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Dimensions of Darcy #3
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Guardian
He lost everyone he loved … except for a secret baby.
Fitzwilliam Darcy will lie and break the law to keep his sister's newborn safe. When the only way to protect her is to have an heir of his own, his search for a trustworthy wife begins…
She was her father's favorite … until he sacrificed her happiness.
When Elizabeth Bennet's father falls gravely ill, she is willing to shoulder the responsibility of her family's care while maintaining her freedom — until she is forced to marry Mr. Darcy.
One broken man + one bitter lady = one happy family?
Through grief and betrayal, Darcy and Elizabeth learn to trust each other and work together to honor the promises they have made — including the vows they exchanged.
But a spiteful enemy from Darcy's past is determined to divide their family, and the law is on his side…
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Guardian is a sweet and clean romantic suspense variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. It's the third book in the Dimensions of Darcy series of standalone novels.
Fitzwilliam Darcy will lie and break the law to keep his sister's newborn safe. When the only way to protect her is to have an heir of his own, his search for a trustworthy wife begins…
She was her father's favorite … until he sacrificed her happiness.
When Elizabeth Bennet's father falls gravely ill, she is willing to shoulder the responsibility of her family's care while maintaining her freedom — until she is forced to marry Mr. Darcy.
One broken man + one bitter lady = one happy family?
Through grief and betrayal, Darcy and Elizabeth learn to trust each other and work together to honor the promises they have made — including the vows they exchanged.
But a spiteful enemy from Darcy's past is determined to divide their family, and the law is on his side…
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Guardian is a sweet and clean romantic suspense variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. It's the third book in the Dimensions of Darcy series of standalone novels.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2019
190 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
45 books209 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 43 reviews
December 26, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I liked this story and it's well-written, but you have to suspend some disbelief with the plot and read through some annoying behavior by both Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy is desperate. He has suddenly become responsible for an infant, and circumstances require that he get himself a wife...like, yesterday. He accepts Bingley's request that he come to Hertfordshire mostly for the opportunity to check out the oldest two Bennet sisters, who have been suggested as young women who would meet his current needs. Jane Bennet is beautiful, sweet, biddable, and loves children. Perfect. Except Bingley's already smitten by her. Oops!
While Mr. Darcy's in Herfordshire, Mr. Bennet is having health issues. He informs Elizabeth he's dying from consumption and that she must find a way to manage the family after he's gone. (...but no pressure!) Darcy gets wind of the situation and sees it as a win-win if he married Elizabeth, promising to care for her family. When her father agrees and insists that she do so, Elizabeth feels betrayed - her choice was taken from her when she wished to marry only for love.
Good start for a Forced Marriage Scenario. The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth starts with their mutual fascination with each other at the Meryton assembly, and then they're quickly married.
But now we have an overly resentful Elizabeth and an overly secretive Darcy. Neither can understand the other. He thinks Why isn't she acting grateful that I'm saving her family? She thinks What terrible secret is he hiding that's SO awful he needs to marry a nobody like me? This trope is one of my least favorite to begin with. (Just COMMUNICATE, for heaven's sake). It's particularly annoying here because Darcy vetted Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly after getting a strong recommendation about her from someone he trusts, he's now married to her, but he's still not sure he can trust her with the facts of his situation. When he gets over that, he's waiting for better timing, or they get interrupted, or some other lame reason.
Once this section is finished, the book gets more interesting. The two bond together to hide and protect the child. Things build to a tense climax that's also a bit Heyer-esque with some seemingly irrelevant characters in the scene who turn out to be relevant.
Madame Givenchy is a fun addition to the cast of characters, and so are a number of Darcy's servants both in London and in Pemberley.
There is a plot point that gave me some difficulty.
Both of the issues I'm mentioning would have resulted in a very different book, and this IS entertaining as written.
I liked this story and it's well-written, but you have to suspend some disbelief with the plot and read through some annoying behavior by both Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy is desperate. He has suddenly become responsible for an infant, and circumstances require that he get himself a wife...like, yesterday. He accepts Bingley's request that he come to Hertfordshire mostly for the opportunity to check out the oldest two Bennet sisters, who have been suggested as young women who would meet his current needs. Jane Bennet is beautiful, sweet, biddable, and loves children. Perfect. Except Bingley's already smitten by her. Oops!
While Mr. Darcy's in Herfordshire, Mr. Bennet is having health issues. He informs Elizabeth he's dying from consumption and that she must find a way to manage the family after he's gone. (...but no pressure!) Darcy gets wind of the situation and sees it as a win-win if he married Elizabeth, promising to care for her family. When her father agrees and insists that she do so, Elizabeth feels betrayed - her choice was taken from her when she wished to marry only for love.
Good start for a Forced Marriage Scenario. The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth starts with their mutual fascination with each other at the Meryton assembly, and then they're quickly married.
But now we have an overly resentful Elizabeth and an overly secretive Darcy. Neither can understand the other. He thinks Why isn't she acting grateful that I'm saving her family? She thinks What terrible secret is he hiding that's SO awful he needs to marry a nobody like me? This trope is one of my least favorite to begin with. (Just COMMUNICATE, for heaven's sake). It's particularly annoying here because Darcy vetted Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly after getting a strong recommendation about her from someone he trusts, he's now married to her, but he's still not sure he can trust her with the facts of his situation. When he gets over that, he's waiting for better timing, or they get interrupted, or some other lame reason.
Once this section is finished, the book gets more interesting. The two bond together to hide and protect the child. Things build to a tense climax that's also a bit Heyer-esque with some seemingly irrelevant characters in the scene who turn out to be relevant.
Madame Givenchy is a fun addition to the cast of characters, and so are a number of Darcy's servants both in London and in Pemberley.
There is a plot point that gave me some difficulty.
Both of the issues I'm mentioning would have resulted in a very different book, and this IS entertaining as written.
December 5, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation combines a few concepts that I have encountered before in a wonderful combination. Stressed Darcy, unwelcome marriage, secrets, and an awful Wickham.
Jennifer Joy always does a great job with relaying the characters emotions and this is no exception. The stress, anger and frustration was rolling off the words. I loved it! Darcy and Elizabeth stand up for what they believe, who they love, and what they are responsible for.
Jennifer Joy always does a great job with relaying the characters emotions and this is no exception. The stress, anger and frustration was rolling off the words. I loved it! Darcy and Elizabeth stand up for what they believe, who they love, and what they are responsible for.
November 29, 2019
First I want to note that I have enjoyed every one of this author's stories.
The Darcy in this book has a desperate need for a wife as the only solution to protecting the baby left in his care. With a wife and then an heir Pemberley's future would be guarded from falling into hands which are guaranteed to bring ruin.
Ironically Mrs. Gardiner's sister, a Mrs. Bamber, not only lives in Lambton, but also is good friends with Mrs. Reynolds and thus when Darcy's need for a wife becomes known to Mrs. Reynolds she remembers the praise Mrs. Gardiner has for her two nieces, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet and shares this information with Darcy. The additional coincidence that Charles Bingley has requested that Darcy come to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn the management of an estate provides an opportunity for Darcy to meet the Bennet sisters and just maybe fulfill his need for a wife. He goes there with the resolve to secure Jane, if the report about her character is correct.
However, upon attending the Meryton Assembly with Bingley he witnesses Bingley's rapture about Jane and decides that Elizabeth is now his choice. Darcy has met her, danced with her and conversed with her. He, actually, dances every dance that night and thus weeds through his many choices.
Now the Bennet family's situation plays right into his hands. Mr. Bennet has developed a bad cough which in turn worsens until he is coughing up blood. Mr. Bennet determines that he must be dying of consumption and NOW he begins to look at the future for his family. Darcy sees this information as a sign to further his plan. He offers marriage to Elizabeth to Mr. Bennet as a way to protect the Bennet females after Bennet's death. Mr. Bennet is not aware of all the facts about why Darcy needs a wife BUT it is enough that Darcy has offered and has the resources to provide protection.
Elizabeth feels betrayed by her father...betrayed...angry and rebellious. It doesn't matter that Darcy is handsome, rich and that he was able to converse adequately the night of the dance. What matters is that her choice has been taken away. Furthermore, Darcy keeps the information about his situation a secret. OH, he recognizes that he must inform her of the facts but he never seems to find the opportunity to do so. Elizabeth learns of/hears conflicting reports about his character, his past actions. And there are times she must act only on her own instincts as Darcy has not given her material to decide rationally about his acts and his background.
There are very few people who know the situation with "the baby" and it is difficult to keep even the baby's existence secret, much less the baby's legal status in regard to Darcy.
There are times when Darcy connects with Elizabeth is a warm manner: a touch, hand holding and even an embrace but then there is the matter of a green hat stick pin under Elizabeth's pillow.
I greatly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all JAFF readers.
The Darcy in this book has a desperate need for a wife as the only solution to protecting the baby left in his care. With a wife and then an heir Pemberley's future would be guarded from falling into hands which are guaranteed to bring ruin.
Ironically Mrs. Gardiner's sister, a Mrs. Bamber, not only lives in Lambton, but also is good friends with Mrs. Reynolds and thus when Darcy's need for a wife becomes known to Mrs. Reynolds she remembers the praise Mrs. Gardiner has for her two nieces, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet and shares this information with Darcy. The additional coincidence that Charles Bingley has requested that Darcy come to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn the management of an estate provides an opportunity for Darcy to meet the Bennet sisters and just maybe fulfill his need for a wife. He goes there with the resolve to secure Jane, if the report about her character is correct.
However, upon attending the Meryton Assembly with Bingley he witnesses Bingley's rapture about Jane and decides that Elizabeth is now his choice. Darcy has met her, danced with her and conversed with her. He, actually, dances every dance that night and thus weeds through his many choices.
Now the Bennet family's situation plays right into his hands. Mr. Bennet has developed a bad cough which in turn worsens until he is coughing up blood. Mr. Bennet determines that he must be dying of consumption and NOW he begins to look at the future for his family. Darcy sees this information as a sign to further his plan. He offers marriage to Elizabeth to Mr. Bennet as a way to protect the Bennet females after Bennet's death. Mr. Bennet is not aware of all the facts about why Darcy needs a wife BUT it is enough that Darcy has offered and has the resources to provide protection.
Elizabeth feels betrayed by her father...betrayed...angry and rebellious. It doesn't matter that Darcy is handsome, rich and that he was able to converse adequately the night of the dance. What matters is that her choice has been taken away. Furthermore, Darcy keeps the information about his situation a secret. OH, he recognizes that he must inform her of the facts but he never seems to find the opportunity to do so. Elizabeth learns of/hears conflicting reports about his character, his past actions. And there are times she must act only on her own instincts as Darcy has not given her material to decide rationally about his acts and his background.
There are very few people who know the situation with "the baby" and it is difficult to keep even the baby's existence secret, much less the baby's legal status in regard to Darcy.
There are times when Darcy connects with Elizabeth is a warm manner: a touch, hand holding and even an embrace but then there is the matter of a green hat stick pin under Elizabeth's pillow.
I greatly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all JAFF readers.
February 25, 2021
2.5. I'm really struggling with how to rate this one. I will round it up out of respect for this author because I really like most of her books, but I have such mixed feelings about this book. The story is an original idea that had a lot of potential and the writing is great! In all fairness, the book does improve as it progresses, but not enough for me to want to read it again.
For the majority of the book, I could not like Elizabeth or Darcy. Elizabeth was very self-righteous, indignant, immature, unkind and just plain annoying. Darcy seemed to have lost his backbone and came across as weak and even cowardly to me. He was afraid to confide in Elizabeth, even after they were married and he was so pliable that he allowed even his servants to govern him. Just pushed my ability to suspend belief a little too far. The misunderstandings seemed very contrived and kept piling up because there was no communication. It became tedious. There were several things that didn't make sense regarding the plot and were never explained. I also thought the whole Mr. Bennet storyline, the whole Bennet family for that matter, just disappeared never to return.
Overall, I feel like this was a missed opportunity as there seemed to be the potential for a really great story, but didn't quite hit the mark.
For the majority of the book, I could not like Elizabeth or Darcy. Elizabeth was very self-righteous, indignant, immature, unkind and just plain annoying. Darcy seemed to have lost his backbone and came across as weak and even cowardly to me. He was afraid to confide in Elizabeth, even after they were married and he was so pliable that he allowed even his servants to govern him. Just pushed my ability to suspend belief a little too far. The misunderstandings seemed very contrived and kept piling up because there was no communication. It became tedious. There were several things that didn't make sense regarding the plot and were never explained. I also thought the whole Mr. Bennet storyline, the whole Bennet family for that matter, just disappeared never to return.
Overall, I feel like this was a missed opportunity as there seemed to be the potential for a really great story, but didn't quite hit the mark.
January 10, 2020
A cute story,with Darcy and Elizabeth learning to communicate and trust each other in a forced marriage scenario.
A very forward Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Hughes and a problem deftly and cleverly resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
I particularly liked Madame Givenchy.
A very forward Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Hughes and a problem deftly and cleverly resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
I particularly liked Madame Givenchy.
November 25, 2019
My Rating: 4.5* rounded up to 5*
"He despised lies. He detested liars. And yet, that was what he had become." (quote from the book)
Sharpen your blade or in Elizabeth's case her hatpin, for the road to true love is about to get very bumpy.
This variation takes place a year later than canon and Bingley has delayed letting an estate until he can convince Darcy to come with him. However, Darcy's heart has taken a devastating blow with the death of his beloved sister, Georgiana. He feels betrayed and all defenses are up. No one is to be trusted, other than a select loyal group of servants. It is from these servants who tell him he needs a wife and an heir in order to protect his beloved niece...he heeds their advice, so off to Hertfordshire he goes with Bingley.
"Darcy had long ceased to measure a person's status by the norms of society. Honesty and loyalty were of far greater worth than one's name, fortune, or connections." (quote from the book)
But things in Hertfordshire are precarious. With Mr. Bennet's failing health, circumstances arise that force him to accept Mr. Darcy's proposal to help. Elizabeth feels betrayed, though he did make a good impression at the assembly he attended with Bingley. Their relationship is off to a very rocky start. I loved watching Elizabeth and Darcy skirmish. Each have trust issues as each have been betrayed. But I also loved how both of them tried to make their marriage work even though Darcy was a clam and Elizabeth was pushing his buttons a bit too hard at times, for she always dreamed of marrying for love.
