Darcy's Unexpected Guest: a Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation

by Caroline Bryant

Miss Elizabeth Bennet was bent on disliking Fitzwilliam Darcy, but the arrival of an unexpected guest at Netherfield causes her to question her prejudice. What’s more, a would-be matchmaker seems determined to throw the pair together at every turn. But the path of true love was never easy. Dark secrets and malicious intent lurk in the wings, as another Netherfield resident plots to ruin our dear couple’s happiness. Can Darcy and Lizzy overcome the scandalous plot to keep them apart? Darcy’s Unexpected Guest is a sweet, clean regency variation novella.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2017

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute change in canon

This story started out with so much promise. Events were similar yet timing was changed secondary to a surprise guest at Netherfield. I love that in this story Elizabeth did not come under the influence of Mr Wickham!!!!! There was cause for Elizabeth to change her mind about Mr Darcy multiple times, which after awhile got a bit annoying. I'm also always amazed at no matter how much Mr Darcy does not like Miss Bingley, he still believes what she says that is demeaning to Elizabeth. I guess it's just throwing a log in the fire for the author!!!

Why I knocked it down a star was because the beginning was flowing and written well building the story up, but the second half seemed to be forced to end rather fast!!! I hate when authors do this. It's all build up then end quickly!!! Uuuuggghh!!!! I will say some of my frustration might not be bad for someone else so will recommend this (not wholeheartedly as I have other books) to any JAFFer!!!

[Katja]

The beginning differs from the canon in that Georgiana is also at Netherfield when Jane is ill there. Elizabeth has more a more amicable relationship with Darcy but it turns sour when she attempts to inform Darcy of a plot against him. Later they meet in Kent and there is a Disastrous Hunsford Proposal scene. For some reason, his explanatory letter is about Wickham, although the argument wasn't. Then they meet at Pemberley. This part felt a little rushed, several days go by and nary a thing about their interactions gets reported. There is an epilogue but the villains do not get much of a comeuppance.

Overall it was OK, a well-edited, harmless, low-angst novella.

Steam level: Nah.

[Anna Marie Ordonez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little story.

It's a harmless little story that starts out interesting with a nicely developing storyline and good character development as well. Then somewhere towards the middle the author appears to be in a hurry to finish. It has really good potential, just needs a slower hand.

[Camille Fiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Variation, Strange Title

Though it is true that Darcy does end up with an unexpected guest, that actually doesn't happen until near the end. In the mean time, you get a good look at Lizzy's anger, even as it dissipates. She has rejected an odious proposal or two but may be regretting one of them. What can she do now that she has come to know Mr Darcy is just the sort of man she would want?