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Ruined Forever
Mr. Collins is rightly angered when Elizabeth Bennett refuses his honorable offer of marriage. Sadly that is the last emotion he experiences. Which gives the gossips of Meryton a delightful piece of news to gossip over - Miss Elizabeth Bennett has pushed her cousin, her father's heir, down the stairs to his death! Elizabeth Bennett, Murderess? Oh, shocking, shameful scandal. Someone must speak for her before she is ruined forever. Fortunately, a new arrival in the neighborhood - a Mr. Darcy - read law at Cambridge and is willing to be of use to Miss Elizabeth.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 19, 2016
Oh, but this was just too good!! It's absolutely a page-turner. Things spiral out of control into deeper and deeper depths for our poor belaboured heroine, who holds up in her usual dignified manner. I found myself thinking that the author had surely written herself into a corner with everything that goes wrong for Elizabeth throughout much of the book. Whenever a bit of daylight seems to peek through, another snag is thrown into the mix. Lydia is truly awful with no redeeming qualities. Fortunately, Darcy is around to save the day multiple times, and things do work out in the end in surprisingly credible ways. The pace is very fast; I was entertained and engrossed from the first page to the last. The writing itself is flawless - so nice to read well-edited JAFF!
June 13, 2020
This book languished on my want to read list for much too long. I have to admit the cover art was a bit off putting.
Falsehood flies, and the Truth comes limping after it - Jonathan Swift
This is a truly TRULY unique P&P what if. In this case the 'What if' Mr. Collins died at Longbourn on the morning he proposed to Lizzy and the gossips of Meryton spread viscous lies about Lizzy, the Bennets and the Reverend. Further what if the people who you most count upon, your family and clergy, were the first to cast the first stone.
Luckily for Lizzy Mr. Darcy is more than happy to use his big brain to make sure that she isn't improperly treated. But there are plenty of knives out for Mr. Bennet's favorite daughter. Including a deranged Lady Catherine who will attempt to use Lizzy's freedom as a bargaining chip to force Darcy to marry Anne. Wickham up to even more no good than usual and the little people of Meryton who wish to have her banished.
If you like Angst this book is a treasure trove of it.
Falsehood flies, and the Truth comes limping after it - Jonathan Swift
This is a truly TRULY unique P&P what if. In this case the 'What if' Mr. Collins died at Longbourn on the morning he proposed to Lizzy and the gossips of Meryton spread viscous lies about Lizzy, the Bennets and the Reverend. Further what if the people who you most count upon, your family and clergy, were the first to cast the first stone.
Luckily for Lizzy Mr. Darcy is more than happy to use his big brain to make sure that she isn't improperly treated. But there are plenty of knives out for Mr. Bennet's favorite daughter. Including a deranged Lady Catherine who will attempt to use Lizzy's freedom as a bargaining chip to force Darcy to marry Anne. Wickham up to even more no good than usual and the little people of Meryton who wish to have her banished.
If you like Angst this book is a treasure trove of it.
August 15, 2019
In small towns, news travels at the speed of boredom -- Carlos Ruiz Zafon
I chortled and worried the whole way through this book!
Characters are definitely EXTREME versions of themselves and not true-to-Austen or true-to-life.
I begged for SOMEONE to finally take a riding crop to Lydia but in the end, she comes off unscathed and continues her idiocy.
Mrs. Bennet regains some sense at the very end of the story but is a horrible mother to all her daughters throughout.
What's not funny in the story is the harm inflicted by the gossips. A little too reality based for the humor in the rest of the story.
I chortled and worried the whole way through this book!
Characters are definitely EXTREME versions of themselves and not true-to-Austen or true-to-life.
I begged for SOMEONE to finally take a riding crop to Lydia but in the end, she comes off unscathed and continues her idiocy.
Mrs. Bennet regains some sense at the very end of the story but is a horrible mother to all her daughters throughout.
What's not funny in the story is the harm inflicted by the gossips. A little too reality based for the humor in the rest of the story.
May 8, 2017
I was reminded of the film, released in 1961, A Town Without Pity in which four American soldiers stationed near a German village face death in the rape of a local girl and are defended by outside counsel Major Steve Garrett. The major saves their lives by blackening the reputation of the girl; making her out to be a tease, a flirt, an exhibitionist, and a seducer. While Elizabeth Bennet does NOT commit suicide as that girl did, she does undergo all the loathing and scorn that results as, despite the immediate verdict of accidental death, one of the town's clergymen and a few renown town gossips are determined to blacken her name in the worst possible way. Her actions in the event and her virtue leading up to that all painted black.
Darcy has read some law because as the major landowner in Derbyshire he will act as magistrate. So he and the other men in the hunt they are participating in attend Mr. Bennet back to his house when he is notified that Mr. Collins is dead. He, with Bennet's permission, interviews and advises Elizabeth in the statement she will give. 12 men are needed to act as jury and as there are that number available the coroner calls a hearing to determine cause of death...and if anyone is at fault. Mr. Bennet reveals a genetic trait which helps to explain the cause.
You will shake your head as you read of the motivation, actions and sermons by the curate (a man of GOD?) and how he, thus, brings Lady Catwitch to Longbourn, with her own magistrate and a constable in possession of manacles.
