Darcy By Any Other Name: A lighthearted Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Laura Hile

Discover the Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance that has readers laughing in surprise and delight.


For most, this is a glorious evening of music and dancing. But out in the garden two men are arguing, while a ferocious rainstorm swirls round. Then the unthinkable happens: a lightning bolt from heaven strikes. In that instant everything changes.


Jane Austen's heartthrob hero becomes the bumbling Reverend Collins. Shorn of his fortune, his social standing, and his good looks, Mr. Darcy is trapped in Mr. Collins' body. And Mr. Collins wakes up to discover that he is master of Pemberley. Could there be anything worse?


But the inner man is still Darcy. He is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. And now he is living in her house.


If you enjoy a smart, sparkling Regency romp in the classic "Heyeresque" style, then you will love Laura Hile's Darcy By Any Other Name.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Regency, Historical, Historical Romance

648 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2016

About the author

Faith, Hope, Laughter ... and Happily Ever After

Readers are loving Laura Hile's joyous Austenesque Regency novels. Her signature style---intertwined plots, cliffhangers, and laugh-out-loud humor---keep them coming back for more.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There's never a dull moment with teen students!

All of Laura's books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

NEW! Laura is currently having novels and novellas produced as audiobooks.

These are available at most audio distribution outlets, including public libraries. Laura Hile Audiobooks, her channel at YouTube, offers her audiobooks for your enjoyment, FREE.

Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and sons. Her fiction is for everyone, even teens.

Awards:

SO THIS IS LOVE:
From Pemberley to Milton: Favorite Reads of 2020

A VERY AUSTEN ROMANCE:
Austenprose: Best Austenesque & Historical Books of 2020 (Short Story Anthology)

A VERY AUSTEN VALENTINE:
More Agreeably Engaged: Favorite Anthology 2018

CIR STRONG AWARD September, 2018:
For outstanding service to independent authors

DARCY BY ANY OTHER NAME:
* Babblings of a Bookworm My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2017
* Just Jane 1813 Reviewer's Favorite, 2016, Darcy By Any Other Name
* 2016 Favorites, Austenesque Reviews
* Top Ten Favorites, 2016, From Pemberley to Milton
* Best Books I Read in 2016, The Book Dragon
* Favorite Books 2016, More Agreeably Engaged

MERCY'S EMBRACE novels:
* Austenprose.com's 2012 Debut Author Award
* Mercy's Embrace as a series, AustenesqueReviews.com's Top Ten (Minor Character)

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up after reading the sample, intending to just get the flavor of more of the story before returning to another book I was already reading, but a funny thing happened. I never stopped reading! It just grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go. It is NOT a short book, but I read it in one sitting and just loved it all.

When Darcy and Mr. Collins both are struck by lightening and severely injured the night of the Netherfield ball, a Freaky Friday transformation occurs. When he finally wakes up, Darcy is confused to find himself apparently at Longbourn listening to the Bennet sisters talking and giggling in his bedroom. He gradually comes to the realization that his consciousness is trapped in Mr. Collins' body. He has no wealth, no prestige, he's a nobody in society, and he's already pegged as a fool by everyone in the Bennet household except Mrs. Bennet and Mary. However, the one advantage that he finds in this position is his proximity to Elizabeth and the fact that Mrs. Bennet encourages her to spend time with him. Certain as he is that his condition must be temporary, at first he attempts to mimic Collins' behavior, but gradually, as he becomes less optimistic about ever becoming "himself" again, his own personality asserts itself.

This situation alone has lots of potential, and Ms. Hile ups the ante in many ways. She sends Lady Catherine to Netherfield to watch over her injured nephew, and then there's a snowstorm that prevents Darcy from getting to Netherfield to confer with Collins and strands Anne deBourgh at Longbourn for several days. Anne becomes bosom buddies with Lydia and Kitty, and you know that's not going to lead to anything good! Another medical problem emerges at Longbourn. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives after receiving a summons from Darcy, but will he figure out the truth or think he's a madman? Tension in the story builds in several ways with a potential crisis involving Wickham that Darcy does his best to prevent as well as Collins' enjoyment of his newly elevated status and his manipulations to win Elizabeth for himself.

The writing is fluid, clever and imaginative. Obviously, there's a lot of humor in the situation, especially in scenes between Darcy and Collins, which must have been a lot of fun to write. The twist on what I always call the "infamous proposal scene" is just a hoot. There are also quite a few lovely romantic moments between Darcy (as Collins) and Elizabeth.

In short, Darcy By Any Other Name has a little bit of everything and is an exceptional novel from this talented JAFF author.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Walk a mile in their shoes’

There are several variations of the above saying. Whether it’s you’re understanding of another person’s experiences, or not judging a man, or truly knowing someone…until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. The expression is still the same. You have walked a mile in their circumstances…as them. That is the premise of this P&P variation.

First: I LOVE the book cover…it is most excellent, beautifully done. Next, I just want to say I was hesitant in reading this as I had not read this author before and the premise was a bit strange. I couldn’t imagine P&P as a Freaky Friday type of story. It just didn’t set well with me. I turned to the reviews and studied those that I know and read, depended on and trust…those that I rely on to tell me the truth, and decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did.

In the beginning:

Darcy was over-the-top awful, prideful, arrogant, disdainful and couldn’t wait to get out of the area and take Bingley with him in order to separate him from the awful Bennet family. At the Netherfield Ball, every sense he possessed had been assaulted beyond bearing and he simply couldn’t take it anymore. He finally stepped outside for a breath of fresh air in order to avoid that annoying parson, Mr. Collins.

Collins was this awful toad that made himself and his relations ridiculous. He embarrassed Elizabeth to the ninth degree with his lack of dancing skills and imprudent manners. The clueless sycophant shamelessly followed Mr. Darcy outside and continued to impose himself on him as a storm approached.

They were standing under the arch to a stone Folly when lightning struck and they were both knocked unconscious. Mr. Darcy was taken into Netherfield and Mr. Collins was moved to Longbourn. Each awoke days later with a shocking realization that they had switched bodies. Mr. Collins was now in Mr. Darcy’s body and Mr. Darcy was in Mr. Collins’ body. Heaven help them.

This story is about second chances. The opportunity to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The chance to see life through the eyes of others, in different circumstances and perspectives. To notice the servants and how they are treated when no one is watching. To watch those around them [Darcy watching Longbourn and Collins watching Netherfield], and how the occupants conduct themselves. And lastly, the opportunity to be happy in the skin they wore. I really liked how Laura Hile managed to pull understanding out of the chaos of emotions as these men adapted to their new circumstances.

Darcy was humbled as he was forced to experience life as William Collins. The deference he had always been given, and unquestionably expected, was no longer his. He noted the changes in the way that people looked at him, over him, through him, or chose to not look at him at all. He was nothing and no one of consequence. He no longer had the means to command a carriage whenever he wanted, so he was forced to walk in all manner of conditions [rain, freezing temperatures, sleet, snow, fog, etc.], and in clothing not appropriate for the season. Even Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who prided herself on her thoughtfulness, often overlooked his needs and comforts. He was only her parson, after all; no one of consequence.

As Darcy struggled with his situation, he sought a higher power in his understanding of what had happened and what it meant to him. It wasn’t so much a crisis of faith as it was a crisis of personality. He studied the scriptures etched in the Folly and looked up others in the Bible related to pride. His epiphany was profound and suddenly the feelings of others became important to him as he saw the world through new eyes. He was a changed man.

Collins, down the road at Netherfield, awoke as Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of Pemberley, Derbyshire. When Darcy was able to get to him and explain what he thought had happened to them, there was a new realization for Collins. He was now situated in Darcy’s fit handsome body, wealthy beyond reason, wearing warm, comfortable clothing, was staying in the best appointed guest room, had access to finer things like expensive liquor, cigars, all the fine food he wanted, and enough servants available to answer his every need. Yes, he was beginning to enjoy the good life, especially all the attention he was receiving from one Caroline Bingley. He certainly was enjoying her fawning all over him.

But as a gently breeze can quickly turn into a blinding gale, Collins soon found that, as Darcy, his position in society and the expectations for his time were beginning to creep into his comforts. Obligations and demands began to confuse and muddle his thinking. Lady Catherine showed up and was demanding that he marry her daughter Anne. Caroline Bingley was strongly suggesting that they all leave immediately for London where he could attempt a political career. When she realized he was confused and addled, she offered instead to marry him and then travel to Pemberley where she could care for him as he recovered from his injuries. Her descriptions of the size and grandeur of Pemberley were daunting and a bit frightening. On top of all that, Collins quaked when Bingley and others expected him to ride a horse [which he was deathly afraid of]. It was simply too much.

Colonel Fitzwilliam showed up as a result of Darcy sending him a letter. He was no help at all and I didn’t like him. In fact, he was so horrified that he left right away in order to seek a specialist. He was convinced that both Darcy and Collins were mad. Lady Catherine was in agreement and insisted on a special license so Darcy could marry Anne regardless of whether he was mad or not. Her intentions were to take him back to Rosings. Collins, as Darcy, blanched at the notion. He didn’t want to marry Anne, and he certainly didn’t want to live at Rosings. Anne was having no part of it as she was in love with another.

When the unthinkable happened at Longbourn, Collins soon realized, that as the heir, he could live the simple life of a gentleman on the smaller more manageable Longbourn Estate. He would never again have to live at under the thumb and condescension of Lady Catherine. Nor, he rejoiced, would he have to deal with Caroline Bingley [he didn’t care for her controlling manner, and her sharp, shrewish tongue]. He certainly didn’t want a political career [Parliament, House of Lords or anything else], and he could forget about Pemberley and all of its responsibilities. Plus, he giggled, he would have the beautiful Elizabeth Bennet by his side as wife. Suddenly, he no longer wanted all the stresses and demands of being Mr. Darcy.

Intrigues, drama, filial rebellion, attempted elopements, Wickham’s machinations, Mary attempting to catch the eye of Mr. Collins [or Mr. Darcy], the Jane and Bingley courtship, Lydia’s and Kitty’s friendship with Anne de Bourgh as they introduced her to the officers, was exciting and very entertaining.

***SPOILER*** 'The resolution was quick as a lightning strike and was instantaneous. When Mr. Collins found himself back in his parson’s body, he danced about happy to be himself again. The gut wrenching part was the restored Darcy watching Elizabeth walk away on the arm of a smirking Collins.

It was heart breaking to see Collins scheme to keep Darcy away from Elizabeth. He read and then burned the letter from Darcy that explained what happened at the Folly and of his being in love with her. Collins didn’t want her to realize that he was his loathsome self again. He remembered how she felt about him before the accident and that she was actually in love with Darcy and not him. He even sent for a special license so he could marry her immediately, before she realized who he was…or wasn’t.' **** End Spoiler ****

The HEA was taken right down to the wire. I was really worried.

There were a few editing problems/errors: missing words, or left out words, a few confusing sentences, also was it Colonel Forster or Foster, also theatre and theater were on the same page.
There were several threads left dangling. The epilogue was short; however, it didn’t answer any of the questions. What happened to Caroline, Anne de Bourgh, Wickham, and the Bennet women?

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned of this story as I discovered, followed and read Laura Hile’s blogs about the elements of a good rom-com. She included many excerpts from this story, a Work-In-Progress, as she talked about each element on a separate blog. It was with great anticipation and finally with much satisfaction that I read this delightful story. As several other reviews warn: please allow a large block of uninterrupted time for reading as this tale is one you will not want to put down. (I was in my pajamas all day and had nothing on my calendar.) I have not read any other books by this author but will now have to do so as I find her writing to be first rate.

Yes, Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy are struck by lightning the night of the Netherfield Ball and wake up in the other’s body and place of residence. Darcy awakens first and after determining what has happened walks, yes, walks, to Netherfield to warn Collins about this calamity and behaviors that will be expected in presenting himself as someone else in a believable manner. Changes in circumstances as to wardrobes is one of the facets of comedy herein. It is oh, so funny, to read how each now has to manage, especially Darcy.

Part of what you may find surprising in this novel are the ethics displayed by “a man of the cloth”. While Darcy in settling into his new role also settles into a new relationship with Elizabeth and the others in residence at Longbourn (love the interaction with Hill) he never drops the honor in his actions. And he also, in having no promise that this new situation will ever correct itself, finds a way to plan for the future of the Bennet ladies.

It was also very interesting to read of how Darcy tried to look for lessons from the Almighty in being struck by lightning. And as he prepares to present a sermon in his new body he finds that some of what he has heard in the past has stuck with him and has made a connection to his life.

You will also be taken aback as you read of how family and/or acquaintances adjust to what they view as changed behaviors…madness or the result of being struck on the head? Caroline is now partaking of tea with Collins in Darcy’s body – Yes, really. And she has his future career now all planned as she meets with him daily.

Mr. Bennet, Wickham, Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh all have roles which have influences on the directions the future seems to be taking for ODC. And coming in late: the Colonel is not one to hesitate in his plan of attack as he makes a judgment call upon his arrival and after meeting with both men.

Some of what happens at Longbourn was met with very mixed feeling on my part. After all there is no story that I have read in JAFF that prepared me to be at all receptive to Elizabeth changing her feelings and behavior towards her cousin, Mr. Collins. I kept having to remind myself that our dear man, Mr. Darcy, was really the one saying and doing all I was taking in during the tale.

I am sure you will find this tale a totally enthralling story with both mystical and romantic tones, not to mention the amusing situation overall.

[Kasia Burlakoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days, and I loved it. Darcy was served the biggest humble pie imaginable. Striped of his fortune, consequence and power, he learned humility and genuine kindness. At first he tried to be Collins, but after a short time his real personality started to shine through.

I loved Darcy's POV on being Collins. I started to sympathize with him for being everybody's favorite dog to be kicked. Well, until real Collins showed, what a louse he was. Darcy was bearing his new position with dignity, unlike Collins who was as self-centered and greedy as ever.

It was hilarious to watch Darcy changing Collins's bad habits, such as overeating and being lazy. On the other hand, Collins took advantage of being Darcy in full, smoking cigars and drinking cognac. And putting weight on Darcy's body.

The supporting characters were excellent, especially Dr. Fleming and Darcy's valet. Mrs. Hill was a marvel.

The relationship between ODC was touching and sweet. I enjoyed the banter and developing closeness between them. Swoon-worthy.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun read, I enjoyed it but I found myself getting a bit impatient near the end. Especially with what happened to the letter. I wish we'd been able to read the letter Darcy wrote to Elizabeth in it's entirety. I also wanted more scenes with Darcy and Elizabeth when Darcy was finally himself again. I wanted more dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy as he explained what it was like living with her and falling for her more as Collins. There needs to be a sequel with a bit more of their HEA :)

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling in Love with Mr. Collins? No! “Every Feeling Revolts!”

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: The night of the Netherfield Ball to several weeks later

MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins, Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and Caroline Bingley

SYNOPSIS: When lightening strikes both Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy in the gardens of Netherfield, in “Freaky Friday” style they swap bodies! How can two men – with such different backgrounds, manners, and personalities convincingly pass as each other? Dare they tell anyone the truth? How can they undo this and return to their normal bodies?

WHAT I LOVED:

- Nothing Like It: This is such an imaginative premise! When I first heard of it, I knew I had to read this story. I had to find out how Mr. Darcy being in Mr. Collins’ body would effect the course of his relationship with Elizabeth! And Mr. Collins in Mr. Darcy’s body? That’s a situation primed for disaster!

- Sketching Character: Elizabeth has her hands full try to make sense of Mr. Collins’ character – Why would he say he can’t ride horses when he can? Where was his simpering and foolishness? I loved watching Elizabeth try to figure Mr. Collins out – she came up with some logical and creative explanations for his personality quirks and odd behaviors! And I really enjoyed witnessing her changing opinion and penchant for flirting with Mr. Collins! (I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence!)

- Honorable, Hardworking, and Heroic: If you’ve met Patrick McGillvary, then you know Ms. Hile can write an incredibly swoon-worthy hero. *sigh* In this story Mr. Darcy was wonderfully admirable and thoughtful. Living at Longbourn and treated as a lowly rector, Mr. Darcy’s eyes were quickly opened. He constantly went out of his way to do his duty, serve the Bennet family, and protect Mr. Collins’ interests and position. I could not help but fall in love with him, which felt slightly odd since on the outside…he was Mr. Collins! (Side note: loved his relationship with Mrs. Hill!)

- Introspection: I loved seeing the realizations and new awareness both characters experienced when they swapped bodies. Each is quick to note the distinct differences in how others treated them. It was interesting to see Darcy humbled in this manner and observe his private thoughts about how invisible and neglected Mr. Collins is to everyone. And how sometimes being lowly and unimportant to others comes with its own advantages and freedoms.

- Draws You In: As an ardent admirer of Laura Hile’s writing (I’m a big fan her Mercy’s Embrace Series!), I cannot tell you how elated I was to be reading one of her works again. Ms. Hile has a talent for painting a scene and cultivating a perfect mixture of romance, action, and humor with her stories. Her prose and dialogue drew me in instantly and held me captive. Darcy By Any Other Name is just as enthralling as her Mercy Embrace Series.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

While there may have been a surprising incident or two that made me quirk my eyebrow – my disbelief was long ago suspended when I bought into the idea of a body swap premise.

CONCLUSION:

In this remarkable and riveting variation incredible wonders take place! Skilled writer Laura Hile puts Pride and Prejudice on its ear when she has Mr. Darcy swap bodies with one of Jane Austen’s most unappealing characters, brings Lady Catherine to town to terrorize everyone Netherfield, and inspires Elizabeth to flirt with Mr. Collins! This is one story you don’t want to miss!

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is currently my absolute favorite P&P variation EVER!!! The masterful story telling just sucks you in to the story and wraps you up in a big fluffy blanket of wonderfulness.

This is a truly Unique P&P variation in which on the evening of the Netherfield Ball Mr. Darcy escapes to the gardens to avoid the inanity he is surrounded by and is followed by the most inane of all Mr. Collins. A bolt of lightning strikes the folly where they are sheltering and some how Darcy awakens in Mr. Collins' body and Mr. Collins is now in Darcy's.

Needless to say this is a massive improvement for one of the men. As Darcy in Collins recovers he finds himself wanting to win the affection of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and despite her seeming dislike for the man she gradually finds herself liking this "new & improved Mr. Collins" And as a reader so did I. I honestly felt for poor Mr. Darcy trapped in that revolting shell and I honestly worried will he get back to himself? How will they fall in love. It is so novel and unique that it is truly a new story with familiar characters.

There is a great deal of finely honed plot twists and turns. Including Anne de Bourgh staying at Longbourn and falling into Wickham's net. The whole story is simply wonderful and compelling.

Okay one teeny tiny minuscule nitpick. On page 46 in the story Jane and Lizzy end up in a carriage with Caroline Bingley who is singing the praises of Town. Jane mentions that she went to Vauxhill Gardens; Caroline seems unimpressed about Vauxhill Gardens and Elizabeth fears an insult. Where as Caroline should have been laughing because the attraction in Regency England with fireworks and thinly sliced ham was Vauxhall Gardens https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.co... Which didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book one bit.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I want this book to be a movie, don't you? I would love to see it. Who would be cast for Mr Darcy and Mr Collins? The book was terrific as said over and over. The author has captured all the characters very well. I loved the scenes between Lady C and Caroline. If anything was lacking, it would have been nice to see more interaction between Darcy as Collins and Bingley. The what-will-Collins-as-Darcy do with Pemberley, etc angst was short lived. Phew, right? There were a lot of ways the author could have went with C as D angle and I think she hit it just right. The dialogue was well written and thought out. One last thought, what happened to Mrs Hill? I hope all the servants went to work at one of Mr Darcy's homes. :)

[Ahnya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would happen if Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Collins switched bodies after the Netherfield Ball?

