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A Searing Acquaintance
“I don’t know why I ever thought we made sense.”
Smart, educated people are fools in love, especially when they’re mired in denial and misunderstanding. In this modern spin on Jane Austen’s classic tale, Elizabeth Bennet, a grad student with literary aspirations, has found her big career break—and broken up with yet another forgettable boyfriend. While grateful for the professional lifeline thrown by sports agent George Wickham, she is intrigued by the man she calls “Mr. Noir.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy, marked by tragedy, is a man accustomed to living his life in the spotlight even as his heart dwells on the dark side of loneliness. When he first meets Elizabeth, he thinks she looks like “a bloody pumpkin,” but he soon sees so much more. She, however, can’t even decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy? Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?
“So, it’s Fitzwilliam, right? That’s an amazing name, you know. Which came first—the name or the accent? He looked at her. “Oh, come on. It’s like the name of a subdivision or a sofa at Pottery Barn. ‘Please note the extra firm cushions on The Fitzwilliam.’”
Can an accidental encounter that leads to shocking intimacy change the course they’ve both set and bring them into love’s light? Or will they stay mired in cold words and angry misunderstandings, overshadowing the deep connection they each feel? Getting beyond their own mistakes to find each other again is one thing; they also have to heal the wounds of their pasts. Can they do that together?
Smart, educated people are fools in love, especially when they’re mired in denial and misunderstanding. In this modern spin on Jane Austen’s classic tale, Elizabeth Bennet, a grad student with literary aspirations, has found her big career break—and broken up with yet another forgettable boyfriend. While grateful for the professional lifeline thrown by sports agent George Wickham, she is intrigued by the man she calls “Mr. Noir.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy, marked by tragedy, is a man accustomed to living his life in the spotlight even as his heart dwells on the dark side of loneliness. When he first meets Elizabeth, he thinks she looks like “a bloody pumpkin,” but he soon sees so much more. She, however, can’t even decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy? Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?
“So, it’s Fitzwilliam, right? That’s an amazing name, you know. Which came first—the name or the accent? He looked at her. “Oh, come on. It’s like the name of a subdivision or a sofa at Pottery Barn. ‘Please note the extra firm cushions on The Fitzwilliam.’”
Can an accidental encounter that leads to shocking intimacy change the course they’ve both set and bring them into love’s light? Or will they stay mired in cold words and angry misunderstandings, overshadowing the deep connection they each feel? Getting beyond their own mistakes to find each other again is one thing; they also have to heal the wounds of their pasts. Can they do that together?
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2016
62 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Jan Ashton
24 books106 followersAuthor and editor of Austenesque novels, lover of history and romance, co-founder of Quills & Quartos Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 9, 2016
This is one of the more emotional versions of Pride and Prejudice I've ever read. It incorporates many of the characters and major elements of that book, but I wish I had the words to describe what a beautiful and sensitive retelling this truly is.
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are the products of a very broken home. Their mother, Sylvia, abandoned them and their father, Ted, the day after Elizabeth's 8th birthday. He has since married Barbara, who has 2 daughters of her own, Mary and Lydia. As it happens, both Ted and his ex-wife are selfish and self-absorbed. Sylvia goes years without any contact but pops in on her daughters sporadically, expecting to still be treated as if she's a doting mother. Ted Bennet's detachment is more emotional than physical; his deprecating humor in this case includes Elizabeth, who has made some life choices that don't match his hopes for her. Although Barbara is a stabilizing influence in the family, she is more invested in relationships with her own children than her stepdaughters. After seeing the bad examples in their family, Jane is always looking for someone to love her, while Elizabeth has shied away from close relationships with men altogether. Elizabeth had also been a college athlete (a soccer player) but suffered a career-ending injury that still causes pain in her leg at times.
As the book begins, 24-year-old Elizabeth has been seeing a guy for a couple of months but, as usual, it's a pretty lukewarm relationship and ends quickly. She works for a publishing company and is putting together a coffee table book featuring athletic heroes, so Darcy keeps seeing her with different men that she's interviewing for the book.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, as in canon, is an orphan. His life story here includes more family tragedy than that and has left him scarred in every way. All Darcy lovers will swoon over his characterization. He is wonderfully flawed, awkward, shy, tentative and haunted.
Darcy's friend Charles Bingley is quickly smitten with Jane when they all meet at a college football game. Charles' sister Caroline isn't featured very prominently, but she's a good foil for Elizabeth in some early encounters. Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth's best friend. Darcy's cousins, Rich Fitzwilliam and Annabella DeBourgh, also factor into the story. Rich's character is similar to what I'm used to seeing, but Annabella is decidedly different as a wacky practitioner of performance art. Wickham, as usual, is a troublemaker. This time it's not Lydia who's his target but Elizabeth, whose trust in him puts her professional career at risk. It is interesting that Darcy's Aunt Catherine is instrumental in bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together in a completely different way than dedicated JAFF readers might expect.
The heart of this book, quite literally, is when Elizabeth and Will both finally get past misconceptions and misunderstandings and come together. There is a long section devoted to the gradual unveiling of the secrets of their past as they tentatively reach out to each other and their feelings for one another grow. It captures the essence of those first weeks of being in love and being loved, and I found it very moving. They do make love often before marriage, described tenderly and tastefully, interspersed with revelations and declarations that all seem entirely real.
I think that's what really impressed me in this story: It ALL feels real. By the time I finished reading this, it seemed as though I'd experienced it with real people rather than characters in a book. It is possible that it bounces back and forth too much between the thoughts of Will and Elizabeth (third person omniscient) and perhaps it dwells longer than it needs to in those falling-in-love scenes, but I can't bring myself to be critical of any of it.
Warning: There are some moments of profanity including at least one instance where the F-bomb appears.
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are the products of a very broken home. Their mother, Sylvia, abandoned them and their father, Ted, the day after Elizabeth's 8th birthday. He has since married Barbara, who has 2 daughters of her own, Mary and Lydia. As it happens, both Ted and his ex-wife are selfish and self-absorbed. Sylvia goes years without any contact but pops in on her daughters sporadically, expecting to still be treated as if she's a doting mother. Ted Bennet's detachment is more emotional than physical; his deprecating humor in this case includes Elizabeth, who has made some life choices that don't match his hopes for her. Although Barbara is a stabilizing influence in the family, she is more invested in relationships with her own children than her stepdaughters. After seeing the bad examples in their family, Jane is always looking for someone to love her, while Elizabeth has shied away from close relationships with men altogether. Elizabeth had also been a college athlete (a soccer player) but suffered a career-ending injury that still causes pain in her leg at times.
As the book begins, 24-year-old Elizabeth has been seeing a guy for a couple of months but, as usual, it's a pretty lukewarm relationship and ends quickly. She works for a publishing company and is putting together a coffee table book featuring athletic heroes, so Darcy keeps seeing her with different men that she's interviewing for the book.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, as in canon, is an orphan. His life story here includes more family tragedy than that and has left him scarred in every way. All Darcy lovers will swoon over his characterization. He is wonderfully flawed, awkward, shy, tentative and haunted.
Darcy's friend Charles Bingley is quickly smitten with Jane when they all meet at a college football game. Charles' sister Caroline isn't featured very prominently, but she's a good foil for Elizabeth in some early encounters. Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth's best friend. Darcy's cousins, Rich Fitzwilliam and Annabella DeBourgh, also factor into the story. Rich's character is similar to what I'm used to seeing, but Annabella is decidedly different as a wacky practitioner of performance art. Wickham, as usual, is a troublemaker. This time it's not Lydia who's his target but Elizabeth, whose trust in him puts her professional career at risk. It is interesting that Darcy's Aunt Catherine is instrumental in bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together in a completely different way than dedicated JAFF readers might expect.
The heart of this book, quite literally, is when Elizabeth and Will both finally get past misconceptions and misunderstandings and come together. There is a long section devoted to the gradual unveiling of the secrets of their past as they tentatively reach out to each other and their feelings for one another grow. It captures the essence of those first weeks of being in love and being loved, and I found it very moving. They do make love often before marriage, described tenderly and tastefully, interspersed with revelations and declarations that all seem entirely real.
I think that's what really impressed me in this story: It ALL feels real. By the time I finished reading this, it seemed as though I'd experienced it with real people rather than characters in a book. It is possible that it bounces back and forth too much between the thoughts of Will and Elizabeth (third person omniscient) and perhaps it dwells longer than it needs to in those falling-in-love scenes, but I can't bring myself to be critical of any of it.
Warning: There are some moments of profanity including at least one instance where the F-bomb appears.
February 17, 2016
The author has my admiration as to her in depth looks at Elizabeth's and Darcy's thoughts and feelings. Loved this Darcy and loved her interpretation of various events and characters from canon in this modern take-off of Pride and Prejudice set mainly in the northeast USA (NYC, the Hamptons, NJ, etc.). Yes, even Catherine Fitzwilliam de Bourgh is written as someone of interest. The language is all her own and is told in a way that I am sure will keep you turning pages as it did me.
The book description gives you the basic premise but there is so much more here in this long variation.
I found that this was a tale in two parts: first, we have the meeting, the friction, the sexual chemistry and misunderstandings between our dear two people. This Darcy has a much darker history and he reminded me of a Mr. Rochester. (No, he doesn't have a wife in the attic). But Princess Coco and the memories connected with her bring a small part of the poignancy that is the story of this Fitzwilliam Darcy. The development of his character and learning of his background along with Elizabeth Bennet’s own discovery of such, made me fall in love with him. He doesn't walk away as he reconnoiters his strategy in knowing what his life is missing and seeking to fill the void. I found myself in tears many times in the first part. Be prepared to read of intense emotions. Elizabeth seems hell bent to ignore signals or misinterpret them. (So what else is new for her?) But this is a modern woman and she has a lot going on in her young life.
Secondly we have the story of just how our couple learns to handle their respective families and their places in their lives while trying to plan a life together and attempting to insure the best understanding between each other. In this second half we read of the background and relationships with both sets of parents and how the growing up years have affected both Darcy and Elizabeth. Part of what I enjoyed was the reading of viewpoints and then decisions about earning respect and earning a place in another’s life – be it as a partner or as a parent.
While we have a Mr. Bennet we also have two wives, two daughters and two stepdaughters. The Matlocks are present and their characters are basically the same. Cousin Richard acts his supportive role as in canon. But you will find some humor in Annabella de Bourgh’s part. Bingley, his two sisters, Mr. Hurst, Charlotte and then Bill Collins, each, find a place in the tale. And some is laugh out loud funny. I truly enjoyed the talk Darcy had with Sylvia - the perceptions set forth and the effects stated. Well done.
The author was very creative in using the same main characters with new nuances, and then inventing new uses for other items from canon, i.e., the University of Meryton. I found her Mr. Tom Bennet and his marital situations presented with much humor as well as using those traits we all are familiar with in slightly different ways. Mr. Bennet sitting in his library and finding humor in his study of human nature gains a new interpretation...one many readers will find to fit how they judge his responsibility and/or his neglect of such in P&P.
There are some scenes for mature audiences only.
Ms. Ashton’s writing was superb in my opinion. I loved her descriptions, her ability to bring us into the heart of soul of ODC. She touched my heart and yet then wrapped this story up so well as we read of Elizabeth’s nostalgic thoughts on an anniversary. Well done. I look forward to more from this new author.
The book description gives you the basic premise but there is so much more here in this long variation.
I found that this was a tale in two parts: first, we have the meeting, the friction, the sexual chemistry and misunderstandings between our dear two people. This Darcy has a much darker history and he reminded me of a Mr. Rochester. (No, he doesn't have a wife in the attic). But Princess Coco and the memories connected with her bring a small part of the poignancy that is the story of this Fitzwilliam Darcy. The development of his character and learning of his background along with Elizabeth Bennet’s own discovery of such, made me fall in love with him. He doesn't walk away as he reconnoiters his strategy in knowing what his life is missing and seeking to fill the void. I found myself in tears many times in the first part. Be prepared to read of intense emotions. Elizabeth seems hell bent to ignore signals or misinterpret them. (So what else is new for her?) But this is a modern woman and she has a lot going on in her young life.
Secondly we have the story of just how our couple learns to handle their respective families and their places in their lives while trying to plan a life together and attempting to insure the best understanding between each other. In this second half we read of the background and relationships with both sets of parents and how the growing up years have affected both Darcy and Elizabeth. Part of what I enjoyed was the reading of viewpoints and then decisions about earning respect and earning a place in another’s life – be it as a partner or as a parent.
While we have a Mr. Bennet we also have two wives, two daughters and two stepdaughters. The Matlocks are present and their characters are basically the same. Cousin Richard acts his supportive role as in canon. But you will find some humor in Annabella de Bourgh’s part. Bingley, his two sisters, Mr. Hurst, Charlotte and then Bill Collins, each, find a place in the tale. And some is laugh out loud funny. I truly enjoyed the talk Darcy had with Sylvia - the perceptions set forth and the effects stated. Well done.
