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On Stranger Prides: A Pride and Prejudice Novel
AUTHOR's NOTE: Please read before purchasing this book. This book is written for mature audiences. This is a "what if" book. It is not Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This story is NOT cannon. If you are looking for that type of book, then perhaps this is not the book for you. If you are not, then please continue ...
Separated by prideful airs and prejudiced assumptions Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are convinced they will never see the other again … until, eleven years later; fate sets them both on a different course.
Elizabeth Bennet
After receiving the most insulting proposal imaginable from Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet vows to loathe him for all eternity. Years later, now a widowed duchess and raising her son, the Duke of Grafton, Elizabeth embarks on an adventure with her son and father to the West Indies.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
After enduring a scathing condemnation of his character by the only woman he would ever love, Mr. Darcy decides he must disappear from society. With the help of his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy secures a ship and crew and sets sail on the open seas. Mr. Darcy’s life takes such a turn that even his closest relative would not recognize him or his new identity as Max Sterling, Captain of the Absolution.
When the pirates of the Absolution attack the Duchess’ ship, Captain Sterling receives the shock of his life when he spots the beautiful duchess and realizes that they share a connection, albeit one that was abandoned eleven years ago …
Separated by prideful airs and prejudiced assumptions Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are convinced they will never see the other again … until, eleven years later; fate sets them both on a different course.
Elizabeth Bennet
After receiving the most insulting proposal imaginable from Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet vows to loathe him for all eternity. Years later, now a widowed duchess and raising her son, the Duke of Grafton, Elizabeth embarks on an adventure with her son and father to the West Indies.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
After enduring a scathing condemnation of his character by the only woman he would ever love, Mr. Darcy decides he must disappear from society. With the help of his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy secures a ship and crew and sets sail on the open seas. Mr. Darcy’s life takes such a turn that even his closest relative would not recognize him or his new identity as Max Sterling, Captain of the Absolution.
When the pirates of the Absolution attack the Duchess’ ship, Captain Sterling receives the shock of his life when he spots the beautiful duchess and realizes that they share a connection, albeit one that was abandoned eleven years ago …
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2018
77 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cecil
52 books1,069 followersedit biographydelete
Biography
Amy Cecil is an award-winning Indie author of both historical and contemporary romance. Her penchant for Austen fan fiction, won her the title of Favorite Historical Romance Author (2016-2017) while her MC series has won several awards throughout the Indie community. Recently, she has expanded her repertoire to the thriller and erotic genres.
For as long as she can remember, Amy always had a book (or two) that she was reading for the love of getting lost within its pages. Amy has been heard to have said, “I’ve never given much thought to becoming a writer myself until I realized that if I hadn’t written my own version of Mr. Darcy, I might have run out of material to read.”
And thus, her first novel was born, A Royal Disposition. In the words of Miss Austen herself, “I wish as well as everybody else to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” Ms. Cecil writes to do just that.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Kevin, and their four dogs. When she isn’t creating her next masterpiece, or traveling the country for book signings, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and of course her fur babies.
“Face life as you find it-defiantly and unafraid.” -Nietzsche
You can follow Amy on the following:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramycecil/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authoramycecil
Twitter: https://twitter.com/acecil65
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/amycecil
Website: http://acecil65.wix.com/amycecil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 16, 2018
I had higher hopes for this than I should have. I admit it. Mr. Darcy as a pirate?? Be still my heart!! But this disappointed me in a number of ways.
You can enjoy this story as pure escapism, but you must be willing to suspend all disbelief despite the illogical setup. Darcy-- who was so devoted to his family name and duty his entire life that he fought his attraction to the woman he loves-- ends up handing the Pemberley keys to Colonel Fitzwilliam as well as sole guardianship of his sister Georgiana so that he can go and become a sailing Robin Hood. He wants to be a better man, his eyes are opened to the plight of the poor, and he decides this is the way he'll help them. He just ditches his responsibilities to his sister, his estate and his tenants in order to do so.
Darcy's new persona is Captain Maximillian Sterling. He's not given any backstory to explain how he knows how to captain a ship, yet he buys one and acquires a faithful and obedient crew (thanks to Colonel Fitzwilliam). Apparently he does a bang-up job of captaining for eleven years, even without any prior experience. He also never takes part in boarding the ships they plunder, which would probably be one of the most dangerous parts of the job and require the most leadership, resulting in the most loyalty. His first mate, Smead, takes charge there.
I really have trouble getting on board with the idea of Darcy willingly getting into piracy. I know I'm being a spoilsport about this whole Darcy-as-pirate thing, but I would've expected it to have been under some kind of duress rather than his own idea. He is supposed to be "stealing from the rich to give to the poor," which sounds very noble, but they're primarily stealing from companies. The gold they steal would pay wages to people who work for them (who aren't rich), and the goods they steal would be to fill orders for tradespeople (who aren't necessarily rich) who need to fill orders for these goods so they can stay in business. And the giving to the poor part doesn't extend to the rest of the crew, just to Darcy... er, Captain Sterling's cut.
Smead has a man thrown in the ocean while boarding another ship. The man is pulled back out and the captain disapproves of this when he hears about it, but "in the early days, the man would have been left as fish bait." Huh. And Captain Sterling still has this guy working for him?
There are other examples I could cite that strain credulity throughout, but I won't belabor that point. If you're in the mood for a fantasy romance, you probably won't care anyway.
