Matches Made at Netherfield Large Print Edition

by Zoe Burton

One ball, two compromises, a lifetime of happiness Dancing, matchmaking, and small talk are both unavoidable parts of any balls and the bane of Fitzwilliam Darcy's existence. Nonetheless, he will attend such a soiree to please his friend. He will dance at least once and converse as required, but he has no intention of making a match in Hertfordshire-no matter what his heart tells him about the lovely Elizabeth Bennet. To Elizabeth, Darcy is no more than the slightly rude friend of her neighbor, pleasant when he chooses to be but otherwise unremarkable. She will speak to him if she must and accept a dance if he asks, but long ago, she vowed to marry only for love, and since she doesn't love Darcy, their association will go no further. However, in an attempt to out-scheme his sister and see his friend happily married, Charles Bingley is planning more than a ball, forcing Darcy and Elizabeth's expectations to change. Will what Bingley has planned bring about his desired conclusion? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to forge a happily ever after out of less than ideal circumstances? Or will happiness remain something never to be fully embraced? If you enjoy creative schemes, strong heroes, and sweet romance, this Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation is for you. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in Zoe Burton's Regency world.

242 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2018

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compromise = marriage or ruin, oh and, don’t match wits with Bingley

Zoe Burton has a way with a story and she has improved in her work and style of writing. This story was clean, short and adorable. However, do not think this was a piece of fluff. Within that soft exterior was a fist of steel of a story that shocked and amazed. I certainly did not see it coming. Wow!!

Several of the characters were somewhat different, not completely OOC [Out Of Character]. They were enhanced a bit and for the better in some cases and for the worst in others.

Examples:
Caroline Bingley was determined to have Darcy [nothing new] and was willing to do whatever was necessary in order to get him [again, nothing new]. She planned carefully and made sure all was ready for her nefarious scheme.

Louisa Hurst had a secret [Caroline used it as leverage to garner her help]. Why was it even revealed and never addressed again? Why even mention it? There was so much that could have been done with this secret.

Charles Bingley was more than he was in canon. This was a planning, conniving, you make your move and I’ll make mine, kind of guy that I really liked. Oh-my-goodness, he was funny and smart and had a strategy for everything.

Darcy was himself…sigh! I loved this guy. He was perhaps a lower wattage than canon, but he still shone brightly. He was honorable, kind, considerate and was willing to do what was necessary. I loved watching the love story develop.

Elizabeth was somewhat herself. She received the shock of her life and so, if she was acting a bit off from canon, unless you have had a panic attack or are claustrophobic, then don’t judge.

Wickham, OMG!!! This rat-bastard, slug left his slim trail throughout the Kingdom. Oh my, he was horrid and what happened at Pemberley was deliciously creative and horrible at the same time. WOW!!! Burton pulled off a good one with this action.

Many characters we hear of, but don’t have to deal with. Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, and others. There is a lot of telling, but I did not mind it. It saved the author from having to insert a lot of canon dialog and actions that were not necessary. We, who love JAFF, know the story and don’t want to have to read it again or, at worst, skip over it.

We were given an epilogue of sorts with a history of our dear couples. It was cute, adorable and I just wanted to sigh. And, I did… big time.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matches Made at Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Novel Variation

Loved Zoe Burton's Bingley in this story. Hearing Caroline brag about compromising Darcy, Bingley steps in with his foolproof plan. Bingley is usually portrayed as oblivious to everything around him except Jane, but in this story he misses nothing. From the unguarded stares to the overheard planning of compromise by Caroline, Bingley is aware of all in his domain, Netherfield. He just knows he cannot let Caroline compromise his best friend. So carefully planning his own idea of compromise stunning others especially his sister. He pulls off the compromise worthy of any Regency story. Not only does he compromise one couple, he manages two. Needless to say, he had to win his way back in Mr. Bennet's favor. This was a wonderful read.

[wosedwew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fear and courage are brothers. ~Terri Guillemets

That Little Ol’ Matchmaker – Charles Bingley!

Bingley sees what is happening at Netherfield.
He overhears what will happen at Netherfield.


He schemes; he ponders – he has a plan! He will thwart his sister’s planned compromise with a compromise of his own.

Elizabeth Bennet – It seems her courage doesn’t always rise when attempts are made to intimidate her. She refuses to be intimidated by powerful people but dark enclosed spaces? Something else entirely!

Elizabeth and Darcy marry quickly after Bingley’s engineered compromise. Not in love – but not without respect for each other.

A man of courage never wants weapons. ~Author Unknown

This is a mostly low-key love story until an old enemy raises his handsome head.

Can Elizabeth’s fear create the courage she will need to prevail when she is physically so overmatched?

It is curious—curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare. ~Mark Twain

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*
Who knew Mr. Bingley had it in him to try and out maneuver his manipulative younger sister, Caroline Bingley! She wants Mr. Darcy at any cost, in any way. Can Bingley save Darcy and save Caroline from herself?

This was an interesting variation. Caroline Bingley has been expecting a proposal of marriage from Mr. Darcy. It hasn't happened, so she plans to compromise him by blackmailing her sister, Louisa, to help her arrange it during the Netherfield Ball. What she had to blackmail her with was rather serious but was never spoken of again. However, her brother, Charles overhears this conversation and comes up with his own plan to try and stop her. Little does he know what problems arise from his manipulations. I quite enjoyed Mr. Bingley's new resolve and for the ownership he took for it.

As another reviewer has stated, there is much telling in this book. That being said, the story moved forward quickly and had a less reticent Mr. Darcy. Wickham is dealt with quickly at the beginning, however, you know he is going to be out for revenge before the book is through. Mr. Collins is late in arriving at Longbourn and misses the ball which saves many toes! Elizabeth is less prejudiced, however, there is a unique twist added into her situation. All in all it was a satisfying read.

[Lady Mercury · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 78%
Book lost my interest after ODC were married and arrived in their home. I thought in my opinion their story was finish..

[cheryl Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but...well...see...ummm

The story was interesting, but not exceptionally so. Much of it was predictable. I usually enjoy stories that pair Mary with a strong character after she matures. I would love more of those. This story repeats several times the event that binds ODC. Just a little disappointed.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice

A decent story. However, it was a dull beginning until the Netherfield ball, maybe because some scenes were similar to canon with a few tweaks. Overall, it is a nice story, though nothing stood out.

Unfortunately, unlike the other books I read by Burton, Matches Made at Netherfield didn't have the abundance of Darcy and Elizabeth screen time I'm used to from the author; I've been spoiled. I read Burton's books because of that, the speed at which they come together, and low angst.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on ODC changes

Fun story, flows nicely. ODC is short for “our dear couple”.

Many small changes from canon which lead to some interesting results. One of very few variations where not just Darcy changes for love but so does Elizabeth. She works on correcting her shrewish temper and agrees not to go walking alone, for safety reasons.

I recommend the book.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite of this author. This is book on how a compromises becomes a good thing for some. Darcy and Elizabeth are compromised along with Caroline Bingley which is perpetrated by one person. This is thoughtfully written with an excellent storyline. How they work through the issues is purposeful. Highly recommended to read

[Patty Campagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

This is the best book I have read from this author. I loved everything about this story. The writing is very good. The storytelling is wonderful. It was the perfect length. Just loved it.

[Mariska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

I always enjoy the times when Mr Bingley is nobody's fool, knows what he wants and is willing to do whatever he can to get it, while still for the most part being very gentlemanly.

[Julieann Martinez Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

This story by Zoe Burton is one of her best. I truly enjoyed the plot , Elizabeth and Darcy get along really well despite the way that they came to being married.

[Marmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit boring. It was ok.

[Maria Maderi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Low angst

In my opinion, the author wrote a low-angst story that went straight to the point. Caroline was outsmarted by her brother, which I love when Charles shows some backbone.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, romantic and exciting.

Bingley is particularly "useful" in this novel.
Overhearing Caroline planning to compromise Darcy, he sets his own plans into action...
The Darcy's are forced to marry and we follow them as their relationship evolves.

Wickham has a second appearance but not like canon.

There is also a new solution to Mr Collins.

I am trying to not spoil your read so I can't be more specific...

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel but to get 5 stars it would need more depth.