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Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection #6

Unravelling Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella

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He's got one chance to claim his heart's desire, and he's holding nothing back.

What's a gentleman to do when he has laid his heart before a lady only to have it crushed beneath her dainty slippers? If you're Fitzwilliam Darcy, there is only one thing to do -- unravel your tightly wound pride, mend your ways, and convince the lady of your worth.

And what's a lady to do when she has spoken harshly and knows she has done so unfairly? If you're Elizabeth Bennet, you take a deep breath, swallow your dignity, give him a second chance, and perhaps along the way, discover a gentleman you didn't know existed.

And what's a couple to do when they have difficult family members? If you're Darcy and Elizabeth, you expect a few bumps in the road and prepare yourself for some absurdity along the path to happily ever after.

Unravelling Mr. Darcy is part of Leenie Brown's Dash of Darcy collection of Pride and Prejudice inspired novellas. If you like well-written, fast-paced, sweet romance with a touch of humor, then you will love this story about Darcy claiming a second chance and pursuing it without reserve.

So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Unravelling Mr. Darcy, and slip into a world of light-hearted sweet romantic indulgence today.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2017

92 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Leenie Brown

95 books112 followers
Leenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales.  At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!

Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!

Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds!   Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.

When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).

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5 stars
73 (36%)
4 stars
76 (38%)
3 stars
43 (21%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews139 followers
October 2, 2017
“I believe anything has to be possible. You have to be able to face any problem that comes along and unravel it into a solution.” Jon Oringer

This was a clean, quick read that left the romantic heart sighing with delight. Since it was a novella, it moved quickly, although it didn’t feel rushed. I love a good Darcy and this young man was no different. Brown has a unique approach to the P&P Universe. She takes the basic pieces of Austen’s classic, reconfigured them into another story completely and yet, still kept them true to the original.

The Hunsford Parsonage, along with it horrific proposal, will forever be the haunting moment of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s life. How had he been so mistaken regarding Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s opinion of him? How did he get it so wrong? Everything he had ever thought, regarding Miss Elizabeth and her pert opinions, was wrong… so horribly wrong. Oh, how would he ever recover from such a blow?

“Human curiosity, the urge to know, is a powerful force and is perhaps the best secret weapon of all in the struggle to unravel the workings of the natural world.” Aaron Klug

For whatever reason… curiosity perhaps… Elizabeth called out to Mr. Darcy and asked him to not leave. This was a new twist in our canon story-line. I loved how Elizabeth, though ill, was able to approach and discuss with Darcy their differences. This started them on a new and different tack and I loved the excitement of wondering what was going to happen next.

We also had the introduction of a new character in the grandmother, Lady Margaret. Now that lady was a pistol and no one in the family crossed her. She was made of sterner stuff and especially favored a younger version of herself in Elizabeth Bennet. Perhaps that is why she was particularly receptive of Elizabeth in Darcy’s life.

Georgiana was a delight and of course we always love our dear Colonel. Even Anne de Bourgh had a secret that I found interesting. There was something about Bingley that was a bit more… just more. I can’t say without giving a spoiler, but I think Jane is in for a surprise. And… perhaps Caroline as well if she crosses Bingley again.

Our antagonists didn’t have page time, but were discussed [Caroline and Wickham]. I was grateful we didn’t have to deal with them. Our story easily set up the next book dealing with Anne’s story. ‘Becoming Entangled,’ due out late Fall 2017. I am really curious as to what happens with her. I liked her in this story and she gave us a hint as to what she wanted. Enough said on that.
902 reviews70 followers
April 17, 2018
"How had she ever thought it possible on short acquaintance to unravel the complexity of such a man was beyond her comprehension now." (quote from the book)

This is a sweet novella that takes Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy along a gentler path than canon after his disastrous proposal at Hunsford. It is also one that shows some very swoon-worthy moments. There are some delightful surprises within its pages. I especially enjoyed Anne de Bourgh's request of Elizabeth! But I must say, I was smiling and chuckling throughout this story. Mr. Bingley gets his time to shine and Mrs. Bennet has a whole new perspective regarding him. Despite her silliness, she too has some wise words to dispense.

So curl up in your favourite chair and enjoy the latest creation from Ms. Brown.
3,469 reviews42 followers
June 11, 2022
I liked this fast paced story a lot. Elizabeth calls Darcy back at Hunsford and they decide to start over with better understanding. Upgrading to five stars because it lasted a reread.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,281 reviews69 followers
September 24, 2017
What if after the disaster that is the Hunsford prosposal Elizabeth calls Darcy back as he goes to leave. Can there be a quicker understanding or are Darcy's hopes raised too soon.
An enjoyable tale about the relationship of this couple.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,230 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2018
A wonderful "what if". When Elizabeth calls Darcy back after rejecting his proposal, she just wants to apologize. But it turns out he shows her he's nothing like she thinks he is.

A highly recommended story for when you don't have a lot of time for reading.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,684 reviews82 followers
October 11, 2017
This is a sweet novella that's perhaps just a bit TOO sweet. Not much in the way of obstacles for ODC to overcome. But it is well put together and starts with an interesting premise and adds the marvelous Lady Margaret, the Dowager Countess of Matlock, grandmother of Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The dialogue is excellent, too, with lots of Darcy-and-Elizabeth togetherness.

It all begins with Darcy's infamous Hunsford proposal. Along with Elizabeth's objections to him, she truly feels too ill to attend at Rosings, and she's feeling a bit cranky besides. (You know what I'm talking about, ladies!) After thoroughly lambasting him, she observes his dejected mien as he takes his leave, and her conscience kicks in. She immediately calls him back, apologizing for her intemperate response, and this leads to a more civil exchange between the two. The next morning Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam leave Rosings. After their departure, Elizabeth has a revealing chat with Anne de Bourgh, who has much more personality than she exhibits in front of her mother.

The story eventually proceeds to London, where Elizabeth encounters Georgiana, Lady Matlock, and Lady Margaret. There's a bit of anxiety when Mrs. Bennet shows up, and the book ends shortly after Lady Catherine arrives, with the next book in this series set to feature Anne.

In general, this is a totally angst-free read. Without serious misunderstandings, obstacles or villains to overcome, it's pleasant but a bit bland.
180 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2017
A delightfully fun unraveling!

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet novel. I liked Elizabeth Bennet's journey of getting to know Mr. Darcy. I also thought Bingkey was written in an amusing way as Mrs. Bennet watched him warily due to his fighting ways. A lovely book.
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
November 23, 2019
Very. Ice story but...

Very nice story but it stops abruptly and forces one to buy the next book to see the Darcy and Lizzie HEA.

Small fun changes in the characters. Darcy is not quite the prideful jerk. Lizzie is not quite likely to lose her temper. Bingley is not quite the puppy. And a new character is added, Darcy’s maternal grandmother.

Fun story but as mentioned, only part one of the story.

I barely recommend this book because of its abrupt ending.
Profile Image for Angela Withrow TheArdentReader.
242 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2025
Quick Fun Read!

This was a very quick read. creative on some things and canon on most.
well written! I like the descriptions of the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books159 followers
January 24, 2018
A lovely, sweet and romantic fast read.
Angst free but with a bit of anguish in the beginning.

Entering at the end of the Hunsford proposal.
Darcy is about to leave when Elizabeth calls him back. Seeing another side of him makes her agree to see him in London and allow him to court her.
Darcy does not waste his second chance...

A perfect autumn read to snuggle up, with a cup of tea and a blanket.
Profile Image for Jacquelin.
117 reviews
August 31, 2023
This is a simple story: Darcy is refused by Elizabeth and he is crushed. But Elizabeth calls him back just as he’s leaving Mr. Collins’ cottage and apologizes for being so abrasive. Bizarrely, she blames her period on her bad mood. Yup, you read correctly; she tells Darcy that having a sister he must know that once a month women have their cycles, which she is having at the moment. Darcy is not only familiar with it, he has experience from being there for his sister when she’s having her cycle. He immediately gets the servant to bring her a hot brick to put up against her back. Uhhh…okay. She agrees to let him show her that he’s not the person she thinks he is. So that’s basically the whole story, ending in the inevitable wedding. I was on the fence about how many stars to give it, I eventually landed on 4 stars rather than 3.

Profile Image for d.mcnicholas.
68 reviews
February 5, 2018
As Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite classics, I didn't know what to expect. Would this book do Jane Austen's justice. I can only say that I really was pleasantly surprised and really did enjoy it. Leenie Brown managed to capture the essence of all the beloved characters whilst adding some new, enjoyable ones. I'm glad I took the plunge and read it.
Profile Image for Angela Clayton.
Author 1 book26 followers
August 8, 2018
Escapism, but not a lot of substance. Good for a summer's day.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,497 reviews121 followers
October 17, 2018
I was somewhat disappointed. I had heard glowing reports. I did like it.
Profile Image for M.
1,138 reviews
July 20, 2019
Short & silly but quite cute.
845 reviews
June 17, 2020
Surprisingly fun

If you like Jane Austin, imagine all of the variations the story could have, and you will find yourself immersed in Ms. Brown's books. Delightful!
Profile Image for Chrissy.
773 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2020
What an imaginative change of the plot! I liked it :)
Profile Image for Pet.
3,779 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2024
I think this book would have delighted Mr. Bennet, it’s highly amusing and great fun to read. I love ODC in this and all the characters around them.
468 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2024
A light and pleasant read

Lizzy regrets her harshness in rejecting Darcy at the parsonage and calls him back. From there she begins to know the real Darcy.
25 reviews
October 22, 2025
Loved it

This was a very good read, with Lady Catherine at her site end at the end of the book. Always like to see her rattled!
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,558 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2020
Lovely

A rather lovely and entertaining variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Leenie Brown
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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