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A Total Want of Propriety: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
“Was sleeping…it happened in my sleep! This is all a mistake!”
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy—the man who declared her barely tolerable. But when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish. Within days, she's married to a virtual stranger.
What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing. He's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another?
A Total Want of Propriety is a Pride and Prejudice Variation and is novella length.
forced marriage/compromise — slow burn within marriage — villain with a plan — earned redemption — villainous set-down and reform — enemies to lovers — Jane Austen fan fiction — Austenesque — JAFF
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy—the man who declared her barely tolerable. But when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish. Within days, she's married to a virtual stranger.
What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing. He's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another?
A Total Want of Propriety is a Pride and Prejudice Variation and is novella length.
forced marriage/compromise — slow burn within marriage — villain with a plan — earned redemption — villainous set-down and reform — enemies to lovers — Jane Austen fan fiction — Austenesque — JAFF
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Caroline Bingley really messes things up for herself in this one! What seems like a foolproof plan to compel Mr. Darcy to marry her backfires spectacularly thanks to her quick-thinking, morally-upright ladies maid, Whitby.
The story begins with Jane and Elizabeth Bennet both at Netherfield after the former became ill while taking tea with the Bingley sisters and the latter came to nurse her. Even though he doesn't display it, Darcy has internally succumbed to his attraction to Elizabeth and sends his valet to London to fetch a particular piece of jewelry he intends to give her when he offers marriage. In the group's conversation about the attributes of a truly "accomplished" woman, Darcy says he's aware of only one such woman and looks meaningfully at Elizabeth, who's more confused than delighted.
An infuriated Caroline immediately decides she must force the issue or risk losing her quarry to this country upstart. She uses the stillroom to create a nightcap she serves everyone that's laced with laudanum. All immediately become groggy and stumble to their rooms. In his impaired state, Darcy allows Caroline to lead him to what he believes is his bedchamber, but it's actually her own.
Thankfully, Whitby realizes what her mistress has done and switches Caroline's usual nightly cordial to the same concoction the others drank. With the lady sound asleep, Whitby manages to rouse Mr. Darcy enough to get him out of the room, point him in the direction of his own, and leave him in the hallway. He enters the wrong room and gets into bed with Elizabeth who, in his dreamlike state, he believes is his wife. Yikes!!
The Bingleys all insist it was an innocent mistake that can be easily dismissed, but the story has already spread; the rest of society will not be so kind. Elizabeth's reputation, and that of her entire family, will be in ruins if Darcy doesn't act honorably. Although he's appalled at the circumstances, he's pleased to be marrying the woman he already loves. Elizabeth, however, cannot reconcile herself to the match and plots to run away.
It's a fresh take on the marriage-by-compromise trope, and Ms. Cooper executes it beautifully. I particularly love the unusual spin on Mr. Wickham's entry to the story. Darcy is particularly swoony throughout--Elizabeth really doesn't stand a chance of resisting him! Even though this is not a high-angst story, the author keeps the reader's interest engaged with various related side stories popping up, including the effect Elizabeth's situation has on the Jane-and-Mr. Bingley romance, and the reactions of Darcy's relations to his betrothed's family. There's also an eccentric Darcy relation who doesn't appear in the story directly but does provide an interesting solution to a problem near the book's end. And the writing is uniformly excellent, as is always true of Ms. Cooper's books.
Despite the suggestive nature of the "compromise," the content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story begins with Jane and Elizabeth Bennet both at Netherfield after the former became ill while taking tea with the Bingley sisters and the latter came to nurse her. Even though he doesn't display it, Darcy has internally succumbed to his attraction to Elizabeth and sends his valet to London to fetch a particular piece of jewelry he intends to give her when he offers marriage. In the group's conversation about the attributes of a truly "accomplished" woman, Darcy says he's aware of only one such woman and looks meaningfully at Elizabeth, who's more confused than delighted.
An infuriated Caroline immediately decides she must force the issue or risk losing her quarry to this country upstart. She uses the stillroom to create a nightcap she serves everyone that's laced with laudanum. All immediately become groggy and stumble to their rooms. In his impaired state, Darcy allows Caroline to lead him to what he believes is his bedchamber, but it's actually her own.
Thankfully, Whitby realizes what her mistress has done and switches Caroline's usual nightly cordial to the same concoction the others drank. With the lady sound asleep, Whitby manages to rouse Mr. Darcy enough to get him out of the room, point him in the direction of his own, and leave him in the hallway. He enters the wrong room and gets into bed with Elizabeth who, in his dreamlike state, he believes is his wife. Yikes!!
