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The Royals of Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Mr and Mrs Bennet hide a royal secret about their family and Elizabeth is at the centre of it all.
Mr Darcy is curious about the Bennets from day one, and after a tormenting fight with his conscience, he decides he must know which leads him to a decision he will bitterly regret.
Elizabeth is asked to forgive and forget, which she struggles with; and we learn that once our heroine's good opinion is lost, it may be lost forever.
For a change, we see Darcy as the less distinguished of the two, and Bingley not able to deal with rejection.
This is an exciting and fast-paced story that includes most of our beloved characters and a few new ones.
It is low angst and clean.
Mr Darcy is curious about the Bennets from day one, and after a tormenting fight with his conscience, he decides he must know which leads him to a decision he will bitterly regret.
Elizabeth is asked to forgive and forget, which she struggles with; and we learn that once our heroine's good opinion is lost, it may be lost forever.
For a change, we see Darcy as the less distinguished of the two, and Bingley not able to deal with rejection.
This is an exciting and fast-paced story that includes most of our beloved characters and a few new ones.
It is low angst and clean.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2025
146 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 2, 2026
An original premise, but......
Mr Bennett's good friend Baron Fitzherbert is the British ambassador to Spain. When Jane is only two years old, Mr Bennett and his family are called to visit the Fitzherberts , and are embroiled in a scheme to help the king of Spain cover up a scandal caused by the King's youngest daughter. Mr and Mrs Bennett agree to adopt babies born to this daughter, and in return they're awarded a vast sum of money, but they're sworn to secrecy. After returning to England Mrs Bennett gives birth to three more daughters, but dies birthing Lydia. Because they have so much money the children are all well educated, accomplished, and well behaved. Elizabeth meets Darcy in the usual way, but after the infamous insult, Elizabeth's twin brother takes Darcy to task. Darcy begs forgiveness but Elizabeth wants to make him suffer a bit first.
The idea for the story has merit. However, when an author rides the coattails of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, the characters of Elizabeth and Darcy should at least bear a resemblance in essentials to the original, but in this version they didn't. I didn't much like the Elizabeth character with all of her swoony and breathless reactions to Darcy, and how she lacks strength and resolve. She's a hot-headed tease who immediately drops her convictions as soon as she gets any pushback from Darcy. Darcy never does prove definitively that he's not simply after someone with the required fortune and connections. I just didn't feel the romantic chemistry between them. Although the book is written well enough I can't really recommend it.
Mr Bennett's good friend Baron Fitzherbert is the British ambassador to Spain. When Jane is only two years old, Mr Bennett and his family are called to visit the Fitzherberts , and are embroiled in a scheme to help the king of Spain cover up a scandal caused by the King's youngest daughter. Mr and Mrs Bennett agree to adopt babies born to this daughter, and in return they're awarded a vast sum of money, but they're sworn to secrecy. After returning to England Mrs Bennett gives birth to three more daughters, but dies birthing Lydia. Because they have so much money the children are all well educated, accomplished, and well behaved. Elizabeth meets Darcy in the usual way, but after the infamous insult, Elizabeth's twin brother takes Darcy to task. Darcy begs forgiveness but Elizabeth wants to make him suffer a bit first.
The idea for the story has merit. However, when an author rides the coattails of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, the characters of Elizabeth and Darcy should at least bear a resemblance in essentials to the original, but in this version they didn't. I didn't much like the Elizabeth character with all of her swoony and breathless reactions to Darcy, and how she lacks strength and resolve. She's a hot-headed tease who immediately drops her convictions as soon as she gets any pushback from Darcy. Darcy never does prove definitively that he's not simply after someone with the required fortune and connections. I just didn't feel the romantic chemistry between them. Although the book is written well enough I can't really recommend it.
December 28, 2025
More 3.5 probably. It was a fun idea, but a few things kept me from loving it... Elizabeth was way too resentful. Or maybe just immature? We have "the insult" at the assembly, her brother confronts Darcy, but Darcy apologizes immediately and, while he's not terribly humble, he does apologize and seems to mean it. But she keeps bringing it up for the longest time! They dance, seem to have some good conversations while he's in town, even defends her to miss B. Anyway, she keeps mentioning it, which bugged me and didn't help their story.
And Darcy... Darcy was too wishy-washy / hot and cold. The issues he had against whichever that we see in canon are wealth, connections, family behavior. Well, the whole family is well behaved and obviously well off, but he leaves anyway. They meet again in London. He saw her having a good time with someone else, he got moody rather than trying to talk with her himself. He's approached by someone claiming familiarity, which he denies , but then smiles at various ladies they run into... He assures her he's not tiring with her, Elizabeth says she'll give him another chance, next thing he's more focused on a female family friend rather than Elizabeth. What?? He says he's not sure she feels the same, so he holds back, ugh, can't he just man up and ask to court her?
Also they have a fight because he hires a PI to investigate her connection to the Spanish royals, which he later kind of regrets but also still reads when it comes. (His investigation is also the catalyst for everything to come out in the open.) But he doesn't tell her. He just finally realizes he's ready to commit and asks for a courtship, finally .. But then everything comes out and she's mad he seems to have gradually gained interest as their wealth and connections were revealed, but she never mentions "oh hey what are the odds you get serious with me the day you find out I'm royalty?!" I would have led with that.
Anyway, that's my little rant :)
And Darcy... Darcy was too wishy-washy / hot and cold. The issues he had against whichever that we see in canon are wealth, connections, family behavior. Well, the whole family is well behaved and obviously well off, but he leaves anyway. They meet again in London. He saw her having a good time with someone else, he got moody rather than trying to talk with her himself. He's approached by someone claiming familiarity, which he denies , but then smiles at various ladies they run into... He assures her he's not tiring with her, Elizabeth says she'll give him another chance, next thing he's more focused on a female family friend rather than Elizabeth. What?? He says he's not sure she feels the same, so he holds back, ugh, can't he just man up and ask to court her?
Also they have a fight because he hires a PI to investigate her connection to the Spanish royals, which he later kind of regrets but also still reads when it comes. (His investigation is also the catalyst for everything to come out in the open.) But he doesn't tell her. He just finally realizes he's ready to commit and asks for a courtship, finally .. But then everything comes out and she's mad he seems to have gradually gained interest as their wealth and connections were revealed, but she never mentions "oh hey what are the odds you get serious with me the day you find out I'm royalty?!" I would have led with that.
Anyway, that's my little rant :)
December 9, 2025
Interesting
I did like this story. It does move fast and is low angst. I also love (spoiler) bad Bingley. I do not know how I feel about ODC. It feels like Darcy is hot and cold and changes his mind too fast. A few characters seem to have this issue. I did like ODC together but the waffling was frustrating. The story is fun and pretty original though. A fun quick read with better Bennets!
I did like this story. It does move fast and is low angst. I also love (spoiler) bad Bingley. I do not know how I feel about ODC. It feels like Darcy is hot and cold and changes his mind too fast. A few characters seem to have this issue. I did like ODC together but the waffling was frustrating. The story is fun and pretty original though. A fun quick read with better Bennets!
December 10, 2025
FABULOUS VARIATION
With Spanish royalty descent, Elizabeth and her brother, Henry, are raised as Bennets at Longbourn. As time passes, the regular characters of our favorites come to life with the exception of a very wonderful father, Thomas Bennet. This was an enticing and enchanting read with everyone getting what they deserved!
With Spanish royalty descent, Elizabeth and her brother, Henry, are raised as Bennets at Longbourn. As time passes, the regular characters of our favorites come to life with the exception of a very wonderful father, Thomas Bennet. This was an enticing and enchanting read with everyone getting what they deserved!
December 27, 2025
It could have ended better
What I liked:
- An entertaining story. I enjoy reading variations where Elizabeth is not a Bennet. Throw in a brother, and I'm all in. Especially when she grows up in a loving home.
What I didn't like:
- At the closing of this book, Darcy is still a slave owner. He owns various plantations with slaves. He made an attempt to travel to Jamaica to free them, but that was forgotten once he got engaged. Although this situation is briefly mentioned, I don't understand why that storyline was even introduced without some closure. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I was disgusted and disappointed.
What I liked:
- An entertaining story. I enjoy reading variations where Elizabeth is not a Bennet. Throw in a brother, and I'm all in. Especially when she grows up in a loving home.
What I didn't like:
- At the closing of this book, Darcy is still a slave owner. He owns various plantations with slaves. He made an attempt to travel to Jamaica to free them, but that was forgotten once he got engaged. Although this situation is briefly mentioned, I don't understand why that storyline was even introduced without some closure. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I was disgusted and disappointed.
January 7, 2026
This book was entertaining enough but hardly plausible. If you like an Elizabeth who is much higher status and much wealthier than Darcy then I believe you will like this. I thought both Darcy and Elizabeth were a bit too implacable in their various jealousies and resentments, which Darcy did overcome more quickly than Elizabeth. However, Darcy badly overstepped in breaching the Bennets’ privacy because of his “curiosity” and that brought their relationship to the very brink of ruin. It was a good enough story to deserve 3 stars, although I think some readers would deduct stars for the many spelling, missing words, grammatical errors, etc.
December 28, 2025
Pride and Prejudice: The Telenovela
This book was ridiculous, absurd fun for about the first 85%. I laughed out loud more than once at the sheer wackiness, and for a long while I genuinely enjoyed it for what it was: over-the-top, implausible, and entertaining.
Then came the ending.
At that point, the story seems to decide that everything would be fine if Elizabeth would simply get over herself and forgive Darcy for behavior that was selfish, intrusive, disrespectful, and deeply inappropriate. Darcy does not meaningfully grow or take responsibility; instead, he is forgiven. Elizabeth, who had been written as intelligent, principled, and self-respecting, is reframed as “cruel” and “unjust” for having boundaries.
The narrative retroactively excuses Darcy’s worst actions by insisting they were ultimately “for the best” because things worked out in the end. Consent, privacy, and agency are brushed aside in favor of a forced romantic reconciliation.
I was deeply disappointed. Elizabeth was a strong character with integrity right up until the final stretch, when she is made to surrender that integrity to accommodate Darcy’s martyrdom. What had been absurd fun turned into something uncomfortable and unsatisfying.
Yuck.
This book was ridiculous, absurd fun for about the first 85%. I laughed out loud more than once at the sheer wackiness, and for a long while I genuinely enjoyed it for what it was: over-the-top, implausible, and entertaining.
Then came the ending.
At that point, the story seems to decide that everything would be fine if Elizabeth would simply get over herself and forgive Darcy for behavior that was selfish, intrusive, disrespectful, and deeply inappropriate. Darcy does not meaningfully grow or take responsibility; instead, he is forgiven. Elizabeth, who had been written as intelligent, principled, and self-respecting, is reframed as “cruel” and “unjust” for having boundaries.
The narrative retroactively excuses Darcy’s worst actions by insisting they were ultimately “for the best” because things worked out in the end. Consent, privacy, and agency are brushed aside in favor of a forced romantic reconciliation.
I was deeply disappointed. Elizabeth was a strong character with integrity right up until the final stretch, when she is made to surrender that integrity to accommodate Darcy’s martyrdom. What had been absurd fun turned into something uncomfortable and unsatisfying.
Yuck.
January 26, 2026
I loved it!
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 an exciting and fast-paced story that includes most of our beloved characters and a few new ones. It is low angst and clean.
Mr and Mrs Bennet hide a royal secret about their family and Elizabeth is at the centre of it all. Mr Darcy is curious about the Bennets from day one, and after a tormenting fight with his conscience, he decides he must know which leads him to a decision he will bitterly regret. Elizabeth is asked to forgive and forget, which she struggles with; and we learn that once our heroine's good opinion is lost, it may be lost forever. For a change, we see Darcy as the less distinguished of the two, and Bingley not able to deal with rejection. 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.
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 an exciting and fast-paced story that includes most of our beloved characters and a few new ones. It is low angst and clean.
Mr and Mrs Bennet hide a royal secret about their family and Elizabeth is at the centre of it all. Mr Darcy is curious about the Bennets from day one, and after a tormenting fight with his conscience, he decides he must know which leads him to a decision he will bitterly regret. Elizabeth is asked to forgive and forget, which she struggles with; and we learn that once our heroine's good opinion is lost, it may be lost forever. For a change, we see Darcy as the less distinguished of the two, and Bingley not able to deal with rejection. 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 20, 2025
Seemed muddled
To this reader, the book read like something AI generated. Language seemed quite modern, and there were many events and quotations from videos as well as other books in addition to P&P. After the first 2 or so 3 chapters I almost stopped because the descriptions were so flowery and lengthy but skimmed the rest just to determine if the plot made it worthwhile to finish. The variation of the Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope was interesting but the execution was disjointed and disappointing.
Not recommended.
To this reader, the book read like something AI generated. Language seemed quite modern, and there were many events and quotations from videos as well as other books in addition to P&P. After the first 2 or so 3 chapters I almost stopped because the descriptions were so flowery and lengthy but skimmed the rest just to determine if the plot made it worthwhile to finish. The variation of the Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope was interesting but the execution was disjointed and disappointing.
Not recommended.
January 10, 2026
Interesting concept for a P&P variation. I had to stop reading at about 15%, however, because the constant parade of typos, missing and misplaced punctuation, and missing or misplaced words was making the story impossible to enjoy. If the author were to run this even through the frankly inadequate spelling and grammar checkers available for free in Google Docs it would be much improved. Given the unusual premise and some interesting original characters, I would be interested in giving a fully edited re-release another chance.
January 11, 2026
Pleasantly Surprised
I’m always a little leery of new authors when I only read their work on KU. There are SO many poorly AI written P&P FF books that go up overnight and it’s made me back away from KU and only read authors that I’ve read previously.
The Royals is a quick read and falls in the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” and “Elizabeth ranks above Darcy in society” tropes. It does have the occasional grammatical error but not egregiously. Overall it was a fun romp in the P&P universe with some angst but a decidedly happy ending for all the characters.
I’m always a little leery of new authors when I only read their work on KU. There are SO many poorly AI written P&P FF books that go up overnight and it’s made me back away from KU and only read authors that I’ve read previously.
The Royals is a quick read and falls in the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” and “Elizabeth ranks above Darcy in society” tropes. It does have the occasional grammatical error but not egregiously. Overall it was a fun romp in the P&P universe with some angst but a decidedly happy ending for all the characters.
January 12, 2026
The story was okay, and was something I hadn't seen before. However, there were so many issues. Wrong words were used repeatedly. See instead of sea, Marry instead of Mary, etc. When the wrong word wasn't used, sometimes words were left out entirely. Then there were all the tenses. Is it past tense? Future? Present? It can shift several times in a paragraph. Perhaps English isn't the author's first language, but it isn't an excuse for charging people for this. If I had paid cash instead of reading through KU, I would have been very annoyed.
January 28, 2026
This is my first experience with author, Marta Phillip and WOW what a wonderful journey it was. This book is full of surprises and you can expect a number of changes from the original P&P story.
All the original characters remain faithful to canon and the many new characters bring so much excitement and colour to this new story. A lot happens in this fast-paced tale. The ‘good guys’ find love and the ‘bad guys’ get their comeuppance.
I loved reading this story and I was sorry that it had to end.
All the original characters remain faithful to canon and the many new characters bring so much excitement and colour to this new story. A lot happens in this fast-paced tale. The ‘good guys’ find love and the ‘bad guys’ get their comeuppance.
I loved reading this story and I was sorry that it had to end.
December 29, 2025
Royals of Longbourn - A great “Lizzy is not a Bennet” story
I love “Lizzy is not a Bennet” variations.
This one is very good. The story is plausible and has some real depth. There are some grammar & punctuation errors, but not enough to detract from the story. The Bingley’s are shallow & not really critical to this story, in my opinion.
Overall a good, easy read.
I love “Lizzy is not a Bennet” variations.
This one is very good. The story is plausible and has some real depth. There are some grammar & punctuation errors, but not enough to detract from the story. The Bingley’s are shallow & not really critical to this story, in my opinion.
Overall a good, easy read.
December 30, 2025
different take
Elizabeth and Henry are the adopted siblings in the Bennet family. Their wealth and respectability in Meryton- well known. I do wish that the twins had had more of a role together in this story. They talked of being closest to each other and the best of friends but I didn’t always see that.
Elizabeth and Henry are the adopted siblings in the Bennet family. Their wealth and respectability in Meryton- well known. I do wish that the twins had had more of a role together in this story. They talked of being closest to each other and the best of friends but I didn’t always see that.
January 11, 2026
I got through about 20% of this before giving up. The continual errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and word usage were too much. It’s an interesting plot, but I just couldn’t slog through any more of it.
The author should strongly consider hiring an editor and re-publishing.
The author should strongly consider hiring an editor and re-publishing.
January 18, 2026
Enjoyable
I greatly enjoyed this well-plotted book. It was a very unique, well-developed take on the Elizabeth-is-not-a-Bennet trope. Unfortunately, it suffers from a lack of final editing. There are numerous errors with subject/verb agreement and verb conjugations. However, it was still a nice read.
I greatly enjoyed this well-plotted book. It was a very unique, well-developed take on the Elizabeth-is-not-a-Bennet trope. Unfortunately, it suffers from a lack of final editing. There are numerous errors with subject/verb agreement and verb conjugations. However, it was still a nice read.
January 18, 2026
I like stories where the Bennett family is wealthy, and their parents are good people. And I love stories where Darcy gets schooled on his behaviour. All of which is in this book. I thought Lizzy a little too prejudiced and unforgiving, and Darcy held onto his pride a little too long, but it still worked out beautifully. It’s a good read.
December 11, 2025
I must say that I found this variation to be very entertaining, even if a little far fetched! If you enjoy variations that are light and fun and wish to read a completely different story from the original, I believe you will enjoy it.
December 19, 2025
Damn Good!
I greatly enjoyed this book, it has a huge number of typing errors, but it's a good story. I love that we never see Mr Collins, or Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I especially like the fact that we only see Mr Wickham for a short time before he is dealt with.
I greatly enjoyed this book, it has a huge number of typing errors, but it's a good story. I love that we never see Mr Collins, or Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I especially like the fact that we only see Mr Wickham for a short time before he is dealt with.
December 28, 2025
The Royal of Longbourn
Ahhh. Elizabeth is a twin, and adopted by the Bennet's. Spanish royalty.
Enjoyed this story. The Bingley's get almost just rewards... They tried compromises, but spoke where they could be heard. Lesson to be learned.
Ahhh. Elizabeth is a twin, and adopted by the Bennet's. Spanish royalty.
Enjoyed this story. The Bingley's get almost just rewards... They tried compromises, but spoke where they could be heard. Lesson to be learned.
December 31, 2025
Not for me
It started out quite interesting but by about 40% the language fell off as did the actions of the usual characters. 'thanks' appeared write a lot as an example which would not have been used and the story started becoming like a farce.
It started out quite interesting but by about 40% the language fell off as did the actions of the usual characters. 'thanks' appeared write a lot as an example which would not have been used and the story started becoming like a farce.
January 1, 2026
Royals
The Royals of Longbourn was a throughly enjoyable read. I loved how the original plot points of P&P were incorporated into the story along with the differences incorporated. Marta Philip took the concept of Elizabeth being royal to the next level.
The Royals of Longbourn was a throughly enjoyable read. I loved how the original plot points of P&P were incorporated into the story along with the differences incorporated. Marta Philip took the concept of Elizabeth being royal to the next level.
January 15, 2026
Lovely story
Although I enjoyed the story, it was poorly edited. Words are misspelled and inappropriate words were used. It is as if the author was had English as a second language.
Although I enjoyed the story, it was poorly edited. Words are misspelled and inappropriate words were used. It is as if the author was had English as a second language.
January 21, 2026
Interesting storyline. The Spanish connection gave the story a different spin. I enjoyed the read, except for all the modern words that ruin a Regency era story; there are typos that proof reading would have caught. Overall, enjoyable
January 29, 2026
good premise but could use help on the execution
I like the idea of this story and the grammar issue were bearable, however a good editor would benefit the author. Not necessarily for proof reading but to improve the flow of the story.
I like the idea of this story and the grammar issue were bearable, however a good editor would benefit the author. Not necessarily for proof reading but to improve the flow of the story.
December 27, 2025
unansered questions
Did The Royal Spanish stay Catholics? Or did some convert to King Henery the VIII’s COE? Not an important questiion today in 2025 but in 1812?
Did The Royal Spanish stay Catholics? Or did some convert to King Henery the VIII’s COE? Not an important questiion today in 2025 but in 1812?
December 28, 2025
GREAT READ
What a wonderful variation of pride and prejudice regarding adoption during that time of era. It was a wonderful page turner!
What a wonderful variation of pride and prejudice regarding adoption during that time of era. It was a wonderful page turner!
December 28, 2025
It’s between 3 and 4 stars. I started out liking it, but the constant back and forth, and especially Elizabeth’s harsh words toward the end, was enough.
Read
January 16, 2026Dnf
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews