A light-hearted Regency romance where second chances meet the London festive season
When Jane Bennet tumbles into the arms of the dashing Viscount Keathley outside a London bookshop, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself facing the one man she'd sworn to the proud Mr Darcy. With a chain of events set in motion by a very determined and very charming Viscount pursuing Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy can no longer avoid each other.
Set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London during the festive Christmas season, this witty Pride and Prejudice variation follows Elizabeth and Darcy as they navigate family expectations, meddling relatives, and their own stubborn hearts. From the drawing rooms of Cheapside to the grand ballrooms of Mayfair, misunderstandings unravel and unexpected alliances form.
Mr Darcy's New Year's Resolution comes with a rakish aristocrat determined to court Jane, a formidable Lady Catherine who surprises everyone, and a sweet Georgiana Darcy finding her voice. This fresh twist on Austen's beloved classic proves that sometimes the best resolutions are the ones we never planned to make.
Perfect for fans
Pride and Prejudice variations and retellingsLight-hearted Regency romance with humourSweet historical romance with strong heroinesJane Austen adaptations set in LondonEnemies to lovers romanceChristmas and New Year's historical fictionClean romance with witty banterCan two proud hearts find their way to love before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve?
Austenite by obsession. Romance writer by compulsion. I write Pride and Prejudice variations, Regency romance, and stories where the characters have better comebacks than I do. I like my heroines bold, my heroes redeemable, and my readers laughing out loud. I write between genres because I have a questioning, wandering mind and I get fascinated with many things. I love writing contemporary romances, mostly later-in-life, but always with hope and HEA. One day I will get to finish my crime novel. Honestly, I will.
This author has quickly become an auto read for me. I believe I've read all of her currently published books, or very near to all. This, I believe, is the best one yet. Viscount Keathly is the comedic star of this book; really laugh out loud funny. I've been reading JAFF for 20 years so I enjoy reading stories that don't include the usual Wickham/Lydia trope. There is no Wickham to be seen, the Bingley snobs are given a wonderful set down in public, and it appears Lady CdB can change her stripes. Such a fabulous, hearty belly laugh of a book. If you have not read anything by this author, do yourself a favor and give her books a try. You certainly won't be disappointed!
Elizabeth runs into a flustered Darcy in a London bookstore. She tries to avoid his notice but is unsuccessful. His cousin Lord Keithly is a huge part of this tale.
Warning: You will fall in love with the Viscount!!!
He is an adorable, intelligent , humorous and insufferably Handsome!!!
With charm that drips from his every word! He sees Jane and is immediately enchanted:)
Darcy is a complete mess with his unresolved feelings for Elizabeth!
Enjoy how Darcy and the Viscount plan strategy to win the love of the Bennet sisters!
This author is a brilliant wordsmith! Creating many laugh out loud scenes and conversations !
I have read most of this author’s p&p variations, and this one is my favorite. I love the snappy dialogue, a swoon worthy Darcy, and the Matlock and Gardiner families. This is low angst, but still fun. The ending with Lady Catherine is awesome. I’d love a follow up book covering the following season.
I have read hundreds of P&P variations. This one is EXCELLENT! I absolutely loved the wit, the pacing, the situations, the outcome. The only thing to make it better would have been a comeuppance for Wickham.
After the Netherfield ball, the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, breaking Jane's heart, and infuriating Elizabeth. The Gardiners invite Jane and Elizabeth to London for the Christmas season so that the two young women can escape Mrs Bennett's constant lamenting. Just when Jane is beginning to accept that the Bingleys were false friends, there is a "meet cute" at Hatchard's book shop, where Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs Gardiner run into Darcy, Georgiana, and their cousin Viscount Keathley, Robert Fitzwilliam. The Viscount is immediately smitten with Jane, and Darcy is reunited with Elizabeth, whom he reluctantly admires. Sparks fly, both good and bad, and they're all in for an interesting holiday season.
This is my first time reading this author, and I'm hoping for more in the future. Ms Karantoni has a wonderful talent for humor and witty banter, which is much appreciated. I love the character of Viscount Keathley, who is a perfect counterpoint for Darcy. This is a low angst, pure pleasure romp that leaves you wishing for more. It's refreshing when Jane is allowed a bit of backbone. Darcy is swoon worthy and Elizabeth is courageous. The book is well written and well edited. I loved it, and recommend it highly.
I have read hundreds of the variations, I am taking the time to review this work. I enjoyed the introduction of each individual, the descriptions being witty and on the mark. I laughed, really laughed out loud, as this author used humor to exploit the quirks of the familiar characters, making them obsurd in the best ways. What she does for Jane is refreshing, and for Elizabeth makes her beautifully fierce. This was a seriously funny read and Lefki Karantoni has become one of my favorite authors of the Pride and Prejudice variations. I can hardly wait to begin another of her 'light hearted' books. If I could be granted a wish I would ask for a variation of Sense and Sensibility by this extraordinary lady author, oh my, how fun it could be.