The Bingleys all insist it was an innocent mistake that can be easily dismissed, but the story has already spread; the rest of society will not be so kind. Elizabeth's reputation, and that of her entire family, will be in ruins if Darcy doesn't act honorably. Although he's appalled at the circumstances, he's pleased to be marrying the woman he already loves. Elizabeth, however, cannot reconcile herself to the match and plots to run away.
It's a fresh take on the marriage-by-compromise trope, and Ms. Cooper executes it beautifully. I particularly love the unusual spin on Mr. Wickham's entry to the story. Darcy is particularly swoony throughout--Elizabeth really doesn't stand a chance of resisting him! Even though this is not a high-angst story, the author keeps the reader's interest engaged with various related side stories popping up, including the effect Elizabeth's situation has on the Jane-and-Mr. Bingley romance, and the reactions of Darcy's relations to his betrothed's family. There's also an eccentric Darcy relation who doesn't appear in the story directly but does provide an interesting solution to a problem near the book's end. And the writing is uniformly excellent, as is always true of Ms. Cooper's books.
Despite the suggestive nature of the "compromise," the content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2026
4.5*
I was thinking about Caroline at the start "play stupid games, win stupid prizes", but in the end there were no stupid prizes. This was just delightful. Darcy was neither as prideful nor prejudiced as in canon. Lizzy (while she did have a moment of foolishness that could have ended very badly for her) was also more mature than her canonical version. I quite liked this Darcy and ODC dynamic as they grew to know each other.
The only thing that I think could have been added (maybe that's for another novella or addition to another novel) is an introduction to Thomasina. She sounds like she would add a lot of fun to story and could help out a great deal to ODC in a situation where they were determined to misunderstand each other (that was not the case in this story) - just a thought.
I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was thinking about Caroline at the start "play stupid games, win stupid prizes", but in the end there were no stupid prizes. This was just delightful. Darcy was neither as prideful nor prejudiced as in canon. Lizzy (while she did have a moment of foolishness that could have ended very badly for her) was also more mature than her canonical version. I quite liked this Darcy and ODC dynamic as they grew to know each other.
The only thing that I think could have been added (maybe that's for another novella or addition to another novel) is an introduction to Thomasina. She sounds like she would add a lot of fun to story and could help out a great deal to ODC in a situation where they were determined to misunderstand each other (that was not the case in this story) - just a thought.
I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Smorgasbord of Delight
This short novella is a smorgasbord of everything I love in a variation: an attempted compromise, an actual yet inadvertent one, a clever comeuppance, a servant has a significant role, a moment of angst, a swift marriage, unrequited love, a meeting of minds, and at last a joyful union. All of it is wrapped in excellent prose and sparkling dialogue. I was so caught up in the final moments before the epilogue that I actually teared up from sheer happiness. I think my heart was beating faster than Darcy’s! So few pages filled with so much everything. Sweet epilogue too. Oh, and the cover is whimsically perfect.
With A Total Want of Propriety, Julie Cooper gave me the figurative gift I needed to raise my spirits today. This writing is sublime.
Because it’s a short story, I do not wish to give too much away, but this is most certainly a must-read. My goodness.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the Kindle version.
This short novella is a smorgasbord of everything I love in a variation: an attempted compromise, an actual yet inadvertent one, a clever comeuppance, a servant has a significant role, a moment of angst, a swift marriage, unrequited love, a meeting of minds, and at last a joyful union. All of it is wrapped in excellent prose and sparkling dialogue. I was so caught up in the final moments before the epilogue that I actually teared up from sheer happiness. I think my heart was beating faster than Darcy’s! So few pages filled with so much everything. Sweet epilogue too. Oh, and the cover is whimsically perfect.
With A Total Want of Propriety, Julie Cooper gave me the figurative gift I needed to raise my spirits today. This writing is sublime.
Because it’s a short story, I do not wish to give too much away, but this is most certainly a must-read. My goodness.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the Kindle version.
June 26, 2026
Wonderful
When Elizabeth is at Netherfield nursing Jane, a jealous Caroline Bingley engineers a compromise of Darcy involving drugging after dinner drinks. Unfortunately for her, it backfires, and results in a compromise between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy is only too happy to be forced into marriage with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, however, must learn to accept the circumstances, and must discover that Darcy is actually a decent guy. She resolves to put forth her best effort, especially since Darcy is already showing clear signs of esteem for her.
I like this author. It's a familiar premise, the compromise leading to forced marriage. Luckily, in this version we're given a swoon worthy Darcy who doesn't waste any time winning over Elizabeth. She doesn't stand a chance against his romantic nature. It's also refreshing to have a rational Elizabeth who is ready to meet him halfway. The romance is superb. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
When Elizabeth is at Netherfield nursing Jane, a jealous Caroline Bingley engineers a compromise of Darcy involving drugging after dinner drinks. Unfortunately for her, it backfires, and results in a compromise between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy is only too happy to be forced into marriage with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, however, must learn to accept the circumstances, and must discover that Darcy is actually a decent guy. She resolves to put forth her best effort, especially since Darcy is already showing clear signs of esteem for her.
I like this author. It's a familiar premise, the compromise leading to forced marriage. Luckily, in this version we're given a swoon worthy Darcy who doesn't waste any time winning over Elizabeth. She doesn't stand a chance against his romantic nature. It's also refreshing to have a rational Elizabeth who is ready to meet him halfway. The romance is superb. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
June 15, 2026
A Storm in a Teacup?
4.5* rounded up
This novella takes place after Darcy's assembly insult; thus far, it is his only direct error. Wickham hasn't spread his poison, and Jane & Bingley's relationship is yet a bud of romance.
Unlike canon, however, Darcy has come to a decision; he wants Elizabeth Bennet as his bride. He dispatches his valet to London to retrieve heirloom jewellery for his prospective fiancée, which he intends to present once she accepts his proposal.
This mission sets off the devious plotter's plan.
The story is a lively and quick read, with Ms. Cooper's typical excellent writing and storytelling; it's great for an afternoon's entertainment.
I first received an ARC, but upon reading it, have purchased the released e-book.
4.5* rounded up
This novella takes place after Darcy's assembly insult; thus far, it is his only direct error. Wickham hasn't spread his poison, and Jane & Bingley's relationship is yet a bud of romance.
Unlike canon, however, Darcy has come to a decision; he wants Elizabeth Bennet as his bride. He dispatches his valet to London to retrieve heirloom jewellery for his prospective fiancée, which he intends to present once she accepts his proposal.
This mission sets off the devious plotter's plan.
The story is a lively and quick read, with Ms. Cooper's typical excellent writing and storytelling; it's great for an afternoon's entertainment.
I first received an ARC, but upon reading it, have purchased the released e-book.
June 24, 2026
Status: Read June 22-24, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
A Total Want of Propriety: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Julie Cooper
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 146 pages
Published June 15, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published June 1, 2026)
ASIN: B0DHQWRLJP / ISBN13: 978-1967030729
[ kindle unlimited ]
“Was sleeping…it happened in my sleep! This is all a mistake!”
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy—the man who declared her barely tolerable. But when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish. Within days, she's married to a virtual stranger.
What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing. He's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
A Total Want of Propriety: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Julie Cooper
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 146 pages
Published June 15, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published June 1, 2026)
ASIN: B0DHQWRLJP / ISBN13: 978-1967030729
[ kindle unlimited ]
“Was sleeping…it happened in my sleep! This is all a mistake!”
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy—the man who declared her barely tolerable. But when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish. Within days, she's married to a virtual stranger.
What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing. He's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another?
June 16, 2026
Darcy finds happiness
Events at Netherfield during Jane’s illness while Elizabeth is caring for her cause life changes. Caroline Bingley really wants to marry Darcy and decides to take matters in her own hands. Her ladies maid doesn’t like Miss Bingley and her attitudes toward the servants. She steps in and saves Mr Darcy from the unwanted marriage to Caroline Bingley. Darcy finds himself compromised not to Caroline but to Miss Elizabeth.
What I enjoyed about this story were the conversations. The ladies maids, Jane and Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Wickham, Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet, Darcy and Elizabeth. I laughed so much I wish the story was longer.
Events at Netherfield during Jane’s illness while Elizabeth is caring for her cause life changes. Caroline Bingley really wants to marry Darcy and decides to take matters in her own hands. Her ladies maid doesn’t like Miss Bingley and her attitudes toward the servants. She steps in and saves Mr Darcy from the unwanted marriage to Caroline Bingley. Darcy finds himself compromised not to Caroline but to Miss Elizabeth.
What I enjoyed about this story were the conversations. The ladies maids, Jane and Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Wickham, Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet, Darcy and Elizabeth. I laughed so much I wish the story was longer.
June 15, 2026
Lovely
An absolutely lovely and relatively low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by author Julie Cooper. I liked it.
An absolutely lovely and relatively low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by author Julie Cooper. I liked it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The jealous act of a woman leaves Darcy in a predicament. Drugged and without knowing what he is doing he stumbled in Elizabeth's bedchamber and now they must marry to save their reputations.
They do not know each other for long nor do they know much about each other. But now they must live with each other. Elizabeth is willing not to reset Darcy, especially as she discovers that he is as well a victim as she herself.
Darcy, on his part, is already desperately in love with Elizabeth and determined to show her that she already was the lady of his dreams before another forced their hands.
Will Darcy be able to show Elizabeth his love and make her love him in return? Will they overcome the stumbling beginning of their union? Or will the scheming rival act again to destroy their beginning trust in each other?
The story was very well written by the author Julie Cooper. I always enjoy her books very much, they are a must-buy for me. This story is a rather short one (146 p) but, in my opinion, nothing is missing in it. The brevity matches the short span of the story, after the initial incident there is not much time left for Darcy and Elizabeth to get to know each other before they are finally wed.
I love how Elizabeth handled the situation, especially after the much needed advice of her aunt. Yes, at first, she tries to run away from the situation but later, when she also learned a valuable lesson herself and also comprehends that Darcy is as well a victim of the situation as she is, she decides to be brave and face what is to come. I like that, as she comes to know Darcy better, she is able to trust him and move their relationship along. That is the spirit I love about Elizabeth, that she is not intimidated by a situation that seems to be frightening at first.
I also love how Darcy handled the situation. He is already in love with Elizabeth and therefore a marriage to her is not a bad thing for him because it grants him his heart’s desire. But he sees that it is not the same for her and he is very understanding and considerate. He gives Elizabeth the time she needs to adjust to the situation they are placed in. This understanding is one of the reasons she can trust him and come to know him better.
Another main character of the story is the ladiesmaid Whitby. Whitby is a clever girl and sees the scheme against Darcy. And she acts to prevent him from harm but her actions accidentally cause him to compromise Elizabeth. I like that s servant is one of the main characters of the story, I enjoyed the look into her life as a ladiesmaid. And I liked her as a person very much, she is clever and with principles and she takes good care of her younger brother. She is definitely a better person than the one she is serving. And due to her honesty she gets a better position and her own happily ever after. I loved that very much.
This time the villain of the story is the one to accidentally cause Darcy and Elizabeth to be together. Therefore one could almost congratulate them 😉. But be assured the villain nevertheless is punished, but in a rather unique and educational manner. I linked the idea of the punishment very much.
If you like to know if Darcy and Elizabeth can find happiness after they are forced to marry due to a rival’s actions you should read this excellent variation.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They do not know each other for long nor do they know much about each other. But now they must live with each other. Elizabeth is willing not to reset Darcy, especially as she discovers that he is as well a victim as she herself.
Darcy, on his part, is already desperately in love with Elizabeth and determined to show her that she already was the lady of his dreams before another forced their hands.
Will Darcy be able to show Elizabeth his love and make her love him in return? Will they overcome the stumbling beginning of their union? Or will the scheming rival act again to destroy their beginning trust in each other?
The story was very well written by the author Julie Cooper. I always enjoy her books very much, they are a must-buy for me. This story is a rather short one (146 p) but, in my opinion, nothing is missing in it. The brevity matches the short span of the story, after the initial incident there is not much time left for Darcy and Elizabeth to get to know each other before they are finally wed.
I love how Elizabeth handled the situation, especially after the much needed advice of her aunt. Yes, at first, she tries to run away from the situation but later, when she also learned a valuable lesson herself and also comprehends that Darcy is as well a victim of the situation as she is, she decides to be brave and face what is to come. I like that, as she comes to know Darcy better, she is able to trust him and move their relationship along. That is the spirit I love about Elizabeth, that she is not intimidated by a situation that seems to be frightening at first.
I also love how Darcy handled the situation. He is already in love with Elizabeth and therefore a marriage to her is not a bad thing for him because it grants him his heart’s desire. But he sees that it is not the same for her and he is very understanding and considerate. He gives Elizabeth the time she needs to adjust to the situation they are placed in. This understanding is one of the reasons she can trust him and come to know him better.
