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A Gentleman's Pursuit: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
You surely cannot think I seek to entrap you into matrimony if I do not even know your name.
While in Hertfordshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself accidentally trapped in a storage room at a local inn with a fine-eyed young lady who immediately beguiles him. He can see by her dress that she, too, does not belong in Meryton and wishes to know her more…but alas she refuses to tell him her name or anything about herself.
The Bennet ladies have been left in dire straits following Mr Bennet’s death. Thus when Elizabeth is offered employment, she accepts. A paid friend to a young heiress, Miss Anne de Bourgh—which comes with three rules. She cannot tell anyone she's paid to be there; she cannot seek her own husband in London; and most of all she is forbidden to talk to a man called Mr Darcy.
Alas the more Elizabeth moves in London society, the more it seems apparent that the infuriating stranger from Meryton and the forbidden Mr Darcy are one and the same. Alas for as much as she wishes to rebuff him, it seems he refuses to be rebuffed and before she can help herself, she finds herself falling in love with him.
Darcy is delighted every time he chances to meet the enchanting miss in London but increasingly frustrated that she will not reveal her identity to him. With every successive meeting, his frustration grows, as does his attraction and soon he finds himself willing to do absolutely anything to have her—even if it means swallowing his pride.
A Gentleman's Pursuit is a Pride & Prejudice variation featuring a locked-in meet, hidden identities, forbidden attraction, and a hero who will not be deterred, even when everyone around him insists he ought to be.
While in Hertfordshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself accidentally trapped in a storage room at a local inn with a fine-eyed young lady who immediately beguiles him. He can see by her dress that she, too, does not belong in Meryton and wishes to know her more…but alas she refuses to tell him her name or anything about herself.
The Bennet ladies have been left in dire straits following Mr Bennet’s death. Thus when Elizabeth is offered employment, she accepts. A paid friend to a young heiress, Miss Anne de Bourgh—which comes with three rules. She cannot tell anyone she's paid to be there; she cannot seek her own husband in London; and most of all she is forbidden to talk to a man called Mr Darcy.
Alas the more Elizabeth moves in London society, the more it seems apparent that the infuriating stranger from Meryton and the forbidden Mr Darcy are one and the same. Alas for as much as she wishes to rebuff him, it seems he refuses to be rebuffed and before she can help herself, she finds herself falling in love with him.
Darcy is delighted every time he chances to meet the enchanting miss in London but increasingly frustrated that she will not reveal her identity to him. With every successive meeting, his frustration grows, as does his attraction and soon he finds himself willing to do absolutely anything to have her—even if it means swallowing his pride.
A Gentleman's Pursuit is a Pride & Prejudice variation featuring a locked-in meet, hidden identities, forbidden attraction, and a hero who will not be deterred, even when everyone around him insists he ought to be.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There's lots to love here, both with the premise and with how masterfully Ms. D'Orazio develops it.
Things begin with Pemberley at Christmastime. First Lady Catherine and then Lord Matlock demand that Darcy start making marriage plans with his cousin Anne. He had quietly ducked the issue for years and thought he'd made his aversion to the idea apparent. Once he's cornered into making a flat refusal, the earl stands with Lady Catherine in censuring Darcy socially. As a result, he becomes the center of unfavorable London gossip.
Not quite a year later, Elizabeth Bennet has returned to Meryton with her family, who all now live in a tiny house in London ever since her father died and the Collinses moved into Longbourn. It's not quite the hedgerows, but it is certainly genteel poverty. At Mrs. Bennet's insistence, they're attending the Meryton assembly specifically to meet the eligible bachelor who has leased Netherfield in hopes that Jane or Lydia will catch his eye. Mrs. Bennet, well into her cups, loudly alternates between bemoaning the loss of Longbourn because her stubborn daughter Elizabeth refused to marry Mr. Collins and crowing that Mr. Bingley, who has danced twice with Jane, is surely her eldest's future husband.
A mortified Elizabeth finds a quiet room in the building to escape to, but after she closes and locks the door, she drops the key and clumsily kicks it under the door, locking herself in. It's only then that she discovers the room is already occupied. As it happens, Mr. Darcy has also sought refuge there. Initially he believes she seeks to entrap him into marriage, but her refusal to learn his full name or provide her own eases his alarm. Soon he finds himself charmed by this unusual lady and is less eager than she to find a way out before they're discovered locked in there alone together. Eventually, she goes out the window, climbing down and jumping some distance to the ground, and then reenters the building to find the key and release Mr. D.
That's the first of many unplanned, unchaperoned meetings between the two throughout the story, always maintaining their mutual anonymity as Mr. D. and Miss L. This becomes a particular challenge for Elizabeth when she seizes the opportunity to bring money into the Bennet family by acting the role of the friendless Miss deBough's "friend" during the upcoming London Season. With Darcy's refusal to wed her, Anne is husband hunting, and Lady Catherine believes her daughter requires the Regency equivalent of a wing man. Elizabeth learns enough about Mr. D. to suspect his identity, but a condition of her employment is that she never interact with the horrible Mr. Darcy. Meanwhile, Darcy has become obsessed with this mystery lady and dearly wishes to know who she is.
Although the plot pushes the limits of credibility with the number of coincidences that throw Darcy and Elizabeth together, the way everything is woven together makes it all seem believable. The supporting characters are fun, too. Colonel Fitzwilliam is too busy with his duties to participate much here, leaving the field wide open for Ms. D'Orazio's scene-stealing Lord Saye to support Darcy with information and advice. Anne deBourgh is revealed to be quite a different creature when away from her overbearing mother, and Lady Catherine has good reason to want her daughter settled expeditiously.
Entertaining story. Great writing. Love it!
Content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things begin with Pemberley at Christmastime. First Lady Catherine and then Lord Matlock demand that Darcy start making marriage plans with his cousin Anne. He had quietly ducked the issue for years and thought he'd made his aversion to the idea apparent. Once he's cornered into making a flat refusal, the earl stands with Lady Catherine in censuring Darcy socially. As a result, he becomes the center of unfavorable London gossip.
Not quite a year later, Elizabeth Bennet has returned to Meryton with her family, who all now live in a tiny house in London ever since her father died and the Collinses moved into Longbourn. It's not quite the hedgerows, but it is certainly genteel poverty. At Mrs. Bennet's insistence, they're attending the Meryton assembly specifically to meet the eligible bachelor who has leased Netherfield in hopes that Jane or Lydia will catch his eye. Mrs. Bennet, well into her cups, loudly alternates between bemoaning the loss of Longbourn because her stubborn daughter Elizabeth refused to marry Mr. Collins and crowing that Mr. Bingley, who has danced twice with Jane, is surely her eldest's future husband.
A mortified Elizabeth finds a quiet room in the building to escape to, but after she closes and locks the door, she drops the key and clumsily kicks it under the door, locking herself in. It's only then that she discovers the room is already occupied. As it happens, Mr. Darcy has also sought refuge there. Initially he believes she seeks to entrap him into marriage, but her refusal to learn his full name or provide her own eases his alarm. Soon he finds himself charmed by this unusual lady and is less eager than she to find a way out before they're discovered locked in there alone together. Eventually, she goes out the window, climbing down and jumping some distance to the ground, and then reenters the building to find the key and release Mr. D.
That's the first of many unplanned, unchaperoned meetings between the two throughout the story, always maintaining their mutual anonymity as Mr. D. and Miss L. This becomes a particular challenge for Elizabeth when she seizes the opportunity to bring money into the Bennet family by acting the role of the friendless Miss deBough's "friend" during the upcoming London Season. With Darcy's refusal to wed her, Anne is husband hunting, and Lady Catherine believes her daughter requires the Regency equivalent of a wing man. Elizabeth learns enough about Mr. D. to suspect his identity, but a condition of her employment is that she never interact with the horrible Mr. Darcy. Meanwhile, Darcy has become obsessed with this mystery lady and dearly wishes to know who she is.
Although the plot pushes the limits of credibility with the number of coincidences that throw Darcy and Elizabeth together, the way everything is woven together makes it all seem believable. The supporting characters are fun, too. Colonel Fitzwilliam is too busy with his duties to participate much here, leaving the field wide open for Ms. D'Orazio's scene-stealing Lord Saye to support Darcy with information and advice. Anne deBourgh is revealed to be quite a different creature when away from her overbearing mother, and Lady Catherine has good reason to want her daughter settled expeditiously.
Entertaining story. Great writing. Love it!
Content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2026
5+! Veramente delizioso. Sempre bravissima!
April 24, 2026
This was a pleasant listen. I liked the narrator (Simon Alison). My only criticism is that sometimes I was confused between his voices for Saye and Col Fitzwilliam. They sounded a lot alike. However, since Saye is in the story more than Col Fitzwilliam, it wasn’t a big problem.
The story itself was entertaining and engaging. There were a few times when it seemed to drag.
Perhaps it’s more evident when reading the story instead of listening, but at times Elizabeth seemed to know the identity of Mr. D, and then she would be wondering who he was and having doubts about his identity. It seemed so obvious from her POV, that I questioned her lack of conviction.
I enjoyed it.
The story itself was entertaining and engaging. There were a few times when it seemed to drag.
Perhaps it’s more evident when reading the story instead of listening, but at times Elizabeth seemed to know the identity of Mr. D, and then she would be wondering who he was and having doubts about his identity. It seemed so obvious from her POV, that I questioned her lack of conviction.
I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. This is one of my favorite authors and I love the recurring characters she weaves through her variations. The characterization of canon characters in this one was unique and appealing, with new takes on common themes that allow the characters to be more likable than sometimes happens. Jane and Bingley both had quite a bit more depth. But there was less time spent with ODC in common company throughout the story. Overall, the story is low angst (except for some unfortunate circumstances) and modest.
I read this as an audiobook and the production quality was fabulous.
I read this as an audiobook and the production quality was fabulous.
April 23, 2026
Status: Read April 21-23, 2026 via audible edition
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Edition Read:
A Gentleman's Pursuit: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Amy D'Orazio, Simon Alison (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 8 pages
Published April 10, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GWNKB7R1
[ audible plus catalog ]
After an anonymous encounter at a Hertfordshire assembly, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet conduct a secret courtship without knowing each other's identities—unaware that she is the paid companion to the cousin he jilted and that their families' intertwined fates will force them to choose between love and duty.
Listening Length: 7 hours and 24 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Edition Read:
A Gentleman's Pursuit: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Amy D'Orazio, Simon Alison (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 8 pages
Published April 10, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GWNKB7R1
[ audible plus catalog ]
After an anonymous encounter at a Hertfordshire assembly, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet conduct a secret courtship without knowing each other's identities—unaware that she is the paid companion to the cousin he jilted and that their families' intertwined fates will force them to choose between love and duty.
Listening Length: 7 hours and 24 minutes
May 6, 2026
After Mr. Bennet's death, Mrs. B. and the five sisters are living in close quarters in London. Elizabeth is offered a position as "friend" to Anne de Bourgh, to help her navigate the London social scene in order to find a husband. Darcy is persona non grata with Lady Catherine and the Fitzwilliam family after refusing to marry his cousin. Darcy's reputation is trashed. Lady Catherine rather desperately wants Anne to find a husband, since Darcy is unwilling.
Very original and well-written. Elizabeth charms everyone, even Lady Catherine, and manages to tone down volatile arguments with ease. The Darcy in this story almost seems like a different gentleman. He's obsessed with Elizabeth throughout the book, relentlessly pursuing her, while at the same time seeming confident of his success. For her part, she's intrigued by this strange man, though neither of them is sure of the other's identity. There are a few too many coincidental meetings in London, especially the one in Vauxhall Gardens, but they were entertaining. I couldn't quite understand how Elizabeth could have any doubts about who Mr. D was. Overall, it was an absorbing read.
Very original and well-written. Elizabeth charms everyone, even Lady Catherine, and manages to tone down volatile arguments with ease. The Darcy in this story almost seems like a different gentleman. He's obsessed with Elizabeth throughout the book, relentlessly pursuing her, while at the same time seeming confident of his success. For her part, she's intrigued by this strange man, though neither of them is sure of the other's identity. There are a few too many coincidental meetings in London, especially the one in Vauxhall Gardens, but they were entertaining. I couldn't quite understand how Elizabeth could have any doubts about who Mr. D was. Overall, it was an absorbing read.
May 5, 2026
A Gentleman’s Pursuit
Not my favorite from this author. It lacks the usual sparkle I’ve come to expect. Basically, inside the premise of an anonymous romance (built on a handful of meetings), Darcy is treated badly and cut by his unreasonable family, but somehow in the end is made to grovel to everyone as if he’s the main transgressor in order to satisfy Elizabeth. Saye barely drops in for a few quips here and there and the Colonel is a veritable non-entity. I don’t feel like there was much character development and the romance felt mostly one-sided (Darcy’s) and forced. Plods along replaying different versions of the same conversations until a hasty, wrapped-in-a-bow resolution. Disappointing.
Not my favorite from this author. It lacks the usual sparkle I’ve come to expect. Basically, inside the premise of an anonymous romance (built on a handful of meetings), Darcy is treated badly and cut by his unreasonable family, but somehow in the end is made to grovel to everyone as if he’s the main transgressor in order to satisfy Elizabeth. Saye barely drops in for a few quips here and there and the Colonel is a veritable non-entity. I don’t feel like there was much character development and the romance felt mostly one-sided (Darcy’s) and forced. Plods along replaying different versions of the same conversations until a hasty, wrapped-in-a-bow resolution. Disappointing.
May 6, 2026
Another fantastic read, finished it and then read it again! One of my go to authors!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
During the Meryton Assembly Darcy and Elizabeth are accidentally trapped in a room together. They decide to not tell each other their name, because one cannot be trapped into matrimony by a nameless stranger.
But Darcy is not able to forget this beautiful stranger. Therefore, when he returns to London to again endure his family’s censure after he refused to marry his cousin Anne, he constantly thinks of the beautiful Miss L.
Elizabeth’s life has changed significantly after her father’s death left her in poverty. She now lives with her mother and sisters in very reduced circumstances in London. Therefore, when she is offered employment as a companion of Anne de Bourgh, she accepts. The position comes with three simple rules: Nobody can know about the payment, she can only seek a husband for herself after Anne is married and she is not allowed to talk to Mr Darcy who jilted his cousin Anne.
When the season wears on Elizabeth again and again encounters the mysterious Mr D from Meryton, she each time is more sure that he and Mr Darcy are one and the same - and that she is unwilling falling in love with him.
But the more she tries to push Darcy away to protect her position and her heart, the more Darcy is intrigued by her.
Can Darcy convince Elizabeth of his love? Will they find a way to one another or will Elizabeth’s employment prevent a union? And what about Darcy’s estrangement with his family?
This story was very well written by the author Amy D’Orazio. I always enjoy her stories very much and this one is no exception. Amy D’Orazio is one of the authors who has invented her own characters. In her case it is Lord Saye, Colonel Fitzwilliam's elder brother. Lord Saye is a very unique person and most of the time he is the one who gives you a good laugh while reading.
In this variation he is one of Darcy’s closest confidants and, besides Georgiana, the only relative who is still talking to him. I like that Lord Saye judges for himself and that he lets his opinion not be dictated by his fathers will. Normally Colonel Fitzwilliam is also that loyal, but in this variation he is portrayed as dependent on his fathers money. Therefore he does not have many interactions with Darcy because the family censor forbids it. I must confess, I didn’t care much for the Colonel in this variation but I was nevertheless a bit disappointed because he did not stand by Darcy.
