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Mr. Darcy's Courtesan: a Pride and Prejudice variation
When Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy hears that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is about to become mistress to another man, he is appalled. It has been five years since Miss Bennet spurned his proposal, but he has never quite gotten the proud beauty out of his head.
Mr. Darcy knows that the Bennets have fallen on hard times. Her father has been dead for years now, and they make their way on their own. Mr. Darcy seeks Miss Bennet out, resolving to do whatever is necessary to help her, including paying back the mountain of debt that her late mother left behind.
But Miss Bennet is still proud. She refuses his charity.
When he opens his mouth to convince her that she must change her mind, he finds himself making her a different offer altogether. A scandalous offer. A dishonorable offer.
Mr. Darcy knows that the Bennets have fallen on hard times. Her father has been dead for years now, and they make their way on their own. Mr. Darcy seeks Miss Bennet out, resolving to do whatever is necessary to help her, including paying back the mountain of debt that her late mother left behind.
But Miss Bennet is still proud. She refuses his charity.
When he opens his mouth to convince her that she must change her mind, he finds himself making her a different offer altogether. A scandalous offer. A dishonorable offer.
- GenresRegencyRomanceHistorical
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2019
81 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 9, 2019
Unfortunately this book is very similar to another and the execution of the other is far better. Consequently, this book comes off worse for the comparison. The Bennet family are ruined, due to a devious Lady Catherine and both Mr and Mrs Bennet are dead. Lydia is a famous courtesan (weirdly successful because she was coached by Elizabeth???)... the remaining Bennet sisters are predominantly supported by Lydia. Elizabeth is about to enter an arrangement with a man who only 'wants virgins' when Darcy finds out about it and offers her the opportunity to be his mistress instead.
Whilst the idea isn't a bad one, I just found I didn't really enjoy this. Darcy was irritating and got on my nerves. Far too often he was rude, indecisive or just mean. The storyline with Wickham - particularly at the end was completely unconvincing. Jane has no real personality and the things she said didn't fit with the character as we know her. The Bennet family is completely ruined and yet it seems like no one took any notice - leading to a rather gaping hole in the plot that was just ignored. Georgiana is interested in nothing but her piano - she adds nothing to this story other than being a bit of a brat.
On reflection, I don't feel I recognise these characters. No one behaved as they should. Sometimes I liked Darcy but for the most part he was vile and although we get some insight as to what his behaviour is about, overall I found him too unpleasant to care. I just didn't like him. I didn't really understand Elizabeth and the language was really 'off' - the way the characters speak to each other just wasn't right and didn't create the right ambience.
Whilst the idea isn't a bad one, I just found I didn't really enjoy this. Darcy was irritating and got on my nerves. Far too often he was rude, indecisive or just mean. The storyline with Wickham - particularly at the end was completely unconvincing. Jane has no real personality and the things she said didn't fit with the character as we know her. The Bennet family is completely ruined and yet it seems like no one took any notice - leading to a rather gaping hole in the plot that was just ignored. Georgiana is interested in nothing but her piano - she adds nothing to this story other than being a bit of a brat.
On reflection, I don't feel I recognise these characters. No one behaved as they should. Sometimes I liked Darcy but for the most part he was vile and although we get some insight as to what his behaviour is about, overall I found him too unpleasant to care. I just didn't like him. I didn't really understand Elizabeth and the language was really 'off' - the way the characters speak to each other just wasn't right and didn't create the right ambience.
May 8, 2019
Much Better than it's title.
It is what it is: just as you'd expect from the blatant title, but perhaps the author didn't want to offer misapprehension. The backstory was justifiable and I felt the characters were drawn fairly well. It's usually an enticing scenario and this one was well done without vulgarity.
It is what it is: just as you'd expect from the blatant title, but perhaps the author didn't want to offer misapprehension. The backstory was justifiable and I felt the characters were drawn fairly well. It's usually an enticing scenario and this one was well done without vulgarity.
