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Fitzwilliam Darcy, Earl of Matlock
An unexpected inheritance...When their rumored engagement supposedly takes the new Earl off the marriage mart, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself subject to public scrutiny like never before. With a title between them, how can Darcy marry her now?What readers are saying about this Pride & Prejudice "If you are looking for suspense, intrigue and romance, you've come to the right place.""...both thrilling and captivating""...an entertaining, well-written story"
- GenresHistoricalRomance
223 pages, ebook
Published June 23, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 26, 2019
When reading other P&P variations I have often bemoaned the excess of what they ate and what they wore or pages and pages of reflection and introspection. Well kids this ain't one of those stories. This is a story that jumps in with both feet and then careens around the plot like a run away truck on a steep incline. Lest you fear that the characters not have time to catch their breath I assure they must but it all happens off the page. You may say "But but you normally praise authors who do this?" And I do but I think I need a little more transition with my chaos. Also you absolutely need to be familiar with P&P because there is virtually no time for the author to tell you about the characters...
This book feels like someone said "I wonder what P&P would be like if it was time compressed?" And while every one else thought ""Much faster paced, my dear , I dare say, but it would not be near so much like P&P." to which Ms. Lane replied "Hold my beer"
So we begin with plain old Fitzwilliam Darcy riding to Netherfield to visit Bingley, it is the day after the assembly, it will become the day that Jane Bennet is invited to dinner and falls ill at Netherfield, so the next morning [within the first 24 hours] Lizzy arrives at Netherfield to nurse Jane and is introduced to Darcy. (Got it?) ADDENDUM: I totes forgot but Darcy visits Lizzy when Lizzy too falls ill IN HER BEDROOM more than once... GRRRR
And the story proceeds at this chaotic pace, every character is in an almost constant state of agitation because we never seem to get a break. Characters appear with no warning nor introduction.
This is book where you the reader get swept up into the plot maelstrom and don't have time to wonder why things are so crazy. But once you are finished you may start to wonder 'What the heck did I just read?'
This book feels like someone said "I wonder what P&P would be like if it was time compressed?" And while every one else thought ""Much faster paced, my dear , I dare say, but it would not be near so much like P&P." to which Ms. Lane replied "Hold my beer"
So we begin with plain old Fitzwilliam Darcy riding to Netherfield to visit Bingley, it is the day after the assembly, it will become the day that Jane Bennet is invited to dinner and falls ill at Netherfield, so the next morning [within the first 24 hours] Lizzy arrives at Netherfield to nurse Jane and is introduced to Darcy. (Got it?) ADDENDUM: I totes forgot but Darcy visits Lizzy when Lizzy too falls ill IN HER BEDROOM more than once... GRRRR
And the story proceeds at this chaotic pace, every character is in an almost constant state of agitation because we never seem to get a break. Characters appear with no warning nor introduction.
This is book where you the reader get swept up into the plot maelstrom and don't have time to wonder why things are so crazy. But once you are finished you may start to wonder 'What the heck did I just read?'
February 25, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation covers a classic plot. Our dear couple falls in love while faking their courtship. As Darcy has been named the Earl of Matlock due to a family tragedy, women are coming out of the woodwork to get a look at the new peer. He negotiates with Elizabeth to fake a relationship to avoid the lot. He wasn't prepared however to realize he couldn't live without her.
December 10, 2024
3.5 stars. I read this on FF. I would have rated it higher but it ends abruptly. Otherwise, was a great book!
March 26, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
The story description is rather skimpy. Yes, Darcy comes to visit his friend, Charles Bingley, at his newly leased estate but misses the Assembly and so has not delivered that insult about how just "tolerable but not handsome enough" Elizabeth Bennet is. But Jane comes at the invitation of Caroline Bingley to dinner and both Charles and Darcy are present for the dinner. Now we come to Elizabeth's visit to Jane who has fallen ill. However in this variation, Elizabeth also becomes ill and is bedridden. This author has Darcy making regular visits with her in her bedroom with only the maidservant present. He finds her company most pleasant.
He learns of his inheriting the title just prior to the Bennet sisters returning home. It is Caroline Bingley who suggests a solution to guard off the myriad of women, some with their mothers, who have shown up at Netherfield wanting to be introduced to the newly minted Earl of Matlock. Darcy likes Caroline's idea but it is Elizabeth whom he sees taking part in the farce.
This story moves along fairly quickly. Darcy realizes his true feelings early but doesn't reveal them and he overcomes any negative thoughts about class differences quickly also. Collins and Lady Catherine play their parts. But when Elizabeth receives some threatening notes Darcy thinks to protect her (and her family) by sending her to London to make friends with his sister.
It is in London that danger becomes real and also makes Elizabeth realize that she cannot pretend any longer. She then takes that trip north with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Of course they meet Darcy as he is also traveling to Pemberley.
The remainder of this story has to do with both parties tip toeing around while thinking the other does not desire to further their relationship. Each even at one point believes the other to be engaged to someone else.
The story does end abruptly just as the HEA is reached and then we only have a few letters from interested parties to relate other endings. I would have liked to have read more about ODC's relationship now that the blinders are off as to true feelings.
This story did keep my attention and I enjoyed it. It never reached a forced marriage or a marriage of convenience situation; plus both are much more civil to the other than in canon...thinking of the Hunsford proposal and that insult which never occurs herein.
The story description is rather skimpy. Yes, Darcy comes to visit his friend, Charles Bingley, at his newly leased estate but misses the Assembly and so has not delivered that insult about how just "tolerable but not handsome enough" Elizabeth Bennet is. But Jane comes at the invitation of Caroline Bingley to dinner and both Charles and Darcy are present for the dinner. Now we come to Elizabeth's visit to Jane who has fallen ill. However in this variation, Elizabeth also becomes ill and is bedridden. This author has Darcy making regular visits with her in her bedroom with only the maidservant present. He finds her company most pleasant.
He learns of his inheriting the title just prior to the Bennet sisters returning home. It is Caroline Bingley who suggests a solution to guard off the myriad of women, some with their mothers, who have shown up at Netherfield wanting to be introduced to the newly minted Earl of Matlock. Darcy likes Caroline's idea but it is Elizabeth whom he sees taking part in the farce.
This story moves along fairly quickly. Darcy realizes his true feelings early but doesn't reveal them and he overcomes any negative thoughts about class differences quickly also. Collins and Lady Catherine play their parts. But when Elizabeth receives some threatening notes Darcy thinks to protect her (and her family) by sending her to London to make friends with his sister.
It is in London that danger becomes real and also makes Elizabeth realize that she cannot pretend any longer. She then takes that trip north with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Of course they meet Darcy as he is also traveling to Pemberley.
The remainder of this story has to do with both parties tip toeing around while thinking the other does not desire to further their relationship. Each even at one point believes the other to be engaged to someone else.
The story does end abruptly just as the HEA is reached and then we only have a few letters from interested parties to relate other endings. I would have liked to have read more about ODC's relationship now that the blinders are off as to true feelings.
This story did keep my attention and I enjoyed it. It never reached a forced marriage or a marriage of convenience situation; plus both are much more civil to the other than in canon...thinking of the Hunsford proposal and that insult which never occurs herein.
May 22, 2018
I loved it!
Although there where some plausibility issues, I found I could easily overlook them as the story was both thrilling and captivating.
The twist and turns on canon was highly entertaining. No insult at the assembly as Darcy arrived too late at Netherfield. As Elizabeth catches Jane's cold while tending her, she was kept in company by mr Darcy.
Darcy received the dreadful news that his uncle Matlock and his heir has succumbed to illness abroad. Suddenly and unexpectedly finding himself the new earl of Matlock, the unattached ladies descend on Netherfield in abundance. Miss Bingley had quite the remedy against that but Darcy handled it with a twist she could hardly have appreciated. Lady Catherine was as opposed as miss Bingley and both ladies wreak some havoc, along with mr Wickham.
It would have been a 5* read to me, if not for the side tracks at the end...
This was chaste read.
Heartily recommend this book!
Although there where some plausibility issues, I found I could easily overlook them as the story was both thrilling and captivating.
The twist and turns on canon was highly entertaining. No insult at the assembly as Darcy arrived too late at Netherfield. As Elizabeth catches Jane's cold while tending her, she was kept in company by mr Darcy.
Darcy received the dreadful news that his uncle Matlock and his heir has succumbed to illness abroad. Suddenly and unexpectedly finding himself the new earl of Matlock, the unattached ladies descend on Netherfield in abundance. Miss Bingley had quite the remedy against that but Darcy handled it with a twist she could hardly have appreciated. Lady Catherine was as opposed as miss Bingley and both ladies wreak some havoc, along with mr Wickham.
It would have been a 5* read to me, if not for the side tracks at the end...
This was chaste read.
Heartily recommend this book!
February 13, 2020
“At the end of the day, the position is just a position, a title is just a title, and those things come and go. It’s really your essence and your values that are important.” Queen Raina of Jordan
Out story opens with Darcy visiting Bingley at Netherfield. He had been delayed and arrived on a later timeline from canon. Thus, he missed the Assembly and, for those of us who know the story… missed giving offense to the denizens of Meryton and giving his famous insult to Elizabeth.
Following the canon timeline… Jane became ill when she was invited to dine at Netherfield by Caroline Bingley and Louise Hurst. When Elizabeth arrived to tend to her sister, she too fell ill and required additional time staying for her own recovery. During that time Darcy received a visitor informing him of the demise of his Uncle, the Earl of Matlock… along with his son and heir and his sons. The old Earl had made special arrangements in case something ever happened to him and his son and heirs and even had the King sign off on it. Thus, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, became the next Earl of Matlock.
“My principles are more important than money or my title.” –Muhammad Ali
This was a quick, clean story full of conflicts, sudden wealth and open season declared on a newly titled bachelor. Fitzwilliam Darcy had a big bulls-eye painted on his back and he needed a plan to push back the matchmaking mamas of Meryton and London. However, his plans did not take into account the various villains to plague and torment him. First in line was his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. That b-witch was sneaky, conniving and downright nasty. She wanted her way and was determined to have it. With her brother Matlock no longer present to rein her in, she was free to do as she pleased. And it pleased her to have Darcy marry Anne. Next, Darcy did not anticipate Wickham coming back into his life to cause chaos and mischief. Let’s not forget the ever-conniving and scheming Caroline Bingley and her machinations. She wanted to have her say in this conversation and her suggestion was what started this ball rolling in the first place. Oh, she was a mess when it backfired in her face.
“If a man loves you… he’s willing to profess it. He’ll give you a title after a while. You’re going to be his lady, his woman, his fiancée, his wife, his baby’s mama, something.” –Steve Harvey
The formula was the same that any good JAFF story should contain… they meet, fall in love, have a major misunderstanding, go their separate ways, get kidnapped, have an unlikely rescue, then need another rescue… proclaim their love and have a most excellent epilogue. There were still questions but the epilogue was a series of letters that were just cute. Although, it still didn’t answer all of the questions that I had regarding a few people. It was adorable and actually better than I remembered as a WIP. I upgraded it to 4-stars. It was enjoyable… somewhat predicable but enjoyable none the less.
I first read this in 2017 as a WIP on FF and awarded it 3-stars. I had decided at the time that I would wait to review this work after I had an opportunity to read the book. I volunteered to read an [ARC] advanced reader copy via the publisher and NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. After reading the completed book… I am upgrading it to 4-stars. Errors were minimal: missing words, her vs here, [decorum and propriety] having a gentleman visit a lady’s sickroom, baldy vs boldly [no one was bald], etc. When I questioned the use of family are vs family is… I looked it up and found that collective nouns [in American English] take singular verbs, while in British English, they can also take plural verbs. I guess the author gets to decide.
1st read: 8-18-17
2nd read: 5-28-18
3rd read 2-11-20
Out story opens with Darcy visiting Bingley at Netherfield. He had been delayed and arrived on a later timeline from canon. Thus, he missed the Assembly and, for those of us who know the story… missed giving offense to the denizens of Meryton and giving his famous insult to Elizabeth.
Following the canon timeline… Jane became ill when she was invited to dine at Netherfield by Caroline Bingley and Louise Hurst. When Elizabeth arrived to tend to her sister, she too fell ill and required additional time staying for her own recovery. During that time Darcy received a visitor informing him of the demise of his Uncle, the Earl of Matlock… along with his son and heir and his sons. The old Earl had made special arrangements in case something ever happened to him and his son and heirs and even had the King sign off on it. Thus, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, became the next Earl of Matlock.
“My principles are more important than money or my title.” –Muhammad Ali
This was a quick, clean story full of conflicts, sudden wealth and open season declared on a newly titled bachelor. Fitzwilliam Darcy had a big bulls-eye painted on his back and he needed a plan to push back the matchmaking mamas of Meryton and London. However, his plans did not take into account the various villains to plague and torment him. First in line was his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. That b-witch was sneaky, conniving and downright nasty. She wanted her way and was determined to have it. With her brother Matlock no longer present to rein her in, she was free to do as she pleased. And it pleased her to have Darcy marry Anne. Next, Darcy did not anticipate Wickham coming back into his life to cause chaos and mischief. Let’s not forget the ever-conniving and scheming Caroline Bingley and her machinations. She wanted to have her say in this conversation and her suggestion was what started this ball rolling in the first place. Oh, she was a mess when it backfired in her face.
“If a man loves you… he’s willing to profess it. He’ll give you a title after a while. You’re going to be his lady, his woman, his fiancée, his wife, his baby’s mama, something.” –Steve Harvey
The formula was the same that any good JAFF story should contain… they meet, fall in love, have a major misunderstanding, go their separate ways, get kidnapped, have an unlikely rescue, then need another rescue… proclaim their love and have a most excellent epilogue. There were still questions but the epilogue was a series of letters that were just cute. Although, it still didn’t answer all of the questions that I had regarding a few people. It was adorable and actually better than I remembered as a WIP. I upgraded it to 4-stars. It was enjoyable… somewhat predicable but enjoyable none the less.
I first read this in 2017 as a WIP on FF and awarded it 3-stars. I had decided at the time that I would wait to review this work after I had an opportunity to read the book. I volunteered to read an [ARC] advanced reader copy via the publisher and NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. After reading the completed book… I am upgrading it to 4-stars. Errors were minimal: missing words, her vs here, [decorum and propriety] having a gentleman visit a lady’s sickroom, baldy vs boldly [no one was bald], etc. When I questioned the use of family are vs family is… I looked it up and found that collective nouns [in American English] take singular verbs, while in British English, they can also take plural verbs. I guess the author gets to decide.
1st read: 8-18-17
2nd read: 5-28-18
3rd read 2-11-20
May 31, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
While there is neither Pride nor Prejudice between Darcy and Elizabeth in this story, the premise manages to make good use of the same characters in a different situation. They meet under more favorable circumstances, as Mr. Darcy does not attend the Meryton assembly; he arrives at Netherfield a day later.
Consequently, the two are introduced when Elizabeth comes to Netherfield to nurse her sister Jane. Darcy displays no haughtiness and Elizabeth overhears no insult despite her dirty petticoats. The Bennet sisters stay longer because, just when Jane's symptoms start to wane, Elizabeth falls ill. This gives Darcy more opportunities to spend time with her (probably more than Regency propriety would allow), and he soon starts to admire her, although he knows she's not suitable marriage material.
Before the Bennet sisters leave, Darcy unexpectedly receives tragic family news which makes him the new Earl of Matlock. He needs to focus on assuming his new responsibilities, but this quickly becomes difficult because of the swarm of title-seeking and fortune-hunting mamas bringing their daughters to call.
Caroline Bingley suggests that Darcy solve this problem with a betrothal between them that would be called off before the wedding, but he recognizes that Elizabeth would be the more trustworthy partner in such a scheme. He offers to provide dowries for Elizabeth's sisters, and she reluctantly agrees, but only to a pretend courtship. Neither is comfortable with the deception, but it provides the best solution that they can imagine for their respective situations. Even Mr. Bennet is kept in the dark about their arrangement. (So much for "...disguise of any sort is my abhorrence!") Not surprisingly, long before the engagement is called off, Darcy and Elizabeth are deeply in love with each other and want to be tied to each other in truth.
However, with Caroline Bingley, George Wickham, and Lady Catherine all doing their best to impose on Darcy in one way or another, things do not go smoothly for them. Much as I enjoy the preceding set-up, the author really piles on one unlikely plot twist after another.
Threatening notes appear, addressed to Elizabeth and warning her of dire consequences for herself and her family if she doesn't break off the engagement. There's a double kidnapping, ransom demand and blackmail. After the phony engagement ends and the Gardiners travel to Newcastle with Elizabeth, the charming Mr. Henry Charleton seems to be a very desirable match for her. The visit with his family must be extended due to a severe winter storm. An assembly before they leave creates a new misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth. The Wickham-and-Lydia plot emerges. Yet another kidnapping affects the Bennets with another ransom demand. Elizabeth is deemed responsible for an elopement despite her lack of any knowledge regarding it.
With so many melodramatic storylines, the plot loses any semblance of believability starting somewhere around the midway-point. Although there aren't a large number of other grammatical errors, the modern slang term "alright" appears almost a dozen times throughout the book, which always annoys me, especially in a Regency novel.
The bottom line is that this isn't bad, but this premise could have been developed a whole lot better. (And "alright" ISN'T A WORD!!! Grrrr!)
Netgalley book. Opinions expressed are my own.
While there is neither Pride nor Prejudice between Darcy and Elizabeth in this story, the premise manages to make good use of the same characters in a different situation. They meet under more favorable circumstances, as Mr. Darcy does not attend the Meryton assembly; he arrives at Netherfield a day later.
Consequently, the two are introduced when Elizabeth comes to Netherfield to nurse her sister Jane. Darcy displays no haughtiness and Elizabeth overhears no insult despite her dirty petticoats. The Bennet sisters stay longer because, just when Jane's symptoms start to wane, Elizabeth falls ill. This gives Darcy more opportunities to spend time with her (probably more than Regency propriety would allow), and he soon starts to admire her, although he knows she's not suitable marriage material.
Before the Bennet sisters leave, Darcy unexpectedly receives tragic family news which makes him the new Earl of Matlock. He needs to focus on assuming his new responsibilities, but this quickly becomes difficult because of the swarm of title-seeking and fortune-hunting mamas bringing their daughters to call.
Caroline Bingley suggests that Darcy solve this problem with a betrothal between them that would be called off before the wedding, but he recognizes that Elizabeth would be the more trustworthy partner in such a scheme. He offers to provide dowries for Elizabeth's sisters, and she reluctantly agrees, but only to a pretend courtship. Neither is comfortable with the deception, but it provides the best solution that they can imagine for their respective situations. Even Mr. Bennet is kept in the dark about their arrangement. (So much for "...disguise of any sort is my abhorrence!") Not surprisingly, long before the engagement is called off, Darcy and Elizabeth are deeply in love with each other and want to be tied to each other in truth.
However, with Caroline Bingley, George Wickham, and Lady Catherine all doing their best to impose on Darcy in one way or another, things do not go smoothly for them. Much as I enjoy the preceding set-up, the author really piles on one unlikely plot twist after another.
Threatening notes appear, addressed to Elizabeth and warning her of dire consequences for herself and her family if she doesn't break off the engagement. There's a double kidnapping, ransom demand and blackmail. After the phony engagement ends and the Gardiners travel to Newcastle with Elizabeth, the charming Mr. Henry Charleton seems to be a very desirable match for her. The visit with his family must be extended due to a severe winter storm. An assembly before they leave creates a new misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth. The Wickham-and-Lydia plot emerges. Yet another kidnapping affects the Bennets with another ransom demand. Elizabeth is deemed responsible for an elopement despite her lack of any knowledge regarding it.
With so many melodramatic storylines, the plot loses any semblance of believability starting somewhere around the midway-point. Although there aren't a large number of other grammatical errors, the modern slang term "alright" appears almost a dozen times throughout the book, which always annoys me, especially in a Regency novel.
The bottom line is that this isn't bad, but this premise could have been developed a whole lot better. (And "alright" ISN'T A WORD!!! Grrrr!)
Netgalley book. Opinions expressed are my own.
July 6, 2017
Fitzwilliam Darcy: Earl of Matlock
At the start of this story, Jane is ill at Netherfield and Elizabeth arrives to care for her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth becomes ill as well and as she is recovering, Darcy spends much time with her entranced by her fine eyes, her sharp wit, her laugh, and educated mind. The day before the Bennets are to return to Longbourn, Darcy finds out that his uncle, Lord Matlock, had died in Germany along with his heir and his family. Darcy is next in line for the title. Enter evil Lady Catherine de Bourgh and devious Caroline Bingley. Lady Catherine wants him to marry Anne so puts an announcement in the newspapers that he is the new Earl of Matlock looking for a suitable wife. Caroline decides to offer herself as his "temporary" fiance. Yeah right! Can he see himself getting out of that fiasco. But the idea triggers him to confront Elizabeth Bennet with the proposition. She accepts. She immediately get threats to her life if she doesn't release him. Darcy sends to London to visit Georgiana, but they both are abducted by forces worst than Wickham and are being held for ransom. Lady Catherine appears, pays for Georgiana's release, lets Wickham go, but requires Elizabeth to release Darcy from their agreement ( which she thinks is real). When Darcy and Elizabeth meet again, she is traveling with her aunt and uncle. While in Newcastle, Elizabeth realizes that she loves Darcy, but his surly manner has her confused. Darcy leaves Newcastle thinking that she has accepted a marriage proposal from the nephew of Mrs. Gardiner, but didn't hear her refusal. When they meet again sparks kindle in their hearts, but chaos ensues when Bingley disappears, but Elizabeth uses Lydia's knowledge of Wickham to free him and gets him to the church on time. Darcy can no longer stand Elizabeth not knowing his feelings and before he allows her into church for Jane's wedding, proposes. He is accepted. What has happened to Anne? Lady Catherine is sure that upstart Miss Elizabeth Bennet knows. Everybody gets their just desserts: Wickham, Caroline, the money lenders, and foolish Lydia.
