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The Whisky Wedding: a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet story
When Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice learns of her sister's elopement before leaving for the Peaks District, she and her aunt are off to Scotland to chase the wayward couple. Inn after inn, there is no sign of Lydia or Mr. Wickham, but Elizabeth won't give up. A foolhardy decision to continue to search on her own lands Elizabeth right into the arms of a familiar face . . . Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Join author Elizabeth Ann West in a tale of carriage accidents, amnesia, and a forced marriage, but happy endings for all. Well, maybe not Mr. Wickham!
512 pages, Paperback
Published December 23, 2016
88 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ann West
40 books142 followersA Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none! Elizabeth Ann West is the author of 7 novels and 9 novellas, 15 of which are story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Her books have won reader conference awards and hit the Historical Bestseller lists on Amazon, Kobo, and the iBooks stores multiple times. A lover of all things geeky, Elizabeth codes websites, dabbles in graphic design, and is always looking for new technology to learn and master. A Navy wife and mother of two, her family has lived all over the United States, currently residing in upstate New York. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, you can keep up with Elizabeth on Twitter @Eawwrites and on her website, http://elizabethannwest.com where she posts new fiction as she writes it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 9, 2017
"Nigel Tufnel: The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and...
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most amps go up to ten?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Put it up to eleven.
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to eleven. "
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088258/q... This is Spinal Tap
If there was an angst meter for P&P variations this one goes to 11.
This is a slightly off canon story that takes off like a rocket and never slows down. We begin at Longbourn, before Lizzy and the Gardiners can depart for their trip to Derbyshire a rider arrives from Brighton with the news that Lydia has eloped with Wickham.
Mr Bennet, Jane & Mr. Gardiner head for London to search; while Lizzy, Mrs. Gardiner and the Gardiner children head for Scotland. Neither have any luck and when Mrs. Gardiner decides it is time to return home Lizzy decides to take a footman and continue further into Scotland searching for the couple. Things almost immediately go horribly wrong with there being a carriage accident which results in injury to both Lizzy and Peter. when they arrive in a nearby village who should they encounter but Mr. Darcy. He offers to take them to his nearby estate so they can rest before returning to Mrs. Gardiner. Lizzy has a head wound which seems minor but will have repercussions. When she is recovered and she returns to the town where she left her aunt they learn Mrs. Gardiner is pissed off and has pissed off leaving Lizzy coach fare. Lizzy is devastated, and after a glass of Whisky or three she agrees to marry Darcy over the anvil.
The next morning she can't remember anything until her maid reassures her. So we get a P&P /50 first Dates mash up for a bit. Lizzy is desperate to return to London and her family and continue the search for Lydia so she tries to trick Darcy into believing her healthy. The footman who saved Lizzy is fired by Mrs. Gardiner and remains at Darcy's Scotland estate. Oh and Darcy is jealous of the footman because he first jumps to the conclusion that Lizzy is eloping with him. (Tool)
Meanwhile back in London Mr. Bennet, who is alluded to as being more than indolent and much more like an alcoholic, isn't really looking for Lydia having already moved past concerned and into accepting that his family is ruined. This annoys Jane and she takes it upon herself to search the back streets of London for Lydia. Luckily she meets col. Fitzwilliam who is immediately in love with her. Of course Wickham has gone to 11 and has sold Lydia to a brothel. Once Mr. Bennet returns to Longbourn Jane moves to Darcy house and she and Col Fitzwilliam can rescue Lydia.
Then the Darcys return to London and everyone can relax, NOT! Lady Fitzwilliam wants to throw a ball, Georgiana confesses that she is not a maiden thanks to Wickham, a desperate Wickham sneaks into Darcy house and tries to abduct Jane. The remaining Bennets arrive in London, Lady Catherine causes a scene and Jane drops Bingley for a surprise wedding.
Lizzy and Darcy seem to fight constantly with each willfully misunderstanding the other.
This is a fairly long book but it is so chock full of plot that many things seem rather unresolved.
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most amps go up to ten?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Put it up to eleven.
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to eleven. "
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088258/q... This is Spinal Tap
If there was an angst meter for P&P variations this one goes to 11.
This is a slightly off canon story that takes off like a rocket and never slows down. We begin at Longbourn, before Lizzy and the Gardiners can depart for their trip to Derbyshire a rider arrives from Brighton with the news that Lydia has eloped with Wickham.
Mr Bennet, Jane & Mr. Gardiner head for London to search; while Lizzy, Mrs. Gardiner and the Gardiner children head for Scotland. Neither have any luck and when Mrs. Gardiner decides it is time to return home Lizzy decides to take a footman and continue further into Scotland searching for the couple. Things almost immediately go horribly wrong with there being a carriage accident which results in injury to both Lizzy and Peter. when they arrive in a nearby village who should they encounter but Mr. Darcy. He offers to take them to his nearby estate so they can rest before returning to Mrs. Gardiner. Lizzy has a head wound which seems minor but will have repercussions. When she is recovered and she returns to the town where she left her aunt they learn Mrs. Gardiner is pissed off and has pissed off leaving Lizzy coach fare. Lizzy is devastated, and after a glass of Whisky or three she agrees to marry Darcy over the anvil.
The next morning she can't remember anything until her maid reassures her. So we get a P&P /50 first Dates mash up for a bit. Lizzy is desperate to return to London and her family and continue the search for Lydia so she tries to trick Darcy into believing her healthy. The footman who saved Lizzy is fired by Mrs. Gardiner and remains at Darcy's Scotland estate. Oh and Darcy is jealous of the footman because he first jumps to the conclusion that Lizzy is eloping with him. (Tool)
Meanwhile back in London Mr. Bennet, who is alluded to as being more than indolent and much more like an alcoholic, isn't really looking for Lydia having already moved past concerned and into accepting that his family is ruined. This annoys Jane and she takes it upon herself to search the back streets of London for Lydia. Luckily she meets col. Fitzwilliam who is immediately in love with her. Of course Wickham has gone to 11 and has sold Lydia to a brothel. Once Mr. Bennet returns to Longbourn Jane moves to Darcy house and she and Col Fitzwilliam can rescue Lydia.
Then the Darcys return to London and everyone can relax, NOT! Lady Fitzwilliam wants to throw a ball, Georgiana confesses that she is not a maiden thanks to Wickham, a desperate Wickham sneaks into Darcy house and tries to abduct Jane. The remaining Bennets arrive in London, Lady Catherine causes a scene and Jane drops Bingley for a surprise wedding.
Lizzy and Darcy seem to fight constantly with each willfully misunderstanding the other.
This is a fairly long book but it is so chock full of plot that many things seem rather unresolved.
February 5, 2017
This is a whole alternate path to HEA for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It starts with Elizabeth and Jane at Longbourn when Colonel Forster rides up with the grim news that Mr. Wickham has deserted from the regiment in Brighton and taken Lydia with him.
We quickly learn that this Mr. Bennet is even more indolent than in canon. He gives up on ever finding his youngest daughter almost immediately and travels to London only to give the appearance of conducting a search in order to placate his wife. Jane, Elizabeth and the Gardiners take the situation far more seriously and actively search wherever it's possible for the missing pair to be found.
They split up, with Jane and Mr. Gardiner looking in inns in more and more seedy parts of London, while Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner (and the Gardiner children) search the inns on the road to Gretna Green on the chance that Wickham actually does intend to marry Lydia there. Once the second group reaches Scotland with no reported sightings of the two, Aunt Gardiner is ready to give up and turn back.
Elizabeth is desperate to continue, however, especially after learning that much more inexpensive weddings over the anvil are available in Coldstream, another 80 miles away. Motivated by her desire to see that Lydia is not ruined and thinking of Mr. Darcy and her own misjudgment in refusing him, she slips away with young Peter, a Gardiner servant, taking the mail post heading northeast to continue the search on her own.
Her decision has disastrous results. Fortunately, it throws her into the path of Mr. Darcy, who is on the way to his Scottish estate, Broadmeadow. What ensues is a bit of a Fifty First Dates plotline for a while. It's sweet and romantic, with lots of interplay between our hero and heroine.
While Elizabeth and Darcy are having their own adventure in Scotland, Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, shows up at the Gardiner's home in Cheapside and offers his assistance, having received an express from Darcy appraising him of the situation.
It's impressive the way all the various storylines are tied together by Lydia's disappearance and the need to concoct stories to contain the scandal. Colonel Fitzwilliam's mother, Regina Fitzwilliam (Lady Matlock), takes the reins here, but she doesn't find the Bennets as cooperative as she would like, especially once Mrs. Bennet shows up. Meanwhile, Georgiana has a deeper secret that she's never divulged to her guardians about Ramsgate which also comes into play.
I was also impressed with the way the characters of Jane and Elizabeth both grow and change throughout the story as a result of their experiences. I particularly love Jane's storyline, as she gradually becomes more assertive and bolder about going after what she wants.
This is just excellent JAFF that fires on all cylinders, with great storytelling, a well-conceived and well-integrated plot, fully defined characters, and plenty of romance. Highly recommend!
We quickly learn that this Mr. Bennet is even more indolent than in canon. He gives up on ever finding his youngest daughter almost immediately and travels to London only to give the appearance of conducting a search in order to placate his wife. Jane, Elizabeth and the Gardiners take the situation far more seriously and actively search wherever it's possible for the missing pair to be found.
They split up, with Jane and Mr. Gardiner looking in inns in more and more seedy parts of London, while Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner (and the Gardiner children) search the inns on the road to Gretna Green on the chance that Wickham actually does intend to marry Lydia there. Once the second group reaches Scotland with no reported sightings of the two, Aunt Gardiner is ready to give up and turn back.
Elizabeth is desperate to continue, however, especially after learning that much more inexpensive weddings over the anvil are available in Coldstream, another 80 miles away. Motivated by her desire to see that Lydia is not ruined and thinking of Mr. Darcy and her own misjudgment in refusing him, she slips away with young Peter, a Gardiner servant, taking the mail post heading northeast to continue the search on her own.
Her decision has disastrous results. Fortunately, it throws her into the path of Mr. Darcy, who is on the way to his Scottish estate, Broadmeadow. What ensues is a bit of a Fifty First Dates plotline for a while. It's sweet and romantic, with lots of interplay between our hero and heroine.
While Elizabeth and Darcy are having their own adventure in Scotland, Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, shows up at the Gardiner's home in Cheapside and offers his assistance, having received an express from Darcy appraising him of the situation.
It's impressive the way all the various storylines are tied together by Lydia's disappearance and the need to concoct stories to contain the scandal. Colonel Fitzwilliam's mother, Regina Fitzwilliam (Lady Matlock), takes the reins here, but she doesn't find the Bennets as cooperative as she would like, especially once Mrs. Bennet shows up. Meanwhile, Georgiana has a deeper secret that she's never divulged to her guardians about Ramsgate which also comes into play.
I was also impressed with the way the characters of Jane and Elizabeth both grow and change throughout the story as a result of their experiences. I particularly love Jane's storyline, as she gradually becomes more assertive and bolder about going after what she wants.
This is just excellent JAFF that fires on all cylinders, with great storytelling, a well-conceived and well-integrated plot, fully defined characters, and plenty of romance. Highly recommend!
August 2, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Written in three volumes this story is reminiscent of "Groundhog Day" in that Elizabeth finds herself waking up over and over again in similar circumstances to previous days. And as in "50 First Dates" she even writes herself a letter so she can move forward.
Elizabeth is at Longbourn as the story begins. The Gardiners are there as they are about to set out on their summer trip to visit The Peaks together. However, the Bennets receive the news that Lydia has eloped from Brighton with Wickham. The family decides that Mr. Gardiner, Jane and Mr. Bennet will go to search in London, doubting Wickham's intentions to truly marry over the anvil with Lydia. But to cover all the bases Mrs. Gardiner, her children and Elizabeth will travel to Gretna Green and ask at each inn along the way in a attempt to discover if they truly did intend to act as reported.
Mr. Bennet in this variation is the worst of indolent hide-your-head-in-the-sand fathers. He refuses to spend one minute searching London and sits in Gardiner's study with a bottle and a book. Jane is told she cannot go out and search for Lydia due to the reputation of the areas in which Lydia might be hidden. Jane makes her own plans.
Meanwhile upon reaching Gretna Green and finding no trace of Lydia and/or Wickham Mrs. Gardiner determines that they will return to London and search no further. Elizabeth makes her own plans.
So it is that Elizabeth goes off (Father has given her some money.) to search further along the Scottish border. However, just before she and the servant she persuaded to travel with her, the post carriage in which they are traveling is in an accident. Elizabeth suffers a head injury but is unaware of it until later. She and Peter drag themselves and her luggage to the Grey Sheep Inn at Canonbie and find no rooms available but also find, of all things, Mr. Darcy. He offers to take her to his estate at Broadmeadow, only 15 miles distant. She reluctantly agrees as she really has no other choice.
While talking at the inn Darcy has ordered food and whiskey. Elizabeth imbibes and finds it helps to soothe her spirits. Thus it is that Elizabeth finds herself the next morning awakening...in bed...with a naked man and no memory of how she got there...but with a ring on her finger.
This story has lots of adventure for Elizabeth, for Darcy and for those in London as well. There are trips back and forth from Canonbie to Broadmeadow and finally to London. The Colonel is recruited but he also has had to bargain for time off from his duties by promising to accept a post in Spain but Darcy is his best friend and like a brother so he feels compelled to help. He finds Jane Bennet to be not only very lovely but willing to join him in his part of the search in London.
This was an enthralling tale and there are many facets you will find enjoyable which I could not share here. I have wanted to read this book for awhile and the title in itself drawas one in and then as this book went on sale recently my wish was more easily granted.
Written in three volumes this story is reminiscent of "Groundhog Day" in that Elizabeth finds herself waking up over and over again in similar circumstances to previous days. And as in "50 First Dates" she even writes herself a letter so she can move forward.
Elizabeth is at Longbourn as the story begins. The Gardiners are there as they are about to set out on their summer trip to visit The Peaks together. However, the Bennets receive the news that Lydia has eloped from Brighton with Wickham. The family decides that Mr. Gardiner, Jane and Mr. Bennet will go to search in London, doubting Wickham's intentions to truly marry over the anvil with Lydia. But to cover all the bases Mrs. Gardiner, her children and Elizabeth will travel to Gretna Green and ask at each inn along the way in a attempt to discover if they truly did intend to act as reported.
Mr. Bennet in this variation is the worst of indolent hide-your-head-in-the-sand fathers. He refuses to spend one minute searching London and sits in Gardiner's study with a bottle and a book. Jane is told she cannot go out and search for Lydia due to the reputation of the areas in which Lydia might be hidden. Jane makes her own plans.
Meanwhile upon reaching Gretna Green and finding no trace of Lydia and/or Wickham Mrs. Gardiner determines that they will return to London and search no further. Elizabeth makes her own plans.
So it is that Elizabeth goes off (Father has given her some money.) to search further along the Scottish border. However, just before she and the servant she persuaded to travel with her, the post carriage in which they are traveling is in an accident. Elizabeth suffers a head injury but is unaware of it until later. She and Peter drag themselves and her luggage to the Grey Sheep Inn at Canonbie and find no rooms available but also find, of all things, Mr. Darcy. He offers to take her to his estate at Broadmeadow, only 15 miles distant. She reluctantly agrees as she really has no other choice.
While talking at the inn Darcy has ordered food and whiskey. Elizabeth imbibes and finds it helps to soothe her spirits. Thus it is that Elizabeth finds herself the next morning awakening...in bed...with a naked man and no memory of how she got there...but with a ring on her finger.
This story has lots of adventure for Elizabeth, for Darcy and for those in London as well. There are trips back and forth from Canonbie to Broadmeadow and finally to London. The Colonel is recruited but he also has had to bargain for time off from his duties by promising to accept a post in Spain but Darcy is his best friend and like a brother so he feels compelled to help. He finds Jane Bennet to be not only very lovely but willing to join him in his part of the search in London.
This was an enthralling tale and there are many facets you will find enjoyable which I could not share here. I have wanted to read this book for awhile and the title in itself drawas one in and then as this book went on sale recently my wish was more easily granted.
August 5, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Written in three volumes this story is reminiscent of "Groundhog Day" in that Elizabeth finds herself waking up over and over again in similar circumstances to previous days. And as in "50 First Dates" she even writes herself a letter so she can move forward.
Elizabeth is at Longbourn as the story begins. The Gardiners are there as they are about to set out on their summer trip to visit The Peaks together. However, the Bennets receive the news that Lydia has eloped from Brighton with Wickham. The family decides that Mr. Gardiner, Jane and Mr. Bennet will go to search in London, doubting Wickham's intentions to truly marry over the anvil with Lydia. But to cover all the bases Mrs. Gardiner, her children and Elizabeth will travel to Gretna Green and ask at each inn along the way in a attempt to discover if they truly did intend to act as reported.
Mr. Bennet in this variation is the worst of indolent hide-your-head-in-the-sand fathers. He refuses to spend one minute searching London and sits in Gardiner's study with a bottle and a book. Jane is told she cannot go out and search for Lydia due to the reputation of the areas in which Lydia might be hidden. Jane makes her own plans.
Meanwhile upon reaching Gretna Green and finding no trace of Lydia and/or Wickham Mrs. Gardiner determines that they will return to London and search no further. Elizabeth makes her own plans.
So it is that Elizabeth goes off (Father has given her some money.) to search further along the Scottish border. However, just before she and the servant she persuaded to travel with her, the post carriage in which they are traveling is in an accident. Elizabeth suffers a head injury but is unaware of it until later. She and Peter drag themselves and her luggage to the Grey Sheep Inn at Canonbie and find no rooms available but also find, of all things, Mr. Darcy. He offers to take her to his estate at Broadmeadow, only 15 miles distant. She reluctantly agrees as she really has no other choice.
While talking at the inn Darcy has ordered food and whiskey. Elizabeth imbibes and finds it helps to soothe her spirits. Thus it is that Elizabeth finds herself the next morning awakening...in bed...with a naked man and no memory of how she got there...but with a ring on her finger.
This story has lots of adventure for Elizabeth, for Darcy and for those in London as well. There are trips back and forth from Canonbie to Broadmeadow and finally to London. The Colonel is recruited but he also has had to bargain for time off from his duties by promising to accept a post in Spain but Darcy is his best friend and like a brother so he feels compelled to help. He finds Jane Bennet to be not only very lovely but willing to join him in his part of the search in London.
This was an enthralling tale and there are many facets you will find enjoyable which I could not share here. I have wanted to read this book for awhile and the title in itself draws one in and then as this book went on sale recently my wish was more easily granted.
Written in three volumes this story is reminiscent of "Groundhog Day" in that Elizabeth finds herself waking up over and over again in similar circumstances to previous days. And as in "50 First Dates" she even writes herself a letter so she can move forward.
Elizabeth is at Longbourn as the story begins. The Gardiners are there as they are about to set out on their summer trip to visit The Peaks together. However, the Bennets receive the news that Lydia has eloped from Brighton with Wickham. The family decides that Mr. Gardiner, Jane and Mr. Bennet will go to search in London, doubting Wickham's intentions to truly marry over the anvil with Lydia. But to cover all the bases Mrs. Gardiner, her children and Elizabeth will travel to Gretna Green and ask at each inn along the way in a attempt to discover if they truly did intend to act as reported.
Mr. Bennet in this variation is the worst of indolent hide-your-head-in-the-sand fathers. He refuses to spend one minute searching London and sits in Gardiner's study with a bottle and a book. Jane is told she cannot go out and search for Lydia due to the reputation of the areas in which Lydia might be hidden. Jane makes her own plans.
Meanwhile upon reaching Gretna Green and finding no trace of Lydia and/or Wickham Mrs. Gardiner determines that they will return to London and search no further. Elizabeth makes her own plans.
So it is that Elizabeth goes off (Father has given her some money.) to search further along the Scottish border. However, just before she and the servant she persuaded to travel with her, the post carriage in which they are traveling is in an accident. Elizabeth suffers a head injury but is unaware of it until later. She and Peter drag themselves and her luggage to the Grey Sheep Inn at Canonbie and find no rooms available but also find, of all things, Mr. Darcy. He offers to take her to his estate at Broadmeadow, only 15 miles distant. She reluctantly agrees as she really has no other choice.
While talking at the inn Darcy has ordered food and whiskey. Elizabeth imbibes and finds it helps to soothe her spirits. Thus it is that Elizabeth finds herself the next morning awakening...in bed...with a naked man and no memory of how she got there...but with a ring on her finger.
This story has lots of adventure for Elizabeth, for Darcy and for those in London as well. There are trips back and forth from Canonbie to Broadmeadow and finally to London. The Colonel is recruited but he also has had to bargain for time off from his duties by promising to accept a post in Spain but Darcy is his best friend and like a brother so he feels compelled to help. He finds Jane Bennet to be not only very lovely but willing to join him in his part of the search in London.
This was an enthralling tale and there are many facets you will find enjoyable which I could not share here. I have wanted to read this book for awhile and the title in itself draws one in and then as this book went on sale recently my wish was more easily granted.
June 24, 2024
I envy people who drink—at least they know what to blame everything on. ~Oscar Levant
Imagine if you were to awaken next to a man, wearing a wedding ring and remember nothing of the man – or the wedding. This is the dilemma facing Elizabeth Bennet – uh, Elizabeth Darcy. She recognizes the man but has no memories of the last several days.
How did she come to be in Scotland?
What has happened to Lydia?
Questions remain at the end of the story:
1. Is Mr. Bennet sick?
2. What did the future bring to the couples in the double wedding?
3. Will Lydia have consequences from her fling with Wickham?
This author has written several multi-part stories and enough is left open here to support a sequel,
Imagine if you were to awaken next to a man, wearing a wedding ring and remember nothing of the man – or the wedding. This is the dilemma facing Elizabeth Bennet – uh, Elizabeth Darcy. She recognizes the man but has no memories of the last several days.
How did she come to be in Scotland?
What has happened to Lydia?
Questions remain at the end of the story:
1. Is Mr. Bennet sick?
2. What did the future bring to the couples in the double wedding?
3. Will Lydia have consequences from her fling with Wickham?
This author has written several multi-part stories and enough is left open here to support a sequel,
September 7, 2021
I cannot offer much of anything other reviewers haven't already said about how fun AND pleasant it was to see a long story from the author. The book is a prime example how skilled the author is and the story is one of her best.
I really enjoyed the offbeat romancing and having the romance occur in Scotland.
I believe most everyone will enjoy the story immensely. Read it.
I really enjoyed the offbeat romancing and having the romance occur in Scotland.
I believe most everyone will enjoy the story immensely. Read it.
January 28, 2021
"Intelligence gathered by one eye quickly required the confirmation of a second eye, followed by a squawk of surprise as her entire body pushed and shoved a retreat from the other body inhabiting the bed with her!"
This was very fun.
The Whisky Wedding (2016, Elizabeth Ann West) by Elizabeth Ann West, is a standalone romance set in the Regency period in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice world. I recently enjoyed two of Ms. West's other P&P variations, and I knew that my Goodreads friends' reviews for this story were positive, so I was looking forward to reading this one.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
The heroine: In this variation, the book opens with Elizabeth Bennet waking up next to Mr. Darcy… married… and unfortunately, suffering from memory loss. The book then flashes back to Elizabeth's family receiving the news of Lydia running away (as in canon), followed by Elizabeth assisting in the search for Lydia (not in canon) by way of Gretna Green, and eventually, the reader is returned to an echo of the opening scene. There's a little bit of a Groundhog Day element to this story, or rather, according to some GR friends, 50 First Dates.
The hero: Mr. Darcy happens to have stopped at the same inn as Elizabeth in Scotland, and so comes to her aid when she experiences difficulties on her mission to find out whether Lydia and Wickham have already married. They marry, but then Elizabeth experiences memory loss from some combination of a head injury and whisky. Poor Mr. Darcy! Imagine being a newlywed, and every morning, your spouse doesn't remember marrying you!
Christian elements: I don't remember any references to God in this audiobook.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes, in that there's nothing explicit, but there is some talk of the marriage bed and of a brothel, so I'm not giving this one to my 14-year-old daughter.
Other content issues:
*
*
*
What I liked:
*Jane becomes more of an independent thinker in this variation.
*At the end of the audiobook, there's an interview with the author and the narrator discussing the process of creating (and narrating) the story. I thought it was worth listening to. :-)
*The closest I can come to a dislike is that there is, as some other reviewers have mentioned, some suspension of belief required. I don't think it's too bad, though. Elizabeth did not do a wise thing in leaving her aunt with only a footman to accompany her, but I can give this a hand wave because the stakes were pretty high for her.
Audiobook: No complaints! It was very well done.
***********
Other Recommendation(s): I certainly recommend Ms. West's Very Merry Mischief and To Capture Mr. Darcy.
I hope to read more by this author since, as far as I can see, it is likely that her other stories will be just as innovative - and clean.
This was very fun.
The Whisky Wedding (2016, Elizabeth Ann West) by Elizabeth Ann West, is a standalone romance set in the Regency period in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice world. I recently enjoyed two of Ms. West's other P&P variations, and I knew that my Goodreads friends' reviews for this story were positive, so I was looking forward to reading this one.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
The heroine: In this variation, the book opens with Elizabeth Bennet waking up next to Mr. Darcy… married… and unfortunately, suffering from memory loss. The book then flashes back to Elizabeth's family receiving the news of Lydia running away (as in canon), followed by Elizabeth assisting in the search for Lydia (not in canon) by way of Gretna Green, and eventually, the reader is returned to an echo of the opening scene. There's a little bit of a Groundhog Day element to this story, or rather, according to some GR friends, 50 First Dates.
The hero: Mr. Darcy happens to have stopped at the same inn as Elizabeth in Scotland, and so comes to her aid when she experiences difficulties on her mission to find out whether Lydia and Wickham have already married. They marry, but then Elizabeth experiences memory loss from some combination of a head injury and whisky. Poor Mr. Darcy! Imagine being a newlywed, and every morning, your spouse doesn't remember marrying you!
Christian elements: I don't remember any references to God in this audiobook.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes, in that there's nothing explicit, but there is some talk of the marriage bed and of a brothel, so I'm not giving this one to my 14-year-old daughter.
Other content issues:
*
*
*
What I liked:
*Jane becomes more of an independent thinker in this variation.
*At the end of the audiobook, there's an interview with the author and the narrator discussing the process of creating (and narrating) the story. I thought it was worth listening to. :-)
*The closest I can come to a dislike is that there is, as some other reviewers have mentioned, some suspension of belief required. I don't think it's too bad, though. Elizabeth did not do a wise thing in leaving her aunt with only a footman to accompany her, but I can give this a hand wave because the stakes were pretty high for her.
Audiobook: No complaints! It was very well done.
***********
Other Recommendation(s): I certainly recommend Ms. West's Very Merry Mischief and To Capture Mr. Darcy.
I hope to read more by this author since, as far as I can see, it is likely that her other stories will be just as innovative - and clean.
May 19, 2021
The Hangover & 50 first dates meets P&P
Synopsis:
Right off the bat the descriptive writing and enticing scenario draws you in: Lizzy wakes up in a hangover stupor. It is one of those,
*record scratch*
*freeze frame*
'Yup, that's me. You're probably wondering how I got into this situation'
We then backtrack to Longbourn in uproar, full on 'Situation room' crisis mode, as the Gardiners and the Bennets begin to sort out the information and deliberate on what ought to be done-Lydia has eloped!
This has occurred before Lizzy was set to travel to Derbyshire, so she is there
Mr B & Mr G decide that they will go straight to London which Lizzy thinks is a mistake, she believes someone should go north to Scotland incase Wicky and Lydia really did elope. Thus Lizzy proposes they should split up:
➳ Mr B, Mr G, & Jane look in London.
➳ Mrs G & Lizzy go north as if on trip to lakes, and instead go all the way to Scotland.
I love that, a protagonist being active & moving the plot as ought to be!
When Lizzy & Mrs G get to Scotland, Mrs G decides they have looked far enough and ought to return; she has all her kids with her and has to consider them too. Lizzy is not keen to have come so far and not properly scope the area, so she leaves a note, takes the manservant, and takes the post further north, which ends up in a wreck.
Lizzy is such a lightweight- I had second hand embarrassment for her- she keep taking shots of whisky even though she isn't accustomed to the spirit, and has a head injury, which is quite irresponsible. Darcy I will also allot some of the blame, as he sees she is out of sorts and offers her drinks and marries her while she in under the influence. Lizzy wakes up with no recollection of marrying Darcy, or even of how she came to run into him in Scotland- I thought my blackouts were bad!- However she decides to just go with it:
Meanwhile Jane will exert herself the most in scouring London for Lydia, while Mr B will be as indolent as can be expected:
I think the premiss was fabulous, and I don’t say any of this because I adore Whisky, although- cards on the table- I may have indulged some while reading,
Unfortunately the story had a decline in quality as it progressed that not even the 'water of life' could improve.
That Which Sparked Joy:
♡Premiss fresh and what an exciting stage in P&P to be dropped into: the panic when Lydia’s flight was known, the uncertainty of where to look- not the most common landing point- that distinction belongs to MA & Hunsford proposal disaster- but tis truly a spot rife with exploitable variables.
♡How Elizabeth takes charge and moves the plot, that-a-girl! Too many JAFFs feature passive protagonists
♡Jane being dishonest in the most honest manner and for a worthy cause- what a queen!
♡Ms West bothers to zero in on those small details that set a scene alight in a reader minds.
♡Jane x Col Fitz- they were way more interesting than ODC.
That Which Courted Disdain:
✗Lizzy’s & Darcy’s characterization felt askew overall. Their scenes vacillated between cringe-y & tedious, i.e. Lizzy giggles a lot and over nothing that she comes off insipid, Darcy is just not recognizable.
✗The servant perspective; necessary to story? There is this scene with Lizzy discussing her mistress duties with the housekeeper in Scotland. It is such a pointless, tedious scene, it serves no purpose.
✗ Often a characters full name is added to the speech tag needlessly and repeatedly, i.e. ‘Elizabeth Darcy said.. Madeline Gardiner said, etc. I think I know Lizzy’s full name, don't need the memo.
✗Language & dialogue anachronistic at times.
The Brass Tacks:
➭ Man, the beginning was so promising, up to 30%, I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was: it had an active protagonist, intrigue, action, a fresh premiss; then it just started to unravel increasingly.
The main issue lies with lame ODC relationship- their interactions are awkward and off character- some conversations felt weird, moth riddled, very odd jumps in topic and dialogue. Some editing and focus would have done this yarn wonders. The 3 stars is chiefly awarded to the saving graces of the story: Jane x Col Fitz dynamic and the first 30%- otherwise this yarn would be a 1.
P.S. I leave you with some JAFF Bingo.
Synopsis:
Right off the bat the descriptive writing and enticing scenario draws you in: Lizzy wakes up in a hangover stupor. It is one of those,
*record scratch*
*freeze frame*
'Yup, that's me. You're probably wondering how I got into this situation'
We then backtrack to Longbourn in uproar, full on 'Situation room' crisis mode, as the Gardiners and the Bennets begin to sort out the information and deliberate on what ought to be done-Lydia has eloped!
This has occurred before Lizzy was set to travel to Derbyshire, so she is there
Mr B & Mr G decide that they will go straight to London which Lizzy thinks is a mistake, she believes someone should go north to Scotland incase Wicky and Lydia really did elope. Thus Lizzy proposes they should split up:
➳ Mr B, Mr G, & Jane look in London.
➳ Mrs G & Lizzy go north as if on trip to lakes, and instead go all the way to Scotland.
I love that, a protagonist being active & moving the plot as ought to be!
When Lizzy & Mrs G get to Scotland, Mrs G decides they have looked far enough and ought to return; she has all her kids with her and has to consider them too. Lizzy is not keen to have come so far and not properly scope the area, so she leaves a note, takes the manservant, and takes the post further north, which ends up in a wreck.
Lizzy is such a lightweight- I had second hand embarrassment for her- she keep taking shots of whisky even though she isn't accustomed to the spirit, and has a head injury, which is quite irresponsible. Darcy I will also allot some of the blame, as he sees she is out of sorts and offers her drinks and marries her while she in under the influence. Lizzy wakes up with no recollection of marrying Darcy, or even of how she came to run into him in Scotland- I thought my blackouts were bad!- However she decides to just go with it:
Meanwhile Jane will exert herself the most in scouring London for Lydia, while Mr B will be as indolent as can be expected:
I think the premiss was fabulous, and I don’t say any of this because I adore Whisky, although- cards on the table- I may have indulged some while reading,
Unfortunately the story had a decline in quality as it progressed that not even the 'water of life' could improve.
That Which Sparked Joy:
♡Premiss fresh and what an exciting stage in P&P to be dropped into: the panic when Lydia’s flight was known, the uncertainty of where to look- not the most common landing point- that distinction belongs to MA & Hunsford proposal disaster- but tis truly a spot rife with exploitable variables.
♡How Elizabeth takes charge and moves the plot, that-a-girl! Too many JAFFs feature passive protagonists
♡Jane being dishonest in the most honest manner and for a worthy cause- what a queen!
♡Ms West bothers to zero in on those small details that set a scene alight in a reader minds.
♡Jane x Col Fitz- they were way more interesting than ODC.
That Which Courted Disdain:
✗Lizzy’s & Darcy’s characterization felt askew overall. Their scenes vacillated between cringe-y & tedious, i.e. Lizzy giggles a lot and over nothing that she comes off insipid, Darcy is just not recognizable.
✗The servant perspective; necessary to story? There is this scene with Lizzy discussing her mistress duties with the housekeeper in Scotland. It is such a pointless, tedious scene, it serves no purpose.
✗ Often a characters full name is added to the speech tag needlessly and repeatedly, i.e. ‘Elizabeth Darcy said.. Madeline Gardiner said, etc. I think I know Lizzy’s full name, don't need the memo.
✗Language & dialogue anachronistic at times.
The Brass Tacks:
➭ Man, the beginning was so promising, up to 30%, I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was: it had an active protagonist, intrigue, action, a fresh premiss; then it just started to unravel increasingly.
The main issue lies with lame ODC relationship- their interactions are awkward and off character- some conversations felt weird, moth riddled, very odd jumps in topic and dialogue. Some editing and focus would have done this yarn wonders. The 3 stars is chiefly awarded to the saving graces of the story: Jane x Col Fitz dynamic and the first 30%- otherwise this yarn would be a 1.
P.S. I leave you with some JAFF Bingo.
May 30, 2019
My Rating: 3.5*
What if Elizabeth hadn't left yet with the Gardiners on their trip to the Peak District when Colonel Forster arrives with the grim news that Lydia and Wickham have eloped? What if Elizabeth convinces her father and the Gardiners to search for them not only in London but also on the way to Gretna Green? This story explores these two scenarios and personally, I found the London search much more compelling than the one in Scotland!
Why, you may ask? For me, Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner and her children going off on their own without a male family member for protection was the first, and various other situations arose making me suspend belief too many times. I realize sometimes we have to suspend belief, which I usually do not have a problem with, but needless to say, it did under these circumstances. However, this is only my humble opinion, as others have thoroughly enjoyed this scenario.
As for the search in London, Jane is involved. And let me tell you, I loved this Jane! This is a Jane who comes to realize her own worth and definitely has her eyes opened regarding her family and others. Yes, there are some 'suspend belief' moments, but here I wasn't as bothered by them. I have no idea why!
"This would very likely be her future, day after day of setbacks but never surrendering. She would take comfort in the tiny pieces of joy that life still offered." (quote from the book)
I couldn't get enough of this Jane and like another reviewer, Wosedwew, I believe there are enough unanswered questions/possibilities for a sequel which I would definitely read.
Overall, I liked the story as it opened up new possibilities, especially for some of the secondary characters.
August 19, 2017
A wonderful variation of Pride and Prejudice in which Elizabeth goes off in search of Lydia after Wickham and she elope. While Jane, Uncle Gardiner, and Mr. Bennet head to London, Mrs. Gardiner, the children, and Elizabeth travel to Gretna Green to see if the couple had truly eloped to Scotland.
Once in Gretna Green and with no sign of her sister or the despised Wickham, Elizabeth leaves her aunt, who is determined to return to England, and travels to the next few towns in Scotland in case Lydia and Wickham went farther to marry. While traveling, her carriage had a serious accident, resulting in the death of a child, and Elizabeth is seriously injured. Mr. Darcy finds her as he is staying a short way away at his Scottish estate, and he whisks her away, not realizing how very injured she is. And the story goes on from there.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Darcy in this one, and Elizabeth meets him with every intention of apologizing for her horrible rejection of his proposals at Hunsford. So they are both in love with each other (Darcy more than Elizabeth, but she catches up quickly). The main problem is his family when they return to London...and her family, too, actually.
The "bad guy" who isn't truly "bad" is Lady Matlock who is trying to patch up Georgiana's debacle at Ramsgate, Lydia's botched elopement, and Darcy and Elizabeth's actual elopement. But she goes about it badly, disproving of all of the Bennets (some with good reason!) and alienating Darcy, Elizabeth, and the Colonel in the process.
I couldn't put this one down--really wonderful!!!
Once in Gretna Green and with no sign of her sister or the despised Wickham, Elizabeth leaves her aunt, who is determined to return to England, and travels to the next few towns in Scotland in case Lydia and Wickham went farther to marry. While traveling, her carriage had a serious accident, resulting in the death of a child, and Elizabeth is seriously injured. Mr. Darcy finds her as he is staying a short way away at his Scottish estate, and he whisks her away, not realizing how very injured she is. And the story goes on from there.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Darcy in this one, and Elizabeth meets him with every intention of apologizing for her horrible rejection of his proposals at Hunsford. So they are both in love with each other (Darcy more than Elizabeth, but she catches up quickly). The main problem is his family when they return to London...and her family, too, actually.
The "bad guy" who isn't truly "bad" is Lady Matlock who is trying to patch up Georgiana's debacle at Ramsgate, Lydia's botched elopement, and Darcy and Elizabeth's actual elopement. But she goes about it badly, disproving of all of the Bennets (some with good reason!) and alienating Darcy, Elizabeth, and the Colonel in the process.
I couldn't put this one down--really wonderful!!!
July 27, 2020
There was too much happening in this book in a very WTF way.
I didn't like E&D, they didn't feel believable or in canon but they weren't to much OOC so I experienced an annoying in between vibe. Their interactions weren't funny or endearing and even after they married they kept thinking badly on each other but didn't discuss it, so it burst out every time they fought.
I liked Jane and Col. Fitzwilliam, and enjoyed their plot. Some of the other characters acted weird and irrationally but not in a good way
I also thought the way the Darcys spoke to and in front of their servants was odd and extremely inappropriate
Still it was:
1. An action packed story
2. An original plot
3. I really liked this Jane
4. I did finish it
So 3 and a half stars it is.
I didn't like E&D, they didn't feel believable or in canon but they weren't to much OOC so I experienced an annoying in between vibe. Their interactions weren't funny or endearing and even after they married they kept thinking badly on each other but didn't discuss it, so it burst out every time they fought.
I liked Jane and Col. Fitzwilliam, and enjoyed their plot. Some of the other characters acted weird and irrationally but not in a good way
I also thought the way the Darcys spoke to and in front of their servants was odd and extremely inappropriate
Still it was:
1. An action packed story
2. An original plot
3. I really liked this Jane
4. I did finish it
So 3 and a half stars it is.
July 20, 2020
I want to like this Pride and Prejudice variation, because I do like the premise, at least the premise for the beginning of the book. It's different, it's intriguing, and even where the story is a bit unbelievable, it's romantic. But it could have ended about a third of the way through.
This story goes on, and while I usually love long novels, there has to be a story there that holds my interest and concludes at a reasonable point. I put the book down for over a week, once I was about 60% through it. There are interesting things about the later part of the book, enough for another story, but the latter half goes on too long, with many things shown that could be told, and many things told in ways that are difficult to follow.
There aren't many typos, but the sentence structures and use of punctuation are frequently so bad that I had to stop and reread to understand a passage, and in a few cases that did no good at all, because it turned out to be incomprehensible. Editing a story of this length is a lot of work, I know, but maybe that's another argument for shortening it to what really makes it compelling.
Again, perhaps there is just too much story here, as well as too much padding. It might have been better to cut out much of the padding and turn this into two, more streamlined novels, one for each of the romances.
I suppose, for a reader like me, who makes a point of reading nearly every P&P variation that comes along, it makes sense to read this one. That's the main reason I finished it. But otherwise I don't recommend it. It doesn't feel finished, to me.
This story goes on, and while I usually love long novels, there has to be a story there that holds my interest and concludes at a reasonable point. I put the book down for over a week, once I was about 60% through it. There are interesting things about the later part of the book, enough for another story, but the latter half goes on too long, with many things shown that could be told, and many things told in ways that are difficult to follow.
There aren't many typos, but the sentence structures and use of punctuation are frequently so bad that I had to stop and reread to understand a passage, and in a few cases that did no good at all, because it turned out to be incomprehensible. Editing a story of this length is a lot of work, I know, but maybe that's another argument for shortening it to what really makes it compelling.
Again, perhaps there is just too much story here, as well as too much padding. It might have been better to cut out much of the padding and turn this into two, more streamlined novels, one for each of the romances.
I suppose, for a reader like me, who makes a point of reading nearly every P&P variation that comes along, it makes sense to read this one. That's the main reason I finished it. But otherwise I don't recommend it. It doesn't feel finished, to me.
September 28, 2017
Didn't finish this one.
June 13, 2020
Never be agonized reading a book before as I stayed with this reading, not because the plot is bad or the plot has uncomfortable mistakes, but simply because I'm one of those who decides to read and does not observe the amount pages. Honestly, I thought it would never end, it was distressing. But it's a sensational story.
Never though, what I could point out is Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam as a couple, I can't, as developed as it is, to visualize these two together as a couple (and not because Bingley might be a better choice, we know that most of the time Bingley leaves much to be desired).
Never though, what I could point out is Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam as a couple, I can't, as developed as it is, to visualize these two together as a couple (and not because Bingley might be a better choice, we know that most of the time Bingley leaves much to be desired).
January 3, 2017
I loved the premise of the story. Elizabeth woke up next to a man she had married, but has no memory of the event. Oops. It leaves a lot of room for misunderstandings, angst and heartbreak, but for a lot or fun as well. This time D&E had a difficult path to happiness (when is it easy with these two?), but they learn to compromise and trust each other on their way. They make mistakes, and their reactions are unreasonable and emotional, but that makes them more human.
The twist on Lydia's fate was, in my opinion more realistic than the canon one. I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane. They are both strong and brave characters, I couldn't get enough of them!
Mr. Bennet was at his worst in this variation, avoiding responsibility and not willing to learn from his mistakes. But it's one of the extremes of this character's personality, and it worked for me.
There is a lot of angst, painful secrets and uncertainty, but private moments between ODC (or rather couples) fully make up for it. They are sweet and swoon-worthy..
To sum up: the villains get punished and the lovers get their HEA. The way I like my JAFF stories.
I loved it.
The twist on Lydia's fate was, in my opinion more realistic than the canon one. I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane. They are both strong and brave characters, I couldn't get enough of them!
Mr. Bennet was at his worst in this variation, avoiding responsibility and not willing to learn from his mistakes. But it's one of the extremes of this character's personality, and it worked for me.
There is a lot of angst, painful secrets and uncertainty, but private moments between ODC (or rather couples) fully make up for it. They are sweet and swoon-worthy..
To sum up: the villains get punished and the lovers get their HEA. The way I like my JAFF stories.
I loved it.
June 26, 2024
3.5 stars. I'm not quite sure about this book. Some of it was appealing and others quite improbable and at times even plain stupid. Since I can't describe without spoilers, I'll leave it at that.
January 29, 2017
The Whisky Wedding: A Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet Story
To me this was a happy variation of Pride and Prejudice. This story takes place after wicked Wickham absconded with stupid Lydia from Brighton. The summer trip to the Peak and Lake Region of Derbyshire was cancelled due to Lydia's unfortunate behavior. Traveling to London with her uncle, Jane vows to find Lydia regardless of her father's lackadaisical attitude for finding her. Lizzy, her aunt and cousins take off for Greta Green hoping to stop the two before marrying. Finding no trace of them, Lizzy decides to travel to the next town including search of her sister taking one of the Gardiners' footman with her. The mail coach in which she and Peter were traveling has an accident overturning the coach. One dead and many injured, including Lizzy and Peter, have to walk to Grey Sheep Inn. Pushing her way through the overcrowded inn to the desk, she is told that there is no room available. Lizzy freezes where she stands when a gentleman requests his team of horses to complete his journey farther north. When she calls his name, as Darcy turns she notices that he has lost weight and his eyes blackened by lack of sleep. He looks at her like he's a ghost. The inn keeper tells him that the horses requested were given to another party. Unhappy that at his requested horses are not there, he invites Lizzy to join him for a meal. When she requests a meal for Peter, Darcy responds that he will have the innkeeper throw him some scraps, Lizzy's eyebrow rises and Darcy realizes that he reverted to his condescending manner which he adjusts rapidly. He realizes that she has been hurt in the carriage accident because she cannot seem to speak and recall much since the accident . When he examines her wound, he and asks for Whiskey to drink. Before he can tell her to sip and not gulp, Lizzy swallows too much and the burn sets her to coughing. After her second glass, Darcy tells her no more and finally agrees to accompany Darcy to Broadmeadows, his estate in Scotland. He goes to make arrangements for his horses and coach and when he returns Lizzy has fallen asleep resting against the wall. He and Peter try to wake her with no luck. After waking for several days and not remembering anything since the accident, Lizzy has her maid, Fiona, help write out the information Darcy keeps asking her. When she forgets one important factor, he realizes that she is not well enough to travel to London. After a couple of days, they travel to Gretna Green where she left her aunt and cousins. They have left and returned to London. Before returning to Broadmeadows, they eat at the inn and she requests whiskey to drink. Darcy renews his offer of marriage, she accepts, and they are married over the anvil. In London, dear Jane and her uncle are still searching for Lydia while her father reads in Gardiner's library. Bennet convinces Gardiner to stop searching, but does not know that when Jane leaves her uncle's home, she is really searching for her sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam, acting for Darcy, sets out to locate the pair. What he finds out is not good at all, but Jane refuses to let her suffer Wickham's treachery. Rescued by the colonel and Jane, Lydia has not learned her lesson at all. When Lizzy gets to London, she and Jane make her understand her peril. To flush Wickham out of hiding, a plan is hatched. Working, Wickham invades Darcy House and threatens Jane and the Countess. Grabbing a fireplace poker, Jane holds him back when three feet footmen tackle him. Tied in a chair, Fitzwilliam has a field day on his face. Wickham looks his best with blood, bruises, and missing teeth. If looks could kill, Darcy's two aunt's and Uncle would be dead in his study. When he tells them of his wedding his uncle tells him that they can have it annulled. They sure know how to make Darcy angry and turn a reddish-purple hue. They agree to a ball and marriage in the church of England. Mrs Bennet invites herself to London just to annoy everyone else. When Colonel Fitzwilliam dances three sets with Jane, the Countess is furious. But love has its way especially when the Earl of Matlock helps his second son. A double wedding is planned and Darcy and Elizabeth take Kitty and Mary to Pemberley for Georgiana's sake. Come to find out, Georgiana and Lydia had more in common with George Wickham than Darcy or Fitzwilliam knew. Darcy realizes very quickly that Elizabeth knows best. The girls bond quickly, and Darcy and Elizabeth continue to bond even during the day even without any more fine whiskey.
To me this was a happy variation of Pride and Prejudice. This story takes place after wicked Wickham absconded with stupid Lydia from Brighton. The summer trip to the Peak and Lake Region of Derbyshire was cancelled due to Lydia's unfortunate behavior. Traveling to London with her uncle, Jane vows to find Lydia regardless of her father's lackadaisical attitude for finding her. Lizzy, her aunt and cousins take off for Greta Green hoping to stop the two before marrying. Finding no trace of them, Lizzy decides to travel to the next town including search of her sister taking one of the Gardiners' footman with her. The mail coach in which she and Peter were traveling has an accident overturning the coach. One dead and many injured, including Lizzy and Peter, have to walk to Grey Sheep Inn. Pushing her way through the overcrowded inn to the desk, she is told that there is no room available. Lizzy freezes where she stands when a gentleman requests his team of horses to complete his journey farther north. When she calls his name, as Darcy turns she notices that he has lost weight and his eyes blackened by lack of sleep. He looks at her like he's a ghost. The inn keeper tells him that the horses requested were given to another party. Unhappy that at his requested horses are not there, he invites Lizzy to join him for a meal. When she requests a meal for Peter, Darcy responds that he will have the innkeeper throw him some scraps, Lizzy's eyebrow rises and Darcy realizes that he reverted to his condescending manner which he adjusts rapidly. He realizes that she has been hurt in the carriage accident because she cannot seem to speak and recall much since the accident . When he examines her wound, he and asks for Whiskey to drink. Before he can tell her to sip and not gulp, Lizzy swallows too much and the burn sets her to coughing. After her second glass, Darcy tells her no more and finally agrees to accompany Darcy to Broadmeadows, his estate in Scotland. He goes to make arrangements for his horses and coach and when he returns Lizzy has fallen asleep resting against the wall. He and Peter try to wake her with no luck. After waking for several days and not remembering anything since the accident, Lizzy has her maid, Fiona, help write out the information Darcy keeps asking her. When she forgets one important factor, he realizes that she is not well enough to travel to London. After a couple of days, they travel to Gretna Green where she left her aunt and cousins. They have left and returned to London. Before returning to Broadmeadows, they eat at the inn and she requests whiskey to drink. Darcy renews his offer of marriage, she accepts, and they are married over the anvil. In London, dear Jane and her uncle are still searching for Lydia while her father reads in Gardiner's library. Bennet convinces Gardiner to stop searching, but does not know that when Jane leaves her uncle's home, she is really searching for her sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam, acting for Darcy, sets out to locate the pair. What he finds out is not good at all, but Jane refuses to let her suffer Wickham's treachery. Rescued by the colonel and Jane, Lydia has not learned her lesson at all. When Lizzy gets to London, she and Jane make her understand her peril. To flush Wickham out of hiding, a plan is hatched. Working, Wickham invades Darcy House and threatens Jane and the Countess. Grabbing a fireplace poker, Jane holds him back when three feet footmen tackle him. Tied in a chair, Fitzwilliam has a field day on his face. Wickham looks his best with blood, bruises, and missing teeth. If looks could kill, Darcy's two aunt's and Uncle would be dead in his study. When he tells them of his wedding his uncle tells him that they can have it annulled. They sure know how to make Darcy angry and turn a reddish-purple hue. They agree to a ball and marriage in the church of England. Mrs Bennet invites herself to London just to annoy everyone else. When Colonel Fitzwilliam dances three sets with Jane, the Countess is furious. But love has its way especially when the Earl of Matlock helps his second son. A double wedding is planned and Darcy and Elizabeth take Kitty and Mary to Pemberley for Georgiana's sake. Come to find out, Georgiana and Lydia had more in common with George Wickham than Darcy or Fitzwilliam knew. Darcy realizes very quickly that Elizabeth knows best. The girls bond quickly, and Darcy and Elizabeth continue to bond even during the day even without any more fine whiskey.
September 25, 2017
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Whiskey Wedding: A Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Story of Adventure, Trials and Tribulations
Bymaryannon August 6, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I thought this was a very enjoyable novel to read. The plot was different and there were many twists and turns that made this novel interesting.
I won't go into the plot as to not ruin it for others but some of the characters portrayed were different from the way they are normally portrayed.
Jane Bennet for example is always quite shy and quiet and find the good in everyone but in this novel, she more outgoing and stands up to her father and goes with the Colonel into a brothel looking for her sister and acts on her retrieval boldly. Jane also stands up to the Countess Fitzwilliam and that takes courage which Jane really never had. She also was very forth coming when declaring herself to the Colonel.
Elizabeth Bennet naturally is always outgoing, voices her opinion and sometimes gets her mouth in trouble. She follows through with her boldness when she convinced everyone she should go with her aunt to Greta Green to find her sister, leave a note when she got there and then take the footman and go with him further.
Elizabeth also was sneaky when she wrote down what she needed to convince Darcy that she remembered things when she didn't.
I think the author wrote Mr. Bennet the way he was with his family normally and that was to read, lock himself up and not pay attention to his daughters so he wouldn't be bothered.
I wondered if Mr. Bennet was sick by the way the author keep writing that he had a cough and drank to quiet his cough???!!!!
Darcy truly loved Elizabeth and it showed in the author's writing however Elizabeth loved him but at the time with her head injury was surprised when she woke up married and didn't know to who and who gave her the ring.
Mrs. Bennet was portrayed as usual so nothing changed for her in the novel. Kitty and Mary were pretty much the same as always.
Georgianna reveals her problem Lydia when they meet. This was an interesting part of the novel when Darcy and his sister talk about her problem with Wickham.
I loved the part when Wickham got what he deserved for his way that he ruined so many lives.
The whiskey drinking was a great part of the novel and the way Lizzy acted and was brave enough to down it more than once.
I thought the author did a great job describing Bingley and his weaknesses and Jane's bravery to go for the Colonel.
Love and happiness endured in the end with our two couples finding their spouses that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with in the end.
Bymaryannon August 6, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I thought this was a very enjoyable novel to read. The plot was different and there were many twists and turns that made this novel interesting.
I won't go into the plot as to not ruin it for others but some of the characters portrayed were different from the way they are normally portrayed.
Jane Bennet for example is always quite shy and quiet and find the good in everyone but in this novel, she more outgoing and stands up to her father and goes with the Colonel into a brothel looking for her sister and acts on her retrieval boldly. Jane also stands up to the Countess Fitzwilliam and that takes courage which Jane really never had. She also was very forth coming when declaring herself to the Colonel.
Elizabeth Bennet naturally is always outgoing, voices her opinion and sometimes gets her mouth in trouble. She follows through with her boldness when she convinced everyone she should go with her aunt to Greta Green to find her sister, leave a note when she got there and then take the footman and go with him further.
Elizabeth also was sneaky when she wrote down what she needed to convince Darcy that she remembered things when she didn't.
I think the author wrote Mr. Bennet the way he was with his family normally and that was to read, lock himself up and not pay attention to his daughters so he wouldn't be bothered.
I wondered if Mr. Bennet was sick by the way the author keep writing that he had a cough and drank to quiet his cough???!!!!
Darcy truly loved Elizabeth and it showed in the author's writing however Elizabeth loved him but at the time with her head injury was surprised when she woke up married and didn't know to who and who gave her the ring.
Mrs. Bennet was portrayed as usual so nothing changed for her in the novel. Kitty and Mary were pretty much the same as always.
Georgianna reveals her problem Lydia when they meet. This was an interesting part of the novel when Darcy and his sister talk about her problem with Wickham.
I loved the part when Wickham got what he deserved for his way that he ruined so many lives.
The whiskey drinking was a great part of the novel and the way Lizzy acted and was brave enough to down it more than once.
I thought the author did a great job describing Bingley and his weaknesses and Jane's bravery to go for the Colonel.
Love and happiness endured in the end with our two couples finding their spouses that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with in the end.
January 1, 2017
So to start off I really enjoyed this book. It's sort of a forced marriage book but not really. I mean she consented to the marriage she was just drunk at the time and had a head injury so she forgot about it the next morning. Of course by the end of the book she still doesn't remember their over the anvil wedding but it's ok as they get remarried on English soil towards the end of the book. An added bonus in this book is that Jane didn't end up with the easily led Mr. Bingley. I loved who she ended up with. I will read this book again in the future that is for certain.
September 15, 2019
Different but engaging
This story is quite the page turner, it keeps you wishing nothing interrupts while you're reading. It has romance, of course,but also adventure, intrigue, dashing men and exceptional women.
Read it!
This story is quite the page turner, it keeps you wishing nothing interrupts while you're reading. It has romance, of course,but also adventure, intrigue, dashing men and exceptional women.
Read it!
October 5, 2022
4 stars Amazon, 2.5 rounded to 3 stars Good Reads rating system
May 8, 2020
2.5 rounded up. The first half or so of this book was pretty good. The second half at times was far too unbelievable with characters I didn’t recognize but for their names and events and behaviors that were so far from acceptable for this time period. I’m okay with a little bit of stretching, but when it borders on the ridiculous I get frustrated. If setting was more modern, I would be much more satisfied with this story.
December 31, 2016
The Whisky Wedding
Loved this book, one of the best ever and since 2004 I have read lots of P and P variations. 5 stars from me, couldn't put it down. Well written Elizabeth Ann West x
Loved this book, one of the best ever and since 2004 I have read lots of P and P variations. 5 stars from me, couldn't put it down. Well written Elizabeth Ann West x
January 8, 2017
A toast of Whiskey to this wonderful story!
A truly diverting P&P variation by Elizabeth Ann West. Interesting plot twists, indulgence of Whiskey, and an overall fantastic book. Highly recommend it!
A truly diverting P&P variation by Elizabeth Ann West. Interesting plot twists, indulgence of Whiskey, and an overall fantastic book. Highly recommend it!
January 27, 2018
I loved it!
One of my favourite JAFF authors. I have almost all of her books and this does not disappoint.
I especially like her ability to write with passion and still keep it clean.
Sweet, romantic, passionate and low angst.
I heartily recommend this book.
One of my favourite JAFF authors. I have almost all of her books and this does not disappoint.
I especially like her ability to write with passion and still keep it clean.
Sweet, romantic, passionate and low angst.
I heartily recommend this book.
February 19, 2025
Strange and confusing...
Mrs Gardiner takes her children and Elizabeth North on a quest to find Lydia and Wickham with nothing but a young boy/footman as protection. Why not leave the children at Longbourn? Why not return the children to London and their nurse(s)? Why doesn't Mr Bennet go North with Elizabeth, while the Gardiners search London?
Elizabeth is involved in a carriage accident where she is mildly injured and one other person is killed. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, she jumped in and out of several carriages with no ill effects. Yet a week later (I'm guessing - the timeline is not clear) she experienced a panic attack when trying to board another carriage. Mr Darcy tried to justify the panic attack as a result of her memory returning, yet she never forgot the accident. She referenced the dead body on more than one occasion.
Elizabeth is a weird mix of boldness (while ignoring propriety) in some moments and shyness in others. The same can be said for Jane and Georgie.
Jane is shy in following Elizabeth, but bold in defying her father and running about London searching for Lydia and putting herself in danger. She is shy in pursuit of Bingley, but bold in following Colonel F.
Georgie was taken in by Wickham's false flattery, yet bold enough to send Bingley and his sister away.
IMO the story does not flow naturally - it just feels false.
Mrs Gardiner takes her children and Elizabeth North on a quest to find Lydia and Wickham with nothing but a young boy/footman as protection. Why not leave the children at Longbourn? Why not return the children to London and their nurse(s)? Why doesn't Mr Bennet go North with Elizabeth, while the Gardiners search London?
Elizabeth is involved in a carriage accident where she is mildly injured and one other person is killed. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, she jumped in and out of several carriages with no ill effects. Yet a week later (I'm guessing - the timeline is not clear) she experienced a panic attack when trying to board another carriage. Mr Darcy tried to justify the panic attack as a result of her memory returning, yet she never forgot the accident. She referenced the dead body on more than one occasion.
Elizabeth is a weird mix of boldness (while ignoring propriety) in some moments and shyness in others. The same can be said for Jane and Georgie.
Jane is shy in following Elizabeth, but bold in defying her father and running about London searching for Lydia and putting herself in danger. She is shy in pursuit of Bingley, but bold in following Colonel F.
Georgie was taken in by Wickham's false flattery, yet bold enough to send Bingley and his sister away.
IMO the story does not flow naturally - it just feels false.
August 21, 2017
A very interesting take on a classic
I am an ardent admirer of Jane Austen and all things Pride And Prejudice. When I first began reading, I mistakenly thought this was a play on the movie, Fifty First Dates. But after Elizabeth recovered her memory, the book took a slightly dark turn, in addressing the criminal acts of Wickam and his victims, Lydia and Georgiana. Austen lived in a time when such things were not addressed, and I'm sure that even her account of a hasty wedding was considered scandalous.
But the overall time of this book, through the twists of shock and disappointment, is love. The love of Elizabeth and Jane, and their willingness to fight for sisters to immature to realize their luck, a willingness to defend an often disappointing father; a love of an older brother for a sister he didn't realize had been more damaged than he let himself believe; a new love for Jane, who learns that there is life (and strength) after Mr. Bingley; and most of all, the love of Mr and Mrs Darcy, who get to move beyond the engagement where Austen left them, and find their footing as husband and wife.
I am an ardent admirer of Jane Austen and all things Pride And Prejudice. When I first began reading, I mistakenly thought this was a play on the movie, Fifty First Dates. But after Elizabeth recovered her memory, the book took a slightly dark turn, in addressing the criminal acts of Wickam and his victims, Lydia and Georgiana. Austen lived in a time when such things were not addressed, and I'm sure that even her account of a hasty wedding was considered scandalous.
But the overall time of this book, through the twists of shock and disappointment, is love. The love of Elizabeth and Jane, and their willingness to fight for sisters to immature to realize their luck, a willingness to defend an often disappointing father; a love of an older brother for a sister he didn't realize had been more damaged than he let himself believe; a new love for Jane, who learns that there is life (and strength) after Mr. Bingley; and most of all, the love of Mr and Mrs Darcy, who get to move beyond the engagement where Austen left them, and find their footing as husband and wife.
August 31, 2017
It was a quick, light read, even though I was only able to find time to read it in spurts. As far as fan fiction goes, this is one of the more palatable Austen adaptations I have read, but it still felt lacking in something, though I could never put my finger on just what it was.
Aside from the unfortunate Mr. Bennett and Mr. Bingley, all of the secondary characters were made stronger in personality and resolution. Because we spend time in both Lizzie's and Darcy's head, hearing their self-doubts and private thoughts, they seemed to emerge as a more modernized version of the pair we all know and love.
There are several places where this unfolds as a darker tale than Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice;' perhaps that divergence from what Austen once described as "too light, and bright, and sparkling" is what ultimately bothered me? For Austen meant the inclusion of some "sense...or...solemn specious nonsense" to serve as a contrast to the playfulness and pithy remarks. This work seems to have lost most of the cleverness of Lizzie and Darcy found in the original while adding elements of death, danger and dishonor.
Aside from the unfortunate Mr. Bennett and Mr. Bingley, all of the secondary characters were made stronger in personality and resolution. Because we spend time in both Lizzie's and Darcy's head, hearing their self-doubts and private thoughts, they seemed to emerge as a more modernized version of the pair we all know and love.
There are several places where this unfolds as a darker tale than Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice;' perhaps that divergence from what Austen once described as "too light, and bright, and sparkling" is what ultimately bothered me? For Austen meant the inclusion of some "sense...or...solemn specious nonsense" to serve as a contrast to the playfulness and pithy remarks. This work seems to have lost most of the cleverness of Lizzie and Darcy found in the original while adding elements of death, danger and dishonor.
September 6, 2017
I wasn't even going to review this book, but then decided the reading public ought to know.
I purchased it (I think for $1.99) because it was listed on an ebook bargain email that I subscribe to and because I like Austen derivatives and alternatives. There are some good ones, (P. D. James' "Death Comes to Pemberley," for example), some clever ones ("Pride and Prejudice and Zombies") and some not so good ones (too numerous to mention them all).
This book falls into the last category. The initial premise -- that Elizabeth Bennett suffers from temporary amnesia -- seemed to borrow heavily from the movie "Fifty First Dates." The characters didn't seem to be "in character," though that's hardly novel for an alternative. And overall, it was just poorly written. Clunky sentence structure and several incidents of cringe-worthy bad grammar.
I didn't realize until toward the end that it was actually self-published fanfic, which explains why I kept thinking throughout that Ms. West could benefit from a good editor.
I did finish it, which says something. But I'll be much more careful to check out the publisher of any potential "bargains."
I purchased it (I think for $1.99) because it was listed on an ebook bargain email that I subscribe to and because I like Austen derivatives and alternatives. There are some good ones, (P. D. James' "Death Comes to Pemberley," for example), some clever ones ("Pride and Prejudice and Zombies") and some not so good ones (too numerous to mention them all).
This book falls into the last category. The initial premise -- that Elizabeth Bennett suffers from temporary amnesia -- seemed to borrow heavily from the movie "Fifty First Dates." The characters didn't seem to be "in character," though that's hardly novel for an alternative. And overall, it was just poorly written. Clunky sentence structure and several incidents of cringe-worthy bad grammar.
I didn't realize until toward the end that it was actually self-published fanfic, which explains why I kept thinking throughout that Ms. West could benefit from a good editor.
I did finish it, which says something. But I'll be much more careful to check out the publisher of any potential "bargains."
August 23, 2020
In this Pride and Prejudice variation Lydia elopes with Wickham before Lizzy and the Gardiners leave on their trip to the Lake District. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner rush to London to search for Lydia, and Jane joins them knowing her father isn't serious about searching. Lizzy convinces Mrs. Gardiner to travel to Scotland to search for Lydia there. After a carriage accident Lizzy is left stranded in Scotland and there she finds Darcy.
This dramatic variation leapt right into the action! It was a wild ride with event after event happening in quick succession. Lizzy already regretted rejecting Darcy when the story began, so the angst wasn't between the couple, but came from outside events. Lizzy and Darcy were fun versions of themselves and I loved this version of a take charge Jane.
I switched from the audio to the kindle version at about the 20% mark. The sample doesn't include the narration for male voices, but they were croaky. I would have preferred no attempt at a male voice, and it pulled me out of the story each time. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This dramatic variation leapt right into the action! It was a wild ride with event after event happening in quick succession. Lizzy already regretted rejecting Darcy when the story began, so the angst wasn't between the couple, but came from outside events. Lizzy and Darcy were fun versions of themselves and I loved this version of a take charge Jane.
I switched from the audio to the kindle version at about the 20% mark. The sample doesn't include the narration for male voices, but they were croaky. I would have preferred no attempt at a male voice, and it pulled me out of the story each time. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
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