I really loved the development of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship. They get to know each other without knowing the name or the background of the other. Therefore they only get to know the other by talking and by observing the other in the short moments they spend together. In my opinion they therefore gain a much more intimate knowledge of one another and get to know each other without prejudices.
I also loved how easily Darcy was able to acknowledge his love for Elizabeth. I think he was able to acknowledge it that early and easily because the whole expectations and family pressure was not there. There was no one left he would have to please. He only needed to please himself and act as his heart dictates him. He therefore behaved rather besotted and sweet in Elizabeth’s presence. I really liked that.
I was a bit astonished, but I really liked Anne. I had expected that I would not like her because of the problems she causes Darcy (sorry, I’m a Darcy girl ;-) ) but I really liked her and I am so glad about the development she makes during her season together with Elizabeth. It is really heartwarming to see her change from the bored heiress to the girl who enjoys herself at balls and eventually finds love. I also like her relationship with Elizabeth very much and that she finds a loyal friend in her.
There are no real villains in the story. The only thing that causes problems for the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is the rift in Darcy’s family. But as you can read for yourself, things are not always as they seem at first and maybe later someone you thought a villain at the beginning is not considered as such in the end. You need to judge for yourself.
The only thing I do not totally agree with is the question about who is to blame for the rift in the family. I can understand the reasons on both sides but, if I were Darcy, I would not have forgiven so easily all the trouble and pain the others have caused me, only because I wished to choose my partner in life on my own (especially as I’m my own master). But maybe I only struggle with accepting this because I have a twenty-first century brain ;-) … But this topic certainly didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story.
If you like to know Darcy and Elizabeth will find love when Elizabeth is Anne’s companion and not even allowed to talk to Darcy you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But Darcy is not able to forget this beautiful stranger. Therefore, when he returns to London to again endure his family’s censure after he refused to marry his cousin Anne, he constantly thinks of the beautiful Miss L.
Elizabeth’s life has changed significantly after her father’s death left her in poverty. She now lives with her mother and sisters in very reduced circumstances in London. Therefore, when she is offered employment as a companion of Anne de Bourgh, she accepts. The position comes with three simple rules: Nobody can know about the payment, she can only seek a husband for herself after Anne is married and she is not allowed to talk to Mr Darcy who jilted his cousin Anne.
When the season wears on Elizabeth again and again encounters the mysterious Mr D from Meryton, she each time is more sure that he and Mr Darcy are one and the same - and that she is unwilling falling in love with him.
But the more she tries to push Darcy away to protect her position and her heart, the more Darcy is intrigued by her.
Can Darcy convince Elizabeth of his love? Will they find a way to one another or will Elizabeth’s employment prevent a union? And what about Darcy’s estrangement with his family?
This story was very well written by the author Amy D’Orazio. I always enjoy her stories very much and this one is no exception. Amy D’Orazio is one of the authors who has invented her own characters. In her case it is Lord Saye, Colonel Fitzwilliam's elder brother. Lord Saye is a very unique person and most of the time he is the one who gives you a good laugh while reading.
In this variation he is one of Darcy’s closest confidants and, besides Georgiana, the only relative who is still talking to him. I like that Lord Saye judges for himself and that he lets his opinion not be dictated by his fathers will. Normally Colonel Fitzwilliam is also that loyal, but in this variation he is portrayed as dependent on his fathers money. Therefore he does not have many interactions with Darcy because the family censor forbids it. I must confess, I didn’t care much for the Colonel in this variation but I was nevertheless a bit disappointed because he did not stand by Darcy.
I really loved the development of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship. They get to know each other without knowing the name or the background of the other. Therefore they only get to know the other by talking and by observing the other in the short moments they spend together. In my opinion they therefore gain a much more intimate knowledge of one another and get to know each other without prejudices.
I also loved how easily Darcy was able to acknowledge his love for Elizabeth. I think he was able to acknowledge it that early and easily because the whole expectations and family pressure was not there. There was no one left he would have to please. He only needed to please himself and act as his heart dictates him. He therefore behaved rather besotted and sweet in Elizabeth’s presence. I really liked that.
I was a bit astonished, but I really liked Anne. I had expected that I would not like her because of the problems she causes Darcy (sorry, I’m a Darcy girl ;-) ) but I really liked her and I am so glad about the development she makes during her season together with Elizabeth. It is really heartwarming to see her change from the bored heiress to the girl who enjoys herself at balls and eventually finds love. I also like her relationship with Elizabeth very much and that she finds a loyal friend in her.
There are no real villains in the story. The only thing that causes problems for the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is the rift in Darcy’s family. But as you can read for yourself, things are not always as they seem at first and maybe later someone you thought a villain at the beginning is not considered as such in the end. You need to judge for yourself.
The only thing I do not totally agree with is the question about who is to blame for the rift in the family. I can understand the reasons on both sides but, if I were Darcy, I would not have forgiven so easily all the trouble and pain the others have caused me, only because I wished to choose my partner in life on my own (especially as I’m my own master). But maybe I only struggle with accepting this because I have a twenty-first century brain ;-) … But this topic certainly didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story.
If you like to know Darcy and Elizabeth will find love when Elizabeth is Anne’s companion and not even allowed to talk to Darcy you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I couldn’t put this book down!
“Family stands together,” Lord Matlock said. “Those who are not for us must be against us.” (quote from the book)
What a dramatic opening to this story. Mr. Darcy is approached by Lady Catherine in his study at Pemberley as the whole family gathers for the festive season. What she demands from him is to announce his engagement to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, and marry after Lent. Darcy refuses and despite his uncle requesting it as well, the family feel they have no choice but to shun him. All but our favourite original character, Lord Saye, does so.
“The balm of female companionship offered by Miss L. had been startling in its solace. How he had enjoyed that little interlude locked away in a dusty room at a humble inn.” (quote from the book)
Months later in Meryton, Darcy is with Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park. They are attending an assembly. So are Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. But the dynamics of the family have markedly changed. Mr. Bennet has died leaving the family in less than ideal conditions. Elizabeth had refused to marry Mr. Collins, and the consequences of that refusal now have them living in London in a small house. Mrs. Bennet has not forgiven Elizabeth. Therefore, Elizabeth removes herself from the assembly to a small guest room further down the hall. Locking herself in, dropping the key and accidently kicking it under the door into the hall. Now she is trapped…alone in a dark room. That is until she bumps into a warm firm body. You can imagine who the warm body belongs to! Refusing to introduce herself, they soon refer to each other as Miss L. and Mr D. How they escape with no consequences to their reputations, I will leave for you to find out! I was completely hooked!
“Annie, pray do not forget, you have the greatest charm of all – money. Lots of it. And property. Miss Bennet has nothing to her name.” (quote from the book)
Surprisingly, Lady Catherine has requested that Mr. Collins choose a suitable cousin to assist her in a scheme to get her daughter married. One who will be well rewarded, not as a paid companion, but a ‘particular friend’. Charlotte asks Elizabeth. Elizabeth accepts. But there are three rules that must be followed. One is that she is never introduced to Mr. Darcy. From there a delightful, banter filled, story emerges. I just loved it! I loved everything about this clever, unique story.
I highly recommend this very entertaining and well written novel.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
“Family stands together,” Lord Matlock said. “Those who are not for us must be against us.” (quote from the book)
What a dramatic opening to this story. Mr. Darcy is approached by Lady Catherine in his study at Pemberley as the whole family gathers for the festive season. What she demands from him is to announce his engagement to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, and marry after Lent. Darcy refuses and despite his uncle requesting it as well, the family feel they have no choice but to shun him. All but our favourite original character, Lord Saye, does so.
“The balm of female companionship offered by Miss L. had been startling in its solace. How he had enjoyed that little interlude locked away in a dusty room at a humble inn.” (quote from the book)
Months later in Meryton, Darcy is with Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park. They are attending an assembly. So are Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. But the dynamics of the family have markedly changed. Mr. Bennet has died leaving the family in less than ideal conditions. Elizabeth had refused to marry Mr. Collins, and the consequences of that refusal now have them living in London in a small house. Mrs. Bennet has not forgiven Elizabeth. Therefore, Elizabeth removes herself from the assembly to a small guest room further down the hall. Locking herself in, dropping the key and accidently kicking it under the door into the hall. Now she is trapped…alone in a dark room. That is until she bumps into a warm firm body. You can imagine who the warm body belongs to! Refusing to introduce herself, they soon refer to each other as Miss L. and Mr D. How they escape with no consequences to their reputations, I will leave for you to find out! I was completely hooked!
“Annie, pray do not forget, you have the greatest charm of all – money. Lots of it. And property. Miss Bennet has nothing to her name.” (quote from the book)
Surprisingly, Lady Catherine has requested that Mr. Collins choose a suitable cousin to assist her in a scheme to get her daughter married. One who will be well rewarded, not as a paid companion, but a ‘particular friend’. Charlotte asks Elizabeth. Elizabeth accepts. But there are three rules that must be followed. One is that she is never introduced to Mr. Darcy. From there a delightful, banter filled, story emerges. I just loved it! I loved everything about this clever, unique story.
I highly recommend this very entertaining and well written novel.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 13, 2026
From loneliness comes a Darcy intent on wooing.
I enjoyed this story so much. From the moment our dear couple refuse to be introduced in a locked, dark room to the streets of London, they fall in love. Despite the secrecy, challenges and hesitant fears.
Because Darcy has been humbled by his family, he has lost some of the sharp, proud edges of canon. It's this vulnerable Darcy who is smitten by a mysterious dark haired beauty - Miss L. Ms D'Orazio wrote delicious lines for our dear boy. Mmmmm...
They spend a majority of the book both hiding their interactions and playing are they/aren't they regarding their identities. Elizabeth's loss of status and Darcy's interference in Bingley's love life muddy the waters. Yet like magnets they keep coming back together with a snap.
Loved this book and I'll be purchasing the paperback for my parents to read!
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave my review.
Update:
I also purchased the audiobook and listened to it hot off the press. The story is just as fantastic, so I'll add my opinion on the narration. The performance is well done. Most listeners will love it.
I, unfortunately, am very particular and am not enamoured with the narrator's choices he made interpreting 2 characters. His idea of masculine and emotional seems to be breathy. This doesn't make me think manly and sexy, especially where Darcy is concerned.
I also can't figure out his interpretation of Saye. He was whingey and at times sounded almost cockney rather than Town bronze polished. I found this disappointing and may rethink purchasing an audiobook performed by this narrator again.
I enjoyed this story so much. From the moment our dear couple refuse to be introduced in a locked, dark room to the streets of London, they fall in love. Despite the secrecy, challenges and hesitant fears.
Because Darcy has been humbled by his family, he has lost some of the sharp, proud edges of canon. It's this vulnerable Darcy who is smitten by a mysterious dark haired beauty - Miss L. Ms D'Orazio wrote delicious lines for our dear boy. Mmmmm...
They spend a majority of the book both hiding their interactions and playing are they/aren't they regarding their identities. Elizabeth's loss of status and Darcy's interference in Bingley's love life muddy the waters. Yet like magnets they keep coming back together with a snap.
Loved this book and I'll be purchasing the paperback for my parents to read!
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave my review.
Update:
I also purchased the audiobook and listened to it hot off the press. The story is just as fantastic, so I'll add my opinion on the narration. The performance is well done. Most listeners will love it.
I, unfortunately, am very particular and am not enamoured with the narrator's choices he made interpreting 2 characters. His idea of masculine and emotional seems to be breathy. This doesn't make me think manly and sexy, especially where Darcy is concerned.
I also can't figure out his interpretation of Saye. He was whingey and at times sounded almost cockney rather than Town bronze polished. I found this disappointing and may rethink purchasing an audiobook performed by this narrator again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A determination to rise above adversity for both Elizabeth and Darcy
This was a very interesting take on the "I won't marry Anne" and the "Mr Bennet has died" tropes. I have never read a variation in which these were blended together and the result is very good indeed.
It was fun to see Darcy squirm a bit and to find he is not quite such a golden boy after all. His family have reminded him of his place in no uncertain fashion. This does not completely rid him of his innate arrogance and pride but it has made a healthy slice into it.
Elizabeth on the other hand, along with her sisters and mother, is realising the true reality of Mr Bennet's failure as a husband and father. Their circumstances are significantly diminished and there is no obvious solution.
Into these combined events comes a secret meeting between Mr D and Miss L as well as an opportunity for Elizabeth to offer some relief to her family. This comes at apparently no real cost. There is a cost however and this is slowly revealed as she realises who Mr D is and why he is now doubly unsuitable, whatever her feelings might wish.
This book is written with a light touch, despite the seriousness of some of the subject matter. It does not diminish or trivialise the situations but it does not wallow in them either. Lord Saye is good value as usual and the characters of Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are extremely well written.
I have both read the book and listened to the audiobook and can freely recommend either.
This was a very interesting take on the "I won't marry Anne" and the "Mr Bennet has died" tropes. I have never read a variation in which these were blended together and the result is very good indeed.
It was fun to see Darcy squirm a bit and to find he is not quite such a golden boy after all. His family have reminded him of his place in no uncertain fashion. This does not completely rid him of his innate arrogance and pride but it has made a healthy slice into it.
Elizabeth on the other hand, along with her sisters and mother, is realising the true reality of Mr Bennet's failure as a husband and father. Their circumstances are significantly diminished and there is no obvious solution.
Into these combined events comes a secret meeting between Mr D and Miss L as well as an opportunity for Elizabeth to offer some relief to her family. This comes at apparently no real cost. There is a cost however and this is slowly revealed as she realises who Mr D is and why he is now doubly unsuitable, whatever her feelings might wish.
This book is written with a light touch, despite the seriousness of some of the subject matter. It does not diminish or trivialise the situations but it does not wallow in them either. Lord Saye is good value as usual and the characters of Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are extremely well written.
I have both read the book and listened to the audiobook and can freely recommend either.
May 4, 2026
I love a Darcy who knows what he wants, but isn't so infallible that he doesn't have some room to grow with the love and affection of a worthy woman.
I had never really thought about Anne DeBourgh and her lack of accomplishments. She didn't need them if it was a given that she was going to marry wealthy. But when Darcy refuses to bow to duty, Anne is thrust into a London season and he to the outskirts of his family. This Darcy may be even more of a loner, both by choice and circumstance, and it works to humble him throughout the story.
Enter his diamond-in-the-rough, Miss L (aka EB) who shakes up his very existence. She has two rules of her London season- no husband hunting and no talking to Darcy. Repeated serendipity brings them into company and fighting their feelings. This Darcy recognizes what he wants and is quite persistent. I loved how he begged Elizabeth for a chance to know him and how he set out to be better for her, despite not knowing all the details about one another for a while.
This was a cute spin on a courtship between Elizabeth and Darcy, with lots of on-page time between them. I love all the HEAs in this story and the feel-good storytelling that Amy is so delightful at.
I received a copy from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
I had never really thought about Anne DeBourgh and her lack of accomplishments. She didn't need them if it was a given that she was going to marry wealthy. But when Darcy refuses to bow to duty, Anne is thrust into a London season and he to the outskirts of his family. This Darcy may be even more of a loner, both by choice and circumstance, and it works to humble him throughout the story.
Enter his diamond-in-the-rough, Miss L (aka EB) who shakes up his very existence. She has two rules of her London season- no husband hunting and no talking to Darcy. Repeated serendipity brings them into company and fighting their feelings. This Darcy recognizes what he wants and is quite persistent. I loved how he begged Elizabeth for a chance to know him and how he set out to be better for her, despite not knowing all the details about one another for a while.
This was a cute spin on a courtship between Elizabeth and Darcy, with lots of on-page time between them. I love all the HEAs in this story and the feel-good storytelling that Amy is so delightful at.
I received a copy from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
May 4, 2026
quietly delightful read
JAFF Novella, Clean, low angst, recommend read: all age groups. Triggers: loss of loved one, chronic life threatening illness
Admire this author, automatic go to choice. Mr B has passed, the Collins quickly usurped the Bennet Family at Longbourn Estate (never have i ever felt approbation for Charlotte/Lucas Family or her inner character), forcing Mrs B & daughters into genteel poverty-barely surviving in small London house provided by generous Uncle Gardiner (Mrs B never acknowledges she contributed to new unfortunate circumstances & shes difficult to deal with in any social situation. Not a likable character but perhaps her blinders make it easier to blame others for her misfortune? Mr D becomes a pariah w/in Fitzwilliam Family & several unforeseen consequences drive the plot by his refusal to marry Anne & Lady Catherine’s drive for revenge! Elizabeth Bennet accepts a covert paid position as Anne DeB’s particular friend while Anne searches for a husband during upcoming London Season (Darcy starkly refused to marry Anne in his own arrogant fashion). Lord Saye is again a wonderful supporting character (really he is worth his own PP books). Several HEA’s, one im not sure is deserved, but ODC find their way to each other. Will read again.
JAFF Novella, Clean, low angst, recommend read: all age groups. Triggers: loss of loved one, chronic life threatening illness
Admire this author, automatic go to choice. Mr B has passed, the Collins quickly usurped the Bennet Family at Longbourn Estate (never have i ever felt approbation for Charlotte/Lucas Family or her inner character), forcing Mrs B & daughters into genteel poverty-barely surviving in small London house provided by generous Uncle Gardiner (Mrs B never acknowledges she contributed to new unfortunate circumstances & shes difficult to deal with in any social situation. Not a likable character but perhaps her blinders make it easier to blame others for her misfortune? Mr D becomes a pariah w/in Fitzwilliam Family & several unforeseen consequences drive the plot by his refusal to marry Anne & Lady Catherine’s drive for revenge! Elizabeth Bennet accepts a covert paid position as Anne DeB’s particular friend while Anne searches for a husband during upcoming London Season (Darcy starkly refused to marry Anne in his own arrogant fashion). Lord Saye is again a wonderful supporting character (really he is worth his own PP books). Several HEA’s, one im not sure is deserved, but ODC find their way to each other. Will read again.
May 6, 2026
4.5 stars
I liked the narrator of the audiobook very much.
I also enjoyed the story overall. The supposed engagement between Darcy & Anne is a key element for the plot which isn't a plot device I enjoy. I know it is canon but still not my fav. That being said, the author uses this device and the consequences that follow Darcy's decision to advantage for the rest of the book. It was an enjoyable read/listen.
I liked the narrator of the audiobook very much.
I also enjoyed the story overall. The supposed engagement between Darcy & Anne is a key element for the plot which isn't a plot device I enjoy. I know it is canon but still not my fav. That being said, the author uses this device and the consequences that follow Darcy's decision to advantage for the rest of the book. It was an enjoyable read/listen.
May 8, 2026
Wonderful!
Full disclosure, the author is in my top 5 favorites and this latest one was great. I enjoyed the unique plot, that a majority of the story was not in Meryton and no Wickham. Of course there was my favorite Saye being Saye that just brings the story to life. Wish we had more involvement of the Colonel but understand why not. Thanks for the great read.
Full disclosure, the author is in my top 5 favorites and this latest one was great. I enjoyed the unique plot, that a majority of the story was not in Meryton and no Wickham. Of course there was my favorite Saye being Saye that just brings the story to life. Wish we had more involvement of the Colonel but understand why not. Thanks for the great read.
May 6, 2026
Delightful!
A truly charming and well written story! It is fun to read, with nicely developed characters, an intriguing plot, and interesting family dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
A truly charming and well written story! It is fun to read, with nicely developed characters, an intriguing plot, and interesting family dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy
Audible narrator - Simon Alison. Good.
Review of advance copy
Another fun book by Amy D’Orazio.
Review of advance copy
Another great P&P variation by Amy D'Orazio!
May 6, 2026
3.5 stars. I liked it, just a preference thing for me of characters knowing each other from the start and not by aliases.
May 9, 2026
Ms D'Orazio has done it again, combined swoony Darcy moments with laugh out loud humour. A great read, well written, original storyline.
Review of advance copy
Politeness and an affable address are our best introduction. — Marcus Tullius Cicero
Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his gentlemanly pursuit with a situation where he is not particularly polite and affable. He announces to his Aunt Catherine de Bourgh that he refuses to marry his cousin, Anne.
His Uncle, the Earl, is angry with him.
His Aunt, the Countess, is angry with him.
His Aunt, the mother of Anne de Bourgh, is furious with him.
His family breaks all contact. His sister, Georgiana, lives with the Matlocks. Even his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, avoids him. Everyone’s favorite older brother, Viscount Saye, is the only close family member he still visits.
Personal beauty is a better recommendation than any letter of introduction. — Aristotle
Netherfield Park is let at last, and the usual persons inhabit that house. They attend the Assembly. They meet what is left of the Bennet family. Mr. Bennet has died. William Collins inherited his home and evicted the Bennet mother and sisters.
