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Surprise & Serendipity: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

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An accident at the Netherfield ball forces Mr Darcy to propose to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But when he finds the accident was caused by Lydia Bennet, he suspects he was deliberately set up for a compromise.

At that point, his fledgling love for Miss Elizabeth turns to scorn.

He is determined to back out of the hasty engagement, and damn the consequences, until he learns that Miss Elizabeth hates him and does not want to marry him.

Suddenly he is equally determined to change her mind and gain her love.

Along the way many people are surprised at what they discover about themselves and people they thought they knew.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2020

153 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

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Sydney Salier

21 books97 followers

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5 stars
152 (34%)
4 stars
145 (33%)
3 stars
103 (23%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews138 followers
February 14, 2022
Serendipity: Where the guy is looking for a needle in the haystack and finds the farmer’s daughter. I decided I needed to sanitize that for my younger nephews. You’re looking for coins inside the couch and find a five-dollar bill.

>>Rating: MA: due to discussions of an adult nature.
>>Angst Level: zero other than a slight tension as I waited for an ax to fall, which didn’t. There was a lot of OOC behavior going on. Who were these people? I did question the argument between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet. No father [Regency or modern for that matter] would allow, let alone tolerate, such abusive language from his child. Just saying.
>>Tissue Alert: warning, tissues may be required especially for the ugly cry.
>>Source: borrowed from KU 2-8-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
>>Trope: FMS: Forced Marriage Scenario ***Spoiler*** ***End Spoiler***

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

I have recently read several stories where I wanted to pull my hair out, or perhaps the author’s when I did not finish [DNF] one of them. Or, worse when I needed a tranquilizer for my nerves. I assume that would be our today’s equivalent to calling for our salts. I just have to say that this book contained the soothing story I needed to smooth my ruffled feathers back into place. I caught myself smiling as I read this and actually laughed out loud a few times. Then the author made me tear up a few times. It was a virtual snot fest for a minute. Ugly crying is not cool, Sydney.

“I shouldn’t have eavesdropped, but sometimes, that’s the only way to find out the truth.” –Jodi Picoult, Handle with Care

Not every cloud has a silver lining; however, every once in a while, it does. Fitzwilliam Darcy was furious, livid, spitting mad, and headed for Longbourn to settle his outrage with the father of the woman that had compromised him the previous night at the Netherfield Ball. Well… actually, if he really thought about it, he had been bumped from the crowd and he was the one that fell on her. So, in reality… he had compromised her. However, that was beside the point. In his mental list against marriage to the fine eyes… um… Miss Elizabeth, the family was beneath him. The behavior of the mother and younger girls was outrageous; they had connections to trade, she had no dowry to speak of, and he was going to let them know his opinion on the situation.

As he approached the house, the window to the master’s study was open, and he could hear a heated argument between said woman and her father. What’s that old proverb? “If you eavesdrop on people who are talking about you, chances are that you will hear them say unfavorable things about you.” That was only the tip of the iceberg. Fitzwilliam Darcy discovered exactly what the lady thought of being forced to marry due to a compromise that was not even her fault. She then waxed eloquently on her opinion of him in particular regardless of his situation, connections, wealth, property, and it was not favorable one bit. She hated him. That put the kybosh on his anger. He had to laugh. Oops! He was no longer hidden and was invited into the study to settle the issue. This was so cool. I love it when they can rationally speak about the issues at hand.

I needed this calm gentle story for a change of pace. I enjoyed the banter. I appreciated the author taking the time to explain things to Elizabeth and allow her to come to the correct conclusion. It was fun watching their love blossom right on the page.

Mrs. Bennet: the OOC behavior secret for her was shocking and I was stunned. OMG! It was a reveal you don’t usually see and I still don’t know how I feel about it. But there you have it. The story took a decided turn from this point on in the relationship between Mrs. Bennet and her girls. Strange as it was, I still enjoyed the story.

Lady Catherine: shades of the 1940s movie. If you haven’t seen it, no worries. She was adorable. Wait… what did I just say? Yes, she was magnificent. She stormed Longbourn and laid into Elizabeth to test her mettle. The clash of the titans was amazing. I loved it. Poor Anne, I wanted to cry. Can’t say… just grab a tissue. Keep them handy, you’ll need them.

Everyone that was worthy received a happy ever after. I mean everyone. You will have to wait for some of the characters to grow up but that was fun watching the author create happiness for everyone. There were several unusual pairings. A few hints were scattered throughout the story that foreshadowed them and I missed several. Goodness, who knew?

Villains:
Collins: OMG! What a cretin. His visit to Hertfordshire did not turn out as planned. That man was horrid. His opinions on marriage were so outrageous that Bennet and even the mild-mannered Sir William Lucas were horrified. Collins was on a fast coach back to Kent without that for which he came. HA!

Wickham was a degenerate pig, SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard]. As they were discussing his list of crimes, I actually shuddered. OMG!

Caroline continually bit the hand that fed her and seemingly didn’t receive a comeuppance. Poor Charles had tried everything. But then one bright and sunny day… she ran headlong into someone who could make a difference in her life as she knew it. Oh, my gosh. That was a scene worthy of rereading several times just to watch it play out. Way to go, Caro. Clothes do not make the person and it’s too bad you didn’t recognize the person due to the clothes. What a hoot. Enjoy your new life, you crazy b-witch.

I know this story is not for everyone but for those who just need a break and something to make you smile, I highly recommend this for a fun read. It’s crazy, OOC, and completely ridiculous but oh, so much fun.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,336 reviews80 followers
August 26, 2020
Serendipitous Indeed
A very pleasant happy story, but this was a bit over the top for me. An absolute zero angst storyline, everything happens a bit too perfectly after Lydia pushes Darcy into Elizabeth while dancing at the Netherfield ball. There was some dialogue that was just too unbelievable for me, especially during the discussion where she is trying to convince her father not to make her marry Darcy. Elizabeth would never have spoken to Mr. Bennet with those words. Simplistic writing style. I still found it enjoyable.
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
June 24, 2020
Nearly angst free

Darcy and Lizzy are accidentally compromised and must marry. The book is a little about them coming together but really, the issue was never in doubt. Quite a few interesting changes in characters. I think the different Mrs. Bennet was wasted on light, short story I think she could having been better as a major character in a more angst heavy duty story.

Not a bad short read.
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews125 followers
June 26, 2020
Quick and easy to read. Nicely written and proofread.
Not nearly as much angst as I like. All the traditional "good-bad-crazy" characters are redeemed one way of the other. Predictable.
3,468 reviews42 followers
December 20, 2022
In this P &P variation Darcy and Elizabeth end up in a compromising situation, he thinks it was intentional until he overhears her making some disgusted remarks about him. Then he suddenly wants to change her mind. Which is pretty easy as it turns out. Then we have some other hijinks. Quite entertaining, not very emotional. This author does wonderful, clever plots with amusing twists but I'm not getting the feels usually.

Mrs. Bennet's transformation is pretty spectacular although not entirely logical.

Regarding editing, there are no capital letters in the beginning of lines of dialogue when the dialogue tags precede them, and it strikes me as wrong so often that it gets distracting.

Steam level: Not very graphic but wedding nights are being spent and in a twist that I wasn't a great fan of, somebody we know beds a person out of common charity and not much later marries someone else, reportedly for love.
1,202 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2020
Entertaining

I'll give credit to the author for an interesting premise. At the Netherfield ball, Lydia accidentally bumps Darcy while he's dancing with Elizabeth, and he ends up on the floor on top of her. They are forced into a betrothal. Darcy is upset, and believes it was no accident, until he overhears Elizabeth complaining to her father that she doesn't like Darcy, and doesn't want to marry him. This changes Darcy's perspective, and he suddenly feels compelled to gain Elizabeth's good opinion.

If you enjoy JAFF books in which all the characters magically start falling into line, then this is your book. Perhaps the most glaring example of this is Mrs Bennett. In this version, after Mr Bennett has a frank discussion with Darcy about the vulgar and loud behavior of his wife and younger daughters, Mrs Bennett reveals to her husband that her flighty and nervous behavior is all an act, she is actually quite intelligent and composed, but thought the vulgar behavior was pleasing to her husband. Huh?!! Seriously?!!

Mrs Bennett is not the only one. Lydia and Kitty suddenly become ladylike, though that's never explained. All of Darcy's relations instantly embrace Elizabeth as a wonderful match for him. Bingley defies his sister, Caroline, and gives her a rather humiliating setdown. Mr Collins is run out of town, and Lady Catherine becomes Elizabeth's defender. Wickham is foiled in every attempt to lie and cheat in Meryton. Every obstacle from the original P&P is easily and smoothly swept away, just like magic!

I can't say that I'm a particular fan of these simplistic and utterly angst free variations. However, it is a pleasant way to pass a few hours. The book is well written, except for the large number of expressions that would not have been used in the Regency time period. Also, there was a bit of an "icky factor" late in the story when the engaged women are getting advice about their first nights as married ladies. There were some things mentioned that seemed highly unlikely, and totally unnecessary. I recommend the book with reservations.
Profile Image for Gail Frisby.
471 reviews13 followers
September 1, 2023
Good book

I liked
d the story and all the changes that everyone went through to become better people!! I loved lady matlock and Anne Debourgh was a great surprise!!!
659 reviews
July 11, 2020
Communication is a wonderful thing

This is more of a 'what if...' story. What if Darcy and Elizabeth actually sat down and talked things out early on. What if someone finally mentioned to Mrs. Bennet that her behavior is a joke. There are other 'what if' in the story which makes it an angst free book.
After reading tons of PnP variations, I sometimes need a break from the misunderstandings, angst and forced plots. Although everything is wrapped up in a little bow, I'm glad to read that someone wrote what I wish these characters would have done in the beginning (I'm not referring to Austen's actual work.) This can be my go to book when I get worn out with judgmental and immature Elizabeth and characters that wallow in negative thoughts or crazed, over the top villians.
Thank you.
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2025
Love, love, love Sydney Salier’s characters who actually talk to each other plainly! There are very few misunderstandings because of direct communication. The characters may not always like what they hear, but are rarely left in any doubt. Rarely I say, because in this book a failure to communicate by Mr Bennet keeps him in an incompatible marriage for much longer than necessary. It appears that Mrs Bennet assumed Mr Bennet was enamored with her “lively “ behavior.

Darcy is pushed on top of Elizabeth at the Netherfield ball and does the gentlemanly thing by offering for her. He is angry believing it was a deliberate compromise (because Lydia Bennet was the pusher) but going to Longbourn to make his offer official. He happens to be outside Mr Bennet’s library window and hears Elizabeth arguing with and begging her father not to make her marry the man she passionately hates.

As soon as he knows what her feelings are he realizes that he desperately wants to marry her. But is there anything he can do to change her opinion of him? He is very willing to change whatever he needs to if she will accept him. Elizabeth’s father insists she marry and she finds herself reluctantly engaged to the “last man in the world she could ever be prevailed upon to marry.”

When the Bingleys hear Darcy abuse the Bennets as fortune hunters right after the ball, Bingley hightails it back to London (at Caroline’s…suggestion). Now Darcy has to explain why Bingley should return. Bingley wisely leaves his sisters behind but Caroline isn’t one to give up that easily.

How can Darcy convince Elizabeth that he’s the man for her? What will his highborn relatives think of his bride to be? Can Bingley win Jane’s regard after deserting her after the ball? Can Elizabeth ever be happy after being forced to marry? What other interesting accomplishments has Mrs Bennet been hiding? Hmmm…
8 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
Misses its mark

While the idea for this story caught my attention, the actual rendition missed its mark.
The plot begins with Darcy grumbling about his duty to marry Elizabeth after a compromising mishap at the Netherfield ball. He over hears Elizabeth explaining to her father( in a most uncharacteristically disrespectful tirade) why she dislikes Mr Darcy and will not marry him.
Darcy is shocked that she doesn't want to marry him ( but not shocked that Elizabeth berates her father so harshly???)
All the usual characters are one dimensional without much character development.
Jane is a pitiful introvert with no self esteem.
Mrs. Bennett is transformed from a gossiping airhead to a savvy investor and well read modern woman.
Lydia and Kitty are referred to as"sluts" by 2 soldiers on the streets of Meryton.
Mrs Gardiner is a wealth of marital knowledge and a sex therapist.
Mr. Collins is a dark perverted disciplinarian.
Elizabeth is just bland.
It only takes a sentence or two to convince Darcy's nobel relatives that Elizabeth is a flawless goddess among all the wretched ladies of the ton.
I read this story through to the end but it only got worse.
I think authors who attempt P & P variation s should reread the original before attempting to produce a variation.
Skip this one!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
26 reviews
July 25, 2020
Disappointing.... Warning - slight spoiler-

This was an okay variation. It was a fast read ,I'll give it that. This was quite juvenile, it would be perfect for a Young adult or someone who had read the original and just wanted a slap dash Variation. There was very little character development, very little depth, next to no angst,Which I didn't really miss, to be honest. There was a lot of phrasing which did not flow with the time period, it just read like a teenage girls diary.And really Caroline had to die birthing her 4th set of twins?That seems a bit excessive, even for Caroline Bingley. I probably won't be seeking out this author if this is the best they have to offer. There are plenty of other variations that offer much more in depth character development, better writing and a more original story line.
470 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2020
Too good to be true

The surprises that lead our favorite characters to their fairy tale endings will most probably make this variation an instant favorite for many JAFF enthusiasts and die-hard fans. The heroes and heroines live their happily ever afters while the villains get their just desserts. The delightful element about this variation is the changes in characterization of many supporting casts which somewhat changes and explains many differences in circumstances the characters find themselves in. What puts this reader off is that because of the character changes that conveniently serves towards the advantage and benefit of our beloved characters, angst is almost non-existent, which makes this variation almost boring. Nevertheless, one cannot possibly turn down a lovely fairy tale even when it’s too good to be true.
343 reviews
July 31, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I very much liked this clean, sweet variation. For an afternoon when you are a JAFF aficionado who wants a feel good story, this is the book for you. There are several angst-filled topics and scenarios mentioned, but they are gently treated indirectly with innuendo and a smile. The only exception is Collins who receives his “outing” multiple times to guarantee he learns his lesson. Lady C. and Mrs. B. were just enough different from canon to contribute to the plot.

Aside from some minor instances of incorrect subject-verb disagreement and similar editing errors, my only complaint is that the story is too short. The length is appropriate for a quick afternoon time-off from one’s stressful daily routine. Highly recommended.
280 reviews
September 10, 2022
It was truly an accident but one with consequences that would later be thought of as serendipity.

Mr.Darcy feels compelled to offer for Miss Elizabeth Bennet after being pushed and falling on her during the ball at Netherfield. Was it a planned compromise? Perhaps, perhaps not. Mr.Darcy is determined to find out and if necessary end this engagement. Overhearing an argument that answers the question and reveals his intended's dislike for him allows for him to address her reservations as well as his own. This story shows a different side to many of our favorite characters. It also reveals what happens when certain ones have been pushed too far. It's quite refreshing. Enjoy!
1,391 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2021
Clean, funny, interesting, thrilling

What an interesting and thrilling story. Within this story Darcy has an sealing moment thanks to Elizabeth. Through communication Darcy and Elizabeth workout the issues. Communication also opens up a whole new Bennett family. I really liked this Lady Catherine and Lady Anne., both were awesomely portrayed. The Earl and Lady Matlock made an impressive addition. Caroline and Wickham got what they deserved. Clean and funny, any one can read tjis.
622 reviews
August 13, 2020
Through the Looking Glass

Forget everything you know about some P&P characters, not because they instantly change over night, though they do, but because they were hiding their true selves. Though still unbelievable it seems a more palatable explanation which I want to believe. If you are in the mood for a mostly angst-free story, try this one.
Profile Image for Tammy Buchli.
724 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2020
Extremely average

I sometimes enjoy an Austenation with all the speed bumps smoothed out. That can make for a nice, relaxing read. This one, unfortunately, really didn’t do it for me. Anachronistic language, lots of inaccuracies, very shallow character development, and several bizarrely unnecessary scenes add up to a book that’s no more than average.
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,028 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2020
This was a cute, short read where most of the characters were somewhat likeable, with the exceptions of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Collins. It was a really sweet story, where there was little misunderstanding and no arguments to forgive. It wasn't a boring read, but it wasn't a book to keep me awake reading to the end, either.
Profile Image for Wendy DeWachter.
243 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2022
Different than I expected

When reading the synopsis I assumed this would be the same storyline as the authors book No, Mr. Darcy. I was wrong, it is nothing like it, and this one is more believable.
72 reviews
June 25, 2020
Loved it

I started reading this while it was on another site and fell in love with it. An excellent read and would highly recommend!
Profile Image for Terri Conley.
1,037 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2020
I really like the Ms Sailor writes her stories. This one is exception. A joy to read.
Profile Image for Susan Eanes.
31 reviews4 followers
Read
July 14, 2020
Unexpected

Characters turned upside down made for a fun read. Found myself laughing out loud at the turn of events for some of our beloved P&P characters
228 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2020
Fairly boring

I skipped quite a bit. Much too pat and saccharine for me. At least I didn't pay for this average fan-fiction.
Profile Image for Jo.
15 reviews
August 21, 2020
Delightful and Saucy

Thoroughly enjoyable humor, seriousness and splashes of daydreaming with the characters we know and love - get ready for huge surprises.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,558 reviews14 followers
October 20, 2020
So very lovely

Another wonderfully lovely variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Sydney Salier. Absolutely enjoyed it
789 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2023
Nice low angst

This is a nice, low angst story.
Any angst is solved quite quickly, and simply.
Disagreements solved easily. Love appears early on.
This is a feel good story.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,779 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2024
I liked the turn about of nearly all the characters, each learned a lesson, each went on a self discovery journey and it brought them happiness.
Profile Image for Susan.
227 reviews7 followers
July 26, 2020
Cute variation. 3.5 stars

I enjoyed this although there were several instances where modern terminology was used and thus I was jarred from the story. Still enjoyed it despite those times.

There were a few times where the story moved too quickly or without enough depth and for that along with the modern terms, I rated fewer stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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