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Obstacles: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Not all obstacles are restricted to the show-jumping arena… Though Elizabeth Bennet lives an uneventful life instructing young equestrians at Longbourn, the family farm, she dreams of winning a show-jumping competition on Liddy, her spirited mare. But her life is upended when a team of world-renowned riders arrives at Netherfield, the neighbouring estate, and uses it as their training headquarters. As she assists the newcomers and their prize-winning mounts, she meets William Darcy, a wealthy and arrogant—albeit talented—rider with Olympic aspirations. He first insults and then ignores Elizabeth, and her feelings teeter between disgust at his hauteur and admiration for his equestrian prowess. As she discovers first-hand the rigors of a world for the elite, will Elizabeth change her perspective about love, trust, and the foibles of her own family? Originally known as “Obstacles to Overcome,” Obstacles pays homage to Pride and Prejudice in the highly competitive world of equestrian show jumping.
- GenresContemporary
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 4, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
The first three-quarters of this book is pretty much a straight-up retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the modern world of horse competition. Notable differences are that Lydia is not among the Bennet sisters; Lyddie is the name of Elizabeth's high-spirited horse. Kitty is a selfish, clueless 17-year-old with no need for a partner to create family drama. Mary is a grocery store cashier writing a strange (erotic) sci-fi fantasy. Mrs. Fanny Bennet is pretty close in character to the original, with no interest in the day-to-day workings of the family business. Elizabeth's father Thomas is a former horse jumper who retired after a career-ending injury and ended up opening a horse training facility and riding school, but now his two eldest daughters handle most of the associated work. Along with Jane, who just graduated from veterinary college, Elizabeth keeps the struggling Longbourn Stables running.
It's a windfall when the vaunted Midlands Equestrian Team chooses Netherfield Estate as their training facility. This brings William Darcy, Charles Bingley and the Hursts to the area, and Jane and Elizabeth become involved caring for their horses. Charles flirts a lot with Jane, and Darcy stares a lot at Lizzy.
Things proceed much as you'd expect. Caroline hangs around with her siblings so she can get Darcy to pay attention to her. Wickham shows up at competitions spewing his hatred for and sad history with Darcy. Lizzy already dislikes Darcy because he barely lets her touch his magnificent horse that she's supposed to be caring for. Wilbur Collins, a riding competition coach, comes to Longbourn to discuss a potential business deal with Mr. Bennet on behalf of Rosings Stables, and both he and Mrs. Bennet decide it would be a great idea for him to marry Lizzy.
Not having any personal knowledge of the equestrian world beyond watching Olympic competitions on TV, I don't know how accurate this depiction is. I can say that I found it interesting to read about here, and the author does a very good job of meshing it into the P&P story.
What's extremely impressive is that English is not the author's native language, yet the flow of the writing is as good as or better than the majority of JAFF out there. There are a few odd word choices here and there, and both British and American terms pop up, but otherwise it's a well-edited work.
What isn't so well done is the last portion of the book, which goes on long after the P&P section wraps up. We have one new plot point, which is Lizzy's virginity. There's a drawn out path through months of dating, competitions, separations, and reunions before the two finally shag. Way TMI with not much driving the story beyond their introspection and lust for each other.
Another belabored plot point is Lizzy's reluctance to leave Longbourn Stables, which continues to struggle to stay afloat. This could and SHOULD have been addressed much earlier, in the resolution to the P&P part of the book.
Basically, it's a good story that doesn't know when it's time to exit gracefully. Definitely rated MA.
The first three-quarters of this book is pretty much a straight-up retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the modern world of horse competition. Notable differences are that Lydia is not among the Bennet sisters; Lyddie is the name of Elizabeth's high-spirited horse. Kitty is a selfish, clueless 17-year-old with no need for a partner to create family drama. Mary is a grocery store cashier writing a strange (erotic) sci-fi fantasy. Mrs. Fanny Bennet is pretty close in character to the original, with no interest in the day-to-day workings of the family business. Elizabeth's father Thomas is a former horse jumper who retired after a career-ending injury and ended up opening a horse training facility and riding school, but now his two eldest daughters handle most of the associated work. Along with Jane, who just graduated from veterinary college, Elizabeth keeps the struggling Longbourn Stables running.
It's a windfall when the vaunted Midlands Equestrian Team chooses Netherfield Estate as their training facility. This brings William Darcy, Charles Bingley and the Hursts to the area, and Jane and Elizabeth become involved caring for their horses. Charles flirts a lot with Jane, and Darcy stares a lot at Lizzy.
Things proceed much as you'd expect. Caroline hangs around with her siblings so she can get Darcy to pay attention to her. Wickham shows up at competitions spewing his hatred for and sad history with Darcy. Lizzy already dislikes Darcy because he barely lets her touch his magnificent horse that she's supposed to be caring for. Wilbur Collins, a riding competition coach, comes to Longbourn to discuss a potential business deal with Mr. Bennet on behalf of Rosings Stables, and both he and Mrs. Bennet decide it would be a great idea for him to marry Lizzy.
Not having any personal knowledge of the equestrian world beyond watching Olympic competitions on TV, I don't know how accurate this depiction is. I can say that I found it interesting to read about here, and the author does a very good job of meshing it into the P&P story.
What's extremely impressive is that English is not the author's native language, yet the flow of the writing is as good as or better than the majority of JAFF out there. There are a few odd word choices here and there, and both British and American terms pop up, but otherwise it's a well-edited work.
What isn't so well done is the last portion of the book, which goes on long after the P&P section wraps up. We have one new plot point, which is Lizzy's virginity. There's a drawn out path through months of dating, competitions, separations, and reunions before the two finally shag. Way TMI with not much driving the story beyond their introspection and lust for each other.
Another belabored plot point is Lizzy's reluctance to leave Longbourn Stables, which continues to struggle to stay afloat. This could and SHOULD have been addressed much earlier, in the resolution to the P&P part of the book.
Basically, it's a good story that doesn't know when it's time to exit gracefully. Definitely rated MA.
March 10, 2020
This is a modern variation which uses the outline of canon for much of the story. This story revolves around the world of horses competing in top level competitions (of which I know little). Mr. Bennet had competed until he was thrown and injured and then sued. Winning a large amount of money in that legal proceeding he then established a horse training facility at Longbourn. There are only 4 daughters. Jane has recently earned her veterinary degree and works with Dr. Lucas, a local vet. Elizabeth helps train the horses and also young students who come to Longbourn. Mary works as a cashier in a local store and has decided to now write her own novel, in the sci-fi erotica genre. Kitty has not finished school but soon into the story we read that she has "hooked up" with a young man who also worked with the horses at Longbourn. In this modern day story her affair and its consequence is not as much a disaster as Lydia's eloping in canon was. Lyddie is Elizabeth horse and she is training her for competition.
The Midlands Equestrian Team arrives at Netherfield Stables to train for their next competition. Darcy, Bingley, Hurst and Louisa are part of that team. Yes, there is a Caroline but she is not part of the riding team. Her part in the story is much as in canon.
So reflecting canon, we have that insult, Jane and Bingley attracted to each other and Darcy showing his disdain by rarely speaking to Elizabeth who has been hired as the groom for his horse and not allowing her to take care of the animal as she was hired to do. Jane is there as the assistant to Dr. Lucas as well as Charlotte. Wickham shows up and his lies about Darcy are similar.
Much of the story tells us about the training and competition on both the national and the international level.
Wilbur Collins shows up and although his verbal skills reflect canon, in this story he is knowledgeable in his job as a trainer. Of course, he works for Lady Catherine. We read much about both Darcy and Collins helping correct some of Elizabeth's training of her horse, Lyddie.
Darcy is the same in that he shows his disdain and he propositions Elizabeth in the worse sort of way - not a proposal but more "let's get together and shag" type of offer. After her sharp set down he does write a letter to straighten out her misconceptions about Wickham and to explain how he viewed the relationship between Jane and Bingley.
Without a Lydia to elope the scandal in this story has to do with Mr. Bennet gambling addiction. And, again, it is Darcy to the rescue.
Much of the latter part of the book has ODC building a long distance relationship and how they deal with that. (Some MA scenes occur.) Elizabeth is also dealing with wanting to go to college.
I had read this story previously but never wrote a review so I reread it so as to be able to do such. I will guess at the dates I read it previously.
The Midlands Equestrian Team arrives at Netherfield Stables to train for their next competition. Darcy, Bingley, Hurst and Louisa are part of that team. Yes, there is a Caroline but she is not part of the riding team. Her part in the story is much as in canon.
So reflecting canon, we have that insult, Jane and Bingley attracted to each other and Darcy showing his disdain by rarely speaking to Elizabeth who has been hired as the groom for his horse and not allowing her to take care of the animal as she was hired to do. Jane is there as the assistant to Dr. Lucas as well as Charlotte. Wickham shows up and his lies about Darcy are similar.
Much of the story tells us about the training and competition on both the national and the international level.
Wilbur Collins shows up and although his verbal skills reflect canon, in this story he is knowledgeable in his job as a trainer. Of course, he works for Lady Catherine. We read much about both Darcy and Collins helping correct some of Elizabeth's training of her horse, Lyddie.
Darcy is the same in that he shows his disdain and he propositions Elizabeth in the worse sort of way - not a proposal but more "let's get together and shag" type of offer. After her sharp set down he does write a letter to straighten out her misconceptions about Wickham and to explain how he viewed the relationship between Jane and Bingley.
Without a Lydia to elope the scandal in this story has to do with Mr. Bennet gambling addiction. And, again, it is Darcy to the rescue.
Much of the latter part of the book has ODC building a long distance relationship and how they deal with that. (Some MA scenes occur.) Elizabeth is also dealing with wanting to go to college.
I had read this story previously but never wrote a review so I reread it so as to be able to do such. I will guess at the dates I read it previously.
January 5, 2019
Announcing England's Hottest Horseman - Fitzwilliam Darcy - saddle up for an 'eventful' ride!
This is a modern undertaking of Pride & Prejudice in the equestrian world, which I have a some understanding of as our daughter competed in the provincial levels years ago and which she continues in coaching. Horses are exquisite animals and developing the story around the show jumping ring and horse breeding was a great fit. Having Bingley and Darcy come to Netherfield to train and hire Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte to assist with the care and grooming of the horses, opened a whole new arena for pride and prejudice to abound.
"After all, he didn't come to Netherfield to frolic with the hired help." (quote from the book)
For a debut novel, it was well done, though I found some areas or situations that were repeated too often. There were two mature scenes, in regard to Darcy, that I felt were really not necessary to understand his frustration. I don't need it spelled out for me. Overall, I enjoyed the creativity of how situations from the original novel were manipulated differently. Anne de Bourgh's scene with Elizabeth comes to mind and Wickham's role too.
I was fortunate to win this book in a giveaway with no expectations for a review.
March 6, 2020
Modern variation of Pride and Prejudice
I absolutely loved it!
Compelling, well written, funny and entertaining story.
I was particularly impressed by the way it was adapted into the modern era. The framework and timeline of canon were intact but cleverly and convincingly tweaked into a modern equine world.
It ended with plenty of happy time with ODC, the last 30% of the book was dedicated to sweet, romantic and heated moments with a little twist to keep the suspense. Masterly done...
I heartily recommend this book!
Rated: M
I absolutely loved it!
Compelling, well written, funny and entertaining story.
I was particularly impressed by the way it was adapted into the modern era. The framework and timeline of canon were intact but cleverly and convincingly tweaked into a modern equine world.
It ended with plenty of happy time with ODC, the last 30% of the book was dedicated to sweet, romantic and heated moments with a little twist to keep the suspense. Masterly done...
I heartily recommend this book!
Rated: M
March 9, 2023
This story started as a modern Pride and Prejudice variation set in the equitarian background but when you get into the story, I could, having absolutely no knowledge of the sport, sense the work the author had put to fit our beloved story into the chosen arena perfectly, adapting the characters and the situations beautifully.
September 28, 2018
Very entertaining, nice modern variation.
September 6, 2019
Entertaining, but longer than necessary.
April 16, 2023
Modern P&P
I really enjoyed this modern day variation. No Lydia, but there is a Liddy, Elizabeth’s horse. Wickham is his evil self, but his modern storyline fits well. I thought the writing was very well done. Highly recommend.
Mature content
I really enjoyed this modern day variation. No Lydia, but there is a Liddy, Elizabeth’s horse. Wickham is his evil self, but his modern storyline fits well. I thought the writing was very well done. Highly recommend.
Mature content
September 9, 2018
LONG, BUT ENJOYABLE
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Every time one problem was solved, I would look down to see if the book was ending because I couldn't think of where else the author could take us. Another plot would come up and I would think, "oh, I didn't think of that." I'm not a great fan of long books, but this one actually works. There is an element of "heat" between Lizzy and Darcy, so I wouldn't exactly recommend this one for the kids. I do still wonder what became of Mr. Bennett and his gambling problem.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Every time one problem was solved, I would look down to see if the book was ending because I couldn't think of where else the author could take us. Another plot would come up and I would think, "oh, I didn't think of that." I'm not a great fan of long books, but this one actually works. There is an element of "heat" between Lizzy and Darcy, so I wouldn't exactly recommend this one for the kids. I do still wonder what became of Mr. Bennett and his gambling problem.
December 6, 2022
Very enjoyable modern.
June 6, 2019
Mr. Darcy and Horses
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern Pride and Prejudice variation! The plot was fun and romantic, the characters were true to the original albeit in a different location . An all around lovely book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern Pride and Prejudice variation! The plot was fun and romantic, the characters were true to the original albeit in a different location . An all around lovely book.
March 14, 2020
Wonderful!
Highly enjoyable tale. It takes you through the horse competition world and describes in a really vivid manner the development of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. It makes the story actual and adapts beautifully all the characters are circumstances.
Highly enjoyable tale. It takes you through the horse competition world and describes in a really vivid manner the development of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. It makes the story actual and adapts beautifully all the characters are circumstances.
June 19, 2020
Wonderful
A very entertaining and enlightening modern day P&P variation revolving around the world of horse jumping and all things horse related. Darcy and Bingley are elite riders and championship competitors. Elizabeth is an amateur rider and jumper, involved in Longbourn's stables and riding school. Jane in a veterinarian who specializes in horses. Darcy and Bingley's team does a training session at Netherfield stables, and the sisters, plus Charlotte, are hired to be assistants while the team works out. Darcy is a snob when he meets Elizabeth, so their beginning is predictably rocky. Jane and Bingley are attracted right away, but the stress of training and competition, as well as the travelling, puts a damper on forming relationships.
I love Darcy in this version. Although he's depicted as "England's Hottest Horseman," and practically a model of male perfection, he is also allowed to be vulnerable, somewhat shy of all the attention, unsure of himself with women, and subject to doubts and male cravings. In spite of being a champion, he's not an attention seeker, quite the opposite. This is a reasonable version of Elizabeth, with her usual obstinacy, but the Bennett family is a major mess, and Elizabeth feels the constant weight of responsibility to keep the family pulled together and keeping their heads above water. There is a gambling addiction, a teen pregnancy, mental health issues, and financial woes, on top of Elizabeth's life dream to go to college and her dissatisfaction with life at Longbourn. Elizabeth is not a happy camper, and I felt the author may have made her life and outlook a bit too bleak, kind of casting a pall on a lot of her interactions.
However, the story felt real, the characters reasonable given their placement in the world of global competitions. The pressures, the separations, the misunderstandings, the reunions, the triumphs, all seemed natural and well thought out. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
A very entertaining and enlightening modern day P&P variation revolving around the world of horse jumping and all things horse related. Darcy and Bingley are elite riders and championship competitors. Elizabeth is an amateur rider and jumper, involved in Longbourn's stables and riding school. Jane in a veterinarian who specializes in horses. Darcy and Bingley's team does a training session at Netherfield stables, and the sisters, plus Charlotte, are hired to be assistants while the team works out. Darcy is a snob when he meets Elizabeth, so their beginning is predictably rocky. Jane and Bingley are attracted right away, but the stress of training and competition, as well as the travelling, puts a damper on forming relationships.
I love Darcy in this version. Although he's depicted as "England's Hottest Horseman," and practically a model of male perfection, he is also allowed to be vulnerable, somewhat shy of all the attention, unsure of himself with women, and subject to doubts and male cravings. In spite of being a champion, he's not an attention seeker, quite the opposite. This is a reasonable version of Elizabeth, with her usual obstinacy, but the Bennett family is a major mess, and Elizabeth feels the constant weight of responsibility to keep the family pulled together and keeping their heads above water. There is a gambling addiction, a teen pregnancy, mental health issues, and financial woes, on top of Elizabeth's life dream to go to college and her dissatisfaction with life at Longbourn. Elizabeth is not a happy camper, and I felt the author may have made her life and outlook a bit too bleak, kind of casting a pall on a lot of her interactions.
However, the story felt real, the characters reasonable given their placement in the world of global competitions. The pressures, the separations, the misunderstandings, the reunions, the triumphs, all seemed natural and well thought out. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
March 10, 2023
In this modern day adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet helps teach riding lessons on her family farm, while Jane is the family veterinarian. An award winning team comes to stay at nearby Netherfield to focus on training, and they hire Elizabeth to help with the horses and Jane to work as their vet. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.
Things That Worked:
- I felt like the world of horse competition felt like a good analogy to the social situation in Pride and Prejudice. Only an elite set of folks can afford to have horses and compete at that kind of level, and even though the Bennets have horses and seem to be able to run a decent business teaching lessons, they are at a completely different level than the team that comes to Netherfield.
- Having Elizabeth actually work as a hand for their horses put her even farther down socially from the people that she was tending horses for.
- I liked how this author made Darcy's concerns about Jane and Bingley more about
- I appreciated that the story didn't end when
Things That Didn't Work:
- I would have liked to have seen a bit more of
- Darcy was a bit too traditional in what he wanted from Elizabeth for my taste, but that might fit with the character.
Things That Worked:
- I felt like the world of horse competition felt like a good analogy to the social situation in Pride and Prejudice. Only an elite set of folks can afford to have horses and compete at that kind of level, and even though the Bennets have horses and seem to be able to run a decent business teaching lessons, they are at a completely different level than the team that comes to Netherfield.
- Having Elizabeth actually work as a hand for their horses put her even farther down socially from the people that she was tending horses for.
- I liked how this author made Darcy's concerns about Jane and Bingley more about
- I appreciated that the story didn't end when
Things That Didn't Work:
- I would have liked to have seen a bit more of
- Darcy was a bit too traditional in what he wanted from Elizabeth for my taste, but that might fit with the character.
March 3, 2023
3.5*
An interesting modern Pride and Prejudice variation set in the world of equestrian sports. I enjoyed reading this book but I can't say I loved it.
This story follows the path of the original pretty closely for the majority of the book and generally does a good job. The writing generally flows well and the editing is tight. A few niggles took the edge off my review however.
A modern Mrs Bennet needs to be more than the matchmaking mama of Austen. Maybe she could be obsessed with celebrity culture and direct her matchmaking there? It doesn’t work for her to be obsessed with marrying off her daughters who are only just into adulthood.
Elizabeth’s plans to study are important to the plot here but the author clearly knows nothing about the British tertiary education system. This probably doesn’t bother readers from outside the UK but it drove me mad.
Finally the ending took too long to happen and a few errors set in.
All in all an enjoyable read.
An interesting modern Pride and Prejudice variation set in the world of equestrian sports. I enjoyed reading this book but I can't say I loved it.
This story follows the path of the original pretty closely for the majority of the book and generally does a good job. The writing generally flows well and the editing is tight. A few niggles took the edge off my review however.
A modern Mrs Bennet needs to be more than the matchmaking mama of Austen. Maybe she could be obsessed with celebrity culture and direct her matchmaking there? It doesn’t work for her to be obsessed with marrying off her daughters who are only just into adulthood.
Elizabeth’s plans to study are important to the plot here but the author clearly knows nothing about the British tertiary education system. This probably doesn’t bother readers from outside the UK but it drove me mad.
Finally the ending took too long to happen and a few errors set in.
All in all an enjoyable read.
October 9, 2018
This would be a great movie!
In the horse riding competition world, William Darcy is the complete package. His skills are unbeatable, his poise is impeccable and he is the Hottest Horseman. I experienced the English riding world with my daughter for several years and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth is a wonderful horse woman herself and has equestrian skills that totally compliment William’s. Side note: George Wickham gets his just dessert and Catherine/Ann actually play supporting roles. This book is a must-read Modern Day variation. LOVE.THIS.BOOK!!
In the horse riding competition world, William Darcy is the complete package. His skills are unbeatable, his poise is impeccable and he is the Hottest Horseman. I experienced the English riding world with my daughter for several years and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth is a wonderful horse woman herself and has equestrian skills that totally compliment William’s. Side note: George Wickham gets his just dessert and Catherine/Ann actually play supporting roles. This book is a must-read Modern Day variation. LOVE.THIS.BOOK!!
October 6, 2018
Wonderful variation
This is a great story/variation. It followed the same storyline of the original but different scenarios. I don't know much about the equine world but the author seems to have blended it to the story well. There were few grammatical errors and some timeline errors, hopefully the author can for correct/update. Even without, this will be a good story to have part of your collection.
This is a great story/variation. It followed the same storyline of the original but different scenarios. I don't know much about the equine world but the author seems to have blended it to the story well. There were few grammatical errors and some timeline errors, hopefully the author can for correct/update. Even without, this will be a good story to have part of your collection.
April 23, 2021
Good story. I like when writers put ODC in a completely different world. This time it’s in the equestrian world. I don’t care for horses but nevertheless I found it original and interesting.
What I liked less was the virginity part, which sounded pretty American. I would have preferred Lizzy to be an English girl of her time.
What I liked less was the virginity part, which sounded pretty American. I would have preferred Lizzy to be an English girl of her time.
August 6, 2025
A Treat
- Engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.
- The author successfully captures the essence of Pride and Prejudice in this unique variation.
Sidenote: I can’t help but cringe when I see the undeserving Mr. Bennet calling Darcy “son.” I have no respect for Mr. Bennet in this story.
- Engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.
- The author successfully captures the essence of Pride and Prejudice in this unique variation.
Sidenote: I can’t help but cringe when I see the undeserving Mr. Bennet calling Darcy “son.” I have no respect for Mr. Bennet in this story.
October 26, 2020
Oh dear
Factually incorrect, whilst I appreciate this is a work of fiction, it would have made for far better reading if the background equestrian aspects were at least correct. Made embarrassing reading for those who have any, even if limited, equestrian knowledge.
Factually incorrect, whilst I appreciate this is a work of fiction, it would have made for far better reading if the background equestrian aspects were at least correct. Made embarrassing reading for those who have any, even if limited, equestrian knowledge.
March 9, 2020
The plot idea is fun. I don’t read horsey stories normally, so that side with competitions and training etc felt fresh and interesting to me. It didn’t go into too much detail for a novice either. It was refreshing to read someone who paraphrases the original or changes things up to suit their plot, rather than using regency language in a modern novel.
Lizzy also has more awareness of her attraction to Darcy and people around her are less gullible, again fitting with a modern setting. The story also fairly fast moving and engaging. I liked how the peripheral characters were kept with a little modern twist eg. Collins seeing marriage as a handy way to help with his staffing needs.
However, there were some issues/plot holes.
Lizzy is incredibly immature and naive for a 22 year old; keeping a scrapbook on Darcy while holding a grudge, not realising about Wickham or Denny, and believing rumours when everyone else told her they were rubbish. Darcy is in some ways more reasonable (given what he overheard), but also much snobbier. I disliked Bingley and thought he was forgiven too easily. Mr Bennet is awful and takes massive advantage of everyone, plus sticks his nose in far too much in his adult daughter’s business.
The book was well written for a JAFF by a non native speaker, aside from a few substitutions like collaborative instead of cooperative or dissertation instead of presentation. Unfortunately the book was written in American English, which I found really distracting. The author did initially make some effort to use certain English terms like Mum and even included things like Ladbrooks or UCAS, but also had English characters were using American terms like gas station, store, school, even cents. The discussion of the English university system was strange and a bit mixed up, with incorrect terms or procedures. The age of the students was confusing as well and not totally explained why they were all about 4 years older than they should be (I guessed it was supposed to be related to their money problems). They also go to a pub for a coffee at 2am, which made me laugh. If you’re not from the UK you may not mind these things.
**SPOILERS**
I really disliked the virgin storyline, with Darcy being a bit caveman like about being the first, and varying wildly between pressuring her and backing off. He was very much shown to be in control and a “good guy” for not insisting on sex, which is pretty antiquated thinking IMO. They also got engaged way too quickly; she’s clearly not ready. Even after they got engaged they were too scared to discuss moving in together, which is just ridiculous!
Lizzy also has more awareness of her attraction to Darcy and people around her are less gullible, again fitting with a modern setting. The story also fairly fast moving and engaging. I liked how the peripheral characters were kept with a little modern twist eg. Collins seeing marriage as a handy way to help with his staffing needs.
However, there were some issues/plot holes.
Lizzy is incredibly immature and naive for a 22 year old; keeping a scrapbook on Darcy while holding a grudge, not realising about Wickham or Denny, and believing rumours when everyone else told her they were rubbish. Darcy is in some ways more reasonable (given what he overheard), but also much snobbier. I disliked Bingley and thought he was forgiven too easily. Mr Bennet is awful and takes massive advantage of everyone, plus sticks his nose in far too much in his adult daughter’s business.
The book was well written for a JAFF by a non native speaker, aside from a few substitutions like collaborative instead of cooperative or dissertation instead of presentation. Unfortunately the book was written in American English, which I found really distracting. The author did initially make some effort to use certain English terms like Mum and even included things like Ladbrooks or UCAS, but also had English characters were using American terms like gas station, store, school, even cents. The discussion of the English university system was strange and a bit mixed up, with incorrect terms or procedures. The age of the students was confusing as well and not totally explained why they were all about 4 years older than they should be (I guessed it was supposed to be related to their money problems). They also go to a pub for a coffee at 2am, which made me laugh. If you’re not from the UK you may not mind these things.
**SPOILERS**
I really disliked the virgin storyline, with Darcy being a bit caveman like about being the first, and varying wildly between pressuring her and backing off. He was very much shown to be in control and a “good guy” for not insisting on sex, which is pretty antiquated thinking IMO. They also got engaged way too quickly; she’s clearly not ready. Even after they got engaged they were too scared to discuss moving in together, which is just ridiculous!
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