Then Max Sterling comes across Elizabeth Bennet again. Only now she's not Elizabeth Bennet, but the widowed Duchess of Grafton, and she has her 8-year-old son Thomas (the current Duke of Grafton) with her. All Darcy's longing and love for her jumps to life. Because of the long hair, mustache and beard, no cravat or fancy duds, and his altered personality on the high seas after eleven years, she doesn't recognize him. He takes advantage of this, keeping her and Thomas captive on his ship, Absolution, hoping for a second chance to make her fall in love with him.
The romance part of the plot plays out pretty well, and it comes to a nifty conclusion for everybody. (Well, except for all those folks who got robbed by the pirates.)
I do like the way the book shifts back and forth between Elizabeth telling the story and Captain Sterling's version of the tale. Unfortunately, the writing starts by sounding very Regency in the Prologue (especially since much of it is lifted from the original Pride and Prejudice), but it quickly devolves ("ok" is used twice in chapter 2) until it sounds too much like a contemporary novel, and not a very good one. The writing isn't exactly bad but, even setting aside the too-modern jargon, it just doesn't flow smoothly. It gets clunky in spots, especially in the "Mature Adult" scenes.
If you choose to read this, don't set your expectations too high and just enjoy the fantasy.
You can enjoy this story as pure escapism, but you must be willing to suspend all disbelief despite the illogical setup. Darcy-- who was so devoted to his family name and duty his entire life that he fought his attraction to the woman he loves-- ends up handing the Pemberley keys to Colonel Fitzwilliam as well as sole guardianship of his sister Georgiana so that he can go and become a sailing Robin Hood. He wants to be a better man, his eyes are opened to the plight of the poor, and he decides this is the way he'll help them. He just ditches his responsibilities to his sister, his estate and his tenants in order to do so.
Darcy's new persona is Captain Maximillian Sterling. He's not given any backstory to explain how he knows how to captain a ship, yet he buys one and acquires a faithful and obedient crew (thanks to Colonel Fitzwilliam). Apparently he does a bang-up job of captaining for eleven years, even without any prior experience. He also never takes part in boarding the ships they plunder, which would probably be one of the most dangerous parts of the job and require the most leadership, resulting in the most loyalty. His first mate, Smead, takes charge there.
I really have trouble getting on board with the idea of Darcy willingly getting into piracy. I know I'm being a spoilsport about this whole Darcy-as-pirate thing, but I would've expected it to have been under some kind of duress rather than his own idea. He is supposed to be "stealing from the rich to give to the poor," which sounds very noble, but they're primarily stealing from companies. The gold they steal would pay wages to people who work for them (who aren't rich), and the goods they steal would be to fill orders for tradespeople (who aren't necessarily rich) who need to fill orders for these goods so they can stay in business. And the giving to the poor part doesn't extend to the rest of the crew, just to Darcy... er, Captain Sterling's cut.
Smead has a man thrown in the ocean while boarding another ship. The man is pulled back out and the captain disapproves of this when he hears about it, but "in the early days, the man would have been left as fish bait." Huh. And Captain Sterling still has this guy working for him?
There are other examples I could cite that strain credulity throughout, but I won't belabor that point. If you're in the mood for a fantasy romance, you probably won't care anyway.
Then Max Sterling comes across Elizabeth Bennet again. Only now she's not Elizabeth Bennet, but the widowed Duchess of Grafton, and she has her 8-year-old son Thomas (the current Duke of Grafton) with her. All Darcy's longing and love for her jumps to life. Because of the long hair, mustache and beard, no cravat or fancy duds, and his altered personality on the high seas after eleven years, she doesn't recognize him. He takes advantage of this, keeping her and Thomas captive on his ship, Absolution, hoping for a second chance to make her fall in love with him.
The romance part of the plot plays out pretty well, and it comes to a nifty conclusion for everybody. (Well, except for all those folks who got robbed by the pirates.)
I do like the way the book shifts back and forth between Elizabeth telling the story and Captain Sterling's version of the tale. Unfortunately, the writing starts by sounding very Regency in the Prologue (especially since much of it is lifted from the original Pride and Prejudice), but it quickly devolves ("ok" is used twice in chapter 2) until it sounds too much like a contemporary novel, and not a very good one. The writing isn't exactly bad but, even setting aside the too-modern jargon, it just doesn't flow smoothly. It gets clunky in spots, especially in the "Mature Adult" scenes.
If you choose to read this, don't set your expectations too high and just enjoy the fantasy.
February 15, 2018
Rating NC-17 or for my nicer friends not clean
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
The author has created a very unique P&P What if universe but I firmly believe that my rating now, immediately after finishing, will be higher than it would be tomorrow at the dawn of a new day and a refreshed view point.
Our plot is that Mr. Darcy upon being rejected by Miss Elizabeth Bennet takes to the mean streets of Georgian London and is appalled by the poverty he sees before him. He decides that he will take up piracy and give his proceeds to the poor. Think Pirate Robin Hood. Bingley returns to Netherfield, soon he is married to Jane. The Bennets send their youngest to school; there will be no one eloping with Wickham in this story. Lizzy pines for Darcy but he has vanished; she weds, for love, to the Duke of Grafton. Years pass, the Duke dies, Lizzy and her young son, the Duke, join her father on a trip to Nassau to visit Mr. Bennet's sister. Mrs. Bennet has gone to the great hedgerow in the sky [My words not the author's]. Once at sea Lizzy is not very pleased with the accommodations and soon they are boarded by Pirates. Yes it is Dread Pirate (again my words not the author's) Maximilian Sterling and his pirate ship the Absolution. Lizzy and her son are taken captive and brought to the Captain. She is told they are going to be ransomed and will travel to the Islands. During the trip Lizzy finds herself falling in love with Max and eventually they consummate their union, she still clueless that Max and Darcy are the same person. He reveals all and we have Lizzy realizing that as a Dowager Duchess she can't just run off a be a pirate and now is suffering from the same reservations that Darcy held at Rosings. The course of true love must weather a few storms before ODC van get to their HEA.
My dislikes are as follows, the first bit of the book is JA's disastrous proposal at Hunsford almost verbatim followed by Mr. Darcy's letter almost verbatim. After that the language becomes very modern. Toward the end I was having a difficult time remembering it was supposed to be a Regency story.
The author alternates POVS from Elizabeth and Captain Sterling in the first person.
There is a reference to a "torn mast" and men stitching it back together. A Mast is "a tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails." you can't tear it and you can't stitch it.
There are some other things that will bug me if I keep thinking about it so I won't. It's a fun bit of steamy escapism.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
The author has created a very unique P&P What if universe but I firmly believe that my rating now, immediately after finishing, will be higher than it would be tomorrow at the dawn of a new day and a refreshed view point.
Our plot is that Mr. Darcy upon being rejected by Miss Elizabeth Bennet takes to the mean streets of Georgian London and is appalled by the poverty he sees before him. He decides that he will take up piracy and give his proceeds to the poor. Think Pirate Robin Hood. Bingley returns to Netherfield, soon he is married to Jane. The Bennets send their youngest to school; there will be no one eloping with Wickham in this story. Lizzy pines for Darcy but he has vanished; she weds, for love, to the Duke of Grafton. Years pass, the Duke dies, Lizzy and her young son, the Duke, join her father on a trip to Nassau to visit Mr. Bennet's sister. Mrs. Bennet has gone to the great hedgerow in the sky [My words not the author's]. Once at sea Lizzy is not very pleased with the accommodations and soon they are boarded by Pirates. Yes it is Dread Pirate (again my words not the author's) Maximilian Sterling and his pirate ship the Absolution. Lizzy and her son are taken captive and brought to the Captain. She is told they are going to be ransomed and will travel to the Islands. During the trip Lizzy finds herself falling in love with Max and eventually they consummate their union, she still clueless that Max and Darcy are the same person. He reveals all and we have Lizzy realizing that as a Dowager Duchess she can't just run off a be a pirate and now is suffering from the same reservations that Darcy held at Rosings. The course of true love must weather a few storms before ODC van get to their HEA.
My dislikes are as follows, the first bit of the book is JA's disastrous proposal at Hunsford almost verbatim followed by Mr. Darcy's letter almost verbatim. After that the language becomes very modern. Toward the end I was having a difficult time remembering it was supposed to be a Regency story.
The author alternates POVS from Elizabeth and Captain Sterling in the first person.
There is a reference to a "torn mast" and men stitching it back together. A Mast is "a tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails." you can't tear it and you can't stitch it.
There are some other things that will bug me if I keep thinking about it so I won't. It's a fun bit of steamy escapism.
January 29, 2018
I absolutely loved this book.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy came from different back grounds. One with no money and one from plenty of money. He fell in love with everything about her. She hated him. He was prideful and showed it often. Just not in the good ways. They both said hurtful things to one another. 11 years had pasted. Elizabeth was a window and single mom of Thomas. Elizabeth, Thomas and her father sailed to West Indies to visit family. Little did she know she would meet a sexy as sin Pirate named Chaptain Sterling (Max). Elizabeth and Thomas is taken on to his ship. He realizes who she is right away. He's different in every way possible so she has no idea who this sexy man is. But has an odd dream and wonders what it means. My favorite part is when she finds out who this sexy Pirate is. Amy has truly nailed this Pirate book. Please one click to find out more about this love story.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy came from different back grounds. One with no money and one from plenty of money. He fell in love with everything about her. She hated him. He was prideful and showed it often. Just not in the good ways. They both said hurtful things to one another. 11 years had pasted. Elizabeth was a window and single mom of Thomas. Elizabeth, Thomas and her father sailed to West Indies to visit family. Little did she know she would meet a sexy as sin Pirate named Chaptain Sterling (Max). Elizabeth and Thomas is taken on to his ship. He realizes who she is right away. He's different in every way possible so she has no idea who this sexy man is. But has an odd dream and wonders what it means. My favorite part is when she finds out who this sexy Pirate is. Amy has truly nailed this Pirate book. Please one click to find out more about this love story.
January 28, 2018
A very different kind of book than my normal dark read I ended up loving it! The author's take on Pride and Predjudice was surprising whimsical and very engaging. I loved the characters and was drawn into their love story that started with prideful words. It grabbed me from page one and I did not put it down. I loved the high seas, pirates and even the bits of history the author wrote into the story. Where else will I meet a pirate named Smead? Really good job! Thomas is awesome too. But really I fell in love with the love story between two people torn apart for many years who finally finds themselves in each others arms.
February 17, 2018
First of all I call dibs on Max aka Caption Sterling..