"I do not know how I can offer you the love you desire when, in my experience, love only leads to pain so deep one wishes he could stop his heart from beating to keep the ache from consuming him." (quote from the book)
Ms. Joy has again captured and held my attention and engaged all of my emotions. You can feel Darcy's pain over the loss of his sister and the absolute love he has for his niece. At the same time, I chuckled over his servants being so forward, thinking they would be the death of him!
There are some very heartbreaking moments in this story but also some lighthearted ones. The snake makes his appearance known by slithering so stealthily into Elizabeth's presence. There were times I was talking back to my Kindle, 'Oh, Darcy just say it!' Then I was telling Elizabeth to get the fire poker when she couldn't find any dueling pistols or a sword in the room! Fortunately, she didn't hear me!
In the end, how each work together to thwart the serpent, along with assistance from the Gardiners, the dressmaker, Madame Givenchy, and the servants was fun. That is why I love reading Ms. Joy's books. They may be suspenseful and heartbreaking, but they also are wonderfully balanced with lightness and humour.
November 24, 2019
A cute story
Another short and sweet story of our dear couple. Darcy wasn't able to stop Georgiana from eloping and she dies in childbirth after Wickham spent her entire 30,000 pounds in months! Darcy needs to marry quickly and get a heir to prevent Wickham from gaining Pemberley through his daughter.
Too much anger and resentment simply melts away. Too many problems get magically removed. The lack of explanation and details are frustrating. At least we get a HEA.
Another short and sweet story of our dear couple. Darcy wasn't able to stop Georgiana from eloping and she dies in childbirth after Wickham spent her entire 30,000 pounds in months! Darcy needs to marry quickly and get a heir to prevent Wickham from gaining Pemberley through his daughter.
Too much anger and resentment simply melts away. Too many problems get magically removed. The lack of explanation and details are frustrating. At least we get a HEA.
November 24, 2019
Stopped at location 1108
I could go no further. Lizzy and Darcy are portrayed as unintelligent, no empathy human beings. I left the book where the housekeeper suggested Darcy stay in London and get an appropriate wardrobe for Lizzy and he could not understand why she would need good clothes and came up with stupid reason after stupid reason to not take a little guidance.
Meanwhile Lizzy was continuing to act like a deranged shrew and keeping a hat pin ready to stab him with if he tried any hankypanky with her. I couldn’t take anymore.
I gave it 3 stars because even though plot was senseless it was a well written plot.
I could go no further. Lizzy and Darcy are portrayed as unintelligent, no empathy human beings. I left the book where the housekeeper suggested Darcy stay in London and get an appropriate wardrobe for Lizzy and he could not understand why she would need good clothes and came up with stupid reason after stupid reason to not take a little guidance.
Meanwhile Lizzy was continuing to act like a deranged shrew and keeping a hat pin ready to stab him with if he tried any hankypanky with her. I couldn’t take anymore.
I gave it 3 stars because even though plot was senseless it was a well written plot.
January 21, 2020
Engaging tale
A sad beginning turns into an excellent plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all the high and low emotions between our beloved couple. Great story!
A sad beginning turns into an excellent plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all the high and low emotions between our beloved couple. Great story!
November 16, 2020
Chick lit at its best, if somewhat contrived. I am enjoying this series, but they do have a way of getting resolved very quickly, with no major angst.
November 24, 2019
Lovely
Another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Joy. A rather interesting and different read
Another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Joy. A rather interesting and different read
February 9, 2024
A Good Variation
Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2019
Oh what a smug Wickham...until he was no longer. Ha! A sad beginning for Darcy, an angry one for Elizabeth. Secrets are unfurled and a HEA achieved. A good read. I enjoyed it.
February 8-9, 2024 - Audiobook
I love how so many of Jennifer Joy’s are narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. Makes my heart happy. Stevie’s performance never lets me down and always enhances even the very best stories such as this one. First read in 2019, I’d forgotten, but not surprised at how good this story is. Loved it.
Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2019
Oh what a smug Wickham...until he was no longer. Ha! A sad beginning for Darcy, an angry one for Elizabeth. Secrets are unfurled and a HEA achieved. A good read. I enjoyed it.
February 8-9, 2024 - Audiobook
I love how so many of Jennifer Joy’s are narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. Makes my heart happy. Stevie’s performance never lets me down and always enhances even the very best stories such as this one. First read in 2019, I’d forgotten, but not surprised at how good this story is. Loved it.
February 15, 2023
While I did enjoy this book- I had two major problems with it.
First, Elizabeth’s overall attitude. She was ungrateful is what she was & honestly all that crap about the hat pin & Mr. Darcy using her was just that utter shit. In those days all men married specifically to have heirs. So what the hell did it matter if they started trying now or later? Saying she wouldn’t be a brood mare or that he had to love her & visa versa was so stupid. That was literally her main duty as a wife- to give heirs, so I don’t understand Elizabeth’s anger that he married so quickly because he needed an heir sooner rather than later. I also don’t understand the love condition. So if he never loved her, she would never go to their marriage bed? The naivety is staggering! She knows good & goddamn well he could do whatever he wanted to to her & so when even his forbearance wasn’t good enough for her- it left an Elizabeth who I could not like as a character. She was selfish, ungrateful, naïve, & too sure of herself for someone so stupid.
Second, the whole Wickham plot line was utterly absurd! For the baby to inherit, first Darcy has to die completely childless. Even with no children he could live for another 40/50 years. Then if he had any children- male or female they would inherit or Georgianna’s offspring. Even had Darcy taken Wickham’s “deal” he still could have married a different woman & had an heir with her. Then when Wickham & the magistrate threw out their great logic by saying child birth is often fatal… right, but it was often not too. Or else there would be no people!! Speaking of the perils of those days, it is just as likely that the baby, especially in the care of her negligent father, would not survive to see adulthood. Thus no child- no inheritance. That’s not even considering the fact that even should Elizabeth succumb to death by child birth- there would still be said child, & if both perished than Darcy would be at liberty to marry a second time & try again.
None of this is even considering the fact that since Pemberly is not entailed- Darcy can choose anyone he wants to inherit, including his wife or even Colonel Fitzwilliam. Therefore the chance that Anne would ever inherit, much less while Wickham could make use of it is so astoundingly absurd the entire plot falls apart completely. Look, I don’t ask for fiction to hold tight to rules, but I still like it to be logical & this book failed by a long shot.
It also doesn’t help that I despise, utterly loathe with the depth of a thousand suns, the miscommunication trope. Really, after writing this review, I wonder if three stars was one too many, but I’ll leave it for now.
First, Elizabeth’s overall attitude. She was ungrateful is what she was & honestly all that crap about the hat pin & Mr. Darcy using her was just that utter shit. In those days all men married specifically to have heirs. So what the hell did it matter if they started trying now or later? Saying she wouldn’t be a brood mare or that he had to love her & visa versa was so stupid. That was literally her main duty as a wife- to give heirs, so I don’t understand Elizabeth’s anger that he married so quickly because he needed an heir sooner rather than later. I also don’t understand the love condition. So if he never loved her, she would never go to their marriage bed? The naivety is staggering! She knows good & goddamn well he could do whatever he wanted to to her & so when even his forbearance wasn’t good enough for her- it left an Elizabeth who I could not like as a character. She was selfish, ungrateful, naïve, & too sure of herself for someone so stupid.
Second, the whole Wickham plot line was utterly absurd! For the baby to inherit, first Darcy has to die completely childless. Even with no children he could live for another 40/50 years. Then if he had any children- male or female they would inherit or Georgianna’s offspring. Even had Darcy taken Wickham’s “deal” he still could have married a different woman & had an heir with her. Then when Wickham & the magistrate threw out their great logic by saying child birth is often fatal… right, but it was often not too. Or else there would be no people!! Speaking of the perils of those days, it is just as likely that the baby, especially in the care of her negligent father, would not survive to see adulthood. Thus no child- no inheritance. That’s not even considering the fact that even should Elizabeth succumb to death by child birth- there would still be said child, & if both perished than Darcy would be at liberty to marry a second time & try again.
None of this is even considering the fact that since Pemberly is not entailed- Darcy can choose anyone he wants to inherit, including his wife or even Colonel Fitzwilliam. Therefore the chance that Anne would ever inherit, much less while Wickham could make use of it is so astoundingly absurd the entire plot falls apart completely. Look, I don’t ask for fiction to hold tight to rules, but I still like it to be logical & this book failed by a long shot.
It also doesn’t help that I despise, utterly loathe with the depth of a thousand suns, the miscommunication trope. Really, after writing this review, I wonder if three stars was one too many, but I’ll leave it for now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
Sadly a complete miss for me
Normally such a safe author I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately it really failed to deliver. The plot was riddled with flaws and just made no sense to me.
Normally such a safe author I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately it really failed to deliver. The plot was riddled with flaws and just made no sense to me.
June 20, 2021
The cover of this book reflects its content: cheesy.
The storyline isn’t too bad but too much un-regency behaviours (Darcy drinking with the butler, discussing his situation with the wet nurse and governess, etc etc) and too much tell made it impossible to connect with the characters.
The storyline isn’t too bad but too much un-regency behaviours (Darcy drinking with the butler, discussing his situation with the wet nurse and governess, etc etc) and too much tell made it impossible to connect with the characters.
September 26, 2021
Avid Reader
I felt like Elizabeth that her father should have gone gone to a doctor instead of trying to diagnosis himself, and Darcy should have told her the truth sooner about his family 's dealings with Wickham. He spent Georgina 's dowry of 30,000 pounds in less than two years on what? Did he purchase a small property? At Georgina came to her senses before she died and realized that he didn't love her. Darcy stood up to Wickham and acknowledged his true feelings for Elizabeth.
I felt like Elizabeth that her father should have gone gone to a doctor instead of trying to diagnosis himself, and Darcy should have told her the truth sooner about his family 's dealings with Wickham. He spent Georgina 's dowry of 30,000 pounds in less than two years on what? Did he purchase a small property? At Georgina came to her senses before she died and realized that he didn't love her. Darcy stood up to Wickham and acknowledged his true feelings for Elizabeth.
September 30, 2023
Good
I loved it, just a little too easy on Wickham he needed to die. But loved lizzy and Darcy, glad no Caroline . Mr Bennett was not a good papa.
I loved it, just a little too easy on Wickham he needed to die. But loved lizzy and Darcy, glad no Caroline . Mr Bennett was not a good papa.
February 13, 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. Sharpen your blade or in Elizabeth's case her hatpin, for the road to true love is about to get very bumpy. This variation takes place a year later than canon and Bingley has delayed letting an estate until he can convince Darcy to come with him. However, Darcy's heart has taken a devastating blow with the death of his beloved sister, Georgiana. He feels betrayed and all defenses are up. No one is to be trusted, other than a select loyal group of servants. It is from these servants who tell him he needs a wife and an heir in order to protect his beloved niece, he heeds their advice, so off to Hertfordshire he goes with Bingley. But things in Hertfordshire are precarious. With Mr. Bennet's failing health, circumstances arise that force him to accept Mr. Darcy's proposal to help. Elizabeth feels betrayed, though he did make a good impression at the assembly he attended with Bingley. Their relationship is off to a very rocky start. I loved watching Elizabeth and Darcy skirmish. Each have trust issues as each have been betrayed. But I also loved how both of them tried to make their marriage work even though Darcy was a clam and Elizabeth was pushing his buttons a bit too hard at times, for she always dreamed of marrying for love. Ms. Joy has again captured and held my attention and engaged all of my emotions. You can feel Darcy's pain over the loss of his sister and the absolute love he has for his niece. At the same time, I chuckled over his servants being so forward, thinking they would be the death of him! There are some very heartbreaking moments in this story but also some lighthearted ones. The snake makes his appearance known by slithering so stealthily into Elizabeth's presence. There were times I was talking back to my Kindle, 'Oh, Darcy just say it!' Then I was telling Elizabeth to get the fire poker when she couldn't find any dueling pistols or a sword in the room! Fortunately, she didn't hear me! In the end, how each work together to thwart the serpent, along with assistance from the Gardiners, the dressmaker, Madame Givenchy, and the servants was fun. That is why I love reading Ms. Joy's books. They may be suspenseful and heartbreaking, but they also are wonderfully balanced with lightness and humour. 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. Sharpen your blade or in Elizabeth's case her hatpin, for the road to true love is about to get very bumpy. This variation takes place a year later than canon and Bingley has delayed letting an estate until he can convince Darcy to come with him. However, Darcy's heart has taken a devastating blow with the death of his beloved sister, Georgiana. He feels betrayed and all defenses are up. No one is to be trusted, other than a select loyal group of servants. It is from these servants who tell him he needs a wife and an heir in order to protect his beloved niece, he heeds their advice, so off to Hertfordshire he goes with Bingley. But things in Hertfordshire are precarious. With Mr. Bennet's failing health, circumstances arise that force him to accept Mr. Darcy's proposal to help. Elizabeth feels betrayed, though he did make a good impression at the assembly he attended with Bingley. Their relationship is off to a very rocky start. I loved watching Elizabeth and Darcy skirmish. Each have trust issues as each have been betrayed. But I also loved how both of them tried to make their marriage work even though Darcy was a clam and Elizabeth was pushing his buttons a bit too hard at times, for she always dreamed of marrying for love. Ms. Joy has again captured and held my attention and engaged all of my emotions. You can feel Darcy's pain over the loss of his sister and the absolute love he has for his niece. At the same time, I chuckled over his servants being so forward, thinking they would be the death of him! There are some very heartbreaking moments in this story but also some lighthearted ones. The snake makes his appearance known by slithering so stealthily into Elizabeth's presence. There were times I was talking back to my Kindle, 'Oh, Darcy just say it!' Then I was telling Elizabeth to get the fire poker when she couldn't find any dueling pistols or a sword in the room! Fortunately, she didn't hear me! In the end, how each work together to thwart the serpent, along with assistance from the Gardiners, the dressmaker, Madame Givenchy, and the servants was fun. That is why I love reading Ms. Joy's books. They may be suspenseful and heartbreaking, but they also are wonderfully balanced with lightness and humour. So with drama and humour this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
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December 10, 2019Sweet
Georgiana has Wickham's baby after eloping with him, and she dies in childbirth. Darcy promises to protect the child from Wickham, and must quickly marry to raise the child and produce an heir of his own so that Wickham will never inherit. He travels to Hertfordshire with Bingley, and settles on Elizabeth, whose father is gravely ill and is desperate to secure the future of his family in case he should die.
The problems rise fast and furious, first of all because Elizabeth resents being forced by her father to accept a stranger as her husband. Then to make matters infinitely worse, Darcy doesn't bother to tell her his reasons for marrying, about the baby he hides at Pemberly, or about the fact that he needs an heir in a hurry. This is where the story lost a couple of stars for me. There was no good reason for his secrecy with her, his future wife, when she was bound to be directly affected the most by his actions. Seemed a little stupid on his part, and I don't like to think of Darcy being stupid.
Then Elizabeth, in her endeavor to uncover the secrets she knows he's hiding, becomes somewhat shrewish and cruel, and badgers Darcy most unkindly. Can't blame her for curiosity, but her methods aren't flattering.
Luckily, Jennifer Joy is a talented author and a good storyteller. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
Georgiana has Wickham's baby after eloping with him, and she dies in childbirth. Darcy promises to protect the child from Wickham, and must quickly marry to raise the child and produce an heir of his own so that Wickham will never inherit. He travels to Hertfordshire with Bingley, and settles on Elizabeth, whose father is gravely ill and is desperate to secure the future of his family in case he should die.
The problems rise fast and furious, first of all because Elizabeth resents being forced by her father to accept a stranger as her husband. Then to make matters infinitely worse, Darcy doesn't bother to tell her his reasons for marrying, about the baby he hides at Pemberly, or about the fact that he needs an heir in a hurry. This is where the story lost a couple of stars for me. There was no good reason for his secrecy with her, his future wife, when she was bound to be directly affected the most by his actions. Seemed a little stupid on his part, and I don't like to think of Darcy being stupid.
Then Elizabeth, in her endeavor to uncover the secrets she knows he's hiding, becomes somewhat shrewish and cruel, and badgers Darcy most unkindly. Can't blame her for curiosity, but her methods aren't flattering.
Luckily, Jennifer Joy is a talented author and a good storyteller. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
January 26, 2020
Rocky start to their HEA.
Another Darcy and Elizabeth love story made even more squee with the addition of a baby; one that Lizzy did not know about when she married the master of Pemberley. She just knew there was a big secret. This was a nice, easy read and as with all JJ's works, the writing is faultless...always a nice bonus.
I do have two things to pick at however: 1) as a mother, I am surprised that Jennifer has a three month, and then a six month old baby doing so much more than babies of those ages can (normally) do. 2) As an Australian, I would just like to clear up the myth regarding our country being overrun with giant serpents. We do have a lot of snakes, yes, and most of them a very poisonous. But we are not overrun with giant serpents. We do have some species of pythons, but rarely are they poisonous and they are nowhere near the size of, say, anacondas or King Cobras. Pythons are mostly found in the hotter north of the country.
This may seem a very out there thing to refer to in a review, but if you read the book to the the end, you will know why. 😜
Four stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another Darcy and Elizabeth love story made even more squee with the addition of a baby; one that Lizzy did not know about when she married the master of Pemberley. She just knew there was a big secret. This was a nice, easy read and as with all JJ's works, the writing is faultless...always a nice bonus.
I do have two things to pick at however: 1) as a mother, I am surprised that Jennifer has a three month, and then a six month old baby doing so much more than babies of those ages can (normally) do. 2) As an Australian, I would just like to clear up the myth regarding our country being overrun with giant serpents. We do have a lot of snakes, yes, and most of them a very poisonous. But we are not overrun with giant serpents. We do have some species of pythons, but rarely are they poisonous and they are nowhere near the size of, say, anacondas or King Cobras. Pythons are mostly found in the hotter north of the country.
This may seem a very out there thing to refer to in a review, but if you read the book to the the end, you will know why. 😜
Four stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 16, 2021
I think this book is interesting because Lizzy and Darcy have to go through the same drama and misunderstanding as they do in P&P but they go through it all AFTER they are married instead of prior. While it was annoying that they wouldn't communicate clearly, it was in keeping with his personality for Darcy to keep his business close to his heart with Lizzy annoying him with questions and prying with the servants etc.... It was also in keeping with their personalities to be loyal even before they fully trust each other. There may have been things that weren't as realistic as one might like but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book. And I always love an ending where the villain actually gets what is coming to him instead of just glossing over that element. I've read too many lately where that was the case. I felt fully satisfied with the Darcys' happily ever after as well as the villain's self-deserved consequences.
This isn't perhaps my favorite Joy book but I did enjoy reading it and enjoy Ms. Joy's writing. I look forward to reading the next one.
No sex, language or violence
This isn't perhaps my favorite Joy book but I did enjoy reading it and enjoy Ms. Joy's writing. I look forward to reading the next one.
No sex, language or violence
January 2, 2020
I liked it against my will...
Once again, JJ has provided a pleasurable read. I struggled with some aspects of the story (I don't want to give away...you will figure it out) but I must say that I liked it , even against my will. I found myself talking to the characters and I struggled to put it down. Both are aspects of a pleasant read for me. I also found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. Big bonus points there. This author is one I have learned I can count on for a sweet escape.
Once again, JJ has provided a pleasurable read. I struggled with some aspects of the story (I don't want to give away...you will figure it out) but I must say that I liked it , even against my will. I found myself talking to the characters and I struggled to put it down. Both are aspects of a pleasant read for me. I also found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. Big bonus points there. This author is one I have learned I can count on for a sweet escape.
May 9, 2020
Better than the other two
Fewer mistakes, though there still seem to have been some holes in Wickham's logic. He would have had to become the next Lady Catherine if his stated desires were to come true. Nice twist for the ending. Elizabeth and Darcy seemed true to their characters. Statements of intent (oh thank goodness he has come to his senses) then an obstacle (oh no!) kept up the tension and therefore interest, much as I wish things would go smoothly for a change. I guess that would make a boring book?
Fewer mistakes, though there still seem to have been some holes in Wickham's logic. He would have had to become the next Lady Catherine if his stated desires were to come true. Nice twist for the ending. Elizabeth and Darcy seemed true to their characters. Statements of intent (oh thank goodness he has come to his senses) then an obstacle (oh no!) kept up the tension and therefore interest, much as I wish things would go smoothly for a change. I guess that would make a boring book?
November 25, 2019
I could not finish it . . .
My interest in these variations is in Darcy, not so much ElIzabeth. That is just my preference. But, this little book depicts Elizabeth as an extremely controlling and harping individual. She must be at the helm or the ship will not sail. I got so sick of her rudeness and lack of respect that I just quit. I have read other Jennifer Joy variations and may read others. But I am certainly disappointed in this one.
My interest in these variations is in Darcy, not so much ElIzabeth. That is just my preference. But, this little book depicts Elizabeth as an extremely controlling and harping individual. She must be at the helm or the ship will not sail. I got so sick of her rudeness and lack of respect that I just quit. I have read other Jennifer Joy variations and may read others. But I am certainly disappointed in this one.
May 23, 2020
Emotional from beginning to end
This story was filled with anguish, I had years in my eyes. The emotional trauma is what made the storyline even better. Have tissues on hand, you may need one. Poor Darcy at first, but then you kind of want to shake him and make him open his eyes and mouth. Elizabeth you want to say slow down and breathe. Together they make a great story when they work together. I highly recommend this story for anyone.
This story was filled with anguish, I had years in my eyes. The emotional trauma is what made the storyline even better. Have tissues on hand, you may need one. Poor Darcy at first, but then you kind of want to shake him and make him open his eyes and mouth. Elizabeth you want to say slow down and breathe. Together they make a great story when they work together. I highly recommend this story for anyone.
December 13, 2019
I did enjoy this book. I understood why it took so long before everything came out, but I wish we had longer of Darcy and Elizabeth finding the happiness in their marriage. It just seemed to fast. Yes they came together to fight an evil, but I just wish we had more of the two of them being happy and on the same page.
December 26, 2019
Sweet, but aggravating in that most things could have easily been cleared up had ODC just talked to each other more. I understand the need for secrecy and to build trust, but what would it have hurt for Darcy to just tell Elizabeth that he had a sister? Some of the “secrets” seemed to be needlessly kept.
June 28, 2025
Georgiana’s rippling fate
Georgiana’s naive choice unfolds in such a way as to affect people she has never heard of, including Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet. Secrets upon secrets are too slowly revealed, causing distrust and self made difficulties to be resolved. Wickham’s comeuppance in this story is especially satisfying.
Georgiana’s naive choice unfolds in such a way as to affect people she has never heard of, including Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet. Secrets upon secrets are too slowly revealed, causing distrust and self made difficulties to be resolved. Wickham’s comeuppance in this story is especially satisfying.
November 27, 2019
Lovely story
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were all over usual and the story was new. This is one of the few adaptations that I can say is really a new story. Some times the storyline is trite but this was an original.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were all over usual and the story was new. This is one of the few adaptations that I can say is really a new story. Some times the storyline is trite but this was an original.
November 29, 2019
A sweet read
This was an enjoyable story. Elizabeth is not happy when she is basically forced to marry Darcy. Darcy feels he must marry to protect Georgiana's daughter. The two of them grow to respect and love each other.
This was an enjoyable story. Elizabeth is not happy when she is basically forced to marry Darcy. Darcy feels he must marry to protect Georgiana's daughter. The two of them grow to respect and love each other.
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