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Suddenly Mrs. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet never imagined her own parents would force her to marry a virtual stranger.
But when Mrs. Bennet accuses Fitzwilliam Darcy of compromising her daughter, that is exactly the outcome. Trapped in a seemingly loveless marriage and far from home, she grows suspicious of her new husband’s heart and further, suspects he is hiding a great secret. Is there even a chance at love given the happenstance of their hasty marriage?
But when Mrs. Bennet accuses Fitzwilliam Darcy of compromising her daughter, that is exactly the outcome. Trapped in a seemingly loveless marriage and far from home, she grows suspicious of her new husband’s heart and further, suspects he is hiding a great secret. Is there even a chance at love given the happenstance of their hasty marriage?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
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July 20, 2017
Any book that brings me close to tears or even actually has me crying is going to be a first class book in my opinion.
I was anxiously awaiting this book as I had read about this new author and this first release on a blog. Of further interest to me, personally, was the fact that the author is a practicing barrister. I know of and read books by two other such authors, although of the male gender, Terry Brooks and John Grisham. Furthermore my husband is an attorney. Thus when I learned that this book was released this morning, I immediately bought and began to read it. I was, from the beginning, drawn in.
This book has a great deal of angst. You can read in the Book Description and by reading the Sample that Elizabeth is forced to marry Darcy due to her mother's demanding such when she “witnesses” Mr. Darcy compromising her daughter. This tale is written from Elizabeth's POV and, due to such, one suffers along with Elizabeth all the misgivings, all the feeling of isolation from friend and family as the couple departs for Pemberley upon the event of their wedding and their sojourn there afterwards.
Readers, you must remember this is the Darcy long before Elizabeth stuns him with not only her rejection of his marriage proposal but also before she throws in his face all her opinions as to his character and his ungentlemanly behavior towards Meryton society, towards Wickham, and in parting Bingley from her sister, Jane. Elizabeth, in this situation of being accused of allowing herself to become compromised (supposedly) and then to have Mr. Darcy forced to marry her, is mortified. She does not have the support of her father. So is she going to at this point rant and rave about Darcy's actions at present or in the past? No, at this point she can only view that in not scorning Mrs. Bennet and her "observation of their actions" and by arranging to meet with her father and to further set into action the wedding, Mr. Darcy has acted with more grace and fortitude than could ever be expected. So Lizzy is walking on eggshells and she has no one with whom to discuss the matter. She does not even have Aunt Gardiner to counter Lizzy’s mother lesson about what to expect in the marriage bed.
And all this time Darcy remains the man of disdain and brooding looks and silent stances...the man seen at the Assembly Ball.
Subsequently a new acquaintance and observed actions at a neighbor’s ball in Derbyshire, a visit with Lady Catherine and an overheard conversation with his steward cause Elizabeth such qualms, such misgivings, such regrets, even suspicions about Darcy’s morals and his character as to make one ache for Elizabeth. I don't want to speak of the exact causes, of what exactly she heard or witnessed as it would be a SPOILER but, I was having some of the same thoughts about Darcy. Other authors have ventured into this area, giving us a different Darcy but one who could be seen as a reflection of his times and the society. Some thoughts were: "Is this to be like Jane Eyre in discovering that Mr. Rochester has a life changing secret?"
Elizabeth has no one to whom to turn, they live in isolation at Pemberley for much of the time at the beginning of their marriage. She does make great efforts to take on her role as the mistress of Pemberley and even here she is not sure of Darcy's reactions to her taking an initiative in addressing certain needs or events with the tenants. A trip to London and time spent there bring many changes.
There is an epilogue. I am always happy to have that in the stories I read. I do recommend you read this book…and good luck trying to put it down! I look forward to more from this new author.
Having won this in paperback in the raffle for The Darcy Monologues tour I am rereading it.
I was anxiously awaiting this book as I had read about this new author and this first release on a blog. Of further interest to me, personally, was the fact that the author is a practicing barrister. I know of and read books by two other such authors, although of the male gender, Terry Brooks and John Grisham. Furthermore my husband is an attorney. Thus when I learned that this book was released this morning, I immediately bought and began to read it. I was, from the beginning, drawn in.
This book has a great deal of angst. You can read in the Book Description and by reading the Sample that Elizabeth is forced to marry Darcy due to her mother's demanding such when she “witnesses” Mr. Darcy compromising her daughter. This tale is written from Elizabeth's POV and, due to such, one suffers along with Elizabeth all the misgivings, all the feeling of isolation from friend and family as the couple departs for Pemberley upon the event of their wedding and their sojourn there afterwards.
Readers, you must remember this is the Darcy long before Elizabeth stuns him with not only her rejection of his marriage proposal but also before she throws in his face all her opinions as to his character and his ungentlemanly behavior towards Meryton society, towards Wickham, and in parting Bingley from her sister, Jane. Elizabeth, in this situation of being accused of allowing herself to become compromised (supposedly) and then to have Mr. Darcy forced to marry her, is mortified. She does not have the support of her father. So is she going to at this point rant and rave about Darcy's actions at present or in the past? No, at this point she can only view that in not scorning Mrs. Bennet and her "observation of their actions" and by arranging to meet with her father and to further set into action the wedding, Mr. Darcy has acted with more grace and fortitude than could ever be expected. So Lizzy is walking on eggshells and she has no one with whom to discuss the matter. She does not even have Aunt Gardiner to counter Lizzy’s mother lesson about what to expect in the marriage bed.
And all this time Darcy remains the man of disdain and brooding looks and silent stances...the man seen at the Assembly Ball.
Subsequently a new acquaintance and observed actions at a neighbor’s ball in Derbyshire, a visit with Lady Catherine and an overheard conversation with his steward cause Elizabeth such qualms, such misgivings, such regrets, even suspicions about Darcy’s morals and his character as to make one ache for Elizabeth. I don't want to speak of the exact causes, of what exactly she heard or witnessed as it would be a SPOILER but, I was having some of the same thoughts about Darcy. Other authors have ventured into this area, giving us a different Darcy but one who could be seen as a reflection of his times and the society. Some thoughts were: "Is this to be like Jane Eyre in discovering that Mr. Rochester has a life changing secret?"
Elizabeth has no one to whom to turn, they live in isolation at Pemberley for much of the time at the beginning of their marriage. She does make great efforts to take on her role as the mistress of Pemberley and even here she is not sure of Darcy's reactions to her taking an initiative in addressing certain needs or events with the tenants. A trip to London and time spent there bring many changes.
There is an epilogue. I am always happy to have that in the stories I read. I do recommend you read this book…and good luck trying to put it down! I look forward to more from this new author.
Having won this in paperback in the raffle for The Darcy Monologues tour I am rereading it.
June 16, 2020
What a wonderful debut book by Ms. James! I was especially pleased that the action built to a single, easily recognizable climax, which so many JAFF authors don't seem to comprehend is the basis of a really good piece of literature. As such, this transcends ordinary fan fiction.
Elizabeth and Darcy really seem like the characters Jane Austen created, and the story, like Austen's, strictly follows Elizabeth without any description of what Darcy is thinking or what he's doing when he's not with her. The events follow logically from the divergence from the original that starts at the Netherfield Ball, and they are credible rather than overly melodramatic. As a bonus, Catherine de Bourgh is instrumental in clearing up a misunderstanding between our heroine and an important gentleman in her life (and we all know how Lady de Bourgh loves to be useful)!
There are times when this reader (because I already know Mr. Darcy so well!) wanted to scream at Darcy and Elizabeth to just TALK to each other honestly. However, as another reviewer pointed out, Darcy's closed personality is consistent with who he is at the beginning of Jane Austen's book. Keeping in mind the Regency time period, Elizabeth's relationship with him as his wife is understandably different than it would be when she was just a neighboring gentleman's daughter.