Sweetly romantic, very witty, and thoroughly entertaining variation as we find Elizabeth and Jane in London shortly after the Netherfield group departs Meryton. Jane grows wiser and finds true love, Darcy and Elizabeth find their way to a truce, and many canon characters help relationships develop. Excellent dialogue, good writing, and creative character development. Lady Catherine is a triumph.
It flows like new, well greased cabriolet of Mr Darcy with twist of sharp wit of Miss Bennett and steam rolling with power of Lady DeBourgh. Another masterful writing of known author, who proved again, that a good book with humor can make a best reading !!! Thank you.
I've read over 2000 P&P variations over the years and few have had me laugh as this did.Few have the sense of humor this one has. If you, like me, think Bingley does not deserve Jane Bennet, you will enjoy this as Jane blossoms with the attention of Darcy's cousin. The characters are well developed and the story entertaining. I haven't enjoyed a variation this much in a long time. A different, immature and flighty Charles Bingley has a small part that is very different from the original. Mrs. Bennett and Miss Bingley only have cameos at the proper time in the story and they are as they were in P&P
The only issue I had was the final chapter. To me it seemed unnecessary and a bit out of place as the story ends focused on minor characters in the grand scheme of the book. Allthough the premise of Lady Catherine trying to fix Lydia Bennet is an interesting concept, I don't have preferred an epilogue focused on the two couples. That said Lady Catherine taking Lydia under her wing would make a great book by itself. I would love to see this author tackle that concept and develop it into a P&P version of the Taming of the Bennet shrew. Overall, great story, wonderful writing, creative dialog and a sense of humor. I now count this in my top ten P&P variations since I began reading them over 20 years ago. 5 stars,highly recommended.
A lively and fun read. I enjoyed the witty dialog, with Darcy and Elizabeth both being very stubborn. The heir to the Earl of Matlock is pursuing Jane and D&E get pulled along. Lady Catherine is her usual self with a surprising twist at the end.
A fun novella that is a quick read, taking place over two weeks in London's 1811 festive season. This author is creative, and I highlighted some witty gems of sentences. I look forward to a sequel centred on Lady Catherine's new project.
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 Book 2 of the ‘Pride and Prejudice Resolutions’ series that must be read in order to get the full story effect for each book continues the story from the previous book.
This collection of humorous variations is firmly set in the Regency era, but with delightful new twists, new characters, and unlikely pairings. Each book explores the "what if," delivering a satisfying blend of redemption and comeuppance through laughter, emotion, and witty banter. Whether it is a heist, a carriage chase, or a New Year's romantic resolution, these stories promise low-angst adventures for those who love Jane Austen's world but crave a fresh, funny perspective.
This story comes with a rakish aristocrat determined to court Jane, a formidable Lady Catherine who surprises everyone, and a sweet Georgiana Darcy finding her voice. This fresh twist on Austen's beloved classic proves that sometimes the best resolutions are the ones we never planned to make. This is a light-hearted Regency romance where second chances meet the London festive season. Set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London during the festive Christmas season, this witty variation follows Elizabeth and Darcy as they navigate family expectations, meddling relatives, and their own stubborn hearts. From the drawing rooms of Cheapside to the grand ballrooms of Mayfair, misunderstandings unravel and unexpected alliances form.
When Jane Bennet tumbles into the arms of the dashing Viscount Keathley outside a London bookshop, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself facing the one man she'd sworn to avoid, the proud Mr Darcy. With a chain of events set in motion by a very determined and very charming Viscount pursuing Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy can no longer avoid each other. Can two proud hearts find their way to love before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve? 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.
This is a pretty hilarious story. It begins about mid-December after the Bingley party’s removal from Hertfordshire. The laughs begin right away with Darcy (ostensibly Christmas shopping) clutching a novel (“Cecelia”) to his breast in Hatchard’s because he once saw Elizabeth reading it at Netherfield. In comes his cousin, Viscount Keathley, who begins to torment him for being in such straits, before they literally run into the Bennet sisters. The Viscount is officially a goner after getting a load of Jane, and Darcy is not long behind him.
Darcy now has some heavy lifting to accomplish to earn Elizabeth’s regard as he currently only owns her lethal enmity. If that is not enough, there is his family and hers to conquer. The Viscount is there to encourage and humiliate him onward, though, so all is not lost. Bingley briefly comes back into the picture to find his angel less than perfectly forgiving.
And in the epilogue Lady Catherine decides to take on Lydia as a project. I laughed my way through this story. It is low angst and a very fun read.
Laugh out loud funny, and I really appreciated the author's command of metaphor. I frequently stopped reading just to admire particular sentences.
'When one was miserable, Robert was like a very charming, very well-dressed mosquito.'
Or
At a dinner at the Earl and Countess's home, 'Robert spent the first course, a soup that tasted of sherry and intimidation, watching the others.'
Or
'Behind her, Anne trailed in her wake, wrapped in a shawl despite the mild April sun, looking as she always did: like a willow tree that had given up on photosynthesis.'
I thought the Viscount seemed a bit lightweight for Jane, admiring only her beauty, although the author assures us they discussed serious matters (although we don't see this). Aside from this quibble, very enjoyable.