July 13, 2019
This story has several intriguing twists that I admire. These characters are different from Jane Austen's, occasionally too much so. Some behavior isn't totally unreasonable for these people in their situations, but the book is full of inconsistencies.
Darcy probably has the least credible background. This is a few years after his Hunsford marriage proposal and Elizabeth's refusal. After he left Rosings, Lady Catherine, having recognized his interest in Mr. Collins's pretty cousin, set Elizabeth up to be thoroughly compromised and let the gossip flow through London. Instead of doing what he could to restore Elizabeth's reputation, Darcy essentially put his head in the sand and even caved in on marrying Anne. Even though he supposedly still loved Elizabeth, he knew Mr. Bennet died and that Longbourn was entailed to Mr. Collins but never reached out to help her or her family.
Darcy's marriage doesn't go well on many levels. Anne died in childbirth along with their infant daughter. Even before Lady Catherine unreasonably blamed him for killing Anne, Darcy felt guilty for impregnating her. At the point where this book begins, he no longer has any interest in life except to get Georgiana launched in society so she can marry and not be dependent upon him. This part of his characterization makes sense to me.
Elizabeth suffers from excessive pride. At times, that is. She manages Lydia's finances (Lydia became a successful London courtesan known as "Lydia Swan" when Wickham wouldn't marry her), so she's not too proud to take money from her sister's descent into prostitution. (Jane is less willing to do so.) However, when Mr. Darcy shows up and objects to Elizabeth's decision to serve up her virginity and become a courtesan herself, she refuses to accept his charity... out of pride. She'd rather sell herself than take money from him. (Huh?)
What makes a bit more sense is Elizabeth's aversion to exposing herself to more of society's gossip. This comes into play when Darcy finally does propose to her again. Her fear of repeating the mortifying experience when all of London was maligning her keeps her from accepting.
I'm more bewildered by Jane's reason for refusing Mr. Bingley when HE proposes. She loves him, and marrying him offers respectability to her and her sisters. This is a no-brainer. But she worries about his constancy in the future, which might be reasonable if she still lived in Longbourn, but it's not so reasonable when weighed against the benefits of marrying him.
I could say a few things about Lydia and Wickham, but suffice to say that they have their own inconsistencies as well.
Georgiana's personality is the one I really find interesting here. She's more than just shy; she's socially incompetent and fixated on nothing beyond playing the pianoforte. Anything that takes her away from her beloved instrument disturbs her. Darcy refuses to admit that she's distinctly odd, but the reader recognizes she must have a mental defect that places Georgiana somewhere in the autistic spectrum. It's a fascinating twist on her character. I think I would enjoy reading about this Georgiana in a stronger book.
In addition to the lapses of logic with the characters, the book suffers from language that's way too modern and informal. There are lots of "okays" sprinkled about which are jarring in a Regency novel. Ironically, the better passages are the steamier ones. There are some fairly graphic bedroom scenes.
Overall, it's not a bad story, but the reader has to overlook a lot of weird behavior and non-Regency writing.
Darcy probably has the least credible background. This is a few years after his Hunsford marriage proposal and Elizabeth's refusal. After he left Rosings, Lady Catherine, having recognized his interest in Mr. Collins's pretty cousin, set Elizabeth up to be thoroughly compromised and let the gossip flow through London. Instead of doing what he could to restore Elizabeth's reputation, Darcy essentially put his head in the sand and even caved in on marrying Anne. Even though he supposedly still loved Elizabeth, he knew Mr. Bennet died and that Longbourn was entailed to Mr. Collins but never reached out to help her or her family.
Darcy's marriage doesn't go well on many levels. Anne died in childbirth along with their infant daughter. Even before Lady Catherine unreasonably blamed him for killing Anne, Darcy felt guilty for impregnating her. At the point where this book begins, he no longer has any interest in life except to get Georgiana launched in society so she can marry and not be dependent upon him. This part of his characterization makes sense to me.
