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Short and Sassy Series #3
Spirited Away
When doing the right thing goes utterly wrong.
Elizabeth Bennet cannot rid herself of the strange feeling she has whenever she is around Mr. Darcy - and it has nothing to do with the fact that he is irresistibly handsome and intelligent. Almost nothing, anyway. People around town are disappearing, and no one seems to know why. And who was that woman Mr. Darcy was hiding at the Meryton Inn? Elizabeth has questions, and Mr. Darcy refuses to answer them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy hates deception and disguise, but to protect his cousin, that is precisely what he must do. It troubled his conscience to keep certain matters from his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, even temporarily. Lying to Elizabeth Bennet, however, is robbing him of his sanity. Of all the women in Hertfordshire who might challenge him over missing persons, why did it have to be the one who had captured his heart and mind?
In the absence of good information, dark suggestions soon populate the town’s imagination. And when another young lady goes missing, will the town turn on Darcy, or will the truth come out - no matter who it exposes?
Spirited Away is a clean Regency variation of approximately 35,000 words.
Elizabeth Bennet cannot rid herself of the strange feeling she has whenever she is around Mr. Darcy - and it has nothing to do with the fact that he is irresistibly handsome and intelligent. Almost nothing, anyway. People around town are disappearing, and no one seems to know why. And who was that woman Mr. Darcy was hiding at the Meryton Inn? Elizabeth has questions, and Mr. Darcy refuses to answer them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy hates deception and disguise, but to protect his cousin, that is precisely what he must do. It troubled his conscience to keep certain matters from his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, even temporarily. Lying to Elizabeth Bennet, however, is robbing him of his sanity. Of all the women in Hertfordshire who might challenge him over missing persons, why did it have to be the one who had captured his heart and mind?
In the absence of good information, dark suggestions soon populate the town’s imagination. And when another young lady goes missing, will the town turn on Darcy, or will the truth come out - no matter who it exposes?
Spirited Away is a clean Regency variation of approximately 35,000 words.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2020
69 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Alix James
61 books130 followersSatisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 2, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. I received copy of this book with no conditions attached.
This story is set in Hertfordshire to which some familiar canon characters travel. Darcy, at Netherfield with Bingley, receives correspondence from his cousin, Anne, stating she is leaving Rosings and her mother’s care and will reside in Meryton while awaiting the posting of banns in her fiancé’s parish. She will then join him to be married. Darcy takes steps in secret to provide lodging (other than the inn in which she has taken residence) and also a companion and several servants. The latter are local people, neither too high on the social scale so that they would be missed nor too low as to be untrustworthy and unknowledgeable about the positions they will temporarily fill.
Unfortunately for him, Elizabeth has not only viewed him through a window arguing with one female but also has watched as he sends several people off on a cart from the inn. As three people’s absence from Hertfordshire society is gossiped about with different opinions as to where they are, Elizabeth assigns the worst possible label to that mystery. Oddly it is as she flees after receiving a proposal from Darcy that she crosses a neighboring estate where she views evidence that she is wrong, very wrong in her supposition. However Collins coming upon her just as she sees that prevents her from further investigation.
Yes, Darcy proposes and it is with his foot in his mouth. (I have to give the author credit for her paraphrasing that awful Hunsford proposal to fit this new situation.) So in this variation (and remember it is a novella) both Darcy and Elizabeth realize that they have to make changes in their behavior and in their relationship with each other. Darcy does write a letter and it is delivered in a unique manner (not telling).
Wickham acts again, as in canon, but it is not Lydia he imposes on. Lady Catherine makes an appearance in Meryton but she is not there only to confront Elizabeth. Collins has a heavier role here as he not only insists that Darcy is engaged to Anne and furthermore that Darcy should be supporting Anne in her “illness” but also condemns Elizabeth’s behavior and even Mrs. Bennet for recommending Elizabeth as the partner of his future life.
I enjoyed this variation as it kept my interest with several nuances new to JAFF variations. I recommend this story.
This story is set in Hertfordshire to which some familiar canon characters travel. Darcy, at Netherfield with Bingley, receives correspondence from his cousin, Anne, stating she is leaving Rosings and her mother’s care and will reside in Meryton while awaiting the posting of banns in her fiancé’s parish. She will then join him to be married. Darcy takes steps in secret to provide lodging (other than the inn in which she has taken residence) and also a companion and several servants. The latter are local people, neither too high on the social scale so that they would be missed nor too low as to be untrustworthy and unknowledgeable about the positions they will temporarily fill.
Unfortunately for him, Elizabeth has not only viewed him through a window arguing with one female but also has watched as he sends several people off on a cart from the inn. As three people’s absence from Hertfordshire society is gossiped about with different opinions as to where they are, Elizabeth assigns the worst possible label to that mystery. Oddly it is as she flees after receiving a proposal from Darcy that she crosses a neighboring estate where she views evidence that she is wrong, very wrong in her supposition. However Collins coming upon her just as she sees that prevents her from further investigation.
Yes, Darcy proposes and it is with his foot in his mouth. (I have to give the author credit for her paraphrasing that awful Hunsford proposal to fit this new situation.) So in this variation (and remember it is a novella) both Darcy and Elizabeth realize that they have to make changes in their behavior and in their relationship with each other. Darcy does write a letter and it is delivered in a unique manner (not telling).
Wickham acts again, as in canon, but it is not Lydia he imposes on. Lady Catherine makes an appearance in Meryton but she is not there only to confront Elizabeth. Collins has a heavier role here as he not only insists that Darcy is engaged to Anne and furthermore that Darcy should be supporting Anne in her “illness” but also condemns Elizabeth’s behavior and even Mrs. Bennet for recommending Elizabeth as the partner of his future life.
I enjoyed this variation as it kept my interest with several nuances new to JAFF variations. I recommend this story.
April 23, 2020
This is a fast-moving story that starts as the two older Bennet sisters are leaving Netherfield after their stay during Jane's illness. Mr. Darcy is torn between relief and disappointment that Elizabeth will no longer be in close proximity, realizing that he's developed a dangerous tendre for her.
Shortly after that, three members of the Meryton community are not at their homes, and their family members are suspiciously vague about their whereabouts. Elizabeth is the first to note their absence. She has reason to wonder whether Mr. Darcy has something to do with it.
Elizabeth keeps prodding Darcy when she sees him. The combination of his attraction to her and his inability to lie convincingly make him seem guilty of something underhanded, further stoking Elizabeth's curiosity. Once Wickham turns up, he confirms Elizabeth's poor opinion of Darcy and plants terrible ideas in her head regarding what his childhood friend might be up to.
What's fun is that the reader knows exactly where they all are. Although Mr. Darcy IS directly responsible, it's not his secret to share and, of course, is nothing nefarious at all.
Mr. Collins, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine all have their share in the conversation, though the action never leaves Hertfordshire. Most of the time, the author keeps things light despite the two main characters' distress over what's happening.
It's a fairly short, entertaining read. Content is clean.
Shortly after that, three members of the Meryton community are not at their homes, and their family members are suspiciously vague about their whereabouts. Elizabeth is the first to note their absence. She has reason to wonder whether Mr. Darcy has something to do with it.
Elizabeth keeps prodding Darcy when she sees him. The combination of his attraction to her and his inability to lie convincingly make him seem guilty of something underhanded, further stoking Elizabeth's curiosity. Once Wickham turns up, he confirms Elizabeth's poor opinion of Darcy and plants terrible ideas in her head regarding what his childhood friend might be up to.
What's fun is that the reader knows exactly where they all are. Although Mr. Darcy IS directly responsible, it's not his secret to share and, of course, is nothing nefarious at all.
Mr. Collins, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine all have their share in the conversation, though the action never leaves Hertfordshire. Most of the time, the author keeps things light despite the two main characters' distress over what's happening.
It's a fairly short, entertaining read. Content is clean.
May 1, 2020
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, all the action takes place in Meryton. Cousin Anne makes an unexpected trip to avoid her mother and her cousins, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, go through great lengths to help her. That help creates secrets and Elizabeth Bennet is to smart and isn't sure what she sees. The militia and annoying sisters add to the drama.
The story is an interesting style as there is a mystery for the characters, but the reader has all the details.
The story is an interesting style as there is a mystery for the characters, but the reader has all the details.
April 25, 2020
This is a P&P what if that throws a spanner in the works of Mr. Darcy's comfortable stay in Meryton. That spanner comes in the form of his cousin Anne DeBourgh. She has fled Rosings after her mother's refusal to consider a decent proposal from a reasonable suitor.
This Darcy is pigheadedly honest. In the 1980 movie Airplane a character trashes a woman's appearance "Johnny: [to Mrs. Oveur] Where did you get that dress, it's awful, and those shoes and that coat, jeeeeez! " You haven't seen Airplane. Go watch it now I'll be here when you get back. That is what this perversely honest Darcy was like.
Even his cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam, calls him out on it “Do you know why lies are so despicable? Because they do harm. You are presented with a situation where the truth might be even more damaging to the person you are trying to protect.”
And his allegiance to Lady C borders upon the absurd. Anne is of age, and Darcy knows better than most how demanding and self centered Lady C is. So why would he be all bound up in societal expectations and Lady C's whims??
Further. He wants to hide Anne and goes through some ridiculous machinations to achieve this. But in hindsight why didn't he just take her to Netherfield and say "this is my cousin?" Did he think Miss Bingley would tweet or Skype with Lady Catherine??
Of course if he behaved more like a rational and sane creature then there wouldn't have been a book, and I would get 3 hours of my life back.
Anyway Darcy's mysterious and stealthy behavior is witnessed by Lizzy and the disappearance of several townspeople is noted by others. And suddenly Mr. Darcy's odd behavior seems less like an introvert and more like a man with something to hide.
Lizzy & her gal pals are often speculating about his behavior. Is he a white slaver? A man with a mistress, a serial killer??
Which really gives Darcy Cognitive Dissonance. How can he swear that he can't lie to Lady C even a lie of omission, yet lie to everyone in Meryton? He's sneaking around, hiring people under false pretenses, and covering up the facts.
The more I think about this the more I am getting annoyed so I am stopping here.
Notes (not shared)
He was everything objectionable, though Elizabeth did confess once to Jane that it was nothing short of a crime that a gentleman with so many advantages could make himself so odious in company.
“I have no interest in him, and Papa will not make me accept him if he does offer. But is he so very awful? He is only partially deaf, for he can hear himself well enough, though I fear he has heard none of the discouragement I have tried to offer. And he only smells occasionally—to be sure, his body odor is not so offensive as some of the stable hands we have known. So long as I take care to sit far enough away that his spittle does not land on me when he speaks—”
"It would not yet be proper for him to call on Miss Bennet at her home,"
of course it would it is much more improper for him to feign a random encounter
“Mr. William Collins,
isn't he Reverend Collins?
The man was the perfect antidote to amorous thoughts, whether he was digging in his ear with his finger or professing wisdom on topics he was clearly ignorant of,
“Do you know why lies are so despicable? Because they do harm. You are presented with a situation where the truth might be even more damaging to the person you are trying to protect.”
“Conscience. Then I am surprised at you, Darcy. Why did you not pack Anne on a carriage at once and return her to Lady Catherine yourself? Surely, if decency and honor are your first concerns, that would have been the cleanest course for your precious conscience.”
Elizabeth sucked in a bracing breath and prepared for an evening that would be sure to last all year.
This Darcy is pigheadedly honest. In the 1980 movie Airplane a character trashes a woman's appearance "Johnny: [to Mrs. Oveur] Where did you get that dress, it's awful, and those shoes and that coat, jeeeeez! " You haven't seen Airplane. Go watch it now I'll be here when you get back. That is what this perversely honest Darcy was like.
Even his cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam, calls him out on it “Do you know why lies are so despicable? Because they do harm. You are presented with a situation where the truth might be even more damaging to the person you are trying to protect.”
And his allegiance to Lady C borders upon the absurd. Anne is of age, and Darcy knows better than most how demanding and self centered Lady C is. So why would he be all bound up in societal expectations and Lady C's whims??
Further. He wants to hide Anne and goes through some ridiculous machinations to achieve this. But in hindsight why didn't he just take her to Netherfield and say "this is my cousin?" Did he think Miss Bingley would tweet or Skype with Lady Catherine??
Of course if he behaved more like a rational and sane creature then there wouldn't have been a book, and I would get 3 hours of my life back.
Anyway Darcy's mysterious and stealthy behavior is witnessed by Lizzy and the disappearance of several townspeople is noted by others. And suddenly Mr. Darcy's odd behavior seems less like an introvert and more like a man with something to hide.
Lizzy & her gal pals are often speculating about his behavior. Is he a white slaver? A man with a mistress, a serial killer??
Which really gives Darcy Cognitive Dissonance. How can he swear that he can't lie to Lady C even a lie of omission, yet lie to everyone in Meryton? He's sneaking around, hiring people under false pretenses, and covering up the facts.
The more I think about this the more I am getting annoyed so I am stopping here.
Notes (not shared)
He was everything objectionable, though Elizabeth did confess once to Jane that it was nothing short of a crime that a gentleman with so many advantages could make himself so odious in company.
“I have no interest in him, and Papa will not make me accept him if he does offer. But is he so very awful? He is only partially deaf, for he can hear himself well enough, though I fear he has heard none of the discouragement I have tried to offer. And he only smells occasionally—to be sure, his body odor is not so offensive as some of the stable hands we have known. So long as I take care to sit far enough away that his spittle does not land on me when he speaks—”
"It would not yet be proper for him to call on Miss Bennet at her home,"
of course it would it is much more improper for him to feign a random encounter
“Mr. William Collins,
isn't he Reverend Collins?
The man was the perfect antidote to amorous thoughts, whether he was digging in his ear with his finger or professing wisdom on topics he was clearly ignorant of,
“Do you know why lies are so despicable? Because they do harm. You are presented with a situation where the truth might be even more damaging to the person you are trying to protect.”
“Conscience. Then I am surprised at you, Darcy. Why did you not pack Anne on a carriage at once and return her to Lady Catherine yourself? Surely, if decency and honor are your first concerns, that would have been the cleanest course for your precious conscience.”
Elizabeth sucked in a bracing breath and prepared for an evening that would be sure to last all year.
May 4, 2020
A mystery where P&P meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Rating: clean: this review MAY contain spoilers but I will try not to spill the beans.
This is another Pride and Prejudice Novella by Alix James that dares to tweak Austen’s favorite characters into something completely different. I find this author’s writing a veritable smorgasbord of emotions from shocking, adorable, to completely hilarious, and wonder why someone hadn’t thought of this twist before.
Although I received an ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] with no expectations of a review, the views and opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own copy as soon as it launched and read it again. I couldn’t help myself. This author has become an automatic buy for me and I highly recommend this strange but entertaining story.
Well, how to explain this without giving a spoiler. Well… em… Darcy was in a pickle and his honor was on the line. Elizabeth had seen him with a strange woman in Meryton acting strangely like he was trying to hide his behavior. People, that she knew well and should be home, suddenly went missing. Then more people unexplainedly disappeared. Of course, our resident SBRB, Wickham, planted a seed of distrust in that fertile brain of hers that painted Mr. Darcy with the blackest of brushes. To add insult to injury, she began to believe his outlandish tale. I wanted to string him up by his lies and tweak her pointy-little-head. Grrr!!
Then… oh, I can’t tell that. Well, let me just say our dear Colonel arrived… hm… not that either. So, then Lady Catherine, in high dudgeon, stormed Netherfield hell-bent looking for Darcy… augh, shucks, I can’t tell that either. Oh, let me tell you about Wickham… GRRR!! You will just have to read that yourself. Em… I can’t say. LOL!
What I liked: the first half of the story was so full of intrigue that it’s hard to describe anything without giving it away. From Elizabeth’s POV, the mystery built nicely and I was really concerned about our Darcy.
What I didn’t like: the abrupt change of heart with Lizzy and Lady Catherine. I didn’t believe it. Their feelings were glacial [frozen solid] one minute and then they went to instant thaw. Also, as this was a novella, the ending had to wrap up quickly. The last of the story moved at warp speed and ended abruptly. There was a short epilogue that was too cute. I highly recommend this novella. Well done, Alix.
Rating: clean: this review MAY contain spoilers but I will try not to spill the beans.
This is another Pride and Prejudice Novella by Alix James that dares to tweak Austen’s favorite characters into something completely different. I find this author’s writing a veritable smorgasbord of emotions from shocking, adorable, to completely hilarious, and wonder why someone hadn’t thought of this twist before.
Although I received an ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] with no expectations of a review, the views and opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own copy as soon as it launched and read it again. I couldn’t help myself. This author has become an automatic buy for me and I highly recommend this strange but entertaining story.
Well, how to explain this without giving a spoiler. Well… em… Darcy was in a pickle and his honor was on the line. Elizabeth had seen him with a strange woman in Meryton acting strangely like he was trying to hide his behavior. People, that she knew well and should be home, suddenly went missing. Then more people unexplainedly disappeared. Of course, our resident SBRB, Wickham, planted a seed of distrust in that fertile brain of hers that painted Mr. Darcy with the blackest of brushes. To add insult to injury, she began to believe his outlandish tale. I wanted to string him up by his lies and tweak her pointy-little-head. Grrr!!
Then… oh, I can’t tell that. Well, let me just say our dear Colonel arrived… hm… not that either. So, then Lady Catherine, in high dudgeon, stormed Netherfield hell-bent looking for Darcy… augh, shucks, I can’t tell that either. Oh, let me tell you about Wickham… GRRR!! You will just have to read that yourself. Em… I can’t say. LOL!
What I liked: the first half of the story was so full of intrigue that it’s hard to describe anything without giving it away. From Elizabeth’s POV, the mystery built nicely and I was really concerned about our Darcy.
What I didn’t like: the abrupt change of heart with Lizzy and Lady Catherine. I didn’t believe it. Their feelings were glacial [frozen solid] one minute and then they went to instant thaw. Also, as this was a novella, the ending had to wrap up quickly. The last of the story moved at warp speed and ended abruptly. There was a short epilogue that was too cute. I highly recommend this novella. Well done, Alix.
April 13, 2020
"But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence" (Pride & Prejudice)
What a fun, fast-paced novella this was!
It all started out well, other than the fact that Mr. Darcy was falling hard for the impertinent Miss Elizabeth Bennet that he has met while visiting Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park.
"He was petrified - deliciously and hopelessly so." (quote from the book)
But when an express arrives for him from his cousin, things start spiraling out of his control, despite his best efforts to maintain them. I say, blame it on Mrs. Bennet's silver chocolate service! For if Mrs. Bennet didn't have Elizabeth bring it to Mrs. Philips, she would have never seen what she had!
On top of all of this, people begin vanishing from Meryton and the militia has arrived! So has Mr. Collins! Guess who starts fanning the flames? Soon the flames turn into a giant snowball that keeps gaining momentum and speed as the gossip builds. Remember the expression: "Like a snowball's chance in hell...", well here it seems it does! But all I wanted to do was crawl under a rock...and you thought the Hunsford proposal was bad?
What a ride you are in for as Elizabeth Bennet begins to learn that all is not what it seems and things begin to unravel right before her eyes! Lady Catherine doesn't help, but she must have her share of the conversation
So hitch a ride on this snowball and enjoy the ensuing chaos...I sure did!
I received an ARC of this book with no expectation of a review.
November 11, 2024
A little bit mystery, a little bit romance. With missing women and men who's characters can not be made out. A dynamic short story, with a sweet HEA.
May 5, 2020
A captivating and entertaining book. Elizabeth's tart opinions exercised my smiling muscles but the hilarious proposal scene had me laughing out loud.
A fast-paced story with a bit of mystery and a lot of humour.
I heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
A fast-paced story with a bit of mystery and a lot of humour.
I heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
March 23, 2021
Wow, this was a very entertaining short story. So much happens in a little over a hundred pages. Lots of twists and turns especially following the Netherfield Ball (which Darcy actually has the supper set with Elizabeth, a first!).
Minor characters like Darcy’s cousin, Anne, the Long family and Mary King have larger, more important roles; Wickham is a scoundrel but it’s not Lydia he compromises this time; Aunt Catherine is her usual incensed self.
I could summarize the story but I’d rather read Sheila’s review as she does a good summary already...or I could just reread the story as it’s so short.
Minor characters like Darcy’s cousin, Anne, the Long family and Mary King have larger, more important roles; Wickham is a scoundrel but it’s not Lydia he compromises this time; Aunt Catherine is her usual incensed self.
I could summarize the story but I’d rather read Sheila’s review as she does a good summary already...or I could just reread the story as it’s so short.
June 12, 2021
For a short story there is a lot going on in this book. Elizabeth spies Darcy bundling some women into a cart - suspicious! As more locals are known to be missing suspicion grows that Darcy is involved. Meanwhile, Darcy is trying to assist Anne de Bourgh who has left Rosings as she is engaged and needs to hide out for the Banns to be read.
This is a good story, its funny and has some real sweet moments. Its an easy read, relatively low angst. I wasn't sure about the Wickham storyline... otherwise, an enjoyable book!
This is a good story, its funny and has some real sweet moments. Its an easy read, relatively low angst. I wasn't sure about the Wickham storyline... otherwise, an enjoyable book!
August 12, 2020
Avid Reader
I have read all of this writer's P&P variations. Lately, I have been short on time, and I have enjoyed reading 1.5 hour books at the end of the day. Darcy and his plan to help Anne marry the man of her dreams. Elizabeth also helped once she learned the truth. For once Lydia was not the one who ran off with Wickham!
I have read all of this writer's P&P variations. Lately, I have been short on time, and I have enjoyed reading 1.5 hour books at the end of the day. Darcy and his plan to help Anne marry the man of her dreams. Elizabeth also helped once she learned the truth. For once Lydia was not the one who ran off with Wickham!
April 26, 2020
In this P&P variation Jane and Elizabeth Bennet have just left Netherfield Park after Jane's illness. Then Darcy receives a letter from Anne de Bourgh, stating that she is in Meryton because she has run away and wants to marry Mr Daniel Sullivan who has recently proposed. Darcys interference results in various people disappearing (helping Anne), Elizabeth concludes that their disappearance is due to Darcy and so thinks the worst of Darcy.
Can this couple have a happy ending in this fast paced story
I admit I got really annoyed with this Darcy, more than I usually do
Can this couple have a happy ending in this fast paced story
I admit I got really annoyed with this Darcy, more than I usually do
December 4, 2022
A fun book. Mr. Darcy is in Meryton. People have gone missing, ergo Mr. Darcy (the cad) must be responsible. Elizabeth is certain that Mr. Darcy has a mistress he is hiding at the local inn. And what has happened to her missing friends?
Elizabeth will not give up until she knows the truth, thereby causing Mr. Darcy much vacation because, as we know, he is incapable of telling a lie.
Elizabeth will not give up until she knows the truth, thereby causing Mr. Darcy much vacation because, as we know, he is incapable of telling a lie.
January 1, 2021
A bit ridiculous and no developed love story but I enjoyed it anyway.
June 23, 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. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is Book 3 in the Short and Sassy Series. When doing the right thing goes utterly wrong. Elizabeth Bennet cannot rid herself of the strange feeling she has whenever she is around Mr. Darcy, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he is irresistibly handsome and intelligent. Almost nothing, anyway, people around town are disappearing, and no one seems to know why, and who was that woman Mr. Darcy was hiding at the Meryton Inn? Elizabeth has questions, and Mr. Darcy refuses to answer them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy hates deception and disguise, but to protect his cousin, that is precisely what he must do. It troubled his conscience to keep certain matters from his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, even temporarily. Lying to Elizabeth Bennet, however, is robbing him of his sanity. Of all the women in Hertfordshire who might challenge him over missing persons, why did it have to be the one who had captured his heart and mind? In the absence of good information, dark suggestions soon populate the town’s imagination, and when another young lady goes missing, will the town turn on Darcy, or will the truth come out, no matter who it exposes? 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. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is Book 3 in the Short and Sassy Series. When doing the right thing goes utterly wrong. Elizabeth Bennet cannot rid herself of the strange feeling she has whenever she is around Mr. Darcy, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he is irresistibly handsome and intelligent. Almost nothing, anyway, people around town are disappearing, and no one seems to know why, and who was that woman Mr. Darcy was hiding at the Meryton Inn? Elizabeth has questions, and Mr. Darcy refuses to answer them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy hates deception and disguise, but to protect his cousin, that is precisely what he must do. It troubled his conscience to keep certain matters from his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, even temporarily. Lying to Elizabeth Bennet, however, is robbing him of his sanity. Of all the women in Hertfordshire who might challenge him over missing persons, why did it have to be the one who had captured his heart and mind? In the absence of good information, dark suggestions soon populate the town’s imagination, and when another young lady goes missing, will the town turn on Darcy, or will the truth come out, no matter who it exposes? 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.
November 15, 2022
Spirited Away is part of the Short and Sassy series by Alix James. It definitely belongs in the series, not only for the short nature, but because it is so cute and sassy! Not only is Elizabeth sassy and impertinent but Anne DeBourgh is also a sassy and determined young woman. Just after Darcy breathes a sigh of relief because the Bennet sisters have departed Netherfield, he must to to an inn in Meryton to aid his reckless cousin. She has run away to enlist Darcy's help in marrying the man of her choice. As he attempts to conceal his cousin until arrangements can be made, or he can convince her to return home, Darcy is observed by a very observant Elizabeth Bennet as he moves two young women from the inn.
Convinced he is no gentleman, Elizabeth is willing to listen to the very damning lies of one George Wickham.
I love the witty, fun writing style of this author and as usual enjoyed it very much.
Convinced he is no gentleman, Elizabeth is willing to listen to the very damning lies of one George Wickham.
I love the witty, fun writing style of this author and as usual enjoyed it very much.
March 3, 2023
Spirited Away
Another cute story by Alix James. Elizabeth realizes that people seem to be disappearing in Meryton and Mr. Darcy seems to the at the center of these "spirited away" people. Of course, we know that Elizabeth sometimes doesn't really get things correct. Added to Darcy's frustration is his cousin Anne who has run away from home, well, run away from her mother. She has someone that she wants to marry and it's not Fitzwilliam Darcy. There is our usual villains wandering around: Caroline Bingley, the clinging vine; William Collins, the village idiot; and George Wickham, the "gentleman" rake. As Elizabeth figures out that people weren't spirited away, she and Darcy, after having their Huntsford moment in Meryton, finally get on their own road to happiness regardless of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's interference into everyone's affairs. A cute, well written, romp through Meryton!
Another cute story by Alix James. Elizabeth realizes that people seem to be disappearing in Meryton and Mr. Darcy seems to the at the center of these "spirited away" people. Of course, we know that Elizabeth sometimes doesn't really get things correct. Added to Darcy's frustration is his cousin Anne who has run away from home, well, run away from her mother. She has someone that she wants to marry and it's not Fitzwilliam Darcy. There is our usual villains wandering around: Caroline Bingley, the clinging vine; William Collins, the village idiot; and George Wickham, the "gentleman" rake. As Elizabeth figures out that people weren't spirited away, she and Darcy, after having their Huntsford moment in Meryton, finally get on their own road to happiness regardless of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's interference into everyone's affairs. A cute, well written, romp through Meryton!
November 1, 2022
I struggled to like this Elizabeth
I could see more of Emma Woodhouse in this Elizabeth that I could see of Elizabeth Bennet, bordering on bitchiness, too willing not only to think, but to speak the worst to others in her misplaced confidence. The witty archness of the original, here seemed distorted to something that looked more like nastiness. She may have improved by the end, but I couldn’t make it that far.
I could see more of Emma Woodhouse in this Elizabeth that I could see of Elizabeth Bennet, bordering on bitchiness, too willing not only to think, but to speak the worst to others in her misplaced confidence. The witty archness of the original, here seemed distorted to something that looked more like nastiness. She may have improved by the end, but I couldn’t make it that far.
November 14, 2022
Status: Read November 11-14, 2022
via Elizabeth Bennet: Short and Sassy: Four Pride and Prejudice Tales
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
[ edition for rating purposes only ]
via Elizabeth Bennet: Short and Sassy: Four Pride and Prejudice Tales
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
[ edition for rating purposes only ]
April 2, 2024
Clean romance. Fan fiction of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice.
A short and quirky story. Quite fun. The story is much more quick than the original book, it all happens within just a few weeks.
Elizabeth notices many things. One of her friends is missing, then another couple of people as well. Next Mr. Darcy seems to be acting out of character and not telling the truth. And with Wickham telling his story, she doesn't quite know who to believe.
A short and quirky story. Quite fun. The story is much more quick than the original book, it all happens within just a few weeks.
Elizabeth notices many things. One of her friends is missing, then another couple of people as well. Next Mr. Darcy seems to be acting out of character and not telling the truth. And with Wickham telling his story, she doesn't quite know who to believe.
November 6, 2022
This was just the light fluff I needed. Was it anything life changing? No. But, it made me smile, and that's worth a lot. It's more of a 3.5 rating, but didn't hit a 4 for me.
I enjoyed this variation, especially the choice to make Mr. Darcy a terrible liar, which made me smirk. The entire thing is cute. I'll read more from this author when I need some light hearted fun.
I enjoyed this variation, especially the choice to make Mr. Darcy a terrible liar, which made me smirk. The entire thing is cute. I'll read more from this author when I need some light hearted fun.
June 5, 2020
Likely need to re-read
I have the impression of a cute story with silly misunderstandings that should be humourous. But my reading was so broken up and interspersed that I think I missed it.
I have the impression of a cute story with silly misunderstandings that should be humourous. But my reading was so broken up and interspersed that I think I missed it.
April 25, 2020
Free kindle book
May 9, 2020
Cute story, but there seemed to be a lot of skipped words through the whole book. The story itself was rushed. I do like the premise, though.
August 11, 2020
This was a very sweet, wee written book. I love the conversations and interactions between Lizzy and Darcy.
August 11, 2020
2.5 rounded up. Some of the beliefs/behaviour was a stretch, and it was a little light on romance for me.
September 6, 2020
Novella full of intrigue
A really fast paced story, Darcy is trying to deal with all kinds of subterfuge and intrigue, even though he can’t lie. A nice fun read.
A really fast paced story, Darcy is trying to deal with all kinds of subterfuge and intrigue, even though he can’t lie. A nice fun read.
September 25, 2020
Short and very sweet
Quick read, great story. I recommend all of these little novellas from Alia James, they are quite the love stories with everyone’s favorite Darcy and Elizabeth.
Quick read, great story. I recommend all of these little novellas from Alia James, they are quite the love stories with everyone’s favorite Darcy and Elizabeth.
February 22, 2022
BUSY
A rather busy and mystery filled variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Alix James.
A rather busy and mystery filled variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Alix James.
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