Well that is what happens. Mr. Darcy goes outside to get some air during the ball, and is followed by Mr. Collins. There is a raging storm, they are both struck by lightning, and that is what causes the body switch. Darcy is awarded with an up close and personal look at his beloved Elizabeth while living at Longbourne. The problem is that if she falls in love with him she thinks it is Mr. Collins. And just think of the havoc Collins is wreaking on Darcy's reputation pretending to be him.

Cute "what if" read. It was funny to see Elizabeth falling in love with Mr. Collins, and trying to reconcile his new character with how he behaved when he first came to Longbourne. Events changed because of the accident, Darcy and the Bingley's were not able to go London, out of concern for her nephew Lady Catherine De Bourgh came to Netherfield, and eventually Anne as well being Darcy's "betrothed." Being a wealthier and more naive girl Wickham sets his sights on Anne instead of Lydia.

I liked how she wrote the characters, and very much enjoyed looking at some of them in a different way. Funny enough, it actually made me like Darcy a little more.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!
The suspense was excruciating but oh my what a wonderful story. Deep, thoughtful and romantic, I absolutely loved it.

Darcy wanders off into the gardens at the Netherfield ball, Collins follow when they are struck by lightning and wakes up in the other persons body.
Darcy is tended by the ladies of Longbourn as Mr Collins and vice versa. The enormous change in Mr Collins intrigue Elizabeth and tender feelings evolve. Meanwhile, Collins injuries are more severe but when he does wake up, he not only has a hunting Caroline on his back but a scheming lady Catherine has arrived.

Switching back is proving difficult and they both have to adapt. Darcy is doing rather well, wooing Elizabeth and I did not mind their romantic interlude being performed in the body of Mr Collins. In some way it made it even more romantic as it was their souls connecting rather than superficial Mr and Miss perfect.

Wickham is about and creates havoc but with a new twist. Even our dear colonel has a villainous streak.

Ends in an epilogue that I would have loved to seen more elaborated.

Heartily recommend this book!

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....

Laura Hile has released a story with a fun, yet potentially angsty premise; at the Netherfield ball Mr Darcy goes outside for a time, followed by Mr Collins – lightning strikes and they wake up in each other’s bodies, ‘Freaky Friday’ style.

It sounds fun, but for the angst-weenie such as myself, there is a lot to worry about. Firstly, what if Elizabeth finds herself falling in love with Darcy-in-Collins’-body (DiCb) and then they somehow switch back? Could she find herself permanently tied to somebody she can’t respect? What if Collins-in-Darcy’s-body (CiDB) agrees to marry somebody? What if Lizzy marries DiCb and then has children who are like the real Mr Collins in personality? What if they never change back? Will Lady Catherine make DiCb’s life a misery and will CiDb make Georgiana’s life a misery? If Lydia elopes, who will save them, as DiCb has no money and CiDb won’t care enough to make any attempt? For the person who worries, there is plenty to worry about here. There is also the ‘Ewwwwww’ factor, although to be fair Collins isn’t described as physically repellent in P&P, it’s just how I imagine him!

When you consider how short a time the Bennets knew Mr Collins before the ball it’s quite feasible to think that their opinions of him might change as they seem him behaving unexpectedly but in the event, of the Bennets it’s only Elizabeth who is observant enough to notice that anything might have changed.

“Perhaps we have misjudged him?”

Elizabeth’s steps slowed. “I do not see how that is possible, for his character was clear. And now it—isn’t.”

Changing bodies is a huge eye-opener for both men, but particularly Darcy – in Collins’ body he gets no flattery from anybody and a marked degree less of deference from acquaintances, family members and servants alike. This one quote sums up Darcy’s experience beautifully. He is talking about looking at an illustration in a publication here, but it very much applies to his experience too:

“By viewing from a different angle, one’s observation is enhanced.”

There are a number of things I enjoyed in this book – I liked Elizabeth's changing relationship with her 'cousin'. She fights it, but she finds there is much more to admire in 'Mr Collins' than she had thought. Despite herself, she starts to care for his welfare and appreciate that he has more intelligence than she gave him credit for. I enjoyed her picking up on Darcy-in-Collin’s-body’s acerbic comments that nobody else notices:

“That fellow,” he muttered, “is a perfect chameleon. It suited you to see Mr. Darcy as Wickham’s enemy. And it suits Anne to see Mr Darcy as Wickham’s friend.”

Elizabeth tied a knot in her embroidery silk. “What a suspicious mind you have.”

“Then prove me wrong. You’ll not see him leave her side all evening.”

I enjoyed Collins-in-Darcy’s-body’s confounding of expectations when he is freed up to choose things for himself rather than have a fettered choice like he would as himself.

‘Collins felt himself cringe. What scheme had she hatched? In truth, he had no need for this alliance. He was Darcy of Pemberley!’

I give the author kudos for having some believable safeguards on the real Mr Collin’s behaviour as you may have thought him free of all restraint in his new situation.

Although this is a long book, it actually doesn’t feel it, the story whizzes by very entertainingly. My only reservations about this story were some of the decisions that Darcy makes. He justifies them but I thought some of them were really overstepping, and ratcheted the angst-level up a bit. In fact, although I’d expected some angst, I found the story had more than I’d anticipated. The more weedy reader may well have to peep ahead to the end for their peace of mind (like I did!). I promise you that there is a happy ending that I was satisfied with, though I found the ending a little bit rushed. Also, some of the behaviour and events toward the end of the story seemed unlikely to me (I know, I accepted a body-swap without a quibble, but it’s the the central focus of the book!).

This book has such an unusual premise, with lots of fun scenes resulting from it. If are interested to see the potential chaos that might result from a Collins who is suddenly gentlemanly and intelligent and a Darcy who is suddenly less of both of those things and you can cope with some angst I think there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this book. I’d rate it as a 4 star read.

*My thanks to the author, who provided me with an e-book of 'Darcy By Any Other Name' for my honest review.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It can be difficult to find unique works based on Jane Austen's novels. This one, however, has a premise unlike any other I have read, yet remains true to the original characters, further fleshing out both Darcy and Collins, giving the reader insight into their thought processes in this unusual situation.

Picking up at the Netherfield Ball in the original Pride and Prejudice, a storm somehow switches Darcy and Collins. They retain their own memories and sense of self, but their bodies are now the other’s. This leads to some interesting revelations for each character and a better understanding of the people in the worlds they now inhabit.

I really liked how the author grows and changes the characters. We do not see a lot of Elizabeth’s thought processes, but since readers are already familiar with her from the original novel, this is no problem. The real change is Darcy; his experiences when his looks and status are radically different create opportunities the original character never could have had.

Of course, the whole body-swap idea requires us to suspend disbelief, but if a reader is unsure whether the trip is worth it, I highly encourage reading this novel. I love how the author uses the idea of it being a miracle that God uses rather than some sort of occult happening, and the results to Darcy’s spiritual development are a nice addition to the story.

I would recommend this book for those who read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice—it might be possible to read as a standalone, but I think it would be difficult to understand how the characters react and grow without knowing the originals. This book is well-written, engaging, thoughtful, and worth the time to read. Those who like fantastic tales without magical elements will be pleased, as I was, to find something wonderful within these pages.

I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

[Barbara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you explain this if it happened to you?

It all begins at the Netherfield ball. Proud Darcy is determined not to fall in love with Elizabeth Bennet, who in the one dance they shared seemed to deliberately misunderstand everything he said. He wants nothing to do with his aunt's parson either, but realizes the man is infatuated with Elizabeth and that the bumbling fool is the type of man she's likely to wind up marrying, which Darcy sees as a shame, but unfortunately the way of the world. Then the fool of a parson approaches Darcy and seems intent on insinuating himself on him for longer than Darcy can bear.

The supper interlude only irks Darcy more, with the Bennet family seeming intent on committing one impropriety after another, all but Elizabeth and Jane. Jane is oblivious, her attention all on Bingley, but Elizabeth is clearly embarrassed. After Collins' little speech about music, Darcy walks outside, to the old stone folly on the Netherfield grounds.

But Collins follows him out. Hoping that the cold and the threat of rain will soon drive Collins back indoors, Darcy holds his ground. But even with a cold wind blowing and lightning flashing, the obsequious Collins won't leave. He stays, even after Darcy insults him, and when Darcy also seems to insult his own aunt, Collins chastises him, even while the rain begins to fall. They argue, and then lightning strikes the stone folly.

The two men waken in the wrong bodies.

This story could have been written in many different ways. The premise might seem so absurd as to beg for comedy. And yet, the author manages to make it a rather profound romance, illustrating how true love sees beyond appearances, fortune, position. We fall in love with a person's heart, with their character, even perhaps with their soul.

But one wonders almost throughout the story how things will ever come right again.

It's a long story, but well worth the journey, and the author does an excellent job of keeping straight whose point of view in which body we're reading at any given moment. That aspect alone cannot have made it easy to write. I realized as I finished that I've enjoyed two other books by this author quite a lot as well. Well crafted, and highly recommended.

[Anna]

Laura Hile’s Darcy By Any Other Name is among the most unique variations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that I’ve thus far had the pleasure to read. In a Freaky Friday sort of scenario, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins switch bodies after being struck by lightning at the Netherfield Ball. When Darcy wakes up as Mr. Collins, he is thrust into life in the Bennet household at a time when Mr. Bennet has fallen ill. He is given a chance to understand the Bennet women, get to know Elizabeth in particular, and view life through the eyes of someone who can enter a room without being noticed. Elizabeth sees a change in Mr. Collins, realizing he is no longer pompous and has stopped sermonizing and praising Lady Catherine at every turn.

Meanwhile, Collins turns Darcy into a bumbling idiot and a bit of a slob. He is initially excited to be elevated to Darcy’s wealth and social standing but soon learns that he does not have the intelligence or common sense to fill Darcy’s boots, no matter how good he looks in them. With no idea how the body swap occurred and no way to reverse it, the men are forced to come to terms with the reality of their new lives and position in society as chaos erupts around them and life-altering decisions must be made.

Darcy By Any Other Name was the perfect way to start off my 2017 reading. It’s a laugh (and even gasp) out loud kind of novel, one that actually makes you worried that there isn’t any possible path to happily ever after. There were plenty of humorous moments, such as Collins flirting with Caroline Bingley and admiring himself in Darcy’s upscale wardrobe, but there are plenty of deeper moments as well, especially as Darcy contemplates why he became Collins at this particular moment in time and is humbled by his experiences.

This is a fairly long novel at more than 600 pages, but don’t let that stop you. The book reads quickly and is difficult to put down. I was literally on the edge of my seat during the last several chapters. I had no idea how it all would play out, and it was a roller coaster ride until the end. Hile takes time to develop Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy (as Collins), and she does so in a way that feels completely natural and never forced. She also gives the men sufficient time to learn from their changed circumstances, and there are many lessons at the core of the novel, mainly that a person’s true self is more important than their outward appearance. The differences in how Darcy and Collins approach their new selves and the opportunities presented to them feel true to character and provide both many laughs and much food for thought. Moreover, Hile takes on the issues of pride, faith, and duty in way that I will not soon forget.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

[Rosava Doshchyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Містер Дарсі і містер Коллінз міняються тілами.
Ця задумка може вийти або чудовою, або препоганою.
Вийшло чудово, я проковтнула дуже швидко. Хоча це й величенька книжка на 600+ сторінок, обсяг взагалі не відчувався.
Рекомендую.

[Eliza Baum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm...how to describe the way I feel about this book? It was very well written, and I loved the way it portrayed Darcy--which is a good thing, since the majority of the story is from his perspective. He handles his existence as Collins with even more grace than I might have expected from him. Is it any wonder that Elizabeth took notice?

But that's the main reason I had to deduct a star--that Elizabeth fell in love with him as Mr. Collins, and particularly in only a couple of weeks. Obviously, it's great that she could see past his physical self and come to love the person that he was. It's nice that it proves her love has nothing to do with his fortune (one of the things I liked about books like Poor Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella). I like the idea that Darcy was willing to live his life as Collins with Elizabeth at his side. But I couldn't get over the fact that it was Mr. Collins. Maybe I'm just superficial that way, but it was creepy to me.

I liked the twist on Wickham's storyline. I didn't care for Colonel Fitzwilliam's part. He's a particular favorite, so I was really counting on him coming around. I understand why he couldn't for story purposes, but his role seemed so much less than it could have been. It would have been nice to see Bingley more present, but I guess his excuse was being cowed by Lady Catherine--or maybe that it would expose Collins-as-Darcy too soon?

In short, I liked it a lot, but there were a few things that bugged me.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that having Mr. Darcy in Mr. Collins’ body was not only a clever story twist, but an amusing one to read! The way Hile wrote almost made the story feel like an extension of Pride and Prejudice. I was a little unsure of how I would feel about this story line, with Mr. Darcy being one of those characters you just can’t mess with. That being said, I rather enjoy reading this!

It doesn’t take long into the story for the body swap to happen, and so you really get to enjoy Darcy and Collins learning about each other, their lives, and the people around them. Even more intriguing was Darcy (in Collins’ body) having interactions with Elizabeth. Those are the scenes I was racing to read, because I was anxious to see how the author played it out. She did not disappoint, although I would have liked more of them in the last part of the book (can’t say why due to spoilers).

I can imagine Jane Austen herself reading this book and chuckling. I think fans of her will do the same when reading. Don’t be intimated by the size of the book when you see it (yes it’s over 600 pages long!). The reading is pretty quick and easy, and honestly I was so entranced by the story that I read it in about the same length of time as a 300 page novel. Austen fans beware – you might have a new tale to love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5*
Deliciously diverting! Try to imagine Mr. Darcy looking in a mirror and seeing the face and body of Mr. Collins! Horrifying and not something he chose to do very often. Now imagine Mr. Collins looking in a mirror and seeing the face and body of Mr. Darcy! Shocking indeed, but his reaction is completely different.

This book was so much fun with many laugh out loud moments but at the same time you are cringing inside as you see Elizabeth slowly changing her opinion. The angst of whether or not they would ever return to their own bodies was palpable. Then throw into the mix Lady Catherine's presence at Netherfield and tangling with Caroline Bingley as they both try to gain control over Mr. Darcy (Collins inside). Anne de Bourgh arrives with the doctor and Wickham works his charms on the ladies and Mr. Collins (Darcy inside) is scrambling to set things to right.

This was a delight to read however, there were a few loose ends that I wished had been addressed; especially regarding the Bennet family.

[Rachel John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this alternate version of Pride and Prejudice which added a little bit of the supernatural with a Christian twist. The usual characters are stranded by a freak storm shortly after a freak accident, leaving Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy in a Freaky Friday swap. I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy (as Collins). It was interesting who the author focused on, and what direction she took their characters. Ann, Lady Catherine's Daughter, in this version, fakes illness to avoid the pressure put on her by her mother. Collins is not only bumbling and miserly, but truly awful when left to limitless options of things he's never had the opportunity to embrace. I was super annoyed with Charlotte Lucas, and I would have preferred more of Mr. Bennett's wit. However, I love many of the aspects added that were well researched and allowed me to fully immerse in the story and time. At 453 pages, it's a little on the long side. It took me several days to finish and I have to admit, I lost some sleep. Recommended. 4.99 for Kindle.

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was FANTASTIC!!

I think I've discovered a love for sci fi that I didn't know I had!! I read this book in half a day..yep, I'm crazy!..it is SO funny and thought provoking and romantic and angsty(! so very angsty, but not in a miserable way..in an edge of your seat, 'omg, this is going to be fixed!?' way) Oh the idea of Mr Collins and Mr Darcy switching bodies literally repulsed me and I almost didn't read this. If it totally grosses you out, go ahead and give it a try anyway, too. I promise no sweaty, oily Collins (Darcy) and Elizabeth hand holding, passionate embraces!!

I would LOVE to see this as a movie or a play. This would be such a riot to watch. I have a pretty great imagination, but my brain assigns the true characters' voices when they switch (so when Darcy speaks in Collins' body, I hear Darcy not Collins)..annnd now I have confused everyone..

Okay, just read it! Lol One of the best variations on Amazon KU right now, and I have read almost all of the most popular free titles. Have fun!!

[Christine Baglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favourite

What a wonderfully surprising story! I hesitated to read this book because I was reluctant to read about Mr. Collins. I was so very wrong. It is an intelligent, funny, and thoroughly engaging story. I appreciated the dignified (not saccharine) approach to Faith. A+ fan fiction.

[Ｓｈｉｆｒａ ♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“By viewing from a different angle, one’s observation is enhanced.”

Join Mr Darcy on his quixotic journey to shed his pride.
I will own there will be decidedly less of a focus on Lizzy and Darcy than in most JAFF, however, what is sacrificed in romance is made up in fresh plot!

This is one of the most exciting and engaging JAFF’s and I am berating myself for putting of reading it for so long!

Synopsis:
In short, Freaky Friday meets Pride and Prejudice.

In a thunderstorm during Netherfield ball, ironically in a Folly ripe with folly Fitzwilliam Darcy and William Collins switch bodies and thus Darcy's humbling is about to begin.
Darcy has to think fast to not raise suspicions;

“Darcy listened with head unbowed, another text flashing in his memory. What I have written, I have written. Pontius Pilate had said that, hadn’t he? How many texts did he know without realizing it? It must have something to do with wearing the clerical garb, he decided. But it gave him the perfect reply to Lady Catherine.
“What I have prayed, I have prayed,” Darcy said quietly. “And now if you will excuse me, ma’am, I have a sermon to prepare.”

Mr Collins is at first thrilled to wake up in handsome Mr Darcy's body, but his mind is decidedly less astute and soon everyone in Netherfield fears the lightning may have made him fit for bedlam;


Lizzy is at first confused by Collins change in demeanor but was soon bewitched by his intelligence, kindness and sense

-Anne is at risk of elopement with Wickham

-Lizzy is at risk of confusing her love for the real Darcy with the body of Collins

Darcy is everything likable, charming and witty;

“Eavesdropping is my principal talent. Unfortunately,” he added, “the Church of England does not make use of the confessional, or I would know more.”

Lady Catherine is much herself and much fun;

“Since when is love important in marriage? Scores of married couples do not get on in private. This is why a large estate is beneficial.”

Mrs Bennet is ridiculous and comedic relief incarnate;

“Never again,” she lamented, “shall I look at a chicken without thinking of this tragic night.”

What I enjoyed:
-Darcy’s mind was a fun place to be, his observation of events received an on character and charming treatment by his observations, tongue in cheek.

“He could plead insanity, a pleasant thought.”

-Mrs Hill and Darcy squad goals!

-Anne, Kitty and Lydia friendship and loyalty super cute for the three naive girls.

-Lizzy’s gesture of lighting candles as a beacon in the night.

-Lady Catherine vs Caroline Bingley ultimate bitch showdown;

Charles,” wailed Miss Bingley. “You did not! The Bennets are nobodies.”
“Mr. Bennet is a gentleman,” said Lady Catherine crisply. “The favor, young woman, is being conferred upon your family, not hers.”

Lady Catherine would go as far as to change her opinion or express ones not her own just to disagree with Miss Bingley.
So Lady Catherine is my friend

-Darcy and Lizzy chemistry;

“Only one note at a time,” he said, twinkling. “Much to the disappointment of my sainted mother. She was most insistent about lessons.”

“But your mother died when you were very young,” she protested, “or so Father was given to understand.”

Darcy refused to be deterred by this slip. “Ah, but one is never too young to begin learning to play,” he quipped. “And how clever of you to guess her last words to me. ‘William,’ she said, ‘you must practice!’”
Elizabeth broke out laughing. “How wretched you are! To jest about your poor mother!”

-Consistently hilarious;

“Darcy could only stare. These sentiments were lifted directly from his aunt, who gloried in her unlearned abilities.”

Darcy and Collins were the perfect candidates for the Freaky Friday;
1. Both named William( Take or give a Fitz)
2.Both are besotted with Lizzy
3.Opposite financial and societal circumstances


What Displeased Me:
-Needs more Lizzy and Darcy scenes (thought the ones available were lovely, yet few)
-Jane and Bingley, and the Colonel not well explained
-Ended too suddenly
-Mr Collins I found much more sensible and into Lizzy than I would believe but I suppose it was for the plot to work, he was just so sensible that then I expected some character growth from the Freaky Friday but there was none.
-Why did Darcy let days pass knowing collins would take advantage of Lizzy being misinformed!!

Conclusion:
It was absolutely thrilling, delightful and original. My only complaint was that I would like more focus on Lizzy and Lizzy x Darcy.
Laughed a ton but I won't likely re read, not enough Dizzy!

I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;

1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes

P.S.
At Longbourn the back parlor was used by couples to sneak away for a few minutes to snog!


P.S.S.
It would be neat to see Lizzy take a walk about on a Freaky Friday, who would she best be paired with? Perhaps Anne. Imagine Lizzy living with Lady Catherine and getting into all sorts of trouble and Darcy suddenly very willing to marry his cousin! La! What a joke! Anne would learn some freedom and liveliness and her body would be quite healthy!

Or perchance with Miss Bingley! Lizzy would enjoy a brother in Charles and Miss Bingley would be stuck in Longbourne and maybe be the better for it! Darcy suddenly into Caroline and reminding himself of her trade taint! What merriment, I should go to distraction!
Laura Hile, make it happen!

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side, there aren't that many books where Darcy & Mr Collins swap bodies due to... things. I rather liked the licence it gave Darcy to get to know better himself, and Elizabeth; their relationship developed intriguingly. I liked too Laura Hile's historically-appropriate detail: this is a book well-rooted in a knowledge of Austen and her period. (Gorgeous cover, btw.)

I did find the first couple of chapters rather pedestrian as Hile doesn't have Austen's light touch with narrative passages. I was also disappointed in the simplistic development of the plot: Darcy learns from the experience, but Collins doesn't. A more sophisticated treatment would have the men learn from "walking a mile in the other's shoes"..

Not awful, but if you want a really successful P&P variation (joyful, witty, pitch-perfect), try Expectations by Frances Murray.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Darcy by Any Other Name" by Laura Hile is a book that I am surprised that I liked. I don't usually like books based on Jane's Austin's novels.

This story is about 2 characters, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins who after being hit by lightening switch bodies.

What follows is quite a tale. Both of these characters end up with a change of attitude and personality.

This book is sure to delight fans of Jane Austin. The only negative thing is the book is quite large, in fact it is 646 pages. But, I don't feel like words were added to make the book longer like some books, I feel like all the scenes make the book a better read. But , I don't recommend reading the book in one setting like I did.

This is the first book that I have read by Laua Hile, but it won't be the last.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusing, yet thoughtful, look at how things might have played out if Darcy and Collins supernaturally switched bodies after the ball at Netherfield. 😏 Darcy at Longbourn is culture shock enough, but experiencing how Collins is treated by many different people is enlightening. The author touches reflectively on the sermonizing, false piety, and obsequiousness that are such standards of Collins' character.
Giving Collins the advantages of Darcy's position yet the character of Collins himself is damning in places and pitiable in others.
When Collins-as-Darcy informs Darcy-as-Collins that he has zero desire to cooperate in an effort to switch back, Darcy has to consider how he will carry on if he finds himself housed in Collins' body in perpetuity.

This was a delightful read and a fun upset of the original story!

Available on Kindle Unlimited :)

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. This starts with a lightening strike. And 2 men getting hurt. I won’t say what happens next so I don’t ruin the story. It is enjoyable. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Kelsie Engen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit, I'm not one for fan-fiction, and I think this book perfectly encapsulates why. But because so many people appear to love this book and I did not, I think my 2-star rating deserves a bit of explanation.

First off, for those who don't know, fan-fiction is generally fiction using the same characters and perhaps plot line from another author's work and reimagining them. Many well known books in recent years have started out as fan-fiction, and there's nothing inherently wrong with it.

However, I found it quite difficult to get into this book. So difficult that I had to DNF at under 25%. Why? After all, with so many 5-star reviews, how could it be "bad"?

Let me preface this by saying it's going to be a matter of taste. The idea, while cute, quickly infuriated me. The idea of Collins and Darcy switching bodies due to a lightning strike was so implausible that while unique, I had a difficult time accepting it as fact. It's at that point that we leave the P&P we all know and love, and enter into some alternate universe where there are hints that Lizzy begins to look at Mr. Collins differently. Just the idea of Lizzy falling for Mr. Collins is awful enough, I couldn't read on to find out if it were true. Regardless of her ability to see past appearances and to the man underneath, I couldn't get Austen's P&P out of my head.

But I probably could have gotten past that had I not been frustrated by the quality of writing. "Presently Elizabeth heard a gasp." "Presently the door opened..." "Presently Charles Bingley spoke." I searched it. "Presently" was used 34 times, in incidents like these. That's pretty much like using "Suddenly" 34 times. And that's a major no-no in novel writing. Everything happens suddenly. I don't want to be snarky or rude, but if you're bothered by little writing quirks like this, it will be difficult to get past them to the story underneath. In terms of smoothness to read, it's not poorly edited, per se, but the plot dragged for me personally, and it just became too tedious to slog through after awhile.

What this story attempts to do--in addition to Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy switching bodies,--is give us a more in-depth glimpse of the male cast of characters. The original P&P is told mostly from Lizzy Bennet's POVs, and this story is told mainly from Mr. Darcy's--whether in Collins' body or his own. (At least up to the point I read.) And this is not bad. But there came a point where I began thinking that the characters wouldn't be saying these things. They just felt wrong to me, and I couldn't enjoy it as an extension of the story I love, and the writing wasn't strong enough for me to enjoy it on its own. It was about that point that I made the rather disappointing decision to put the book down for good.

I struggled to find the gem underneath the author's particular style of writing here, and after 18%, I just decided it wasn't worth pushing on for. I have other books waiting to be read that are more to my tastes. There is probably nothing wrong with the rest of this story, and obviously many people love it. But I was not one of those people.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Pride and Prejudice meets Freaky Friday in Laura Hile’s Darcy by Any Other Name. This book starts out with Darcy’s perspective of the Netherfield ball and delineates from Austen’s beloved story from there.

This book gives readers more time with many of Austen’s characters—mostly Darcy and Mr. Collins but also the Bennet family, Lady Catherine de Burgh, her daughter Anne, and Hill. The body swap element allows Darcy to get an insider’s look at Elizabeth’s family life.

The Darcy/Collins dilemma is hilarious at times and frustrating (for the reader as well as Darcy as Collins) at others. Hile uses Darcy and Collins interchangeably when Darcy is in Collins’s body which gets a little crazy here and there.

Yet Darcy still realizes his shortcomings as a man and grows from those lessons, and Elizabeth is able to see beyond physical appearance to the heart of Darcy. It would have been nice to get more interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy as Darcy near the end, but overall, this book is entertaining.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[K.E. Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy swapping bodies with one of the classic story's "antagonists"? Elizabeth falling in love with Mr. Collins? Yes, please!

I have a confession to make: I've never read the original Pride & Prejudice. *Cue horrified gasps*
But the story and its characters are very near and dear to my heart thanks to 2005 P&P!

And this book would be wonderful being made into a movie too. Or, better yet, a mini-series!

I enjoyed this book from the very first page. The writing is pretty and draws you into the story, and the dialogue is real and witty. The writing, dialogue, descriptions, and characters all came together and made the story feel alive.

It was charming, it was romantic, and it was surprisingly funny. I laughed quite a bit with the comical situations and the inclusion of lines like this: Darcy kept his features under tight rein. Not for anything would he allow Collins’ lips to simper!
And you know Darcy's first proposal where he confesses his love to Elizabeth while putting down her and her family? He doesn't do that in this story. Oh, no. Collins-as-Darcy does, and Darcy has to put a stop to it! I was laughing out loud!

The author did a bang-up job making the reader feel so deeply and so differently about all the characters.
The characters remained close in personality to their original counterparts, but different enough to make them refreshing and unique, whether you loved them or hated them.
Anne was a nuisance, Kitty and Lydia were insufferable, Mary and Jane were sweet, Wickham was hard to even read, and Lady Catherine and Caroline and Mrs. Bennet were harpies.
Bingley was a sweetheart and had a bit more of a backbone than other versions of his character.
I didn’t know what to make of Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was surprised I actually really liked Georgiana, I hated Charlotte Lucas, and Mrs. Hill was the MPV of the story.

Elizabeth was very astute. I loved how she saw the differences in "Collins" after the body swap, and then again after the swap back. She realized more than I would have expected her to. Her mind kept putting the pieces of the unknown puzzle together, and I believe she would have figured out the body swap on her own if such a thing had been plausible in such a world and time.
It was great to watch her recognize the vast changes in "Collins" when it was actually Darcy and watch her heart soften toward him.
And after the second body swap, she knew Mr. Collins was no longer her William and recognized the quirks and traits in Darcy that she had come to love in "Collins."
(Which, I absolutely loved that identifiable traits which were uniquely Darcy's shone through when he was Collins!)
“There was something familiar in his stance, in the way he was frowning down at the fallen stones. But no, how could that be? She must be imagining things.”
“Elizabeth had no reply. This was the sort of thing William would say. And his hands- Mr. Darcy was steepling his fingertips just as William used to do. The tilt of his head, the shine in his eyes…”

Darcy was such an endearing leading man. (I mean, of course, he's Mr. Darcy.) But this story makes you see him in a new light, in a totally new circumstance. He doesn't just see things happen and change for the better, he lives through them and learns the lesson of the body swap. His compassion and nobility were effortlessly evident.

I enjoyed the comparisons of the night and day differences between Darcy and Collins.

There was something Charlotte Lucas said. "How a man spends his money is an indication of his character." And I thought that was a cool way to compare Darcy and Collins.

Example 1: Darcy spent his money for others, whether to supply the Bennet family with little things they needed or providing them a steady stream of income.
Collins was selfish and stingy, complaining about the money being spent, and not caring for anyone else's needs.

Example 2: Darcy strived to be as much like Collins he could so Collins could return to his life as seamlessly as possible when they returned to their rightful bodies.
Collins messed up Darcy's affairs and tainted people's good opinion of him.

Example 3: Darcy was able to set himself aside and play (a more gentlemanly version of) Collins to help no one become suspicious.
Collins was just himself in Darcy's body.

Example 4: Darcy was a man of faith, had a good understanding of God, and poured himself into studying the Bible for himself when he had questions.
Collins claimed God distanced Himself from humanity, was not meant to be approached, and that the Bible was too holy to read.

Which, the elements of faith were a surprise to see, but it made the story that much better! I appreciated how God and Biblical stories and lessons were incorporated.

And, oh the romance. I loved seeing Darcy and Elizabeth experience their love story on a more "intimate" level, being thrust together through the unusual circumstances the body swap created.
Darcy and Elizabeth both were mature characters who were clever, sensible, and not jumping to conclusions or misunderstandings.
Through their time together, they both let down their walls, became vulnerable with each other, and put the other first.

It was so precious how Darcy comforted Elizabeth during and after her losing her father. And yes! He kept his promise and sat with her during the funeral even though he wasn't Collins anymore! But Elizabeth didn't know it because he was Darcy and no longer Collins! It was bittersweet!

After all the many, many pages spent developing the characters and furthering the story, the ending was just too short! But, as quickly as things wrapped up, I did enjoy how it ended. It was worth it though when we got this quote:

“Who are you?” she whispered.
“I am your William,” he said simply. “Fitzwilliam Darcy. And I am entirely yours, if you wish it.”

I only wish we could have gotten some closure with Mrs. Hill. I loved her alliance and friendship with Darcy as Collins and would have enjoyed seeing her meet Darcy as Darcy and him tell her about the body swap (and her believing it!)

I'm going to have to read this book again! I think it would be more enjoyable the second time around, knowing how the events played out and the situations worked out. And I definitely will be buying a physical copy for myself!

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a unique concept! I love the author's descriptions of each man waking up in each others skin and how they learn to appreciate their life. Everyone learns that it is actions speak louder than words and how to overcome. There is a bit of a religious tone but it is not the primary focus. Overall it was a fun read.