This was my first pirate book and oh man I blown away. I am so glad I did not say no when I got a message to read this book. I could not put this book down, I had it read in one sitting. With in a couple pages I was so hooked it was like I was living in this book. At one point I was so in to it my husband had to come poke me to get my attention. I fell in love with Max right away, I mean who doesn't love a big strong man? Being a sexy pirate is major plus. I felt sorry for Elizabeth and Tomas at first. Then it became clear none of them were in great danger. I loved everything about this book. I am looking forward to reading more or Amy Cecil's work..
This was my first pirate book and oh man I blown away. I am so glad I did not say no when I got a message to read this book. I could not put this book down, I had it read in one sitting. With in a couple pages I was so hooked it was like I was living in this book. At one point I was so in to it my husband had to come poke me to get my attention. I fell in love with Max right away, I mean who doesn't love a big strong man? Being a sexy pirate is major plus. I felt sorry for Elizabeth and Tomas at first. Then it became clear none of them were in great danger. I loved everything about this book. I am looking forward to reading more or Amy Cecil's work..
January 30, 2018
On Stranger Prides
Amy Cecil
This is a love story for the times. Amy Cecil is absolutely brilliant. Get ready for true love not known quite yet to be left behind then years later to be reunited under completely different circumstances. Who wouldn't want a sexy pirate and a debutante to be together in the end. On Stranger Prides is a breathtakingly beautiful rendition to Jane Austen.
Amy Cecil
This is a love story for the times. Amy Cecil is absolutely brilliant. Get ready for true love not known quite yet to be left behind then years later to be reunited under completely different circumstances. Who wouldn't want a sexy pirate and a debutante to be together in the end. On Stranger Prides is a breathtakingly beautiful rendition to Jane Austen.
February 16, 2018
Juicy fast read that lacked a bit of nerve to be really thrilling. The naivety of the style and language made me wonder a bit as it was promoted as a book for mature audience and I ended up a bit half-hearted in the end. As I paid a dollar, it was definitely worth that and I will probably read the sequel.
The story is written in first person and shifts between Elizabeth's and Darcy's POV (point of view).
Enters at the disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Largely follows canon with the addition of ODC's thoughts at the time and a bit of saucyness.
A devastated Darcy roams the streets of London and is made aware of the deplorable conditions some people live under. He decides to go in to piracy to fund a charity.
Darcy has come clean to Bingley and he gets his HEA with Jane which throws her sisters in the path of other rich men. Elizabeth marries the duke of Grafton and has a son named Thomas.
The story reenters when Thomas is eight, mrs Bennet has passed and so has the duke of Grafton. Elizabeth takes her father and son to the West Indies to visit an aunt. On the seavoyage they are boarded by pirates...
Ends with an understanding between ODC but their entrance into society will be in the sequel.
I have edited this review and changed the rating from 3.5 to 3*. In retrospect, I might have been too generous because I loved the premises but the execution left something wanting.
The story is written in first person and shifts between Elizabeth's and Darcy's POV (point of view).
Enters at the disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Largely follows canon with the addition of ODC's thoughts at the time and a bit of saucyness.
A devastated Darcy roams the streets of London and is made aware of the deplorable conditions some people live under. He decides to go in to piracy to fund a charity.
Darcy has come clean to Bingley and he gets his HEA with Jane which throws her sisters in the path of other rich men. Elizabeth marries the duke of Grafton and has a son named Thomas.
The story reenters when Thomas is eight, mrs Bennet has passed and so has the duke of Grafton. Elizabeth takes her father and son to the West Indies to visit an aunt. On the seavoyage they are boarded by pirates...
Ends with an understanding between ODC but their entrance into society will be in the sequel.
I have edited this review and changed the rating from 3.5 to 3*. In retrospect, I might have been too generous because I loved the premises but the execution left something wanting.
January 31, 2018
WOW! Just WOW! I really loved the spin on this book. Ms. Cecil did an amazing job in developing a love between Darcy (aka Captain Sterling) and Elizabeth that definitely will last a lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
February 14, 2018
I personally am not a fan of historical romances. I usually find them boring, but not this book. This I have read her M/C books and loved them, so I was intrigued if I would like this book. I found myself remembering the movie, Pride and Prejudice, the book is based upon. I too prefer the sexy, rough Pirate, Captain Max Sterling to Mr. Darcy. Heck even his name is sexy. Elizabeth Bennet I wanted to smack at times. I admired her strength and tenacity but she purposely had to make things difficult for Max. At least Max and not Fitzwilliam was able to break down her barriers. I highly recommend this beautiful romance that proves true love can be found no matter the obstacles nor time constraints.
January 31, 2018
This was one of my more favorite adaptations to Pride and Prejudice, Amy Cecil would have made Jane Austen proud. Mr. Darcy is hopelessly in love with Elizabeth, and when things don't work out for him, he leaves to live the life of a charitable pirate. He wants to become a good man, and he does so as captain Max Starling, who is most things that Mr. Darcy is not.
After receiving a letter of explanation and apology from Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth realizes her pride ruined any chance they have and after a year of looking out for him, she finally moves on with her life.
But sometimes fate plays her hand exactly where it needs to be played, and these two might just meet up again in the future.
This was such a refreshing, fun, and intimate take on Pride and Prejudice and was beautifully retold. Absolutely well done!
After receiving a letter of explanation and apology from Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth realizes her pride ruined any chance they have and after a year of looking out for him, she finally moves on with her life.
But sometimes fate plays her hand exactly where it needs to be played, and these two might just meet up again in the future.
This was such a refreshing, fun, and intimate take on Pride and Prejudice and was beautifully retold. Absolutely well done!
February 9, 2018
I Love Amy Cecil and I love Pride and Prejudice. Amy has created this amazing story of what if Mr Darcy became a pirate. This is a wonderful sweet romance. You won’t regret reading this.
February 16, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
The premise is a very interesting one. The language is not that of the period the book is written about. Frankly, I felt that this story could have been much more thoroughly developed. There are periods of time that are skipped over and things/events that are not explained or even that seem to be wrong. For instance, when Bingley goes back to Netherfield and finally marries Jane, we are told that the financial situation for Mr. Bennet changes. How? Bingley's money does not become Mr. Bennet's. Two girls are sent to finishing schools. Whose idea was this and how did Bennet afford such? Elizabeth meets, falls in love and bears a son but that is about all that is said about that situation. I wanted details.
Darcy's plan to become "the Robin Hood of the high seas" is interesting although I have read of Darcy becoming a pirate before. However the fact that the Colonel choses the men to man Darcy's ship's decks and that they are good men doesn't quite carry through. Throwing a man overboard? Not so nice! I wondered throughout this story why there was not a price on the pirate's head? The fact that he was "Robin Hood" would not have mattered to the law.
I found it difficult to believe that Elizabeth didn't at some time realize who this man was. The descriptions of the romance between Max and Her Grace left me flat! To me it all sounded pedantic: this happened, X reacted this way, etc. I could not sense the passion. Yes, there are several bedroom scenes.
There is a sequel to this which will have ODC returning to England with Thomas and Darcy attempting to reenter society. That should be interesting: how do you explain 8 years of silence? I did enjoy this story but can't say that it is one I will reread.
The premise is a very interesting one. The language is not that of the period the book is written about. Frankly, I felt that this story could have been much more thoroughly developed. There are periods of time that are skipped over and things/events that are not explained or even that seem to be wrong. For instance, when Bingley goes back to Netherfield and finally marries Jane, we are told that the financial situation for Mr. Bennet changes. How? Bingley's money does not become Mr. Bennet's. Two girls are sent to finishing schools. Whose idea was this and how did Bennet afford such? Elizabeth meets, falls in love and bears a son but that is about all that is said about that situation. I wanted details.
Darcy's plan to become "the Robin Hood of the high seas" is interesting although I have read of Darcy becoming a pirate before. However the fact that the Colonel choses the men to man Darcy's ship's decks and that they are good men doesn't quite carry through. Throwing a man overboard? Not so nice! I wondered throughout this story why there was not a price on the pirate's head? The fact that he was "Robin Hood" would not have mattered to the law.
I found it difficult to believe that Elizabeth didn't at some time realize who this man was. The descriptions of the romance between Max and Her Grace left me flat! To me it all sounded pedantic: this happened, X reacted this way, etc. I could not sense the passion. Yes, there are several bedroom scenes.
There is a sequel to this which will have ODC returning to England with Thomas and Darcy attempting to reenter society. That should be interesting: how do you explain 8 years of silence? I did enjoy this story but can't say that it is one I will reread.
April 6, 2018
As a huge Jane Austen fan I had no idea what to expect from this adaptation. To say I was not disappointed is an understatement though. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this reading experience! Amy Cecil took one of my favourite books and combined it with pirates, sending it somewhere else entirely! I especially liked that she kept many of the same characteristics for Elizabeth and Darcy but matured them in accordance with age and experience making the book feel more authentic. I highly recommend!
November 28, 2022
A generous 3.5 stars for this book is mainly based on the general sense of the plot, not on the execution. That is, it's a great story, with many technical errors.
My review will be technical, with no synopsis. It will cover items other reviewers don't speak about.
The plot bunny for this story is a fantastic idea, and some of the writing is really good. Unfortunately, there are plot holes that you could drive a truck through that would have been easy enough to fill, as well as inconsistencies with the era that didn't have to be there. Even so, I loved this story. The reader must set their imagination free and accept those problems, though.
The pace was good for the most part, except in the places where the author chose to repeat canon almost verbatim. That was boring because there was no need--a succinct summary would have sufficed. For example, we got the entirety of the post-proposal letter.
The voice was alternating between the male and female protagonists and that was well done. I did notice some filter words, and the book would have been better had the author used showing techniques rather than telling.
The language was so-so for the period. Some Regency feel existed, but as soon as you felt ensconced in the periods of the book (1811 and 1824), the author would drop a modern phrase on the reader. One or two in a book would have been bad. The 14 I found, most of which were 20th century, were unforgivable. These are expressions such as "a dirty look" (1923), "home front" (1910), " and "do not get me wrong" (undated, but you get the drift). In addition, there were 8 blatant Americanisms, some used over and over, and 5 non-Regency words including the 1909 "sexy." Good lord! Non-Austen phrases such as "break their fast" make the book sound corny on top of these other gaffes.
The author also used capitals where italics should have served. Capitals are not used in fiction. Everyone knows they mean shouting in any case.
A non-canon error was to use the spelling "Lizzie." This chafes the majority of readers. A non-British error was to use dollars for pounds. Like, what the eff? A technical error was to call masts what should be sails--she had the masts of a sailboat being torn and stitched up.
Visuals were on-again/off-again. On the ship, some good visuals were used, yet in Bermuda, the sights, sounds, and smells were often minimized, except in the jail. The scenes could have been set better in some cases, making the story come to life even more.
Characterization was good, with Darcy as a pirate being believable, and Elizabeth as a strong and capable yet wary young woman who makes mistakes, just as in the original.
The ending was weak since the reader was expected to go on to the next book. It didn't have to be that way. The story arc was complete and an epilogue would have sufficed. This is my view after having read the second book, whose review is elsewhere.
The cover is good, with interest in the fact that it's clear it's a pirate P&P. The main font should have been clearer, though, as it looks broken up and loses the boldness it was intended to have for the topic at hand. Balance looks slightly home-made. The overall scheme is a bit dark, so it won't pop out on the shelf. Yet overall, it's intriguing enough for me to say it's a winner.
This was a good story if you let your imagination go with the author's intent and ignore the modernisms. However, since that's nearly impossible, I have to say I wouldn't read this again and I would hesitate to recommend it until the author did some housekeeping on those 14+ modern expressions and the Americanisms so the reader would actually feel like they were in the book.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might claim this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
My review will be technical, with no synopsis. It will cover items other reviewers don't speak about.
The plot bunny for this story is a fantastic idea, and some of the writing is really good. Unfortunately, there are plot holes that you could drive a truck through that would have been easy enough to fill, as well as inconsistencies with the era that didn't have to be there. Even so, I loved this story. The reader must set their imagination free and accept those problems, though.
The pace was good for the most part, except in the places where the author chose to repeat canon almost verbatim. That was boring because there was no need--a succinct summary would have sufficed. For example, we got the entirety of the post-proposal letter.
The voice was alternating between the male and female protagonists and that was well done. I did notice some filter words, and the book would have been better had the author used showing techniques rather than telling.
The language was so-so for the period. Some Regency feel existed, but as soon as you felt ensconced in the periods of the book (1811 and 1824), the author would drop a modern phrase on the reader. One or two in a book would have been bad. The 14 I found, most of which were 20th century, were unforgivable. These are expressions such as "a dirty look" (1923), "home front" (1910), " and "do not get me wrong" (undated, but you get the drift). In addition, there were 8 blatant Americanisms, some used over and over, and 5 non-Regency words including the 1909 "sexy." Good lord! Non-Austen phrases such as "break their fast" make the book sound corny on top of these other gaffes.
The author also used capitals where italics should have served. Capitals are not used in fiction. Everyone knows they mean shouting in any case.
A non-canon error was to use the spelling "Lizzie." This chafes the majority of readers. A non-British error was to use dollars for pounds. Like, what the eff? A technical error was to call masts what should be sails--she had the masts of a sailboat being torn and stitched up.
Visuals were on-again/off-again. On the ship, some good visuals were used, yet in Bermuda, the sights, sounds, and smells were often minimized, except in the jail. The scenes could have been set better in some cases, making the story come to life even more.
Characterization was good, with Darcy as a pirate being believable, and Elizabeth as a strong and capable yet wary young woman who makes mistakes, just as in the original.
The ending was weak since the reader was expected to go on to the next book. It didn't have to be that way. The story arc was complete and an epilogue would have sufficed. This is my view after having read the second book, whose review is elsewhere.
The cover is good, with interest in the fact that it's clear it's a pirate P&P. The main font should have been clearer, though, as it looks broken up and loses the boldness it was intended to have for the topic at hand. Balance looks slightly home-made. The overall scheme is a bit dark, so it won't pop out on the shelf. Yet overall, it's intriguing enough for me to say it's a winner.
This was a good story if you let your imagination go with the author's intent and ignore the modernisms. However, since that's nearly impossible, I have to say I wouldn't read this again and I would hesitate to recommend it until the author did some housekeeping on those 14+ modern expressions and the Americanisms so the reader would actually feel like they were in the book.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might claim this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
February 16, 2018
A very different variation
This story has a very different premise for Elizabeth and Darcy. After Elizabeth's rejection, Darcy does write the letter but does not give it to her himself, he leaves Kent immediately. After the rejection he decides to become a Robin Hood style pirate, and leaves for the sea under a different name. The story continues years later and Elizabeth is now a widowed duchess with an eight year old son. With her son and her father along, she decides to travel to Nausau to visit with some family. Her ship is captured by Darcy's and thus their story then continues. I liked that both of their characters had changed during the separation, yet the intrinsic parts of them remained. This was a very enjoyable read, but instead of the epilogue I was sort of expecting, there is to be another book to tell the tale. I look forward to reading their continuing story.
This story has a very different premise for Elizabeth and Darcy. After Elizabeth's rejection, Darcy does write the letter but does not give it to her himself, he leaves Kent immediately. After the rejection he decides to become a Robin Hood style pirate, and leaves for the sea under a different name. The story continues years later and Elizabeth is now a widowed duchess with an eight year old son. With her son and her father along, she decides to travel to Nausau to visit with some family. Her ship is captured by Darcy's and thus their story then continues. I liked that both of their characters had changed during the separation, yet the intrinsic parts of them remained. This was a very enjoyable read, but instead of the epilogue I was sort of expecting, there is to be another book to tell the tale. I look forward to reading their continuing story.
January 31, 2018
This is the first book by Amy Cecil and I’m very happy to say I am glad that said yes to reading her book. This isn’t the normal genre that I would typically read but I was enticed since I love Pride and Prejudice and LOVE Pride and Prejudice & Zombies. (Lol)
Ms. Cecil did a remarkable job on her spin of the book. With fresh eyes she made me fall in love with Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy all over again. Their love story was in a brand new way with a brand new twist which drew me in all over again.
Amy Cecils book was amazing. I read this book with excitement and wonder. Their prideful words, long lost love and PIRATES! Excellent.
Thank you Amy for letting me read your new way of loving these historical characters in a new loving way♥️♥️
Ms. Cecil did a remarkable job on her spin of the book. With fresh eyes she made me fall in love with Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy all over again. Their love story was in a brand new way with a brand new twist which drew me in all over again.
Amy Cecils book was amazing. I read this book with excitement and wonder. Their prideful words, long lost love and PIRATES! Excellent.
Thank you Amy for letting me read your new way of loving these historical characters in a new loving way♥️♥️
February 2, 2018
I loved this book!! It was whimsical and romantic! Wow!! I don’t really know what I was expecting with pride and prejudice meets pirates, but I was in for a wonderful surprise!! The character development is fantastic and the story so brilliant. I have read other genres from this author, this was my first time reading her more romantic side. I have to say I loved every moment! Storyline is excellent and I couldn’t put it down. Fabulous!!
February 4, 2018
I had never read a history romance before or the orginal pride and prejudice book but once i got to the first chapter i really enjoyed this book, you never know what a broken heart does to some people, mr. darcy was in love and had his heart broken by Elizabeth, he was one of the richest men and she was trying to save her familys land but she wanted nothing to do with him, so he left and became a pirate then fate brought them back together.
February 22, 2018
I an attempt to get over Elizabeth, Darcy becomes a pirate. Eleven years later, much to his surprise, a widowed Elizabeth and her son are captured on his boat. Some angst, some mature scenes, lots of arguments and our couple finds their happily ever after.
April 16, 2020
On Stranger prides by Amy Cecil is a regency romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Marina Barrett.
I absolutely loved this spin on Pride and Prejudice. Amy did an amazing job pulling me into the story. I just had to know how it was going to end.
Marina did an amazing job on the narration. I love that she uses different tones/voices for each character. She really knows how to bring a story to life.
I would highly recommend this book if you love Regency Romances.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
I absolutely loved this spin on Pride and Prejudice. Amy did an amazing job pulling me into the story. I just had to know how it was going to end.
Marina did an amazing job on the narration. I love that she uses different tones/voices for each character. She really knows how to bring a story to life.
I would highly recommend this book if you love Regency Romances.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
March 11, 2018
Wow, I am all for crazy variations but Darcy becoming a "Robin Hood" type pirate (?) to help those poorer than him? I suppose this could have worked if there was any real sort of set up for it but yikes, this one fell way short. I would have given it one star or no stars but author-peer pressure is at play here.
March 29, 2023
I loved this story! It is a wonderful story of fate throwing 2 people back together 11 years later to rekindle their love. The characters are very enjoyable and lovable. I hope Amy decides to continue the story with another book.
February 16, 2018
A very vastly different version of Pride and Prejudice!! You'll meet Darcy as a pirate.... Elizabeth is a widow with a young child. I loved how Ms. Cecil explained all of the changes with the Bennet family that eleven years had seen passed. Mr. Bennet is featured quite a bit! I've always loved him ♡ It was absolutely heart warming to see the relationship between Thomas and his grandfather. The only thing I would have loved more about this book would have been a few added scenes between Max and Elizabeth before their relationship took the huge turn towards sharing a bed. I loved their banter! I also adored how Thomas and Max formed a relationship, but again, I would have loved to have read a few touching scenes between them. If you crave more from the Pride and Prejudice universe, you'll want to read this, most especially if you always wondered how passionate this celebrated literary couple could be ♡♡♡♡ The best part!? Another book is on its way!!! Cannot wait to see how Max acclimates to London's society again!!
August 12, 2018
When I started reading this I wasn't sure I was going to like it... After his Huntsford proposal, and rejection, Darcy decides to become a Robin Hood style pirate to alleviate the suffering of the poor in London.... all very noble but undermined somewhat by his decision to retain all his own wealth... But let's not worry too much about that....
So, 11 years later he meets Elizabeth Bennet - now a widow with her young son and other members of the household traveling to the West Indies. Recognising Elizabeth he captures her and hopes fate will give him another opportunity to win her hand.
Once the story got going, I quite liked it. It's written in first person perspective, switching between Elizabeth and Darcy (or Captain Sterling) which marked for an interesting read. This book doesn't really reach a full conclusion as there is a follow up but no indication as to how long we have to wait for it. I think it'd give it a read.... overall, probably not a book I'd read again but is worth a read on those occasions you fancy something a bit different!
So, 11 years later he meets Elizabeth Bennet - now a widow with her young son and other members of the household traveling to the West Indies. Recognising Elizabeth he captures her and hopes fate will give him another opportunity to win her hand.
Once the story got going, I quite liked it. It's written in first person perspective, switching between Elizabeth and Darcy (or Captain Sterling) which marked for an interesting read. This book doesn't really reach a full conclusion as there is a follow up but no indication as to how long we have to wait for it. I think it'd give it a read.... overall, probably not a book I'd read again but is worth a read on those occasions you fancy something a bit different!
February 16, 2018
My rating is a 4.5 and I want to start by explaining why but also let you know that this book is seriously amazing! It’s a great and different take on the classic Pride and prejudice by Jane Austin! My rating is as such because the beginning for me was a little slow! I know that it was a necessary start to the book but I found myself struggling to stay engaged! From the cover and blurb I was expecting something totally different but the start was to close to the classic that at first I was taken aback and unsure of where it was going to go! I hope I didn’t offend anyone I love the classic with all my heart it was my first romance novel and I am always excited to see different takes and I am still totally excited about this book and highly recommend it to everyone who loves romance and Jane Austin I just wanted to let you know that the beginning doesn’t take off!
Now once you get past the start the book really took off into a direction that I was not anticipating! It was thrilling to see where the author took Elizabeth and Me. Darcy! There are different problems that arise and the way they are handled is fascinating! Heartbreak can lead to many things but this one lead to adventure! An adventure than spanned across the sea! Me. Darcy is definitely a different man in this novel and one that I fell in love with all over again! I also want to add that this adventure doesn’t end with just one book! I can’t wait to see what is in store for all these amazing characters!
Now once you get past the start the book really took off into a direction that I was not anticipating! It was thrilling to see where the author took Elizabeth and Me. Darcy! There are different problems that arise and the way they are handled is fascinating! Heartbreak can lead to many things but this one lead to adventure! An adventure than spanned across the sea! Me. Darcy is definitely a different man in this novel and one that I fell in love with all over again! I also want to add that this adventure doesn’t end with just one book! I can’t wait to see what is in store for all these amazing characters!
February 9, 2018
On Stranger Prides is yet another amazing novel by this author. It is a second chances story that has you turning pages to find what happens next with characters that you will grow to love. You will be enthralled by how well done this book is, it is so engaging that you keep reading and don't even realize you've made it through the entire book until the end and then you still look for more and mourn that it's over.
This is of course a "what if" book to Pride and Prejudice and does not follow it but does share it's characters. This story brings to life the "what if" of Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy and a extreme story of misunderstandings, mystery, misadventures and second chances of love.
But can a Duchess fall in love with a Pirate? Can Max Sterling, Captain of the Absolution convince the ever proper Duchess that he is deserving of her love and life with her son?
Can misconceptions and tangled webs be unwoven and love be reawakened? Can there be a happily ever after for a ship that plunders the ever stormy seas?
You are sure to be an entranced as I was and I highly recommend that you read this book!
This is of course a "what if" book to Pride and Prejudice and does not follow it but does share it's characters. This story brings to life the "what if" of Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy and a extreme story of misunderstandings, mystery, misadventures and second chances of love.
But can a Duchess fall in love with a Pirate? Can Max Sterling, Captain of the Absolution convince the ever proper Duchess that he is deserving of her love and life with her son?
Can misconceptions and tangled webs be unwoven and love be reawakened? Can there be a happily ever after for a ship that plunders the ever stormy seas?
You are sure to be an entranced as I was and I highly recommend that you read this book!
February 13, 2018
It may seem very surprising but I have never read Pride and Prejudice. I know of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy but that's about it. I also don't really like reading historical books either. BUT that being said, I love Amy's Knights of Silence series, so I thought to myself, "what the heck", I'll give a chance. BOY, am I ever so glad that I read this book. Amy's rendition of Mr. Darcy becoming a pirate was such an ingenious and exhilarating read!! "Max aka Captain Sterling" is such a sexy pirate!! I am so glad that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy get their HEA at the end of the story. This is such a heartwarming second chance romance, very sexy too!! I absolutely love this book, love this version of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and love this cover!!
July 30, 2018
Each and every time I pick up a historical romance I surprise myself by how much I love it. On Stranger Prides, was absolutely delightful.
It's a what-if for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and I really loved the swashbuckling plot line. I love how these historicals transport you back to another era and force you to really read the words. I dove in and thought for sure the prologue would just about do me in, but I powered through and found a rhythm to the story that carried me along, much like I would have been on the Absolution.
If you're a fan of historical romance this is definitely a must read...if you're not, why not? Give this one a try, seriously, you won't be disappointed.
It's a what-if for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and I really loved the swashbuckling plot line. I love how these historicals transport you back to another era and force you to really read the words. I dove in and thought for sure the prologue would just about do me in, but I powered through and found a rhythm to the story that carried me along, much like I would have been on the Absolution.
If you're a fan of historical romance this is definitely a must read...if you're not, why not? Give this one a try, seriously, you won't be disappointed.
January 30, 2018
Absolutely loved it ! If you like sexy pirates and the strong willed women they love you will enjoy it also. Amy Cecil has written a sexy, witty tale of second chances and a what if version of our beloved classic. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy aka Captain Sterling oozes off the pages as they both are reunited by fate and have to deal with unresolved feelings and issues. The sexy banter between the two is fun and the deep connection is felt as you turn the pages. Definitely recommend you will not be sorry.
February 12, 2018
I really like this new take on Pride and Prejudice story. Elizabeth had a love hate relationship with Mr. Darcy that she really didn't understand until years later. Mr. Darcy knew that he was in love with Elizabeth but his month kept him in a lot of trouble with her. I love the way they will argue with each other. But when Elizabeth met Mr. Darcy as an Pirate OMG she like that rough rugged man even more. I love how everything comes to full circle at the end to where I'm looking for a pirate now. Lol.... Amy Cecil I think even Jane Austen would love this book also!!! LOVE IT💗💗💗
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