY/MOVE WITH JANE TO A SMALL TOWN AND HAVE A BUNCH OF KIDS WHERE JANE CAN BE A TEACHER AND YOU CAN JUST TINKER WITH STUFF IN THE GARAGE?!
Oops…Did I say that out loud?🙈)

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story for Jane and i loved seeing more of her character, away from just being the eldest Bennett sister.
Her photography skills take her to a new job at a business convention where she unexpectedly bumps into Charles Bingley. Unfortunately their reunion has added complications with employee murders happening in the shadows, and rising tensions in the company.
Charles and Jane must work together to figure out who is responsible and to stop themselves becoming the next victims.
There are multiple suspects, and Jane draws on her magic and empath powers to try and detect the culprit.
There's nothing like some fake dating and forced proximity with your crush and boss, when you're hunting for a killer.
Another fabulous story in the Pride, Prejudice & potions series.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fun continuation of the Pride and Prejudice and Potions series, we get to explore New York City with Jane. She unexpectedly gets a job as a photographer for Mr. Bingley's company and a chance to see how they interact since his abrupt exit from town.

At the hotel, solving murders turns into a side gig for Jane and her trusty camera and powers of observation as well as a chance to get her and Charles in more intimate settings and some one-on-one time. I loved how Charles leaned into Jane's talent and assisted and protected her and was willing to spend time with his family and take care of his employees. I enjoyed the multiple mysteries within the one story to keep the reader guessing.

I'm eager to see how Jane and Charles come back together after so many character's stories from the traditional novel are incomplete! I'm so glad we have more novellas to go!

[Amy Saggers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really saddens me to rate this book so low
I just didn’t really enjoy the story.

Jane is the eldest of the sisters and has escaped Austin Heights to get away. Unfortunately for her; she has ended up in the same place as the reason she was trying to escape…Charles.

The story had potential.. I feel however was hindered, there wasn’t enough magic for my liking. I wasn’t a fan of how Charles treated Jane in this book, having a fake relationship when I honestly thought they were together in every single book so far felt wrong to me.
It’s such a shame as I have absolutely loved every single book prior to this one in the series.
I’m so sorry, however this was an ARC for my own opinion.


I’m looking forward to reading Charlottes story next.

[Irma Villaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about Jane. I liked seeing her take a leap into trying something new venturing away from her safety net of her small town. In the previous books she is described as shy and quiet and dependable. It was nice to see her feel like she wanted more out of life but also had doubts as far as her feeling like she has a responsibility as the eldest daughter. Jane reconnected with Charles together they worked to solve a murder mystery. Throughout trying to solve the crime she let him know how she felt about them being togeher. I did hope they got their happily ever after but we might have to wait a little longer for that. Overall I'm glad Jane made the decision she did she found a career she would be happy with and decided to purse it.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am love love loving this series so far and in this book it continues with Jane’s story.

Jane takes on an assignment to take photos for a big corporate company and on arrival she realises that Charles is the CEO. The assignment takes a bit of a turn with murder on the agenda not 0ne but three. The story kept me guessing to work out who the murderer was. Bravo Rebecca brilliantly written.

This book kept me enthralled all the way through. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Charlottes story.

Thank you to the author for my arc and this is my honest opinion

Rebecca Yockey

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story inspired by Pride and Prejudice; this one follows Jane’s adventure! Love that the stories in this series each have a mystery to be solved. There’s a murderer loose at a business convention that Jane is attending, so she sets out to solve the mystery. Along for the solving is Bingley; Jane and Him aren’t exactly in the best place since he just up and left, so these two are having to working on rebuilding their connection as well. These two can be frustrating; both aren’t the best at expressing themselves, but I do like how they are developing. It’s been an entertaining series so far; interested to see how all the characters end up.

[Lindy Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! This was such a fun and cozy read. I loved the reimagined world of Pride & Prejudice. Potions, magic, and even high fae present in our modern world make for a delightful rendition of this classic tale. Add in crisp fall walks along the streets of New York City, romance, murder, mystery, and you’ve got yourself a perfect weekend read. Can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

[Noëmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one!