Another main character of the story is the ladiesmaid Whitby. Whitby is a clever girl and sees the scheme against Darcy. And she acts to prevent him from harm but her actions accidentally cause him to compromise Elizabeth. I like that s servant is one of the main characters of the story, I enjoyed the look into her life as a ladiesmaid. And I liked her as a person very much, she is clever and with principles and she takes good care of her younger brother. She is definitely a better person than the one she is serving. And due to her honesty she gets a better position and her own happily ever after. I loved that very much.
This time the villain of the story is the one to accidentally cause Darcy and Elizabeth to be together. Therefore one could almost congratulate them 😉. But be assured the villain nevertheless is punished, but in a rather unique and educational manner. I linked the idea of the punishment very much.
If you like to know if Darcy and Elizabeth can find happiness after they are forced to marry due to a rival’s actions you should read this excellent variation.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2026
I loved it!
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This variation has a forced marriage/compromise, a slow burn within marriage, a villain with a plan, an earned redemption, a villainous set-down and reform, and enemies to lovers.
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy, the man who declared her barely tolerable, but when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish, and within days, she's married to a virtual stranger. What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing, and he's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This variation has a forced marriage/compromise, a slow burn within marriage, a villain with a plan, an earned redemption, a villainous set-down and reform, and enemies to lovers.
Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of marrying the proud, disagreeable Mr Darcy, the man who declared her barely tolerable, but when she wakes to find him in her bed at Netherfield, her choices vanish, and within days, she's married to a virtual stranger. What Elizabeth does not know is that Darcy is just as much a victim of circumstance. Drugged and manipulated by a jealous rival, he stumbled into the wrong bedchamber and now finds himself bound to a lady who believes he thinks her beneath him, while he burns with feelings he can barely express.
Forced into intimacy neither chose, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate a marriage neither planned. She is determined not to resent a husband who was trapped into proposing, and he's desperate to prove he would have chosen her anyway. Between meddling relatives, scandalous secrets, and their own stubborn pride, can two people who married as strangers discover they are perfect for one another? 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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was another delightful novella from the talented ‘pen’ of Ms. Cooper!
“Her new position paid extremely well, far better than most. It did not take long to discover why.” (quote from the book)
Miss Bingley sees an opportunity to get what she always wanted while Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are at Netherfield. But what does her maid have to do with it?
“Save your congratulations until she accepts me, Havers. At the moment, I feel I am far more likely to be greeted with a sword at my throat.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy, after finding himself in Miss Elizabeth’s bed, must now marry her…if she will have him. He certainly does all that he can to prove that he really does want to be married to her. In doing so, we get to fall in love all over again with him.
I will admit to one small scene that felt out of character for me by Elizabeth. I understood the purpose of it, but it felt a bit contrived. Despite that, the story is well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
“Her new position paid extremely well, far better than most. It did not take long to discover why.” (quote from the book)
Miss Bingley sees an opportunity to get what she always wanted while Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are at Netherfield. But what does her maid have to do with it?
“Save your congratulations until she accepts me, Havers. At the moment, I feel I am far more likely to be greeted with a sword at my throat.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy, after finding himself in Miss Elizabeth’s bed, must now marry her…if she will have him. He certainly does all that he can to prove that he really does want to be married to her. In doing so, we get to fall in love all over again with him.
I will admit to one small scene that felt out of character for me by Elizabeth. I understood the purpose of it, but it felt a bit contrived. Despite that, the story is well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 12, 2026
i mean, it's on me for even attempting a compromise story when the description said the compromise won't be believable.
I was willing to overlook the ridiculousness of the compromise (again, I did agree to read that novel even tho the description warned compromise won't be believable), but besides that, it's wanton, it's not proper, the characters are out of character, and that's why it's a 50% DNF
P.S.If you want to read a compromise-done-right, read The Last Man in the World - a variation I had many issues with, but at least the compromise was done right (although not entirely in character, imo, with Darcy kissing Elizabeth immediately, but the circumstances of the compromise were correct).
"I will soon be married, OR he will be ruined in the eyes of society for any decent young woman!"I LOLed at that. It didn't even try to paint compromise as something that would make Darcy take pity on Caroline Bingley, it straight up said DARCY would be ruined otherwise.
I was willing to overlook the ridiculousness of the compromise (again, I did agree to read that novel even tho the description warned compromise won't be believable), but besides that, it's wanton, it's not proper, the characters are out of character, and that's why it's a 50% DNF
P.S.If you want to read a compromise-done-right, read The Last Man in the World - a variation I had many issues with, but at least the compromise was done right (although not entirely in character, imo, with Darcy kissing Elizabeth immediately, but the circumstances of the compromise were correct).
June 15, 2026
A love a good forced marriage scenario between ODC that reveals the goodness in both of their characters. A bad Miss Bingley, a compromise gone wrong, and a happily ever after for ODC are the hallmarks of this lovely novella and officially the objects of my new obsession.
Elizabeth and Darcy are on full display in this story with lots of page time, which is my number one on my list of things I enjoy in JAFF. It is a bite-sized read without leaving the reader feeling deprived, and if I may say so, one of the author's "fluffier" stories. It was pure enjoyment and minimally angsty- just what I am looking for in a summer read that I accomplished in a single sitting. The smaller cast of characters in this story kept it feeling intimate and complete. Five stars for me!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own honest opinions.
Elizabeth and Darcy are on full display in this story with lots of page time, which is my number one on my list of things I enjoy in JAFF. It is a bite-sized read without leaving the reader feeling deprived, and if I may say so, one of the author's "fluffier" stories. It was pure enjoyment and minimally angsty- just what I am looking for in a summer read that I accomplished in a single sitting. The smaller cast of characters in this story kept it feeling intimate and complete. Five stars for me!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own honest opinions.
June 17, 2026
Caroline Bingley really stepped in it this time. While Elizabeth is attending Jane at Netherfield, Caroline notices Darcy's attraction being focused in the wrong direction. She decides the time is right to make her move. Her efforts to arrange a compromise with him gave her the worst possible results. In so many variations, her selfishness and meanness go unpunished, but in this one, she gets a royal set down from Darcy. Her punishment is unusual and creative. It even leads to a certain redemption at the end.
Although this is a forced marriage scenario, it's really very sweet and low-angst. There's no family opposition or hysteria from Lady Catherine. Wickham is swiftly dealt with. Who could resist such a swoony Darcy anyway?
Although this is a forced marriage scenario, it's really very sweet and low-angst. There's no family opposition or hysteria from Lady Catherine. Wickham is swiftly dealt with. Who could resist such a swoony Darcy anyway?
June 27, 2026
Premise: It's a forced marriage compromise novella in which Darcy isn't too bothered as he was kind of sort of maybe planning to pursue Elizabeth anyway. Elizabeth, however...
What I liked: Darcy is so swoony in his efforts to win Elizabeth over.
Characterization: The whole situation stems from Caroline attempting to compromise Darcy, which I think canon Caroline would be too clever to try.
Spice level: Low. Some kisses and allusions.
Any non-canon parings:
Other notes or issues: This was so much fun! I wish it had been longer, and we could have seen how Darcy's relatives had reacted.
What I liked: Darcy is so swoony in his efforts to win Elizabeth over.
Characterization: The whole situation stems from Caroline attempting to compromise Darcy, which I think canon Caroline would be too clever to try.
Spice level: Low. Some kisses and allusions.
Any non-canon parings:
Other notes or issues: This was so much fun! I wish it had been longer, and we could have seen how Darcy's relatives had reacted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For a novelette, a great little treasure. Everything you could possibly want in a Pride and Prejudice variation.
Caroline is still Caroline, and tries to compromise Darcy. But Caroline has a wonderful ladies maid, who tries to protect everyone. So of course, it backfires...but this too, the final consequences turn out to the good of everyone.
Wickham is still a source of distrust, but he too gets his comeuppance. LOL. Not quite the expected sequence.
But best of all, the HEA comes for ODC. I received a copy and am reviewing of my own free will.
Enjoyed this read.
Caroline is still Caroline, and tries to compromise Darcy. But Caroline has a wonderful ladies maid, who tries to protect everyone. So of course, it backfires...but this too, the final consequences turn out to the good of everyone.
Wickham is still a source of distrust, but he too gets his comeuppance. LOL. Not quite the expected sequence.
But best of all, the HEA comes for ODC. I received a copy and am reviewing of my own free will.
Enjoyed this read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tut tut Mr Darcy
This is a smooth and easy read with just a smidge of angst.
I think that this will be very much appreciated by those readers who like their Darcy to be calm and collected and relentlessly good natured. Elizabeth is really quite remarkably tolerant of the situation under the circumstances and all is resolved with the minimum of conflict after the initial shock.