Elizabeth suffers from excessive pride. At times, that is. She manages Lydia's finances (Lydia became a successful London courtesan known as "Lydia Swan" when Wickham wouldn't marry her), so she's not too proud to take money from her sister's descent into prostitution. (Jane is less willing to do so.) However, when Mr. Darcy shows up and objects to Elizabeth's decision to serve up her virginity and become a courtesan herself, she refuses to accept his charity... out of pride. She'd rather sell herself than take money from him. (Huh?)
What makes a bit more sense is Elizabeth's aversion to exposing herself to more of society's gossip. This comes into play when Darcy finally does propose to her again. Her fear of repeating the mortifying experience when all of London was maligning her keeps her from accepting.
I'm more bewildered by Jane's reason for refusing Mr. Bingley when HE proposes. She loves him, and marrying him offers respectability to her and her sisters. This is a no-brainer. But she worries about his constancy in the future, which might be reasonable if she still lived in Longbourn, but it's not so reasonable when weighed against the benefits of marrying him.
I could say a few things about Lydia and Wickham, but suffice to say that they have their own inconsistencies as well.
Georgiana's personality is the one I really find interesting here. She's more than just shy; she's socially incompetent and fixated on nothing beyond playing the pianoforte. Anything that takes her away from her beloved instrument disturbs her. Darcy refuses to admit that she's distinctly odd, but the reader recognizes she must have a mental defect that places Georgiana somewhere in the autistic spectrum. It's a fascinating twist on her character. I think I would enjoy reading about this Georgiana in a stronger book.
In addition to the lapses of logic with the characters, the book suffers from language that's way too modern and informal. There are lots of "okays" sprinkled about which are jarring in a Regency novel. Ironically, the better passages are the steamier ones. There are some fairly graphic bedroom scenes.
Overall, it's not a bad story, but the reader has to overlook a lot of weird behavior and non-Regency writing.
April 5, 2019
Good story
This a good story despite slightly annoying modernists dotted through out. I did enjoy it and it's not graffic when it comes to the intimate scenes.
This a good story despite slightly annoying modernists dotted through out. I did enjoy it and it's not graffic when it comes to the intimate scenes.
July 9, 2019
Hmmmm. No.
I’ve read the basic plot before - Darcy asks Lizzy to be his mistress because he is afraid she will reject an offer of marriage. But in this work they go around and around about it so much that I wanted to slap them both.
The language of the book is so casual, even though the book takes place in the Regency era, that it feels very basic - immature, sophomoric - yet then a few common vocabulary words from the Regency pop up every now and then, drawing more attention to the casual language and rendering the work almost laughable. Consistency would have allowed me to overlook some of the stylistic problems.
Spoilers ahead. Skip to the * if you don’t want to read them.
Georgiana appears to have some type of autism, but maybe that’s just the authors way of explaining a woman who doesn’t want to marry? Is she an independent spirit or mentally and emotionally incapable of relationships? Is she asexual, or perhaps even a lesbian? We’ll never know.
Nothing ever goes too deep here. The main characters acknowledge what stands in the way of their emotional growth, and torment themselves endlessly over it, but really never grow, only allow circumstances drive their lives. Once all is hopeless and lost, they finally give themselves permission to love wholly. This made no sense to me. So did a few guests at the wedding breakfast- wtf? Wickham, Georgiana, Lady Catherine all attend in an attempt to wrap up loose ends - I guess. Only Wickham doesn’t have a role, Georgiana simply plays the piano, and Lady C has only appeared as a distant memory up until that point. Why bring her to the fore in this scene when redeeming her is pointless to the story or it’s outcome???
*I wonder if this story was reviewed on a fanfic site at all... where are honest critics? If only someone had been generous enough to let the author know of these issues with the story, it may have improved with effort. I’d hate to think that this is all most readers expect. Based on other reviews, I’m guessing that is probably the case. Sigh.