The mystery had me riddled till the end. I really thought I had the murderer but didn‘t.

I loved Aunt Penny! She was so fun! I could use her glasses! They‘d be really handy sometimes! Also her place sounds awesome! So full of love…

And the love story! I was grunting at my screen about the miscommunication between Jane and Charles whenever it happened. I wanted to take them, shake them and talk some sense into then. Now I can‘t wait to read Charles‘ story!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fake dating, murder mystery, and magic this is a great book. I love how the Bennett sisters and family are scattered through the book showing how much family is important to Jane. Charles is too trusting of his employees and Jane helps to prevent more people from getting hurt. Poor Darcy keeps getting himself in trouble even though we know in the end he is such a great guy. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Adrianne Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the series! Absolutely loved Jane's character as an older sibling. I found her so relatable. I enjoyed the writing of this book and the mystery in NYC and Jane's adventure with photography. It was well done. Looking forward to what happens next. 

I was given an ARC All thoughts are my own.

[Raina Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into Pride and Prejudice and Potions: Jane’s Story, but once I did, I absolutely loved it! The story pulled me in, and I felt like I was right there beside Jane, living her life and feeling everything she did. Such a beautiful and immersive read — I loved every bit of it!

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story with an enticing mix of an enthralling storyline, paranormal elements, and lovely characters (Aunt Penny!). The ending had me looking forward to Charles Bingley’s story!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! I love how close the family sticks together when they are needed. There was a lot of mystery and twists that you don’t see coming. I love the connection between Charles and Jane and I can’t wait to see more!

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read I loved the plot and the characters it was truly amazing 🤩

[Debbie Avati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me enthralled all the way through. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Daniel Yockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. The mystery surprised me at the end, which was my favorite part.

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly cannot recommend this series enough!! and am totally running out of amazing things to say hahaa

ive read All the books so far in this series (thank you Laura for all the arcs)

they just keep getting better and better ❤️❤️

[Miranda Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute but sad look into Jane and Charles as they get separated.
I've always been curious as to how these two became so close; what did they talk about? what did they do together?
And now we can have some answers!
A cozy mystery that has you falling in love with this power couple even as they continually get pulled apart.

[Tanvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little sad that I wasn't able to like this one as much as the others. I wanted more from Jane than just going with the flow and Clarles seemed a little too simple for my taste.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Jane, you and Charles are the definition of hopeless romantics. I loved seeing them grow closer together; So much yearning and empathy and you're both so wholesome! I loved delving into the New York crime scenes for a change of pace while still enjoying the seasonal cozy vibes.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Jane's story. when Charles up and leaves she says she's done with him. when a body shows up at a business convention Charles shows up again and they have to work together to find out who done it and work out their feelings toward each other.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun to read and perfect for a cozy fall evening. I am excited for Charles’ story coming next.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in this interconnected series, and my review will have a few spoilers for previous books, though nothing that will have you gasping in outrage.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

POV: First person
POV Character(s): Jane Bennet
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: Mentions of murder
Spice Level: Low, kisses only

I'll admit this was not my favorite of the series, though it was still a delight to read and a quick book to make my way through. I'd say it wasn't my favorite only because I really thoroughly enjoyed some of the other stories more, like Kitty's and Mary's. But I think the great thing about this series is there's something for everyone. All the characters are so nicely fleshed out, and there are characters almost any reader can relate to because they have such widely varied personalities and interests.

Let's take Jane as an example. She's the oldest sister, and so she feels compelled to be the peacemaker and the one who returns home to make sure all the family is taken care of when her father is ailing with the Moonrot fae sickness. She wants to be a teacher and has a maternal leaning that's really sweet in this book, and she has a hobby as a photographer she's used to make some side income while living back in Austen Heights and wondering when it'll be her turn for her life to begin.

After the first few books in which we're introduced to the highborn fae who visited Austen Heights for a time, we clearly began rooting for Jane and Charles Bingley to get together. Alas, Charles was swept away from Austen Heights quite unexpectedly and without a word to our sweet Jane, who now has to contend with the fact she's been pining over a man who may or may not be interested in her and clearly has no intentions of settling down in sleepy Austen Heights, marrying her, and having a load of children for her to dote on.

So the book greets us with a Jane at a crossroads. Does she tackle her self-appointed job of continuing to stagnate in Austen Heights as the peacekeeper while watching her sisters find the love she longs for? Or does she leave her home and search for a job that will at least get her mind off the handsome and kind Mr. Bingley?

I liked that this book took us out of Austen Heights for once. It's not to say I don't adore Austen Heights as a setting because I absolutely do, but this book gives us a greater glimpse into the world building the authors have done. Throughout the series, we're reminded that Austen Heights is a bit of a bubble. The people living there are aware of magic, know of its existence, and coexist with fae, witches, werewolves, etc. Unfortunately, as soon as you step outside the city limits, the charm allowing you to know the existence of magical creatures breaks and humans lose all memory of their fellow magical beings. For Jane, however, that isn't a problem, even when she travels to NYC to take on a gig with a major company whose photographer recently died. She's half-witch and half-fae, and she doesn't lose her memories of magic when she leaves to work for Haven Corp, a big tech firm hosting a major convention to debut new products in a fancy NYC hotel.

I liked getting the view of what the world outside Austen Heights looks like, and I enjoyed meeting the Bennet sisters' aunt Penny. (Admittedly we didn't get much of a view of their uncle Terrance, and I suspect he's quite content to allow his wife to lead the relationship and interactions with others.) And the descriptions of the hotel where this convention took place have me wishing I had the kind of money to head to a fancy NYC hotel someday.

The plot for this one was fun as always. Jane's swept up into a murder mystery when she joins Haven Corp on a photography gig after their original photographer was murdered. And to her great surprise, she's joined by Charles Bingley, the company CEO. Charles and Jane begin working together both to capture great photographs of the event and to solve the increasing number of murders that continue to happen as the event goes on.

I liked the plot and enjoyed reading through the things happening as Jane snapped away, trying to capture things on film that might help them uncover the murderer's identity. But interestingly I found little tension between her and Charles, perhaps because they'd had so many sweet moments already in Austen Heights or perhaps because Charles just strikes me as either a bit wishy-washy or, as Jane points out, entirely too kind and naive and unable to show himself interested in a woman because he's the guy who's "nice to everyone." By the end of the story, I was still unconvinced that he's into Jane, so I'm eager to read his POV book later in the series and find out why he behaves the way he does.

I enjoyed the little hints of why Charles and Darcy came to Austen Heights in the first place, too. In the first book, there are hints that they're hunting for clues to some mystery, and in this book, there are hints they might have been trying to search for answers to the fae Moonrot disease that tends to be incurable. So eventually we'll have all the answers, I'm sure, but it was nice to get another teaser back to those first books where I got the feeling something more was up than a simple mystery plot.

I will say this book was unique in that there just was little to no flirting on the parts of either Jane or Charles. And considering the book has the "fake dating" trope, I'd have expected a bit more flirting between the two of them. That said, it was fun to see them work together almost as friends, and I'm getting strong friends-to-lovers vibes from their overarching plot across the books. Charles comes off as besotted in the earlier books, only to pull back (thank you, Darcy... not) and then place a bit more distance between himself and Jane. So again, I look forward to Charles's book so I can get to the bottom of his mindset!

Overall, I didn't actually figure out the twist for this book, which is always a delight, and it fell into the world so well and was a fun, fast read. It definitely adds more color to this unique take on a Pride and Prejudice retelling, and again I'm antsy to get my hands on the next book!

Again, I thank the author for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and appreciate that I got the chance to read it. This is my own review, and I'm giving it freely.