Oh, this tale doesn't come to a climax until almost the end of the book...with a kidnapping, ransom demands, a poisoning, an engagement via blackmail and the wild rebellious antics of one girl who somehow manages to escape her locked room. And, of course, if Darcy couldn't be connected to Elizabeth before all this happened you know damn well he can't connect his or his sister's name to the Bennet family who are totally ostracized/ruined now.
Well, done and definitely a page turner. There is an epilogue.
Darcy has read some law because as the major landowner in Derbyshire he will act as magistrate. So he and the other men in the hunt they are participating in attend Mr. Bennet back to his house when he is notified that Mr. Collins is dead. He, with Bennet's permission, interviews and advises Elizabeth in the statement she will give. 12 men are needed to act as jury and as there are that number available the coroner calls a hearing to determine cause of death...and if anyone is at fault. Mr. Bennet reveals a genetic trait which helps to explain the cause.
You will shake your head as you read of the motivation, actions and sermons by the curate (a man of GOD?) and how he, thus, brings Lady Catwitch to Longbourn, with her own magistrate and a constable in possession of manacles.
Oh, this tale doesn't come to a climax until almost the end of the book...with a kidnapping, ransom demands, a poisoning, an engagement via blackmail and the wild rebellious antics of one girl who somehow manages to escape her locked room. And, of course, if Darcy couldn't be connected to Elizabeth before all this happened you know damn well he can't connect his or his sister's name to the Bennet family who are totally ostracized/ruined now.
Well, done and definitely a page turner. There is an epilogue.
November 16, 2016
“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.” Socrates
Be prepared for an off-canon, angst filled story of the Bennet family and their odious cousin Mr. Collins. He came to call and didn’t leave as he fell down the stairs to his death. Although it was ruled an accident [clumsy oaf], the town gossips branded Elizabeth as the cause.
“Don’t waste your time with explanations: people only hear what they want to hear.” Paulo Coelho
The world runs on gossip and the small village of Meryton was no exception. We were given a whole new appreciation of the power of the rumor mill. Faster than a speeding bullet… wait, that’s an old TV show. OK, faster than the speed of light… no that’s not it. My friend, the math geek, gave me an equation that might help. OK, I won’t go so far as to use an equation here. However, “A rumor spreads through a small town…at a rate proportional to the product of the number of people who have heard the rumor and the number who have not heard it.” [chegg dot com] I couldn’t help it.
The Bennet family has lived at Longbourn for generations. The family name was well known, well established and respected. Although the wife and the younger girls were very silly, no scandal had ever tarnished the two elder girls. Until now. It was as though the flood gates had opened and even the power of the ton of London had nothing on the prowess of the ladies and men… gossips of Meryton.
Poor Mr. Bennet was handed a reality check of his life’s work. His indolent behavior and neglect of his wife and younger girls was coming back to haunt him. And, the recipient of that payback was none other than his Lizzy. Oh, how excruciating it was for him to face and to see the pain it was causing his favorite child. And just when he thought it couldn’t get worse… it did.
Three thorns in his side:
Mrs. Bennet was horrible. She was canon and more in her treatment of Elizabeth. She was cruel, vicious, and abusive. She had eyes, but refused to see reason. She had ears, but only heard what she wanted to hear. She had a mind, but little understanding. Gossip, to her, was like a hit of crack cocaine. She was addicted and sister Philips was her supplier.
Lydia was beyond horrid, even beyond the pale. She was a rebellious, recalcitrant child and it was evident that no one could restrain or control her. Nothing her father did could rein her in. She was rude, bold, brazen, unrestrained and unrepentant. Her words were cutting, snide, vicious and unrestrained toward her elder sister. Every wrong in her life, whether real or perceived, she laid at the feet of her sister Lizzy. With the assistance of others, Lydia was able to sneak out of the house on numerous occasions for “fun and laughs” and thought it was ever so funny to circumvent her father’s wishes. I kept wondering, as the story progressed, whether she would get a clue. She didn’t, in fact, she became even worse. How was that possible? I’ve never seen her this bad, I mean really bad.
Antisocial personality disorder [new term for psychopath and sociopath] shows symptoms of a lack of empathy for others and have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. I would say Lydia falls under the category of sociopath as she cares only for herself, blames others [Elizabeth] for all the ills and discomforts in her life, makes excuses for her behavior and acts without thinking how it will affect her sisters or her family. Once you read of her antics you will totally agree. She is a total sociopathic b---h. She was horrid. Why she was allowed to… I can’t say… Mr. & Mrs. Bennet have a lot to answer for. Just saying, read it. You will see.
Another problem for Mr. Bennet was Mrs. Philips. I have never seen her portrayed in this light. Much of the problems with Mrs. Bennet was a direct result of her sister Philips’ interference. She managed to infuse a steady diet of gossip and rumors that fed the nerves of Mrs. Bennet. She was bold, brazen and unrepentant. It was awful. At every turn, she was countermanding Mr. Bennet’s edict. It broke my heart.
And then…Part 2. The book wasn’t really broken into parts; however, the tone of the story seemed to be in sections.
First we have the death of Mr. Collins. That was a story unto itself… clumsy oaf. The Coroner’s Inquest and trial by jury was interesting. Trying to gather up twelve men [on short notice] that could read and write, was hilarious.
Next we deal with the scandal and shunning of the Bennet family. The trashing of Elizabeth’s reputation by the local gossips, put the courtship of Bingley and Jane and the developing relationship of Darcy and Lizzy on hold… indefinitely. I will say this, the determination of Fitzwilliam Darcy, to have Elizabeth as wife, was amazing. A scathing sermon from the pulpit, by a grasping toady curate looking for a living, pushed the citizens of Meryton into a feeding frenzy.