The new character of Whitby the maid was delightful and I was very pleased to see she had her own happy ending too.
This is a smooth and easy read with just a smidge of angst.
I think that this will be very much appreciated by those readers who like their Darcy to be calm and collected and relentlessly good natured. Elizabeth is really quite remarkably tolerant of the situation under the circumstances and all is resolved with the minimum of conflict after the initial shock.
The new character of Whitby the maid was delightful and I was very pleased to see she had her own happy ending too.
June 22, 2026
Conniving Miss Bingley’s plan fails!
Darcy is already starting to fall for Elizabeth when Miss Bingley conspires to drug Darcy and all the other guests and compromise Darcy into marrying her. Aid for Darcy comes in an unexpected form but results in Darcy compromising Elizabeth instead.
Sweet forced marriage story with Darcy gently and sweetly winning Elizabeth over.
Darcy is already starting to fall for Elizabeth when Miss Bingley conspires to drug Darcy and all the other guests and compromise Darcy into marrying her. Aid for Darcy comes in an unexpected form but results in Darcy compromising Elizabeth instead.
Sweet forced marriage story with Darcy gently and sweetly winning Elizabeth over.
June 29, 2026
to little angst
Coppers writing is smooth and spotless as always. In that way that way you hardly know you finished before you did. In fact I felt like I was waiting for the story to arrive the entire time.
This is not up to the authors talent the other books far out strip this one.
Coppers writing is smooth and spotless as always. In that way that way you hardly know you finished before you did. In fact I felt like I was waiting for the story to arrive the entire time.
This is not up to the authors talent the other books far out strip this one.
June 17, 2026
What a lovely book! My only complaint is that it's too short! The characterizations were great; I loved this Elizabeth and this Darcy. The addition of Whitby and the off-screen Mrs. Thomasina Darcy was a hoot! I'm sure I will be rereading this on a regular basis.
June 20, 2026
Cute
What I liked:
- Plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth screen time.
- Honesty. Darcy doesn't hide his true feelings from Elizabeth.
- They take time to get to know each other before and shortly after marriage.
- No angst.
What I liked:
- Plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth screen time.
- Honesty. Darcy doesn't hide his true feelings from Elizabeth.
- They take time to get to know each other before and shortly after marriage.
- No angst.
June 21, 2026
Lovely story
I loved this book. I laughed so hard at Mrs Bennet explaining the marriage bed to Elizabeth. Also Darcy stating he would not be an under the bed papa was so cute. Highly recommended!
I loved this book. I laughed so hard at Mrs Bennet explaining the marriage bed to Elizabeth. Also Darcy stating he would not be an under the bed papa was so cute. Highly recommended!
June 21, 2026
A D&E hug
The telling of their beginning is soft and sweet. Dealing with W was swift, without hesitation or drama. Loved that Caroline was allowed to come into her own as well. I would like to hear more of her and Thomosina.
Thank you Julie
The telling of their beginning is soft and sweet. Dealing with W was swift, without hesitation or drama. Loved that Caroline was allowed to come into her own as well. I would like to hear more of her and Thomosina.
Thank you Julie
June 22, 2026
Loved it!
An easy and pleasant read. I honestly find that I'm happier reading stories with minimal angst and minimal or nonexistent appearances of my least favorite characters. Am I the only one?
An easy and pleasant read. I honestly find that I'm happier reading stories with minimal angst and minimal or nonexistent appearances of my least favorite characters. Am I the only one?
June 29, 2026
This was a delightful variation in the forced marriage trope. Both members of ODC let their obstinate, headstrong sides rest and take the time and care to know and respect one another. Low angst, vengeance without any over the top revenge for wrong doers.
June 17, 2026
Delizioso!
June 19, 2026
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
Up until Lizzy meets Wickham was ok ish, that she flirts with him inviting him to the shop! Nope!!
I do not recommend at all!!
Up until Lizzy meets Wickham was ok ish, that she flirts with him inviting him to the shop! Nope!!
I do not recommend at all!!
June 24, 2026
A quick fun read. Low angst.
June 28, 2026
Short, sweet, and easily read in one sitting.
June 28, 2026
short story length
Not bad, but certainly not my favorite of Cooper’s books. I rarely read short stories as I am more interested in character development than the format allows.
Not bad, but certainly not my favorite of Cooper’s books. I rarely read short stories as I am more interested in character development than the format allows.
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