The writing itself is very good - not exactly straight from the 1800s, but it avoids sounding recognizably modern. Most importantly, it has accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation. This book belongs in the top tier of "what if" Pride and Prejudice novels.
Elizabeth and Darcy really seem like the characters Jane Austen created, and the story, like Austen's, strictly follows Elizabeth without any description of what Darcy is thinking or what he's doing when he's not with her. The events follow logically from the divergence from the original that starts at the Netherfield Ball, and they are credible rather than overly melodramatic. As a bonus, Catherine de Bourgh is instrumental in clearing up a misunderstanding between our heroine and an important gentleman in her life (and we all know how Lady de Bourgh loves to be useful)!
There are times when this reader (because I already know Mr. Darcy so well!) wanted to scream at Darcy and Elizabeth to just TALK to each other honestly. However, as another reviewer pointed out, Darcy's closed personality is consistent with who he is at the beginning of Jane Austen's book. Keeping in mind the Regency time period, Elizabeth's relationship with him as his wife is understandably different than it would be when she was just a neighboring gentleman's daughter.
The writing itself is very good - not exactly straight from the 1800s, but it avoids sounding recognizably modern. Most importantly, it has accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation. This book belongs in the top tier of "what if" Pride and Prejudice novels.
July 15, 2015
What If Mrs. Bennet Saw Mr. Darcy in a Compromising Pose with Elizabeth?
You can easily imagine what she would do, right? Yep, the hysterics and accusations would fly, and too many people would know and talk. Leaving Darcy and Elizabeth no other recourse but to marry! Can you imagine?!?
In a heated debate about Wickham Darcy and Elizabeth are caught along together in a dimly lit salon at Netherfield Park. Havoc ensues, Mr. Bennet becomes involved, and the Bennets quietly depart from the ball early. Elizabeth is hopeful to convince her parents that this is all a mistake, but when Mr. Darcy does not make any such claims and is willing to do what is honorable, there isn’t much Elizabeth can do to get herself out of this situation…
And so Elizabeth leaves her home and travels to Pemberley married to a man she hardly knows and who for most of their acquaintance despised. Since the story is told from Elizabeth’s point-of-view, we only know her thoughts and feelings about this situation. While at the beginning she has many misgivings about being in a loveless marriage to a disagreeable man, she soon finds that with some effort on both their parts there is some amicability and compatibility between them. In their private and tender moments together at night Elizabeth can feel her regard for her husband start to grow. While not much is being said, it was lovely to see our dear couple express their affection through other means.
I love it when an author finds a clever way to put Darcy and Elizabeth in a forced situation! And a forced marriage, so early in the course of Pride and Prejudice? I was eagerly looking forward to how this forced marriage would play out. How would Darcy and Elizabeth resolve their issues? How would they overcome their differences and prejudices? With this story, I especially enjoyed witnessing Elizabeth’s developing feelings for Darcy. This version of Darcy is very reserved (talk about a closed book!) He speaks no words of love, offers no explanations for any of his actions, and very begrudgingly reveals anything to Elizabeth. I loved seeing her gradually peel away the layers of his complex character and learn to understand and love him. (And Mr. Darcy does very well as the strong and extremely silent type!)
Other parts of the story that I enjoyed were Elizabeth’s interactions with the tenant farmers, her relationship with both Georgiana and her lady’s maid, Hannah, and her watchfulness when it comes to Mr. Darcy and his secrets. After overhearing some comments, being told a rumor, and witnessing some emotionally-charged encounters, Elizabeth has a lot of questions about her puzzling husband and what he doesn’t want her to know. It was thrilling to have Mr. Darcy have such a secret and for the reader and Elizabeth to be in the dark for so long about it! I thought it was a very interesting and satisfying plot twist!
My one quibble for this story would be with Elizabeth’s complacency. She accepted her fate, forced future, and new life with little complaint or commotion. And it can be argued that perhaps in this situation Elizabeth felt resistance to be futile, and her fate sealed. But Elizabeth was also very complacent in her marriage – she very rarely spoke against Darcy when he was being insufferably proud and giving her pain over her family and situation. It seemed like a little of Lizzy’s fire and brave outspokenness were missing in this variation.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this story for its discerning premise, inventive intrigue, and beautifully developed romance! Ms. James is a skilled story-teller with a compelling voice and satisfying respect for Jane Austen’s charactesr. I sincerely hope we see more from Jenetta James in the near future!
Note: While Darcy and Elizabeth share many intimate embraces, none of them are explicit or much detailed. I’d recommend this book for PG-13 audiences.
You can easily imagine what she would do, right? Yep, the hysterics and accusations would fly, and too many people would know and talk. Leaving Darcy and Elizabeth no other recourse but to marry! Can you imagine?!?
In a heated debate about Wickham Darcy and Elizabeth are caught along together in a dimly lit salon at Netherfield Park. Havoc ensues, Mr. Bennet becomes involved, and the Bennets quietly depart from the ball early. Elizabeth is hopeful to convince her parents that this is all a mistake, but when Mr. Darcy does not make any such claims and is willing to do what is honorable, there isn’t much Elizabeth can do to get herself out of this situation…
And so Elizabeth leaves her home and travels to Pemberley married to a man she hardly knows and who for most of their acquaintance despised. Since the story is told from Elizabeth’s point-of-view, we only know her thoughts and feelings about this situation. While at the beginning she has many misgivings about being in a loveless marriage to a disagreeable man, she soon finds that with some effort on both their parts there is some amicability and compatibility between them. In their private and tender moments together at night Elizabeth can feel her regard for her husband start to grow. While not much is being said, it was lovely to see our dear couple express their affection through other means.
I love it when an author finds a clever way to put Darcy and Elizabeth in a forced situation! And a forced marriage, so early in the course of Pride and Prejudice? I was eagerly looking forward to how this forced marriage would play out. How would Darcy and Elizabeth resolve their issues? How would they overcome their differences and prejudices? With this story, I especially enjoyed witnessing Elizabeth’s developing feelings for Darcy. This version of Darcy is very reserved (talk about a closed book!) He speaks no words of love, offers no explanations for any of his actions, and very begrudgingly reveals anything to Elizabeth. I loved seeing her gradually peel away the layers of his complex character and learn to understand and love him. (And Mr. Darcy does very well as the strong and extremely silent type!)
Other parts of the story that I enjoyed were Elizabeth’s interactions with the tenant farmers, her relationship with both Georgiana and her lady’s maid, Hannah, and her watchfulness when it comes to Mr. Darcy and his secrets. After overhearing some comments, being told a rumor, and witnessing some emotionally-charged encounters, Elizabeth has a lot of questions about her puzzling husband and what he doesn’t want her to know. It was thrilling to have Mr. Darcy have such a secret and for the reader and Elizabeth to be in the dark for so long about it! I thought it was a very interesting and satisfying plot twist!
My one quibble for this story would be with Elizabeth’s complacency. She accepted her fate, forced future, and new life with little complaint or commotion. And it can be argued that perhaps in this situation Elizabeth felt resistance to be futile, and her fate sealed. But Elizabeth was also very complacent in her marriage – she very rarely spoke against Darcy when he was being insufferably proud and giving her pain over her family and situation. It seemed like a little of Lizzy’s fire and brave outspokenness were missing in this variation.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this story for its discerning premise, inventive intrigue, and beautifully developed romance! Ms. James is a skilled story-teller with a compelling voice and satisfying respect for Jane Austen’s charactesr. I sincerely hope we see more from Jenetta James in the near future!
Note: While Darcy and Elizabeth share many intimate embraces, none of them are explicit or much detailed. I’d recommend this book for PG-13 audiences.