Very enjoyable holiday story. I specifically liked how actions of family and friends contributed to changing both Elizabeth and Darcy. Robert F. and Charles B. were important to the flow of the storyline. Loved seeing Jane’s strength as she dealt with the Bingleys.
My rating is not quite 5 stars because the language and descriptions seemed rather modern for the time period — as if the author were transitioning to or from books for a contemporary time frame.
Definitely recommended as a satisfying read for a restful respite from the holiday stresses of 2025.
I loved this book, it is so funny, the dialogue is wonderful and the descriptions are inspired! I remembered to mark some of them, but I'm sure I missed some as I was busy with the story. I often try to find a favorite quote, but there were too many to choose from.
I loved Darcy's cousin, Viscount Keathley, he was a scamp and hilarious. Colonel Fitzwilliam's role was smaller, but also good. Jane was wonderful, finally getting over Bingley when she realized that a man who truly loved her would not let others convince him to abandon her. Lady Catherine was herself, but improved greatly. The Gardiners were also wonderful.
This story instantly catapulted itself to my top-three favorite P&P variations ever, and there it shall forever stay.
The story is compelling, the pacing is great, and the characters leap off every page. Not just our familiar favorites but there's a spectacular newcomer whom I wish were canonical.
Seriously. He's that good.
But the writing??? OHHHH, the writing!! It is evocative, hilarious, moving, sharp, and endlessly romantic. So many lines made me tear up, roar with laughter, or clutch my heart. Just sublime.
I PRAY this isn't this writer's only title because I am eager for more of her work!
This read begins a few days before Christmas. Darcy and Georgiana need encouragement and fun. The adventure begins outside of a London bookshop.
I loved the Matlocks. The whole family has charisma and boldness. Viscount Keathley is a new character of this author that I hope she will use again. He is hilarious!
While reading this story, I laughed out loud many times. Our couples do achieve happily ever afters.
This is an afternoon read with a couple of cups of tea will do. I highly encourage others to give this story a read.
This reads like a contemporary Rom-Com, with modern language, but set in Austen's world. Normally, that would be a turnoff, but it isn't. It's a hoot. Lord Keathly, Colonel Fitzwilliam's brother, is the star of the show, while Darcy cowers and cringes in the background. His self-determination is completely gone. The mere thought of Elizabeth Bennet turns his brain to mush.
Full of humor and clever similes, this variation is great fun. I would read it again. Oh, and big surprise in the epilogue.
I have read well over a hundred JAFF (the real numbers is probably much higher.) Few, if any, have kept me laughing throughout the way this one did. It wasn't just a chuckle here or there but true laughter throughout. All of this was done without taking from the story but adding to it and giving characters both new and old depth. I believe I now need to look up the history of the fork as I'd like to discover how an hour can be spent lecturing on the subject.
The Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as Jane and the viscount story, was fun, sweet, and free of angst. Robert was hilarious, and Darcy went through stages of determination, fear of his aunt, and romance—3.5 stars.
However, it was the epilogue that elevated this rating to 4 stars. I want to read a follow-up story about Lady Catherine taking Lydia under her wing.
This book was a delight to me. It is not authentically "Regency" in that phrases and attitudes are sometimes quite modern...but I did not care! It was genuinely funny and entertaining in all the good ways. I laughed out loud at a description of Lady Catherine entering a room "like an expanding gas". Oh my. I enjoyed each character but Lord Keithley and the Matlocks were especially entertaining. I hope to read much more from this author.
All right, I’ve never read anything from Ms. Karantoni before but, now she is in my radar. I adore Robert Fitzwilliam, I love Richard Fitzwilliam even more, the only thing that would’ve made the story complete for me is that Richard would have a portion of it dedicated to him. The beloved Colonel is such an interesting character that I would love to read more about him. Happy reading, I definitely recommend.
I LOVED the lighthearted banter in this story. Between good natured jesting between Darcy, cousins and the Earl there was never a dull moment. Even serious and opinionated Aunt Catherine added to the fun. I think seeing Darcy in a less confident state of mind was telling -just how much his feelings were engaged plus the steps taken to address them.a wonderful and very entertaining read!
The theme is not unique, but the author's approach is. You're reading along, and a turn of phrase pops out at you, and a laugh pops out OF you. You giggle, you even snort sometimes. You can't help it. The characters feel very real, as does their conversation and wit. It's a blast.
This author made me laugh out loud at the antics of the prestigious Lord Keathley, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s brother. It brought the humorous side out of Darcy. He brought the best out of Jane which was a good thing. A joyous and fun novel to read. Even Lady Catherine became tolerable!! Excellent writing and adaptation. A MUST READ
The best I have read in a long time. So good that I purchased the paperback, after reading it for free! The authors turn of phrase is delightful and at times laugh out loud funny so witty. Ms Karantoni is my new favorite author. I you like Wade H Mann’s Best Served Cold you can’t go wrong with this story.
This story has so much humor and sarcasm it is absolutely a wonderful read! I loved the part where Bingley and Caroline get a severe set down by Robert Fitzwilliam, Heir to the Earl of Matlock. I loved Robert Fitzwilliam's attitude and his character was so funny! There is nothing I disliked about this story.