The author was very creative in using the same main characters with new nuances, and then inventing new uses for other items from canon, i.e., the University of Meryton. I found her Mr. Tom Bennet and his marital situations presented with much humor as well as using those traits we all are familiar with in slightly different ways. Mr. Bennet sitting in his library and finding humor in his study of human nature gains a new interpretation...one many readers will find to fit how they judge his responsibility and/or his neglect of such in P&P.
There are some scenes for mature audiences only.
Ms. Ashton’s writing was superb in my opinion. I loved her descriptions, her ability to bring us into the heart of soul of ODC. She touched my heart and yet then wrapped this story up so well as we read of Elizabeth’s nostalgic thoughts on an anniversary. Well done. I look forward to more from this new author.
February 6, 2026
Status: Read March 16-18, 2016
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: An emotional, in-depth, and romantic modern adaptation—cannot believe this is the author's first book!
My Library Notes:
A Searing Acquaintance
by J.L. Ashton, Jan Ashton
Paperback, First Edition, 362 pages
Published March 12, 2016 by Meryton Press (first published February 14, 2016)
ISBN13: 978-1681310053 / ISBN: 1681310058
"I don't know why I ever thought we made sense."
Smart, educated people are fools in love, especially when they're mired in denial and misunderstanding.
In this modern spin on Jane Austen's classic tale, Elizabeth Bennet, a grad student with literary aspirations, has found her big career break—and broken up with yet another forgettable boyfriend. While grateful for the professional lifeline thrown by sports agent George Wickham, she is intrigued by the man she calls "Mr. Noir." Fitzwilliam Darcy, marked by tragedy, is a man accustomed to living his life in the spotlight even as his heart dwells on the dark side of loneliness. When he first meets Elizabeth, he thinks she looks like "a bloody pumpkin," but he soon sees so much more. She, however, can't even decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy? Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: An emotional, in-depth, and romantic modern adaptation—cannot believe this is the author's first book!
My Library Notes:
A Searing Acquaintance
by J.L. Ashton, Jan Ashton
Paperback, First Edition, 362 pages
Published March 12, 2016 by Meryton Press (first published February 14, 2016)
ISBN13: 978-1681310053 / ISBN: 1681310058
"I don't know why I ever thought we made sense."
Smart, educated people are fools in love, especially when they're mired in denial and misunderstanding.
In this modern spin on Jane Austen's classic tale, Elizabeth Bennet, a grad student with literary aspirations, has found her big career break—and broken up with yet another forgettable boyfriend. While grateful for the professional lifeline thrown by sports agent George Wickham, she is intrigued by the man she calls "Mr. Noir." Fitzwilliam Darcy, marked by tragedy, is a man accustomed to living his life in the spotlight even as his heart dwells on the dark side of loneliness. When he first meets Elizabeth, he thinks she looks like "a bloody pumpkin," but he soon sees so much more. She, however, can't even decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy? Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?
"So, it's Fitzwilliam, right? That's an amazing name, you know. Which came first—the name of the accent?"Can an accidental encounter that leads to shocking intimacy change the course they've both set and bring them into love's light? Or will they stay mired in cold words and angry misunderstandings, overshadowing the deep connection they each feel? Getting beyond their own mistakes to find each other again is one thing; they also have to heal the wounds of their pasts. Can they do that together?
He looked at her.
"Oh, come on. It's like the name of a subdivision or a sofa at Pottery Barn. 'Please note the extra firm cushions on The Fitzwilliam.'"
February 28, 2019
An Emotive and Sensitive Tale of Love!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern Adaptation, Mature Audiences
SETTING: Present day, New York
SYNOPSIS:
A modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth Bennet is a grad student and striving to establish her career in the literary world and Fitzwilliam Darcy is the ultra-reserved, unhappy-looking friend of her sister’s new boyfriend. Thrown together often by the happy couple – Jane and Bingley, Darcy finds himself intrigued by Elizabeth and surprised at how he easily opens up to her. And Elizabeth begins to feel some sparks for Darcy too (or maybe that’s just the Vicodin), but sadly mistaken assumptions and a lack of communication drive these two apart before something develops. What happens when they continue to encounter each other? And what happens when Elizabeth learns the truth about Darcy’s past?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Touches of Pride and Prejudice: I love that this story doesn’t parallel Pride and Prejudice in every way and how Ms. Ashton doesn’t utilize all of Jane Austen’s characters the same. This story had its own course and it was interesting to see the unique alterations Ms. Ashton made with these characters. I thought the changes to both Elizabeth’s family and Darcy’s family were inventive and stimulating to explore. I especially enjoyed Aunt Catherine’s surprising helpfulness and Richard’s ever-present playfulness!
- New Themes: While there are traces of pride in this story, prejudice and the consequences of making hasty judgments come more into play. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are quick to asses and judge each other and it takes both a little bit of time to realize the errors of their first impressions. In addition, an important central theme introduced in this story is the healing powers of love. Both Elizabeth and Darcy carry baggage and deep pain that they hide in different ways. The second half of this story beautifully illustrates how love can help erase past pain, unleash unbridled happiness, and forever change a person. It was a very moving experience to see Elizabeth and Darcy on this emotional journey together.
- A Balance of Light and Dark: With the pain of heartbreak and past tragedies this story does have some moments of seriousness and heart-wrenching poignancy. But Ms. Ashton did such a marvelous job of making sure she balanced her tale with plenty of scenes and sequences that are “light, and bright, and sparkling!” I especially loved seeing the sense of humor Elizabeth has with Darcy – her nicknames for him, how she makes fun of him to his face, and how he loves it! Not to mention there are many achingly sweet romantic moments where there love for each other is everything that is fierce, devoted, and whole-hearted!
- A Quintessential Darcy: He may be reserved and have made past mistakes, but because this Darcy isn’t too proud and haughty, he was very easy to love. He has many of Jane Austen’s Darcy’s sterling character traits, but some wonderful new additions include: his sweet love for animals, his adorable playfulness with children, his supportiveness to his family in all their crazy endeavors, and his more vulnerable and sensitive side that he keeps hidden. Ms. Ashton created a most endearing and attractive Mr. Darcy for us to admire.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Just a few minor quibbles about the pacing (some developments could have unfolded a little slower, and some parts could have been a little tighter) and one or two moments of awkward dialogue.
WARNING: Some uses of strong language and a few intimate scenes are interspersed throughout.
CONCLUSION:
Evocative, sincere, and empathetic – A Searing Acquaintance is a poignant and powerful debut release that beautifully explores overcoming your past, rising above difficult relationships, and discovering the precious powers of unconditional love. I applaud J. L. Ashton for her sensitive adaptation and her skillful yet plausible addition of a bit of shade to Jane Austen’s beloved masterpiece.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern Adaptation, Mature Audiences
SETTING: Present day, New York
SYNOPSIS:
A modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth Bennet is a grad student and striving to establish her career in the literary world and Fitzwilliam Darcy is the ultra-reserved, unhappy-looking friend of her sister’s new boyfriend. Thrown together often by the happy couple – Jane and Bingley, Darcy finds himself intrigued by Elizabeth and surprised at how he easily opens up to her. And Elizabeth begins to feel some sparks for Darcy too (or maybe that’s just the Vicodin), but sadly mistaken assumptions and a lack of communication drive these two apart before something develops. What happens when they continue to encounter each other? And what happens when Elizabeth learns the truth about Darcy’s past?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Touches of Pride and Prejudice: I love that this story doesn’t parallel Pride and Prejudice in every way and how Ms. Ashton doesn’t utilize all of Jane Austen’s characters the same. This story had its own course and it was interesting to see the unique alterations Ms. Ashton made with these characters. I thought the changes to both Elizabeth’s family and Darcy’s family were inventive and stimulating to explore. I especially enjoyed Aunt Catherine’s surprising helpfulness and Richard’s ever-present playfulness!
- New Themes: While there are traces of pride in this story, prejudice and the consequences of making hasty judgments come more into play. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are quick to asses and judge each other and it takes both a little bit of time to realize the errors of their first impressions. In addition, an important central theme introduced in this story is the healing powers of love. Both Elizabeth and Darcy carry baggage and deep pain that they hide in different ways. The second half of this story beautifully illustrates how love can help erase past pain, unleash unbridled happiness, and forever change a person. It was a very moving experience to see Elizabeth and Darcy on this emotional journey together.
- A Balance of Light and Dark: With the pain of heartbreak and past tragedies this story does have some moments of seriousness and heart-wrenching poignancy. But Ms. Ashton did such a marvelous job of making sure she balanced her tale with plenty of scenes and sequences that are “light, and bright, and sparkling!” I especially loved seeing the sense of humor Elizabeth has with Darcy – her nicknames for him, how she makes fun of him to his face, and how he loves it! Not to mention there are many achingly sweet romantic moments where there love for each other is everything that is fierce, devoted, and whole-hearted!
- A Quintessential Darcy: He may be reserved and have made past mistakes, but because this Darcy isn’t too proud and haughty, he was very easy to love. He has many of Jane Austen’s Darcy’s sterling character traits, but some wonderful new additions include: his sweet love for animals, his adorable playfulness with children, his supportiveness to his family in all their crazy endeavors, and his more vulnerable and sensitive side that he keeps hidden. Ms. Ashton created a most endearing and attractive Mr. Darcy for us to admire.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Just a few minor quibbles about the pacing (some developments could have unfolded a little slower, and some parts could have been a little tighter) and one or two moments of awkward dialogue.
WARNING: Some uses of strong language and a few intimate scenes are interspersed throughout.
CONCLUSION:
Evocative, sincere, and empathetic – A Searing Acquaintance is a poignant and powerful debut release that beautifully explores overcoming your past, rising above difficult relationships, and discovering the precious powers of unconditional love. I applaud J. L. Ashton for her sensitive adaptation and her skillful yet plausible addition of a bit of shade to Jane Austen’s beloved masterpiece.
Austenesque Reviews
May 22, 2016
Take one Fitzwilliam Darcy,a handsome,shy and rather quiet man,an eligible batchelor who,behind the mask presented to strangers is lonely and sometimes,quite alone.
Add to this mixture one Elizabeth Bennet,a fiercely independent,outspoken and aspirational writer,the victim of a dysfunctional family,divorced parents, absentee mother and the perfect foil to said F.Darcy.
Blend these two strong willed and adorable characters,not forgetting the physical, psychological and emotional scares both bravely carry from their past,the spice of essential chemistry needed to ignite the flame and simmer over a gentle yet unrelenting heat for as long as possible until the mixture boils over........
The result???
A beautifully crafted,delicious and highly recommended treat!
Enjoy,but be warned,you will find yourself coming back for more as one helping will simply not be enough!!
Add to this mixture one Elizabeth Bennet,a fiercely independent,outspoken and aspirational writer,the victim of a dysfunctional family,divorced parents, absentee mother and the perfect foil to said F.Darcy.
Blend these two strong willed and adorable characters,not forgetting the physical, psychological and emotional scares both bravely carry from their past,the spice of essential chemistry needed to ignite the flame and simmer over a gentle yet unrelenting heat for as long as possible until the mixture boils over........
The result???
A beautifully crafted,delicious and highly recommended treat!
Enjoy,but be warned,you will find yourself coming back for more as one helping will simply not be enough!!
August 10, 2019
Nice, but a little too long.
March 21, 2016
A Searing Acquaintance
Excellent modernization story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The characters meet at a football game for the University of Meryton. They are in Jane's boss's skybox. The stiff uptight Darcy and loveable Charles are seated several rows behind Jane, Elizabeth, and Charlotte. Charles, always looking out for a beautiful blonde young lady, gravitated to Jane. Telling Darcy that he's going down to introduce himself, Charles mentions "the brunette" to Darcy. He replies that she looks like a pumpkin in her school's orange colored sweatshirt. Well, that remark started Elizabeth on hate the British snob. Charles and Jane connect very well indeed. He invites Jane and Elizabeth to his country house, Netherfield, but Elizabeth tries to stay out of Darcy's way. Charles has surprised Jane with concert tickets and they leave Elizabeth and Darcy alone at Netherfield. Elizabeth is out walking when she hurts her leg. Finding one vicodin table left over from when she had her broken leg in her fanny pack, she takes it. Hoping it kicks in soon so that she limp back to Netherfield, Darcy finds her standing in pain. He offers to help her back. She struggles against him, but Darcy continues to be as stubborn as Elizabeth. When it begins to rain, he lifts her and carries her fighting him all the way. Inside, Darcy starts a fire with hopes of warming them up quickly. Putting the lasagna in the oven, he pours wine for them both. When the vicodin kicks in mixed with the wine, Elizabeth gets rather loopy. They discuss many topics and he tells her about his family. His life has been sad, and Elizabeth feels his pain. Before they both realize what is happening, she pulls him down for a kiss which escalates. Putting back, Darcy says he cannot do this. Elizabeth misunderstands his meaning leaving her with the impression that she's not good enough for him. Jane and Bingley have car trouble and check into a motel. Elizabeth is such a happy camper by then, she can hardly contain her ire. Dinner burnt, Elizabeth is angry, and Darcy is clueless, because he thinks that he was acting as a gentleman to take advantage of her will not thinking clearly. Then she meets the swine George Wickham. Thinking him an honest man, he gives her names of sports figures she can interview for her book she's writing for the Phillips Group that paid her tuition after her sports scholarship was withdrawn because she broke her leg. Every time Darcy sees her, she's with another hunk of a man, and every time she sees him, he has a blonde on his arm. Believing Wickham about Darcy's desolate habits, she avoids him. The night that Wickham shows up, Darcy wants to kill him. She and Darcy have a few harsh words and after she's sure she has hurt his feelings, she leaves. Charles and Jane's wedding draws near and Darcy gives them use of Pemberley by the seashore for the big family party. Darcy was not going to be there but he took his mother's half a century Mustang for a drive and had car trouble. Darcy and Elizabeth confront one another, but neither are clearly thinking. Darcy is forced to stay throughout the festivities and Darcy and Elizabeth come to peace with one another. On the news that evening, several of the sports figures she interviewed for the book are convicted of taking enhancement drugs. Elizabeth is crushed because she'd worked hard to finish the book. Darcy tells her that he would help her find interviews with baseball players. They determine that the men accused were names given by Wickham. He scum found out that payback is a bitch. He is accused of selling enhancement drugs to his clients, police found all sorts of drugs at in home, Darcy disclosed Wickham's blackmailing endeavors, plans to smear Elizabeth's name and her job credentials, and he's tied to the training farm giving drugs do sports figures. Needless to say, Wickham's going to jail for a long time. Elizabeth has met all of Darcy's extended family members and wonders will never cease, but his Aunt Catherine and the Matlocks adore her. When they all see how happy Darcy is, they welcome her with open arms. When he finally asks her to marry him, she answers, "Yes!" A must read to understand Darcy's sadness in his life, and that is made so happy by Elizabeth's love.
Excellent modernization story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The characters meet at a football game for the University of Meryton. They are in Jane's boss's skybox. The stiff uptight Darcy and loveable Charles are seated several rows behind Jane, Elizabeth, and Charlotte. Charles, always looking out for a beautiful blonde young lady, gravitated to Jane. Telling Darcy that he's going down to introduce himself, Charles mentions "the brunette" to Darcy. He replies that she looks like a pumpkin in her school's orange colored sweatshirt. Well, that remark started Elizabeth on hate the British snob. Charles and Jane connect very well indeed. He invites Jane and Elizabeth to his country house, Netherfield, but Elizabeth tries to stay out of Darcy's way. Charles has surprised Jane with concert tickets and they leave Elizabeth and Darcy alone at Netherfield. Elizabeth is out walking when she hurts her leg. Finding one vicodin table left over from when she had her broken leg in her fanny pack, she takes it. Hoping it kicks in soon so that she limp back to Netherfield, Darcy finds her standing in pain. He offers to help her back. She struggles against him, but Darcy continues to be as stubborn as Elizabeth. When it begins to rain, he lifts her and carries her fighting him all the way. Inside, Darcy starts a fire with hopes of warming them up quickly. Putting the lasagna in the oven, he pours wine for them both. When the vicodin kicks in mixed with the wine, Elizabeth gets rather loopy. They discuss many topics and he tells her about his family. His life has been sad, and Elizabeth feels his pain. Before they both realize what is happening, she pulls him down for a kiss which escalates. Putting back, Darcy says he cannot do this. Elizabeth misunderstands his meaning leaving her with the impression that she's not good enough for him. Jane and Bingley have car trouble and check into a motel. Elizabeth is such a happy camper by then, she can hardly contain her ire. Dinner burnt, Elizabeth is angry, and Darcy is clueless, because he thinks that he was acting as a gentleman to take advantage of her will not thinking clearly. Then she meets the swine George Wickham. Thinking him an honest man, he gives her names of sports figures she can interview for her book she's writing for the Phillips Group that paid her tuition after her sports scholarship was withdrawn because she broke her leg. Every time Darcy sees her, she's with another hunk of a man, and every time she sees him, he has a blonde on his arm. Believing Wickham about Darcy's desolate habits, she avoids him. The night that Wickham shows up, Darcy wants to kill him. She and Darcy have a few harsh words and after she's sure she has hurt his feelings, she leaves. Charles and Jane's wedding draws near and Darcy gives them use of Pemberley by the seashore for the big family party. Darcy was not going to be there but he took his mother's half a century Mustang for a drive and had car trouble. Darcy and Elizabeth confront one another, but neither are clearly thinking. Darcy is forced to stay throughout the festivities and Darcy and Elizabeth come to peace with one another. On the news that evening, several of the sports figures she interviewed for the book are convicted of taking enhancement drugs. Elizabeth is crushed because she'd worked hard to finish the book. Darcy tells her that he would help her find interviews with baseball players. They determine that the men accused were names given by Wickham. He scum found out that payback is a bitch. He is accused of selling enhancement drugs to his clients, police found all sorts of drugs at in home, Darcy disclosed Wickham's blackmailing endeavors, plans to smear Elizabeth's name and her job credentials, and he's tied to the training farm giving drugs do sports figures. Needless to say, Wickham's going to jail for a long time. Elizabeth has met all of Darcy's extended family members and wonders will never cease, but his Aunt Catherine and the Matlocks adore her. When they all see how happy Darcy is, they welcome her with open arms. When he finally asks her to marry him, she answers, "Yes!" A must read to understand Darcy's sadness in his life, and that is made so happy by Elizabeth's love.
July 18, 2016
This was an absorbing, emotional and realistic modern adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. The book description provides the premise of the story but there is much more depth to it. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are products of a broken home and a dysfunctional family. Elizabeth hides her pain behind humour and wit that at times can be brilliant or sarcastic. Jane just hides behind a veneer of 'everything is fine'. Both have trust issues but Elizabeth also had her sports career ending in disaster. I did find Elizabeth to be a bit too prickly for my liking at times.
Darcy is more vulnerable in this story due to his tragic family history. He hides behind his 'Darcy Mask'. This Darcy for me was a tortured soul and very endearing. Charles Bingley is very much to canon but more decisive which I loved. The usual host of secondary characters add a bit of fun and drama to the story.
This story is written in realism with humour, angst, betrayal, love and forgiveness. It's a tale of finding yourself before you can truly find another to love.
I was going to give this book a 4.5* but I was won over by the humour, especially the 'Looney Tunes' references!
Darcy is more vulnerable in this story due to his tragic family history. He hides behind his 'Darcy Mask'. This Darcy for me was a tortured soul and very endearing. Charles Bingley is very much to canon but more decisive which I loved. The usual host of secondary characters add a bit of fun and drama to the story.
This story is written in realism with humour, angst, betrayal, love and forgiveness. It's a tale of finding yourself before you can truly find another to love.
I was going to give this book a 4.5* but I was won over by the humour, especially the 'Looney Tunes' references!
January 25, 2017
Just what it should be
This is THE perfect modern adaptation of P&P. I'm glad it didn't spend a ton of time on Wickham and it gave ODC believable backstories. Knowing why Darcy was so sad and serious finally made sense.
This is THE perfect modern adaptation of P&P. I'm glad it didn't spend a ton of time on Wickham and it gave ODC believable backstories. Knowing why Darcy was so sad and serious finally made sense.
October 4, 2023
I wanted to love this modernized Pride and Prejudice variation more than I do. There are many things I do love about it, there's quite a bit of humor and depth to this love story, and I've enjoyed most other books I've read by the same author quite a lot. I know from other reviews that most other P&P fans who've read it like this one a lot.
For me personally, it had a lot of things going against it, mostly my own preferences, and I won't go into those. The one general complaint that I have is that it's way too long for the story it is. I know a lot of love went into the writing, and I've done enough editing to know it would have been difficult to shorten, but I think it would have improved the story a lot to have some judicious tightening and get rid of some repetition and drawing out of the story where it wasn't necessary. There were quite a few stretches where I had to skim to get through it (and I'm not a skimmer), and twice I almost stopped reading, thinking this was going on too long. So I recommend it with that caveat. If you have some time on your hands and like a contemporary romance, this might be for you.
It's not a chaste P&P variation. Being set in modern times, it naturally has more steamy scenes in the couple's courtship than you'll find in most Austen variations. But it's tasteful rather than graphic, lots of kissing, touching, body exploring. If that puts you off, you're forewarned. But I do not like graphic sex scenes, and this didn't bother me at all. I found how it was presented to be sweet and romantic, and sometimes incredibly touching.
For me personally, it had a lot of things going against it, mostly my own preferences, and I won't go into those. The one general complaint that I have is that it's way too long for the story it is. I know a lot of love went into the writing, and I've done enough editing to know it would have been difficult to shorten, but I think it would have improved the story a lot to have some judicious tightening and get rid of some repetition and drawing out of the story where it wasn't necessary. There were quite a few stretches where I had to skim to get through it (and I'm not a skimmer), and twice I almost stopped reading, thinking this was going on too long. So I recommend it with that caveat. If you have some time on your hands and like a contemporary romance, this might be for you.
It's not a chaste P&P variation. Being set in modern times, it naturally has more steamy scenes in the couple's courtship than you'll find in most Austen variations. But it's tasteful rather than graphic, lots of kissing, touching, body exploring. If that puts you off, you're forewarned. But I do not like graphic sex scenes, and this didn't bother me at all. I found how it was presented to be sweet and romantic, and sometimes incredibly touching.
March 16, 2016
This Pride and Prejudice adaption was wonderful! I loved it!
April 1, 2019
Excellent modern Pride and Prejudice variation. Placing the favorite characters from the story in today’s timeline provided a wonderful plot.
September 24, 2021
The story was okay. Writing okay. I had difficulty partly because the P&P storyline ended about halfway through the book and then the rest seemed a little plot-less. There was also sex, which I'd rather not have in a book. Thankfully it was not grossly graphic sex, but it was not behind closed doors. So much of the second half of the book was about two people who are fully committed to each other but still are uncertain about moving in together and marriage isn't even on the horizon.
August 20, 2022
Re-read. Really enjoyed the first 60%, just like the first time I read it.
Very good modern variation, although I would have liked to see Darcy a little bit less overly romantic.
The book should have been divided in two parts, as the happy ending drags on from about 60%.
The last 40% were soo sugary I feared I’d get diabetes.
Very good modern variation, although I would have liked to see Darcy a little bit less overly romantic.
The book should have been divided in two parts, as the happy ending drags on from about 60%.
The last 40% were soo sugary I feared I’d get diabetes.
January 8, 2017
Moderns are not my "thang."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
Wow
Thoroughly impressed. This is a longer story, but it is very good, and the length is appropriate. Nothing is rushed here. Several parts are epically beautiful and tender, while others will bring tears or stomach flips.
I truly appreciate and admire the way the author has carefully transferred the story to modern times, and it is obvious that differences make sense in correlation. Yes, that means the relationship between Mr and Mrs Bennet appropriately different. However, I was sad to lose Kitty as a character. I've always liked her.
I can't put into words all of my feelings for this, but suffice it to say that this is without a doubt the most accomplished attempt at modernizing P&P that I have read on Amazon. Truly wonderful and worth your time!
Thoroughly impressed. This is a longer story, but it is very good, and the length is appropriate. Nothing is rushed here. Several parts are epically beautiful and tender, while others will bring tears or stomach flips.
I truly appreciate and admire the way the author has carefully transferred the story to modern times, and it is obvious that differences make sense in correlation. Yes, that means the relationship between Mr and Mrs Bennet appropriately different. However, I was sad to lose Kitty as a character. I've always liked her.
I can't put into words all of my feelings for this, but suffice it to say that this is without a doubt the most accomplished attempt at modernizing P&P that I have read on Amazon. Truly wonderful and worth your time!
December 25, 2017
I am not a fan of historical fiction, therefore I've never read 'Pride and Prejudice.'
Aye, it's a classic, Austen is revered, I'm a heathen, blah, blah, blah. Heard it. Don't care. I dislike historical stories.
So, lucky for me, this reboot of the classic was set in modern-times. It's one of the last books I'll have time to read before the start of the new year, and I think it was the best. I hated to finish it and find mydelf with the worst book hangover I've had in ages.
I confess I nearly put this aside in the first chapters. There was quite a lot of introspection to start and I feared the dreaded 'too much telling, not enough showing' issue that inevitably makes me give up on a book. I'm so happy I didn't give up on it.
