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Pride & Property: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
‘Pride and Property’ is a variation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ which tells the story of the Bennet sisters after their lives are thrown into sudden turmoil when they tragically lose both their parents. In particular, it tells the story of what happened next between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy after she rejects his proposal of marriage.
Women in the Regency-era were not given many choices for their futures, and Elizabeth Bennet has a great deal less options open to her when she considers how she and her sisters might survive now that their parents are gone and they are about to be evicted from their beloved home.
But then Mr Darcy makes an unexpected offer which could save them all – though after their heated confrontation at Easter time, Elizabeth is more disgusted by his presumption and arrogance, rather than grateful for his intervention.
Yet, as her uncle makes clear, with her family facing ruin and with no other options left open to her, Elizabeth is not about to be given much choice in the matter. Can she bring herself to accept such an uncertain future… a future which – despite what she feels about the matter – is set to involve the very stern and intimidating Mr Darcy?
“I don’t understand why Mr Darcy concerns himself in our affairs in the first place!” she cried angrily. “What does he want in return?”
“He wants you, Lizzy,” answered Mr Gardiner bluntly. “He has made an offer for your hand.”
“How dare he?” exploded Elizabeth in a sudden outburst of rage – and too angry to remain still, she abruptly jumped to her feet and began to pace around the room. “I already rejected him! He knows this; I made it abundantly clear!”
This story is approximately 92, 000 words long.
Women in the Regency-era were not given many choices for their futures, and Elizabeth Bennet has a great deal less options open to her when she considers how she and her sisters might survive now that their parents are gone and they are about to be evicted from their beloved home.
But then Mr Darcy makes an unexpected offer which could save them all – though after their heated confrontation at Easter time, Elizabeth is more disgusted by his presumption and arrogance, rather than grateful for his intervention.
Yet, as her uncle makes clear, with her family facing ruin and with no other options left open to her, Elizabeth is not about to be given much choice in the matter. Can she bring herself to accept such an uncertain future… a future which – despite what she feels about the matter – is set to involve the very stern and intimidating Mr Darcy?
“I don’t understand why Mr Darcy concerns himself in our affairs in the first place!” she cried angrily. “What does he want in return?”
“He wants you, Lizzy,” answered Mr Gardiner bluntly. “He has made an offer for your hand.”
“How dare he?” exploded Elizabeth in a sudden outburst of rage – and too angry to remain still, she abruptly jumped to her feet and began to pace around the room. “I already rejected him! He knows this; I made it abundantly clear!”
This story is approximately 92, 000 words long.
- GenresRomanceRegencyHistorical
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2020
136 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 3, 2020
This P&P variation starts with a twist that has potential. After Elizabeth has refused Darcy's marriage proposal (which ends with an ungentlemanly kiss) and then received and read his letter the next day, an express arrives with the horrifying news that both of her parents have died in a carriage accident. She rushes back to Longbourn. Mr. Collins, naturally, is determined to take ownership ASAP. The sisters are all to live with the Gardiners despite it being a financial hardship for Mr. Gardiner.
Enter Mr. Darcy. He tracks down Elizabeth's Cheapside relatives and offers to take care of all the Bennets if Elizabeth marries him. When she learns about it, Elizabeth fuses and fumes but really has no choice but to agree.
While I've read this trope in a few other stories, what makes this one different is that Darcy doesn't insist upon an immediate wedding. Instead, he agrees to keep their betrothal secret for now, takes up residence at Netherfield (alone), and starts managing things at Longbourn. He negotiates with Mr. Collins, and they come to terms that allow the girls to remain there until they all marry. He spends as much time with Elizabeth as she allows, allowing her to see his true character.
The premise has merit and offers the couple lots of page time together. The execution, unfortunately, is amateurish. There are lots of out-of-place modern phrases sprinkled about. Events take place over only weeks, but the pace is so labored that it feels like years to the reader. This is because every encounter between Darcy and Elizabeth is related, each one followed by pages upon pages of Elizabeth's reflections, followed by pages upon pages of Darcy's reflection, or visa-versa. I found it tedious to slog through. It's a textbook example of telling rather than showing - the exact opposite of Jane Austen's beautifully restrained writing style.
I also couldn't identify a specific turning point. Perhaps it's when Elizabeth finally admits that she loves Darcy; if so, the book continues far too long after that.
For those who object to the couple having premarital sex or graphic bedroom details, this story features both.
Not a book I can recommend.
Enter Mr. Darcy. He tracks down Elizabeth's Cheapside relatives and offers to take care of all the Bennets if Elizabeth marries him. When she learns about it, Elizabeth fuses and fumes but really has no choice but to agree.
While I've read this trope in a few other stories, what makes this one different is that Darcy doesn't insist upon an immediate wedding. Instead, he agrees to keep their betrothal secret for now, takes up residence at Netherfield (alone), and starts managing things at Longbourn. He negotiates with Mr. Collins, and they come to terms that allow the girls to remain there until they all marry. He spends as much time with Elizabeth as she allows, allowing her to see his true character.
The premise has merit and offers the couple lots of page time together. The execution, unfortunately, is amateurish. There are lots of out-of-place modern phrases sprinkled about. Events take place over only weeks, but the pace is so labored that it feels like years to the reader. This is because every encounter between Darcy and Elizabeth is related, each one followed by pages upon pages of Elizabeth's reflections, followed by pages upon pages of Darcy's reflection, or visa-versa. I found it tedious to slog through. It's a textbook example of telling rather than showing - the exact opposite of Jane Austen's beautifully restrained writing style.
I also couldn't identify a specific turning point. Perhaps it's when Elizabeth finally admits that she loves Darcy; if so, the book continues far too long after that.
For those who object to the couple having premarital sex or graphic bedroom details, this story features both.
Not a book I can recommend.
September 1, 2020
This is a familiar plot variation - Mr Bennet dies soon after Lizzy's visit to Hunsford and Darcy steps in to save the day and is dealing with a bitter, angry Lizzy.
Unfortunately this has been done much better in other variations. A majority of this story takes place in a VERY short amount of time. Yet somehow it still feels plodding and slow.
Darcy & Lizzy anticipate their vows, three times, and get caught by Mrs. Hill.
There is way too much telling in the form of thoughts rather than showing.
What had me so annoyed at the story are what I like to term "Regency Errors" but that doesn't really describe the problems. And the author added some extensive footnotes which seem to demonstrate that she understood the requirements just ignored them.
Then there is Mr. Bindley (spell check isn't proof reading)
Then there is the epilogue. Yes we all know I hate epilogues but this one is especially annoying because it cast itself so far in the future I was waiting for which Darcy and Bingley fought in WW1 and which one worked for NASA.
And one more complaint
Unfortunately this has been done much better in other variations. A majority of this story takes place in a VERY short amount of time. Yet somehow it still feels plodding and slow.
Darcy & Lizzy anticipate their vows, three times, and get caught by Mrs. Hill.
There is way too much telling in the form of thoughts rather than showing.
What had me so annoyed at the story are what I like to term "Regency Errors" but that doesn't really describe the problems. And the author added some extensive footnotes which seem to demonstrate that she understood the requirements just ignored them.
Then there is Mr. Bindley (spell check isn't proof reading)
Then there is the epilogue. Yes we all know I hate epilogues but this one is especially annoying because it cast itself so far in the future I was waiting for which Darcy and Bingley fought in WW1 and which one worked for NASA.
And one more complaint
September 11, 2020
Should have less thinking and more doing.
September 14, 2020
Upon the death of Mr and Mrs Bennet, their daughters must come to terms with their forced exit from Longbourn as forced by their cousin, Mr Collins. Although Elizabeth refused him at Hunsford, Darcy learns of their situation and offers to marry Elizabeth through her new guardian, Mr Gardinier.