Grammatical problems are limited to things the spell check doesn’t catch - the wrong word in the wrong place, or even words repeated. The thing is, it doesn’t matter. There’s just no there there.
I can’t recommend this book.
I’ve read the basic plot before - Darcy asks Lizzy to be his mistress because he is afraid she will reject an offer of marriage. But in this work they go around and around about it so much that I wanted to slap them both.
The language of the book is so casual, even though the book takes place in the Regency era, that it feels very basic - immature, sophomoric - yet then a few common vocabulary words from the Regency pop up every now and then, drawing more attention to the casual language and rendering the work almost laughable. Consistency would have allowed me to overlook some of the stylistic problems.
Spoilers ahead. Skip to the * if you don’t want to read them.
Georgiana appears to have some type of autism, but maybe that’s just the authors way of explaining a woman who doesn’t want to marry? Is she an independent spirit or mentally and emotionally incapable of relationships? Is she asexual, or perhaps even a lesbian? We’ll never know.
Nothing ever goes too deep here. The main characters acknowledge what stands in the way of their emotional growth, and torment themselves endlessly over it, but really never grow, only allow circumstances drive their lives. Once all is hopeless and lost, they finally give themselves permission to love wholly. This made no sense to me. So did a few guests at the wedding breakfast- wtf? Wickham, Georgiana, Lady Catherine all attend in an attempt to wrap up loose ends - I guess. Only Wickham doesn’t have a role, Georgiana simply plays the piano, and Lady C has only appeared as a distant memory up until that point. Why bring her to the fore in this scene when redeeming her is pointless to the story or it’s outcome???
*I wonder if this story was reviewed on a fanfic site at all... where are honest critics? If only someone had been generous enough to let the author know of these issues with the story, it may have improved with effort. I’d hate to think that this is all most readers expect. Based on other reviews, I’m guessing that is probably the case. Sigh.
Grammatical problems are limited to things the spell check doesn’t catch - the wrong word in the wrong place, or even words repeated. The thing is, it doesn’t matter. There’s just no there there.
I can’t recommend this book.
January 11, 2025
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 the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy hears that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is about to become mistress to another man, he is appalled. It has been five years since Miss Bennet spurned his proposal, but he has never quite gotten the proud beauty out of his head. Mr. Darcy knows that the Bennets have fallen on hard times, her father has been dead for years now, and they make their way on their own. Mr. Darcy seeks Miss Bennet out, resolving to do whatever is necessary to help her, including paying back the mountain of debt that her late mother left behind, but Miss Bennet is still proud, and refuses his charity. When he opens his mouth to convince her that she must change her mind, he finds himself making her a different offer altogether, a scandalous and dishonourable offer. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. 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 the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy hears that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is about to become mistress to another man, he is appalled. It has been five years since Miss Bennet spurned his proposal, but he has never quite gotten the proud beauty out of his head. Mr. Darcy knows that the Bennets have fallen on hard times, her father has been dead for years now, and they make their way on their own. Mr. Darcy seeks Miss Bennet out, resolving to do whatever is necessary to help her, including paying back the mountain of debt that her late mother left behind, but Miss Bennet is still proud, and refuses his charity. When he opens his mouth to convince her that she must change her mind, he finds himself making her a different offer altogether, a scandalous and dishonourable offer. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
June 24, 2019
It was a mostly enjoyable read, but not quite as compelling as I had hoped it would be. I liked the characterization of Georgiana. I was less happy with the way the E&D relationship unfolded. Darcy is kind of all over the map here, which I suppose makes some sense because he's not good with emotion, but as a result the plot didn't have strong forward motion. The writing was generally pretty good. Not as sparkling and bright as I like, but it worked for what it was.
July 14, 2019
The Bennet sisters have fallen on hard times with the death of their parents and some outstanding debt. Lydia has been supporting the family in a manner that ruins reputations. In order to save her family, Elizabeth thinks to do that same. Luckily, Mr Darcy hears of her plan and offers for her instead - but he loves her to much.
