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A Remedy Against Sin: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance," or so Charlotte Lucas claims. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy put this notion to the test when they find themselves in a passionate and unexpected marriage.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2016
147 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Christina Morland
9 books117 followersChristina Morland spent the first two decades of her life with no knowledge whatsoever of Pride and Prejudice -- or any Jane Austen novel, for that matter. She somehow overcame this childhood adversity and became a devoted fan of Ms. Austen's works. Morland has written three Pride and Prejudice variations and contributed two short stories to JAFF anthologies. She is currently working on a Sense and Sensibility sequel and hopes one day to write a Persuasion variation, as well as a fantasy novel that has (almost) nothing to do with Jane Austen.
When not writing, Morland tries to keep up with her incredibly active daughter and maddeningly brilliant husband. She lives in a place not unlike Hogwarts (minus Harry, Dumbledore, magic, and Scotland), and likes to think of herself as an excellent walker.
A note on how I review books: my goal is to find something to celebrate in whatever book I’ve chosen to review on Goodreads. This does not mean that I love all books equally or that I’m not cognizant of a book’s flaws. (I’m certainly aware of my own books’ flaws—or some of those flaws, at any rate!)
I find it most useful, as an author, to ask not just, “Did I like this book?” but also, “What do I think was this author’s goal, and how did s/he set out to accomplish that goal?”
A quick summary of a five-star rating for me: I found the book to be beautifully written; it bent or broke some "rule" within the genre, and did so well; and the book impacted me emotionally and intellectually.
If you would like to discuss my reviews or any other book-related topic, feel free to contact me. Thanks!
When not writing, Morland tries to keep up with her incredibly active daughter and maddeningly brilliant husband. She lives in a place not unlike Hogwarts (minus Harry, Dumbledore, magic, and Scotland), and likes to think of herself as an excellent walker.
A note on how I review books: my goal is to find something to celebrate in whatever book I’ve chosen to review on Goodreads. This does not mean that I love all books equally or that I’m not cognizant of a book’s flaws. (I’m certainly aware of my own books’ flaws—or some of those flaws, at any rate!)
I find it most useful, as an author, to ask not just, “Did I like this book?” but also, “What do I think was this author’s goal, and how did s/he set out to accomplish that goal?”
A quick summary of a five-star rating for me: I found the book to be beautifully written; it bent or broke some "rule" within the genre, and did so well; and the book impacted me emotionally and intellectually.
If you would like to discuss my reviews or any other book-related topic, feel free to contact me. Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 11, 2016
A remedy against sin. That was the phrase the vicar had used to describe marriage during the wedding ceremony.
What a wonderful book! In A Remedy Against Sin, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were forced to wed after getting caught in a compromising position at the Netherfield library during the ball. If you've read Pride and Prejudice, you'll know that by this time, Elizabeth has no tender feelings for Darcy whereas Darcy tries to stop himself from falling for her but fails terribly.
The book opens with their wedding night, and although it was written explicitly, it was in good taste. It shows the readers how compatible the two are physically, and how it contrasts to how they interact with each other outside the marriage bed. In bed, they know what to do to enjoy each other's company; outside, they are clueless, and most of the time, their interactions turn into arguments.
Elizabeth is as headstrong as ever, and oftentimes willfully misunderstands Mr. Darcy. She sees every comment as either a slight against her and her family or a reprimand. She also takes on the haute ton, and although she shows great courage in front of them, she still crumbles in the privacy of her bedchambers.
She and Georgiana become good friends, but Georgiana, in fear of losing Elizabeth's good opinion, refuses to tell her anything about George Wickham and Ramsgate. She also tells her brother not to tell Elizabeth about the Ramsgate incident, so Elizabeth is left in the dark until Wickham elopes with Lydia.
In the first half, Darcy already harbors feelings for Elizabeth, but he only realizes later how selfish his love for her is, and how he wants to treat her better and show her the love he feels without hurting her or suffocating her. And the Darcy in this story does not lead Charles to run away from Jane, and instead tells him that Charles does not need him to tell him how he should behave.
It was heartwarming to see how the affectionate and open the two are when they're in private. Elizabeth is quite touchy when she's sleepy, and Darcy just... gah! I may have smashed my keyboard a while ago. I love affectionate Darcy!
In most forced marriage JAFF stories, the Fitzwilliams are often written as Elizabeth's ally; Colonel Fitzwilliam especially. In this book, however, they are painted as the typical members of the ton, whose main concern is status and social standing. Colonel Fitzwilliam is still a friend of some sort of Darcy's, but the camaraderie and loyalty shown between the two in the original is not as apparent here. I'm still not show how I feel about this Colonel Fitzwilliam, but I'm sure I did not like his family members. His older brother, Cass, is a crass, obnoxious drunkard, while his wife and mother are teetering trolls not at all different to Caroline Bingley.
I love how gradual the build up was, and how, even in the end, they are still figuring out each other and their relationship the way everyone in relationships would theirs. There was a particular argument regarding Elizabeth's allowance that made my heart ache. And there was a scene that made me cry. It wasn't supposed to be sad or something that would make anyone cry, but for some reason I did anyway. Haha!
“You may have my riches, my name, and all my joy — everything I have to give, Elizabeth, is yours.”
I'll give this book a five-star rating, but I do have one comment. Georgiana calls Darcy as "William". It's a little pet-peeve of mine since I've always imagined Darcy as the type of man who'd be proud of his name and would not want to shorten it. Other than that, I have no complaints.
All in all, I loved this book, and I believe it's one of the most well-written regency era variations I've ever read.
November 14, 2017
The first thing you need to know if you're planning to read this is that it starts off with Elizabeth and Darcy's wedding night with very well-written explicit sex. So if you require exclusively clean content, this is not for you. Or you can skip the first chapter, start reading at the second chapter, and enjoy this really excellent book.
It is important to note, though, that the first chapter firmly establishes the basis of the plot. We subsequently learn that Darcy and Elizabeth have been caught alone by Mrs. Bennet in a compromising position during the Netherfield ball. It is not completely innocent but not nearly as scandalous as the resulting gossip suggests, and Elizabeth is ruined if Mr. Darcy doesn't marry her. So he does the honorable thing, and they marry. At this point, neither of them is in love with the other (although Darcy is closer to it than Elizabeth), but they do feel a strong physical attraction for each other. What makes this different from most JAFF forced marriage scenarios is that they're extremely compatible in bed right from the start. They have a hard time at first figuring out how to relate to each other beyond that. That first scene is the only time it's described in detail, although it's made very clear that they continue to enjoy their marital relations. Their desire for each other is palpable throughout with sweet romantic moments that will give you the "feels."
As usual, Elizabeth always puts a negative spin on Darcy's actions and statements, and they argue frequently. Her wit is very much in evidence. His family is appalled with his situation and don't bother to hide their disdain for her, and she doesn't fit in with the rest of the ton, either. Darcy clams up whenever Wickham's name is mentioned, but that's due to a promise he made to his sister Georgiana, who loves Elizabeth, bonds with her quickly, and is afraid of her new sister's censure if she learns the truth about Ramsgate.
The writing is marvelous. I love the dialogue and all the characters, old and new, and in general the original characters all behave as one would expect. Colonel Fitzwilliam is revealed to have more flaws, but we get to see him alone with Darcy (which never happens in Pride and Prejudice), and it's reasonable that we would see a different side to him without ladies present. Kitty gets a little bit more play here, which I enjoyed. Lydia is Lydia, and the crisis she causes occurs at the worst possible moment, creating the turning point in the story.
The love between Darcy and Elizabeth develops in ways that feel real, with advances and setbacks. At the end of the book, they're still working to figure each other out. How refreshingly real! I've been happily married for almost 40 years, and I'm still trying to figure out my husband!
I believe this is Ms. Morland's first published novel, and it's a gem. I look forward to future books by this promising new author and congratulate her on this wonderful debut.
*****************
It's more than a year later, and I just re-read this. Still love it!!
It is important to note, though, that the first chapter firmly establishes the basis of the plot. We subsequently learn that Darcy and Elizabeth have been caught alone by Mrs. Bennet in a compromising position during the Netherfield ball. It is not completely innocent but not nearly as scandalous as the resulting gossip suggests, and Elizabeth is ruined if Mr. Darcy doesn't marry her. So he does the honorable thing, and they marry. At this point, neither of them is in love with the other (although Darcy is closer to it than Elizabeth), but they do feel a strong physical attraction for each other. What makes this different from most JAFF forced marriage scenarios is that they're extremely compatible in bed right from the start. They have a hard time at first figuring out how to relate to each other beyond that. That first scene is the only time it's described in detail, although it's made very clear that they continue to enjoy their marital relations. Their desire for each other is palpable throughout with sweet romantic moments that will give you the "feels."
As usual, Elizabeth always puts a negative spin on Darcy's actions and statements, and they argue frequently. Her wit is very much in evidence. His family is appalled with his situation and don't bother to hide their disdain for her, and she doesn't fit in with the rest of the ton, either. Darcy clams up whenever Wickham's name is mentioned, but that's due to a promise he made to his sister Georgiana, who loves Elizabeth, bonds with her quickly, and is afraid of her new sister's censure if she learns the truth about Ramsgate.
The writing is marvelous. I love the dialogue and all the characters, old and new, and in general the original characters all behave as one would expect. Colonel Fitzwilliam is revealed to have more flaws, but we get to see him alone with Darcy (which never happens in Pride and Prejudice), and it's reasonable that we would see a different side to him without ladies present. Kitty gets a little bit more play here, which I enjoyed. Lydia is Lydia, and the crisis she causes occurs at the worst possible moment, creating the turning point in the story.