Of course, she is VERY unhappy about being forced into marriage. Darcy takes over management of Longbourn to assess the situation and to hopefully soften Elizabeth's opinion of him. Slowly she learns to trust and love to their happily ever after.
Of course, she is VERY unhappy about being forced into marriage. Darcy takes over management of Longbourn to assess the situation and to hopefully soften Elizabeth's opinion of him. Slowly she learns to trust and love to their happily ever after.
August 17, 2020
Reviewed at 47%.
I struggle with this Darcy, who forced a kiss on a struggling Lizzy and then is more resentful than sorry that she was upset by his actions. His second “proposal” is economically and emotionally coercive, and he even tells her she is stupid not to want to marry him. Later, he is surprised that she felt backed into a corner. Some good qualities emerge as story goes on, but it’s hard to get past his manipulative, controlling, and self-serving actions. He actively hides Jane’s feelings and the Bennets circumstances from Bingley, preventing him from taking any action, then pretends he is selfless and only offering his hand in marriage because the Bennets have no other choices. He congratulates himself on his “noble intentions”. He never apologies for criticising the Bennets and the author even proves him right by making Longbourn almost bankrupt. Even the small amount of contrition he shows is undermined by him clearly wanting E to just get over herself already and love him. He doesn’t have a true Hunsford moment.
Everyone sees E as the problem (she is portrayed in a very annoying way) but totally ignore the red flags with D.
I also find the whole Longbourn storyline confusing. Surely Mr C owns it now, end of. Even if the Bennets had the money to rent it, how could they run an estate or even live by themselves as single ladies, with only one even officially an adult (21)? Also no one seems to understand how entails work.
I struggle with this Darcy, who forced a kiss on a struggling Lizzy and then is more resentful than sorry that she was upset by his actions. His second “proposal” is economically and emotionally coercive, and he even tells her she is stupid not to want to marry him. Later, he is surprised that she felt backed into a corner. Some good qualities emerge as story goes on, but it’s hard to get past his manipulative, controlling, and self-serving actions. He actively hides Jane’s feelings and the Bennets circumstances from Bingley, preventing him from taking any action, then pretends he is selfless and only offering his hand in marriage because the Bennets have no other choices. He congratulates himself on his “noble intentions”. He never apologies for criticising the Bennets and the author even proves him right by making Longbourn almost bankrupt. Even the small amount of contrition he shows is undermined by him clearly wanting E to just get over herself already and love him. He doesn’t have a true Hunsford moment.
Everyone sees E as the problem (she is portrayed in a very annoying way) but totally ignore the red flags with D.
I also find the whole Longbourn storyline confusing. Surely Mr C owns it now, end of. Even if the Bennets had the money to rent it, how could they run an estate or even live by themselves as single ladies, with only one even officially an adult (21)? Also no one seems to understand how entails work.
July 30, 2020
Good Premise
After learning the Bennet parents are killed in a carriage accident, Darcy approaches Mr. Gardiner to offer support for the Bennet sisters in return for Elizabeth’s hand in Marriage. She’s quite strongly opposed by this proposal at first, but her uncle doesn’t give her a choice. This was a good story, and I especially liked how it completely surrounded Darcy and Elizabeth without all the usual secondary characters and dramas taking it over. There is no Caroline or Wickham to deal with at all. Mr. Collins is quickly dealt with and Lady Catherine is only mentioned. The story focuses on Darcy gaining Elizabeth’s trust and affection, while assisting the sisters in improving and running Longbourn.
Pretty well written, but there are grammatical and proofreading issues for me. It’s a little narrative heavy at the beginning. I like more dialogue. Pet peeves for Regency era variations are the use of contractions and dangling prepositions. I don’t mind mature content at all if it fits well into a story, but I didn’t like what happened in the barn. I thought it ruined and cheapened what, up until that point, could have been a very good, instead of just a good story. I would like to see more work by this author with improvements.
After learning the Bennet parents are killed in a carriage accident, Darcy approaches Mr. Gardiner to offer support for the Bennet sisters in return for Elizabeth’s hand in Marriage. She’s quite strongly opposed by this proposal at first, but her uncle doesn’t give her a choice. This was a good story, and I especially liked how it completely surrounded Darcy and Elizabeth without all the usual secondary characters and dramas taking it over. There is no Caroline or Wickham to deal with at all. Mr. Collins is quickly dealt with and Lady Catherine is only mentioned. The story focuses on Darcy gaining Elizabeth’s trust and affection, while assisting the sisters in improving and running Longbourn.
Pretty well written, but there are grammatical and proofreading issues for me. It’s a little narrative heavy at the beginning. I like more dialogue. Pet peeves for Regency era variations are the use of contractions and dangling prepositions. I don’t mind mature content at all if it fits well into a story, but I didn’t like what happened in the barn. I thought it ruined and cheapened what, up until that point, could have been a very good, instead of just a good story. I would like to see more work by this author with improvements.
April 2, 2023
The Bennet parents perished in a carriage accident and the bereaved sisters are going to be homeless. But Mr. Darcy steps in, negotiates with Mr. Gardiner and Collins and renews his proposal with more success. Elizabeth is angry at him and her uncle at first but I loved the way Darcy was able to build Elizabeth's trust and affection by showing up consistently. The consummation was rather unromantic. They help birth a foal and the amateur veterinarian Darcy has had his arms up a mare's bloody vag and while we may be thankful he washed his hands afterwards I can't believe he isn't still a bit gritty when poor Lizzy gets painfully deflowered in a haystack. Not my idea of a good time but YMMV.
July 29, 2020
Bennet parents die
The proposal is follow by the Bennet parents death in a carriage accident. So what happens to the sisters? Things are grim. Darcy hears about it some weeks after the accident and wants to help. But how.
An angst filled story follows. Not a bad read. Interesting to read about the lack of a safety net in Regency England and what might have been like.
The proposal is follow by the Bennet parents death in a carriage accident. So what happens to the sisters? Things are grim. Darcy hears about it some weeks after the accident and wants to help. But how.
An angst filled story follows. Not a bad read. Interesting to read about the lack of a safety net in Regency England and what might have been like.
March 26, 2021
Author suffers from conjunctive-itis: A compulsion to overuse conjunctive adverbs to begin an absurd amount of sentences. i.e.
Just oof! Indeed, they are superfluous and ought to have been edited out! Consequently, I found it unreadable. This tick bleeds into all of the characters inner monologue and individual dialogue ruining the illusion of separate individuals with separate minds when you hear the resounding singular style.
16 indeeds in first 20 pages, and thanks to Kindle I noted 154 instances of indeed in 247 pages. That's just for her favorite one of the bunch. Indeed, I did not investigate the other terms prevalence, but I infer from what I managed to sample, that their occurrence is also substantial. Once I ascertained what was in store I bowed out.
It required a deliberate concentration and effort to read around it, the adjustment demanded for poor lexicon was not one I found myself capable of- I did try; It just jerked me out of the story constantly as I kept getting distracted by the pesky encumbrance, like wearing color contacts for the first time.
I think the other readers who were able to overlook the quirk and read past the first chapter are of stronger stuff than I- truly. I could not stomach it, perchance I am a touch OCD or- even more likely- simply touched. There may be a good story here, but unfortunately I will never know.
“However,”
“Certainly, ”
“In Truth, ”
“Nonetheless,”
“In Consequence,”
“In fact,”
“Even so,”
Just oof! Indeed, they are superfluous and ought to have been edited out! Consequently, I found it unreadable. This tick bleeds into all of the characters inner monologue and individual dialogue ruining the illusion of separate individuals with separate minds when you hear the resounding singular style.