It's a debut if I'm not mistaken, and the writing reflects it at times, certainly. It's not perfect, but it's strong. The plot is based on P&P, but the story and characters are from an author who shows unmistakable raw talent. It didn't hurt that she is more mature than the average writer out there. It was a pleasure to read something written with class. There was plenty of humour, sexual tension and steam and none of it devolved into filth. The characters were real, flawed humans who made mistakes, pissed me off and frustrated me at times. The author had to know that her Elizabeth was a bit of a judgemental shrew early on, that her Darcy seemed an insufferable, snobby jerk. She was brave depicting them as such at first, but she evolved them beautifully. Mistakes and misunderstandings abound in the first half of the book, but these two are willing to look at themselves, admit where they went wrong and learn from their mistakes.The character development is stellar.
I do love broken heroes, but even more I love a writer who doesn't shy away from showing a strong man can manifest signs of high emotional or pain in a way other than writing him as a stoic, robotic arsehole. Darcy shook, he got teary, he had vulnerable moments. It didn't make him weak or less virile. It made him human and real, and so very endearing.
This was a good story, with friends and foes, high and low points, and a full range of feeling. If I have any complaints, they would be that the pacing was uneven at times and that around 50%, the pair resolved their conflict and the story flatlined. Things were a tad too pleasant during the second half and became more plot-driven than I normally care for. But Darcy and Lizzy were pretty adorable and their love was so touching I wasn't bored. It proved enjoyable to see the rest of their tale play out.
This is the first KU book I bought instead of returning. I recommend it and rate it a 4.5.
Aye, it's a classic, Austen is revered, I'm a heathen, blah, blah, blah. Heard it. Don't care. I dislike historical stories.
So, lucky for me, this reboot of the classic was set in modern-times. It's one of the last books I'll have time to read before the start of the new year, and I think it was the best. I hated to finish it and find mydelf with the worst book hangover I've had in ages.
I confess I nearly put this aside in the first chapters. There was quite a lot of introspection to start and I feared the dreaded 'too much telling, not enough showing' issue that inevitably makes me give up on a book. I'm so happy I didn't give up on it.
It's a debut if I'm not mistaken, and the writing reflects it at times, certainly. It's not perfect, but it's strong. The plot is based on P&P, but the story and characters are from an author who shows unmistakable raw talent. It didn't hurt that she is more mature than the average writer out there. It was a pleasure to read something written with class. There was plenty of humour, sexual tension and steam and none of it devolved into filth. The characters were real, flawed humans who made mistakes, pissed me off and frustrated me at times. The author had to know that her Elizabeth was a bit of a judgemental shrew early on, that her Darcy seemed an insufferable, snobby jerk. She was brave depicting them as such at first, but she evolved them beautifully. Mistakes and misunderstandings abound in the first half of the book, but these two are willing to look at themselves, admit where they went wrong and learn from their mistakes.The character development is stellar.
I do love broken heroes, but even more I love a writer who doesn't shy away from showing a strong man can manifest signs of high emotional or pain in a way other than writing him as a stoic, robotic arsehole. Darcy shook, he got teary, he had vulnerable moments. It didn't make him weak or less virile. It made him human and real, and so very endearing.
This was a good story, with friends and foes, high and low points, and a full range of feeling. If I have any complaints, they would be that the pacing was uneven at times and that around 50%, the pair resolved their conflict and the story flatlined. Things were a tad too pleasant during the second half and became more plot-driven than I normally care for. But Darcy and Lizzy were pretty adorable and their love was so touching I wasn't bored. It proved enjoyable to see the rest of their tale play out.
This is the first KU book I bought instead of returning. I recommend it and rate it a 4.5.
May 23, 2020
Not only did I love the Darcy and Elizabeth in this book, I loved the way the author enriched their characters by showing us so much of their pasts, and how events helped to shape them into the people they are when they finally meet and begin the very slow, and sometimes painful, journey to their happily ever after. This Darcy, especially, was one that really struck a chord with me, mostly because his vulnerability is so finely written; we see what he's longing for, what he wants to have in his life, but is sometimes afraid to reach out and grab hold of...and then when he finally tries, it all goes awry. I also loved this Elizabeth; strong and fiercely independent, but able to admit to mistakes and also show a softer, more vulnerable side. Aside from all the heartfelt and poignant moments that are sprinkled generously throughout story, there are some fantastic, laugh-out-loud moments as well, all cleverly written. If you're a lover of Jane Austen fan fiction/variations, this story by Jan Ashton is not to be missed.
March 3, 2024
More than just a P&P retelling
I absolutely loved the book from the very first, few pages. This book takes Jane Austen's classic story that we all love and give it a breath of fresh air while still staying true to it.
Lizzy and Will are simply complex characters that are just like anyone else. The best part is you get all the things you love about P&P with a new take on it. The humor is captivating as well as the story telling.
I found myself halfway through the book getting all the main plots from P&P and ready for whatever new adventures the author had for characters I've come to hold dear. I'll definitely be rereading this story again several times in the future.
I absolutely loved the book from the very first, few pages. This book takes Jane Austen's classic story that we all love and give it a breath of fresh air while still staying true to it.
Lizzy and Will are simply complex characters that are just like anyone else. The best part is you get all the things you love about P&P with a new take on it. The humor is captivating as well as the story telling.
I found myself halfway through the book getting all the main plots from P&P and ready for whatever new adventures the author had for characters I've come to hold dear. I'll definitely be rereading this story again several times in the future.
February 9, 2022
Until around 55%, this is a very decent Pride and Prejudice rewrite. Certainly more emotional with some of the changes that were made.
Where this really fell apart was after that point. There is genuinely nothing that happens in the second half of the book. Lots of internal monologues, constant declarations of love, the same family issues rehashed in different settings. It dragged and was painful to finish, which is a shame because it started well.
The other strange issue I had with this was the writing became more and more formal as it progresses. Its as of the author remembered it was a P&P retelling and upped the formal language by 500%. It just didn’t fit with the modern setting of everything
Where this really fell apart was after that point. There is genuinely nothing that happens in the second half of the book. Lots of internal monologues, constant declarations of love, the same family issues rehashed in different settings. It dragged and was painful to finish, which is a shame because it started well.
The other strange issue I had with this was the writing became more and more formal as it progresses. Its as of the author remembered it was a P&P retelling and upped the formal language by 500%. It just didn’t fit with the modern setting of everything
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2016
Nice modern adaptation
The first half of this book was spot on. A modern P&P that works really well. Lots of witty banter. All the characters (but Kitty) are there, as well as some new ones. There's misunderstanding, humor, and angst. It's great and Jane Austen would be proud
Until Darcy and Elizabeth get together. Nothing happens. It's a blissful existence. There is no drama or any kind of emotion other than happy. It gets to be boring when everything is so perfect...for 40% of the book.
I'm giving this 4 stars because I'm rounding up. It should really be 3.5.
The writing is good and it's a fantastic plot, just a little long and drawn out.
The first half of this book was spot on. A modern P&P that works really well. Lots of witty banter. All the characters (but Kitty) are there, as well as some new ones. There's misunderstanding, humor, and angst. It's great and Jane Austen would be proud
Until Darcy and Elizabeth get together. Nothing happens. It's a blissful existence. There is no drama or any kind of emotion other than happy. It gets to be boring when everything is so perfect...for 40% of the book.
I'm giving this 4 stars because I'm rounding up. It should really be 3.5.
The writing is good and it's a fantastic plot, just a little long and drawn out.
April 24, 2022
Not my favorite
Love Jane Austen and have read many variations on P&P some very good others not. This one is not. The original Elizabeth was spunky and vivacious, different from her peers. Here she comes across as obnoxious and a bit common. I did not find her personality interesting or attractive and could not see what would attract a man like Darcy to her. For a wealthy, successful businessman, Darcy did not seem real. Unsure of himself, in constant emotional pain, always worried about alienating Elizabeth, he did not present as a strong hero. Other characters were completely undeveloped and too numerous. The story dragged. It would benefit from a good editor.
Love Jane Austen and have read many variations on P&P some very good others not. This one is not. The original Elizabeth was spunky and vivacious, different from her peers. Here she comes across as obnoxious and a bit common. I did not find her personality interesting or attractive and could not see what would attract a man like Darcy to her. For a wealthy, successful businessman, Darcy did not seem real. Unsure of himself, in constant emotional pain, always worried about alienating Elizabeth, he did not present as a strong hero. Other characters were completely undeveloped and too numerous. The story dragged. It would benefit from a good editor.
March 5, 2016
Heartwarming and fun
For a modern story of P&P it was fun, heartwarming and kept my interest. I am not a huge fan of modern stories with Elizabeth and Darcy, they loose something. Yes they did have sex before marriage, but it was not raunchy thank goodness. I liked it.
For a modern story of P&P it was fun, heartwarming and kept my interest. I am not a huge fan of modern stories with Elizabeth and Darcy, they loose something. Yes they did have sex before marriage, but it was not raunchy thank goodness. I liked it.
March 12, 2016
Extremely well-written!
A great, diverting, well-written contemporary P&P variation! It was wonderful to see Darcy emerge from his shell and truly embrace life with Lizzy. Loved this book and the writer!
A great, diverting, well-written contemporary P&P variation! It was wonderful to see Darcy emerge from his shell and truly embrace life with Lizzy. Loved this book and the writer!
March 23, 2016
I usually refrain from reading modern JAFF. This was a cute story with a few bits of heat. Thus, not recommended for youngsters.
If you enjoyed Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star, you will enjoy this version.
P.S. I now have a new name for my Grandmother's stove!
If you enjoyed Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star, you will enjoy this version.
P.S. I now have a new name for my Grandmother's stove!
March 4, 2016
Review to come March 14th.
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November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
April 9, 2016
A wonderful adaptation with a twist!
Recommended for Pride and Prejudice fans! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down. Many unexpected twists!
Recommended for Pride and Prejudice fans! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down. Many unexpected twists!
Read
May 19, 2021A successful adaptation to modern day
There aren't A great many modern day adaptations of P&P but this one is successfully done. Elizabeth meets Darcy and Charles at a college football game where he's taciturn and she takes him to task. Darcy is a emotionally damaged man after an accident at 16 lost him his sister and mother and then his dad a few years later. That he was the cause of the car accident has weighed him down. Elizabeth is finishing her Masters in Creative Writing, living with sister Jane, with parents who divorced when she was younger. Her mother now embarrasses her as a Country and Western singer at Dollywood ( oh my goodness) and her fathers remarried and while employed by the University remains semi-detached from the family.
After a rough period of angst between Elizabeth and Darcy along with a scandal as a result of Wickhams involvement in steroid use in athletes and drug dealing in opiods the two characters manage to work out their differences. They manage to create a loving relationship and heal old family wounds.
It's well written, the angst isn't over the top, and the characters were successfully brought into the 21st century.
There aren't A great many modern day adaptations of P&P but this one is successfully done. Elizabeth meets Darcy and Charles at a college football game where he's taciturn and she takes him to task. Darcy is a emotionally damaged man after an accident at 16 lost him his sister and mother and then his dad a few years later. That he was the cause of the car accident has weighed him down. Elizabeth is finishing her Masters in Creative Writing, living with sister Jane, with parents who divorced when she was younger. Her mother now embarrasses her as a Country and Western singer at Dollywood ( oh my goodness) and her fathers remarried and while employed by the University remains semi-detached from the family.
After a rough period of angst between Elizabeth and Darcy along with a scandal as a result of Wickhams involvement in steroid use in athletes and drug dealing in opiods the two characters manage to work out their differences. They manage to create a loving relationship and heal old family wounds.
It's well written, the angst isn't over the top, and the characters were successfully brought into the 21st century.
March 9, 2019
So much more than acquaintances
This is a very worthy variation. The modern day treatment of the original characters is cleverly done, and by necessity changes their mannerisms and circumstances, while at the same time preserves some key characteristics of their original personae. Darcy and Elizabeth are essentially recognizable, while being projected onto the backdrop of New York City present day. Only a few of the characters are drastically altered. Mrs. Bennett, the DeBourghs, and Mr. Collins are quite different, but their places in the plot are well thought out.
At first I wasn't too happy with Elizabeth 's wisecracking ways. She seemed a little harsh and defensive, but eventually she settled down and showed her kinder side. Can a book be too romantic? This one pushes the boundaries with page after page of Darcy's utter surrender to his urgent need of Elizabeth. It becomes a bit much, but I guess too much is preferable to too little. The story is nicely written and satisfying.
This is a very worthy variation. The modern day treatment of the original characters is cleverly done, and by necessity changes their mannerisms and circumstances, while at the same time preserves some key characteristics of their original personae. Darcy and Elizabeth are essentially recognizable, while being projected onto the backdrop of New York City present day. Only a few of the characters are drastically altered. Mrs. Bennett, the DeBourghs, and Mr. Collins are quite different, but their places in the plot are well thought out.
At first I wasn't too happy with Elizabeth 's wisecracking ways. She seemed a little harsh and defensive, but eventually she settled down and showed her kinder side. Can a book be too romantic? This one pushes the boundaries with page after page of Darcy's utter surrender to his urgent need of Elizabeth. It becomes a bit much, but I guess too much is preferable to too little. The story is nicely written and satisfying.
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