Darcy has avoided the formal introductions but is accidentally locked into a room with Elizabeth Bennet. They make an informal introduction – Mr. D and Miss L.
We are not strangers, only the introduction is missing. — Jesus Apolinaris
Elizabeth is offered a season in London as a friend to Anne, who has had little chance to form friends with men or women in her sheltered life. Anne will finally come out in society and hopes to find a suitable husband. Elizabeth is instructed to stay away from Mr. Darcy, whom she does not know she has already met.
Darcy and Elizabeth happen upon each other several times, and keep the names “Miss L” and “Mr. D”, refusing to learn the truth.
I always like stories from this author. This one has a lot to recommend it, including Florizel, who gets a tummy rub. Loved it!
All my life I’ve been terrible at remembering people’s names. I once introduced a friend as Martini. Her name was actually Olive. — Tallulah Bankhead
Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his gentlemanly pursuit with a situation where he is not particularly polite and affable. He announces to his Aunt Catherine de Bourgh that he refuses to marry his cousin, Anne.
His Uncle, the Earl, is angry with him.
His Aunt, the Countess, is angry with him.
His Aunt, the mother of Anne de Bourgh, is furious with him.
His family breaks all contact. His sister, Georgiana, lives with the Matlocks. Even his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, avoids him. Everyone’s favorite older brother, Viscount Saye, is the only close family member he still visits.
Personal beauty is a better recommendation than any letter of introduction. — Aristotle
Netherfield Park is let at last, and the usual persons inhabit that house. They attend the Assembly. They meet what is left of the Bennet family. Mr. Bennet has died. William Collins inherited his home and evicted the Bennet mother and sisters.
Darcy has avoided the formal introductions but is accidentally locked into a room with Elizabeth Bennet. They make an informal introduction – Mr. D and Miss L.
We are not strangers, only the introduction is missing. — Jesus Apolinaris
Elizabeth is offered a season in London as a friend to Anne, who has had little chance to form friends with men or women in her sheltered life. Anne will finally come out in society and hopes to find a suitable husband. Elizabeth is instructed to stay away from Mr. Darcy, whom she does not know she has already met.
Darcy and Elizabeth happen upon each other several times, and keep the names “Miss L” and “Mr. D”, refusing to learn the truth.
I always like stories from this author. This one has a lot to recommend it, including Florizel, who gets a tummy rub. Loved it!
All my life I’ve been terrible at remembering people’s names. I once introduced a friend as Martini. Her name was actually Olive. — Tallulah Bankhead
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Darcy Decides, He Decides
In A Gentleman’s Pursuit, Elizabeth and Darcy are both dealing with the consequences of refusing to marry a cousin. While Collins immediately chooses Charlotte, Anne has to go to town for the season to find a husband—accompanied by Elizabeth.
As always with this favourite author, her inventive beginning of an entertaining plot and the dialogue that ensues immediately carries the story. The conversations and banter between Darcy and Elizabeth are where a lot of the enjoyment comes from. He is particularly persistent in this story, and I liked that—a lot! He never gives up.
As readers might expect, Lord Saye provides exactly the sort of moments you hope for—just enough to make you smile without turning the story into something it is not. And there is a touch of angst, as there always is, though it never overwhelms the rest. Another past favourite character appears in this story, but I won’t spoil that for you.
Overall, this is one of those books that simply reads well. It flows, the characters feel like themselves, and the story moves along without getting too bogged down with too much angst or unnecessary Lydia/Wickham subplots. If you enjoy a gentleman who will not be deterred, and a lady determined to resist him, you will likely find Amy D’Orazio’s latest novel as enjoyable and delightful as the rest of her catalogue. Well done!
Highly recommend.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
Excellent narration and performance by Simon Alison who’s become a favourite. He voiced this more direct and teasing Darcy and the banter between him and Elizabeth perfectly. I like his Darcy voice very much.
In A Gentleman’s Pursuit, Elizabeth and Darcy are both dealing with the consequences of refusing to marry a cousin. While Collins immediately chooses Charlotte, Anne has to go to town for the season to find a husband—accompanied by Elizabeth.
As always with this favourite author, her inventive beginning of an entertaining plot and the dialogue that ensues immediately carries the story. The conversations and banter between Darcy and Elizabeth are where a lot of the enjoyment comes from. He is particularly persistent in this story, and I liked that—a lot! He never gives up.
As readers might expect, Lord Saye provides exactly the sort of moments you hope for—just enough to make you smile without turning the story into something it is not. And there is a touch of angst, as there always is, though it never overwhelms the rest. Another past favourite character appears in this story, but I won’t spoil that for you.
Overall, this is one of those books that simply reads well. It flows, the characters feel like themselves, and the story moves along without getting too bogged down with too much angst or unnecessary Lydia/Wickham subplots. If you enjoy a gentleman who will not be deterred, and a lady determined to resist him, you will likely find Amy D’Orazio’s latest novel as enjoyable and delightful as the rest of her catalogue. Well done!
Highly recommend.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
Excellent narration and performance by Simon Alison who’s become a favourite. He voiced this more direct and teasing Darcy and the banter between him and Elizabeth perfectly. I like his Darcy voice very much.
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