The love between Darcy and Elizabeth develops in ways that feel real, with advances and setbacks. At the end of the book, they're still working to figure each other out. How refreshingly real! I've been happily married for almost 40 years, and I'm still trying to figure out my husband!
I believe this is Ms. Morland's first published novel, and it's a gem. I look forward to future books by this promising new author and congratulate her on this wonderful debut.
*****************
It's more than a year later, and I just re-read this. Still love it!!
July 26, 2016
4.5 stars
Several other reviews warn about the explicit sex scenes in the first chapter. And while that didn’t disturb me, (in fact they were not as graphic as I imagined) I was disappointed in how the story wound down in the latter parts.
After the loving in that initial scene is over Darcy queries Elizabeth as to whether or not he should stay. No. So when we get to a point in the story in which Elizabeth makes the determination that she does indeed want to spend the night with Darcy there is no follow through as to how they each felt about this. There is no pillow talk in the morning. It just seems to be a given in the story and I kept waiting for those “ah” moments.
The same goes for their thought process in coming to the definite point at which they each know that they love the other. Darcy is just about there to start with but you know how Elizabeth has to view and come to understand his treatment and his role with others around him. This was a large part in the development of this story. But we don’t get that “I was in the middle of it before I realized I had begun” conversation. It was more…“la, la, la, la, life goes on”.
Georgiana’s experience with Wickham was not clear for a long part of this tale, but that may be the intent. He makes a snarky remark to Darcy when the elopement is foiled about no man wanting spoiled goods so it seems to be a hint that he did more than persuade her to elope.
Georgiana’s emotions in this tale are on a roller-coaster ride. Of course, we have to remember that she is a teenager with all the emotions that hormones produce in those years. She smiles and giggles but then looks at the floor and leaves the room. Then there are the crying bouts. And she refuses to trust Elizabeth’s words that she loves her and that she can share anything with her. Darcy keeps the secret about what happened as he promised to do. I did enjoy Elizabeth’s reasoning in twisting Georgiana’s arm to go to the book seller’s and then to Gunter’s for a treat. And the little scene in the latter one plays out so differently depending on whose version you hear: Richards’, Georgiana’s or even Lady Thomasina Sudbury’s final one…interesting.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is 8 years older than Darcy in this variation so they have not shared any childhood adventures. Plus the colonel is painted as more a man of the world than Darcy. He even opines that the role of a kept woman should have been a consideration if Elizabeth so tempted Darcy, due to her lower social status. This is not a colonel I like. Plus his older brother, Cass, (nicknamed for the fact he lost so much playing Cassino) is obnoxious and usually drinking too heavily. The Fitzwilliam family is not supportive of the marriage, to say the least.
It was gratifying to read of Elizabeth learning the ropes in her role as Mistress of the household both at Darcy House and at Pemberley: the way she viewed the servants and what she thought of how they should be treated. This was the Elizabeth I have come to know and love…one who knows the names and even their families and intuits their needs.
I will read this story again as there are many facets I want to consider more in depth but as I was anxious to read the rest of the story I didn’t linger and turn back pages in this first read. Well done - I look forward to reading more by this author.
Several other reviews warn about the explicit sex scenes in the first chapter. And while that didn’t disturb me, (in fact they were not as graphic as I imagined) I was disappointed in how the story wound down in the latter parts.
After the loving in that initial scene is over Darcy queries Elizabeth as to whether or not he should stay. No. So when we get to a point in the story in which Elizabeth makes the determination that she does indeed want to spend the night with Darcy there is no follow through as to how they each felt about this. There is no pillow talk in the morning. It just seems to be a given in the story and I kept waiting for those “ah” moments.
The same goes for their thought process in coming to the definite point at which they each know that they love the other. Darcy is just about there to start with but you know how Elizabeth has to view and come to understand his treatment and his role with others around him. This was a large part in the development of this story. But we don’t get that “I was in the middle of it before I realized I had begun” conversation. It was more…“la, la, la, la, life goes on”.
Georgiana’s experience with Wickham was not clear for a long part of this tale, but that may be the intent. He makes a snarky remark to Darcy when the elopement is foiled about no man wanting spoiled goods so it seems to be a hint that he did more than persuade her to elope.
Georgiana’s emotions in this tale are on a roller-coaster ride. Of course, we have to remember that she is a teenager with all the emotions that hormones produce in those years. She smiles and giggles but then looks at the floor and leaves the room. Then there are the crying bouts. And she refuses to trust Elizabeth’s words that she loves her and that she can share anything with her. Darcy keeps the secret about what happened as he promised to do. I did enjoy Elizabeth’s reasoning in twisting Georgiana’s arm to go to the book seller’s and then to Gunter’s for a treat. And the little scene in the latter one plays out so differently depending on whose version you hear: Richards’, Georgiana’s or even Lady Thomasina Sudbury’s final one…interesting.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is 8 years older than Darcy in this variation so they have not shared any childhood adventures. Plus the colonel is painted as more a man of the world than Darcy. He even opines that the role of a kept woman should have been a consideration if Elizabeth so tempted Darcy, due to her lower social status. This is not a colonel I like. Plus his older brother, Cass, (nicknamed for the fact he lost so much playing Cassino) is obnoxious and usually drinking too heavily. The Fitzwilliam family is not supportive of the marriage, to say the least.
It was gratifying to read of Elizabeth learning the ropes in her role as Mistress of the household both at Darcy House and at Pemberley: the way she viewed the servants and what she thought of how they should be treated. This was the Elizabeth I have come to know and love…one who knows the names and even their families and intuits their needs.
I will read this story again as there are many facets I want to consider more in depth but as I was anxious to read the rest of the story I didn’t linger and turn back pages in this first read. Well done - I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 23, 2018
“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” Henry Ford
I don’t know how to even start this review: I loved it… I hated it… I adored it… I despised it. I am a jumbled mess of contradictions and I lay my befuddled conscience at the feet of our author. Dang!! I loved it.
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes, explicit sexual encounters.
First… get those fairy dust ideas out of your head before you start reading this, because this is no fairy dust JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. Understand going in that the author designed, constructed and controls the universe in which our characters live and breathe. Strip away all preconceived notions of encountering the brilliant, perfect, everyone loves Lizzy character that so many JAFF authors try to foist on readers in this genre. That character is OK in moderation; however, it is too saccharine for most. If you cannot do the above… then walk away. If; however, you are able to wipe the slate clean, then you will have a better reading experience as you delve into the world created by this author.
“But how can she get married to a stranger? Just because his resume checked on all the materialistic criteria, it cannot demand the commitment of a lifetime.” –Swati Kuma, The Great Indian Dilemma
We have the FMS [Forced Marriage Scenario] trope where Darcy kissed Miss Elizabeth in a secluded area and it was witnessed by her mother. Yep, Mrs. Bennet shrieked like a banshee so everyone within a mile radius knew her daughter had been compromised. She thought her Lizzy was ever so clever in catching such a man… ten-thousand a year… such a mother.
“Okay, okay. I can do this, I can do this just breathe. Mentally I prepared myself but it didn’t help with the feeling of jumping off a cliff deep in my belly.” –A. J. Young, My Mate The Monster
In canon, Lady Catherine predicted that, if Darcy married this country nobody, then they would be slighted and despised. Well, she wasn’t far off in her predictions… the old bat. Elizabeth was suddenly swept-up from her bucolic lifestyle and thrust into the exalted circles of the haute ton. A fish out of water could not be a more appropriate metaphor. We were given the thoughts of both Darcy and Elizabeth as they navigated the shark infested waters of high society that also included Darcy’s own family. I hated this part.
“If a man’s character is to be abused, say what you will, there’s nobody like a relative to do the business.” –William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair
How close was this to reality? It broke my heart reading Darcy’s thoughts as he watched Lizzy struggle. He endured his own inner conflict with what he perceived as her lack of understanding of his social circle and the rules and requirements needed to reflect well on his family and his name. I ached for Lizzy as she endured a surprise visit from his closest family members just days after her marriage. She bravely shrugged off their smirking smiles, less than veiled commends and innuendos regarding her origins and their hasty marriage. She was filleted with a fine-edged knife as they scrutinized her person [lack of classic beauty], her clothing [the best her father could afford], her family’s lack of fortune/interests and connections to trade. Lizzy could see it in their demeanor and knew that she was found wanting. I so adored her as she bravely stood her ground until Darcy arrived to rescue her. Oh, bless his heart.
Venus and Mars could not be more different, and yet, have a commonality as they both revolve around the Sun. So too, our dear couple. Their differences caused so many problems… they spoke a different language, handled situations from different perspectives, had different life experiences and expectations. They could hardly carry on a conversation as they misunderstood each other from every angle. However, they did have a few things in common and that was what brought them together. They loved country life and they loved Georgiana. Somewhere in this mangled mess… love bloomed in spite of the opposition. That was the best part of this story… this enduring love that fought for life.
Poor Georgiana had never fully recovered from Ramsgate. This theme resonated throughout the story. There were secrets that she had never told and she hamstrung her own recovery when she forbid Darcy from telling Elizabeth about her ‘shame.’ This failure to inform caused additional problems that popped up later.
Mr. Bennet still refused to heed Lizzy’s warning and set in motion the near down-fall of the family. When will he ever learn? This allowed Wickham to cause problems as he absconded with Lydia in hopes of making his fortune through the Darcy coffers… the degenerate.
Caroline Bingley: Security!!! We need someone to muzzle that hateful shrew! I loved how ‘Eliza’ had a word with Miss Bingley after her visit to Darcy House. You go Lizzy!! I was impressed with Mrs. Hurst and her attitude; that was nice to see. However, I was disappointed that Charles didn’t step up and even attempt to rein in his sister. What is your problem??? Jane… are you watching this???
Problems: yeah, there be problems… marchpane vs marzipan… marchpane is the archaic spelling of marzipan… it was confusing as the author switched back and forth in the spelling. Grace Church Street vs Gracechurch Street. Many authors use the generic ‘bravo’ after a performance; however, if it is a female solo performance, then ‘brava’ [feminine singular] is the correct form.
I don’t know how to even start this review: I loved it… I hated it… I adored it… I despised it. I am a jumbled mess of contradictions and I lay my befuddled conscience at the feet of our author. Dang!! I loved it.
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes, explicit sexual encounters.
First… get those fairy dust ideas out of your head before you start reading this, because this is no fairy dust JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. Understand going in that the author designed, constructed and controls the universe in which our characters live and breathe. Strip away all preconceived notions of encountering the brilliant, perfect, everyone loves Lizzy character that so many JAFF authors try to foist on readers in this genre. That character is OK in moderation; however, it is too saccharine for most. If you cannot do the above… then walk away. If; however, you are able to wipe the slate clean, then you will have a better reading experience as you delve into the world created by this author.
“But how can she get married to a stranger? Just because his resume checked on all the materialistic criteria, it cannot demand the commitment of a lifetime.” –Swati Kuma, The Great Indian Dilemma
We have the FMS [Forced Marriage Scenario] trope where Darcy kissed Miss Elizabeth in a secluded area and it was witnessed by her mother. Yep, Mrs. Bennet shrieked like a banshee so everyone within a mile radius knew her daughter had been compromised. She thought her Lizzy was ever so clever in catching such a man… ten-thousand a year… such a mother.
“Okay, okay. I can do this, I can do this just breathe. Mentally I prepared myself but it didn’t help with the feeling of jumping off a cliff deep in my belly.” –A. J. Young, My Mate The Monster
In canon, Lady Catherine predicted that, if Darcy married this country nobody, then they would be slighted and despised. Well, she wasn’t far off in her predictions… the old bat. Elizabeth was suddenly swept-up from her bucolic lifestyle and thrust into the exalted circles of the haute ton. A fish out of water could not be a more appropriate metaphor. We were given the thoughts of both Darcy and Elizabeth as they navigated the shark infested waters of high society that also included Darcy’s own family. I hated this part.
“If a man’s character is to be abused, say what you will, there’s nobody like a relative to do the business.” –William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair
How close was this to reality? It broke my heart reading Darcy’s thoughts as he watched Lizzy struggle. He endured his own inner conflict with what he perceived as her lack of understanding of his social circle and the rules and requirements needed to reflect well on his family and his name. I ached for Lizzy as she endured a surprise visit from his closest family members just days after her marriage. She bravely shrugged off their smirking smiles, less than veiled commends and innuendos regarding her origins and their hasty marriage. She was filleted with a fine-edged knife as they scrutinized her person [lack of classic beauty], her clothing [the best her father could afford], her family’s lack of fortune/interests and connections to trade. Lizzy could see it in their demeanor and knew that she was found wanting. I so adored her as she bravely stood her ground until Darcy arrived to rescue her. Oh, bless his heart.
Venus and Mars could not be more different, and yet, have a commonality as they both revolve around the Sun. So too, our dear couple. Their differences caused so many problems… they spoke a different language, handled situations from different perspectives, had different life experiences and expectations. They could hardly carry on a conversation as they misunderstood each other from every angle. However, they did have a few things in common and that was what brought them together. They loved country life and they loved Georgiana. Somewhere in this mangled mess… love bloomed in spite of the opposition. That was the best part of this story… this enduring love that fought for life.
Poor Georgiana had never fully recovered from Ramsgate. This theme resonated throughout the story. There were secrets that she had never told and she hamstrung her own recovery when she forbid Darcy from telling Elizabeth about her ‘shame.’ This failure to inform caused additional problems that popped up later.
Mr. Bennet still refused to heed Lizzy’s warning and set in motion the near down-fall of the family. When will he ever learn? This allowed Wickham to cause problems as he absconded with Lydia in hopes of making his fortune through the Darcy coffers… the degenerate.
Caroline Bingley: Security!!! We need someone to muzzle that hateful shrew! I loved how ‘Eliza’ had a word with Miss Bingley after her visit to Darcy House. You go Lizzy!! I was impressed with Mrs. Hurst and her attitude; that was nice to see. However, I was disappointed that Charles didn’t step up and even attempt to rein in his sister. What is your problem??? Jane… are you watching this???
Problems: yeah, there be problems… marchpane vs marzipan… marchpane is the archaic spelling of marzipan… it was confusing as the author switched back and forth in the spelling. Grace Church Street vs Gracechurch Street. Many authors use the generic ‘bravo’ after a performance; however, if it is a female solo performance, then ‘brava’ [feminine singular] is the correct form.
February 6, 2020
There's nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept--Ansel Adams
Incredible imagery in this writing style. Here's an example:
"... Elizabeth curtsied. Mr. Darcy bowed. The silence between them infected the room.
Had any visitor during Fanny Bennet's reign as mistress of Longbourn heard the ticking sound of the clock in the corner?"
Imagine -- so quiet in the room the Bennets realized they owned a clock! Loved it.
Oh -- and the story's great too!
Incredible imagery in this writing style. Here's an example:
"... Elizabeth curtsied. Mr. Darcy bowed. The silence between them infected the room.
Had any visitor during Fanny Bennet's reign as mistress of Longbourn heard the ticking sound of the clock in the corner?"
Imagine -- so quiet in the room the Bennets realized they owned a clock! Loved it.
Oh -- and the story's great too!
August 4, 2016
The title "A Remedy Against Sin" must have been selected with great care by the author, Christina Morland, as the title is very appropriate to the story. The general theme appears to be how lust caught up several of the major characters in the story and how marriage was the remedy.
As others have pointed out, the reader should be aware the sexual relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth is a critical factor in their relationship from the beginning. Chapter one is their wedding night and it is quite pivotal to the story - lusty and passionate with feelings of guilt and shame.
You see, lust is what has brought them into marriage, not love. Having been caught out in a minor compromise, Elizabeth and Darcy choose marriage as a remedy for the scandal affecting the Bennet family. However, within the marriage each continues to feel a sense of disgust with themselves that they are unable to communicate effectively with each other during the daylight hours, yet are able to passionately express themselves at night. Elizabeth continues to choose to misunderstand her husband's motives, while Darcy continues to withdraw when facing strong emotion. But, at night their physical attraction for each other is strong enough to bring them together, and each feels they are taking advantage of the other. They sense, but are unable to fully recognize the physical relationship is the true reflection of their feelings for each other.
What I found fascinating in this variation was how the physical passion of the women plays such a critical role in the story. Elizabeth and Georgiana keep secrets from each other because of the shame they experience connected to their "wanton" feelings. It is many months after their marriage that Georgiana is made aware of the compromise that brought about her brother's marriage to Elizabeth, and it is only after Lydia's scandal that Georgiana is capable of explaining what happened at Ramsgate to Elizabeth. A critical conversation has Elizabeth expressing her belief that women experience similar physical desires to that of men, but are not prepared in the same way to expect or recognize them.
Another factor in my enjoyment of this variation was a Darcy that changed, somewhat, due to his love for Elizabeth, but who stayed true to his character. He continues, right up to the end of the book, to be the stoic, taciturn Master of Pemberley. Yet, we have come to love him as Elizabeth has, for the man that he is and not that she wishes him to be.
I am puzzled that other reviewers felt the story petered out at the end, when from my perspective we were able to see how the lust of Darcy and Elizabeth has now fully blossomed into a love and friendship that allows them to laugh and joke about their compromise. What has happened to Georgiana and Lydia is very revealing to Elizabeth, especially. This seems to me to be the whole point of the story, and the ending chapters showing their relationship through their conversations resolves the book in a revealing and satisfactory manner. What they share together is not revealed to others. It is the same passion they share for each other privately at night that they now express in their laughter and love during the day. The marriage is whole once they realize they have nothing to be ashamed of and no longer need to feel guilt. The marriage has indeed become the remedy against sin.
I have to say I found this to be a massively satisfactory variation with a unique outlook towards marriage. It was beautifully written and contained just enough stress and angst to make the story complete. It could use just a bit more proof reading, but this was not enough of a factor for me to mark down the stars. This relationship is believable and beautiful. I highly recommend "A Remedy Against Sin" to all JAFF lovers. Those who do not like to read of the physical relationship of these characters may just come away with a new perspective. This is one case where the sex is not gratuitous - it is a major factor in the storyline.
As others have pointed out, the reader should be aware the sexual relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth is a critical factor in their relationship from the beginning. Chapter one is their wedding night and it is quite pivotal to the story - lusty and passionate with feelings of guilt and shame.
You see, lust is what has brought them into marriage, not love. Having been caught out in a minor compromise, Elizabeth and Darcy choose marriage as a remedy for the scandal affecting the Bennet family. However, within the marriage each continues to feel a sense of disgust with themselves that they are unable to communicate effectively with each other during the daylight hours, yet are able to passionately express themselves at night. Elizabeth continues to choose to misunderstand her husband's motives, while Darcy continues to withdraw when facing strong emotion. But, at night their physical attraction for each other is strong enough to bring them together, and each feels they are taking advantage of the other. They sense, but are unable to fully recognize the physical relationship is the true reflection of their feelings for each other.
What I found fascinating in this variation was how the physical passion of the women plays such a critical role in the story. Elizabeth and Georgiana keep secrets from each other because of the shame they experience connected to their "wanton" feelings. It is many months after their marriage that Georgiana is made aware of the compromise that brought about her brother's marriage to Elizabeth, and it is only after Lydia's scandal that Georgiana is capable of explaining what happened at Ramsgate to Elizabeth. A critical conversation has Elizabeth expressing her belief that women experience similar physical desires to that of men, but are not prepared in the same way to expect or recognize them.
Another factor in my enjoyment of this variation was a Darcy that changed, somewhat, due to his love for Elizabeth, but who stayed true to his character. He continues, right up to the end of the book, to be the stoic, taciturn Master of Pemberley. Yet, we have come to love him as Elizabeth has, for the man that he is and not that she wishes him to be.
I am puzzled that other reviewers felt the story petered out at the end, when from my perspective we were able to see how the lust of Darcy and Elizabeth has now fully blossomed into a love and friendship that allows them to laugh and joke about their compromise. What has happened to Georgiana and Lydia is very revealing to Elizabeth, especially. This seems to me to be the whole point of the story, and the ending chapters showing their relationship through their conversations resolves the book in a revealing and satisfactory manner. What they share together is not revealed to others. It is the same passion they share for each other privately at night that they now express in their laughter and love during the day. The marriage is whole once they realize they have nothing to be ashamed of and no longer need to feel guilt. The marriage has indeed become the remedy against sin.
I have to say I found this to be a massively satisfactory variation with a unique outlook towards marriage. It was beautifully written and contained just enough stress and angst to make the story complete. It could use just a bit more proof reading, but this was not enough of a factor for me to mark down the stars. This relationship is believable and beautiful. I highly recommend "A Remedy Against Sin" to all JAFF lovers. Those who do not like to read of the physical relationship of these characters may just come away with a new perspective. This is one case where the sex is not gratuitous - it is a major factor in the storyline.
May 18, 2021
This book is a brilliant P & P What if sequel. The author masterfully captures the awkwardness, strangeness and adjustments needed when a sudden marriage results. In this version Mr. Darcy is determined to have compromised Elizabeth Bennet at the Netherfield ball and a marriage is quick to follow.
The story opens with a love scene where the awkward strangers consummate their marriage. Now I have often complained about gratuitous sex in P&P books but this tasteful scene is absolutely necessary for the plot. And it perfectly sets the pace for the rest of the story...
The Bennets are not prominent in the story, Georgiana is and she is a real character. Col Fitzwilliam is also frequently upon the pages but warning he is kind of a douche. The book mostly concentrates on Darcy and Elizabeth coming to grips with their life together. But in a way much better than most authors have accomplished it.
The story opens with a love scene where the awkward strangers consummate their marriage. Now I have often complained about gratuitous sex in P&P books but this tasteful scene is absolutely necessary for the plot. And it perfectly sets the pace for the rest of the story...
The Bennets are not prominent in the story, Georgiana is and she is a real character. Col Fitzwilliam is also frequently upon the pages but warning he is kind of a douche. The book mostly concentrates on Darcy and Elizabeth coming to grips with their life together. But in a way much better than most authors have accomplished it.
May 20, 2021
Loved this thrilling, hot and heart-wrenching book. Darcy compromises Lizzy at the Netherfield ball, forcing them to Marry without really knowing oneanother. Love watching theire love and understanding grow. My only regret is that it ends.
Reread 20.05.21 5*+++
Reread 20.05.21 5*+++
November 11, 2019
What If Mr. Darcy’s Passion Overcame His Propriety?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with the Netherfield Ball
SYNOPSIS: At the Netherfield Ball Mr. Darcy makes the unexpected realization that Elizabeth Bennet despises him, and decides to find out why…His actions lead to them being caught unawares in a seemingly compromising situation, and subsequently Mr. Darcy needs to protect Elizabeth’s honor… How does Mr. Darcy feel knowing he is marrying a woman who doesn’t at all like him? Can their marriage be a happy one? Or will they both keep their distance in order to maintain a peaceful union?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Forced Marriage Premise: I have yet to grow tired of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth in this type of situation! And I love that their (not so innocent) moment alone led to a forced marriage. I especially enjoyed that Mr. Darcy is in no way disillusioned about Elizabeth’s feelings for him (which is unique twist for this premise.) I loved seeing his struggle with guilt, desire, despondency, and burgeoning contentment. He is happy to marry her and eventually finds himself irrevocably in love, but he cannot at all figure out what she is feeling.
- Private Feelings: Speaking of feelings, I absolutely adored how Ms. Morland depicted Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s emotional progression. Their moments of reflection, internal discoveries, and privately harbored hopes – there is sooooo much this couple does not say to each other. But the reader is privy to it all and cannot help but feel slivers of tension, sympathy, anxiety, and hope on their behalf.
- Playful Exchanges: We know well that in any situation that might cause intimidation, offense, or discomfort Elizabeth’s favorite response is to make a sporting remark or irreverent jest. With her unexpected marriage to Mr. Darcy and her exasperation with his bottled up feelings, Lizzy employs this talent numerous times. And the results are often delightful – I loved seeing Mr. Darcy laugh, come up with witty rejoinders, and exercise some dry observations. Their banter and shared humor was heartwarming to witness.
- Georgiana Relationship/Intrigue: I thought that this was an interesting twist. There is a beautiful sisterly relationship developing between Elizabeth and Georgiana, but they both have kept a secret or two from each other…especially Georgiana’s secret. I loved witnessing their affinity for each other grow and to see the effect it has on Mr. Darcy.
- Unique Touches: With so many Pride and Prejudice stories being written, I always appreciate it when an author adds some original ideas and traits. In this story Colonel Fitzwilliam is slightly altered and his relationship with the Darcys isn’t as we’ve always seen it to be. It was interesting to see a Colonel Fitzwilliam that wasn’t lighthearted and amiable, he was older and more concerned about society’s opinion. This new family dynamic was very interesting to explore. In addition, I loved, loved, loved Mr. Darcy’s secret hobby and its importance in the story.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Missing Scene or Two: For the first 2/3 of the story we observe and understand so much of Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship and emotional development. But sadly it does move to the back burner later on as other events take precedent. I missed seeing the final evolution of their relationship, I felt like just one or two scenes or moments more would have given readers a most satisfying and sigh-inducing conclusion.
WARNING: Due to an intimate scene that takes place in the first chapter, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences. However, the scene is not overly explicit and all other intimate embraces are less frequent and less detailed.
CONCLUSION:
Turbulent emotions, insightful developments, and exquisite prose – A Remedy Against Sin is a Pride and Prejudice variation not to be missed. If you are enthralled by stories with complicated beginnings, unequal regard, and blossoming affection you will love this variation!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with the Netherfield Ball
SYNOPSIS: At the Netherfield Ball Mr. Darcy makes the unexpected realization that Elizabeth Bennet despises him, and decides to find out why…His actions lead to them being caught unawares in a seemingly compromising situation, and subsequently Mr. Darcy needs to protect Elizabeth’s honor… How does Mr. Darcy feel knowing he is marrying a woman who doesn’t at all like him? Can their marriage be a happy one? Or will they both keep their distance in order to maintain a peaceful union?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Forced Marriage Premise: I have yet to grow tired of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth in this type of situation! And I love that their (not so innocent) moment alone led to a forced marriage. I especially enjoyed that Mr. Darcy is in no way disillusioned about Elizabeth’s feelings for him (which is unique twist for this premise.) I loved seeing his struggle with guilt, desire, despondency, and burgeoning contentment. He is happy to marry her and eventually finds himself irrevocably in love, but he cannot at all figure out what she is feeling.
- Private Feelings: Speaking of feelings, I absolutely adored how Ms. Morland depicted Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s emotional progression. Their moments of reflection, internal discoveries, and privately harbored hopes – there is sooooo much this couple does not say to each other. But the reader is privy to it all and cannot help but feel slivers of tension, sympathy, anxiety, and hope on their behalf.
- Playful Exchanges: We know well that in any situation that might cause intimidation, offense, or discomfort Elizabeth’s favorite response is to make a sporting remark or irreverent jest. With her unexpected marriage to Mr. Darcy and her exasperation with his bottled up feelings, Lizzy employs this talent numerous times. And the results are often delightful – I loved seeing Mr. Darcy laugh, come up with witty rejoinders, and exercise some dry observations. Their banter and shared humor was heartwarming to witness.
- Georgiana Relationship/Intrigue: I thought that this was an interesting twist. There is a beautiful sisterly relationship developing between Elizabeth and Georgiana, but they both have kept a secret or two from each other…especially Georgiana’s secret. I loved witnessing their affinity for each other grow and to see the effect it has on Mr. Darcy.
- Unique Touches: With so many Pride and Prejudice stories being written, I always appreciate it when an author adds some original ideas and traits. In this story Colonel Fitzwilliam is slightly altered and his relationship with the Darcys isn’t as we’ve always seen it to be. It was interesting to see a Colonel Fitzwilliam that wasn’t lighthearted and amiable, he was older and more concerned about society’s opinion. This new family dynamic was very interesting to explore. In addition, I loved, loved, loved Mr. Darcy’s secret hobby and its importance in the story.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Missing Scene or Two: For the first 2/3 of the story we observe and understand so much of Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship and emotional development. But sadly it does move to the back burner later on as other events take precedent. I missed seeing the final evolution of their relationship, I felt like just one or two scenes or moments more would have given readers a most satisfying and sigh-inducing conclusion.
WARNING: Due to an intimate scene that takes place in the first chapter, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences. However, the scene is not overly explicit and all other intimate embraces are less frequent and less detailed.
CONCLUSION:
Turbulent emotions, insightful developments, and exquisite prose – A Remedy Against Sin is a Pride and Prejudice variation not to be missed. If you are enthralled by stories with complicated beginnings, unequal regard, and blossoming affection you will love this variation!
Austenesque Reviews
April 21, 2020
A Remedy Against Sin
What a story! Thanks Christina! This is a read to go back to, and read again. There is all sorts of interesting and thankfully, very different events, but the look into what may have been the true characters of our Beloved Couple, is the most fun. Lizzie is just bold as brass, about well, just about everything, and this Mr. Darcy falls under her spell early on. And he is slightly sardonic all throughout. Very clever, a Must-read Read!
What a story! Thanks Christina! This is a read to go back to, and read again. There is all sorts of interesting and thankfully, very different events, but the look into what may have been the true characters of our Beloved Couple, is the most fun. Lizzie is just bold as brass, about well, just about everything, and this Mr. Darcy falls under her spell early on. And he is slightly sardonic all throughout. Very clever, a Must-read Read!
January 28, 2018
Dear Reader,
What might happen if Darcy's and Lizzy's behaviour,in an effort to shock the other, went too far and ended in a forced marriage?
Being responsible for said behaviour does nothing to lessen the huge level of misunderstandings and miscommunications that blight the early weeks and months of their married life.
Initial determined efforts are inevitably misconstrued,leaving both parties unfulfilled when they meet as strangers in daylight hours.
Yet the opposite is true when they meet as bed partners,somehow knowing the other instinctively,rendering that day's misunderstandings a thing of the past.
Quickly befriending Georgiana,confronting and deflecting,in equal measure,the slings and arrows from the Fitzwilliam family,both parties must learn to thrust and parry ever mindful of the strange front they are maintaining.
What dark secrets does Georgiana hold,what of Wickham and his schemes?
This was a very compelling and realistic, beautifully penned story,gritty in its efforts to expose the painful and slow tendrils of understanding,love and mutual respect between these two disparate characters.
Highly recommended and one I hope to read again.
What might happen if Darcy's and Lizzy's behaviour,in an effort to shock the other, went too far and ended in a forced marriage?
Being responsible for said behaviour does nothing to lessen the huge level of misunderstandings and miscommunications that blight the early weeks and months of their married life.
Initial determined efforts are inevitably misconstrued,leaving both parties unfulfilled when they meet as strangers in daylight hours.
Yet the opposite is true when they meet as bed partners,somehow knowing the other instinctively,rendering that day's misunderstandings a thing of the past.
Quickly befriending Georgiana,confronting and deflecting,in equal measure,the slings and arrows from the Fitzwilliam family,both parties must learn to thrust and parry ever mindful of the strange front they are maintaining.
What dark secrets does Georgiana hold,what of Wickham and his schemes?
This was a very compelling and realistic, beautifully penned story,gritty in its efforts to expose the painful and slow tendrils of understanding,love and mutual respect between these two disparate characters.
Highly recommended and one I hope to read again.
August 13, 2016
What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are caught in a compromising situation and found by Mrs. Bennet during the Netherfield Ball. What would their marriage be like knowing how much Elizabeth dislikes Darcy and he is still coming to grips with the fact that she fascinates him but her connections and family are abhorrent?
The opening chapter of this book is their wedding night and their marital relations is front and center. It is not to shock the reader, but it set the stage for their inner turmoil and how they each wrestle with their feelings.
Being a part of their innermost thoughts gave me empathy for both as they struggle to understand each other and themselves. The doubts each face and the secrets not revealed lends a strong tension to this story that for me was believable. I felt each were true to their character as in canon.
But this is not only a story of Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana plays a key role in this tale that has you witnessing not only her pain but to some degree her triumph. Miss Bingley was true to form as were Wickham and Mrs. Younge.
I found this book to be a somewhat realistic view of marriage during the Regency period. Marriage in the ton was a matter of connections and alliances. Colonel Fitzwilliam and family fell into this category. This journey for Darcy and Elizabeth was well written and to some degree a bit more reflective. I was completely ensnared.
The opening chapter of this book is their wedding night and their marital relations is front and center. It is not to shock the reader, but it set the stage for their inner turmoil and how they each wrestle with their feelings.
Being a part of their innermost thoughts gave me empathy for both as they struggle to understand each other and themselves. The doubts each face and the secrets not revealed lends a strong tension to this story that for me was believable. I felt each were true to their character as in canon.
But this is not only a story of Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana plays a key role in this tale that has you witnessing not only her pain but to some degree her triumph. Miss Bingley was true to form as were Wickham and Mrs. Younge.
I found this book to be a somewhat realistic view of marriage during the Regency period. Marriage in the ton was a matter of connections and alliances. Colonel Fitzwilliam and family fell into this category. This journey for Darcy and Elizabeth was well written and to some degree a bit more reflective. I was completely ensnared.
July 16, 2016
3.5 Rating: HAD HIGH EXPECTATIONS BUT .....
Have you ever read a story where E and D were just about to tell each other their concerns/feelings when something happens to prevent them from doing so like a maid coming in and interrupting them? I get it that ODC's misunderstanding is the main plotline of JA's beloved story but seriously it becomes unreasonably tedious when the characters in this story are interrupted in this way throughout the majority of the story. The story is left wanting for a true understanding between ODC (granted they were better towards the end but not quite there); maybe there is a sequel that will bring about what was left unsaid and undeveloped. Unfortunately for now, the story left me frustrated and unsatisfied especially since it is really well written and had such a great beginning.
Have you ever read a story where E and D were just about to tell each other their concerns/feelings when something happens to prevent them from doing so like a maid coming in and interrupting them? I get it that ODC's misunderstanding is the main plotline of JA's beloved story but seriously it becomes unreasonably tedious when the characters in this story are interrupted in this way throughout the majority of the story. The story is left wanting for a true understanding between ODC (granted they were better towards the end but not quite there); maybe there is a sequel that will bring about what was left unsaid and undeveloped. Unfortunately for now, the story left me frustrated and unsatisfied especially since it is really well written and had such a great beginning.
February 8, 2021
“A remedy against sin. That was the phrase the vicar had used to describe marriage during the wedding ceremony. How odd that less than a month ago, this very same caress of her fingers had been not a remedy but the seed of sin itself. Now, with the weight of his gold on her finger, her touch had been blessed.”
Beautifully written, passionate yet restrained, and enthralling. A must read.
Synopsis:
Lizzy twists her ankle as she defiantly walks away from her dance with Mr Darcy at the Netherfield ball. Darcy follows her to ascertain if she is well and offer help, it is with her vehement refusal for his aide and insistence he leave her be that it finally dawns on him that Miss Elizabeth never was flirting with him and didn't reciprocate his feelings.
He, indignant at the notion, refuses to leave her side, flustered by the epiphany and in a fit of passion carries her against her will into the darkened breakfast parlor sets her on the table and after some back and forth teasing kissed her and she caught up in the challenge, as her courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate her, kisses him back.
Enter Mrs Bennet, enter compromise.
“for even he could not ignore the irony of being brought to his senses by so senseless a woman as Mrs. Bennet.”
However this isn't your typical compromised forced marriage scenario!
“Do you suppose,” she asked the back of his head, “that I, tolerable appearances aside, will be enough to tempt you?”
Here Lizzy and Darcy are honest (well mostly), they express themselves physically and with passion,
“Her daring initiated a competition: he pushed her to the mattress; she pulled his body to hers; he ran his tongue across her jaw and neck; she urged his lips back to hers; he slid his hands down her shoulders and arms; she ran her fingers through his hair, down his neck, and then beneath the collar of his nightshirt.”
and Lizzy doesn't play act false feelings like in The Last Man in the Worldor go out of her way to be horrible like in An Arranged Marriage: A Pride & Prejudice Alternate Path.
She is her charming, caring and impertinent self! I adored that! This is definitely the best FMS I've read in JAFF, for their behavior rung on character and true.
One of the main conflicts is Darcy being in love with Lizzy but not correcting her assumption he isn't.
Though Lizzy acknowledges Darcy is a good man, having gotten to see that side of him during their short engagement, she doesn't love him and thinks she is wanton and he is a man and that's why they are so passionate in the marital bed;
Don't fret, the whole book isn't a corset ripper, the only explicit scene is the first chapter (after that it is merely alluded to) and it serves the story well.
Lizzy inevitably realizes she loves him, although he isn't romantic so much in words, he cares and tends to her need. In this book, like in OG P&P, Darcy's actions are what speak loudest
“After each attack of nausea, she lay in bed, a cool, damp cloth on her face, and remembered the epiphany she’d had following her first bout of sickness: she was in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Give others poetry; she would be the kind of woman to fall in love with a man who held her hand while she vomited into a bowl of potatoes.”
Darcy is charming, sincere, romantic and teasing;
“I should like to see you attempt to write a letter to one of my sisters!”
“Dear Miss Lydia, Please stop giggling. Sincerely, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
She could not help herself: she threw back her head and laughed. ”
Also totally savage when dealing with Wickham,
“Colonel Fitzwilliam will find you a new commission somewhere in the army — perhaps in the North, since you seem to be so fond of Scotland.”
Georgiana also has her own demons to contend with. She acquits herself admirably and grows as a character organically and beautifully
What I enjoyed:
-THE DIALOGUE, DESCRIPTORS, and the writing UNPARALLELED. GOOSEBUMPS INDUCING GENIUS.
-Georgiana and Lizzy sisterhood!
“Elizabeth reached across the table and took Georgiana’s hands in her own. “May I tell you one of the rules of sisterhood? Believe me, having four sisters of my own, I know them well.” Georgiana stared at her. “You must never hesitate to tell me how very unfashionable I look.”
-Kitty being indignantly angry at Darcy and thinking him a monster was so cute, just an angry little thing!
-Lizzy is just so authentically Lizzy! None of that needless blushing, she takes charge! She is fierce!
-Funny dialogue; i.e. Here Mary is a surprisingly savage reprimanding Lydia for laughing at Darcy kissing Lizzy's inner palm;
“La, he is not so dull as we thought!” Lydia said loudly from across the room. Elizabeth jerked her hand back, trying to ignore Lydia and Kitty’s giggles.
“Now, girls!” said Mrs. Bennet, though she, too, was laughing.
“It is unwise and immoral,” intoned Mary, looking up from her book, “to laugh at indecency.”
Lizzy may sketch characters, but Darcy sketches! That's right, here Darcy is a bit of an artist and it actually is woven into the plot!
What Displeased Me:
Ending jarringly abrupt never felt the characters cleared up everything, anti climactic. I feel like the author didn't know how to properly wrap it up, ending at Jane and Bingley’s wedding breakfast seemed odd.
Verdict:
One of the best JAFFs I've had the pleasure to read! I don't state that lightly, I am beyond impressed!
My compliments to Christina Morland, she is clearly talented! I look forward to reading her other works!
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?Very much
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Extremely so!
October 29, 2017
Enjoyed from the first page. Morland has excellent command of plot, her characters, and the English language. Well done.
January 26, 2022
I hate to give a Christina Morland book only three stars, but that's all this one deserves. The premise is good, but the plot fails, the writing is boring, and the editing is tolerable. You know how you can sometimes hardly put down a book? Well, I found this one the opposite. I found it a chore to go back to. I hate to be harsh, but reviews are for truth.
But my reviews are not for subjective detail, rather, I write about technical glitches that most reviewers miss and therefore, they niggle in the background, making reading quality go down.
This would include the premise, which is an excellent idea. However, the plot does not carry it out all that well, as it plods along at a slow pace. I can't put my finger on why. There's no redundancy. The extra material outside the main story arc shouldn't affect the entire book. There's no real villain, but the drama is affected by the separation of the protagonists, which becomes wishy-washy towards the end. There's never a full resolution of some issues.
Part of the slow moving feeling of this book may be the point of view, which isn't as deep as some books. Filter words are used, so there's some telling where showing could be used. Scene-setting could have been better used to brighten the story, as could characterization. I don't know. Something was surely lacking.
Language was American English, so some of my usual niggles popped up, but I can't complain about them, though it seemed odd for a British character to say "I will" for "I shall" and use "judgment" in the legal sense for the personal sense, "toward" for "towards," or "write" for "write to." There were a plethora of non-Regency words. This being an early book of the author, she may not have been up to speed on the use of neckline, corridor, knob, cad, hostess, "sheet music," "wedding breakfast," snorting, "never mind," "blew a raspberry." Misspelled words include "jack boots," "Gretna Greene," and "dowery." One contraction was found, and punctuation was good.
A P&P error was placing Mr. Darcy at nine and twenty; he would have been seven and twenty at the time of the Netherfield ball. There was no justification for the change.
The romance was slow and not very romantic at all, and really had no culmination. The readers had a sense at the end that the protagonists probably both loved each other, but neither said so to the other in any sort of way, and were wishy-washy about it in their own minds.
As for angst, I covered that before. It should have been higher given the forced marriage scenario, but it was low except for a few arguments or other characters' predictable antics. The author could have made for more situations of better dramatic tension in this book.
The cover is so-so. The artwork chosen is lovely, and it suits the book well, however, the choice of and arrangement of the fonts looks amateurish and clunky. This would not make me want to buy the book.
Goodreads three stars is "it was okay," and I'll stand by that as an assessment of this novel. Other Christina Morland books eclipse this book.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might suggest this means this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
But my reviews are not for subjective detail, rather, I write about technical glitches that most reviewers miss and therefore, they niggle in the background, making reading quality go down.
This would include the premise, which is an excellent idea. However, the plot does not carry it out all that well, as it plods along at a slow pace. I can't put my finger on why. There's no redundancy. The extra material outside the main story arc shouldn't affect the entire book. There's no real villain, but the drama is affected by the separation of the protagonists, which becomes wishy-washy towards the end. There's never a full resolution of some issues.
Part of the slow moving feeling of this book may be the point of view, which isn't as deep as some books. Filter words are used, so there's some telling where showing could be used. Scene-setting could have been better used to brighten the story, as could characterization. I don't know. Something was surely lacking.
Language was American English, so some of my usual niggles popped up, but I can't complain about them, though it seemed odd for a British character to say "I will" for "I shall" and use "judgment" in the legal sense for the personal sense, "toward" for "towards," or "write" for "write to." There were a plethora of non-Regency words. This being an early book of the author, she may not have been up to speed on the use of neckline, corridor, knob, cad, hostess, "sheet music," "wedding breakfast," snorting, "never mind," "blew a raspberry." Misspelled words include "jack boots," "Gretna Greene," and "dowery." One contraction was found, and punctuation was good.
A P&P error was placing Mr. Darcy at nine and twenty; he would have been seven and twenty at the time of the Netherfield ball. There was no justification for the change.
The romance was slow and not very romantic at all, and really had no culmination. The readers had a sense at the end that the protagonists probably both loved each other, but neither said so to the other in any sort of way, and were wishy-washy about it in their own minds.
As for angst, I covered that before. It should have been higher given the forced marriage scenario, but it was low except for a few arguments or other characters' predictable antics. The author could have made for more situations of better dramatic tension in this book.
The cover is so-so. The artwork chosen is lovely, and it suits the book well, however, the choice of and arrangement of the fonts looks amateurish and clunky. This would not make me want to buy the book.
Goodreads three stars is "it was okay," and I'll stand by that as an assessment of this novel. Other Christina Morland books eclipse this book.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might suggest this means this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
January 27, 2021
An Excellent Read
While there are many Pride and Prejudice variations that depict a compromise between Elizabeth and Darcy, this is one of the few I’ve read that was not simply a misunderstanding, but rather a most definite compromise of a passionate kiss discovered by Mrs. Bennet. I do love a forced marriage trope, and this is a good one indeed.
As with all her books, the writing style of Christina Morland stands out and is never a disappointment. A story well told and edited, it is worthy of multiple reads. I highly recommend it. Mature content.
While there are many Pride and Prejudice variations that depict a compromise between Elizabeth and Darcy, this is one of the few I’ve read that was not simply a misunderstanding, but rather a most definite compromise of a passionate kiss discovered by Mrs. Bennet. I do love a forced marriage trope, and this is a good one indeed.
As with all her books, the writing style of Christina Morland stands out and is never a disappointment. A story well told and edited, it is worthy of multiple reads. I highly recommend it. Mature content.
August 29, 2016
Warning: If you don't like vivid descriptions of bedroom scenes, skip the first chapter and read on. You don't want to miss this great story and the adult rated scenes aren't repeated. What an enjoyable story!
May 17, 2025
In this variation on Pride and Prejudice, affairs take a little turn during the Netherfield ball, leading to a great change in the lives of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. The lives of the other P&P characters continue in much the same way as the original (with kinor adjustnents), but mostly offstage.
I am not convinced that —but that is the fateful twist during the ball that sets this variation going. Once they are discovered, a forced marriage is the inevitable result.
The heart of the story is the progress of that marriage’s first year. It is rife with emotional ups and downs, misunderstandings and negotiations. Georgiana Darcy has a much bigger role in the story, not surprisingly, and many of Darcy’s family members play a role. The writing is quite good though not especially “period” in its tone, and the storyline mostly hangs together. I confess to not much enjoying P&P variations that take the characters to bed, but after the first squirmy scene the majority of the emphasis is on relationship development.
Much of the dialogue is clever and believable, a skill that also marks Morland’s later work. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Elizabeth’s struggles to cope with being mistress of a household far grander and more formal than she was bred to, but I liked the portrayal of her character.
I understand this was the author’s first novel, and it shows a great deal of promise. I have read one of her later books, The Year in Between, with enormous enjoyment, so I know she has gone on to new heights. This one should definitely please and intrigue Austen fans who don’t have my phobia for post-marriage stories.
I am not convinced that —but that is the fateful twist during the ball that sets this variation going. Once they are discovered, a forced marriage is the inevitable result.
The heart of the story is the progress of that marriage’s first year. It is rife with emotional ups and downs, misunderstandings and negotiations. Georgiana Darcy has a much bigger role in the story, not surprisingly, and many of Darcy’s family members play a role. The writing is quite good though not especially “period” in its tone, and the storyline mostly hangs together. I confess to not much enjoying P&P variations that take the characters to bed, but after the first squirmy scene the majority of the emphasis is on relationship development.
Much of the dialogue is clever and believable, a skill that also marks Morland’s later work. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Elizabeth’s struggles to cope with being mistress of a household far grander and more formal than she was bred to, but I liked the portrayal of her character.
I understand this was the author’s first novel, and it shows a great deal of promise. I have read one of her later books, The Year in Between, with enormous enjoyment, so I know she has gone on to new heights. This one should definitely please and intrigue Austen fans who don’t have my phobia for post-marriage stories.
June 30, 2025
This variation asks itself What if Darcy and Elizabeth were incredibly horny for each other? Which... I don't judge and I would have probably enjoyed myself if the smut was good, but it was mostly kind of uncomfortable. The first time and it's aftermath especially. And don't get me wrong, I'm here for awkward and awful sex, but not this kind. After reading The Year in Between: A Sense and Sensibility Variation which was spectacular, this was definitely a disappointment, although it is to be expected since this is much earlier work by the author and probably the first as well. By half-way point I was bored with this, because there just wasn't enough substance to keep it going. (The Year in Between is about thrice as long and I never had this problem with it.) So yeah, glad I got it off my TBR since it was there since 2020, but I'm especially glad this was not my first encounter with the author, because in that case, I'm not sure that I would gave her works another shot which would be a shame.
August 15, 2016
Are the reckless behaviors of a wealthy gentleman more easily remedied than ones by a poorer man?
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
“In every life story, including our own, decisions are made in haste that determine the course of eternity.” Liz Curtis Higgs
It’s a joyful find indeed when another talented debut author steps into the JAFF community and quickly captures the attention of JAFF readers. As I perused Amazon and read several of the early reviews for this book, I became curious to take my own glimpse into this story and I came away wishing I could keep turning those virtual pages on my Kindle because this is a story I wanted to continue reading for a few more hours.
What begins with a very intense and very mature adult scene in the first chapter, eventually settles into a character-driven story that describes the events that took place between Darcy and Elizabeth during the Netherfield ball, which has led them to enter into a hastily arranged marriage. Since both of them have contributed to the scandal that unfolded at Netherfield, which I just loved because typically in these scenarios it’s the gentleman who only lacks restraint, there’s little room for blame once they both start to examine their own motives for their reckless behaviors.
Once they are married and return to London as husband and wife, a new life awaits both of them. Darcy’s family is eager, but certainly not happy, to meet his new country bumpkin of a wife and we soon learn that Ms. Morland has sketched a very different relationship between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Gone is the carefree, playful banter that is often associated in JAFF with their relationship! I loved this grittier and more formal strain between these cousins, with Colonel Fitzwilliam acting as a more severe and sterner version of himself, as he expresses his disappointment and distaste for Darcy’s thoughtless and careless behavior towards Elizabeth in Hertfordshire. Their relationship throughout the story evolves in an interesting manner and I found that I really enjoyed seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam as a more formal and distant cousin, who eventually carries out for himself what he claims he must do in Austen’s own story.
Once Elizabeth’s verbal swordplay involves a well-known member of the ton, it’s apparent that the difficulties that the Darcys will face regarding their marriage will extend beyond Darcy’s own inner circle of family and friends. A decision is made for the couple to leave London with Georgiana and head to Pemberley for the holidays, where their life eventually settles into a more regular routine. The comfort they find in their roles as master and mistress of Pemberley allow them to develop some more confidence in their own relationship, and yet, there’s still a tendency for both of them to keep each other at an arm’s length away in regards to their more intimate emotions, such as love and trust. Misunderstandings continue to occur between them, while at the same time, unspoken words seem to hang on the edge of their tongues, like an apprehensive diver leaning forward to make that all-important thrust into the water; both appear unwilling to risk being rejected by the other one and are unable to take that all-too-important leap into the unchartered waters of trust and love.
Georgiana plays a major role in this story and her character is also a bit less playful and innocent as she typically is in many JAFF stories. As her character serves as a bridge of friendship and understanding between Darcy and Elizabeth, she also struggles with her own feelings of shame and indecency associated with her prior actions with Wickham. Georgiana’s actions in the story, as well as her maids’ actions, kept me intrigued throughout the story and Ms. Morland ties in this storyline in a unique and believable manner. I don’t need the Wickham/Georgiana/Lydia storyline to enjoy a “Pride and Prejudice” variation, but this one was well done and allowed the characters to reflect and grow in ways that were vital to this story.
This is one of my favorite kinds of JAFF stories; insightful into the characters’ natures and motives, heavily character-driven, and filled with tenderly crafted passion between Darcy and Elizabeth. Ms. Morland’s dialogues are quite true to each characters’ personalities from canon and also served to move the story at a steady, yet gradual and even pace. I loved the parts of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s characters that Ms. Morland created for her story that were original and which felt right in place with their characters. Not only did they help to knit together their relationship, they also served to flesh out these characters into three-dimensional characters who embodied the complexities and the nuances we loved about them in Austen’s story.
While I am posting a 5-star review for this book, there were a few quibbles I had with the story. I don’t need to know how everything pans out for the rest of Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives, but I did feel certain things were left unsaid between them that I wanted to hear them resolve with each other. I also had some mixed feelings about the way the Darcy/Bingley/Jane/Elizabeth storyline was resolved too, as I wanted more closure with this storyline. However, I truly enjoyed and loved the story, as well as Ms. Morland’s writing style, too much to allow me to give this book less than a 5-star review from me. It’s one that I highly recommend for JAFF readers who enjoy a gradually developed, character-driven love story!
I would like to offer my Just Jane 1813 readers a chance to win an ebook of “A Remedy Against Sin.” Please leave a comment on this blog by midnight ET on August 6th. The winner of the ebook will be announced on this blog on August 7, 2016.
Thank you to Ms. Morland for writing such a tender and beautiful love story. I certainly look forward to reading more JAFF stories from you!
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
“In every life story, including our own, decisions are made in haste that determine the course of eternity.” Liz Curtis Higgs
It’s a joyful find indeed when another talented debut author steps into the JAFF community and quickly captures the attention of JAFF readers. As I perused Amazon and read several of the early reviews for this book, I became curious to take my own glimpse into this story and I came away wishing I could keep turning those virtual pages on my Kindle because this is a story I wanted to continue reading for a few more hours.
What begins with a very intense and very mature adult scene in the first chapter, eventually settles into a character-driven story that describes the events that took place between Darcy and Elizabeth during the Netherfield ball, which has led them to enter into a hastily arranged marriage. Since both of them have contributed to the scandal that unfolded at Netherfield, which I just loved because typically in these scenarios it’s the gentleman who only lacks restraint, there’s little room for blame once they both start to examine their own motives for their reckless behaviors.
Once they are married and return to London as husband and wife, a new life awaits both of them. Darcy’s family is eager, but certainly not happy, to meet his new country bumpkin of a wife and we soon learn that Ms. Morland has sketched a very different relationship between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Gone is the carefree, playful banter that is often associated in JAFF with their relationship! I loved this grittier and more formal strain between these cousins, with Colonel Fitzwilliam acting as a more severe and sterner version of himself, as he expresses his disappointment and distaste for Darcy’s thoughtless and careless behavior towards Elizabeth in Hertfordshire. Their relationship throughout the story evolves in an interesting manner and I found that I really enjoyed seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam as a more formal and distant cousin, who eventually carries out for himself what he claims he must do in Austen’s own story.
Once Elizabeth’s verbal swordplay involves a well-known member of the ton, it’s apparent that the difficulties that the Darcys will face regarding their marriage will extend beyond Darcy’s own inner circle of family and friends. A decision is made for the couple to leave London with Georgiana and head to Pemberley for the holidays, where their life eventually settles into a more regular routine. The comfort they find in their roles as master and mistress of Pemberley allow them to develop some more confidence in their own relationship, and yet, there’s still a tendency for both of them to keep each other at an arm’s length away in regards to their more intimate emotions, such as love and trust. Misunderstandings continue to occur between them, while at the same time, unspoken words seem to hang on the edge of their tongues, like an apprehensive diver leaning forward to make that all-important thrust into the water; both appear unwilling to risk being rejected by the other one and are unable to take that all-too-important leap into the unchartered waters of trust and love.
Georgiana plays a major role in this story and her character is also a bit less playful and innocent as she typically is in many JAFF stories. As her character serves as a bridge of friendship and understanding between Darcy and Elizabeth, she also struggles with her own feelings of shame and indecency associated with her prior actions with Wickham. Georgiana’s actions in the story, as well as her maids’ actions, kept me intrigued throughout the story and Ms. Morland ties in this storyline in a unique and believable manner. I don’t need the Wickham/Georgiana/Lydia storyline to enjoy a “Pride and Prejudice” variation, but this one was well done and allowed the characters to reflect and grow in ways that were vital to this story.
This is one of my favorite kinds of JAFF stories; insightful into the characters’ natures and motives, heavily character-driven, and filled with tenderly crafted passion between Darcy and Elizabeth. Ms. Morland’s dialogues are quite true to each characters’ personalities from canon and also served to move the story at a steady, yet gradual and even pace. I loved the parts of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s characters that Ms. Morland created for her story that were original and which felt right in place with their characters. Not only did they help to knit together their relationship, they also served to flesh out these characters into three-dimensional characters who embodied the complexities and the nuances we loved about them in Austen’s story.
While I am posting a 5-star review for this book, there were a few quibbles I had with the story. I don’t need to know how everything pans out for the rest of Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives, but I did feel certain things were left unsaid between them that I wanted to hear them resolve with each other. I also had some mixed feelings about the way the Darcy/Bingley/Jane/Elizabeth storyline was resolved too, as I wanted more closure with this storyline. However, I truly enjoyed and loved the story, as well as Ms. Morland’s writing style, too much to allow me to give this book less than a 5-star review from me. It’s one that I highly recommend for JAFF readers who enjoy a gradually developed, character-driven love story!
I would like to offer my Just Jane 1813 readers a chance to win an ebook of “A Remedy Against Sin.” Please leave a comment on this blog by midnight ET on August 6th. The winner of the ebook will be announced on this blog on August 7, 2016.
Thank you to Ms. Morland for writing such a tender and beautiful love story. I certainly look forward to reading more JAFF stories from you!
October 12, 2017
Re-read 10/10/17
This was pleasant the second time through, too. All my comments from my original read stand--though the Colonel Fitzwilliam thing did bug me a little more...probably because I've also been rereading one where he's particularly awesome.
Original read 10/3/16
This book kept me up far too late last night, because I couldn't stand to leave it unfinished. I do like a good forced marriage scenario, but this one was different from any I'd read before, because Elizabeth and Darcy are just so darned reasonable about the whole thing. They worked through things like two adults who thought of each other as equals, and yet somehow the story was still intense without being angsty, which I thought was impressive. Those who disapproved of their marriage dealt with it the way I imagine most did in that day and age, which was through societal barbs. It was refreshing in a genre full of kidnapping plots and the like. (I love a good kidnapping plot, too, but sometimes simple is good.)
Only one thing was disappointing to me, but it's strictly a personal preference with characters and not anything that would cause me to downgrade my rating.
This was pleasant the second time through, too. All my comments from my original read stand--though the Colonel Fitzwilliam thing did bug me a little more...probably because I've also been rereading one where he's particularly awesome.
Original read 10/3/16
This book kept me up far too late last night, because I couldn't stand to leave it unfinished. I do like a good forced marriage scenario, but this one was different from any I'd read before, because Elizabeth and Darcy are just so darned reasonable about the whole thing. They worked through things like two adults who thought of each other as equals, and yet somehow the story was still intense without being angsty, which I thought was impressive. Those who disapproved of their marriage dealt with it the way I imagine most did in that day and age, which was through societal barbs. It was refreshing in a genre full of kidnapping plots and the like. (I love a good kidnapping plot, too, but sometimes simple is good.)
Only one thing was disappointing to me, but it's strictly a personal preference with characters and not anything that would cause me to downgrade my rating.
May 21, 2020
Pleasure to read but very sad
The author’s style of writing seems advanced compared to many of the recent variations I’ve read lately. The story was so sad though.
I long for a more upbeat story from the author sometime. Both of her books I’ve read are pretty sad for the majority of the story.
The author’s style of writing seems advanced compared to many of the recent variations I’ve read lately. The story was so sad though.
I long for a more upbeat story from the author sometime. Both of her books I’ve read are pretty sad for the majority of the story.
November 25, 2017
The cover of this book has been used before, I don't agree with reusing book illustrations but the content is original. The story opens as others have made mention, on the wedding night. It is explicit but the only one in the book. It then flashes back to how everything built up to this night. As I said it is different from JA's version. Darcy is a man of mystery as he behaves in ways uncharacteristic that leaves Lizzy questioning his motives and thoughts. Truly the title should have been how to willfully misunderstand your spouse. The book is crammed with misunderstandings, unfinished words, continuous trouble in different directions. While that is not my forte I loved that the author had them as man and wife, even though they were tearful and withdrawn from the first night it somehow worked for me. It was a natural process of what they faced taken in stages.
While it annoyed me a few times at Lizzy's immediate response to believe the worst of Darcy and jump to conclusion and his to hide his depth of feelings for her throughout the book. The events collide and your left taking 5-6 pages of resolving a simple scene so it is agonizing when the truth is right there but a maid interrupts or some such distraction. The Wickham tale we all know takes 80% of the book before Lizzy reaches the full enlightenment of what has caused Darcy's dislike for him. The story however angsty kept me going with the couples playful verbal displays when alone and witnessing the couple falling in love and becoming the happy couple we all know and love. Enjoy!
While it annoyed me a few times at Lizzy's immediate response to believe the worst of Darcy and jump to conclusion and his to hide his depth of feelings for her throughout the book. The events collide and your left taking 5-6 pages of resolving a simple scene so it is agonizing when the truth is right there but a maid interrupts or some such distraction. The Wickham tale we all know takes 80% of the book before Lizzy reaches the full enlightenment of what has caused Darcy's dislike for him. The story however angsty kept me going with the couples playful verbal displays when alone and witnessing the couple falling in love and becoming the happy couple we all know and love. Enjoy!
August 14, 2016
I don't always read too many sequels as I am not keen on the ones that don't allow Elizabeth and Darcy to have a happy marriage. I expect problems but prefer them from external forces rather than continued misunderstandings between the couple and them never speaking to each other. Novels that use the premise of a compromise and early marriage obviously will have more problems between the two as they have to learn about each other. In this novel there are plenty of misunderstandings and difficulties with family members and others but at no time did I feel like it was over the top with angst and I did not get annoyed with the author once in this regard!
The book flowed beautifully and I really enjoyed the writing. The first chapter is not for those who do not like their books to have reasonably graphic sex scenes but it was really well written and needed to set the scene. If you are of that inclination I would suggest you buy the book and skip straight to chapter 2 as the book is definitely worth reading! If I had one concern it would be the character of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was somewhat changed, but this was not enough to make me drop a fraction of a star.
A most enjoyable read and one to which I am sure I will return.
The book flowed beautifully and I really enjoyed the writing. The first chapter is not for those who do not like their books to have reasonably graphic sex scenes but it was really well written and needed to set the scene. If you are of that inclination I would suggest you buy the book and skip straight to chapter 2 as the book is definitely worth reading! If I had one concern it would be the character of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was somewhat changed, but this was not enough to make me drop a fraction of a star.
A most enjoyable read and one to which I am sure I will return.
July 21, 2016
After a shocking beginning, I must say I enjoyed this book! Darcy and Elizabeth are thrown together in the beginning and overcome their differences while married. I will definitely read this one again!
August 26, 2017
I would have given this 5 stars if all of E & D's arguments made sense. I had no idea where some of them came from. Loved the first chapters and Georgianna.
May 23, 2022
What can I say about this book? It was frustrating, not the story which was truly lovely but Darcy and Elizabeth. They are frequently miscommunicating or not communicating or always turning away from the other that I felt like locking them both in a room and not letting them out till they talk openly with eachother. Even in the end, they were not much different but they were are loveable as ever and their union so very sweet. And so, I have to conclude that I loved this book.
April 16, 2025
No one talk to me I am unwell
May 31, 2022
::SPOILERS::
This was one of my least favorites of the re-telling/variation P&P’s that I’ve read thus far. In this variation, Darcy & Elizabeth are caught in a compromising position (kissing, groping, general making out) by none other than Mrs. Bennett at the Netherfield Ball. They are subsequently married rather hastily. At this point Darcy is just starting to have feelings for Elizabeth, but he’s not quite at the love stage. Whereas, Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy is strong. Though I will say I don’t think she ever quite reaches “hate” in this version since Darcy never really has the opportunity to come between Bingley & Jane. The problem I think with this alternation though, is that while things still progress relatively the same though slower & less excitedly; they are unable to reach that same climax as is in the original with the proposal & subsequent rejection. Instead they both seemingly tiptoe around each other in a mutual state of misunderstanding that neither of them are motivated enough to change. Furthermore, because that climax was never achieved (hehe) neither than can the resolution take place, wherein Darcy to prove his love goes about correcting wrongs & fixing misunderstandings. Like even on Jane & Bingley’s day, Darcy was still saying they didn’t suit & Jane was indifferent!!! This from a man who didn’t know or care to learn his own wife’s feelings or know his sister was keeping secrets or being blackmailed!! Truth be told Darcy was kinda a little bitch in this story!! Crying about not getting to do his art & blaming that on the reason Gerorgianna fell for Wickham’s lies. Although, there were two instances where I really liked this Darcy 1. He told Wickham & the blackmail bitch to fuck off & didn’t give in to their demands 2. When he told his family to fuck off & they left London for Pemberly. Those were the only parts where I liked Darcy; the only thing I liked about Elizabeth in this book was her pretty much her being like yeah I was horny & it’s okay.
Now on to the Fitzwilliam family, I guess I got too used to liking them in some of the other variations I’ve read that the relationships & their characters were a disappointment.
However, the WORST!!!!! The part that made me not like this book & I think reflects the book overall in message as well as words was the fact that neither Darcy nor Elizabeth NOT ONCE THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!! Told the other that they loved them!!!!! I triple checked & I think it’s important to note it’s never said because I’m not entirely convinced that they do love each other in this book. I just wasn’t convinced.
This was one of my least favorites of the re-telling/variation P&P’s that I’ve read thus far. In this variation, Darcy & Elizabeth are caught in a compromising position (kissing, groping, general making out) by none other than Mrs. Bennett at the Netherfield Ball. They are subsequently married rather hastily. At this point Darcy is just starting to have feelings for Elizabeth, but he’s not quite at the love stage. Whereas, Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy is strong. Though I will say I don’t think she ever quite reaches “hate” in this version since Darcy never really has the opportunity to come between Bingley & Jane. The problem I think with this alternation though, is that while things still progress relatively the same though slower & less excitedly; they are unable to reach that same climax as is in the original with the proposal & subsequent rejection. Instead they both seemingly tiptoe around each other in a mutual state of misunderstanding that neither of them are motivated enough to change. Furthermore, because that climax was never achieved (hehe) neither than can the resolution take place, wherein Darcy to prove his love goes about correcting wrongs & fixing misunderstandings. Like even on Jane & Bingley’s day, Darcy was still saying they didn’t suit & Jane was indifferent!!! This from a man who didn’t know or care to learn his own wife’s feelings or know his sister was keeping secrets or being blackmailed!! Truth be told Darcy was kinda a little bitch in this story!! Crying about not getting to do his art & blaming that on the reason Gerorgianna fell for Wickham’s lies. Although, there were two instances where I really liked this Darcy 1. He told Wickham & the blackmail bitch to fuck off & didn’t give in to their demands 2. When he told his family to fuck off & they left London for Pemberly. Those were the only parts where I liked Darcy; the only thing I liked about Elizabeth in this book was her pretty much her being like yeah I was horny & it’s okay.
Now on to the Fitzwilliam family, I guess I got too used to liking them in some of the other variations I’ve read that the relationships & their characters were a disappointment.
However, the WORST!!!!! The part that made me not like this book & I think reflects the book overall in message as well as words was the fact that neither Darcy nor Elizabeth NOT ONCE THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!! Told the other that they loved them!!!!! I triple checked & I think it’s important to note it’s never said because I’m not entirely convinced that they do love each other in this book. I just wasn’t convinced.
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