At the start of this story, Jane is ill at Netherfield and Elizabeth arrives to care for her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth becomes ill as well and as she is recovering, Darcy spends much time with her entranced by her fine eyes, her sharp wit, her laugh, and educated mind. The day before the Bennets are to return to Longbourn, Darcy finds out that his uncle, Lord Matlock, had died in Germany along with his heir and his family. Darcy is next in line for the title. Enter evil Lady Catherine de Bourgh and devious Caroline Bingley. Lady Catherine wants him to marry Anne so puts an announcement in the newspapers that he is the new Earl of Matlock looking for a suitable wife. Caroline decides to offer herself as his "temporary" fiance. Yeah right! Can he see himself getting out of that fiasco. But the idea triggers him to confront Elizabeth Bennet with the proposition. She accepts. She immediately get threats to her life if she doesn't release him. Darcy sends to London to visit Georgiana, but they both are abducted by forces worst than Wickham and are being held for ransom. Lady Catherine appears, pays for Georgiana's release, lets Wickham go, but requires Elizabeth to release Darcy from their agreement ( which she thinks is real). When Darcy and Elizabeth meet again, she is traveling with her aunt and uncle. While in Newcastle, Elizabeth realizes that she loves Darcy, but his surly manner has her confused. Darcy leaves Newcastle thinking that she has accepted a marriage proposal from the nephew of Mrs. Gardiner, but didn't hear her refusal. When they meet again sparks kindle in their hearts, but chaos ensues when Bingley disappears, but Elizabeth uses Lydia's knowledge of Wickham to free him and gets him to the church on time. Darcy can no longer stand Elizabeth not knowing his feelings and before he allows her into church for Jane's wedding, proposes. He is accepted. What has happened to Anne? Lady Catherine is sure that upstart Miss Elizabeth Bennet knows. Everybody gets their just desserts: Wickham, Caroline, the money lenders, and foolish Lydia.
July 1, 2017
For every good reason there is to lie, there is a better reason to tell the truth. –Bo Bennett
This is an entertaining, well-written story, mostly free from grammar, homonym, and other errors.
Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you. -- Roger Ebert
This is an entertaining, well-written story, mostly free from grammar, homonym, and other errors.
Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you. -- Roger Ebert
October 28, 2021
Darcy an Earl
The idea of Darcy becoming lord Matlock sounded great.
Caroline Bingley was annoyed and threatened Elizabeth via unsigned letters. Georgiana was running away with Wickham and Elizabeth got caught up in the kidnapping. Lady Catherine saves Georgiana and leaves Elizabeth. Darcy is all over the place as are his emotions. Yikes it kept me lost and wondering when the strong Darcy would show up. Not my favorite but that’s just me.
The idea of Darcy becoming lord Matlock sounded great.
Caroline Bingley was annoyed and threatened Elizabeth via unsigned letters. Georgiana was running away with Wickham and Elizabeth got caught up in the kidnapping. Lady Catherine saves Georgiana and leaves Elizabeth. Darcy is all over the place as are his emotions. Yikes it kept me lost and wondering when the strong Darcy would show up. Not my favorite but that’s just me.
Read
July 20, 2018****DNF****
I just can't force myself to keep going with this one. It's definitely a bit OOC and too bland enough to be interesting with the random actions of the characters, plus the dialogue was making me cringe. Just not for me. :(
I just can't force myself to keep going with this one. It's definitely a bit OOC and too bland enough to be interesting with the random actions of the characters, plus the dialogue was making me cringe. Just not for me. :(
May 21, 2018
This book was a nice read to relax a little while recognizing the characters of a well-known and beloved book acting in slightly different situations.
Even thought I noticed some inaccuracies in the etiquette of the time period and there were a lot of things happening just a little bit differently (which made me a little bit confused), that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book.
All in all, this book is interesting even if it is a little bit more of the same and would be a good read to the lovers of Pride and Prejudice’s variations.
Even thought I noticed some inaccuracies in the etiquette of the time period and there were a lot of things happening just a little bit differently (which made me a little bit confused), that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book.
All in all, this book is interesting even if it is a little bit more of the same and would be a good read to the lovers of Pride and Prejudice’s variations.
June 11, 2022
2.5 rounded to 3. I don't know what to say. This book had such promising premise but a very lacklustre execution. Many of the things in the story, like Darcy and Elizabeth's fake courtship, Georgiana and Elizabeth's kidnapping, Elizabeth's travel north, her stay at Newcastle, Wickham and Lydia etc. Every single thing felt overly dramatised and extremely confusing to their necessity. I was very glad to have finished the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2019
Another example of an interesting and exciting idea not being properly developed & executed... so sad (for me!).
This P&P variation has Mr. Darcy suddenly becoming Earl -- that means a distant relationship with most of his family in place and a massive round of bad luck for the Fitzwilliams (!!). So there is not really any sense of tragedy or mourning around the passing and installment of the new Lord.
The relationship between Lizzy & Darcy seems to be structured from the plot device of the faked courtship, which is a strange choice somehow because 1) it was not believable 2) it is ilogical and not historically accurate how it was presented here 3) it introduces an element of farse and ridiculousness that I don't often welcome in my choice of Austenesque... and 4) it somehow belittles and diminishes any depth of feeling, respect, affection and value held between the main characters.
So, personally, I would not recommend this one, but please, be welcome to tell me about other JAFF undet this same premise I might enjoy !!
This P&P variation has Mr. Darcy suddenly becoming Earl -- that means a distant relationship with most of his family in place and a massive round of bad luck for the Fitzwilliams (!!). So there is not really any sense of tragedy or mourning around the passing and installment of the new Lord.
The relationship between Lizzy & Darcy seems to be structured from the plot device of the faked courtship, which is a strange choice somehow because 1) it was not believable 2) it is ilogical and not historically accurate how it was presented here 3) it introduces an element of farse and ridiculousness that I don't often welcome in my choice of Austenesque... and 4) it somehow belittles and diminishes any depth of feeling, respect, affection and value held between the main characters.
So, personally, I would not recommend this one, but please, be welcome to tell me about other JAFF undet this same premise I might enjoy !!
May 9, 2018
This novel is a romance set (presumably) in 1813 England. The story started with Darcy arriving late to Netherfield Park, so he never insulted Lizzy's pride. Nor does he have any pride (nor any ego about how desirable he is, despite the fact that hordes of women are trying to marry him). Darcy and Lizzy get to know each other and get along wonderfully. Lizzy never cares for any other. In fact, if you removed the names and occasional quotes from "Pride and Prejudice," you'd never guess it was meant to be a "what if" retelling of that story. The characters were only very loosely based off of Jane Austen's characters. Even the quotes were often given to different characters or used in a different context.
So, as a clean Regency romance novel, how is it? Well, it's got no sex and only a few uses of bad language. There wasn't much historical detail nor did the author always stay true to the times. When Lizzy traveled to London to casually visit a stranger, the author needed Lizzy to stop at that house before even changing her travel-stained clothing and without a servant, so that's what she does. If the author needed Darcy to jump to conclusions and Lizzy to inexplicably not correct him, then of course they do. But for all that, the characters were nice, so it was an enjoyable, fluffy romance were little stood in the way of everyone's happiness.
I received a free ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
So, as a clean Regency romance novel, how is it? Well, it's got no sex and only a few uses of bad language. There wasn't much historical detail nor did the author always stay true to the times. When Lizzy traveled to London to casually visit a stranger, the author needed Lizzy to stop at that house before even changing her travel-stained clothing and without a servant, so that's what she does. If the author needed Darcy to jump to conclusions and Lizzy to inexplicably not correct him, then of course they do. But for all that, the characters were nice, so it was an enjoyable, fluffy romance were little stood in the way of everyone's happiness.
I received a free ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 9, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Darcy arrives at Netherfield Park after the Bingleys and misses the Meryton assembly. He first meets Lizzy when she arrives at Netherfield to take care of her sister when Jane falls ill. While taking care of Jane, Lizzy falls ill as well, and Darcy takes it upon himself to entertain her on her sickbed. They form a tentative friendship, and Darcy looks forward to her lively conversation every day.
After Lizzy and Jane begin to recover, Darcy receives distressing news. His nearest Matlock relatives have passed away and Darcy has inherited the title of Earl of Matlock along with all its holdings. Darcy, once as good as a lord, is now an Earl! When a letter from Lady Catherine arrives to advise him to marry before a deluge of unmarried women descends on him, and Caroline Bingley seconds the plan, Darcy decides Lizzy is the perfect woman to play the part of his fake fiancee. Unknown to Darcy, this places Lizzy in grave danger.
This was a sweet variation with some lovely interactions between my favorite couple! I thought it was well written and the writing was in the spirit of the original. There is a lot packed into this story, and plenty of action and intrigue. It was an enjoyable read that I'll be visiting again!
I requested a copy of the book, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
After Lizzy and Jane begin to recover, Darcy receives distressing news. His nearest Matlock relatives have passed away and Darcy has inherited the title of Earl of Matlock along with all its holdings. Darcy, once as good as a lord, is now an Earl! When a letter from Lady Catherine arrives to advise him to marry before a deluge of unmarried women descends on him, and Caroline Bingley seconds the plan, Darcy decides Lizzy is the perfect woman to play the part of his fake fiancee. Unknown to Darcy, this places Lizzy in grave danger.
This was a sweet variation with some lovely interactions between my favorite couple! I thought it was well written and the writing was in the spirit of the original. There is a lot packed into this story, and plenty of action and intrigue. It was an enjoyable read that I'll be visiting again!
I requested a copy of the book, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2018
Fortunately for Darcy he missed the Meryton Assembly but has arrived just in time to meet Jane Bennet when she arives at Netherfield for tea. Bad weather results in Jane becoming ill, and Elizabeth when she comes to visit Jane. But then Darcy receives bad news and involves Elizabeth in the resulting scheme.
We have a bad Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley and Wickham but no Colonel Fitzwilliam (disastrous) or the rest of his family.
But still an enjoyable story with the characters acting different in the situations. I did miss the insults exhanged between Darcy and Elizabeth, and there didn't seem to be much pride or prejudice.
A NetGalley Book
We have a bad Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley and Wickham but no Colonel Fitzwilliam (disastrous) or the rest of his family.
But still an enjoyable story with the characters acting different in the situations. I did miss the insults exhanged between Darcy and Elizabeth, and there didn't seem to be much pride or prejudice.
A NetGalley Book
June 11, 2023
Disgusting, disgusting and disgusting!
Actually, I didn't finish the book but I finished with the book. Big waste of my time!
I hope Miss Lane, that you only published it electronically, because this fiasco is not worth the murder of so many trees to publish it physically!
Fellow readers: don't waste your money and time on this book!
To the readers who gave this book 3 and more stars, please read Jane Austen and then check your reviews, because what comes to my mind is that those reviews were bought!
Actually, I didn't finish the book but I finished with the book. Big waste of my time!
I hope Miss Lane, that you only published it electronically, because this fiasco is not worth the murder of so many trees to publish it physically!
Fellow readers: don't waste your money and time on this book!
To the readers who gave this book 3 and more stars, please read Jane Austen and then check your reviews, because what comes to my mind is that those reviews were bought!
June 24, 2020
Avid Reader
The only disappointing part of this novel was that there was no wedding between Darcy and Elizabeth and no epilogue. Jane and Bingley married. Collins married Charlotte, and Lydia finally got over her crush with Wickham. Anne married a stable hand much to Lady Catherine 's chagrin. Of cour, she blamed Elizabeth.
The only disappointing part of this novel was that there was no wedding between Darcy and Elizabeth and no epilogue. Jane and Bingley married. Collins married Charlotte, and Lydia finally got over her crush with Wickham. Anne married a stable hand much to Lady Catherine 's chagrin. Of cour, she blamed Elizabeth.
December 13, 2017
A short, enjoyable fanfiction of Pride and Prejudice.
I really enjoyed this! I've been meaning to read P&P fanfic so I'm glad that I started with this. My only complaint is probably the ending because it felt a little abrupt and I feel like there should have been an epilogue.
I really enjoyed this! I've been meaning to read P&P fanfic so I'm glad that I started with this. My only complaint is probably the ending because it felt a little abrupt and I feel like there should have been an epilogue.
July 20, 2018
I enjoyed this retelling. It's comfortable reading about characters I already knew but in a whole different way. I thought it was worth the read. It did make me smile at some parts. Check it out.
January 14, 2019
Distinctly Far Fetched
I think this book has the title of the silliest one i have ever read. Incredibly far fetched as far as the plot was concerned.
I think this book has the title of the silliest one i have ever read. Incredibly far fetched as far as the plot was concerned.
April 4, 2022
interesting
An interesting premise and lively adventure in this stirring variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Cressida Lane.
An interesting premise and lively adventure in this stirring variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Cressida Lane.
January 20, 2019
Great
Only thing - how did Lady C come to Georgiana and Lizzy's rescue. How did she know... Why did the kidnappers let her just walk in like that and leave with the ladies.
Only thing - how did Lady C come to Georgiana and Lizzy's rescue. How did she know... Why did the kidnappers let her just walk in like that and leave with the ladies.
July 20, 2018
A lovely little Pride and Prejudice story. How would things be different if Elizabeth and Darcy first met at the quiet comfort of Netherfield? And through circumstance, Darcy inherited a title? Brief, cute, and clever.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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