April 30, 2015
This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
This variation deviates from the plot of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ pretty early on. Here, when Elizabeth is dancing with Mr Darcy at the Netherfield Ball, she mentions Wickham, and he decides that he will tell her some of the truth of that gentleman’s character. He takes her aside, just inside a dimly lit room, and as he leans closer to speak to her... they are interrupted by the screech of Mrs Bennet, berating Elizabeth for allowing herself to be kissed! Elizabeth protests her innocence, but in vain, neither of her parents will listen, and in a very short space of time, Elizabeth finds herself married, by special licence, to Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man whom she hardly knows. Although Elizabeth doesn’t like Darcy, she doesn’t blame him for the marriage at all, she knows her mother is the reason they have to wed, so she goes into the marriage in quite a meek frame of mind, and hoping that he won’t resent her for it.
‘I understood there was no escape from a union with this high-handed and disagreeable man, and the only advantage, though he loved me not, was that he appeared to wish me no ill.’
In ‘Pride & Prejudice’ both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy grow as people; she comes to realise that she has been hasty in her judgement, vain and biased, and Mr Darcy learns that he has been arrogant and selfish, holding himself in too high esteem and valuing others too meanly. Here, they marry before they find any of this out so the dynamic between them is entirely different. Elizabeth is still in ignorance over Darcy’s behaviour towards Wickham, and finds herself often offended by Darcy’s high-handed attitude towards her. Darcy is very standoffish with her. He doesn’t believe that she would need to know a number of things, and not knowing Elizabeth that well, and not realising that she is the sort of woman who needs to feel respected by her husband she feels quite kept in the dark and excluded:
‘I resented Mr Darcy as well; he had had told me so little about himself that he had made a detective of me. If I crept about, reading things I should not read and collecting a patchwork of half-known things, then I blamed the man himself for his lack of openness.’
However, in the first days of her marriage Elizabeth finds herself happier than she would have supposed. I was a little surprised at how little she struggled – after all, the Netherfield Ball is the point in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ where Elizabeth tells Charlotte that she is ‘determined to hate’ Darcy, but here, I never received the impression that she disliked him with any passion. I was also a little surprised at how quickly she began to have warmer feelings for him, because although she has a turnaround in her feelings in canon, this is set in motion by gratitude for Darcy’s admiration of her and here he gives very few signs. The reader knows that Darcy has feelings for Elizabeth from knowledge of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, but this book is from Elizabeth’s point of view; she has no idea of his feelings and there are very few hints. I am not sure I’d have picked up any affection on his part if I hadn’t have already known it was there. As it is, Elizabeth counsels herself to be more cautious. It was a change from many Austen-inspired stories to see Elizabeth having doubts of Darcy’s affection rather than the other way round.
‘I came to realise that, in the first flush of unexpected happiness at Pemberley, I had been living in a dream. I had allowed myself to forget how his connection to me had been forced upon my husband and how he must lament it. Just as I had looked at Pemberley and been overwhelmed by its grandness, so he must have looked at Longbourn and found it wanting. I determined from that moment on that I would be more realistic in my attitudes.’
I liked the rendition of Elizabeth’s character here. I don’t see her being the sort to fall into a decline. She is one to philosophically make the best of her situation, even an arrogant husband:
‘I considered his words, and they being by his standards a compliment, I resolved to accept them as such.’
Although she doesn’t want to set him against her, she isn’t overly meek and tries to build bridges between them.
Some people prefer to avoid novels with sex scenes, and while there is a sexual relationship between the couple the scenes in this book are very low on detail and I think people who are uncomfortable with such scenes might find they can read these. In some variations with a forced marriage scenario Darcy holds off on having a sexual relationship with his wife, but I think in these circumstances, with him arrogantly thinking that it’s a wonderful match for her and not considering her feelings at all, that would have been unlikely, however, being a woman in those times Elizabeth is expecting it, and since she doesn’t dislike him with such passion as in canon, it’s not distressing for her.
This is a low-angst read. I don’t like drama for the sake of it, but for myself, I’d have preferred a little bit more tension or misunderstanding between the characters or something, things are often plain sailing, even when difficult events occur, and I like to have an amount of choppy seas!
The book is very readable, so much so that I got through it in one sitting, I just devoured it! The author’s style flows really nicely, and there were very few instances of words or customs that didn’t seem in keeping with the period. I understand that this is Jenetta James’ first book and I hope she intends on writing more, this is a really enjoyable read, which I’d rate at 4 stars.
*I received an e-book of this story for my honest review.
This variation deviates from the plot of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ pretty early on. Here, when Elizabeth is dancing with Mr Darcy at the Netherfield Ball, she mentions Wickham, and he decides that he will tell her some of the truth of that gentleman’s character. He takes her aside, just inside a dimly lit room, and as he leans closer to speak to her... they are interrupted by the screech of Mrs Bennet, berating Elizabeth for allowing herself to be kissed! Elizabeth protests her innocence, but in vain, neither of her parents will listen, and in a very short space of time, Elizabeth finds herself married, by special licence, to Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man whom she hardly knows. Although Elizabeth doesn’t like Darcy, she doesn’t blame him for the marriage at all, she knows her mother is the reason they have to wed, so she goes into the marriage in quite a meek frame of mind, and hoping that he won’t resent her for it.
‘I understood there was no escape from a union with this high-handed and disagreeable man, and the only advantage, though he loved me not, was that he appeared to wish me no ill.’
In ‘Pride & Prejudice’ both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy grow as people; she comes to realise that she has been hasty in her judgement, vain and biased, and Mr Darcy learns that he has been arrogant and selfish, holding himself in too high esteem and valuing others too meanly. Here, they marry before they find any of this out so the dynamic between them is entirely different. Elizabeth is still in ignorance over Darcy’s behaviour towards Wickham, and finds herself often offended by Darcy’s high-handed attitude towards her. Darcy is very standoffish with her. He doesn’t believe that she would need to know a number of things, and not knowing Elizabeth that well, and not realising that she is the sort of woman who needs to feel respected by her husband she feels quite kept in the dark and excluded:
‘I resented Mr Darcy as well; he had had told me so little about himself that he had made a detective of me. If I crept about, reading things I should not read and collecting a patchwork of half-known things, then I blamed the man himself for his lack of openness.’
However, in the first days of her marriage Elizabeth finds herself happier than she would have supposed. I was a little surprised at how little she struggled – after all, the Netherfield Ball is the point in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ where Elizabeth tells Charlotte that she is ‘determined to hate’ Darcy, but here, I never received the impression that she disliked him with any passion. I was also a little surprised at how quickly she began to have warmer feelings for him, because although she has a turnaround in her feelings in canon, this is set in motion by gratitude for Darcy’s admiration of her and here he gives very few signs. The reader knows that Darcy has feelings for Elizabeth from knowledge of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, but this book is from Elizabeth’s point of view; she has no idea of his feelings and there are very few hints. I am not sure I’d have picked up any affection on his part if I hadn’t have already known it was there. As it is, Elizabeth counsels herself to be more cautious. It was a change from many Austen-inspired stories to see Elizabeth having doubts of Darcy’s affection rather than the other way round.
‘I came to realise that, in the first flush of unexpected happiness at Pemberley, I had been living in a dream. I had allowed myself to forget how his connection to me had been forced upon my husband and how he must lament it. Just as I had looked at Pemberley and been overwhelmed by its grandness, so he must have looked at Longbourn and found it wanting. I determined from that moment on that I would be more realistic in my attitudes.’
I liked the rendition of Elizabeth’s character here. I don’t see her being the sort to fall into a decline. She is one to philosophically make the best of her situation, even an arrogant husband:
‘I considered his words, and they being by his standards a compliment, I resolved to accept them as such.’
Although she doesn’t want to set him against her, she isn’t overly meek and tries to build bridges between them.
Some people prefer to avoid novels with sex scenes, and while there is a sexual relationship between the couple the scenes in this book are very low on detail and I think people who are uncomfortable with such scenes might find they can read these. In some variations with a forced marriage scenario Darcy holds off on having a sexual relationship with his wife, but I think in these circumstances, with him arrogantly thinking that it’s a wonderful match for her and not considering her feelings at all, that would have been unlikely, however, being a woman in those times Elizabeth is expecting it, and since she doesn’t dislike him with such passion as in canon, it’s not distressing for her.
This is a low-angst read. I don’t like drama for the sake of it, but for myself, I’d have preferred a little bit more tension or misunderstanding between the characters or something, things are often plain sailing, even when difficult events occur, and I like to have an amount of choppy seas!
The book is very readable, so much so that I got through it in one sitting, I just devoured it! The author’s style flows really nicely, and there were very few instances of words or customs that didn’t seem in keeping with the period. I understand that this is Jenetta James’ first book and I hope she intends on writing more, this is a really enjoyable read, which I’d rate at 4 stars.
*I received an e-book of this story for my honest review.
July 20, 2017
This is the review I posted after I first read this story on my Kindle. Having won the paperback edition (among other books) in a raffle from The Darcy Monologues blog, I am rereading all the books won:
Any book that brings me close to tears or even actually has me crying is going to be a first class book in my opinion.
I was anxiously awaiting this book as I had read about this new author and this first release on a blog. Of further interest to me, personally, was the fact that the author is a practicing barrister. I know of and read books by two other such authors, although of the male gender, Terry Brooks and John Grisham. Furthermore my husband is an attorney. Thus when I learned that this book was released this morning, I immediately bought and began to read it. I was, from the beginning, drawn in.
This book has a great deal of angst. You can read in the Book Description and by reading the Sample that Elizabeth is forced to marry Darcy due to her mother's demanding such when she “witnesses” Mr. Darcy compromising her daughter. This tale is written from Elizabeth's POV and, due to such, one suffers along with Elizabeth all the misgivings, all the feeling of isolation from friend and family as the couple departs for Pemberley upon the event of their wedding and their sojourn there afterwards.
Readers, you must remember this is the Darcy long before Elizabeth stuns him with not only her rejection of his marriage proposal but also before she throws in his face all her opinions as to his character and his ungentlemanly behavior towards Meryton society, towards Wickham, and in parting Bingley from her sister, Jane. Elizabeth, in this situation of being accused of allowing herself to become compromised (supposedly) and then to have Mr. Darcy forced to marry her, is mortified. She does not have the support of her father. So is she going to at this point rant and rave about Darcy's actions at present or in the past? No, at this point she can only view that in not scorning Mrs. Bennet and her "observation of their actions" and by arranging to meet with her father and to further set into action the wedding, Mr. Darcy has acted with more grace and fortitude than could ever be expected. So Lizzy is walking on eggshells and she has no one with whom to discuss the matter. She does not even have Aunt Gardiner to counter Lizzy’s mother lesson about what to expect in the marriage bed.
And all this time Darcy remains the man of disdain and brooding looks and silent stances...the man seen at the Assembly Ball.
Subsequently a new acquaintance and observed actions at a neighbor’s ball in Derbyshire, a visit with Lady Catherine and an overheard conversation with his steward cause Elizabeth such qualms, such misgivings, such regrets, even suspicions about Darcy’s morals and his character as to make one ache for Elizabeth. I don't want to speak of the exact causes, of what exactly she heard or witnessed as it would be a SPOILER but, I was having some of the same thoughts about Darcy. Other authors have ventured into this area, giving us a different Darcy but one who could be seen as a reflection of his times and the society. Some thoughts were: "Is this to be like Jane Eyre in discovering that Mr. Rochester has a life changing secret?"
Elizabeth has no one to whom to turn, they live in isolation at Pemberley for much of the time at the beginning of their marriage. She does make great efforts to take on her role as the mistress of Pemberley and even here she is not sure of Darcy's reactions to her taking an initiative in addressing certain needs or events with the tenants. A trip to London and time spent there bring many changes.
There is an epilogue. I am always happy to have that in the stories I read. I do recommend you read this book…and good luck trying to put it down! I look forward to more from this new author.
Any book that brings me close to tears or even actually has me crying is going to be a first class book in my opinion.
I was anxiously awaiting this book as I had read about this new author and this first release on a blog. Of further interest to me, personally, was the fact that the author is a practicing barrister. I know of and read books by two other such authors, although of the male gender, Terry Brooks and John Grisham. Furthermore my husband is an attorney. Thus when I learned that this book was released this morning, I immediately bought and began to read it. I was, from the beginning, drawn in.
This book has a great deal of angst. You can read in the Book Description and by reading the Sample that Elizabeth is forced to marry Darcy due to her mother's demanding such when she “witnesses” Mr. Darcy compromising her daughter. This tale is written from Elizabeth's POV and, due to such, one suffers along with Elizabeth all the misgivings, all the feeling of isolation from friend and family as the couple departs for Pemberley upon the event of their wedding and their sojourn there afterwards.
Readers, you must remember this is the Darcy long before Elizabeth stuns him with not only her rejection of his marriage proposal but also before she throws in his face all her opinions as to his character and his ungentlemanly behavior towards Meryton society, towards Wickham, and in parting Bingley from her sister, Jane. Elizabeth, in this situation of being accused of allowing herself to become compromised (supposedly) and then to have Mr. Darcy forced to marry her, is mortified. She does not have the support of her father. So is she going to at this point rant and rave about Darcy's actions at present or in the past? No, at this point she can only view that in not scorning Mrs. Bennet and her "observation of their actions" and by arranging to meet with her father and to further set into action the wedding, Mr. Darcy has acted with more grace and fortitude than could ever be expected. So Lizzy is walking on eggshells and she has no one with whom to discuss the matter. She does not even have Aunt Gardiner to counter Lizzy’s mother lesson about what to expect in the marriage bed.
And all this time Darcy remains the man of disdain and brooding looks and silent stances...the man seen at the Assembly Ball.
Subsequently a new acquaintance and observed actions at a neighbor’s ball in Derbyshire, a visit with Lady Catherine and an overheard conversation with his steward cause Elizabeth such qualms, such misgivings, such regrets, even suspicions about Darcy’s morals and his character as to make one ache for Elizabeth. I don't want to speak of the exact causes, of what exactly she heard or witnessed as it would be a SPOILER but, I was having some of the same thoughts about Darcy. Other authors have ventured into this area, giving us a different Darcy but one who could be seen as a reflection of his times and the society. Some thoughts were: "Is this to be like Jane Eyre in discovering that Mr. Rochester has a life changing secret?"
Elizabeth has no one to whom to turn, they live in isolation at Pemberley for much of the time at the beginning of their marriage. She does make great efforts to take on her role as the mistress of Pemberley and even here she is not sure of Darcy's reactions to her taking an initiative in addressing certain needs or events with the tenants. A trip to London and time spent there bring many changes.
There is an epilogue. I am always happy to have that in the stories I read. I do recommend you read this book…and good luck trying to put it down! I look forward to more from this new author.
June 18, 2021
February 3, 2019
Enjoyable First Person Account
I loved the flow of this variation very much, and enjoyed the portrayals of E&D. While present and part of the story, Lydia and Wickham don’t dominate it for very long. Well done.
2nd Read June 30, 2020
Just as enjoyable the second time around. Well written first person accounts are difficult to come by, and Ms. James excels in this one. This was an early favorite after I discovered JAFF in late 2018. I know I will read it again. I purchased the re-release for my Kindle library. I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2021 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Lillian Rachel.
Enjoyable First Person Account
I loved the flow of this variation very much, and enjoyed the portrayals of E&D. While present and part of the story, Lydia and Wickham don’t dominate it for very long. Well done.
2nd Read June 30, 2020
Just as enjoyable the second time around. Well written first person accounts are difficult to come by, and Ms. James excels in this one. This was an early favorite after I discovered JAFF in late 2018. I know I will read it again. I purchased the re-release for my Kindle library. I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2021 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Lillian Rachel.
May 6, 2023
Very unique P&P what if sequel. When Lizzy seems to be compromised at the Netherfield ball she must marry and her groom is more than willing and able, for it is Odious Mr. Darcy. As bobs your uncle Darcy and Lizzy are on their way to Pemberley. The only person Lizzy has to befriend is her maid. Much of the time he treats her like he treats Georgiana, imperiously.
The author weaves together the plots JA did write; the visit at Rosings, Lydia's elopement and Darcy separating Jane & Bingley along with new and interesting plot pieces to drive the story.
The author weaves together the plots JA did write; the visit at Rosings, Lydia's elopement and Darcy separating Jane & Bingley along with new and interesting plot pieces to drive the story.
January 23, 2016
Mrs. Bennet sees an opportunity and runs with it! I enjoyed this book very much as it is in Elizabeth's point of view. You experience along with her, her shock and dismay at finding herself married to Mr. Darcy when she thinks so poorly of him. However, her spirit rises and she does try to make the best of a bad situation. Or is it? I loved how Ms. James conveyed Elizabeth's feelings and portrayed her, in my opinion to canon, seeing her fall in love with the reticent and at times arrogant Mr. Darcy. There were misunderstanding and misinterpretations but not over the top and very realistic when neither is willing to completely open up to each other. It takes a very traumatic situation to bring Darcy around to realize how arrogant and selfish he was being. I felt my heart being squeezed at times for Elizabeth and I must say I was brought to tears as well. This was an extremely satisfying read that I will come back to again and again.
May 29, 2015
Forced to marry a near stranger and not one she has a favorable opinion about. The new Mrs. Darcy makes the most of her situation and starts to settle into her new life with contentment and growing feelings for a husband that remains aloof until his secrets start to spill forth. What was a fragile union now may be shattered for good.
Meanwhile, being mistress of a grand estate, going about in society, empathizing with one sister's disappointed hopes while another sister brazenly flaunts propriety, all serve to keep the new Mrs. Darcy busy.
This story gave a brief summation of events leading up to the scandal of being caught in a near kiss and then it settled in to drawing the reader close with Elizabeth's first person perspective narrative. This was a well-written arranged marriage story. I loved only having the single narrator because it lent some mystery to Fitzwilliam until the author was ready for his thoughts and motives to be revealed.
I loved how the arranged marriage was handled. There is high emotion on Elizabeth's part, but she is so put together through it all. It was refreshing actually to have a mature heroine who doesn't engage in undue angst. She doesn't deny her husband his conjugal rights- in fact, this is the one thing they have that really works from the beginning- and she does her best to make it work even when she disagrees with Fitzwilliam and he disappoints her with his displays of pride and superiority over her family. Fitzwilliam makes plenty of mistakes while at the same time he is caring and solicitous. There is the sense that storm clouds are gathering in the distance growing bigger and closer as his flaws become more obvious and she learns some shocking, hurtful things. It all built to a crisis point and then twisted its way a bit before giving a satisfying denouement.
The story is a variation tale of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, but the characters and plotting are the author's own. There are recognizable moments, but not in the same order and there are many alterations, as well. I loved getting a fresh new story while recognizing an old favorite. I really liked the author's characters and what she did with that slow developing relationship and character growth.
All in all, this was a splendid story on the sweeter end of the spectrum that I would recommend to historical romance and Austenesque lovers.
My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, being mistress of a grand estate, going about in society, empathizing with one sister's disappointed hopes while another sister brazenly flaunts propriety, all serve to keep the new Mrs. Darcy busy.
This story gave a brief summation of events leading up to the scandal of being caught in a near kiss and then it settled in to drawing the reader close with Elizabeth's first person perspective narrative. This was a well-written arranged marriage story. I loved only having the single narrator because it lent some mystery to Fitzwilliam until the author was ready for his thoughts and motives to be revealed.
I loved how the arranged marriage was handled. There is high emotion on Elizabeth's part, but she is so put together through it all. It was refreshing actually to have a mature heroine who doesn't engage in undue angst. She doesn't deny her husband his conjugal rights- in fact, this is the one thing they have that really works from the beginning- and she does her best to make it work even when she disagrees with Fitzwilliam and he disappoints her with his displays of pride and superiority over her family. Fitzwilliam makes plenty of mistakes while at the same time he is caring and solicitous. There is the sense that storm clouds are gathering in the distance growing bigger and closer as his flaws become more obvious and she learns some shocking, hurtful things. It all built to a crisis point and then twisted its way a bit before giving a satisfying denouement.
The story is a variation tale of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, but the characters and plotting are the author's own. There are recognizable moments, but not in the same order and there are many alterations, as well. I loved getting a fresh new story while recognizing an old favorite. I really liked the author's characters and what she did with that slow developing relationship and character growth.
All in all, this was a splendid story on the sweeter end of the spectrum that I would recommend to historical romance and Austenesque lovers.
My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
A good ‘forced marriage’ story
Not a lot of happiness in this book but is really how a forced marriage might happen and how it would effect Lizzy.
The event which seemed like a compromise happens at the Bingley Ball so the bad proposal hasn’t happened. The walks together on the Rosing trails haven’t happened. So Darcy is as proud and arrogant as he can be. Actually he seems more than what he was in P&P.
He has no idea what other people feel and he doesn’t care what they feel or try to find out. So he assumes that Lizzy is ok with the marriage. After the marriage he doesn’t confides to Lizzy about anything because he must protect weak gentlewomen like she and Georgiana. And no words of affection either . He loves her so he assumes she must love him. And he keeps her from her family because they are socially beneath she and him.
Well eventually Lizzy and Darcy have a huge argument. She compares her “lowly” family. The Bennets vs Lady Catherine, his father who had a mistress for 20 years and pretty much wins that round.
It was a hugely emotional story. Lots more to happening besides what I mentioned and very well written. One of the best forced marriage variations I’ve read.
I recommend the book highly.
Not a lot of happiness in this book but is really how a forced marriage might happen and how it would effect Lizzy.
The event which seemed like a compromise happens at the Bingley Ball so the bad proposal hasn’t happened. The walks together on the Rosing trails haven’t happened. So Darcy is as proud and arrogant as he can be. Actually he seems more than what he was in P&P.
He has no idea what other people feel and he doesn’t care what they feel or try to find out. So he assumes that Lizzy is ok with the marriage. After the marriage he doesn’t confides to Lizzy about anything because he must protect weak gentlewomen like she and Georgiana. And no words of affection either . He loves her so he assumes she must love him. And he keeps her from her family because they are socially beneath she and him.
Well eventually Lizzy and Darcy have a huge argument. She compares her “lowly” family. The Bennets vs Lady Catherine, his father who had a mistress for 20 years and pretty much wins that round.
It was a hugely emotional story. Lots more to happening besides what I mentioned and very well written. One of the best forced marriage variations I’ve read.
I recommend the book highly.
December 29, 2015
Read this in a twelve hour period!!!
I am so glad a friend on Goodreads recommended this book!!! It was FABULOUS!! The plot twists and turns...the angst... The love between the Darcys was so well-developed!!! The supporting characters were interesting and kept the story moving along quickly!! Using Elizabeth's voice as the first person narrator was wonderful!!! This is one of the best P&P variations ever!!! I just can't believe how they keep getting published with these fresh new ideas!!!
I am so glad a friend on Goodreads recommended this book!!! It was FABULOUS!! The plot twists and turns...the angst... The love between the Darcys was so well-developed!!! The supporting characters were interesting and kept the story moving along quickly!! Using Elizabeth's voice as the first person narrator was wonderful!!! This is one of the best P&P variations ever!!! I just can't believe how they keep getting published with these fresh new ideas!!!
February 6, 2023
Ms Jenetta James is another writer that I’ve added to my growing list of JAFF authors that I really like and would read anything she would I write just because it’s her (pretend her in italics).
Mrs Bennet witnesses Darcy about to kiss Elizabeth (the lady’s eyes leapt to conclusions) and suddenly Elizabeth is engaged to Darcy and subsequently married and whisked away from her family.
Elizabeth and Darcy do not communicate.
They do very well in the bedroom (all tastefully stated and nothing blatantly obvious). But if they could only speak to each other…but then we wouldn’t have a good story, would we?
Despite this, Lizzy falls in love with Darcy and does her best to be a good wife to him, a good sister to Georgiana and a good relative to the Matlocks.
SPOILER 🚨 !!!!
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Elizabeth miscarries after a terrible fight with Darcy. She runs out of her room and falls down the stairs. Darcy has no idea she was pregnant and is devastated for her and the baby. He at last realizes that he needs to be more thoughtful towards her and think of Elizabeth as a partner in their marriage rather than another person who is entrusted to his care.
The last 1/3 of the book is Darcy “courting from the safety of their marriage.”
Many HEA for the Bennet sisters.
Loved this book and would definitely reread.
Looking forward to a new Jenetta James novel.
Mrs Bennet witnesses Darcy about to kiss Elizabeth (the lady’s eyes leapt to conclusions) and suddenly Elizabeth is engaged to Darcy and subsequently married and whisked away from her family.
Elizabeth and Darcy do not communicate.
They do very well in the bedroom (all tastefully stated and nothing blatantly obvious). But if they could only speak to each other…but then we wouldn’t have a good story, would we?
Despite this, Lizzy falls in love with Darcy and does her best to be a good wife to him, a good sister to Georgiana and a good relative to the Matlocks.
SPOILER 🚨 !!!!
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
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Elizabeth miscarries after a terrible fight with Darcy. She runs out of her room and falls down the stairs. Darcy has no idea she was pregnant and is devastated for her and the baby. He at last realizes that he needs to be more thoughtful towards her and think of Elizabeth as a partner in their marriage rather than another person who is entrusted to his care.
The last 1/3 of the book is Darcy “courting from the safety of their marriage.”
Many HEA for the Bennet sisters.
Loved this book and would definitely reread.
Looking forward to a new Jenetta James novel.
April 11, 2023
This was a very well written story narrated in first person POV of Elizabeth. This story sort of reminded me of another story, Arranged marriage by Jan Hahn. Though they had different story arcs, both had first person narration, Elizabeth who was not keen to marry Darcy, a tight lipped Darcy and an Elizabeth was constantly frustrated with him about it and of course both are really good reads. When Elizabeth learned about every single thing Darcy kept from her, I could literally feel the pressure build and was waiting for the explosion but never expected such sad result. But all is well that ends well and so does this book.
July 22, 2023
In this variation on Pride and Prejudice, the prologue depicts newlyweds consummating their marriage, though at first we're not sure who. Then the first chapter summarizes the beginning of the original story, until it comes to Elizabeth's dance with Mr. Darcy at the Netherfield ball. They argue, and then Darcy leads her off for a private conversation in an attempt to warn her about Mr. Wickham. Mrs. Bennet comes upon them standing close, Mr. Darcy leaning toward her daughter to murmur in her ear. Mrs. Bennet, either honestly or conveniently, takes it for a kiss and immediately demands that Mr. Darcy do the right thing by her daughter. Darcy is surprisingly quick to do so. Elizabeth is more reluctant, insistent that they were only talking. But she soon realizes she must protect her sisters and her family name from scandal, and her father is adamant that she marry. At least it's not Mr. Collins she must marry, only the man she has come to despise and argues with incessantly. She avoids the arguments as well as she can, after that, resolving to be a good wife and make the best of the situation, which she worries will be a lonely, loveless marriage.
I tend not to like the compromise trope, but this is so personal a story, and so well written that I got caught up in it and it carried me along. It's told from Elizabeth's first-person point of view, and it feels intimate because of that, and because of the author's astute assay of all of the feelings and thoughts that occur to Lizzy as she accustoms herself to life with Mr. Darcy, and her feelings for him come to life. It's touching, at moments tragic, and romantic. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
I tend not to like the compromise trope, but this is so personal a story, and so well written that I got caught up in it and it carried me along. It's told from Elizabeth's first-person point of view, and it feels intimate because of that, and because of the author's astute assay of all of the feelings and thoughts that occur to Lizzy as she accustoms herself to life with Mr. Darcy, and her feelings for him come to life. It's touching, at moments tragic, and romantic. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2021
This was a 3.5 rounded up for me. It was enjoyable and I did like the development of the relationship between the couple for the most part. I did question how true the author was to Elizabeth's real character at times. She was much more complacent and compliant than the Elizabeth Bennet we all know and love would have been in my opinion. Under the circumstances, I do see that our Elizabeth would have tried to make the most of her unexpected and unwanted marriage and thus guard her tongue to some degree, but I just can't imagine her waiting as long as she did to ever voice any kind of concern or question any action. With that being said, I thought the book was well written and I did enjoy it.
September 22, 2022
A nice, comforting reread. It definitely held up!
I really love this one. I purchased the audiobook after reading on KU so I could have someone tell me the story. I thought the intimate scenes were tasteful and realistic, but more importantly, they were a barometer for the closeness in Elizabeth and Darcy’s developing relationship. Darcy feels Elizabeth’s concern for him when dealing with the highwaymen, and her subsequent relief at his safe return. This proof that she cares leads Darcy to request she remove her nightgown for the first time. As Elizabeth grows to love Darcy, she gives herself more freely. Lady Catherine informs Elizabeth that Darcy keeps a mistress in town, and Darcy finds Elizabeth already asleep with her hair braided. Her version of “Can’t touch dis”.
I really love this one. I purchased the audiobook after reading on KU so I could have someone tell me the story. I thought the intimate scenes were tasteful and realistic, but more importantly, they were a barometer for the closeness in Elizabeth and Darcy’s developing relationship. Darcy feels Elizabeth’s concern for him when dealing with the highwaymen, and her subsequent relief at his safe return. This proof that she cares leads Darcy to request she remove her nightgown for the first time. As Elizabeth grows to love Darcy, she gives herself more freely. Lady Catherine informs Elizabeth that Darcy keeps a mistress in town, and Darcy finds Elizabeth already asleep with her hair braided. Her version of “Can’t touch dis”.
March 2, 2025
Why did I hesitated so long? Stupid of me!
I totally loved it! It wasn‘t only fluffy and perfect but also ‚reality‘ for some couples, something I really liked even if it was sad.
Even the narration was really well done.
I totally loved it! It wasn‘t only fluffy and perfect but also ‚reality‘ for some couples, something I really liked even if it was sad.
Even the narration was really well done.
July 5, 2015
3.5
I did have a few issues with some aspects of this, which I'll talk about when I review it for Austen in August, but for the most part, I was able to set those aside, and enjoyed it. =)
I did have a few issues with some aspects of this, which I'll talk about when I review it for Austen in August, but for the most part, I was able to set those aside, and enjoyed it. =)
January 17, 2016
Compromise or no compromise? That is the question.
This was a cute P&P variation where there is a compromise between ODC at the Netherfield Ball. This is the first book I've read by this author, Jenetta James and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was well written and easy to read. Ms James took you on an emotional journey in ODC's lives learning about each other while being married practically as strangers.
This story starts at the Nerherfield Ball where Elizabeth and Darcy are dancing and Elizabeth has challenged Darcy about Mr Wickham. Darcy, knowing this was not the time to be discussing such a matter, took Elizabeth to a dimly lite salon to continue the discussion. When Darcy leans in to whisper something, they are perceived by Mrs Bennet as in a compromising position.
So life for Elizabeth and Mr Darcy start off on rocky roads, though unlike in other compromised scenarios, Elizabeth is resigned and tries to make do. Since she is resigned, she is not portrayed as her typical challenging self for most of the book. Also unlike in other compromised scenarios, Mr Darcy takes his marital relations on his wedding night.
This book is written in the first person of Elizabeth's POV, which at times is hindering because there are plenty of points in he story where, as a reader, it would have been nice to know Mr Darcy's thoughts. But that is the point, to make you wait and try to guess the conclusion, therefore building the tension between ODC. Mr Darcy has family secrets that will be revealed in due time. The Elizabeth POV tactic was brilliant in drawing you in and keeping you reading.
Mr Darcy is an enigma, because we don't know his thoughts you come to the conclusion that he isn't the most happy with the situation he is found. He is not open with Elizabeth, therefore she is left to assume things. So as her affections change, she is also hearing things and coming to wrong conclusions.
I truly enjoyed this story and will recommend it to all other JAFFers, there is nothing too mature for readers.
This was a cute P&P variation where there is a compromise between ODC at the Netherfield Ball. This is the first book I've read by this author, Jenetta James and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was well written and easy to read. Ms James took you on an emotional journey in ODC's lives learning about each other while being married practically as strangers.
This story starts at the Nerherfield Ball where Elizabeth and Darcy are dancing and Elizabeth has challenged Darcy about Mr Wickham. Darcy, knowing this was not the time to be discussing such a matter, took Elizabeth to a dimly lite salon to continue the discussion. When Darcy leans in to whisper something, they are perceived by Mrs Bennet as in a compromising position.
So life for Elizabeth and Mr Darcy start off on rocky roads, though unlike in other compromised scenarios, Elizabeth is resigned and tries to make do. Since she is resigned, she is not portrayed as her typical challenging self for most of the book. Also unlike in other compromised scenarios, Mr Darcy takes his marital relations on his wedding night.
This book is written in the first person of Elizabeth's POV, which at times is hindering because there are plenty of points in he story where, as a reader, it would have been nice to know Mr Darcy's thoughts. But that is the point, to make you wait and try to guess the conclusion, therefore building the tension between ODC. Mr Darcy has family secrets that will be revealed in due time. The Elizabeth POV tactic was brilliant in drawing you in and keeping you reading.
Mr Darcy is an enigma, because we don't know his thoughts you come to the conclusion that he isn't the most happy with the situation he is found. He is not open with Elizabeth, therefore she is left to assume things. So as her affections change, she is also hearing things and coming to wrong conclusions.
I truly enjoyed this story and will recommend it to all other JAFFers, there is nothing too mature for readers.
June 7, 2015
While Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy are conversing at a ball, Mrs. Bennet makes a scene falsely accusing Mr. Darcy of kissing Elizabeth when he is only talking to her. Rather than argue the point, Mr. Darcy agrees to marry Elizabeth and a quick wedding is planned. Immediately after, they travel to his home, Pemberley, which is quite beautiful and large.
As Elizabeth and Darcy have essentially had no courting time which would allow them to get to know one another better, their marriage takes time for both of them to adjust. Elizabeth soon takes over the running of her new home and befriends Darcy’s younger sister, Georgiana, in addition to meeting families in the neighborhood. When Elizabeth and her maid end up assisting a woman deliver her baby, Darcy tells her that she needs to never venture from home without a footman.
It turns out that Darcy is the type of man who likes to sleep with his wife and does so each night. Their private life quickly turns into affection and love for them resulting in a pregnancy for Elizabeth. But when Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Darcy and a confidant of his, she assumes Darcy has a mistress and becomes very distressed accusing him of being unfaithful to her which results in a terrible accident.
Does Darcy have a mistress? Will Elizabeth and Darcy come to understand and trust one another better?
This book falls into the category of a Pride and Prejudice variation which is a new term to me.
Come read this variation presented in first person by Elizabeth. I found the book to be spectacular and enjoyed it immensely. How could anyone ever tire of this wonderful story?
As Elizabeth and Darcy have essentially had no courting time which would allow them to get to know one another better, their marriage takes time for both of them to adjust. Elizabeth soon takes over the running of her new home and befriends Darcy’s younger sister, Georgiana, in addition to meeting families in the neighborhood. When Elizabeth and her maid end up assisting a woman deliver her baby, Darcy tells her that she needs to never venture from home without a footman.
It turns out that Darcy is the type of man who likes to sleep with his wife and does so each night. Their private life quickly turns into affection and love for them resulting in a pregnancy for Elizabeth. But when Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Darcy and a confidant of his, she assumes Darcy has a mistress and becomes very distressed accusing him of being unfaithful to her which results in a terrible accident.
Does Darcy have a mistress? Will Elizabeth and Darcy come to understand and trust one another better?
This book falls into the category of a Pride and Prejudice variation which is a new term to me.
Come read this variation presented in first person by Elizabeth. I found the book to be spectacular and enjoyed it immensely. How could anyone ever tire of this wonderful story?
March 1, 2022
Darcy & Elizabeth are discovered alone (in a room with an open door) by Mama Bennett at the Netherfield ball. They were only talking, but scheming Mama is mad at Lizzie for turning down her cousin, Mr Collins. She makes a scene and declares that Mr Darcy was kissing her daughter. Scandal is hushed up, quickie marriage ensues, and they leave the church directly for Pemberly.
Obviously, this isn't what Lizzie ever wanted, but she's determined to make the best of her marriage. She still views Darcy as a proud, unpleasant man, yet sees that he at least wishes her no ill will. Unlike other marriage of strangers stories, this one doesn't wait for the characters to get to know one another before they consummate & have regular relations. It's sort of opposite. Darcy is a quiet and extremely private man, Elizabeth is a bit intimidated and doesn't have a lot of success in her attempts to get to know him. The only thing off about this is Lizzy. She's quite desperate to please Darcy and be a good mistress of Pemberly. It was fine, but not the Lizzy I've come to know.
I still consider this a clean read, nothing explicit. I think the most descriptive scene was in the prologue, which was their first married night and she wore her nightgown the whole time. You can read that and see if you're comfortable with the tone. Elizabeth's thoughts were appropriate for the occasion. Her mama had explained what would happen, she's nervous, it's strange and over quickly. Her feeling of indistinct woe as she lies in bed afterwards touched my heart. She's married to a man she barely knows, she misses home and her sister Jane, and she's trying to focus on the good.
Obviously, this isn't what Lizzie ever wanted, but she's determined to make the best of her marriage. She still views Darcy as a proud, unpleasant man, yet sees that he at least wishes her no ill will. Unlike other marriage of strangers stories, this one doesn't wait for the characters to get to know one another before they consummate & have regular relations. It's sort of opposite. Darcy is a quiet and extremely private man, Elizabeth is a bit intimidated and doesn't have a lot of success in her attempts to get to know him. The only thing off about this is Lizzy. She's quite desperate to please Darcy and be a good mistress of Pemberly. It was fine, but not the Lizzy I've come to know.
I still consider this a clean read, nothing explicit. I think the most descriptive scene was in the prologue, which was their first married night and she wore her nightgown the whole time. You can read that and see if you're comfortable with the tone. Elizabeth's thoughts were appropriate for the occasion. Her mama had explained what would happen, she's nervous, it's strange and over quickly. Her feeling of indistinct woe as she lies in bed afterwards touched my heart. She's married to a man she barely knows, she misses home and her sister Jane, and she's trying to focus on the good.
May 18, 2015
This book popped up on my Kindle Unlimited and being a sucker for a good Pride & Prejudice variation, I snapped it up. It is always great to find a new author and amazing that this is her first book and she is a barrister to boot. It is a well-written P&P variation taking off from the Netherfield Ball, where Darcy, about to tell Elizabeth something about Wickham, is caught by Mrs. Bennet leaning into Lizzie and accused of compromising her. He puts up no fight to the accusation and Lizzie soon finds herself wed to him. Her feeling begin to change towards him and she finds herself falling for him but his quiet, non-demonstrative nature causes her to feel he is hiding secrets.
The story is told exclusively from Lizzie's POV so one must guess at Darcy's feelings and motivations for the marriage. Lots of plot turns and more than enough angst, it is a sweet and touching story and an excellent addition to the genre. I hope the author writes more Austen-inspired books.
The story is told exclusively from Lizzie's POV so one must guess at Darcy's feelings and motivations for the marriage. Lots of plot turns and more than enough angst, it is a sweet and touching story and an excellent addition to the genre. I hope the author writes more Austen-inspired books.
August 18, 2015
Suddenly Mrs Darcy was surprising in it's dazzling originality! I have only read several authors of Jane Austen fan fiction that I enjoyed, as I appreciate a writer who adds TO the story rather than take away and whose retellings are realistic and believable; Janetta James writes a novel with the same atmosphere and characters as the original classic, simply adding in a plausible twist that I was much impressed with in it's emotional depth and natural unfolding. The few characters that were added in made brilliant additions and it is obvious the author knows her Austen and approaches her variation with authentic respect.
My one caution is- as the story does begin with the marriage of the main couple- this book does contain quite a few references to mature topics (though not overly detailed), and I would not recommend for young readers.
I look forward to experiencing more of Janetta's step-into-the-past style!
My one caution is- as the story does begin with the marriage of the main couple- this book does contain quite a few references to mature topics (though not overly detailed), and I would not recommend for young readers.
I look forward to experiencing more of Janetta's step-into-the-past style!
February 27, 2019
Pride and Prejudice variation
A thrilling and passionate forced marriage scenario, written in Elizabeths PoV.
There are some peeks into their bedroom although nothing explicit and subtly done.
Mrs Bennet perceive a compromise at the Netherfield ball between ODC. Elizabeth is married of with hast to a virtual stranger.
I loved the development of their relationship although there were obstacals, it was beautifully done. Mr Darcy has some secrets that is discovered and the "Hunsford" moment where their differences is aired, comes well into their marriage. Until this moment, Darcy is distant, aloof and does not share much with Elizabeth. He redeem himself wonderfully though.
Heartily recommend this book!
Reread: 27.02.19 Edited review.
A thrilling and passionate forced marriage scenario, written in Elizabeths PoV.
There are some peeks into their bedroom although nothing explicit and subtly done.
Mrs Bennet perceive a compromise at the Netherfield ball between ODC. Elizabeth is married of with hast to a virtual stranger.
I loved the development of their relationship although there were obstacals, it was beautifully done. Mr Darcy has some secrets that is discovered and the "Hunsford" moment where their differences is aired, comes well into their marriage. Until this moment, Darcy is distant, aloof and does not share much with Elizabeth. He redeem himself wonderfully though.
Heartily recommend this book!
Reread: 27.02.19 Edited review.
March 26, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, at the Netherfield Ball Mrs. Bennet states that Darcy has compromised Elizabeth and they must marry.
In a loveless marriage can these 2 people every have happiness?
A very minor point - I felt as Mrs. Darcy, Elizabeth was too complacent with Miss Bingley calling her Eliza.
Really enjoyed this story (apart from Mary and Collins pairing, don't know why authors do that - Mary is not a good fit for a parsons wife and she deserves better) read it in one sitting staying up late to finish.
In a loveless marriage can these 2 people every have happiness?
A very minor point - I felt as Mrs. Darcy, Elizabeth was too complacent with Miss Bingley calling her Eliza.
Really enjoyed this story (apart from Mary and Collins pairing, don't know why authors do that - Mary is not a good fit for a parsons wife and she deserves better) read it in one sitting staying up late to finish.
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November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
January 30, 2018
I enjoyed this variation idea. This book has its flaws but was a nice story.
March 15, 2025
Audible 4 stars
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December 22, 2021BIG SPOILERS and a TRIGGER WARNING ahead:
Elizabeth was a doormat who just went along with everything without saying a word. Darcy’s “secrets” felt forced and too contrived. I was a bit bored, but willing to finish the story just to see how it turned out. Ho-hum.
But.
But.
Then I got to this part:
TW: miscarriage
Elizabeth has a traumatic and painful miscarriage at 4 months along, is seriously ill for weeks afterwards and one of her first worries when coming back to herself is that her breasts might now be too small for her husband. She lost a lot of weight because she was at death’s door for weeks and she’s worried she isn’t pretty enough for her husband anymore. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
A little time goes by. She does not mourn. I repeat: she does not mourn. The author glosses over child loss and just skips to Lizzy being ready to sleep with her husband again. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
No no no hell fucking no. You don’t just write something that traumatic and then gloss over it as if it was nothing. For all the emotion Elizabeth shows, you’d think she’d just stubbed her toe.
I almost threw my Kindle across the room.
DNFF = Did Not Fucking Finish
Elizabeth was a doormat who just went along with everything without saying a word. Darcy’s “secrets” felt forced and too contrived. I was a bit bored, but willing to finish the story just to see how it turned out. Ho-hum.
But.
But.
Then I got to this part:
TW: miscarriage
Elizabeth has a traumatic and painful miscarriage at 4 months along, is seriously ill for weeks afterwards and one of her first worries when coming back to herself is that her breasts might now be too small for her husband. She lost a lot of weight because she was at death’s door for weeks and she’s worried she isn’t pretty enough for her husband anymore. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
A little time goes by. She does not mourn. I repeat: she does not mourn. The author glosses over child loss and just skips to Lizzy being ready to sleep with her husband again. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
No no no hell fucking no. You don’t just write something that traumatic and then gloss over it as if it was nothing. For all the emotion Elizabeth shows, you’d think she’d just stubbed her toe.
I almost threw my Kindle across the room.
DNFF = Did Not Fucking Finish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
What a nice variation. I was totally gripped by the atmosphere and Mr Darcy - at least through a half book.
It was written with surprising care. Until around the middle, when it started dragging. I had also (by then) enough of Elizabeth thinking about Darcy as 'my husband' and calling him 'sir'. And, although I appreciate the effort Jenetta James took to make the language similar, sometimes it was overdone, e.g. too many times she used the word 'astounded'. By the way, the worst error (I noticed) was when Elizabeth said to herself that it was the first time Darcy used her name, although he did it a few times before, the last one in the same conversation (!). There was no way, that she could have not noticed the previous ones. [First chapters with 5 stars, last with 3.]
Nonetheless, it was one of the really good P&P variations. Perhaps not for courtship/romance per se, but it was wonderful to see how their marriage life could have been.
It was written with surprising care. Until around the middle, when it started dragging. I had also (by then) enough of Elizabeth thinking about Darcy as 'my husband' and calling him 'sir'. And, although I appreciate the effort Jenetta James took to make the language similar, sometimes it was overdone, e.g. too many times she used the word 'astounded'. By the way, the worst error (I noticed) was when Elizabeth said to herself that it was the first time Darcy used her name, although he did it a few times before, the last one in the same conversation (!). There was no way, that she could have not noticed the previous ones. [First chapters with 5 stars, last with 3.]
Nonetheless, it was one of the really good P&P variations. Perhaps not for courtship/romance per se, but it was wonderful to see how their marriage life could have been.
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