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Wickham Likes 'Em Young: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
What if Elizabeth and Jane Bennet saw Darcy, Wickham, and Richard Fitzwilliam nine years before the Meryton Assembly during which Mr. Darcy actually met Elizabeth Bennet? How will this early exposure change the interactions between the two?
And what if Jane is torn between her affection for Mr. Bingley and her years-long infatuation with Mr. Wickham? Can Elizabeth and Darcy save Jane from herself? Should they even try?
This Pride and Prejudice variation is about 64,000 words and features mature content.
And what if Jane is torn between her affection for Mr. Bingley and her years-long infatuation with Mr. Wickham? Can Elizabeth and Darcy save Jane from herself? Should they even try?
This Pride and Prejudice variation is about 64,000 words and features mature content.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
About the author
Cathleen Earle
25 books10 followersCathleen Earle is that rare thing - someone who is third generation Southern Californian. Raised in Pasadena, she went to the University of La Verne and now lives in Chino, a town known for cows and prisons. (She has nothing to do with either!)
A long-time education writer and editor, she writes science fiction books for kids and teens and Pride and Prejudice variations for adults.
Cathleen loves science fiction and Jane Austen, alternative rock music and jigsaw puzzles, streaming TV shows (think "Resident Alien" and "The Good Place") and really, really old places (think the Roman Forum and Stonehenge).
A long-time education writer and editor, she writes science fiction books for kids and teens and Pride and Prejudice variations for adults.
Cathleen loves science fiction and Jane Austen, alternative rock music and jigsaw puzzles, streaming TV shows (think "Resident Alien" and "The Good Place") and really, really old places (think the Roman Forum and Stonehenge).
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 18, 2026
Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep
Don't let the title of this gripping tale deter you from reading it, not if you enjoy a well-written and succinct story. Within its pages, you will find a vibrant and witty Elizabeth and a less haughty Darcy. His behaviour is all one could desire in an honourable gentleman. Some of my fondest tropes are here, including ODC 'meeting' when they were younger, a better-behaved Mr Bennet, and a not-so-nice Jane.
I have only recently stumbled upon this author's stories via her Pride and Other Sins series. Upon thoroughly enjoying her writing style and premises there, I am now setting out to devour the remainder of her catalogue.
Don't let the title of this gripping tale deter you from reading it, not if you enjoy a well-written and succinct story. Within its pages, you will find a vibrant and witty Elizabeth and a less haughty Darcy. His behaviour is all one could desire in an honourable gentleman. Some of my fondest tropes are here, including ODC 'meeting' when they were younger, a better-behaved Mr Bennet, and a not-so-nice Jane.
I have only recently stumbled upon this author's stories via her Pride and Other Sins series. Upon thoroughly enjoying her writing style and premises there, I am now setting out to devour the remainder of her catalogue.
February 16, 2026
Interesting story with some inventive ideas. 3.5-stars rounded up for a very nice romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, and because Elizabeth was likable and sensible.
I was tempted to round down to 3-stars because:
I was tempted to round down to 3-stars because:
November 22, 2025
Fun read
I enjoyed this easy read. Jane is definitely not a canon portrayal, I was happy to see that Elizabeth and Mary grow. I didn't give this 5 stars because some of the situations were never clearly explained. I also enjoy an affectionate ODC. Nothing is overly steamy, but it's nice to see a happily married D&E post wedding.
I enjoyed this easy read. Jane is definitely not a canon portrayal, I was happy to see that Elizabeth and Mary grow. I didn't give this 5 stars because some of the situations were never clearly explained. I also enjoy an affectionate ODC. Nothing is overly steamy, but it's nice to see a happily married D&E post wedding.
March 29, 2026
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. In this book, there are intimations that George Wickham may have seduced girls as young as 14 years old, and that he may have raped an adult woman. None of these crimes are mentioned by other story characters as certainties, and there is no description of rape or sexual assault. Still, the brief discussions between characters about the possibilities may be triggering to some people.
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. What if Elizabeth and Jane Bennet saw Darcy, Wickham, and Richard Fitzwilliam nine years before the Meryton Assembly during which Mr. Darcy actually met Elizabeth Bennet? How will this early exposure change the interactions between the two? What if Jane is torn between her affection for Mr. Bingley and her years-long infatuation with Mr. Wickham? Can Elizabeth and Darcy save Jane from herself? Should they even try? 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. In this book, there are intimations that George Wickham may have seduced girls as young as 14 years old, and that he may have raped an adult woman. None of these crimes are mentioned by other story characters as certainties, and there is no description of rape or sexual assault. Still, the brief discussions between characters about the possibilities may be triggering to some people.
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. What if Elizabeth and Jane Bennet saw Darcy, Wickham, and Richard Fitzwilliam nine years before the Meryton Assembly during which Mr. Darcy actually met Elizabeth Bennet? How will this early exposure change the interactions between the two? What if Jane is torn between her affection for Mr. Bingley and her years-long infatuation with Mr. Wickham? Can Elizabeth and Darcy save Jane from herself? Should they even try? 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.
December 1, 2025
a surprisingly strong read
Wickham not my fav (naturally) in PPFF; usually avoid those books wherein he’s written as MC (my prejudice is ironic) but glad I persevered bc about 40% through this entertaining book realized it’s not HIM as a MC, it’s his debauchery which is cleverly interwoven & drives plot —very cleverly executed too! Lots of opportunities for personal growth for ODC (Wickham’s verbal/physical attacks are scandalous); one of my fav things in JAFF is when not everyone gets the same HEA. Adored this version of Darcy, Elizabeth quite naive but so engagingly a good person she is a delight; Bennet Family in general will surprise and yes, shock you throughout the story, Netherfield characters are important but mostly just as minor contributors — but that’s also tied into the plot….dont let this quick read fool you-there’s a lot more going on inside than you think. Will read again — and def recommend!
Wickham not my fav (naturally) in PPFF; usually avoid those books wherein he’s written as MC (my prejudice is ironic) but glad I persevered bc about 40% through this entertaining book realized it’s not HIM as a MC, it’s his debauchery which is cleverly interwoven & drives plot —very cleverly executed too! Lots of opportunities for personal growth for ODC (Wickham’s verbal/physical attacks are scandalous); one of my fav things in JAFF is when not everyone gets the same HEA. Adored this version of Darcy, Elizabeth quite naive but so engagingly a good person she is a delight; Bennet Family in general will surprise and yes, shock you throughout the story, Netherfield characters are important but mostly just as minor contributors — but that’s also tied into the plot….dont let this quick read fool you-there’s a lot more going on inside than you think. Will read again — and def recommend!
January 17, 2026
Surprisingly good!
Of course, I was a bit prejudiced by the title (I hate that scoundrel) but the story turned out to be lovely. Wickham was “wild and wicked Mr. Wickham,” as Lizzy dubbed him, and Caroline was her usual supercilious self. Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are barely mentioned. I don’t like to give away the storyline when writing these reviews, and I won’t do that here. I enjoyed reading this novel on a snowy day with tea and hot chocolate (not at the same time) and my cat owners snoozing nearby.
Of course, I was a bit prejudiced by the title (I hate that scoundrel) but the story turned out to be lovely. Wickham was “wild and wicked Mr. Wickham,” as Lizzy dubbed him, and Caroline was her usual supercilious self. Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are barely mentioned. I don’t like to give away the storyline when writing these reviews, and I won’t do that here. I enjoyed reading this novel on a snowy day with tea and hot chocolate (not at the same time) and my cat owners snoozing nearby.
January 1, 2026
Refreshing
I totally enjoy a Pride and Prejudice variation that is written out-of-the-box. One that doesn't follow the norm. This one had less angst and showed ODC fall in love quickly and believable. Something I would most likely, read over and over again. Thank you, Cathleen Earle, for the entertainment provided!
I totally enjoy a Pride and Prejudice variation that is written out-of-the-box. One that doesn't follow the norm. This one had less angst and showed ODC fall in love quickly and believable. Something I would most likely, read over and over again. Thank you, Cathleen Earle, for the entertainment provided!
January 21, 2026
Surprising twists
It is a well written story with witty dialog and unexpected turns. I'd like to say more but I don't want to divulge anything and spoil the fun. Often times the story descriptions give away too much but this one did not. So don't read to many reviews just read the book. It won't disappoint.
It is a well written story with witty dialog and unexpected turns. I'd like to say more but I don't want to divulge anything and spoil the fun. Often times the story descriptions give away too much but this one did not. So don't read to many reviews just read the book. It won't disappoint.
November 21, 2025
Charming
An absolutely intriguing little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Cathleen Earl. I enjoyed it.
An absolutely intriguing little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Cathleen Earl. I enjoyed it.
April 25, 2026
Horrible Wickham and a bad Jane.
I hope we could get some more about Darcy's thoughts, it seems he was not proud in this book. When did he decide to have Elizabeth as his bride?
I hope we could get some more about Darcy's thoughts, it seems he was not proud in this book. When did he decide to have Elizabeth as his bride?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews