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Dimensions of Darcy #1
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
He is England's most wanted criminal… and she is stuck with him.
Besieged by highwaymen and left for dead in a snowstorm, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks help only to get arrested for treason.
A split-second decision forever attaches Elizabeth Bennet to his side, and now, they are on the run. When adversity reveals their true character, will Elizabeth regret her decision?
Together, they make a daring team, but their nail-biting adventure will be for naught if they cannot catch the real villain on time…
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is a sweet and clean romantic suspense variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. It's the first book in the Dimensions of Darcy series of standalone novels.
Besieged by highwaymen and left for dead in a snowstorm, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks help only to get arrested for treason.
A split-second decision forever attaches Elizabeth Bennet to his side, and now, they are on the run. When adversity reveals their true character, will Elizabeth regret her decision?
Together, they make a daring team, but their nail-biting adventure will be for naught if they cannot catch the real villain on time…
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is a sweet and clean romantic suspense variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. It's the first book in the Dimensions of Darcy series of standalone novels.
404 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2018
474 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
43 books207 followersWhen Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 20, 2018
This book is everything promised in the book description: a sweet, clean, romantic, suspenseful Pride and Prejudice variation with "swoon-worthy romance and pulse-pounding action." I may not have swooned, but I did thoroughly enjoy it. This is the kind of book you can't put down because you just can't wait to see what will happen next.
Chapter 1 begins around the time of the Netherfield ball. Early the next morning, Mrs. Bennet learns that Mr. Bingley is closing up his leased estate and heading for London. She maneuvers him into offering transportation for Jane to get to the Gardiners' residence in Cheapside (even though they aren't aware that she's arriving). Darcy has already planned to accompany Bingley and is appalled that Miss Bennet is coming because he does not believe she has true affection for his friend. Elizabeth (with Mr. Bennet's support) insists upon going as well, mostly because she is desperate to get away from Mr. Collins before he can propose marriage. The group also is joined by Mrs. Holton, the Netherfield housekeeper.
The trip ends up being eventful, to put it mildly. The two couples are stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Mr. Bingley becomes seriously ill. Help finally arrives. However, a serious crime against a close friend to the Prince Regent has been committed, and Darcy's pocketwatch has been found near the scene of the crime. Newspapers are running front page stories proclaiming Darcy's guilt. Knowing he's innocent, Elizabeth helps him flee from the authorities, and thus she becomes an accomplice who must hide along with him. They work together to elude their pursuers and attempt to find proof of his innocence. Darcy's been attracted to her from the start (as usual), and she finds more and more to admire about the man.
Their situation gives Our Dear Couple LOTS of page time together, which is always appealing. Ms. Joy is a gifted writer who does an excellent job of engaging her readers, convincing us to suspend our disbelief and surrender to all the twists and turns of this enjoyable plot.
Unfortunately, there ARE a number of things that seem "off" when the story is examined closely.
I admit that this may be my own peculiarity, but I hate references within a fictional book where a character "feels like a character in a novel" (or uses other words to that effect). In this story, Elizabeth thinks and says something like that several times. This only reminds me that she IS, indeed, a character in a novel herself. It jerks me right out of my "happy place" where I am completely immersed and rudely plops me back into my modern chair just reading a book instead of sharing the Regency adventure with the characters. Bothers me. Every. Single. Time.
My other observations have to do with the plot itself. There are spoilers ahead, but I'll do my best to minimize them.
I do not find any specific reason for the crime, which occurs off page. Was it planned in advance, or was it something that happened in the heat of a moment, and then the perpetrator took the opportunity to incriminate Darcy? The exact motive is never clearly stated.
At one critical point mid-story, Colonel Fitzwilliam seems to miraculously intervene on behalf of Darcy and Elizabeth. It's a very confusing sequence of events--albeit a thrilling one. I badly want a conversation between Darcy and Fitzwilliam to provide an explanation for it all.
Near the book's end, there's a character who correctly identifies Darcy from a drawing published in the newspapers after seeing him very briefly in a stream of people. This is someone who's never seen Darcy in the flesh. Considering the changes in Darcy's face and his clothing, it strains credibility that this individual, no matter how bright, can be so certain Darcy is the fugitive.
There also are two apparent contradictions. The first is Elizabeth describing a specific action that Darcy has taken which convinces his housekeeper to believe the rest of her story. However, Darcy never considered doing that until another character pushed him to it. This implies that, if he hadn't had that conversation and then followed through, Mrs. Bernard would not have believed Elizabeth.
The biggie, though, is in the climactic scene. Darcy has a letter in his possession that the villain wrote. The contents would seem to be ample proof of the true villain's guilt, yet Darcy never produces it. Instead, things continue to escalate.
For the most part, the book is edited very well. I noted only a small number of ticky-tacky editing-type errors (maybe three or four) throughout the story itself, but there is one glaring error in my copy: the heading for the Prologue is incorrectly labeled as "Epilogue." This scene clearly precedes the events in Chapter 1 and the rest of the book.
It's a testimony to the talent of the author that, despite the above, I didn't care about any of it as I was reading. (Well...maybe when I was reading "it's the stuff of novels" and it IS a novel--Yeah, I cared about that because it DID seriously annoy me.) I found the book entertaining and fun to read, or my star rating would be lower.
Chapter 1 begins around the time of the Netherfield ball. Early the next morning, Mrs. Bennet learns that Mr. Bingley is closing up his leased estate and heading for London. She maneuvers him into offering transportation for Jane to get to the Gardiners' residence in Cheapside (even though they aren't aware that she's arriving). Darcy has already planned to accompany Bingley and is appalled that Miss Bennet is coming because he does not believe she has true affection for his friend. Elizabeth (with Mr. Bennet's support) insists upon going as well, mostly because she is desperate to get away from Mr. Collins before he can propose marriage. The group also is joined by Mrs. Holton, the Netherfield housekeeper.
The trip ends up being eventful, to put it mildly. The two couples are stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Mr. Bingley becomes seriously ill. Help finally arrives. However, a serious crime against a close friend to the Prince Regent has been committed, and Darcy's pocketwatch has been found near the scene of the crime. Newspapers are running front page stories proclaiming Darcy's guilt. Knowing he's innocent, Elizabeth helps him flee from the authorities, and thus she becomes an accomplice who must hide along with him. They work together to elude their pursuers and attempt to find proof of his innocence. Darcy's been attracted to her from the start (as usual), and she finds more and more to admire about the man.
Their situation gives Our Dear Couple LOTS of page time together, which is always appealing. Ms. Joy is a gifted writer who does an excellent job of engaging her readers, convincing us to suspend our disbelief and surrender to all the twists and turns of this enjoyable plot.
Unfortunately, there ARE a number of things that seem "off" when the story is examined closely.
I admit that this may be my own peculiarity, but I hate references within a fictional book where a character "feels like a character in a novel" (or uses other words to that effect). In this story, Elizabeth thinks and says something like that several times. This only reminds me that she IS, indeed, a character in a novel herself. It jerks me right out of my "happy place" where I am completely immersed and rudely plops me back into my modern chair just reading a book instead of sharing the Regency adventure with the characters. Bothers me. Every. Single. Time.
My other observations have to do with the plot itself. There are spoilers ahead, but I'll do my best to minimize them.
I do not find any specific reason for the crime, which occurs off page. Was it planned in advance, or was it something that happened in the heat of a moment, and then the perpetrator took the opportunity to incriminate Darcy? The exact motive is never clearly stated.
At one critical point mid-story, Colonel Fitzwilliam seems to miraculously intervene on behalf of Darcy and Elizabeth. It's a very confusing sequence of events--albeit a thrilling one. I badly want a conversation between Darcy and Fitzwilliam to provide an explanation for it all.
Near the book's end, there's a character who correctly identifies Darcy from a drawing published in the newspapers after seeing him very briefly in a stream of people. This is someone who's never seen Darcy in the flesh. Considering the changes in Darcy's face and his clothing, it strains credibility that this individual, no matter how bright, can be so certain Darcy is the fugitive.
There also are two apparent contradictions. The first is Elizabeth describing a specific action that Darcy has taken which convinces his housekeeper to believe the rest of her story. However, Darcy never considered doing that until another character pushed him to it. This implies that, if he hadn't had that conversation and then followed through, Mrs. Bernard would not have believed Elizabeth.
The biggie, though, is in the climactic scene. Darcy has a letter in his possession that the villain wrote. The contents would seem to be ample proof of the true villain's guilt, yet Darcy never produces it. Instead, things continue to escalate.
For the most part, the book is edited very well. I noted only a small number of ticky-tacky editing-type errors (maybe three or four) throughout the story itself, but there is one glaring error in my copy: the heading for the Prologue is incorrectly labeled as "Epilogue." This scene clearly precedes the events in Chapter 1 and the rest of the book.
It's a testimony to the talent of the author that, despite the above, I didn't care about any of it as I was reading. (Well...maybe when I was reading "it's the stuff of novels" and it IS a novel--Yeah, I cared about that because it DID seriously annoy me.) I found the book entertaining and fun to read, or my star rating would be lower.
December 21, 2019
I loved this story...romance mixed with angst - perfect.
As Debbie B. pointed out in her review there were several missing explanations and weak developments or even connections made. For me: why did Wickham murder Marquess Malbrooke? And why was that considered treason? He was a good friend of the regent...but is that treason to murder a friend of Royalty?
Mrs. Bennet maneuvers things to place Jane and Elizabeth in Darcy's coach when he convinces Bingley that they should remove to London for a period to give Bingley time to reconsider his feelings towards Jane and whether or not she returns his "love". The men do not expect that Elizabeth would accompany them subsequent to their also allowing a housekeeper to return with them as her grandson is seriously ill and she must attend him. Then there is that heavy and large hamper of "provisions" Mrs. Bennet sends along for the journey. All play a part in the ensuing adventure.
Yes, they hear "Stand and deliver", the coachman is shot, a money pouch is given over, the hamper thrown out, Darcy - bound, and beaten while Bingley is also held. Left in a deserted area with little to protect them from the snow storm they manage to find an abandoned cottage and there Bingley sickens while the others struggle to find rest and divide up what is left in the wrecked hamper.
The adventure is only beginning and readers have had no inkling up to this point along with ODC of what awaits them as Darcy departs to find a nearby town and secure help and then Elizabeth follows his footprints in the snow when his return never happens. Upon venturing out Elizabeth finds men coming to "rescue" them but as they return to Jolly's Inn find that Darcy is accused of treason while she, Jane and Bingley are considered accomplices.
This story has the search for proof of his/their innocence playing out along with Elizabeth coming to know Darcy's character so much better. She (they) realizes that they must marry (if he lives) and as they are in intimate company while searching London for friends, foe and clues but she is also attempting to ascertain which of Darcy's sides is the true man. Wickham had painted Darcy as we know in canon but she hears him talk of his sister, sees how he treats those they come into contact with and has his behaviors towards herself (in close quarters, without sleep, ill fed and fraught with anxious looking over one's shoulders) to make her wonder at her first impressions.
This story is as others say...one you will find difficult to put down. I did so love to read of how each was affected with chemistry between them working to spark physical desire. The line is not crossed into MA but the stirrings of desires are well described.
December 10, 2019: I am now listening to the Audible version of this story while I take my daily walk. As my walks are only about 45 minutes it took me longer to listen to this story than to read it. Stevie Zimmerman is an excellent orator. Loved the story all over again.
As Debbie B. pointed out in her review there were several missing explanations and weak developments or even connections made. For me: why did Wickham murder Marquess Malbrooke? And why was that considered treason? He was a good friend of the regent...but is that treason to murder a friend of Royalty?
Mrs. Bennet maneuvers things to place Jane and Elizabeth in Darcy's coach when he convinces Bingley that they should remove to London for a period to give Bingley time to reconsider his feelings towards Jane and whether or not she returns his "love". The men do not expect that Elizabeth would accompany them subsequent to their also allowing a housekeeper to return with them as her grandson is seriously ill and she must attend him. Then there is that heavy and large hamper of "provisions" Mrs. Bennet sends along for the journey. All play a part in the ensuing adventure.
Yes, they hear "Stand and deliver", the coachman is shot, a money pouch is given over, the hamper thrown out, Darcy - bound, and beaten while Bingley is also held. Left in a deserted area with little to protect them from the snow storm they manage to find an abandoned cottage and there Bingley sickens while the others struggle to find rest and divide up what is left in the wrecked hamper.
The adventure is only beginning and readers have had no inkling up to this point along with ODC of what awaits them as Darcy departs to find a nearby town and secure help and then Elizabeth follows his footprints in the snow when his return never happens. Upon venturing out Elizabeth finds men coming to "rescue" them but as they return to Jolly's Inn find that Darcy is accused of treason while she, Jane and Bingley are considered accomplices.
This story has the search for proof of his/their innocence playing out along with Elizabeth coming to know Darcy's character so much better. She (they) realizes that they must marry (if he lives) and as they are in intimate company while searching London for friends, foe and clues but she is also attempting to ascertain which of Darcy's sides is the true man. Wickham had painted Darcy as we know in canon but she hears him talk of his sister, sees how he treats those they come into contact with and has his behaviors towards herself (in close quarters, without sleep, ill fed and fraught with anxious looking over one's shoulders) to make her wonder at her first impressions.
This story is as others say...one you will find difficult to put down. I did so love to read of how each was affected with chemistry between them working to spark physical desire. The line is not crossed into MA but the stirrings of desires are well described.
December 10, 2019: I am now listening to the Audible version of this story while I take my daily walk. As my walks are only about 45 minutes it took me longer to listen to this story than to read it. Stevie Zimmerman is an excellent orator. Loved the story all over again.
January 30, 2024
" Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
This is a P&P action and adventure fantasy what if that requires you to sit back and enjoy the ride like watching Die Hard or Last Kiss Goodnight, this is a popcorn book if you don't mind getting butter all over your Kindle.
Like a good action movie we are given some establishing story to get us to the meat so we have Darcy and his feelings after Georgiana's experiences in Ramsgate and then we jump to the night of the Netherfield ball. Where Darcy receives bad news and doesn't dance with anyone while Wickham is extra venomous.
Two days later Darcy & Bingley are headed for London along with Lizzy & Jane and Netherfield's housekeeper. But things turn bad quickly and then go from bad to worse to dreadful.
This is when you are going to really need to suspend your disbelief. Lizzy turns into a Regency 'Black Widow'* tricking people, stealing horses and being generally masterful at everything. She and a fugitive Mr. Darcy are creeping around London trying to evade lots of people who want to arrest them. As well as giving Lizzy time to become adored by every member of Darcy's family while falling in love with Darcy.
I love action movies, LOVE Them. I can recite lines from Lethal Weapon like catechism, I've watched Die Hard with a Vengeance a hundred + times, I can watch Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes every day and twice on Sunday and never get bored, I quote scenes from the Last Boyscout and I watch Hollywood Weapons where they try to reenact the best effects. And that is why while I was reading this book I was happy to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the excitement. And that is how I recommend you read it.
Because if you start thinking about the book when you are finished you will be like WHAT DID I JUST READ? The same way someone in LE would point out that Riggs would have been riding a desk at best and locked up in a psych ward at worst. I recommend you read the book if you always wondered what a P&P AA would be like.
*Black Widow is a Marvel Avengers character who is a Russian assassin with awesome interrogation skills.
Reread- despite my gushing review above I had zero recollection of reading this book and it wasn't until I discovered a highlight on my kindle that I thought 'Did I read this before ... and dismissed it" It's still a rip roaring good time.
This is a P&P action and adventure fantasy what if that requires you to sit back and enjoy the ride like watching Die Hard or Last Kiss Goodnight, this is a popcorn book if you don't mind getting butter all over your Kindle.
Like a good action movie we are given some establishing story to get us to the meat so we have Darcy and his feelings after Georgiana's experiences in Ramsgate and then we jump to the night of the Netherfield ball. Where Darcy receives bad news and doesn't dance with anyone while Wickham is extra venomous.
Two days later Darcy & Bingley are headed for London along with Lizzy & Jane and Netherfield's housekeeper. But things turn bad quickly and then go from bad to worse to dreadful.
This is when you are going to really need to suspend your disbelief. Lizzy turns into a Regency 'Black Widow'* tricking people, stealing horses and being generally masterful at everything. She and a fugitive Mr. Darcy are creeping around London trying to evade lots of people who want to arrest them. As well as giving Lizzy time to become adored by every member of Darcy's family while falling in love with Darcy.
I love action movies, LOVE Them. I can recite lines from Lethal Weapon like catechism, I've watched Die Hard with a Vengeance a hundred + times, I can watch Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes every day and twice on Sunday and never get bored, I quote scenes from the Last Boyscout and I watch Hollywood Weapons where they try to reenact the best effects. And that is why while I was reading this book I was happy to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the excitement. And that is how I recommend you read it.
Because if you start thinking about the book when you are finished you will be like WHAT DID I JUST READ? The same way someone in LE would point out that Riggs would have been riding a desk at best and locked up in a psych ward at worst. I recommend you read the book if you always wondered what a P&P AA would be like.
*Black Widow is a Marvel Avengers character who is a Russian assassin with awesome interrogation skills.
Reread- despite my gushing review above I had zero recollection of reading this book and it wasn't until I discovered a highlight on my kindle that I thought 'Did I read this before ... and dismissed it" It's still a rip roaring good time.
October 23, 2022
Once an absurdity is accepted as truth, it will seem truer the more absurd it is shown to be. ~ Robert Brault
Many P&P variations are based on reputations lost in a rumor mill. Usually Elizabeth is the individual trying to salvage her damaged name.
This time, Darcy is in danger from the rumors. He is seen in a quarrel with a degenerate aristocrat who is a close friend of another degenerate aristocrat: the Prince Regent!
The aristocrat is murdered. A possession connects Darcy to the crime. Darcy, Bingley, and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet know Darcy’s whereabouts at the critical time and know when and where he was robbed. But Bingley is bedridden with a deadly fever. Jane remains to nurse him. Elizabeth aids Darcy in an escape. (The actual escape is improbable in the snow with both riding bareback. Their pursuers were “Cooper Indians” mentioned in Mark Twain’s review of James Fenimore Cooper books or perhaps Keystone Cops. It should have been simple to track them. Nit-pick #1)
A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run. ~ Ouida
All but one of the London papers print stories branding Darcy as the traitor. (Why isn’t the crime simply murder? Nit-pick #2)
Jane and Bingley are also in legal trouble. (Even though Bingley is incapacitated and Jane behaves only as his nurse. Nit-pick #3)
Nitpicks aside, this is a great adventure story that is well-written and proofread.
Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold. ~ Leo Tolstoy
Many P&P variations are based on reputations lost in a rumor mill. Usually Elizabeth is the individual trying to salvage her damaged name.
This time, Darcy is in danger from the rumors. He is seen in a quarrel with a degenerate aristocrat who is a close friend of another degenerate aristocrat: the Prince Regent!
The aristocrat is murdered. A possession connects Darcy to the crime. Darcy, Bingley, and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet know Darcy’s whereabouts at the critical time and know when and where he was robbed. But Bingley is bedridden with a deadly fever. Jane remains to nurse him. Elizabeth aids Darcy in an escape. (The actual escape is improbable in the snow with both riding bareback. Their pursuers were “Cooper Indians” mentioned in Mark Twain’s review of James Fenimore Cooper books or perhaps Keystone Cops. It should have been simple to track them. Nit-pick #1)
A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run. ~ Ouida
All but one of the London papers print stories branding Darcy as the traitor. (Why isn’t the crime simply murder? Nit-pick #2)
Jane and Bingley are also in legal trouble. (Even though Bingley is incapacitated and Jane behaves only as his nurse. Nit-pick #3)
Nitpicks aside, this is a great adventure story that is well-written and proofread.
Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold. ~ Leo Tolstoy
November 4, 2022
Page Turner
There was a lot to love about this book, which I both read and listened to via the audiobook. I can never be disappointed in seeing Stevie Zimmerman narrate.
Mrs. Bennet schemes to have Bingley escort Jane to London after he decides to leave Netherfield. Darcy isn’t too happy, as it’s his carriage they are taking. Jane refuses to go unless Elizabeth is included. Unknown to them all, there will be another scheme afoot when the carriage is overtaken by highwaymen. They are left to fend for themselves after the carriage and horses are taken—in a snowstorm. When Darcy is finally able to go for help, yet another scheme takes hold and Darcy is accused of treason.
I enjoyed the different take on the stranded/compromised trope in that it involves the two couples. I was completely engaged with every chapter. Recommend.
There was a lot to love about this book, which I both read and listened to via the audiobook. I can never be disappointed in seeing Stevie Zimmerman narrate.
Mrs. Bennet schemes to have Bingley escort Jane to London after he decides to leave Netherfield. Darcy isn’t too happy, as it’s his carriage they are taking. Jane refuses to go unless Elizabeth is included. Unknown to them all, there will be another scheme afoot when the carriage is overtaken by highwaymen. They are left to fend for themselves after the carriage and horses are taken—in a snowstorm. When Darcy is finally able to go for help, yet another scheme takes hold and Darcy is accused of treason.
I enjoyed the different take on the stranded/compromised trope in that it involves the two couples. I was completely engaged with every chapter. Recommend.
October 22, 2018
Unputdownable!
Heavens, this was a thrilling read...
Enters with a prologue that set the stage for the troubles to come...
Next, we are at the Netherfield ball which unfolded a little different than canon and the story never ventured near canon again.
A crafty Mrs Bennet secured Jane and then Elizabeth a ride to town with Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy and what a wild ride it was. Attacked by both man and the elements, rescue was certainly not to be had in the nearest village nor in London as Darcy was accused of treason... Our dear couple was in it for better or for worse, they were in it together and together they were a force to be reckoned with. Loved how their relationship developed, the under currents of sexual tension was palpable although this is a chaste read. I adore an author who can put things inbetween the lines, to be felt and understood without having it explained in minute details. In my opinion, Jennifer Joy succeeds with that in this novel and I heartily appreciated it.
In addition, we were sent on an exhilarating journey through London's underground. Chased by almost every citizen of the capital, ODC craftiness and survival skills was as entertaining as it was thrilling. Lots of funny moments with well written banter was the icing on the cake.
A fabulous read that I heartily recommend!
Heavens, this was a thrilling read...
Enters with a prologue that set the stage for the troubles to come...
Next, we are at the Netherfield ball which unfolded a little different than canon and the story never ventured near canon again.
A crafty Mrs Bennet secured Jane and then Elizabeth a ride to town with Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy and what a wild ride it was. Attacked by both man and the elements, rescue was certainly not to be had in the nearest village nor in London as Darcy was accused of treason... Our dear couple was in it for better or for worse, they were in it together and together they were a force to be reckoned with. Loved how their relationship developed, the under currents of sexual tension was palpable although this is a chaste read. I adore an author who can put things inbetween the lines, to be felt and understood without having it explained in minute details. In my opinion, Jennifer Joy succeeds with that in this novel and I heartily appreciated it.
In addition, we were sent on an exhilarating journey through London's underground. Chased by almost every citizen of the capital, ODC craftiness and survival skills was as entertaining as it was thrilling. Lots of funny moments with well written banter was the icing on the cake.
A fabulous read that I heartily recommend!
October 26, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mrs Bennet arranges for Jane to travel to London with Bingley and Darcy after the Netherfield Ball. Jane insists that Elizabeth join her because she believes she is traveling with her aunt - not the gentleman. Add a housekeeper who needs a ride to town as well, and we have set the scene.
This story is romantic, full of adventure, quick wit and a couple who slowly learn that the other is more important than themselves. They have amazing conversations and become true partners through adversity as well as learn to be their best selves.
I could NOT stop reading this book!!!!
This story is romantic, full of adventure, quick wit and a couple who slowly learn that the other is more important than themselves. They have amazing conversations and become true partners through adversity as well as learn to be their best selves.
I could NOT stop reading this book!!!!
January 12, 2019
"This is your greatest flaw, Darcy. You are too often right." (quote from the book)
So hang on to your bonnet and basket, for you are in for a wild adventure as Elizabeth and Darcy run from the law, as they try to prove his innocence. My heart was in my throat as they risk more than their reputations. How they got into this predicament can be laid at several feet, but little did anyone know, the cannonball Mrs. Bennet dropped would be the cause for Jane and Elizabeth's near ruin.
The two main villains in this story come from very different backgrounds. Each slither through society causing mayhem and ruin. And though the good Colonel has warned Darcy of his attitude toward those around him, he still goes on as always. Until an impertinent, headstrong girl stands up to him.
"You are always right, and I am seldom wrong."(quote from the book)
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I had to know what happened next. The death of one of the villains is not completely explained but one can come up with several reasons why he was murdered. So with drama and humour this story pulls you in and holds you tight.
This is another wonderful variation from the ever talented Jennifer Joy that I highly recommend!
So hang on to your bonnet and basket, for you are in for a wild adventure as Elizabeth and Darcy run from the law, as they try to prove his innocence. My heart was in my throat as they risk more than their reputations. How they got into this predicament can be laid at several feet, but little did anyone know, the cannonball Mrs. Bennet dropped would be the cause for Jane and Elizabeth's near ruin.
The two main villains in this story come from very different backgrounds. Each slither through society causing mayhem and ruin. And though the good Colonel has warned Darcy of his attitude toward those around him, he still goes on as always. Until an impertinent, headstrong girl stands up to him.
"You are always right, and I am seldom wrong."(quote from the book)
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I had to know what happened next. The death of one of the villains is not completely explained but one can come up with several reasons why he was murdered. So with drama and humour this story pulls you in and holds you tight.
This is another wonderful variation from the ever talented Jennifer Joy that I highly recommend!
March 13, 2022
Danger and Devotion, Murder and Misjudgments, Truth and Treason
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Friend
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After the Netherfield Ball, Mrs. Bennet cunningly arranges for Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to transport her two eldest daughters to London in hopes that one or both of them will secure a husband. But the journey is full of unexpected peril and adversity as they are beset upon by unscrupulous highwaymen and become stranded at an abandoned cottage, with one of their party falling ill and another later being accused of murder and treason…
MY THOUGHTS:
This tale is brimming with so much excitement and adventure! Mr. Darcy is misunderstood and falsely accused – but not just by Elizabeth Bennet! His crimes are much more serious and the public outcry is already producing irreparable harm to his reputation and his well-being. And whether due to treacherous weather or the need to escape and remain undetected from others Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves forced together in close quarters quite often. So while one half of this story is full of danger and risk, the other half is comprised of new awareness, frank revelations, and tender moments.
Even though I adored the thrill of this breakneck adventure, my favorite aspect of this tale was the gradually-paced development of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship. How Elizabeth first begins to doubt her initial impression of Mr. Darcy, how she begins to find him admirable and attractive, and how her respect and esteem for him blossoms into the passionate love for which she has always yearned. And I equally loved observing how Mr. Darcy continues to value all of Elizabeth’s excellent qualities and all the ways he tries to safeguard her and protect her. They were quite a pair – Elizabeth fearlessly trying to help Mr. Darcy regardless of the risk and Mr. Darcy succumbing to an irrevocable love yet striving to maintain his distance because of his uncertain future.
In addition to this satisfying romance, readers will witness an abundance of exciting action – with impossible obstacles, clever schemes, and lots of bravery. It is a whirlwind! I loved the exhilaration – the new twists at every corner and the mounting danger and threats. In addition, I also loved the quiet moments in between all the action and adventure – the sweet scenes where inner thoughts and meaningful revelations are shared. Jennifer Joy has proven once again that she excels at crafting together an engrossing tale that harmoniously blends together romance, drama, action, and suspense. My only quibble is that there were a few occasions where it felt like some details were missing – either in the scene description/action sequences or with a character’s actions or motives. One big area where more explanation felt needed was Wickham’s part in this imbroglio.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is a sensational and stirring tale that is as sweet as it is suspenseful! An excellent choice for readers who want to see Darcy and Elizabeth fearlessly encounter calamities, danger, and unexpected love side by side.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Friend
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After the Netherfield Ball, Mrs. Bennet cunningly arranges for Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to transport her two eldest daughters to London in hopes that one or both of them will secure a husband. But the journey is full of unexpected peril and adversity as they are beset upon by unscrupulous highwaymen and become stranded at an abandoned cottage, with one of their party falling ill and another later being accused of murder and treason…
MY THOUGHTS:
This tale is brimming with so much excitement and adventure! Mr. Darcy is misunderstood and falsely accused – but not just by Elizabeth Bennet! His crimes are much more serious and the public outcry is already producing irreparable harm to his reputation and his well-being. And whether due to treacherous weather or the need to escape and remain undetected from others Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves forced together in close quarters quite often. So while one half of this story is full of danger and risk, the other half is comprised of new awareness, frank revelations, and tender moments.
Even though I adored the thrill of this breakneck adventure, my favorite aspect of this tale was the gradually-paced development of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship. How Elizabeth first begins to doubt her initial impression of Mr. Darcy, how she begins to find him admirable and attractive, and how her respect and esteem for him blossoms into the passionate love for which she has always yearned. And I equally loved observing how Mr. Darcy continues to value all of Elizabeth’s excellent qualities and all the ways he tries to safeguard her and protect her. They were quite a pair – Elizabeth fearlessly trying to help Mr. Darcy regardless of the risk and Mr. Darcy succumbing to an irrevocable love yet striving to maintain his distance because of his uncertain future.
In addition to this satisfying romance, readers will witness an abundance of exciting action – with impossible obstacles, clever schemes, and lots of bravery. It is a whirlwind! I loved the exhilaration – the new twists at every corner and the mounting danger and threats. In addition, I also loved the quiet moments in between all the action and adventure – the sweet scenes where inner thoughts and meaningful revelations are shared. Jennifer Joy has proven once again that she excels at crafting together an engrossing tale that harmoniously blends together romance, drama, action, and suspense. My only quibble is that there were a few occasions where it felt like some details were missing – either in the scene description/action sequences or with a character’s actions or motives. One big area where more explanation felt needed was Wickham’s part in this imbroglio.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is a sensational and stirring tale that is as sweet as it is suspenseful! An excellent choice for readers who want to see Darcy and Elizabeth fearlessly encounter calamities, danger, and unexpected love side by side.
Austenesque Reviews
May 18, 2023
Totally enjoyed this. Got off to a slow start , but when it picked up I felt like a was reading a chick-lit book, JAFF style.
Writing was good and solid. Very few grammer/aditing issues.
Writing was good and solid. Very few grammer/aditing issues.
November 3, 2018
This is really enjoyable tale with a difference... it's difficult to summarise the plot without giving any spoilers.... Mrs Bennet realises the night of the Netherfield Ball that Mr Darcy will try to separate Bingley from Jane so somehow manages to get Mr Bingley to agree to transport Jane and Elizabeth to the Gardiner's... en route they are robbed and left for dead in a snow storm. Mr Darcy is arrested soon after and deemed a traitor for a crime he could not have committed - Elizabeth knows because she was with him. What follows is a real adventure as Darcy and Elizabeth get to know and appreciate each other in perilous circumstances.
There were so many things I loved about this book... it was such a page turner and I thought the author did really well to create such a romantic atmosphere against all of the danger and adventure. Darcy is a real lonely soul and Elizabeth is really brave and courageous, I liked her a lot.
There are two gaping holes in this story... the crime for which Darcy is identified as traitor... How did this even come about? When was the plan decided and why?? What was the actual perpetrator going to gain?? The second is a much more minor point... colonel Fitzwilliam arrives following an apparent kidnap/capture... but I don't know if it was or wasn't. I re-read the same part over and over thinking I'd missed something... I have no idea what was going on...
Despite some issues with the plot, until I stopped to think about it afterwards, they took nothing from the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale with a difference. This is a book that might lend itself to sequel to allow the reader to see more of the Bingleys as their tale is left untold.
There were so many things I loved about this book... it was such a page turner and I thought the author did really well to create such a romantic atmosphere against all of the danger and adventure. Darcy is a real lonely soul and Elizabeth is really brave and courageous, I liked her a lot.
There are two gaping holes in this story... the crime for which Darcy is identified as traitor... How did this even come about? When was the plan decided and why?? What was the actual perpetrator going to gain?? The second is a much more minor point... colonel Fitzwilliam arrives following an apparent kidnap/capture... but I don't know if it was or wasn't. I re-read the same part over and over thinking I'd missed something... I have no idea what was going on...
Despite some issues with the plot, until I stopped to think about it afterwards, they took nothing from the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale with a difference. This is a book that might lend itself to sequel to allow the reader to see more of the Bingleys as their tale is left untold.
November 2, 2018
In this P&P variation what is a mother to do when a suitor for her eldest daughter is leaving after the ball at Netherfield. Arrangements by Mrs Bennet are the beginning of the events that lead the oh so perfect Mr Darcy to be called murderer and traitor. How can he clear his name. What can Elizabeth do to help the man she dislikes. And what of Bingley and Jane.
An enjoyable and satisfying romance and mystery.
An enjoyable and satisfying romance and mystery.
September 23, 2024
Status: Read October 24-25, 2018
Rating: 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Dimensions of Darcy, #1)
by Jennifer Joy
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 406 pages
Published October 17, 2018 by Jennifer Ramirez
ASIN: B07JHQZC8Y
[ kindle unlimited ]
He is England's most wanted criminal… and she is stuck with him.
Besieged by highwaymen and left for dead in a snowstorm, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks help only to get arrested for treason.
A split-second decision forever attaches Elizabeth Bennet to his side, and now, they are on the run. When adversity reveals their true character, will Elizabeth regret her decision?
Together, they make a daring team, but their nail-biting adventure will be for naught if they cannot catch the real villain in time…
Rating: 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Dimensions of Darcy, #1)
by Jennifer Joy
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 406 pages
Published October 17, 2018 by Jennifer Ramirez
ASIN: B07JHQZC8Y
[ kindle unlimited ]
He is England's most wanted criminal… and she is stuck with him.
Besieged by highwaymen and left for dead in a snowstorm, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks help only to get arrested for treason.
A split-second decision forever attaches Elizabeth Bennet to his side, and now, they are on the run. When adversity reveals their true character, will Elizabeth regret her decision?
Together, they make a daring team, but their nail-biting adventure will be for naught if they cannot catch the real villain in time…
October 23, 2021
I love Jennifer Joy's writing more with every book of hers I read. This one has the fast pace, combination of frustration and hope, scary situations (caught) and triumph (then escape,) and then the growing feelings of ODC to make it un-put-downable. I highly recommend the book. I know I haven't mentioned anything detailed about the plot. Others have done that quite well. I thought this was original, and well-written. There are scenes in this one that will make me want to add it to my reread list.
2021 update. I've just listened to the audio book for the ___th time and the story never fails to engage my attention from the beginning. This is in my top three favorite Jennifer Joy books. I love her writing!
2021 update. I've just listened to the audio book for the ___th time and the story never fails to engage my attention from the beginning. This is in my top three favorite Jennifer Joy books. I love her writing!
December 17, 2019
I would rate this at 4.5. This was such a thrilling read! When I finally found time to read it on my kindle(I had purchased it a few months ago) I had forgotten what it was even about so I went into it somewhat blind and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was completely engrossed in this story. It is a real page turner. I read it in a day (stayed up way too late) because I couldn't rest until I knew what happened next! There were a couple of loose ends or questions I had that were never addressed that left me a little unsatisfied which is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, but it didn't detract from enjoying this book.
The book starts with the Netherfield Ball and thanks to Mrs. Bennet's supreme talent for matchmaking, Jane and Lizzy end up in the carriage with Bingley and Darcy to London the next day. A series of events leaves the two couples stranded in a snow storm so I concluded this was going to be a forced marriage story line. Nope, well somewhat, but that was just the beginning. So many more developments and twists occurred after that to make the forced marriage situation take a back seat. If you love great adventures and romantic page time with D & L, you really need to read this book! Their journey to know and understand and eventually love each other is so sweet and romantic with several swoon worthy moments!
The book starts with the Netherfield Ball and thanks to Mrs. Bennet's supreme talent for matchmaking, Jane and Lizzy end up in the carriage with Bingley and Darcy to London the next day. A series of events leaves the two couples stranded in a snow storm so I concluded this was going to be a forced marriage story line. Nope, well somewhat, but that was just the beginning. So many more developments and twists occurred after that to make the forced marriage situation take a back seat. If you love great adventures and romantic page time with D & L, you really need to read this book! Their journey to know and understand and eventually love each other is so sweet and romantic with several swoon worthy moments!
December 19, 2019
An Fairly Excellent Adventure
Involved and complicated, but captivating and Romantic, Miss Joy writes beautifully. Yes, ultimately, there are some holes and the resolution is too neatly accomplished considering the severity and notoriety of the crime, but this is romantic adventure much more so than a crime novel. A good read.
Involved and complicated, but captivating and Romantic, Miss Joy writes beautifully. Yes, ultimately, there are some holes and the resolution is too neatly accomplished considering the severity and notoriety of the crime, but this is romantic adventure much more so than a crime novel. A good read.
March 11, 2019
Wonderful story
A truly unique and enjoyable experience. A worthy tale full of adventure, intrigue and discovery. Thoroughly recommended as a really great read!
A truly unique and enjoyable experience. A worthy tale full of adventure, intrigue and discovery. Thoroughly recommended as a really great read!
September 16, 2021
I love all of Jennifer Joy's books because with her wonderful writing style, I am transported from seriously crazy 21st Century back to a relaxed 19th Century England for a while. She is so fantastic at writing the scenes that one can visualize the surroundings, events and people as if you were right there, a spectator to all that is being said and done. I love that!
June 20, 2019
My favourite JAFF stories are the ones that place Darcy and Elizabeth trapped in a small space, and when that small space is a cottage during a winter storm I just cannot resist them. I start reading stories like these and I cannot put them down often spending entire nights reading them, and that is exactly what happened with Jennifer Joy’s latest book.
She worked on a plot that I absolutely love but brought a lot of innovation into it by adding Bingley and Jane into the story, the result was an incredible book, hard to put down and completely addictive.
You already know how this books starts, but do not be deceived by thinking this will be a simple story of getting caught in cottage during a snow storm, this is a Jennifer Joy book after all, and that means that there is much, much more going on. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is an adventurous book that will take the characters on a quest for justice and where Elizabeth shows time and again how faithful she is to Darcy. Her love is stout and unquestionable and so is his devotion for her. That was one of my favourite parts of the book, I love to read stories where their love is stronger than anything, and I believe most readers will feel the intensity of their love too. But the writing was also an added value in this book. Jennifer Joy doesn’t leave room for a dull moment in it and you’ll find yourself turning pages as if there was no tomorrow.
Despite being filled with action, we have lots of Darcy and Elizabeth moments in this book and I absolutely loved every single moment they spent together because Jennifer Joy can always make them romantic, intense but clean and sweet at the same time. These moments were crucial for an engaging and compelling story I could not put down.
Some aspects of the book may seem a little far-fetched but Jennifer Joy has an incredible ability to pull the reader into the story and completely forget about that. Her writing was able to make me forget everything and get immersed in the story as if I was living those events with the characters, and there is nothing better than that when we are reading a book. I want something that makes me forget I am in the 21st century and this book achieved just that as I could not think of anything else except the story.
If you are looking for a romance filled with excitement this book is for you! It is hard to put down and it was one of my favourite stories from last year.
She worked on a plot that I absolutely love but brought a lot of innovation into it by adding Bingley and Jane into the story, the result was an incredible book, hard to put down and completely addictive.
You already know how this books starts, but do not be deceived by thinking this will be a simple story of getting caught in cottage during a snow storm, this is a Jennifer Joy book after all, and that means that there is much, much more going on. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor is an adventurous book that will take the characters on a quest for justice and where Elizabeth shows time and again how faithful she is to Darcy. Her love is stout and unquestionable and so is his devotion for her. That was one of my favourite parts of the book, I love to read stories where their love is stronger than anything, and I believe most readers will feel the intensity of their love too. But the writing was also an added value in this book. Jennifer Joy doesn’t leave room for a dull moment in it and you’ll find yourself turning pages as if there was no tomorrow.
Despite being filled with action, we have lots of Darcy and Elizabeth moments in this book and I absolutely loved every single moment they spent together because Jennifer Joy can always make them romantic, intense but clean and sweet at the same time. These moments were crucial for an engaging and compelling story I could not put down.
Some aspects of the book may seem a little far-fetched but Jennifer Joy has an incredible ability to pull the reader into the story and completely forget about that. Her writing was able to make me forget everything and get immersed in the story as if I was living those events with the characters, and there is nothing better than that when we are reading a book. I want something that makes me forget I am in the 21st century and this book achieved just that as I could not think of anything else except the story.
If you are looking for a romance filled with excitement this book is for you! It is hard to put down and it was one of my favourite stories from last year.
September 29, 2021
Love!
This book cost me 2 nights of sleep, as I am not a fast reader, and generally do most of my fun reading after my family has gone to bed!
I loved this Elizabeth and Darcy, though Wickham was especially heinous. I also enjoyed seeing Jane grow and stand strong.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of P & P variations.
This book cost me 2 nights of sleep, as I am not a fast reader, and generally do most of my fun reading after my family has gone to bed!
I loved this Elizabeth and Darcy, though Wickham was especially heinous. I also enjoyed seeing Jane grow and stand strong.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of P & P variations.
August 12, 2020
Captivating
Jennifer Joy has done it again. This story is quite captivating. Wickham is even more villainous than he is normally portrayed which is of course what drives the whole storyline by having ODC try to maneuver themselves out of the trouble Wickham caused.
Jennifer Joy has done it again. This story is quite captivating. Wickham is even more villainous than he is normally portrayed which is of course what drives the whole storyline by having ODC try to maneuver themselves out of the trouble Wickham caused.
August 22, 2025
Content:
Profanity: Mild. There was one use of D***, maybe two?
Violence: High mild. All the violence is not graphically described, even though there's a fair bit of it portrayed. There are at least three murders committed, none 'on-screen' or described. Beatings happen twice, mostly 'off-screen' and we see the aftermath. Bruising on the face, some minor blood from bashed noses/head wounds. So minor I almost forgot it was there. Wincing from unseen hurts. Burns from rope. Fever/illness. a sort of mild mob-mentality portrayed.
Sexual: High mild. There are a few kisses, with hands in hair, on waist/chest, etc. None go into spicey, but they are a bit more involved and are just shy of going into the mildest type of steamy. Darcy has multiple moments of difficulty controlling his thoughts about Elizabeth. Like wanting to 'nibble between her ear and shoulder' and being unable to look away from her legs when she rides astride, and constantly wanting to touch/hold her. He berates himself constantly to get his thoughts out of the gutter (not in those specific words). There is forced proximity in this, including one character bathing with only a blanket for modesty. Nothing happens.
Triggers: Betrayal. False imprisonment.
Just shy of four stars, but I rounded up.
This was another JAFF that the longer I read the less I remembered this was Darcy and Elizabeth. The first half of the book is a 'snowed in' trope, which forces the characters to get to know each other better and be more open than would be usual. The second half of the book is the 'I was framed' part where they have to prove Darcy's innocence or die. While I enjoyed reading it, and it never left me bored, the intrigue/thriller aspect was not regency typical, or Jane Austen typical. Fun, for sure, but left me thinking it would've been better had it been a brand-new Regency/thriller genre than a Pride and Prejudice variation.
That said, I did enjoy how the author showed Darcy's character growth, and how good characteristics left to run to extremes can come back to bite us in the butt. I liked watching him soften and change as he gets thrown into the fire, and yet stay honorable and stubborn.
The romance got a touch too intimate a few times for my sensitive self. It's still clean, but I was eyeballing it a few times with Darcy being hot and bothered whenever he feels attraction to Elizabeth. Her teasing him (physically) and knowingly making it harder for him made me wince a few times. Poor guy was trying to be a gentleman. I didn't like that aspect at all.
Dramatics abound in this, which is par for the course in most variations I've read, making out some characters to be a more extreme version of what they were in the original. Typically for the worse, or more embarrassing. Check and Check in this story. It was fun to read, but it definitely read like a fan-fiction. A good one, though. Fun for a fluff read, which is exactly why I keep reading them.
Profanity: Mild. There was one use of D***, maybe two?
Violence: High mild. All the violence is not graphically described, even though there's a fair bit of it portrayed. There are at least three murders committed, none 'on-screen' or described. Beatings happen twice, mostly 'off-screen' and we see the aftermath. Bruising on the face, some minor blood from bashed noses/head wounds. So minor I almost forgot it was there. Wincing from unseen hurts. Burns from rope. Fever/illness. a sort of mild mob-mentality portrayed.
Sexual: High mild. There are a few kisses, with hands in hair, on waist/chest, etc. None go into spicey, but they are a bit more involved and are just shy of going into the mildest type of steamy. Darcy has multiple moments of difficulty controlling his thoughts about Elizabeth. Like wanting to 'nibble between her ear and shoulder' and being unable to look away from her legs when she rides astride, and constantly wanting to touch/hold her. He berates himself constantly to get his thoughts out of the gutter (not in those specific words). There is forced proximity in this, including one character bathing with only a blanket for modesty. Nothing happens.
Triggers: Betrayal. False imprisonment.
Just shy of four stars, but I rounded up.
This was another JAFF that the longer I read the less I remembered this was Darcy and Elizabeth. The first half of the book is a 'snowed in' trope, which forces the characters to get to know each other better and be more open than would be usual. The second half of the book is the 'I was framed' part where they have to prove Darcy's innocence or die. While I enjoyed reading it, and it never left me bored, the intrigue/thriller aspect was not regency typical, or Jane Austen typical. Fun, for sure, but left me thinking it would've been better had it been a brand-new Regency/thriller genre than a Pride and Prejudice variation.
That said, I did enjoy how the author showed Darcy's character growth, and how good characteristics left to run to extremes can come back to bite us in the butt. I liked watching him soften and change as he gets thrown into the fire, and yet stay honorable and stubborn.
The romance got a touch too intimate a few times for my sensitive self. It's still clean, but I was eyeballing it a few times with Darcy being hot and bothered whenever he feels attraction to Elizabeth. Her teasing him (physically) and knowingly making it harder for him made me wince a few times. Poor guy was trying to be a gentleman. I didn't like that aspect at all.
Dramatics abound in this, which is par for the course in most variations I've read, making out some characters to be a more extreme version of what they were in the original. Typically for the worse, or more embarrassing. Check and Check in this story. It was fun to read, but it definitely read like a fan-fiction. A good one, though. Fun for a fluff read, which is exactly why I keep reading them.
March 5, 2020
Zum Inhalt:
Fitzwilliam Darcy hat ein hohes Verantwortungsbewusstsein, was er auch von seinen Mitmenschen erwarte. Für Menschen, die die Bennets, die voller Fehler sind hat er keine Geduld.
Elizabeth Bennet ist auf der Suche nach einem Mann, der dem Held aus ihren Romanen entspricht. Mr. Darcy ist der letzte Mann, der diese Kriterien erfüllt.
Wie das Schicksal aber manchmal so spielt, laden beide zusammen mit Jane und Mr. Bingley in eine abgelegene Hütte, nachdem sie auf offener Straße überfallen wurde. Nachdem Mr. Darcy nach Hilfe in einem abgelegenen Dorf sucht, wird schnell klar, dass er für Landesverrat angeklagt wird.
Elizabeth entscheidet sich, an seiner Seite zu bleiben und mit ihm zu fliehen. Nun können sich die beiden besser kennenlernen. Wird das die Meinung und Gefühle ändern?
Meine Meinung:
Ich lese sehr gerne Pride and Prejudice Variations, da ich von der Liebesgeschichte zwischen Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy nicht genug bekommen kann. Ich habe schon sehr gut und schlechte Variationen gelesen. Diese gehört zu denen, die insgesamt okay ist.
Pride and Prejudice Variations sind für Leser gedacht, die die original Geschichte kennen und, wie ich, nicht genug kriegen können. Es geht ein bisschen der Frage nach, was wäre wenn …?
Der Schreibstil dieser Geschichte hat mir soweit ganz gut gefallen. Es lässt sich leicht und schnell lesen. Wenn man schon einige Variationen gelesen hat, wundert man sich über bestimmte Begriffe, die eher altertümlich sind, nicht.
Insgesamt hatte diese Geschichte ein hohes Tempo. Es ist einem Zeitraum von ca. einer Woche sehr viel passiert. Aufgrund dessen ist die Spannung von Anfang bis Ende sehr hoch.
Ich kenne mich in der Zeit zu Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts nicht wirklich aus, deswegen weiß ich nicht, ob die Geschichte in der Realität sich auf diese Weise hätte zutragen können. Mir wirkt es eher an den Haaren herbei gezogen.
Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy sind sehr bekannte und geliebte Charaktere. Natürlich nimmt sich jede Autorin bei den Variationen ihre künstliche Freiheit und passt die Charaktere so an, wie sie diese haben möchte. Hier wirkten die Charaktere für mich nicht mehr wirklich treu zu den Originalen. Das finde ich schade. Außerdem habe ich die Entwicklung der Gefühle zwischen den beiden nicht abgenommen. Es ist einfach nicht bei mir angekommen. Das mag aber auch daran liegen, dass sich innerhalb einer Woche Hass zu Liebe entwickelt. Das ist mir einfach zu schnell.
Die Autorin hat viele der Schlüsselmomenten aus dem Originalbuch aufgegriffen und die wichtigen Schlussfolgerungen aus eben diesen Momenten zu schildern, die wichtig, für die Entwicklung der Beziehung zwischen Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy sind. Das Problem ist dabei, dass diese Schlussfolgerung zu schnell kamen und zum Teil nicht mal wirklich zum Kontext passend, weil bestimmte Ereignisse, wie Lydias Ausreißen mit Mr. Wickham gar nicht stattfindet. Es hätte meiner Meinung nach andere Momente geschaffen werden müssen, die zu ähnliche Schlussfolgerungen führt, damit Elizabeth Mr. Darcys Werte erkennt. Das hat hier aber leider gefällt.
Es war also auf Grund der hohen Spannung und des Schreibstils ein schnelles Leseerlebnisse, die Geschichte lässt aber einiges zu wünschen übrig. Es gibt sicherlich besser Variationen, die man als Fan eher lesen sollte.
Fitzwilliam Darcy hat ein hohes Verantwortungsbewusstsein, was er auch von seinen Mitmenschen erwarte. Für Menschen, die die Bennets, die voller Fehler sind hat er keine Geduld.
Elizabeth Bennet ist auf der Suche nach einem Mann, der dem Held aus ihren Romanen entspricht. Mr. Darcy ist der letzte Mann, der diese Kriterien erfüllt.
Wie das Schicksal aber manchmal so spielt, laden beide zusammen mit Jane und Mr. Bingley in eine abgelegene Hütte, nachdem sie auf offener Straße überfallen wurde. Nachdem Mr. Darcy nach Hilfe in einem abgelegenen Dorf sucht, wird schnell klar, dass er für Landesverrat angeklagt wird.
Elizabeth entscheidet sich, an seiner Seite zu bleiben und mit ihm zu fliehen. Nun können sich die beiden besser kennenlernen. Wird das die Meinung und Gefühle ändern?
Meine Meinung:
Ich lese sehr gerne Pride and Prejudice Variations, da ich von der Liebesgeschichte zwischen Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy nicht genug bekommen kann. Ich habe schon sehr gut und schlechte Variationen gelesen. Diese gehört zu denen, die insgesamt okay ist.
Pride and Prejudice Variations sind für Leser gedacht, die die original Geschichte kennen und, wie ich, nicht genug kriegen können. Es geht ein bisschen der Frage nach, was wäre wenn …?
Der Schreibstil dieser Geschichte hat mir soweit ganz gut gefallen. Es lässt sich leicht und schnell lesen. Wenn man schon einige Variationen gelesen hat, wundert man sich über bestimmte Begriffe, die eher altertümlich sind, nicht.
Insgesamt hatte diese Geschichte ein hohes Tempo. Es ist einem Zeitraum von ca. einer Woche sehr viel passiert. Aufgrund dessen ist die Spannung von Anfang bis Ende sehr hoch.
Ich kenne mich in der Zeit zu Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts nicht wirklich aus, deswegen weiß ich nicht, ob die Geschichte in der Realität sich auf diese Weise hätte zutragen können. Mir wirkt es eher an den Haaren herbei gezogen.
Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy sind sehr bekannte und geliebte Charaktere. Natürlich nimmt sich jede Autorin bei den Variationen ihre künstliche Freiheit und passt die Charaktere so an, wie sie diese haben möchte. Hier wirkten die Charaktere für mich nicht mehr wirklich treu zu den Originalen. Das finde ich schade. Außerdem habe ich die Entwicklung der Gefühle zwischen den beiden nicht abgenommen. Es ist einfach nicht bei mir angekommen. Das mag aber auch daran liegen, dass sich innerhalb einer Woche Hass zu Liebe entwickelt. Das ist mir einfach zu schnell.
Die Autorin hat viele der Schlüsselmomenten aus dem Originalbuch aufgegriffen und die wichtigen Schlussfolgerungen aus eben diesen Momenten zu schildern, die wichtig, für die Entwicklung der Beziehung zwischen Elizabeth und Mr. Darcy sind. Das Problem ist dabei, dass diese Schlussfolgerung zu schnell kamen und zum Teil nicht mal wirklich zum Kontext passend, weil bestimmte Ereignisse, wie Lydias Ausreißen mit Mr. Wickham gar nicht stattfindet. Es hätte meiner Meinung nach andere Momente geschaffen werden müssen, die zu ähnliche Schlussfolgerungen führt, damit Elizabeth Mr. Darcys Werte erkennt. Das hat hier aber leider gefällt.
Es war also auf Grund der hohen Spannung und des Schreibstils ein schnelles Leseerlebnisse, die Geschichte lässt aber einiges zu wünschen übrig. Es gibt sicherlich besser Variationen, die man als Fan eher lesen sollte.
January 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. I listened to the audio verison and did have a few issues with that, but it didn't take a way from the story.
Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Charles are in Fitzwilliam's carriage on their way to London, since Mr. Bingley has decided, with the help of his sisters and Darcy, to quit Neitherfield. Mrs. Bennett had found out about Charles and party leaving and talked him into taking Jane with them. Jane insisted Elizabeth join her, thus starts our wonderful (not so much) journey.
It starts to snow and the party is robed and left on the side of the road, both Mr. Bingley and Mr Darcy are beaten up. Finally the group finds an abandoned cottage/shack to get out of the cold. They stay there for a few days and reputations are ruined. Darcy leaves to find help for Bingley and the story changes to one of intrigue and fighting for the truth.
I don't want to give anything else away, but Mr Darcy is accused of Murder.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy save their names or will they be drawn and quartered for treason. You must read to find out.
I loved that there were not a whole lot of miscommunications in this book to cause the prejudices and angst like in other variations I have read. We get the whole Wickham's past with Darcy out of the way quite quickly. The two of them trying to save their lives is quite enough drama, we didn't need the added misconceptions.
Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Charles are in Fitzwilliam's carriage on their way to London, since Mr. Bingley has decided, with the help of his sisters and Darcy, to quit Neitherfield. Mrs. Bennett had found out about Charles and party leaving and talked him into taking Jane with them. Jane insisted Elizabeth join her, thus starts our wonderful (not so much) journey.
It starts to snow and the party is robed and left on the side of the road, both Mr. Bingley and Mr Darcy are beaten up. Finally the group finds an abandoned cottage/shack to get out of the cold. They stay there for a few days and reputations are ruined. Darcy leaves to find help for Bingley and the story changes to one of intrigue and fighting for the truth.
I don't want to give anything else away, but Mr Darcy is accused of Murder.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy save their names or will they be drawn and quartered for treason. You must read to find out.
I loved that there were not a whole lot of miscommunications in this book to cause the prejudices and angst like in other variations I have read. We get the whole Wickham's past with Darcy out of the way quite quickly. The two of them trying to save their lives is quite enough drama, we didn't need the added misconceptions.
December 28, 2023
If I could, I'd give this book a 3.8.
This was my first time reading Pride & Prejudice fan fiction (well, something that's OVERTLY P&P fan fiction, anyway), and it was a great introduction! You can feel author Jennifer Joy's love of the characters throughout the book. I was especially surprised and impressed with her defense of characters like Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, and the way she showed how much her family influenced and was loved by Lizzie in a positive (as opposed to just dutiful) way.
The idea of the book was a good one, too, taking Darcy and Elizabeth's inevitable love and amping up the circumstances that lead to their HEA to 11. Instead of ballrooms and gardens and staid tours of houses, we have highwaymen and murderers and being on the lam. I also love that the author will put Darcy and other characters in the P&P universe into different situations in each of the book sin this series. It's like the MCU multiverse but with characters I like even better (well, except for Spiderman - I love Spiderman).
Another thing I appreciated was the author's interest in opening the P&P world to more than what we get in the books/movies - for instance, it was cool that she included some cutting-edge inventions from that time. On the other hand, I didn't get a good feel for Regency-era London, which I would have enjoyed exploring a bit more. But that's personal preference.
So, you might be wondering why I didn't rate this book a 5 or a solid 4. The reason is that while I really enjoyed it, I felt that it often dragged a bit, and many of the dialogues got a bit repetitive. I think that with the right editor, this book could have only had the amazing chemistry and steamy-but-not-explicit-or-overly-physical interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth, without all the clutter, definitely making it a 4 or even a 5.
Overall, this was a well-written book with lots of lovely moments of romance and sexy-without-sex tension and flirting, as well as a palpable and sweet appreciation of the P&P characters and world, and fun nods to the two big P&P film adaptations (without overdoing it). It made for a really enjoyable read, just one I wish hadn't dragged so often.
This was my first time reading Pride & Prejudice fan fiction (well, something that's OVERTLY P&P fan fiction, anyway), and it was a great introduction! You can feel author Jennifer Joy's love of the characters throughout the book. I was especially surprised and impressed with her defense of characters like Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, and the way she showed how much her family influenced and was loved by Lizzie in a positive (as opposed to just dutiful) way.
The idea of the book was a good one, too, taking Darcy and Elizabeth's inevitable love and amping up the circumstances that lead to their HEA to 11. Instead of ballrooms and gardens and staid tours of houses, we have highwaymen and murderers and being on the lam. I also love that the author will put Darcy and other characters in the P&P universe into different situations in each of the book sin this series. It's like the MCU multiverse but with characters I like even better (well, except for Spiderman - I love Spiderman).
Another thing I appreciated was the author's interest in opening the P&P world to more than what we get in the books/movies - for instance, it was cool that she included some cutting-edge inventions from that time. On the other hand, I didn't get a good feel for Regency-era London, which I would have enjoyed exploring a bit more. But that's personal preference.
So, you might be wondering why I didn't rate this book a 5 or a solid 4. The reason is that while I really enjoyed it, I felt that it often dragged a bit, and many of the dialogues got a bit repetitive. I think that with the right editor, this book could have only had the amazing chemistry and steamy-but-not-explicit-or-overly-physical interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth, without all the clutter, definitely making it a 4 or even a 5.
Overall, this was a well-written book with lots of lovely moments of romance and sexy-without-sex tension and flirting, as well as a palpable and sweet appreciation of the P&P characters and world, and fun nods to the two big P&P film adaptations (without overdoing it). It made for a really enjoyable read, just one I wish hadn't dragged so often.
May 15, 2019
I enjoy Jennifer Joy's books. She has written some of my favorite JAFF. This one had a seriously wicked Wickham. Except for knowing that there was going to be a happily ever after ending, I might have despaired of them ever being able to prove Darcy innocent. It took a long time to get to the point of being able to since society seemed to convict him before he had any chance to prove his innocence.
This was a good "what if" variation. I felt like the characterizations held true to Austen's except Wickham being even more wicked. Indeed Wickham was so much conflict that there was little need to make Lady Catherine or Collins major players. They existed in the story but did not add to the conflict of the story.
I liked that Darcy was able to see his weaknesses in the end and strive to improve himself. He and Elizabeth were both humbled. I also liked that Darcy began to see the strengths of people, particularly Elizabeth's family, instead of just their faults. For example, he could see he'd misjudged Jane, not just in her affection toward Bingley but also in her strength of spirit.
It was very satisfying to see the negative people in the story get a little of what was coming to them. Karma...
Sex: No
Language: No
Violence: Yes, but not descriptive. The readers sees the aftermath but not the play by play.
This was a good "what if" variation. I felt like the characterizations held true to Austen's except Wickham being even more wicked. Indeed Wickham was so much conflict that there was little need to make Lady Catherine or Collins major players. They existed in the story but did not add to the conflict of the story.
I liked that Darcy was able to see his weaknesses in the end and strive to improve himself. He and Elizabeth were both humbled. I also liked that Darcy began to see the strengths of people, particularly Elizabeth's family, instead of just their faults. For example, he could see he'd misjudged Jane, not just in her affection toward Bingley but also in her strength of spirit.
It was very satisfying to see the negative people in the story get a little of what was coming to them. Karma...
Sex: No
Language: No
Violence: Yes, but not descriptive. The readers sees the aftermath but not the play by play.
February 12, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see most beloved characters in a whole new way. I enjoyed seeing the plot unfold with familiar characters in somewhat different roles. So hang on to your bonnet and basket, for you are in for a wild adventure as Elizabeth and Darcy run from the law, as they try to prove his innocence. My heart was in my throat as they risk more than their reputations. How they got into this predicament can be laid at several feet, but little did anyone know, the cannonball Mrs. Bennet dropped would be the cause for Jane and Elizabeth's near ruin. The two main villains in this story come from very different backgrounds. Each slither through society causing mayhem and ruin. And though the good Colonel has warned Darcy of his attitude toward those around him, he still goes on as always. Until an impertinent, headstrong girl stands up to him. The death of one of villains is not completely explained but one can come up with several reasons why he was murdered. So with drama and humour this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see most beloved characters in a whole new way. I enjoyed seeing the plot unfold with familiar characters in somewhat different roles. So hang on to your bonnet and basket, for you are in for a wild adventure as Elizabeth and Darcy run from the law, as they try to prove his innocence. My heart was in my throat as they risk more than their reputations. How they got into this predicament can be laid at several feet, but little did anyone know, the cannonball Mrs. Bennet dropped would be the cause for Jane and Elizabeth's near ruin. The two main villains in this story come from very different backgrounds. Each slither through society causing mayhem and ruin. And though the good Colonel has warned Darcy of his attitude toward those around him, he still goes on as always. Until an impertinent, headstrong girl stands up to him. The death of one of villains is not completely explained but one can come up with several reasons why he was murdered. So with drama and humour this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
November 1, 2018
Reliable Author/Fun Read
I enjoyed this book. The author is one I have found I can count on for solid enough content without glaring editing errors or flat out annoying drama for the sake of drama. I did struggle with the first 10% of the book. Perhaps I was not in the right frame of mind, but I just couldn't take the portrayal of Dastardly Darcy (maybe l read too many P&P variations) so lucky for me it really only lasted the first few chapters. Then it just became good ole' banter between ODC, which we can't get enough of, and the developing story. At one point, Elizabeth makes an observation about Darcy's hair under his hat. I thought it was cleverly done and an example of why I enjoy this author's writing. I love to get lost in a book so it is important for me to feel as though I am there. This author consistently delivers that to me. I enjoyed the new characters and some new twists on the usual crowd. A thought popped into my head, while reading the big scene, that is was a bit far fetched but I quickly pushed it aside as I was eager to have the conflict resolved so we could get to the nitty gritty and fun stuff with ODC!
I can not fail to mention that I appreciate a clean story. I have come to count on this author for that as well.
I enjoyed this book. The author is one I have found I can count on for solid enough content without glaring editing errors or flat out annoying drama for the sake of drama. I did struggle with the first 10% of the book. Perhaps I was not in the right frame of mind, but I just couldn't take the portrayal of Dastardly Darcy (maybe l read too many P&P variations) so lucky for me it really only lasted the first few chapters. Then it just became good ole' banter between ODC, which we can't get enough of, and the developing story. At one point, Elizabeth makes an observation about Darcy's hair under his hat. I thought it was cleverly done and an example of why I enjoy this author's writing. I love to get lost in a book so it is important for me to feel as though I am there. This author consistently delivers that to me. I enjoyed the new characters and some new twists on the usual crowd. A thought popped into my head, while reading the big scene, that is was a bit far fetched but I quickly pushed it aside as I was eager to have the conflict resolved so we could get to the nitty gritty and fun stuff with ODC!
I can not fail to mention that I appreciate a clean story. I have come to count on this author for that as well.
December 7, 2023
Very interesting read 3½ stars
With the exception of one nonsensical section, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The section I speak of is where Darcy & Elizabeth are captured by 'bounty hunters' (they not called that in the story) in front of the tavern . That part was fine. But then the carriage they are being held in is stopped and Richard, his cousin, opens the door. How did he know they had been captured? What happened to the bounty hunters? And what was the purpose of the 3 of them needing to jump from a moving carriage, even though it was going very slowly? I find it hard to believe a lady would be able to jump with those long dresses. This section was very charring in an otherwise coherent tale. I can only assume that Richard had his men keeping an eye on Darcy & Elizabeth and that's how he was able to intercept the carriage and free them, but details would have been appreciated as it would not have broken the flow in this engaging story.
The ending is lovely. I also enjoyed watching both characters change and become more humble.
It would have been nice to know what happened with Bingley's sisters.
Overall, I still think it worth reading despite several editing errors.
With the exception of one nonsensical section, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The section I speak of is where Darcy & Elizabeth are captured by 'bounty hunters' (they not called that in the story) in front of the tavern . That part was fine. But then the carriage they are being held in is stopped and Richard, his cousin, opens the door. How did he know they had been captured? What happened to the bounty hunters? And what was the purpose of the 3 of them needing to jump from a moving carriage, even though it was going very slowly? I find it hard to believe a lady would be able to jump with those long dresses. This section was very charring in an otherwise coherent tale. I can only assume that Richard had his men keeping an eye on Darcy & Elizabeth and that's how he was able to intercept the carriage and free them, but details would have been appreciated as it would not have broken the flow in this engaging story.
The ending is lovely. I also enjoyed watching both characters change and become more humble.
It would have been nice to know what happened with Bingley's sisters.
Overall, I still think it worth reading despite several editing errors.
March 13, 2022
I will just clarify my low rating (just 'ok') by saying I realized after finishing this, that after 14 years of reading Pride and Prejudice fanfic, that I think I've just become oversaturated with regency D&E stories. There are only so many tropes that can be used in the canon era, in fact I kept questioning whether I had ever read this story elsewhere before being published because the 'D&E are compromised because they are stuck in an abandoned house during a storm' trope is so common.
I looked at my stats, and it's been over 3 years and 9 P&P stories since I read a regency era one that I gave at least 4 stars to. Objectively speaking, I don't think there was really anything wrong with this story, although the second half seemed longer than necessary. There is a fairly involved plot, and I suspect for most fans, the high rating would be accurate. That I didn't enjoy it when this is a popular one, is a signal to me.
It's probably time I stick to modern fics only (which there are not NEARLY enough of) and the occasional Abigail Reynolds fic.
I looked at my stats, and it's been over 3 years and 9 P&P stories since I read a regency era one that I gave at least 4 stars to. Objectively speaking, I don't think there was really anything wrong with this story, although the second half seemed longer than necessary. There is a fairly involved plot, and I suspect for most fans, the high rating would be accurate. That I didn't enjoy it when this is a popular one, is a signal to me.
It's probably time I stick to modern fics only (which there are not NEARLY enough of) and the occasional Abigail Reynolds fic.
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