They must each learn to take risks and that risks are necessary in order to find their happily ever after.
They must each learn to take risks and that risks are necessary in order to find their happily ever after.
April 20, 2022
an excellent read
I’ve spent the last few days devouring all of Valerie’s books. Each is special in their own way, with a unique variation and wonderful characterisation. The sex scenes are great and the romance is always sweet and tender.
Mr darcy’s courtesan was a very good read, and the way the tricky subjects were handled felt very sensitive and tasteful. An excellent book.
I’ve spent the last few days devouring all of Valerie’s books. Each is special in their own way, with a unique variation and wonderful characterisation. The sex scenes are great and the romance is always sweet and tender.
Mr darcy’s courtesan was a very good read, and the way the tricky subjects were handled felt very sensitive and tasteful. An excellent book.
January 28, 2024
Courtesans, poverty, uncertainty, and loss. It's a real tangle in the Regency world and in this tale. It was not angsty to me. There was some anticipation of vows and some intimate acts, but this Lydia is rather lovely in her unusual approach to the world. Women sometimes do risk it all for love and win. We do get HEAs. Definitely not canon, but charming in its resolution, even with Lady CdB. What a nice surprise.
November 12, 2019
I enjoyed the book very much. There are some reviews that give lots of detail, even into infinity. I do not plan to pick apart every flaw in the book. There are a few, but there was a good plot, it had some sexual scenarios, and in the end ... a happy ever after. I would be happy to read this on again!
March 13, 2020
Departure from Normal Expectations
This story departed somewhat from ideas common to the Regency Period about acceptable social behavior. The author's description of some of the socially restrictive behaviors not being adheared to, may possibly have been so the reader could appreciate the drama of the situations and the indepedent will of the characters. By J. A. Montgomery
This story departed somewhat from ideas common to the Regency Period about acceptable social behavior. The author's description of some of the socially restrictive behaviors not being adheared to, may possibly have been so the reader could appreciate the drama of the situations and the indepedent will of the characters. By J. A. Montgomery
March 12, 2023
Loved it !
This book was worth the read, not for young readers. The story line was consistent and stayed in the moment, not jumping to the past as some tend to do. Even worth a second read.
This book was worth the read, not for young readers. The story line was consistent and stayed in the moment, not jumping to the past as some tend to do. Even worth a second read.
July 10, 2019
Brilliant read
Enjoyable book from beginning to end. One of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't stop reading, until I had finished the book.
Enjoyable book from beginning to end. One of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't stop reading, until I had finished the book.
July 18, 2019
Darker twist on a happy ending
A darker twist on the Darcy Elizabeth pairing. Full of heartache and classical misunderstandings that make for a great happy ending.
A darker twist on the Darcy Elizabeth pairing. Full of heartache and classical misunderstandings that make for a great happy ending.
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September 18, 2023Reluctantly Mrs. Darcy
September 24, 2019
A definite case of don’t judge the book by its cover. I almost didn’t read this because I thought it might be a PWP and badly written. Its neither. There are a few editorial mistakes and early on the reasons given why Darcy married Anne & doesn’t propose to Lizzy are weak. However, aside from that, it is light, well written, very funny in parts, and very romantic in others. The interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth are wonderful. I love this Lydia and her frank talks, and her weird thing with Wickham. I’ve read a couple of others with a similar premise but none written in this way. Pathetic tortured Darcy is very well done. And..
*SPOILER*
...writing a book that blatantly advertises its about a mistress, then waiting until 80% to have them consummate it, followed almost immediately by marriage... stroke of genius.
*SPOILER*
...writing a book that blatantly advertises its about a mistress, then waiting until 80% to have them consummate it, followed almost immediately by marriage... stroke of genius.
July 19, 2019
what i expected. I was a little off put by Mary. I expected some not understanding but the active dislike hostility was sad.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews