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Love and Libertine

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Who would have expected danger to be lurking in the sleepy town of Hunsford? Certainly not Elizabeth Bennet. After accepting an invitation to stay at Hunsford Parsonage, Elizabeth expects only a quiet stay in the company of her newly married friend.

As for Fitzwilliam Darcy, he finds himself reminded of the truism that there are few things more irritating than a forceful relation who will not accept refusal. When Lady Catherine adjures him to come to Rosings Park early for his annual visit, he initially intends to reject his aunt's demand. Matters change, however, when Darcy learns that Miss Elizabeth is in Kent, and his aunt reveals that the reason she has asked for his presence is to protect her.

For Sir Lewis de Bourgh, Lady Catherine's husband, is a man of few inhibitions with a taste for young ladies. Soon after she arrives in Kent, Elizabeth becomes the object of interest for the gentleman, a man who is accustomed to getting what he desires. It will take Elizabeth’s considerable fortitude and Mr. Darcy’s influence if Elizabeth is to hope that she might avoid falling prey to an unscrupulous man who lacks morality.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

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About the author

Jann Rowland

94 books195 followers
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.

Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.

When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.

Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.

Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9

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5 stars
92 (31%)
4 stars
109 (36%)
3 stars
73 (24%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
gave-up
October 24, 2020
This book offends me.

A P&P what if that imagines what if Sir Lewis deBourgh were alive and a rapist? Who often forced himself upon unprotected females? While his family tiptoed around it and pretended he was just naughty.

I only got to 15% before the victim blaming, feigned helplessness of the gentry and absurdity just made me too angry to continue.

Does anyone think for a minute that Lady Catherine would let this go on? How about Darcy, the Colonel, the Earl? The other gentry in Rosings proximity?

I don't care what happens to any of these characters.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews145 followers
January 13, 2021
Source: Borrowed KU [1-10-21]: Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes, attempted attack on several occasions, lewd, and licentious behavior not appropriate for younger readers. Angst: medium as our heroin was accosted numerous times with the intent to seduce. Note: As beautiful as it was, I don’t think the cover matched the story. [3.5 stars rounded to 4-stars]

“Look at how a man behaves with the women in his life and you will know if he is a gentleman or a scoundrel!” –Avijeet Das

This review may contain spoilers. It was hard to find a quote that wasn’t MA rated in and of itself. This was a story that was disgusting. Sir Louis de Bourgh was still alive and horrid. He was evil, and his every action made your skin crawl. He was a libertine and a lecherous predator. Poor Lady Catherine. Did I just say that? Bless her heart. She had a lot to deal with. I have to keep reminding myself that Sir Louis was lord of Rosings Park and she was but a woman with no rights and certainly NO say whatsoever regarding what he did. Her marriage was a nightmare.

Elizabeth Bennet’s invitation to visit her friend Charlotte Collins, née Lucas did not turn out as she expected. When Lady Catherine found out that Mrs. Collins’ friend was young and attractive… she immediately sent for her nephews to help protect the young lady from her lecherous husband. When Darcy discovered that Elizabeth was in Kent, he and Colonel Fitzwilliam headed for Rosings the next morning.

Sir Louis de Bourgh took one look at Miss Elizabeth and decided she would be perfect as his next mistress whether she wanted the position or not. The rest of the story was Sir Louis chasing Elizabeth around various parts of the parsonage while Darcy and his cousin Fitzwilliam tried to manage him. This became tedious, didn’t always flow well, with language that didn’t sound Regency nor would have flown during that time period.

Caroline Bingley was a joke that just kept coming back for more in spite of numerous set-downs. Get a clue, you daft dingbat!! She just could not let go of her dreams of marrying Darcy, being mistress of Pemberley, taking the ton in style, and dominating the first circles as a power couple. Yeah, like that’s going to happen.

Toward the end, it felt rushed as though the author needed to touch base with all the characters and loose threads. Suddenly, everything happened off the page and our characters simply discussing it and that was that.

“He had expected to have been received, if not with gratification, at least with pleasure: it had been a piece of condescension on the part of the head of the family to have visited its reprobate, but the reprobate was apparently unaware of this.”
― Georgette Heyer, Black Sheep
Profile Image for James S.
1,455 reviews
October 24, 2020
Lizzy stalked at the parsonage.

The writing was pretty good but some of the decisions during the course of story were insane given the situation. I also noticed characters referring to scenes which hadn’t happened in the story. Plot was original but not tight and all wrapped up.
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,199 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
Elizabeth Bennet is set to visit Charlotte Collins in Hunsford. There is cause for concern, not from the Collins, but from the lecherous behavior of Sir Louis DeBourgh. It is known that young women should not be alone anywhere near Rosings in fear of his behaviors. Luckily, Darcy who is trying to unsuccessfully forget Elizabeth from their time at Netherfield, is called to visit the family early in an attempt to protect the visitor.

Under the pretense of protection, Darcy is able to court Elizabeth informally. Elizabeth is hesitant to leave the uncomfortable situation because she is enjoying their time together. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse and everyone must decide their course of action and where their loyalties are. Our dear couple must get past all the noise to find their happily ever after.

This story line is unique but creepy. In modern times, Sir DeBourgh would have some serious restraining orders against him. Luckily nothing "happens" but not because he didn't try.
766 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2021
Avid Reader

This is one of the most original P&P variations! Sir Lewis DeBourgh is still alive and along with his valet, he is a notorious rake, womanizer, and gambler. Although Lady Catherine is as she ever was, she manages Rosings, and only hires women that do not appeal to Sit Lewis and his valet, Crowley. When Lady Catherine discovers that Charlotte has invited Elizabeth for a lengthy visit and that Elizabeth is just the kind of woman that Sir Lewis desires, even if he must take her against her, Lady Catherine summons Darcy to Rosings. Reluctantly at first, Darcy relents when he discovers that it is his darling Elizabeth who is in danger. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam hie to Rosings and annoy Sir Lewis in his pursuit of Elizabeth. Even Mr. Collins comes to Elizabeth 's rescue!
Profile Image for Susan.
227 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2020
Wow!!!!

I don't often give 5 stars. But the bad was so bad and the good was so good. I loved all the character surprises - toward the end Lady C and Mr.Collins. I enjoyed watching Lizzy's opinions of Darcy as they underwent their change. Very well done!
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,607 reviews16 followers
November 16, 2020
Adventurous

Another wonderfully interesting variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Jann Rowland. Most enjoyable
Profile Image for Christina, but with tea.
356 reviews23 followers
November 16, 2020
The writing itself wasn’t bad, though the pacing was a little slow for my taste. I didn’t like that no one did anything about Sir Lewis until he started stalking Lizzy, a gentleman’s daughter. Seems everyone turned a blind eye when he took advantage of the servants or local girls. I had trouble believing Darcy and his family - especially Aunt Catherine - would have just sat by and done nothing. For years.

Wickham is pretty much background with a resolution mentioned in passing. But then there is a very public set down for Caroline Bingley. That felt gratuitous and out of place. She is talked about in the story, but up to that point isn’t actually present. So the public humiliation didn’t fit.

I did like that Mr. Collins - once he became aware of the danger to Lizzy (a bit late, imo) - was protective of Lizzy and stood up to Sir Lewis for her. He didn’t blame her for anything and expressed a lot of loyalty to her as his cousin and family. I don’t often see that in P&P stories and it was a nice change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,273 reviews34 followers
November 14, 2020
Wonderful

With all of the JAFF out there to be had, it's surprising when a variation is created that is a fresh idea. Mr Rowland is one of my favorite authors of JAFF, and he never disappoints. The story begins when Elizabeth is about to visit her friend Mrs Collins at the Hunsford parsonage. Sir Lewis DeBourgh is still living, and is an immoral lecher, a danger to any attractive young lady who may be in his neighborhood. When Lady Catherine learns that Elizabeth is coming, and that she's pretty, she raises the alarm and enlists Darcy's help to protect her, not knowing that Darcy is strongly attracted to her already. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam come to Rosings Park to protect the ladies.

The interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy start out in the usual way, where Elizabeth really dislikes Darcy and he doesn't realize it at first. However, Darcy is on a mission in this version to protect her, so his attentions are much more insistent, given Elizabeth's habits of wandering the woods and pathways outdoors. Elizabeth knows of the danger lurking in the area, so she accepts his company, and the issues that would have been raised in his disastrous proposal are instead canvassed during the course of their many walks together. The gradual softening of Elizabeth's attitude towards Darcy, and his increasing commitment to her, are much more organic, and without much of the acrimony of the original P&P. The romance is superb.

I like Lady Catherine as a much more sympathetic character, and Anne DeBourgh with a little more spirit and life. The only annoyance was the exaggerated character of Caroline Bingley. Can anyone truly be that offensive and insulting without being banished? She's always an annoying character, but in this she's ridiculous.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Rhonda D..
469 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2021
Title and Author: Love and Libertine by Jann Rowland
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen-esque
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited

Summary: This variation starts when Elizabeth goes to visit Hunsford to stay with Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Sir Lewis de Bourgh is a wealthy man with little to stop him from getting what he wants (generally the prettiest young woman in the vicinity). Lady Catherine asks Darcy and the Colonel to visit Rosings early to help protect Elizabeth and Maria Lucas from Sir Lewis. When Darcy sees Elizabth again and is forced to keep her company for safety, he must decide if he wants to please his family or follow his heart.

Pros:
* This is a unique take on a Darcy Elizabeth story. It makes Lady Catherine and Anne both make more sense.
* Lady Catherine is likable here and eventually decisive too.
* I do like a story that puts Caroline in her place.

Cons:
* This is a darker variation. Elizabeth is in danger on several occasions and I do wonder why she would not have left earlier.
* It feels incredible that a man (even one of power and wealth) can get away with this. Wouldn't an angry father have arranged a riding accident before this?
* We don't see much of the Bennett family in this one. (We do see Jane and the Gardiners at the end).
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,197 reviews160 followers
April 25, 2021
A deviant variation

In this story, the focus is on Elizabeth and Maria visiting Charlotte at the Hunsford parsonage. Unbeknownst to them, they have stepped into a dangerous situation. As soon as Lady Catherine learns of their presence, she sends for Darcy to come to Rosings to protect the young ladies.

Since Darcy left Netherfield, he has been trying to leave his memories of Elizabeth behind as well. When he and Fitzwilliam arrive, he realizes that he has not forgotten a thing. He must stay near Elizabeth to keep her safe from a dangerous womanizing lecher who resides at Rosings, and they become better acquainted.

Despite all precautions, the lecher spots Elizabeth and declares he must have her for his mistress. Elizabeth has been informed of the danger and tries to avoid it, but the danger still finds her and she must find ways to extract herself from the situation.

If you have "triggers," you might want to avoid this book. Happily I am able to enjoy all kinds of stories without coming unglued and wouldn't have wanted to miss this one.

22
Profile Image for Diane.
605 reviews
October 19, 2025
I did not enjoy this book and had a difficult time finishing it. While it ended well, it was not a pleasant read. In spite of the warnings, while she is visiting Rosings, Elizabeth does not protect herself as she should and is accosted more than once by Sir Lewis de Bourgh. She should have left Rosings right away, or at least taken her situation more seriously.

In addition, Miss Bingley continued to harangue Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth even after multiple set-downs, and even after their engagement is already established. WTF. She refers to Elizabeth as unworthy, etc. She should have been banished or otherwise dealt with much sooner; I don't understand why she is tolerated at all. It was ridiculous that she would be allowed to continue to make offensive comments. Ugh. Just not a pleasant story, and not enough justification given for tolerating bad behaviors.

In addition, this author has written enough books that he should have been able to find a proofreader by now who knows the difference between affect vs effect, road vs rode, and discreet vs discrete. Among other things.
353 reviews
November 22, 2020
Very good, but not for everyone

The one star reduction was given mostly because of the dark tones to the story. The story itself is well-written and drew me in with the fascination of a captive audience watching a car crash in slow motion. You know it will happen, but you don’t know exactly when or how and have no way to predict the final outcome.

**Spoiler alert**. Anyone who has a negative emotional reaction to issues such as emotional abuse, stalking, or threats of rape. The story treats the topics mildly compared to details often recounted in news or tv shows. **End spoiler**

I very much enjoyed the portrayal of Darcy, Lizzy, Col. Fitzwilliam, Charlotte, Mr. Collins, Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Lady C, and Anne. Yes, I recommend this as another successful book by Jann Rowland.
72 reviews
November 11, 2020
Another great story

Hopefully no spoilers here... but look away just in case! Jann has done it again. Another beautifully written story for ODC. As I have come to find out about myself and the JAFF I read, I always LOVE a less villainous Lady Catherine. Anytime where Lady Catherine and Elizabeth are on the same side is a good story for me. This also is the first story I've read where Sir Lewis is alive and this storyline was so creative that I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
164 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2021
Long drawn read

If you want a story where you feel sorry for Lady Catherine and actually end up liking her then this is one for you. I think the horrible character of Lewis De Bourgh would have had more creepy effectiveness if he was described as handsome and fit and appealing to the eye, rather than overly large and unappealing. Overall, it was an interesting take and surprising to see Mr. Collins have some backbone, but really felt the story didn't move on...it just dragged.
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,031 reviews12 followers
January 4, 2021
I usually enjoy this author's work very much and this book, "Love and Libertine", was no exception! The book is so well written with a plot that veers from canon by adding Sir Lewis de Bourgh, Lady Catherine's very much alive husband. He is a womanizer, a lecherous and dangerous man who is determine to have Miss Elizabeth Bennet. All the characters at Rosings are just as determined to protect her. Very enjoyable read to start the new year for me.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,246 reviews64 followers
November 12, 2020
Really this is more a 3.5. I liked the book, the writing and the character development.
Except- The premise is a tad ridiculous, and it was beleaguered and kind of preposterous. Men like DeBurgh would stay in town where they could easily feed their habits, not be in the country where they'd be singled out and they ostracized.
Profile Image for Caryl.
2,011 reviews24 followers
March 22, 2025
Rowland has crafted an engaging novel. I was immediately immersed in the drama. I read this novel in one sitting.

Recommend to readers who enjoy Jane Austen Fan Fiction.

DISCLAIMER: I won a copy. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Angela Withrow TheArdentReader.
242 reviews15 followers
October 29, 2020
Excellent story!

I really liked the twists the author created. And I enjoyed Lady Catherine more in this book than almost all others.
Definitely will look into more of this authors books
401 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2021
Wonderful Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy variation

I enjoyed reading Pride and Prejudice very much. I am happy to,have found an author who has made such entertaining variations on the story!
Profile Image for Ree.
1,371 reviews83 followers
November 22, 2020
Not badly written, but I didn’t enjoy this book as well as most from this author.
624 reviews
December 1, 2020
Different

Interesting way to deal with Sir Lewis de Bourgh, who seldom gets any attention at all. The only thing is, it seemed to wrap up a little abruptly, pre-wedding.
Profile Image for Zahadha Kadirbaks.
19 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2021
Lewis De Bourgh has finally a role in this story though a negative one but i enjoyed reading it another lovely story by Jann Rowland
68 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
So now we know why Lady Catherine was the way she was

I chose this rating because it held me from beginning to end. It's characters rose from each page and held me.
Profile Image for ShaniBelle.
144 reviews
December 16, 2023
Excellent

I have over looked this book for a long time. I'm glad I finally decided to read it.
I loved this Darcy! Elizabeth was also well done; as was Lady Catherine, loved this characterization of her. Caroline got an awesome set down.
The editing was good.
I do believe I will be purchasing this one for my personal library.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews