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The Secrets of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A Darcy in name only...To the world, Fitzwilliam Darcy has it all. He’s the young master to one of the kingdom’s oldest and wealthiest Norman families. Through his mother, he is related to a powerful line of earls. Beneath the perfect façade lies the he’s the product of his mother’s affair and the heir George Darcy never wanted.At twenty-eight, Darcy has fought hard to put to rest the pains of the past and earn his place in Society. But can he resist the allure of ending his loneliness with the unsuitable woman who has tugged at his heartstrings? Will he tell her his secret and if he does, will she keep it? Or will someone else from the past destroy everything Darcy has worked for?Prepare for another page-gripping read from Rose Fairbanks as she unfolds a Darcy and Elizabeth story unlike you have ever read before.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2018
131 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Rose Fairbanks
61 books113 followersRose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 14, 2018
As I started reading this, I was expecting I'd be writing a very different review. Once I got past the first scene (which is shockingly brilliant), I wasn't sure I liked all of Mr. Darcy's detailed introspection. It's something I regularly criticize in JAFF. "Please, authors! Show, don't tell!"
By the end of the book, though, I understood why all that introspection is necessary. This isn't a book about getting Elizabeth Bennet to accept Fitzwilliam Darcy, although that's certainly part of the story. Much more importantly, it's a book about Fitzwilliam Darcy learning to accept himself. This makes his thoughts at the beginning of the book both relevant and necessary.
There are three distinct sections, all told in third person but limited to Darcy's point of view.
We begin in Kent where Mr. Darcy is reminiscing about the day, at only 8 years old, he was torn from his mother. We learn that that he is, in fact, NOT a Darcy by blood but the result of an affair his mother, Mrs. Darcy, had. When his older half-brother died, Mr. Darcy had no choice but to claim the bastard as his son. From that point on, Darcy was raised with rules of duty and obligation but without warmth or love. When the story comes to the present in Rosings, we are treated to the buildup leading to Darcy's disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Darcy delivers his letter to her the following morning, and then he impulsively kisses her.
The second section starts by revealing that the two were observed embracing, and gossip suggesting that Elizabeth is a loose woman starts to circulate. We head into a Forced Marriage Scenario. You've probably read a bunch of them before. You've never read one like this, though. It spans several chapters and vaults us 25 years into Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's future. Unfortunately, it shows a disastrous end to their marriage. Have a box of tissues at the ready. I guarantee you'll be crying. This is not easy to read.
It's in the third section of the book that Darcy finally finds himself. The necessity for the first two sections of the story becomes clear to the reader. Jane Austen wrote Darcy as a complex character. Ms. Fairbanks gives the poor guy so many additional issues, Freud would have a field day if he got him on his couch. After what Darcy has experienced previously, bit by bit, he starts to find his way to some light. And then, just as it looks as if actual happiness is again in Darcy's grasp, what he has always feared finally happens. He overcomes it with assistance from a brilliantly unexpected source.
Ms. Fairbanks takes her readers on a very emotional ride here. It's full of angst and hard to take at times. But when it comes out the other side, Darcy opens himself up to friendship and love, and we get a perfect ending. This is beautifully written, with believable three-dimensional characters, lively dialogue, romance and, surprisingly, an uplifting moral to the story.
Bravo!
By the end of the book, though, I understood why all that introspection is necessary. This isn't a book about getting Elizabeth Bennet to accept Fitzwilliam Darcy, although that's certainly part of the story. Much more importantly, it's a book about Fitzwilliam Darcy learning to accept himself. This makes his thoughts at the beginning of the book both relevant and necessary.
There are three distinct sections, all told in third person but limited to Darcy's point of view.
We begin in Kent where Mr. Darcy is reminiscing about the day, at only 8 years old, he was torn from his mother. We learn that that he is, in fact, NOT a Darcy by blood but the result of an affair his mother, Mrs. Darcy, had. When his older half-brother died, Mr. Darcy had no choice but to claim the bastard as his son. From that point on, Darcy was raised with rules of duty and obligation but without warmth or love. When the story comes to the present in Rosings, we are treated to the buildup leading to Darcy's disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Darcy delivers his letter to her the following morning, and then he impulsively kisses her.
The second section starts by revealing that the two were observed embracing, and gossip suggesting that Elizabeth is a loose woman starts to circulate. We head into a Forced Marriage Scenario. You've probably read a bunch of them before. You've never read one like this, though. It spans several chapters and vaults us 25 years into Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's future. Unfortunately, it shows a disastrous end to their marriage. Have a box of tissues at the ready. I guarantee you'll be crying. This is not easy to read.
It's in the third section of the book that Darcy finally finds himself. The necessity for the first two sections of the story becomes clear to the reader. Jane Austen wrote Darcy as a complex character. Ms. Fairbanks gives the poor guy so many additional issues, Freud would have a field day if he got him on his couch. After what Darcy has experienced previously, bit by bit, he starts to find his way to some light. And then, just as it looks as if actual happiness is again in Darcy's grasp, what he has always feared finally happens. He overcomes it with assistance from a brilliantly unexpected source.
Ms. Fairbanks takes her readers on a very emotional ride here. It's full of angst and hard to take at times. But when it comes out the other side, Darcy opens himself up to friendship and love, and we get a perfect ending. This is beautifully written, with believable three-dimensional characters, lively dialogue, romance and, surprisingly, an uplifting moral to the story.
Bravo!
March 31, 2018
..."Tell me another secret."...
Darcy is written as a shy and reticent man by Jane Austen. Rose Fairbanks writes his story with a background that might make any one person shy and uncertain about how the world perceives them. It explains how he believes that he must walk as if on eggshells, not having grown up in the world inhabited by the class into which his mother and her husband, Mr. George Darcy, were born.
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, Fitzwilliam lived an isolated life with his mother until age 8 and then is ripped away to live at Pemberley as he is now the heir and must learn all that title demands. He struggles but learns well how to manage. But he is also taught about his place in society and the face he must present to the world outside of Pemberley.
This book had me sobbing more than once. Darcy has such a low self esteem and feels set apart and very desperately lonely. We read this book from his viewpoint. He has never learned to express any feelings. And although he is surrounded by others who value him and love him, such as Bingley, his cousin, Richard, and even his Aunt Catherine, he does not accept the praise they give.
When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth (as in canon) he at first writes the letter of which we know. However, with some of life's lessons he decides to be more open about the facts and knows that in sharing his deepest thoughts he will never see Elizabeth again but he wants to part with honesty between them. Thus a second letter is written.
Now we come to a part which must rip at a reader's heart strings. I can't relate it here as that would be a huge spoiler. But the author went deep to give us a dark look at the "future" for ODC.
There is a HEA and Wickham is a surprise near that ending.
I read this story as a WIP and waited for its release to reread so as to post a review. I value reading it through over a very short period of time vs. the reading of one chapter as a time delivered through the author's blog. I recommend this to all JAFF lovers.
Darcy is written as a shy and reticent man by Jane Austen. Rose Fairbanks writes his story with a background that might make any one person shy and uncertain about how the world perceives them. It explains how he believes that he must walk as if on eggshells, not having grown up in the world inhabited by the class into which his mother and her husband, Mr. George Darcy, were born.
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, Fitzwilliam lived an isolated life with his mother until age 8 and then is ripped away to live at Pemberley as he is now the heir and must learn all that title demands. He struggles but learns well how to manage. But he is also taught about his place in society and the face he must present to the world outside of Pemberley.
This book had me sobbing more than once. Darcy has such a low self esteem and feels set apart and very desperately lonely. We read this book from his viewpoint. He has never learned to express any feelings. And although he is surrounded by others who value him and love him, such as Bingley, his cousin, Richard, and even his Aunt Catherine, he does not accept the praise they give.
When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth (as in canon) he at first writes the letter of which we know. However, with some of life's lessons he decides to be more open about the facts and knows that in sharing his deepest thoughts he will never see Elizabeth again but he wants to part with honesty between them. Thus a second letter is written.
Now we come to a part which must rip at a reader's heart strings. I can't relate it here as that would be a huge spoiler. But the author went deep to give us a dark look at the "future" for ODC.
There is a HEA and Wickham is a surprise near that ending.
I read this story as a WIP and waited for its release to reread so as to post a review. I value reading it through over a very short period of time vs. the reading of one chapter as a time delivered through the author's blog. I recommend this to all JAFF lovers.
April 14, 2018
As others have said it is difficult to review this book without giving away spoilers so here's the view from 30,000 feet. This is a book from Darcy's POV. And Darcy has a BIG SECRET about himself and Georgiana.
This book is a giant angst burger that meets Dallas or A Christmas Carol which leads the reader down a path that dead ends and like groundhog day starts again.
This is a mopey, morose, depressed Darcy. One of those Darcys where I question his ability to run Pemberley. At least Charles Dickens only gave us a small bit of Scrooge's reformation; Darcy's goes on and on. And the author keeps throwing stumbling blocks in his path.
The author also uses the trope that ♪ if he can't have her -he don't want nobody baby... if her can't have her -oh oh oh. ♪. Which I guess is lovely but bizarre.
To go back to my musical theme...I had a good beat but I couldn't dance to it.
This book is a giant angst burger that meets Dallas or A Christmas Carol which leads the reader down a path that dead ends and like groundhog day starts again.
This is a mopey, morose, depressed Darcy. One of those Darcys where I question his ability to run Pemberley. At least Charles Dickens only gave us a small bit of Scrooge's reformation; Darcy's goes on and on. And the author keeps throwing stumbling blocks in his path.
The author also uses the trope that ♪ if he can't have her -he don't want nobody baby... if her can't have her -oh oh oh. ♪. Which I guess is lovely but bizarre.
To go back to my musical theme...I had a good beat but I couldn't dance to it.
April 14, 2018
This is hard book to describe without giving away too many spoilers so I'll only say what the reader learns at the beginning. Fitzwilliam Darcy is not a Darcy by blood but the product of an affair. He is taken away from his mother at 8 years old when George Darcy's natural heir dies. Understandably, this has a huge emotional and psychological impact on Fitzwilliam and the reader is taken on quite a difficult emotional journey as we come to appreciate how difficult and lonely his life has been. He is very vulnerable, isolated and lacks confidence and self esteem.
His relationship with Elizabeth is so sad... he's so desperate for her but believes he has no chance after the disastrous Huntsford proposal. As they get to know each other better, their interaction is lovely, playful and has some great humour.
In the early stages of the book there is a 'Christmas Carol' type moment where Darcy gets a glimpse of the future he could have. This was truly awful but brilliant at the same time....
So... why not 5 stars???... I liked this book. Emotionally, it's a difficult read. It's thought provoking and has important morals. It was well written and, despite all of these things, was not a 'heavy' read. I think I felt the ending was a little unsatisfactory. It was potentially a huge part of the plot and was dealt with very quickly. It all felt a little too easy given the journey the reader had been on.
His relationship with Elizabeth is so sad... he's so desperate for her but believes he has no chance after the disastrous Huntsford proposal. As they get to know each other better, their interaction is lovely, playful and has some great humour.
In the early stages of the book there is a 'Christmas Carol' type moment where Darcy gets a glimpse of the future he could have. This was truly awful but brilliant at the same time....
So... why not 5 stars???... I liked this book. Emotionally, it's a difficult read. It's thought provoking and has important morals. It was well written and, despite all of these things, was not a 'heavy' read. I think I felt the ending was a little unsatisfactory. It was potentially a huge part of the plot and was dealt with very quickly. It all felt a little too easy given the journey the reader had been on.
March 31, 2018
There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. ~ Graham Greene
Fitzwilliam Darcy has clear knowledge of the moment the door opened and the future walked in. He was eight years old when George Darcy arrived in Scotland to claim him from his Mother’s care. Young Darcy never understood why he lived in a cottage in Scotland with his mother instead of at the family estate in Derbyshire. Life had always been himself and his mother but suddenly a strange man arrived announcing his son was dead so he would name his wife’s son as his heir. Fitzwilliam never even knew his mother had another son. He would never see his mother again.
In the happiest of our childhood memories, our parents were happy, too. ~ Robert Brault
Darcy has no memories of his parents’ happiness. In Scotland, his mother had pined for the London she loved. George Darcy was an outgoing individual but confined his interactions with Fitzwilliam to teaching estate management. He was not able to love his wife’s illegitimate son – or her daughter who was also illegitimate and was born years after Fitzwilliam was taken.
Love left young Darcy’s life with his mother. He was never to stop grieving her loss and was not able to stop his anger at her when he was old enough to understand what it meant to be a bastard.
When childhood dies, its corpses are called adults and they enter society, one of the politer names of hell. ~ Brian Aldiss
After George Darcy’s death, Fitzwilliam finally meets his mother’s family.
The story begins at Rosings when Darcy and the Colonel arrive to learn of the new clergyman and the visitors at the parsonage. A proposal is made and rejected. A letter is written. Consequences follow.
In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
One of my favorite scenes happens after Darcy’s arrival back in London. He determines to mend his outlook and begins visits to a foundling home. On his initial visit, he joins the older boys in the rough-and-tumble games boys love. Childhood returns and Darcy finally begins to heal.
Darcy also begins a true brother-sister relationship with Georgiana. Through their childhood, they had not lived together – Georgiana is in Scotland until their mother’s death and afterward is sent to school. George Darcy had left Fitzwilliam and the Colonel as her guardians but neither really knew her. Darcy is surprised to find she is as lost as he has always been.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes JAFF. Be prepared for tears.
The world knows how to straighten out a spoiled child but never makes it up to a child deprived. ~ Robert Brault
Fitzwilliam Darcy has clear knowledge of the moment the door opened and the future walked in. He was eight years old when George Darcy arrived in Scotland to claim him from his Mother’s care. Young Darcy never understood why he lived in a cottage in Scotland with his mother instead of at the family estate in Derbyshire. Life had always been himself and his mother but suddenly a strange man arrived announcing his son was dead so he would name his wife’s son as his heir. Fitzwilliam never even knew his mother had another son. He would never see his mother again.
In the happiest of our childhood memories, our parents were happy, too. ~ Robert Brault
Darcy has no memories of his parents’ happiness. In Scotland, his mother had pined for the London she loved. George Darcy was an outgoing individual but confined his interactions with Fitzwilliam to teaching estate management. He was not able to love his wife’s illegitimate son – or her daughter who was also illegitimate and was born years after Fitzwilliam was taken.
Love left young Darcy’s life with his mother. He was never to stop grieving her loss and was not able to stop his anger at her when he was old enough to understand what it meant to be a bastard.
When childhood dies, its corpses are called adults and they enter society, one of the politer names of hell. ~ Brian Aldiss
After George Darcy’s death, Fitzwilliam finally meets his mother’s family.
The story begins at Rosings when Darcy and the Colonel arrive to learn of the new clergyman and the visitors at the parsonage. A proposal is made and rejected. A letter is written. Consequences follow.
In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
One of my favorite scenes happens after Darcy’s arrival back in London. He determines to mend his outlook and begins visits to a foundling home. On his initial visit, he joins the older boys in the rough-and-tumble games boys love. Childhood returns and Darcy finally begins to heal.
Darcy also begins a true brother-sister relationship with Georgiana. Through their childhood, they had not lived together – Georgiana is in Scotland until their mother’s death and afterward is sent to school. George Darcy had left Fitzwilliam and the Colonel as her guardians but neither really knew her. Darcy is surprised to find she is as lost as he has always been.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes JAFF. Be prepared for tears.
The world knows how to straighten out a spoiled child but never makes it up to a child deprived. ~ Robert Brault
April 15, 2018
"Now, never forget how I love you. No one will ever love you as much as your mother does." (quote from the book)
Prophetic words indeed...ripped from his mother's arms as a young child, this trauma will haunt Darcy, as will the secrets of Pemberley that he will have to hide. However, Elizabeth Bennet has been able to pierce the armour surrounding his heart, and Darcy fights it tooth and nail. That is until he sees her again at Rosings Park at Easter.
"Then he met Elizabeth and her lively mind burned like a thousand candles in the darkness of his existence." (quote from the book)
This is not a light, breezy variation of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. This is a highly intense, emotive story with a Darcy whose tortured soul and emotional state is held tightly in check. His journey to finding his inner peace is fraught with many obstacles that he must fight to overcome. It is a haunting tale that will take Darcy to the pits of hell and back again. And you, dear reader, go with him.
I highly recommend this unique story, but be aware, this is an 'outside the box' variation that will leave you with a well fought happily-ever-after.
April 1, 2018
Bright and Brave Work Elevates to Too Drawer
This is a brave book. Me Fairbanks takes the traditional Our Dear Couple romance and immediately demands that the reader leave all preconceived notions of sweet romance far behind. "secrets" is not an easy book to read. In fact it can be downright difficult. But, then again, so are Daniel Silva and James Salter and Dorothy Parker. Fairbanks takes Austenesque writing into a different space, one which this reader is pleased to see populated by more authors willing to risk their fan's disapprobation. If InspiredByAusten writing is to continue to grow, authors must stretch boundaries and challenge those who would consign the genre to an aging, gendered niche. Ms Fairbanks has offered up a powerful argument that readers of all types will find something to admire in Austenesque stories. Well done!
This is a brave book. Me Fairbanks takes the traditional Our Dear Couple romance and immediately demands that the reader leave all preconceived notions of sweet romance far behind. "secrets" is not an easy book to read. In fact it can be downright difficult. But, then again, so are Daniel Silva and James Salter and Dorothy Parker. Fairbanks takes Austenesque writing into a different space, one which this reader is pleased to see populated by more authors willing to risk their fan's disapprobation. If InspiredByAusten writing is to continue to grow, authors must stretch boundaries and challenge those who would consign the genre to an aging, gendered niche. Ms Fairbanks has offered up a powerful argument that readers of all types will find something to admire in Austenesque stories. Well done!
November 18, 2022
Wow
I loved it ,I went from despair to happy so many times.
You made it spool good that the ending sneaked up on me. Wow Awesomeness.!
I loved it ,I went from despair to happy so many times.
You made it spool good that the ending sneaked up on me. Wow Awesomeness.!
March 25, 2018
Unputdownable!
I will advice you to stack up on tissue paper before reading this book, I cried buckets. I have never been so moved by a book as I was by this one, deliciously emotional, heart-wrenching and utterly captivating.
Enters as a young Darcy was ripped from his mothers arms by George Darcy who was not Darcy's biological father.
His older brother and the heir had died and he was summoned to Pemberley to be educated in estate management as the new heir.
He had been living in Scotland, alone with his ostracized mother.
Follows canon up until DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal) but as he handed Elizabeth the letter, he did not resist his urge to kiss her...
Observed by a friend of lady C, a FMS ( forced marriage scenario) arises.
Follow their 25 years of marriage as they never open up and tell each other of their feelings until it was too late. Elizabeth dies and Darcy is left with a lot of regrets.
Do not worry (too much), the promised HEA will come and the secrets will be revealed.
Heartily recommend this book!
I will advice you to stack up on tissue paper before reading this book, I cried buckets. I have never been so moved by a book as I was by this one, deliciously emotional, heart-wrenching and utterly captivating.
Enters as a young Darcy was ripped from his mothers arms by George Darcy who was not Darcy's biological father.
His older brother and the heir had died and he was summoned to Pemberley to be educated in estate management as the new heir.
He had been living in Scotland, alone with his ostracized mother.
Follows canon up until DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal) but as he handed Elizabeth the letter, he did not resist his urge to kiss her...
Observed by a friend of lady C, a FMS ( forced marriage scenario) arises.
Follow their 25 years of marriage as they never open up and tell each other of their feelings until it was too late. Elizabeth dies and Darcy is left with a lot of regrets.
Do not worry (too much), the promised HEA will come and the secrets will be revealed.
Heartily recommend this book!
April 24, 2018
I got this book up when it first came out but I only just now picked it up. Why didn't I read this book sooner? This book is filled with so much angst and Darcy just questioning and over analyzing everything. The author at about 30 percent into the book trolls the readers so hard. I was very upset until it was revealed what happened was a dream. The central conflict of the story was resolved very fast has help came from a very unlikely source. Parts of this book made me laugh, other parts made me mad, but overall it was a great book. I recommend picking up this book if you enjoy a lot of angst in your romance novel.
April 27, 2018
When the heir to Pemberley dies, George Darcy claims the bastard son of his wife as his new heir. But can Fitzwilliam Darcy every accept that he can become a true Darcy and manager of Pemberley.
But what if his interaction with Elizabeth Bennet goes even more wrong, can it ever be corrected.
A lovely and enjoyable story
But what if his interaction with Elizabeth Bennet goes even more wrong, can it ever be corrected.
A lovely and enjoyable story
April 14, 2018
Loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed the intriguing, fascinating plot. The amazing romance was beautiful. I was happy Darcy helped Wickham. It was an unexpected happy surprise considering Wickham and all of his antics.
I did take a stroll down memory lane when Darcy woke up from his nightmare, about 40% of the way through. It reminded me of the 1980s nighttime soap opera Dallas. There was a season when one of the main characters had a dream sequence for the entire season.
Wonderful book!!
I did take a stroll down memory lane when Darcy woke up from his nightmare, about 40% of the way through. It reminded me of the 1980s nighttime soap opera Dallas. There was a season when one of the main characters had a dream sequence for the entire season.
Wonderful book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It starts with the most amazing premise of Darcy being an product of an affair his mother had, and how it affected his life. It then moves to Rosings for the usual visit with his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. The story somewhat follows cannon at this point. Once back in London, another suitor shows up to court Elizabeth There is definite angst around the middle of this book, but keep reading, after some misunderstandings there is a happy ever after for our Darcy and Elizabeth. This is a book worth reading.
April 18, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up.
Fantastic book. not quite what I expected. Well written. i was enthralled from start to finish. There is a "WOW" moment at about 40% but, I cannot say more or I will ruin it. The only reason not a full 5 stars is I wanted more explanation at the end about how things gor resolved. Maybe its becasue I'm a lawyer but I kinda wanted to read about court scenes etc. Oh well. Still a fantastic read.
Fantastic book. not quite what I expected. Well written. i was enthralled from start to finish. There is a "WOW" moment at about 40% but, I cannot say more or I will ruin it. The only reason not a full 5 stars is I wanted more explanation at the end about how things gor resolved. Maybe its becasue I'm a lawyer but I kinda wanted to read about court scenes etc. Oh well. Still a fantastic read.
April 1, 2018
Wonderful
A different kind of variation, well written. Just the right amount of angst, the ending came too soon, but it was sweet.
A different kind of variation, well written. Just the right amount of angst, the ending came too soon, but it was sweet.
April 1, 2018
Perfect!
Long awaited newest from Fairbanks, the story is delightful. I anguished over what would become of our dear Darcy, but his redemption is one long love story. Enjoy.
Long awaited newest from Fairbanks, the story is delightful. I anguished over what would become of our dear Darcy, but his redemption is one long love story. Enjoy.
September 16, 2023
The real plot of this book has very little resemblance to its blurb; fortunately, the real plot is one that appeals to me far more than the one advertised. Very good, though perhaps a bit too hastily wrapped up at the end.
June 16, 2018
Story isn’t finished
SPOILERS
The story ends with an obscure document that Wickham, of all people, digs up proving one of the pieces of evidence was a lie. No continuation of the trial where Pemberley becomes Darcy’s again. No idea what happens to the bad guys after falsely accusing Darcy. No follow up about how being a good guy affects Wickham’s life. No talk about Darcy’s real dad.
All we get is an epilogue with a fairly random scene from 20 years later. Was a long tough read not to at least get a finished storyline.
Not recommended.
SPOILERS
The story ends with an obscure document that Wickham, of all people, digs up proving one of the pieces of evidence was a lie. No continuation of the trial where Pemberley becomes Darcy’s again. No idea what happens to the bad guys after falsely accusing Darcy. No follow up about how being a good guy affects Wickham’s life. No talk about Darcy’s real dad.
All we get is an epilogue with a fairly random scene from 20 years later. Was a long tough read not to at least get a finished storyline.
Not recommended.
April 8, 2018
Avid Reader
This is definitely a different take on Darcy and Georgina. An angry 😠cousin reveals the truth about their parentage near the end of the book. Darcy 's parents didn't love each other,and created misery. Because of a dream concerning Elizabeth, Darcy gives Wickham a second chance. Wickham saves the day!
This is definitely a different take on Darcy and Georgina. An angry 😠cousin reveals the truth about their parentage near the end of the book. Darcy 's parents didn't love each other,and created misery. Because of a dream concerning Elizabeth, Darcy gives Wickham a second chance. Wickham saves the day!
January 22, 2021
Tissues are needed!
Ditto to Debbie Brown's review
Ditto to Debbie Brown's review
April 3, 2018
April fools!
You had me at 30% into the story. I thought I’d have an apoplexy !
Wow! Just marvelous! You continue to make me happy with your excellent stories! Keep it up girl😇
You had me at 30% into the story. I thought I’d have an apoplexy !
Wow! Just marvelous! You continue to make me happy with your excellent stories! Keep it up girl😇
September 21, 2020
Heartrending, heartfelt, heartwarming, heart melting
My heart broke for Darcy throughout this “non-canon” version of Fitzwilliam Darcy being of son of Lady Anne Darcy and someone other than George Darcy. His childhood was lonely, and consequently, he closed himself off to love. He wasn’t even close with Georgiana until 1/2 through the novel. I so desperately wanted Elizabeth just to hug the poor man! The first 1/3 of the novel is a set-up for Dickinson twist that opens Darcy to the joy of allowing others into his heart. Thankfully, Elizabeth figures it out (finally!) and ODC get the HEA we so desire for them. Wonderfully written tale of loss and love. Sweet, clean Regency P&P variation.
My heart broke for Darcy throughout this “non-canon” version of Fitzwilliam Darcy being of son of Lady Anne Darcy and someone other than George Darcy. His childhood was lonely, and consequently, he closed himself off to love. He wasn’t even close with Georgiana until 1/2 through the novel. I so desperately wanted Elizabeth just to hug the poor man! The first 1/3 of the novel is a set-up for Dickinson twist that opens Darcy to the joy of allowing others into his heart. Thankfully, Elizabeth figures it out (finally!) and ODC get the HEA we so desire for them. Wonderfully written tale of loss and love. Sweet, clean Regency P&P variation.
August 20, 2018
I was surprised by this author in this P&P variation, the initial premise was interesting and it gave a sound explanation for Darcy´s character, the writing was good and comfortable to read. There was a huge shock and I almost got a heart attack after the first third, luckily it all finds its own pace after a while (so keep calm and read on !! -- the Dickensian moment passes eventually).
There was not so much delicious courtship as I would like, but reading about the depth of Darcy´s feelings was satisfying. Elizabeth was slightly off in some scenes, and she was secondary overall in the narration. Darcy´s humanitarian side is interesting, a little overstated in my opinion.
A cute emotional read, recommend.
There was not so much delicious courtship as I would like, but reading about the depth of Darcy´s feelings was satisfying. Elizabeth was slightly off in some scenes, and she was secondary overall in the narration. Darcy´s humanitarian side is interesting, a little overstated in my opinion.
A cute emotional read, recommend.
August 3, 2020
I have enjoyed several books by this author. Like another story I read before, this one has the WTH moment in the middle, then clarity comes. I can't say I loved this one, but it definitely had me hooked for a lot of it.
The whole Darcy is not the real heir got kind of old, it was beleaguered so much, and I think that is what kept me from really liking this one.
The whole Darcy is not the real heir got kind of old, it was beleaguered so much, and I think that is what kept me from really liking this one.
June 26, 2018
Exceptional story telling
The writing is excellent. I enjoyed this variation very much. The plot is unique and well thought out. Darcy's devotion and heartbreak is believable and deeply moving. I adore this version of Darcy. Excellent!
The writing is excellent. I enjoyed this variation very much. The plot is unique and well thought out. Darcy's devotion and heartbreak is believable and deeply moving. I adore this version of Darcy. Excellent!
April 20, 2018
This is probably one of the hardest reviews I've had to write.
This book, this story, this author, she went there!
No excuses, no warning, she just went and did it so well that you can't even be mad!
She dove into the deep end and came out and smiled after she did it!!!
The rollercoaster of emotion I went through with this story was just so perfect that I could not even think
what to say for 2 days! I finished this book on the 18th of April! It's the 20th.
It's taken that long for me to articulate, and I'm still not sure I can!
(I've written the rest already.I can't! LOL And I LOVE that!)
Everything you've read, every previous JAFF.Not enough preparation!
The Author goes deep into the kind of "what if" that we don't want to read, but we really do!
It's gritty, it's emotional and it will make you think about your loved ones.
JAFF Fans need this! It's all good, then not great, but still good, then she flips the script!
Mr. Darcy is so well written in this story that I fell even more in love with him,
and I didn't even think that was possible!! LOL
Elizabeth and Darcy greet us in Kent..and oh boy, it gets real very quickly! We take a quick departure from canon and I'm so happy I got to enjoy this ride!! LOL, You see the love, the angst, the calculation from others. It's just so much and so perfect I can't even articulate!
I'm not going to say anything about the story, no observations or almost spoilers. I can't I'd spoil it immediately!
I'm just going to say this.Do you love Pride & Prejudice? Do you root for Darcy and Elizabeth?
Then read it! You will not be disappointed and you will never forget!
I'm adding this to my TBR again pile..but it's going to be a while before I can forget and read anew!
I'd give this 10 stars if I was allowed!
Rose Fairbanks is one of my auto-buy authors for a reason!
This book, this story, this author, she went there!
No excuses, no warning, she just went and did it so well that you can't even be mad!
She dove into the deep end and came out and smiled after she did it!!!
The rollercoaster of emotion I went through with this story was just so perfect that I could not even think
what to say for 2 days! I finished this book on the 18th of April! It's the 20th.
It's taken that long for me to articulate, and I'm still not sure I can!
(I've written the rest already.I can't! LOL And I LOVE that!)
Everything you've read, every previous JAFF.Not enough preparation!
The Author goes deep into the kind of "what if" that we don't want to read, but we really do!
It's gritty, it's emotional and it will make you think about your loved ones.
JAFF Fans need this! It's all good, then not great, but still good, then she flips the script!
Mr. Darcy is so well written in this story that I fell even more in love with him,
and I didn't even think that was possible!! LOL
Elizabeth and Darcy greet us in Kent..and oh boy, it gets real very quickly! We take a quick departure from canon and I'm so happy I got to enjoy this ride!! LOL, You see the love, the angst, the calculation from others. It's just so much and so perfect I can't even articulate!
I'm not going to say anything about the story, no observations or almost spoilers. I can't I'd spoil it immediately!
I'm just going to say this.Do you love Pride & Prejudice? Do you root for Darcy and Elizabeth?
Then read it! You will not be disappointed and you will never forget!
I'm adding this to my TBR again pile..but it's going to be a while before I can forget and read anew!
I'd give this 10 stars if I was allowed!
Rose Fairbanks is one of my auto-buy authors for a reason!
May 19, 2018
I started reading this book as fanfiction as it was being updated regularly. But because I know it was published and it was in Kindle Unlimited I got impatient and had to read it all at once. The story was different than what I was originally expecting but it was entertaining and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book.
Mr Darcy has a very different history than the original story. The story starts off with Darcy remembering when he was eight years old, being torn away from his mother. It is discovered that Darcy was in fact a product of an affair and not a Darcy by blood. but his older half-brother died and Darcy became the heir. He was raised with rules of duty and obligation but without warmth.
When the story comes to the present, we are at Rosings building up to Darcy’s disastrous proposal to Elizabeth. The morning after he impulsively kisses her, resulting in a forced marriage situation, to save Elizabeth’s reputation. The book spans 20 years of their relationship but the book takes an unexpected turn.
Mr Darcy, in particular is a complex character and truly finds himself as he fights for love. Elizabeth and Darcy really go through so much to find their happiness. I just love this couple. There are so many layers to this story that are brilliantly executed.
Check out my review on my blog: https://www.auniversaltruth.com/?p=2314
Mr Darcy has a very different history than the original story. The story starts off with Darcy remembering when he was eight years old, being torn away from his mother. It is discovered that Darcy was in fact a product of an affair and not a Darcy by blood. but his older half-brother died and Darcy became the heir. He was raised with rules of duty and obligation but without warmth.
When the story comes to the present, we are at Rosings building up to Darcy’s disastrous proposal to Elizabeth. The morning after he impulsively kisses her, resulting in a forced marriage situation, to save Elizabeth’s reputation. The book spans 20 years of their relationship but the book takes an unexpected turn.
Mr Darcy, in particular is a complex character and truly finds himself as he fights for love. Elizabeth and Darcy really go through so much to find their happiness. I just love this couple. There are so many layers to this story that are brilliantly executed.
Check out my review on my blog: https://www.auniversaltruth.com/?p=2314
August 19, 2023
me throughout the whole book: 📈📉📈📉📈📉
What I liked:
♡ the premise. It is definitely an unusual background in P&P variations.
♡ Darcy's personality, hoping to be loved for once and all uwu.
♡ ODC's interactions and conversations (very few imo).
Things that got me like wtf:
✗ THAT thing in the first third of the book almost gave me a heart attack!! Not a fan of this resource and I think it didn't help the smooth progress of the narration.
✗ I believe the story would have been enhanced with Elizabeth's POV. We spent the entire time in Darcy's mind and having both POVS would have adhered to a greater amount of angst between the couple.
✗ The inclusion of a dilemma almost at the end of the book which was resolved in 2-3 pages with just some telling and no showing (this was used every now and then).
What I liked:
♡ the premise. It is definitely an unusual background in P&P variations.
♡ Darcy's personality, hoping to be loved for once and all uwu.
♡ ODC's interactions and conversations (very few imo).
Things that got me like wtf:
✗ THAT thing in the first third of the book almost gave me a heart attack!! Not a fan of this resource and I think it didn't help the smooth progress of the narration.
✗ I believe the story would have been enhanced with Elizabeth's POV. We spent the entire time in Darcy's mind and having both POVS would have adhered to a greater amount of angst between the couple.
✗ The inclusion of a dilemma almost at the end of the book which was resolved in 2-3 pages with just some telling and no showing (this was used every now and then).
August 2, 2023
If you don't mind time skips, and the "it was all a dream" trope, you might enjoy this story.
Without giving away too much, this story picks up at Kent, when Lizzy and Darcy meet up again. Darcy makes his failed proposal, but this is where things diverge. I found the pacing a little slow at the start of the book, but things picked up for me after the 30% mark, so it's worth sticking out.
I would have liked a little more at the end of the story, I felt a little like the climax of the novel was jumped over.
I did love Darcy's commitment to the orphans to be a lovely addition to his character, especially as in this version, Mr Darcy was illegitimate. I also liked the secrets game between Lizzy and Darcy.
Without giving away too much, this story picks up at Kent, when Lizzy and Darcy meet up again. Darcy makes his failed proposal, but this is where things diverge. I found the pacing a little slow at the start of the book, but things picked up for me after the 30% mark, so it's worth sticking out.
I would have liked a little more at the end of the story, I felt a little like the climax of the novel was jumped over.
I did love Darcy's commitment to the orphans to be a lovely addition to his character, especially as in this version, Mr Darcy was illegitimate. I also liked the secrets game between Lizzy and Darcy.
June 13, 2024
Re-read (Again) prompted by the find of “You Must Allow Me to Tell You” (https://rosefairbanks.com/2014/10/13/...) which must have been the inspiration – I am very glad that she did not follow her initial instincts to not expand it into a novel. Otherwise we wouldn't have this.
After .. I don't know, the 3rd, 4th reread (maybe more, I read it in 'Seven Days with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Anthology and the draft version on AHA) it still ranks as a 5* for me (my rating scale might be a little odd.... will I reread it? Did it make me cry? - a very resounding yes to both those. I did cry, everytime, in multiple places) so... 5*.
I am a sucker for a "Darcy's childhood described and it is less than ideal" story.
After .. I don't know, the 3rd, 4th reread (maybe more, I read it in 'Seven Days with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Anthology and the draft version on AHA) it still ranks as a 5* for me (my rating scale might be a little odd.... will I reread it? Did it make me cry? - a very resounding yes to both those. I did cry, everytime, in multiple places) so... 5*.
I am a sucker for a "Darcy's childhood described and it is less than ideal" story.
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