Then we have Lady Catherine arriving on two different occasions. The first, to accuse and abuse the Bennet family and Elizabeth especially over the death of her parson. Then later, she arrived with the Constable and Magistrate [complete with shackles and leg irons] with a warrant for the arrest of Elizabeth Bennet; the charge… murder, a hanging offense. Lydia thought it funny and laughed.
Wickham… yeah, him. Same MO, same character or lack thereof. He was absolutely a cat with nine lives.
This story went on and on and on and just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. The trials of Elizabeth Bennet just kept piling up and I thought we would never get to the end. In fact, it took so long to get to the end that it ended rather quickly and didn’t answer several questions.
What happened to
There was an epilogue; however,
There were editing problems, the use of fiancé [male] fiancée [female] was often misused. Also, the repeat of dialog two and three times in succession. How many times did a character need to say the same thing before their message was understood?
Be prepared for an off-canon, angst filled story of the Bennet family and their odious cousin Mr. Collins. He came to call and didn’t leave as he fell down the stairs to his death. Although it was ruled an accident [clumsy oaf], the town gossips branded Elizabeth as the cause.
“Don’t waste your time with explanations: people only hear what they want to hear.” Paulo Coelho
The world runs on gossip and the small village of Meryton was no exception. We were given a whole new appreciation of the power of the rumor mill. Faster than a speeding bullet… wait, that’s an old TV show. OK, faster than the speed of light… no that’s not it. My friend, the math geek, gave me an equation that might help. OK, I won’t go so far as to use an equation here. However, “A rumor spreads through a small town…at a rate proportional to the product of the number of people who have heard the rumor and the number who have not heard it.” [chegg dot com] I couldn’t help it.
The Bennet family has lived at Longbourn for generations. The family name was well known, well established and respected. Although the wife and the younger girls were very silly, no scandal had ever tarnished the two elder girls. Until now. It was as though the flood gates had opened and even the power of the ton of London had nothing on the prowess of the ladies and men… gossips of Meryton.
Poor Mr. Bennet was handed a reality check of his life’s work. His indolent behavior and neglect of his wife and younger girls was coming back to haunt him. And, the recipient of that payback was none other than his Lizzy. Oh, how excruciating it was for him to face and to see the pain it was causing his favorite child. And just when he thought it couldn’t get worse… it did.
Three thorns in his side:
Mrs. Bennet was horrible. She was canon and more in her treatment of Elizabeth. She was cruel, vicious, and abusive. She had eyes, but refused to see reason. She had ears, but only heard what she wanted to hear. She had a mind, but little understanding. Gossip, to her, was like a hit of crack cocaine. She was addicted and sister Philips was her supplier.
Lydia was beyond horrid, even beyond the pale. She was a rebellious, recalcitrant child and it was evident that no one could restrain or control her. Nothing her father did could rein her in. She was rude, bold, brazen, unrestrained and unrepentant. Her words were cutting, snide, vicious and unrestrained toward her elder sister. Every wrong in her life, whether real or perceived, she laid at the feet of her sister Lizzy. With the assistance of others, Lydia was able to sneak out of the house on numerous occasions for “fun and laughs” and thought it was ever so funny to circumvent her father’s wishes. I kept wondering, as the story progressed, whether she would get a clue. She didn’t, in fact, she became even worse. How was that possible? I’ve never seen her this bad, I mean really bad.
Antisocial personality disorder [new term for psychopath and sociopath] shows symptoms of a lack of empathy for others and have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. I would say Lydia falls under the category of sociopath as she cares only for herself, blames others [Elizabeth] for all the ills and discomforts in her life, makes excuses for her behavior and acts without thinking how it will affect her sisters or her family. Once you read of her antics you will totally agree. She is a total sociopathic b---h. She was horrid. Why she was allowed to… I can’t say… Mr. & Mrs. Bennet have a lot to answer for. Just saying, read it. You will see.
Another problem for Mr. Bennet was Mrs. Philips. I have never seen her portrayed in this light. Much of the problems with Mrs. Bennet was a direct result of her sister Philips’ interference. She managed to infuse a steady diet of gossip and rumors that fed the nerves of Mrs. Bennet. She was bold, brazen and unrepentant. It was awful. At every turn, she was countermanding Mr. Bennet’s edict. It broke my heart.
And then…Part 2. The book wasn’t really broken into parts; however, the tone of the story seemed to be in sections.
First we have the death of Mr. Collins. That was a story unto itself… clumsy oaf. The Coroner’s Inquest and trial by jury was interesting. Trying to gather up twelve men [on short notice] that could read and write, was hilarious.
Next we deal with the scandal and shunning of the Bennet family. The trashing of Elizabeth’s reputation by the local gossips, put the courtship of Bingley and Jane and the developing relationship of Darcy and Lizzy on hold… indefinitely. I will say this, the determination of Fitzwilliam Darcy, to have Elizabeth as wife, was amazing. A scathing sermon from the pulpit, by a grasping toady curate looking for a living, pushed the citizens of Meryton into a feeding frenzy.
Then we have Lady Catherine arriving on two different occasions. The first, to accuse and abuse the Bennet family and Elizabeth especially over the death of her parson. Then later, she arrived with the Constable and Magistrate [complete with shackles and leg irons] with a warrant for the arrest of Elizabeth Bennet; the charge… murder, a hanging offense. Lydia thought it funny and laughed.
Wickham… yeah, him. Same MO, same character or lack thereof. He was absolutely a cat with nine lives.
This story went on and on and on and just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. The trials of Elizabeth Bennet just kept piling up and I thought we would never get to the end. In fact, it took so long to get to the end that it ended rather quickly and didn’t answer several questions.
What happened to
There was an epilogue; however,
There were editing problems, the use of fiancé [male] fiancée [female] was often misused. Also, the repeat of dialog two and three times in succession. How many times did a character need to say the same thing before their message was understood?
April 10, 2017
This Pride and Predjuide variation kept me interested and I could not put it down. There were so many bad things that happened to good people!! Mr. Collins falls down the stairs to his death after his unwanted marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Darcy helps by acting as her "advocate" and must come to terms with his feelings and the fact that not only is she a lower social sphere, she is also a social outcast. Of course, Darcy's aunt Catherine can make the situation 10x worse, Wickham adds to the mix and Lydia is nothing short of a *itch. Bingley and a few other characters make up the tolerate and supporting side of the story. It is simply a page turner with a very nice epilogue. It is angst with a capital A.
February 5, 2017
Ah twenty-twenty hindsight is a wonderful thing but for Mr. Bennet and his family, he comes to realize this too late. Mr. Collins has come to visit and things go from bad to worse! He falls to his death and Elizabeth is accused of murdering him. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book or not, but after reading some wonderful reviews, I decided to take the plunge.
What a plunge it was! Not only was Darcy a true 'knight in shining armor' but Bingley certainly stepped up as well. Elizabeth's courage rose at every attempt to intimidate her and those came from every quarter. Gossip is rampant, vicious and some have used their position to spread it. Jane as sweet and serene as ever, became a source of strength and put her foot down. There is much going on in this story with many unseen twists and turns. Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Phillips, Lydia, Wickham, Lady Catherine and several others make life for Elizabeth extremely difficult. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale thinking it couldn't get worse...but it did. Then Darcy rode to the rescue!
What a plunge it was! Not only was Darcy a true 'knight in shining armor' but Bingley certainly stepped up as well. Elizabeth's courage rose at every attempt to intimidate her and those came from every quarter. Gossip is rampant, vicious and some have used their position to spread it. Jane as sweet and serene as ever, became a source of strength and put her foot down. There is much going on in this story with many unseen twists and turns. Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Phillips, Lydia, Wickham, Lady Catherine and several others make life for Elizabeth extremely difficult. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale thinking it couldn't get worse...but it did. Then Darcy rode to the rescue!
January 5, 2016
Loved,loved,loved this book!!
Oh! It was such a pleasure to read this tale-Darcy is such a gent,so sweet and endearing -I fell in love with him all over again!!
His relations are so kind and accepting, Elizabeth-so unassuming,brave and courageous .... Their tale so compelling-I read this book with a big smile on my face.
Highly recommended..........sigh!
Oh! It was such a pleasure to read this tale-Darcy is such a gent,so sweet and endearing -I fell in love with him all over again!!
His relations are so kind and accepting, Elizabeth-so unassuming,brave and courageous .... Their tale so compelling-I read this book with a big smile on my face.
Highly recommended..........sigh!
September 6, 2022
Good story
Liked this Darcys, glad at least one of the villains was dispatched early in the story. Good Lizzy and that feet thing was weird!
Liked this Darcys, glad at least one of the villains was dispatched early in the story. Good Lizzy and that feet thing was weird!
January 5, 2022
Dang those gossips!
Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2019
Poor Elizabeth almost destroyed by gossips if not for Darcy. Lydia is as stupid as ever. Will the entail end? Worst Mrs. Philips ever. A good non-canon story with few typos.
Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2019
Poor Elizabeth almost destroyed by gossips if not for Darcy. Lydia is as stupid as ever. Will the entail end? Worst Mrs. Philips ever. A good non-canon story with few typos.
February 6, 2017
This book was a surprise. I loved it but did not expect too. I am so happy I read it. This book is angst filled, even I had to walk away for an hour or two. But just when the angst has reached to an uncomfortable level, in steps Mr Darcy. Thank goodness. Fabulous and fun. I would love to read this again sometime.
March 25, 2016
3.5 Stars - An amusingly dramatic variation.
May 15, 2021
This was an amazing tale, well written in the plot sense, a great story. But why did I feel like tearing my hair out? And why do I seem like the only reviewer who noticed these things? This was the worst edited book I've read in eons, yet only one of the reviewers even makes mention of it! To top it off, the items she mentions were some I didn't notice, making me believe that the author may have edited them without making corrections to the hundred or so items I found! This is one of the very rare times I made a report to Amazon about the mistakes in the book.
As usual, I won't summarize the book, instead I'll deal with technical details. I won't bother listing what I sent Amazon other than to say it was a long list of specific typos that made the book awkward to read.
First I'll say I loved the plot. While I didn't think a rehash of the trial was necessary, the author chose that as their way of erasing the bad rumours from the minds of the public, so I can go with it. There were some redundancies--remember that you should trust your reader to remember--particularly in E's insistence that D was too good for her, a theme I'm getting tired of in JAFF. The final drama I could have done without. The book was complete without it. Even so, it was well-written and executed. I just think the author should have saved its special parts for another book somehow. There were some POV issues with head-hopping, but they were minor.
Characterizations were good, if over-the-top in some cases. I liked how the author handled Mr. Bennet's transformation. He was within canon to some extent, yet the change worked. Mrs. Bennet was a bit of a caricature, as were Lydia and Wickham. The edge between showing a dramatic character and going over-the-top is a fine one, but the author went over the edge where it wasn't really necessary, particularly with the ladies. Mrs. Bennet was redundant in her ridiculousness and I became tired of it quickly--it became unbelievable. Similarly with Lydia. There were too many examples of folly and it took away from the main plot too much. Wickham's opportunist leanings were fine until that final drama, then he became the guy who ties the lady to the railroad tracks. It makes the story into a bit of a farce because of this. The author did a great job fleshing out Jane, who I tend to not like because I find Austen's Jane boring. This Jane was more interesting. Darcy being more eloquent worked, and Elizabeth was a good characterization in this novel.
Scene setting used all the senses and use of language to deliver the story was appropriate for the reader, as I only had to look up about 3 words. I wrote down one as an example of what shouldn't be used, but I can't read my own handwriting. Suffice it to say that if a reader has to look up a word, you've lost the flow of your novel. So it's best to avoid fancy words.
Non-Regency words used were par for the course as far as a JAFF goes: bored, snorted, decolletage, staff, modeste (sic), and checking. "Compromise" was misused per Regency romances, which is incorrect per the actual Regency use, which meant "to settle a dispute by mutual concessions" (Johnson's Dictionary of 1806). The author uses apostrophes with an s for plurals with and without an s, and needs to look this up and learn. A number of modern phrases kicked me out of the Regency feel of this book: "bone structure," "who are you and what have you done with...," "storm the castle," "catch him up," "steward, vicar, Indian Chief," (1883). The American "toward" was used instead of "towards." One I missed sending to Amazon was demure for demur.
The author showed a great deal of Regency knowledge and applied a lot of interesting ideas to the story. But in among those concepts, I was surprised at the number of basics that were twisted within this novel. Anachronisms, general Regency errors, and general P&P errors included luncheon, "three courses and seven removes," Sir William is a knight not a baronet, it's Sir William not Sir Lucas, the Bennets have been married at least 23 years (Jane is 23), there would be no bare hand-holding because gloves would be worn in public by ladies, women at funerals, the "Little Season," Darcy's mother being the granddaughter of a viscount, referring to Lady Catherine as Aunt or Aunt Catherine, and a casement window when double hung would be the norm. Again, this throws off the reader as they have to stop and think before moving ahead.
The cover doesn't catch my fancy, though it's unique. I think it's both the aqua panel across the front and the fonts that bug me. They take away from the whimsical artwork. The aqua panel is too bold and it's practically all you see. You can barely read the fonts within it. The font choices don't go and the balance is all wrong. Of course, I'm no graphic artist, I'm just observing what seems to feel right to me. Also, the quote is by an unknown (to me, at least)--better to get a known author to read and recommend your book.
If this book had all the editing errors corrected and a better cover, it would be a five star book in my mind. Even with my criticisms of the story, this novel shines. I had a great time reading it and looked forward to it each evening. However, this is the second book I've read by this author, and both were rife with errors. I will no longer read books by D. L. Carter.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might claim that this means my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. They are written for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
As usual, I won't summarize the book, instead I'll deal with technical details. I won't bother listing what I sent Amazon other than to say it was a long list of specific typos that made the book awkward to read.
First I'll say I loved the plot. While I didn't think a rehash of the trial was necessary, the author chose that as their way of erasing the bad rumours from the minds of the public, so I can go with it. There were some redundancies--remember that you should trust your reader to remember--particularly in E's insistence that D was too good for her, a theme I'm getting tired of in JAFF. The final drama I could have done without. The book was complete without it. Even so, it was well-written and executed. I just think the author should have saved its special parts for another book somehow. There were some POV issues with head-hopping, but they were minor.
Characterizations were good, if over-the-top in some cases. I liked how the author handled Mr. Bennet's transformation. He was within canon to some extent, yet the change worked. Mrs. Bennet was a bit of a caricature, as were Lydia and Wickham. The edge between showing a dramatic character and going over-the-top is a fine one, but the author went over the edge where it wasn't really necessary, particularly with the ladies. Mrs. Bennet was redundant in her ridiculousness and I became tired of it quickly--it became unbelievable. Similarly with Lydia. There were too many examples of folly and it took away from the main plot too much. Wickham's opportunist leanings were fine until that final drama, then he became the guy who ties the lady to the railroad tracks. It makes the story into a bit of a farce because of this. The author did a great job fleshing out Jane, who I tend to not like because I find Austen's Jane boring. This Jane was more interesting. Darcy being more eloquent worked, and Elizabeth was a good characterization in this novel.
Scene setting used all the senses and use of language to deliver the story was appropriate for the reader, as I only had to look up about 3 words. I wrote down one as an example of what shouldn't be used, but I can't read my own handwriting. Suffice it to say that if a reader has to look up a word, you've lost the flow of your novel. So it's best to avoid fancy words.
Non-Regency words used were par for the course as far as a JAFF goes: bored, snorted, decolletage, staff, modeste (sic), and checking. "Compromise" was misused per Regency romances, which is incorrect per the actual Regency use, which meant "to settle a dispute by mutual concessions" (Johnson's Dictionary of 1806). The author uses apostrophes with an s for plurals with and without an s, and needs to look this up and learn. A number of modern phrases kicked me out of the Regency feel of this book: "bone structure," "who are you and what have you done with...," "storm the castle," "catch him up," "steward, vicar, Indian Chief," (1883). The American "toward" was used instead of "towards." One I missed sending to Amazon was demure for demur.
The author showed a great deal of Regency knowledge and applied a lot of interesting ideas to the story. But in among those concepts, I was surprised at the number of basics that were twisted within this novel. Anachronisms, general Regency errors, and general P&P errors included luncheon, "three courses and seven removes," Sir William is a knight not a baronet, it's Sir William not Sir Lucas, the Bennets have been married at least 23 years (Jane is 23), there would be no bare hand-holding because gloves would be worn in public by ladies, women at funerals, the "Little Season," Darcy's mother being the granddaughter of a viscount, referring to Lady Catherine as Aunt or Aunt Catherine, and a casement window when double hung would be the norm. Again, this throws off the reader as they have to stop and think before moving ahead.
The cover doesn't catch my fancy, though it's unique. I think it's both the aqua panel across the front and the fonts that bug me. They take away from the whimsical artwork. The aqua panel is too bold and it's practically all you see. You can barely read the fonts within it. The font choices don't go and the balance is all wrong. Of course, I'm no graphic artist, I'm just observing what seems to feel right to me. Also, the quote is by an unknown (to me, at least)--better to get a known author to read and recommend your book.
If this book had all the editing errors corrected and a better cover, it would be a five star book in my mind. Even with my criticisms of the story, this novel shines. I had a great time reading it and looked forward to it each evening. However, this is the second book I've read by this author, and both were rife with errors. I will no longer read books by D. L. Carter.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might claim that this means my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. They are written for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
February 5, 2024
Warning: Start this book as early as possible during the day because you won't be able to sleep without finishing it. Have a tissue box at hand, you'll definitely need it.
This is one of the best written variation I've read so far. Very angsty and heart wrenching. There were times when my hand itched to slap someone, there are many who'll induce you to. But the Elizabeth and Darcy are one of the best depictions ever. This Elizabeth is not perfect (those kind of depictions sometimes annoy me more than anything) but she effortlessly steals our hearts. And Darcy! He was so supportive and eloquent (?) and so honorable and respectable. Mr. Bennet and Bingley are two other characters beautifully written. A really great story!
This is one of the best written variation I've read so far. Very angsty and heart wrenching. There were times when my hand itched to slap someone, there are many who'll induce you to. But the Elizabeth and Darcy are one of the best depictions ever. This Elizabeth is not perfect (those kind of depictions sometimes annoy me more than anything) but she effortlessly steals our hearts. And Darcy! He was so supportive and eloquent (?) and so honorable and respectable. Mr. Bennet and Bingley are two other characters beautifully written. A really great story!
March 29, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice Variation it seems that the only way a situation can go is down. Even though it is deemed an accidental death, the gossips and residents of Meryton shun the Bennets. But there are some who take advantage, and the situation just gets worse. Is there any hope for a HEA for anybody.
An enjoyable, dramatic story
An enjoyable, dramatic story
February 11, 2018
Oh, I loved this one! I can't say that I've ever read a story before where Elizabeth is threatened with ruin for one reason or another where Darcy doesn't immediately step up to marry her. Instead, he steps up to help defend her against rumors that she's a murderer and against the related malicious gossip. It gives them time to get to know one another, which was nice. I appreciated Bingley's reaction to the whole thing, and how he is the one who sways Darcy in the Bennets' favor. I liked that Darcy was willing to sacrifice himself for Elizabeth, but that he didn't take it too far and become a martyr rather than a hero.
There are some characters taken to extreme as part of this storyline. Mary, Lydia, Wickham, and Lady Catherine all play antagonist at some point, and all are the worst versions of themselves and then some. I don't always enjoy stories that amp up the badness of the villains, and particularly for so many of them, but I liked the effect here. The only thing I really found disappointing was that favorite characters like Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana barely factored in the story at all, and even then only near the end. They weren't needed for the plot, but I couldn't help but miss them all the same.
There are some characters taken to extreme as part of this storyline. Mary, Lydia, Wickham, and Lady Catherine all play antagonist at some point, and all are the worst versions of themselves and then some. I don't always enjoy stories that amp up the badness of the villains, and particularly for so many of them, but I liked the effect here. The only thing I really found disappointing was that favorite characters like Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana barely factored in the story at all, and even then only near the end. They weren't needed for the plot, but I couldn't help but miss them all the same.
July 20, 2017
Poor Elizabeth
This story presented the best reasons ever for Lizzy to get the Hell outta Dodge or Meryton as the case may be. In fact, I thought emigrating to Dodge was a worthy option at several points. But then Darcy wouldn't have had the chance to fall in love with her or vice versa. Lots of villains, despicable relations and neighbors, good resolutions in most cases as needed or wanted. Love a page Turner with an epilogue. But I think Lydia and Aunt Phillips deserved to end up living together, preferably ostracized in abject poverty. Maybe next book, which I look forward to reading.
This story presented the best reasons ever for Lizzy to get the Hell outta Dodge or Meryton as the case may be. In fact, I thought emigrating to Dodge was a worthy option at several points. But then Darcy wouldn't have had the chance to fall in love with her or vice versa. Lots of villains, despicable relations and neighbors, good resolutions in most cases as needed or wanted. Love a page Turner with an epilogue. But I think Lydia and Aunt Phillips deserved to end up living together, preferably ostracized in abject poverty. Maybe next book, which I look forward to reading.
December 20, 2015
I hate to admit this because I am always stating in my reviews how emphatically I hate angst in my stories but because of the angst it made the romance so much better. The story began with the proposal and death of Mr. Collins and it is Darcy who helps Lizzy prove her innocence. Gone is the stern and prideful Darcy and in it's place is a gentler and compassionate Darcy. Also he speaks with Lizzy with indifference and that was a little disappointing to me. I usually like to start where his heart is already engaged with Lizzy but this different approach just took some getting use to for me.
As I stated there is angst galore and because of this I took mini breaks to keep myself invested in the story. So Lydia was absolutely unforgiveable in this read and I felt she deserved worse than she got, Wickham, Catherine DeBourg are still present and evil to the core as is a new villain who was in the clergy just like Collins, and lets not forget Mrs. Bennet and her foul treatment of Lizzy, which unbelievably changed after Darcy's proposal to Lizzy. This is a clean read but the romance when Darcy declares his feelings for Lizzy and then reassures her again after her rescue from Wickham after he abducts her was my favorite part of the book. I respect the author for finishing her tale with allowing them their privacy but was disappointed we couldn't see further down the road with children or Georgiana. We were told about all the Bennet sisters and Catherine, Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam even a newbe like Fitzwallace but we are left wondering about young Miss Darcy or later children from the main couple of this story. Even still the romance was worth it. Enjoy!
As I stated there is angst galore and because of this I took mini breaks to keep myself invested in the story. So Lydia was absolutely unforgiveable in this read and I felt she deserved worse than she got, Wickham, Catherine DeBourg are still present and evil to the core as is a new villain who was in the clergy just like Collins, and lets not forget Mrs. Bennet and her foul treatment of Lizzy, which unbelievably changed after Darcy's proposal to Lizzy. This is a clean read but the romance when Darcy declares his feelings for Lizzy and then reassures her again after her rescue from Wickham after he abducts her was my favorite part of the book. I respect the author for finishing her tale with allowing them their privacy but was disappointed we couldn't see further down the road with children or Georgiana. We were told about all the Bennet sisters and Catherine, Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam even a newbe like Fitzwallace but we are left wondering about young Miss Darcy or later children from the main couple of this story. Even still the romance was worth it. Enjoy!
January 10, 2025
This is a wonderful, off canon story. Well written and told well.
Elizabeth suffers Collins' proposal and then he dies in an accident on the stairs. The surrounding neighbors are only too quick to judge her.
Lady C uses it as leverage to get Darcy to finally bend to her will.
Elizabeth sees a side of D she hadn't seen before.
Elizabeth suffers Collins' proposal and then he dies in an accident on the stairs. The surrounding neighbors are only too quick to judge her.
Lady C uses it as leverage to get Darcy to finally bend to her will.
Elizabeth sees a side of D she hadn't seen before.
December 14, 2015
Great book!
Great plot and well written. I enjoyed it immensely. Expect to read it again in the future. I highly recommend.
Great plot and well written. I enjoyed it immensely. Expect to read it again in the future. I highly recommend.
February 26, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up.
Ugh. So this book needs to be edited. Several sentences did not make sense, there were words in place of other words, words that were probably missing from sentences. And grammar issues.
That being said, I felt like I was reading a day time soap opera. Less is more. That felt like several story ideas hastily squished into one. Lydia and Mrs Bennet were over the top ridiculous, almost too OOC.
Ugh. So this book needs to be edited. Several sentences did not make sense, there were words in place of other words, words that were probably missing from sentences. And grammar issues.
That being said, I felt like I was reading a day time soap opera. Less is more. That felt like several story ideas hastily squished into one. Lydia and Mrs Bennet were over the top ridiculous, almost too OOC.
September 7, 2020
Thoughts: This is my first fanfic a la Austen. The characters are pretty much like the originals, but the plot is where it goes off the rails. There is definitely a modern mentality underlying this, even though it is still a lovely Regency piece with HEAs. This was so fun to read knowing the original story and then reading this rewrite. I definitely want to find some more Austen rewrites this author has done. Recommended.
January 24, 2017
So... what would have happened if Mr. Bennett hadn't been home when Mr. Collins proposed to Elizabeth Bennett? Basically, all of the shits would hit the fan: Mr. Collins dies, Elizabeth is accused of his murder (and possible seduction) throughout the town, Mr. Darcy comes to the rescue, and then things spiral even more out of control from there. And yet... arguably, things turn out even better for everyone than they do in the original, so perhaps Mr. Collins's sacrifice is worth it. I really enjoyed the clever twists in this book, which stayed true to the characters of the original, but putting them into such extreme situations that their deeper colors and motivations shine through (although poor Lydia is revealed to be a psychopath, but okay). And the heightened stakes gave everybody an opportunity to step up their game, pull out all their resources, and give us a chance to get to know characters only briefly mentioned (or only hinted at) in the original. Clever and funny, but also as darkly satirical as Jane Austen would have appreciated, this is a fun read for anyone who enjoys "Pride and Prejudice" retellings.
December 12, 2015
One of the best alternative versions of 'Pride and Prejudice' that I have read. The author stays true to the original characters, but takes them in different directions. One sees what a reformed father Mr. Bennett would make and how Bingley would have acted if he had more backbone to stand against his sisters.The author also cleverly reveals more of Darcy's character and thoughts than are revealed in the original. I've read several other books by this author and really enjoyed them; this one did not disappoint and I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
December 15, 2015
Mr. Darcy at his finest!
This tale of non stop scandals kept my interest due to the clever and sometimes humorous dialogue between the principle characters. Mr. Darcy was so eloquent in defense of Elizabeth against the jury and town of Meryton. I wanted to personally wring Lady Catherine's neck over her unjust accusations but Mr. Darcy seemed one step ahead of her at all times. I recommend this book highly!
This tale of non stop scandals kept my interest due to the clever and sometimes humorous dialogue between the principle characters. Mr. Darcy was so eloquent in defense of Elizabeth against the jury and town of Meryton. I wanted to personally wring Lady Catherine's neck over her unjust accusations but Mr. Darcy seemed one step ahead of her at all times. I recommend this book highly!
April 14, 2020
Average story
There is much thrashing around in the story. Lots of people behaving poorly. Behaving stupidly. Behaving rudely.
But if you see a beached shark thrashing around, it’s interesting for a moment or two but you lose interest fairly quickly. I felt the same about the story. It was moderately interesting in place but could not hold my interest. Had a ‘Perils of Pauline’ kind of vibe to it.
There is much thrashing around in the story. Lots of people behaving poorly. Behaving stupidly. Behaving rudely.
But if you see a beached shark thrashing around, it’s interesting for a moment or two but you lose interest fairly quickly. I felt the same about the story. It was moderately interesting in place but could not hold my interest. Had a ‘Perils of Pauline’ kind of vibe to it.
December 16, 2015
Magnificent. Best ever
Would give this 6 stars. I have read scores of P and P sequels. This is one of the best. Wickham, the swine , gets his deserts. Mr. Bennett's character was great. All the major characters of Austin's classic were shown in the most pleasing manner. I hope the author soon produces more great books. Thanks D. l. Carter well done.
Would give this 6 stars. I have read scores of P and P sequels. This is one of the best. Wickham, the swine , gets his deserts. Mr. Bennett's character was great. All the major characters of Austin's classic were shown in the most pleasing manner. I hope the author soon produces more great books. Thanks D. l. Carter well done.
December 19, 2015
So cute
Great book. I really enjoyed this story. It was fun and well written. It was good to see darcy and a different light
Great book. I really enjoyed this story. It was fun and well written. It was good to see darcy and a different light
June 17, 2020
A book of extremes.
I have taken ages to get to sitting down and writing this review, mainly because it has me flummoxed! I think maybe that's because the author is flummoxed too. They seem (to me) to have come up with lots of ideas, flung them in a pot, stirred, pulled them out one by one randomly and written this story. Most of the characters were OTT ie. Lydia ... we all know she is quite a handful BUT she is the devil incarnate here and she puts Houdini in the shade as an escape artist! No matter how many times she is locked in her room she is found tearing down the road, in the woods or in Meryton etc. etc. usually wearing Kitty's bonnet!
I could go on about other incongruous behaviour but you've probably got the idea.
The winding up of the story is like a race. 40mph down the straight at the Grand National!! One minute I'm immersed in the drama and two or three pages later it's all over. What happened?
The thing is, I cannot in all honesty say, give it a miss because somewhere in all the 'frustration' there is a good story trying to get out but like me, you may find yourself left feeling very confused and disappointed.
One last word ... you'll love Darcy, he's such a knight in shining armour.
I have taken ages to get to sitting down and writing this review, mainly because it has me flummoxed! I think maybe that's because the author is flummoxed too. They seem (to me) to have come up with lots of ideas, flung them in a pot, stirred, pulled them out one by one randomly and written this story. Most of the characters were OTT ie. Lydia ... we all know she is quite a handful BUT she is the devil incarnate here and she puts Houdini in the shade as an escape artist! No matter how many times she is locked in her room she is found tearing down the road, in the woods or in Meryton etc. etc. usually wearing Kitty's bonnet!
I could go on about other incongruous behaviour but you've probably got the idea.
The winding up of the story is like a race. 40mph down the straight at the Grand National!! One minute I'm immersed in the drama and two or three pages later it's all over. What happened?
The thing is, I cannot in all honesty say, give it a miss because somewhere in all the 'frustration' there is a good story trying to get out but like me, you may find yourself left feeling very confused and disappointed.
One last word ... you'll love Darcy, he's such a knight in shining armour.
March 7, 2020
I would say a 3.75. This was a unique variation that did a fabulous job of showing just how fragile a reputation is and the devastating results of damage to said reputation. It was very sad to me to see how quickly and how vehemently those who had known Elizabeth her whole life turned on her. Human nature to take pleasure in another's hardship if it supplies our own entertainment is demonstrated perfectly here. Very sad. Darcy was indeed a knight in shining armor and you can't help but swoon when he steps in after the church service to rescue a damsel in distress at the hands of a man who is anything but a gentleman. This book kept my interest until about 70%. I felt like there was a period where most things were settled and it kind of dragged to get to the next event of interest. I also had a little trouble fully embracing the way Lydia's character was in this story. Parts were in alignment, but it was taken a bit too much to the extreme to make it not very believable in my opinion. Overall, very good story and character development and I would have no trouble recommending to others.
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