16 indeeds in first 20 pages, and thanks to Kindle I noted 154 instances of indeed in 247 pages. That's just for her favorite one of the bunch. Indeed, I did not investigate the other terms prevalence, but I infer from what I managed to sample, that their occurrence is also substantial. Once I ascertained what was in store I bowed out.
It required a deliberate concentration and effort to read around it, the adjustment demanded for poor lexicon was not one I found myself capable of- I did try; It just jerked me out of the story constantly as I kept getting distracted by the pesky encumbrance, like wearing color contacts for the first time.
I think the other readers who were able to overlook the quirk and read past the first chapter are of stronger stuff than I- truly. I could not stomach it, perchance I am a touch OCD or- even more likely- simply touched. There may be a good story here, but unfortunately I will never know.
August 26, 2020
Okay, I do realize that I am reading a slightly above average amount of Pride and Prejudice retellings but hear me out. Firstly, I finally read, well listened to, Pride and Prejudice, and of course, loved it despite being unable to fully get into the physical prose. Secondly, I enjoy cocooning myself with predictable romance in between my usual murder and intrigue. Thirdly, there is currently a worldwide pandemic going on are you really going to criticize my reading choices? This retelling was delightfully enjoyable and I quickly devoured it. If you're looking for a captivating retelling this is the one for you.
September 22, 2020
Sort of a ...
... forced marriage scenario. I hated Darcy for a long time, and in the end felt that the thing he did to make me hate him was so out of character- as to make it obvious that it was just a device the author used. I really don’t think it was necessary, but the author made their choices. I might have considered a four-star rating if Darcy had a consistent character, but three stars because it kept me engaged and I didn’t have to slog through it.
I did appreciate the author bringing the topic of women being property forward. I think this wasn't the most successful part of the book, however. This can be demonstrated by nuance in a scene, and woven throughout the book. Instead of being woven throughout, or an undercurrent - we are occasionally slapped in the face with "it's really horrible that I'm legally powerless in this relationship, Mr. Darcy."
... forced marriage scenario. I hated Darcy for a long time, and in the end felt that the thing he did to make me hate him was so out of character- as to make it obvious that it was just a device the author used. I really don’t think it was necessary, but the author made their choices. I might have considered a four-star rating if Darcy had a consistent character, but three stars because it kept me engaged and I didn’t have to slog through it.
I did appreciate the author bringing the topic of women being property forward. I think this wasn't the most successful part of the book, however. This can be demonstrated by nuance in a scene, and woven throughout the book. Instead of being woven throughout, or an undercurrent - we are occasionally slapped in the face with "it's really horrible that I'm legally powerless in this relationship, Mr. Darcy."
October 24, 2020
Losing Longbourn?
Immediately following the disastrous proposal, Elizabeth received word that both of her parents had perished in a carriage accident. For some weeks, the Bennet sisters were kept busy packing their belongings as Mr. Collins wanted them out of Longbourn as soon as possible.
When Darcy heard the news, he approached Mr. Gardiner to ask for Elizabeth's hand. Elizabeth was horrified that she was expected to agree to marry Darcy, but Mr. Gardiner was firm in insisting that the marriage would be in her best interests as he could not support his own four children plus the five sisters.
This is a very good story with an interesting plot and our favorite characters. Out of the ashes of their grief, the Bennet sisters work together to build their future. I think any JAFF follower will enjoy it.
24
Immediately following the disastrous proposal, Elizabeth received word that both of her parents had perished in a carriage accident. For some weeks, the Bennet sisters were kept busy packing their belongings as Mr. Collins wanted them out of Longbourn as soon as possible.
When Darcy heard the news, he approached Mr. Gardiner to ask for Elizabeth's hand. Elizabeth was horrified that she was expected to agree to marry Darcy, but Mr. Gardiner was firm in insisting that the marriage would be in her best interests as he could not support his own four children plus the five sisters.
This is a very good story with an interesting plot and our favorite characters. Out of the ashes of their grief, the Bennet sisters work together to build their future. I think any JAFF follower will enjoy it.
24
August 28, 2021
2.75 rounded up.
October 18, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this book. Good story. I felt the emotions in this book. There are a few things that are a bit "different" from most P&J variations ... But that's why every book is different ha ha.
There was not much dialogue. It was mostly D&E thoughts. A lot of explaining but somehow It did not feel repetitive. Rather I saw a very through analysis of the relationship between ODC. I missed Mr. and Mrs Bennett, the Colonel and i even missed Caroline and Wickman.The sisters were there but not really there due to the lack of dialogue. But because of that they were less silly.
The fact that D&E didn't wait until marriage to do the hanky panky was also very different. This is typically unlike ODC's principles but of you approach is from a passionate perspective, it's likely.
Is recommend
I enjoyed this book. Good story. I felt the emotions in this book. There are a few things that are a bit "different" from most P&J variations ... But that's why every book is different ha ha.
There was not much dialogue. It was mostly D&E thoughts. A lot of explaining but somehow It did not feel repetitive. Rather I saw a very through analysis of the relationship between ODC. I missed Mr. and Mrs Bennett, the Colonel and i even missed Caroline and Wickman.The sisters were there but not really there due to the lack of dialogue. But because of that they were less silly.
The fact that D&E didn't wait until marriage to do the hanky panky was also very different. This is typically unlike ODC's principles but of you approach is from a passionate perspective, it's likely.
Is recommend
February 19, 2021
As someone who is a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen and all things Regency, I was both very tempted and also very nervous to read a Pride and Prejudice variation, worried that it would ruin the original story for me.
However, I am very glad I did decide to read this story, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was different from the original novel, but I still felt as though the characters were similar in behaviour and characteristics, but not identical (I say this as a positive).
Overall, it did not take away from the original classic and read as if it were its own story, which I was glad for.
I am, of course, still partial to the original Pride and Prejudice, but I definitely recommend this book for anybody who loves P&P and wants more!
However, I am very glad I did decide to read this story, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was different from the original novel, but I still felt as though the characters were similar in behaviour and characteristics, but not identical (I say this as a positive).
Overall, it did not take away from the original classic and read as if it were its own story, which I was glad for.
I am, of course, still partial to the original Pride and Prejudice, but I definitely recommend this book for anybody who loves P&P and wants more!
August 14, 2020
Better than expected
My initial reaction to this story was frustration with Elizabeth Bennet and her anger. She gets so invested in her indignation that there's nothing that Darcy can say or do that she doesn't take offense to. Her family situation is dire..the girls are essentially destitute and Mr Gardiner doesn't have the financial resources or even living space for 5 more people. Her only saving grace is accepting Darcy. Fortunately good sense ruled and her attitude begins to adjust. I'm so tired of the angry Elizabeth in stories. This story was better because it focuses on their thoughts and feelings rather than daily events.
My initial reaction to this story was frustration with Elizabeth Bennet and her anger. She gets so invested in her indignation that there's nothing that Darcy can say or do that she doesn't take offense to. Her family situation is dire..the girls are essentially destitute and Mr Gardiner doesn't have the financial resources or even living space for 5 more people. Her only saving grace is accepting Darcy. Fortunately good sense ruled and her attitude begins to adjust. I'm so tired of the angry Elizabeth in stories. This story was better because it focuses on their thoughts and feelings rather than daily events.
September 8, 2020
Footnotes: more please
I like the footnotes but they leave me wanting more. Where are the references for that info? What is the difference between a sitting room (p.229, Elizabeth leaves upstairs bedroom, goes downstairs to a sitting room) and a drawing room? P.6: was it really called a "stagecoach" in England? That sounds like the US. Usually see it only referred to as "the stage". I did not understand how Darcy could be saving Longbourn for the Bennet sisters if it still belonged to Mr Collins. Nothing was mentioned of "until they are married". And I don't care for vow anticipation in my Regency romances, though I do find it believable.
I like the footnotes but they leave me wanting more. Where are the references for that info? What is the difference between a sitting room (p.229, Elizabeth leaves upstairs bedroom, goes downstairs to a sitting room) and a drawing room? P.6: was it really called a "stagecoach" in England? That sounds like the US. Usually see it only referred to as "the stage". I did not understand how Darcy could be saving Longbourn for the Bennet sisters if it still belonged to Mr Collins. Nothing was mentioned of "until they are married". And I don't care for vow anticipation in my Regency romances, though I do find it believable.
October 25, 2020
At one point of this story Elizabeth was at least slightly likable, but by the end she was completely insipid and horny?? and don't get me wrong I am not against smutty historicals, this just didn't seem like the time or place. Also Darcy wasn't great, and Mr. Gardiner worse still--In short, most of the characters were not good, and the ending was really not good. I agree w the other reviewers who say there was a lot of tell, not show--sometimes, even, the author would show, and then turn around and tell the exact same thing the next chapter! Ugh.
On the other hand, it wasn't horrible, so 3 stars
On the other hand, it wasn't horrible, so 3 stars
September 27, 2020
Eh, just OK. The storyline is enjoyable, but the author lacks the skill of other Pride and Prejudice variation authors like Abigail Reynolds at realistically capturing the voice and mannerisms of the Regency era. She uses anachronistic phrases like "hot and bothered" and the characters do a lot of "yelling" and "grinning," which is so counter to the prevailing beliefs of that era that genteel people modulate their emotions and expressions. The author also occasionally uses bad grammar, which drove me crazy.
February 12, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I found that I liked this book much better than Love & Betrayal, which I had read first. The storyline centers on the evolving relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth with the other characters having less prominent roles. While Mr. Gardiner’s viewpoint represents that of the time, I didn’t particularly like his character compared to that from the original P&P and some other JAFF books.
Recommended as an interesting what-if with both parents perishing in the same incident.
I found that I liked this book much better than Love & Betrayal, which I had read first. The storyline centers on the evolving relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth with the other characters having less prominent roles. While Mr. Gardiner’s viewpoint represents that of the time, I didn’t particularly like his character compared to that from the original P&P and some other JAFF books.
Recommended as an interesting what-if with both parents perishing in the same incident.
June 28, 2021
Would have been much better if Darcy and Elizabeth had remained chaste
I loved how the book started and was fully engrossed until about 3/4 of the way though when Darcy and Elizabeth break the law of chastity and act completely unrepentant! I was disgusted that such a well written book was ruined because Darcy and Elizabeth no longer were the strong characters they were portrayed to be and show ZERO moral constraint and then act like this weakness was not anything to be ashamed of and repeat their fornication twice more!!! Despicable!
I loved how the book started and was fully engrossed until about 3/4 of the way though when Darcy and Elizabeth break the law of chastity and act completely unrepentant! I was disgusted that such a well written book was ruined because Darcy and Elizabeth no longer were the strong characters they were portrayed to be and show ZERO moral constraint and then act like this weakness was not anything to be ashamed of and repeat their fornication twice more!!! Despicable!
October 12, 2020
As other comments have said, once they fall in love, Elizabeth and Darcy "anticipate" their marriage. And they decide that, as long as they get married soon, they can do it again. And again. Doesn't sit well with me. Plus, we get details of the sex.
To top it off, I don't like Uncle Gardiner in this one.
I did enjoy Elizabeth teaching Darcy about the estate. And Darcy putting Collins in his place is quite enjoyable.
To top it off, I don't like Uncle Gardiner in this one.
I did enjoy Elizabeth teaching Darcy about the estate. And Darcy putting Collins in his place is quite enjoyable.
December 8, 2020
Emontionally Charged
It was emotionally charged from beginning to end when tragedy strikes the Bennett’s and Lizzie is forced sacrifice herself and her future to save her family.
My biggest and really only was the repeated use of the word “wryly”, after a while I wanted to go back count how many times it was used in the book. It took away the focus of the actual story, which was really quite good! Would have been a four star rating, otherwise.
It was emotionally charged from beginning to end when tragedy strikes the Bennett’s and Lizzie is forced sacrifice herself and her future to save her family.
My biggest and really only was the repeated use of the word “wryly”, after a while I wanted to go back count how many times it was used in the book. It took away the focus of the actual story, which was really quite good! Would have been a four star rating, otherwise.
August 24, 2021
Much of the storyline doesn't make sense. Mr. And Mrs. Bennet are dead, and Mr. Gardiner leaves his nieces alone at Longbourn for 3 months to pack up their belongings, and leaves no chaperone for Lizzy and Darcy's courtship. Longbourn is near bankruptcy, yet Darcy works out a plan to save the Bennets home, which they rent from Mr. Collins. If the purpose had been to safeguard the servants and tenants, it would have made more sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
It was OK
I Spent the 1st 50 pages or so really disliking Elizabeth.Wasn't a real big fan of Darcy either.Though it did work itself out, obviously, it would be a very bad variation if it didn't. I will probably think twice before reading another book by this author,It just was kind of blah for me. It was written well! Very few typos and it did flow.
I Spent the 1st 50 pages or so really disliking Elizabeth.Wasn't a real big fan of Darcy either.Though it did work itself out, obviously, it would be a very bad variation if it didn't. I will probably think twice before reading another book by this author,It just was kind of blah for me. It was written well! Very few typos and it did flow.
August 25, 2020
Love Hate Relationship
I absolutely hated the beginning of this book. 100% because of the writing. She nailed the plight of women during Elizabethan England. Women had no power, and I felt so frustrated for Elizabeth. Of course, it all works out in the end!
The story is well developed and pulls you along as Darcy helps Elizabeth realize who she really loves.
I absolutely hated the beginning of this book. 100% because of the writing. She nailed the plight of women during Elizabethan England. Women had no power, and I felt so frustrated for Elizabeth. Of course, it all works out in the end!
The story is well developed and pulls you along as Darcy helps Elizabeth realize who she really loves.
December 22, 2020
For my taste...
...this variation is a bit dull and repetitive, notwithstanding the (what should I call them?) “intimate interludes”. Even those did little to engage my interest. To me, the long Epilogue reads like superfluous scenes an editor cut out and were then patched back in.
...this variation is a bit dull and repetitive, notwithstanding the (what should I call them?) “intimate interludes”. Even those did little to engage my interest. To me, the long Epilogue reads like superfluous scenes an editor cut out and were then patched back in.
July 2, 2024
So sad
I hated to get halfway through the book before finding out that Darcy and Elizabeth anticipated their vows
I think authors should explain this in their summary because there are some people self included that don’t like to read those books and it’s disappointing to get 3/4 of the way through
I hated to get halfway through the book before finding out that Darcy and Elizabeth anticipated their vows
I think authors should explain this in their summary because there are some people self included that don’t like to read those books and it’s disappointing to get 3/4 of the way through
April 8, 2023
A surprisingly great read.
I have to admit I really enjoyed reading this, it was the book's description that originally drew me to this story, but once I started reading it, I found I could barely put it down. Would definitely recommend.
I have to admit I really enjoyed reading this, it was the book's description that originally drew me to this story, but once I started reading it, I found I could barely put it down. Would definitely recommend.
May 28, 2024
Loved it!
Although in this variation of P&P, Lizzy is a lot more pigheaded and stubborn, due to the news of her parents’ death interrupting her reading of Darcy’s letter. So while I wanted to slap some sense into her, it is understandable and makes for a delightful read.
Although in this variation of P&P, Lizzy is a lot more pigheaded and stubborn, due to the news of her parents’ death interrupting her reading of Darcy’s letter. So while I wanted to slap some sense into her, it is understandable and makes for a delightful read.
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