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Clever Compromises: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella
This is a sweet, angst free read! Elizabeth Bennet is pleased her dearest sister Jane will marry Mr. Bingley after a whirlwind courtship which began the night of the Meryton Assembly. But when her cousin Mr. Collins arrives from Kent, he informs the Bennet family that he seeks a wife from amongst the Bennet sisters to soften the existence of an entail that hangs over Longbourn.
Knowing her family has no need of such an alliance with Jane’s future secure, Elizabeth is surprised when Mr. Bennet approves of the parson’s plan. Surely her father will not allow the man to ask for her hand?
When Mr. Collins sees that Mr. Darcy, the nephew of his distinguished patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has designs on his cousin he knows he must propose to Elizabeth though his heart has been won by her sister Mary. To allow Mr. Darcy to propose to Elizabeth would bring down the wrath of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and destroy his living at Hunsford.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 26, 2017
Don't compromise yourself. You're all you've got. ~Janis Joplin
Mr. Collins arrives in Meryton determined to do the right thing (in his mind at least) and marry one of his distant cousin’s daughters. Surprisingly, he approaches Mr. Bennet almost immediately and even more surprisingly, Mr. Bennet agrees completely, thinking that Mary would like a life as a clergyman’s wife – indeed, she shows little interest in anything else.
Once Mr. Collins knows Jane is betrothed, he spends most of his time becoming acquainted with Mary, having rejected Elizabeth as too outspoken and Kitty and Lydia as too young. In fact, things are heading to HEAville for Mary and Collins until he meets Mr. Darcy and notices the attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Blushing is the color of virtue. ~Diogenes
Collins fears for his future in Hunsford unless he notifies his noble patroness who arrives at Netherfield breathing fire. Cousin Anne follows her mother to Meryton. She insists Collins compromise Elizabeth so she is forced to marry him and Darcy is still free.
Mr. Collins is a little more sensible than he often is portrayed -- loving Mary and yet trying to marry Elizabeth.
This is a cute, relatively low-angst and clean story.
It is hardly respectable to be good nowadays. ~Edith Sitwell
Mr. Collins arrives in Meryton determined to do the right thing (in his mind at least) and marry one of his distant cousin’s daughters. Surprisingly, he approaches Mr. Bennet almost immediately and even more surprisingly, Mr. Bennet agrees completely, thinking that Mary would like a life as a clergyman’s wife – indeed, she shows little interest in anything else.
Once Mr. Collins knows Jane is betrothed, he spends most of his time becoming acquainted with Mary, having rejected Elizabeth as too outspoken and Kitty and Lydia as too young. In fact, things are heading to HEAville for Mary and Collins until he meets Mr. Darcy and notices the attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Blushing is the color of virtue. ~Diogenes
Collins fears for his future in Hunsford unless he notifies his noble patroness who arrives at Netherfield breathing fire. Cousin Anne follows her mother to Meryton. She insists Collins compromise Elizabeth so she is forced to marry him and Darcy is still free.
Mr. Collins is a little more sensible than he often is portrayed -- loving Mary and yet trying to marry Elizabeth.
This is a cute, relatively low-angst and clean story.
It is hardly respectable to be good nowadays. ~Edith Sitwell
January 5, 2020
Not sure what I think about this one. It started off well but I got disinterested as it went on.
December 18, 2020
Too much Collins
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2020
Fine quick read for an afternoon. Collins is one of my least favorite characters though, so it’s difficult for me to find much pleasure in a story that features him so much. I did enjoy the fact that Wickham was dealt with quickly and all the usual misunderstandings between ODC were absent.
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2020
Fine quick read for an afternoon. Collins is one of my least favorite characters though, so it’s difficult for me to find much pleasure in a story that features him so much. I did enjoy the fact that Wickham was dealt with quickly and all the usual misunderstandings between ODC were absent.
April 8, 2018
An interesting read with lovely romance in the mix. I almost liked this Mr. Collins but then realized it’s Mr. Collins lol.
October 7, 2017
Such a lovely read! I'm not always , actually seldom, a fan of Mr Collins.
I like him in the story. He was misguided but not a total write off!
As usual, Darcy and Elizabeth shined!
Mary, also usually a favorite, had he moments in the spotlight!
A wonderful story!
I like him in the story. He was misguided but not a total write off!
As usual, Darcy and Elizabeth shined!
Mary, also usually a favorite, had he moments in the spotlight!
A wonderful story!
October 25, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a sweet, angst free read.
Elizabeth Bennet is pleased her dearest sister Jane will marry Mr. Bingley after a whirlwind courtship which began the night of the Meryton Assembly, but when her cousin Mr. Collins arrives from Kent, he informs the Bennet family that he seeks a wife from amongst the Bennet sisters to soften the existence of an entail that hangs over Longbourn. Knowing her family has no need of such an alliance with Jane’s future secure, Elizabeth is surprised when Mr. Bennet approves of the parson’s plan. Surely her father will not allow the man to ask for her hand?
When Mr. Collins sees that Mr. Darcy, the nephew of his distinguished patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has designs on his cousin he knows he must propose to Elizabeth though his heart has been won by her sister Mary. To allow Mr. Darcy to propose to Elizabeth would bring down the wrath of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and destroy his living at Hunsford. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a sweet, angst free read.
Elizabeth Bennet is pleased her dearest sister Jane will marry Mr. Bingley after a whirlwind courtship which began the night of the Meryton Assembly, but when her cousin Mr. Collins arrives from Kent, he informs the Bennet family that he seeks a wife from amongst the Bennet sisters to soften the existence of an entail that hangs over Longbourn. Knowing her family has no need of such an alliance with Jane’s future secure, Elizabeth is surprised when Mr. Bennet approves of the parson’s plan. Surely her father will not allow the man to ask for her hand?
When Mr. Collins sees that Mr. Darcy, the nephew of his distinguished patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has designs on his cousin he knows he must propose to Elizabeth though his heart has been won by her sister Mary. To allow Mr. Darcy to propose to Elizabeth would bring down the wrath of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and destroy his living at Hunsford. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
June 24, 2018
An enjoyable read
This is my second read and not having left a review previously I knew I had to now. Mr Collins is portrayed as a more likable human in this story. Although many stories make him out to be a horrible person, in this story we see a different side of him as he struggles to make good decisions. Lady Catherine is still an awful shrew, which is not a bad thing. Mr Collins tries to do the right thing throughout the story but does not know to resolve his dilemmas. It was nice to see Mary fall in love and resolve her own love issues. Mr Darcy admits his love earlier than most stories, which makes me happy. I just wish I could read more after the wedding. Overall it entertained me and left me feeling happy.
This is my second read and not having left a review previously I knew I had to now. Mr Collins is portrayed as a more likable human in this story. Although many stories make him out to be a horrible person, in this story we see a different side of him as he struggles to make good decisions. Lady Catherine is still an awful shrew, which is not a bad thing. Mr Collins tries to do the right thing throughout the story but does not know to resolve his dilemmas. It was nice to see Mary fall in love and resolve her own love issues. Mr Darcy admits his love earlier than most stories, which makes me happy. I just wish I could read more after the wedding. Overall it entertained me and left me feeling happy.
May 18, 2019
Good fun
This is such an easy and likable story, that flows at a good rate and delivers some satisfying romance. The lovers make their connections quickly, and the villains are thwarted handily. Mr. Collins figures prominently in the book, and although he is a complete doofus, he gets his heart's desire. Darcy and Elizabeth are strongly attracted right from the start, and work together to overcome the obstacles thrown in their way by Caroline Bingley, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine.
This is a quick read and a feel good story. It is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
This is such an easy and likable story, that flows at a good rate and delivers some satisfying romance. The lovers make their connections quickly, and the villains are thwarted handily. Mr. Collins figures prominently in the book, and although he is a complete doofus, he gets his heart's desire. Darcy and Elizabeth are strongly attracted right from the start, and work together to overcome the obstacles thrown in their way by Caroline Bingley, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine.
This is a quick read and a feel good story. It is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
October 9, 2017
Absolutely fantastic book. I love all the stories by this author and this was one of her best ever. Received an ARC for review purpose. Was up reading all night completely engrossed.All the couples in this story were fascinating and it has one of my favorite Mary Bennets.
January 17, 2020
Would you sacrifice yourself to keep your job? Mr Collins willingness to do this causes angst and issues in this Pride and Prejudice novella. As a result, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mary must take matters into their own hands.
April 6, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different storyline than usual but it was enjoyable
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different storyline than usual but it was enjoyable
February 22, 2020
Almost every one of these characters were too OOC to be believed. With the exception of Wickham, who is usually always a jerk, that was still true to canon.
July 19, 2020
Cute story. It was interesting to have so much of it from Mr Collins viewpoint. And while the usual buffoon, he was not malicious as sometimes portrayed in these stories.
September 2, 2020
Clever Compromises was the first book by April Floyd that I have read and I enjoyed a lot of things in this book including how the author wrote Mary, Elizabeth, and Darcy. I also thought that the author did a good job of explaining why Mr. Collins made some of the choices that he made. Lady Catherine and her daughter Anne were horrible in this book but since they were the antagonists that works out well. The epilogue at the end was also fun and shows how all three couples (Mary & Mr. Collins, Jane & Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy) are doing after having all been married for a while.
January 24, 2018
This was a lovely, sweet and romantic story.
Diviate from canon with E&D not so much at odds as Darcy apologizes for his insult and they experience a more normal courtship (if such a thing even exists). It is more ODC against several others which are rarely done and a personal favourite of mine.
Entering after Jane's illness at Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are already engaged and they are a pleasant surprise in this story, both for their perceptiveness and firmness.
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship develop unrushed but outside forces are not pleased.
Mr Collins is a major obstical in this story but his heart lies with another Bennet sister than Elizabeth. Unfortunately, he chooses to extend his loyalty to the wrong persons and pays for that decision. I actually developed a soft spot for Mr Collins in this story and that is a first and a compliment to the author who managed that.
Lady Catherine is unpleasant, her daughter even more so...
There are several compromises in this story, some successful, some, not so much...
Wickham is dealt with in a rather satisfying manner. Always love when the villains get there comeuppance.
This is more of warm and cosy story than an angsty, nailbiting experience.
Heartily recommend!
Diviate from canon with E&D not so much at odds as Darcy apologizes for his insult and they experience a more normal courtship (if such a thing even exists). It is more ODC against several others which are rarely done and a personal favourite of mine.
Entering after Jane's illness at Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are already engaged and they are a pleasant surprise in this story, both for their perceptiveness and firmness.
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship develop unrushed but outside forces are not pleased.
Mr Collins is a major obstical in this story but his heart lies with another Bennet sister than Elizabeth. Unfortunately, he chooses to extend his loyalty to the wrong persons and pays for that decision. I actually developed a soft spot for Mr Collins in this story and that is a first and a compliment to the author who managed that.
Lady Catherine is unpleasant, her daughter even more so...
There are several compromises in this story, some successful, some, not so much...
Wickham is dealt with in a rather satisfying manner. Always love when the villains get there comeuppance.
This is more of warm and cosy story than an angsty, nailbiting experience.
Heartily recommend!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews