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Darcy the Beast: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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A Jane Austen fairy tale. Beautiful Elizabeth Bennet thinks Mr. Darcy is a Beast - he is a proud, angry man, scarred by life - and she would never consent to living at his home, sacrificing her freedom, if her family's survival was not at stake. Her only solace is the handsome man she dreams of at night.

After years of searching, Darcy has found the one woman he wants and he will ask her every night to marry him, until she says yes.

Darcy the Beast is a Pride and Prejudice Variation, a mash up of Jane Austen's most beloved couple and the classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Follow along as Elizabeth discovers the true man behind the mask.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2017

35 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Jane Grix

43 books31 followers
I've been half in love with Mr. Darcy since I was twelve, although I'll admit, the first time I read Pride and Prejudice, I was totally taken in by Wickham. I was stunned when Mr. Darcy proposed (I guess I was reading too quickly to catch all the hints), and even more stunned when Wickham turned out to be a jerk. But by the end of the book I was completely smitten by Darcy. I am still smitten.

The best part about writing Jane Austen Variations is that I can relive those moments of discovery and watch Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy one more time.

All my books and short stories are standalone stories, each with a slightly different Darcy and Elizabeth.

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5 stars
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48 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
March 19, 2017
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Yoko Ono

I have always loved the story of Beauty and the Beast and was so excited to learn that there was a JAFF variation on that theme. How amazing that our dark and brooding Darcy was nicknamed the Beast. How delicious. His manner and his actions were so perfect for that role. The cover was AMAZING!!!

Caroline Bingley apparently has a limit and we found it in this story. Wickham reached a new low, even for him, and it was revealed to Elizabeth. That was one low-life-scum-bag-rat-droppings-sleaze of a man that has no honor or conscience. I loathe that character. My anger was also directed toward Mr. & Mrs. Bennet for their actions and inaction. At least Mrs. Bennet had the decency to faint appropriately when it was called for. Lady Catherine was her usual self and no more needs to be said of her.

I loved the Rose Fairy and her history at Pemberley. OMG!! That was so charming. I realize the paranormal aspects of this story may not appeal to some readers. That’s fine… you can simply by-pass this one and find another more to your liking. I, on the other hand, loved the story of the fairies told among some of the servants. How cute. It was a clean, quick read.

The part I loved the most was the dream sequence. Oh-My-Goodness!! That was so neat. Poor Elizabeth was torn in so many directions. I felt for her and my heart broke for Darcy. I was nearly in tears. Our story tried to run parallel with the B&B story and so there was a bit of magic involved. Truth or no; however, does it really matter?

There are several excellent reviews and I do not feel that I need to add more to their comments.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,687 reviews201 followers
March 17, 2017
This is a mash-up of Pride & Prejudice and Beauty & the Beast. I have read or seen the latter story many times and have to say that this story reminded me of the 1986 movie version starring Rebecca De Mornay and John Savage. I did not care for the man but loved the song he sang to her in the dreams in which they meet.

Elizabeth meeting Robin Darcy in her dreams at Pemberley calls him Mr. Dream because she knows he is not real.

Supposedly the Darcys have an ancestral link to a Fairy Queen who has commanded that the male heirs marry for love and if/when they don't disaster in one form or another seems to befall them.

Fitzwilliam Darcy comes to Netherfield as a widower, with his friend, Bingley and party. He needs an heir and is seriously considering Caroline as his next wife. She has a dowry and with his father leaving the estate in near ruins, that and her position in society make her a candidate. He has been the subject of gossip due to being jilted by a Miss Haskill but as Caroline has been "chasing" him for some time he doubts that will be repeated this time.

The problem is he has a limp and wears a mask to cover a scarred face and rumors are he murdered his first wife. When things go awry with C.B. our Beast (as he is called behind his back) takes advantage of MRS. Bennet's great weakeness and pressures (some may call it blackmail) Mr. Bennet into "giving" him Elizabeth's hand in marriage. When she refuses he then demands that she serve as Georgiana's companion.

Reading this tale was a pleasure. However know that the language is modern and I do believe the tale could have been expanded and better developed.

Wickham is still part of the plot. Pemberley resembles a castle with a moat. The Colonel is present while Georgiana is a bratty teenager who acts somewhat like Lydia.

The ending is more that of Beauty and the Beast but no matter; we do have our happy ending.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,680 reviews79 followers
March 21, 2017
You know, I started reading this with low expectations. I had read a previous variation that supposedly merged the two stories that was a huge disappointment because all it basically did was tell the Disney B&B story but use the P&P character names.

But I love both of these stories which really resonate for me. I have early memories of a book of fairy tales my grandparents kept in their apartment for me to read that had a marvelous version of B&B, and I admit that I DID love the Disney cartoon and am looking forward to seeing the recently released live-action version soon. And P&P has been my favorite book for decades.

I've always enjoyed Ms. Grix's writing, and it flows beautifully, as usual. This is a perfectly executed mash-up of these two lovely romances. You find just the right amount of magic and magical dreams and curses and a "Beauty" and a "Beast" mingling perfectly with the primary pride and prejudice love story between Darcy and Elizabeth, and I just ate it all up. Well done, Ms. Grix!
Profile Image for Erika.
397 reviews23 followers
March 31, 2017
Who can't learn to love the Beast?!

Okay, so just had to read this version of Beauty and the Beast P&P style and loved it. Thoroughly enjoyable read. I can't help but also picture Phantom of the Opera as well with Darcy's masks!!

Cass Grix is just awesome. I have read several of her books and found them to be enjoyable. She has a fan in me.

Darcy the Beast, what can I say....he's perfect for being the Beast - brooding, piercing eyes, temper, controlling!!!! But Grix also adds scarred face and limp.

I found that this version of B&B/P&P was unique in several ways. First off, the subplot of the Rose Fairy. I loved that she was a loving fairy who attempted to hint to a young Mr Darcy how to prosper with a loving marriage. But because of his father those plans were ruined and Darcy became the Beast!!!

Second was how Elizabeth came to stay at Pemberley with the Darcy's. Now readers I will not divulge what happened, it truly is unique and entertaining!!!!

Thirdly, the connection between Darcy and Georgiana threw me off momentarily. Again, you must read to know what I mean.

And lastly, I loved how Darcy dealt with Lady Catherine!!!! She really is despicable, but nothing too exciting. She is kinda harmless, all bark and no bite, in this story.

As far as our other "fav" villains, Wickham and Caroline!!!! Wickham is outstandingly awful, a rat-bastard!!!! I would love to thoroughly castrate him if I could!!!!! And dear dear Caroline. She gets exactly what she wanted and before she can bask in any glory, she throws it away. But otherwise she is pretty mute in this story.

I started reading Darcy the Beast this morning, and read between seeing patients. Finishing this afternoon. I would recommend this tale to and B&B and P&P fan!!!
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,149 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2022
This story is a mash up of Beauty and the Beast and Pride and Prejudice. Mr Darcy is disfigured and mysterious as he visits Netherfield with Charles Bingley. His growing fascination with Elizabeth Bennet creates a situation where he ‘captures’ her and tries to make her love him.

The story has a hint of magic, but isn’t magical and the capture is similar to a compromise situation.
461 reviews
March 19, 2017
Mystical, heartbreaking and lovely all in one book

Loved the idea of "the beast" and the beautiful maiden. I was surprised at Miss Bingley (not giving that away, I almost choked on my tea) and even more surprised by Mrs. Bennett. There is so much to love with the beauty and beast storyline, then add Darcy and Elizabeth and how could anyone not enjoy this book. Once I started I could not stop. Remember this is fantasy and let your imagination take you to Pemberley.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,221 reviews12 followers
March 24, 2017
A great combination!

Masterful storytelling, lovely imagery. A gripping tale.

Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Worth reading more than once
131 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2017
Darcy the Beast.

Another wonderful paranormal Pride and Prejudice alternate story from the clever mind of Ms. Grix! I have been wondering what story plot she could devise after Frankenstein Darcy; and she didn't disappoint with Darcy the Beast! All sorts of intrigues, misunderstandings and a Darcy ancestor who was a Fairy Princess! Poor Darcy sure had his share of sufferings in this story! You have to read this interesting version to see how it all worked out in the end, and gave us a Great Read!



189 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2017
A wonderful combination of Pride & Prejudice and Beauty & the Beast. Darcy is scarred from a failed attempt to save his wife ( from an arranged marriage) from a fire at Pemberley. Darcy wears a mask to hide his facial scars and walks with a cane from a broken leg. Elizabeth meets Darcy and has allowed Wickham to believe in a flawed characterization of Darcy. Darcy wants Elizabeth and manages to get her come to Pemberley to be a companion to Georgiana. While at Pemberley the rose garden and fairies play an important role in getting Elizabeth to see that she loves Darcy. I enjoyed this short story and would recommend.
Profile Image for Anna Marie Ordonez.
121 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2017
Interesting twist

I really enjoyed this interesting twist of P & P. I liked the background story of how Darcy was injured and he became known as "The Beast". His demeanor matched his manners and his title. I also liked the fairy plot line and actually wished that part had been developed more throughout the story.
Thirdly, I liked how bits and pieces of Darcy's past were revealed little by little then he reveals all when Georgiana tries to commit suicide. Regarding Lizzy, I liked her character and that she refuses to marry him even though he carries her mother's debts. But instead agrees to become Georgiana's companion. Fairy magic plays a part in softening her feelings towards Darcy and well you should read it to find out for yourself....it's well worth it!!!
Profile Image for Melanie.
105 reviews39 followers
May 13, 2017
Wish it was a bit longer as the epilogue left something to be desired.
545 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2022
A very nice melding of Pride and Prejudice and Beauty and the beast. Follows the line of both stories as much as possible without much compromise.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books158 followers
June 2, 2017
Unputdownable!

Beauty and the beast meets pride and prejudice. I loved it!
A darker variation than your average P&P story but it is a page turner that is highly engaging.
I hesitated in the first couple of chapters due to my personal preferences of none of ODC should have been married before...
When Darcy proposes to Caroline Bingley I actually felt chills down my spine.
Luckily I persevered and what an intriguing, captivating and dramatic story.

Darcy has been maimed in a fire at Pemberley that killed his wife. Rumours of fowl play are circulating in town and reaches Meryton in form of Mr Wickham 's tales. Pemberley struggles with solvency after the late Mr Darcy's extravagance. To get the last part of his mother's inheritance, Darcy needs to begat an male heir. Desperate to marry but none takers due to his disfigurement and rumours, he turns to blackmail. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is not easily intimidated.

I heartily recommend this story.
Profile Image for Marie.
21 reviews
April 28, 2017
This is so good... It's truly a fairytale.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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