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Betrothed to Mr Darcy
When a rumour forces Elizabeth to get engaged to Mr Darcy she swears to never allow him to pierce her defences. But the betrothal forces her into Mr Darcy's frequent company, and the better she knows and understands him, the more he bewilders and fascinates her.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, dark forces are at work. While Elizabeth slowly loses her heart to the man she once thought would be the last in the world she would ever marry, she is in danger of losing much more, when she discovers long buried family secrets, and understands what it means to be Mrs Darcy.
Warning: This book contains scenes of a sexual nature.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, dark forces are at work. While Elizabeth slowly loses her heart to the man she once thought would be the last in the world she would ever marry, she is in danger of losing much more, when she discovers long buried family secrets, and understands what it means to be Mrs Darcy.
Warning: This book contains scenes of a sexual nature.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2020
152 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Lin Mei Wei
8 books96 followersLin Mei Wei lives in England, in the Midlands (home of Shakespeare, pork pies, and Robin Hood) with her husband, her daughter, and her disreputable dog.
Writing is about escapism for her. She writes when she's feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or sad, so as to relax and to be happy.
Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer are her biggest inspirations. She also loves cosy mysteries, historical novels and anything that features charming characters, witty dialogue, and a well-earned happy ending.
This is what she tries to achieve with her own writing.
Writing is about escapism for her. She writes when she's feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or sad, so as to relax and to be happy.
Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer are her biggest inspirations. She also loves cosy mysteries, historical novels and anything that features charming characters, witty dialogue, and a well-earned happy ending.
This is what she tries to achieve with her own writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 1, 2021
I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
~ Author unknown
This isn’t the best headline quote for this book since the wedding was dictated by a rumor begun by our favorite cad and initially, neither bride nor groom was totally committed. If anyone dreamed of a wedding of elegance, it was the Mother of the Bride.
We learn later that the Groom wished for a wedding that would make Elizabeth his wife.
Before that, we are drawn deep into a story of intrigue and a mystery involving Lady Anne Darcy who had passed from life years before. We meet many members of the extended Darcy and Fitzwilliam families. Our favorite Aunt, Lady Catherine, had a minimal role this time. There were two relatives I enjoyed: Horace and Sylvester. And Lady Emma, of course. I loved those oddballs!
The story kept my interest to the end. I did feel the Epilogue needed a bit more information about Lady Anne and her brother, the Earl, but that is my only criticism. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
True love stories never have endings. ~ Richard Bach
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
~ Author unknown
This isn’t the best headline quote for this book since the wedding was dictated by a rumor begun by our favorite cad and initially, neither bride nor groom was totally committed. If anyone dreamed of a wedding of elegance, it was the Mother of the Bride.
We learn later that the Groom wished for a wedding that would make Elizabeth his wife.
Before that, we are drawn deep into a story of intrigue and a mystery involving Lady Anne Darcy who had passed from life years before. We meet many members of the extended Darcy and Fitzwilliam families. Our favorite Aunt, Lady Catherine, had a minimal role this time. There were two relatives I enjoyed: Horace and Sylvester. And Lady Emma, of course. I loved those oddballs!
The story kept my interest to the end. I did feel the Epilogue needed a bit more information about Lady Anne and her brother, the Earl, but that is my only criticism. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
True love stories never have endings. ~ Richard Bach
January 1, 2021
I really like the books of this author. Her characters are so believable, fresh and interesting. I also always love her D&E.
February 26, 2021
I absolutely adored this story and it was hard to put down even when my eyes were drooping.
In a unique P&P what if that has Lizzy forced to marry Darcy because of a rumor that he fought a duel over her. This bizarre story of course springs from the lips of P&P's agent of chaos Mr. Wickham. Both Lizzy and Darcy are caught off guard by the ground swell of rumor in Meryton and soon Darcy is asking for her hand. Mr. Bennet is at his most sardoni,c desperately trying to tell Darcy that Lizzy does not like him and somehow failing to get his point across. It will take a while for Darcy to really understand this.
So Lizzy is packed off to London with the Gardiners to shop for her trousseau and meet Darcy's family. And it turns out the Fitzwilliams are a bit more Family Corleone than in canon. And there are a lot of them. The Earl is a manipulative SOB who has been using Darcy as a revolving credit card for years as well as making Darcy perform ridiculous tasks.
the Colonel, here called Teddy, is a bit of a rogue while his elder brother the viscount is a pretty much a waste of flesh. There are some new characters that add meat and friendship to the story.
There is also a change to the personality of Lady Anne Darcy that may shock Lady Anne fans.
While Lizzy bounces around London and comes to appreciate her husband to be he is pulled in 20 different directions by demanding family and friends
Some may see this Darcy as officious but honestly I saw him as lovely. Don't we all want someone who will step into the fray and just fix everything?
There is one slightly steamy scene when ODC anticipate their vows but there is nothing explicit and it is rather sweet. Probably PG 13.
I loved it
In a unique P&P what if that has Lizzy forced to marry Darcy because of a rumor that he fought a duel over her. This bizarre story of course springs from the lips of P&P's agent of chaos Mr. Wickham. Both Lizzy and Darcy are caught off guard by the ground swell of rumor in Meryton and soon Darcy is asking for her hand. Mr. Bennet is at his most sardoni,c desperately trying to tell Darcy that Lizzy does not like him and somehow failing to get his point across. It will take a while for Darcy to really understand this.
So Lizzy is packed off to London with the Gardiners to shop for her trousseau and meet Darcy's family. And it turns out the Fitzwilliams are a bit more Family Corleone than in canon. And there are a lot of them. The Earl is a manipulative SOB who has been using Darcy as a revolving credit card for years as well as making Darcy perform ridiculous tasks.
the Colonel, here called Teddy, is a bit of a rogue while his elder brother the viscount is a pretty much a waste of flesh. There are some new characters that add meat and friendship to the story.
There is also a change to the personality of Lady Anne Darcy that may shock Lady Anne fans.
While Lizzy bounces around London and comes to appreciate her husband to be he is pulled in 20 different directions by demanding family and friends
Some may see this Darcy as officious but honestly I saw him as lovely. Don't we all want someone who will step into the fray and just fix everything?
There is one slightly steamy scene when ODC anticipate their vows but there is nothing explicit and it is rather sweet. Probably PG 13.
I loved it
January 29, 2021
This author just gets better and better. Betrothed to Mr Darcy grabbed my attention in the first pages and kept me engrossed through to the final page.
Mr. Darcy runs Wickham off from the Meryton area early, but his adversary, who knows how much Elizabeth Bennet detests him, gets his revenge by planting some salacious gossip about the two. This kicks off a Forced Marriage Scenario.
Expecting Elizabeth to be pleased, Darcy is unpleasantly surprised when Mr. Bennet tells him "she quite positively dislikes you." As he returns to London to handle business and wedding arrangements, Darcy continues to dwell on that statement, unable to comprehend why she would dislike him. It's galling that his marriage could end up like his parents, who were not happily married.
Elizabeth makes her way to London, too, staying with the Gardiners as she shops for her trousseau. She learns a little about Darcy's parents and particularly about his mother, around whom there were conflicting reports of suicide and a young death. A dark carriage seems to be following Elizabeth when she moves through town, but for what purpose? And Darcy's unexpected kindness toward her aunt and uncle prompts her to start thinking differently about him. When she meets his relatives, she overhears a conversation indicating he has a mistress, and she is...irritated. Certainly not jealous!
The plot continues to thicken. The Earl of Crowland, Darcy's uncle (Colonel Fitzwilliam's father), has been a parental figure to him for years, and we also find that Darcy took over the reins as Master of Pemberley when he was nineteen, before his own father died. Lady Emma, another of Darcy's cousins, tells Elizabeth how brilliantly Darcy replenished the family fortunes after they had been drained to a potentially disastrous level. The reader becomes privy to a plan to separate Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana confides a problem to Elizabeth that she doesn't want her brother to know about. Things lead to an absolute jaw-dropper of a revelation and explanation.
The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth crackles, and they do anticipate their vows. Even before she changes her mind about him, Elizabeth's attraction to Darcy is tangible. Ms. Wei's writing is excellent, as are her characterizations. I love how all the various story elements build, working toward a unifying turning point.
I do have to agree with another reviewer who felt that the "scandal" that forces the two to become engaged is rather weak. In addition, I would've liked more closure for one of the storylines at the end.
Despite those caveats, I thought it was a marvelous romance with a hint of mystery. Read it the first week of the year, and it was the first to make my personal "Best of 2021" list. Highly recommend!
Mr. Darcy runs Wickham off from the Meryton area early, but his adversary, who knows how much Elizabeth Bennet detests him, gets his revenge by planting some salacious gossip about the two. This kicks off a Forced Marriage Scenario.
Expecting Elizabeth to be pleased, Darcy is unpleasantly surprised when Mr. Bennet tells him "she quite positively dislikes you." As he returns to London to handle business and wedding arrangements, Darcy continues to dwell on that statement, unable to comprehend why she would dislike him. It's galling that his marriage could end up like his parents, who were not happily married.
Elizabeth makes her way to London, too, staying with the Gardiners as she shops for her trousseau. She learns a little about Darcy's parents and particularly about his mother, around whom there were conflicting reports of suicide and a young death. A dark carriage seems to be following Elizabeth when she moves through town, but for what purpose? And Darcy's unexpected kindness toward her aunt and uncle prompts her to start thinking differently about him. When she meets his relatives, she overhears a conversation indicating he has a mistress, and she is...irritated. Certainly not jealous!
The plot continues to thicken. The Earl of Crowland, Darcy's uncle (Colonel Fitzwilliam's father), has been a parental figure to him for years, and we also find that Darcy took over the reins as Master of Pemberley when he was nineteen, before his own father died. Lady Emma, another of Darcy's cousins, tells Elizabeth how brilliantly Darcy replenished the family fortunes after they had been drained to a potentially disastrous level. The reader becomes privy to a plan to separate Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana confides a problem to Elizabeth that she doesn't want her brother to know about. Things lead to an absolute jaw-dropper of a revelation and explanation.
The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth crackles, and they do anticipate their vows. Even before she changes her mind about him, Elizabeth's attraction to Darcy is tangible. Ms. Wei's writing is excellent, as are her characterizations. I love how all the various story elements build, working toward a unifying turning point.
I do have to agree with another reviewer who felt that the "scandal" that forces the two to become engaged is rather weak. In addition, I would've liked more closure for one of the storylines at the end.
Despite those caveats, I thought it was a marvelous romance with a hint of mystery. Read it the first week of the year, and it was the first to make my personal "Best of 2021" list. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I have enjoyed the stories I have read by this author...this being the 4th of hers that I have read.
Darcy and Wickham have a confrontation in the beginning of this story. Wickham had already attempted the elopement with Georgiana and now Darcy simply wants him out of town. Shortly after this a rumor is making its way around the neighborhood of Meryton reporting that Elizabeth and Darcy are in a relationship.
Darcy realizes that unless he offers for Elizabeth, she (and her family) will suffer from what would look like his abandoning her. So it is that he meets with Mr. Bennet and hears, "No, sir, I mean that she quite positively dislikes you.” (Direct quote from the story.) He thinks back and has to change his interpretations about all their interaction. Elizabeth is then forced by circumstances to accept his offer of marriage.
Darcy's family history is different in this story. His parents were not in love and his mother suffered in the relationship. It is rumored that she ended her life. Then Darcy finds out that his father has laid ruin to the estate. An uncle, the Earl of Crowland, is partly to blame, having draw Mr. Darcy into some bad investments. Darcy at a very young age puts all his efforts into restoring Pemberley to its former glory...successfully. This same uncle now is pushing Darcy to again invest with him and/or marry to bring connections and wealth into the coffers.
In this tale, Darcy also has a ward who is not easily managed. Ramsey wants to marry a widow and this situation draws some page time as Darcy does not approve. The young man has issues at Cambridge and with money management.
As Elizabeth moves to London to stay with the Gardiners and shop for her trousseau she and Darcy spend various times together and their opinions change. (Of course, you expected that.) Elizabeth not only learns about Darcy's family background and begins to respect him for how he dealt with all that drama in his life but she also sees and/or learns from others how he interacts with other family members, acquaintances and even her aunt's children. She also begins to notice a black chaise which seems to be following her about town.
This is a story with some angst in it as well as some romance. There is a MA scene. It is short and not graphically detailed.
I highly recommend this story. It drew me in and kept my attention throughout.
I have enjoyed the stories I have read by this author...this being the 4th of hers that I have read.
Darcy and Wickham have a confrontation in the beginning of this story. Wickham had already attempted the elopement with Georgiana and now Darcy simply wants him out of town. Shortly after this a rumor is making its way around the neighborhood of Meryton reporting that Elizabeth and Darcy are in a relationship.
Darcy realizes that unless he offers for Elizabeth, she (and her family) will suffer from what would look like his abandoning her. So it is that he meets with Mr. Bennet and hears, "No, sir, I mean that she quite positively dislikes you.” (Direct quote from the story.) He thinks back and has to change his interpretations about all their interaction. Elizabeth is then forced by circumstances to accept his offer of marriage.
Darcy's family history is different in this story. His parents were not in love and his mother suffered in the relationship. It is rumored that she ended her life. Then Darcy finds out that his father has laid ruin to the estate. An uncle, the Earl of Crowland, is partly to blame, having draw Mr. Darcy into some bad investments. Darcy at a very young age puts all his efforts into restoring Pemberley to its former glory...successfully. This same uncle now is pushing Darcy to again invest with him and/or marry to bring connections and wealth into the coffers.
In this tale, Darcy also has a ward who is not easily managed. Ramsey wants to marry a widow and this situation draws some page time as Darcy does not approve. The young man has issues at Cambridge and with money management.
As Elizabeth moves to London to stay with the Gardiners and shop for her trousseau she and Darcy spend various times together and their opinions change. (Of course, you expected that.) Elizabeth not only learns about Darcy's family background and begins to respect him for how he dealt with all that drama in his life but she also sees and/or learns from others how he interacts with other family members, acquaintances and even her aunt's children. She also begins to notice a black chaise which seems to be following her about town.
This is a story with some angst in it as well as some romance. There is a MA scene. It is short and not graphically detailed.
I highly recommend this story. It drew me in and kept my attention throughout.
February 12, 2021
I LOVE this author's writing, her Darcy is everything a Darcy aught to be and the chemistry between him and Elizabeth always crackles. The dialogue is witty and funny and the plot was intriguing, I usually don't like FMS but I didn't mind it in this story.
Couple of things that diminished my enjoyment:
Couple of things that diminished my enjoyment:
February 25, 2021
From the first page, this Pride and Prejudice variation offers an intense, interesting story, with things moving along quickly.
I've come to admire this author a great deal, having read several of her novels and enjoyed each one as unique, with superbly written prose. This one is no less enjoyable, in spite of some typos involving missing words. This is not a chaste story, as there is one incident of anticipated wedding vows, but as much as it seems to stand out as gratuitous in the moment, later it seems to help the story make more sense, as it cements the relationship before it is severely stressed. There is a lot of attraction between the pair, even before Lizzy realizes it. This is a highly romantic variation of this timeless story, and includes some mystery and unexpected villainy, and of course all the expected irritations caused by Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins, and lack of character on Wickham's part.
Other reviewers have said they find the initial rumors leading to the engagement of Lizzy and Darcy in this story to be weak, but I don't find that, considering how virulent and intrusive rumors can be in real life. I don't only mean the kinds of things we see online or with celebrities today, although in his time, in London, Darcy would be something of a celebrity, and Lizzy is well-known in her community, with her marriage prospects much speculated on. But when the rumors are about you, and your every denial seems only to intensify them, that's not something anyone can easily live with. The Regency Period seems, from my other readings and research, to have been a time when a young woman's reputation could be ruined by something as small as a bit of clumsiness or carelessness about her person - people were apparently terribly gossipy in society then - let alone two gentlemen being rumored to have dueled over her, and the more popular of the two expressing a need to leave the community as a result. When one of those gentlemen is the prominent, super-wealthy Mr. Darcy, whom the young woman has claimed to despise, people would tend to think she protests too much. I can easily see her and her family (well, her father at least) feeling they must do something, and that something must be to see her betrothed. I can as easily see the proper gentleman Darcy feeling honor-bound to enter into said betrothal, when he knows he's guilty of provoking Wickham, and, prior to that, had left the community unaware of Wickham's rakish nature.
So, our dear couple becomes engaged. Darcy returns to London to put some business in order before planning his wedding, and Lizzy goes to stay with the Gardiners while she shops for her trousseau. From the beginning she is surprised at the little kindnesses shown her by her fiance, when she has felt certain that he cared nothing for anyone's feelings or convenience but his own. She begins to see a new side of Darcy. Many threads develop throughout the story, and come together in a dangerous situation that threatens the couple hours before their planned wedding.
I love the humor in this story, and I find Lady Emma Yorke to be loads of fun. Darcy's dry remarks and the colonel's exuberance over Darcy's engagement kept me chuckling. That lighter element provides a nice counterbalance to the darker aspects of the story, and makes it great entertainment. There's also a hint of Georgette Heyer's influence about this story, which I find adds to its charm.
I've come to admire this author a great deal, having read several of her novels and enjoyed each one as unique, with superbly written prose. This one is no less enjoyable, in spite of some typos involving missing words. This is not a chaste story, as there is one incident of anticipated wedding vows, but as much as it seems to stand out as gratuitous in the moment, later it seems to help the story make more sense, as it cements the relationship before it is severely stressed. There is a lot of attraction between the pair, even before Lizzy realizes it. This is a highly romantic variation of this timeless story, and includes some mystery and unexpected villainy, and of course all the expected irritations caused by Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins, and lack of character on Wickham's part.
Other reviewers have said they find the initial rumors leading to the engagement of Lizzy and Darcy in this story to be weak, but I don't find that, considering how virulent and intrusive rumors can be in real life. I don't only mean the kinds of things we see online or with celebrities today, although in his time, in London, Darcy would be something of a celebrity, and Lizzy is well-known in her community, with her marriage prospects much speculated on. But when the rumors are about you, and your every denial seems only to intensify them, that's not something anyone can easily live with. The Regency Period seems, from my other readings and research, to have been a time when a young woman's reputation could be ruined by something as small as a bit of clumsiness or carelessness about her person - people were apparently terribly gossipy in society then - let alone two gentlemen being rumored to have dueled over her, and the more popular of the two expressing a need to leave the community as a result. When one of those gentlemen is the prominent, super-wealthy Mr. Darcy, whom the young woman has claimed to despise, people would tend to think she protests too much. I can easily see her and her family (well, her father at least) feeling they must do something, and that something must be to see her betrothed. I can as easily see the proper gentleman Darcy feeling honor-bound to enter into said betrothal, when he knows he's guilty of provoking Wickham, and, prior to that, had left the community unaware of Wickham's rakish nature.
So, our dear couple becomes engaged. Darcy returns to London to put some business in order before planning his wedding, and Lizzy goes to stay with the Gardiners while she shops for her trousseau. From the beginning she is surprised at the little kindnesses shown her by her fiance, when she has felt certain that he cared nothing for anyone's feelings or convenience but his own. She begins to see a new side of Darcy. Many threads develop throughout the story, and come together in a dangerous situation that threatens the couple hours before their planned wedding.
I love the humor in this story, and I find Lady Emma Yorke to be loads of fun. Darcy's dry remarks and the colonel's exuberance over Darcy's engagement kept me chuckling. That lighter element provides a nice counterbalance to the darker aspects of the story, and makes it great entertainment. There's also a hint of Georgette Heyer's influence about this story, which I find adds to its charm.
January 11, 2021
Forced marriage
Well written. As always the author communicates with the reader marvelously. But I didn’t enjoy the story at all.
SPOILERS FOLLOW
Wickham is upset and gossips Darcy and Lizzy are secretly seeing each other. From this it is quickly follows she will be ruined if they aren’t married. It was to much to believe. Was every single rich bachelor in danger of false gossip? Regency society couldn’t possibly have worked this way. It is chaos and rich people don’t allow chaos into their existence.
Moving on, arrogant proud Darcy was everything unlikeable. Lizzy had no way to protect herself. Everyone in the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families were leaches and treated Darcy like their own pot of gold. Well, things move along and as the dust clears there is an HEA but Wickham is still free to comeback into everyone’s live in the future. I didn’t enjoy the situation, Darcy, the families, and how run down Longbourn was. A cast of unlikeable characters.
Well written. As always the author communicates with the reader marvelously. But I didn’t enjoy the story at all.
SPOILERS FOLLOW
Wickham is upset and gossips Darcy and Lizzy are secretly seeing each other. From this it is quickly follows she will be ruined if they aren’t married. It was to much to believe. Was every single rich bachelor in danger of false gossip? Regency society couldn’t possibly have worked this way. It is chaos and rich people don’t allow chaos into their existence.
Moving on, arrogant proud Darcy was everything unlikeable. Lizzy had no way to protect herself. Everyone in the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families were leaches and treated Darcy like their own pot of gold. Well, things move along and as the dust clears there is an HEA but Wickham is still free to comeback into everyone’s live in the future. I didn’t enjoy the situation, Darcy, the families, and how run down Longbourn was. A cast of unlikeable characters.
January 5, 2021
For a shorter novel, this packed a lot in! There was the standard DC trying to get to know each other, plus their individual stories. A few colorful characters filled out the rest of the story.
If it weren't for the sense of a few unresolved issues,I would have given it 5 stars.
However, this is a highly recommended read.
If it weren't for the sense of a few unresolved issues,I would have given it 5 stars.
However, this is a highly recommended read.
January 1, 2021
Wonderful
My new favorite variation. Darcy is perfectly written. Elizabeth is exactly as I imagine her to be. A Wickham contrived rumour after the Netherfield ball has honourable F.D. offering marriage to reluctant E.B. Drama, angst and love ensues. Every scene between E & D are a pleasure to read.
There are a few tiny questions left unanswered at the conclusion, but not important enough to be overly bothersome. I can't recommend this story enough.
My new favorite variation. Darcy is perfectly written. Elizabeth is exactly as I imagine her to be. A Wickham contrived rumour after the Netherfield ball has honourable F.D. offering marriage to reluctant E.B. Drama, angst and love ensues. Every scene between E & D are a pleasure to read.
There are a few tiny questions left unanswered at the conclusion, but not important enough to be overly bothersome. I can't recommend this story enough.
January 1, 2021
Forced Marriage and a Touch of Mystery
After a confrontation between Darcy and Wickham in Hertfordshire, rumours abound. Elizabeth’s reputation is at risk through no fault of her own. Resigned to her eventual fate she goes to stay with the Gardiners to prepare for the wedding, where she is also introduced to Darcy’s large (in this story) family.
Darcy is the constantly put-upon relative to whom various family members continually extend their palms for handouts in one form or another. This includes his uncle the Earl, who has him deal with things he deems should be dealt with by anyone but himself. The Earl is also not happy about the engagement.
Meanwhile, as Elizabeth makes her way around town shopping for her trousseau, or enjoying time outdoors with her Gardiner cousins, she notices a black carriage always following her. There’s a mystery here.
Because of all the demands of family upon him, this Darcy’s portrayal seemed long-suffering and patient—until he wasn’t. I appreciated his dry wit when engaging those relatives. I found this Elizabeth a bit passive. While she is definitely enmeshed in the story, I found her obstinate headstrong ways a bit low key until the end.
I thought it was a good, well-written forced marriage scenario and I enjoyed it. Stranded with Mr. Darcy remains my favorite by this author.
After a confrontation between Darcy and Wickham in Hertfordshire, rumours abound. Elizabeth’s reputation is at risk through no fault of her own. Resigned to her eventual fate she goes to stay with the Gardiners to prepare for the wedding, where she is also introduced to Darcy’s large (in this story) family.
Darcy is the constantly put-upon relative to whom various family members continually extend their palms for handouts in one form or another. This includes his uncle the Earl, who has him deal with things he deems should be dealt with by anyone but himself. The Earl is also not happy about the engagement.
Meanwhile, as Elizabeth makes her way around town shopping for her trousseau, or enjoying time outdoors with her Gardiner cousins, she notices a black carriage always following her. There’s a mystery here.
Because of all the demands of family upon him, this Darcy’s portrayal seemed long-suffering and patient—until he wasn’t. I appreciated his dry wit when engaging those relatives. I found this Elizabeth a bit passive. While she is definitely enmeshed in the story, I found her obstinate headstrong ways a bit low key until the end.
I thought it was a good, well-written forced marriage scenario and I enjoyed it. Stranded with Mr. Darcy remains my favorite by this author.
March 21, 2021
As Elizabeth Bennet doesn't exactly like Fitzwilliam Darcy, the fact that the Meryton rumor mill believes he fought a duel over her, puts her in a very uncomfortable situation. Darcy has no choice, as a gentleman, but to propose to her. With that as a sad beginning, they find their way together through bits of scandal and mystery.
January 1, 2021
Absolutely loved it ❤️
February 4, 2021
Exceptional
This author is fast becoming a favorite. This one had me laughing and enjoying the story the whole way through. There is a bit of melodrama as a secondary plot plays out in the last third of the book, which was difficult to suspend disbelief and I rolled my eyes a few times, but that didn’t effect my enjoyment of the book. I liked this Darcy very much.
*I rate most books in JAFF three stars*
This author is fast becoming a favorite. This one had me laughing and enjoying the story the whole way through. There is a bit of melodrama as a secondary plot plays out in the last third of the book, which was difficult to suspend disbelief and I rolled my eyes a few times, but that didn’t effect my enjoyment of the book. I liked this Darcy very much.
*I rate most books in JAFF three stars*
January 18, 2023
This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat & I could not put it down. Any book that has me yelling at it deserves all the stars. I love a forced marriage trope, & this one truly delivered.
May 1, 2021
Satisfying variation with some reservations
This is a most worthy read. A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. The writing is remarkably good. What struck this reader was how skillfully poetic the lovemaking scene was described, so beautifully worded without being vulgar or obvious. It is one of the best and most romantic descriptions Thus reader has ever read of a love scene.
There is a unevenness though, as to how the characters and their temperaments and feelings are depicted, and which point-of-view or perspective is given focus. It seemed far-fetched that an engagement/marriage can easily be conjured on the basis of town rumors. Yet, who is to say what was possible in Regency times given the strictures of what societal proprieties dictated? Initially, I disliked how our beloved couple were described, as to their actions and emotions to any particular situation. However, in the light of their gradual understanding of each other and finding some common ground and understanding in the forced marriage as the story progressed, one can understand how they’ve acted and why they acted in such a manner. The Elizabeth Bennet, who found much to be admired and loved about Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, is how Jane Austen would have probably intended her to be with her ready wit, intelligence, courage and compassion. However, the degree of impropriety as well as the unlikelihood of a gentlewoman risking life and limb to help someone she loved may be stretching it a bit too far; although it surely makes great entertainment and suspense value.
Regardless of the aforementioned reservations, this reader highly recommends this variation, especially to those who are huge fans of the forced marriage scenario with the beloved couple finding love and discovering each other during their engagement. Most enjoyable!
This is a most worthy read. A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. The writing is remarkably good. What struck this reader was how skillfully poetic the lovemaking scene was described, so beautifully worded without being vulgar or obvious. It is one of the best and most romantic descriptions Thus reader has ever read of a love scene.
There is a unevenness though, as to how the characters and their temperaments and feelings are depicted, and which point-of-view or perspective is given focus. It seemed far-fetched that an engagement/marriage can easily be conjured on the basis of town rumors. Yet, who is to say what was possible in Regency times given the strictures of what societal proprieties dictated? Initially, I disliked how our beloved couple were described, as to their actions and emotions to any particular situation. However, in the light of their gradual understanding of each other and finding some common ground and understanding in the forced marriage as the story progressed, one can understand how they’ve acted and why they acted in such a manner. The Elizabeth Bennet, who found much to be admired and loved about Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, is how Jane Austen would have probably intended her to be with her ready wit, intelligence, courage and compassion. However, the degree of impropriety as well as the unlikelihood of a gentlewoman risking life and limb to help someone she loved may be stretching it a bit too far; although it surely makes great entertainment and suspense value.
Regardless of the aforementioned reservations, this reader highly recommends this variation, especially to those who are huge fans of the forced marriage scenario with the beloved couple finding love and discovering each other during their engagement. Most enjoyable!
January 5, 2021
As the blurb says, a rumour forces Darcy and Elizabeth to get engaged, rather early in the story. Darcy, though a little stunned at first, does the honourable thing surprisingly easily, but Lizzy is devastated. They obviously come to mutual understanding in the course of the story, but there is a lot more going on – some mystery and family secrets, a lot of suspense, and not everything is as it seems.
So, as soon as I saw that one of my favourite JAFF authors published a new P&P variation, I grabbed it and devoured in one afternoon, neglecting a lot I was supposed to do on that day. I could not put the book down. All the same, it is incredibly hard for me to rate. There was a lot I loved (as is always the case with this author) but one aspect basically ruined the whole experience for me.
WHAT I LOVED
The book is a total page-turner. It sucks you in and you have to go on, probably because of the mystery/suspense aspect this author is so good at. It is a P&P retelling, so obviously, uses the source material, but reworks it very cleverly and usually in a different way to what you might have expected, e.g. Darcy does not explain himself and his actions in That Letter (although there are some other important letters in the story), but Lizzy begins to see him in a different light based on what he does. And it is a very efficient example of the show-don’t-tell rule.
As always, there is an interesting cast of original characters, with (I think) some nods to Georgette Heyer novels, which for me is always a plus. Some of them play a crucial part in the story and also allow us to see ODCs in new, often unexpected situations (some of them very funny).
Again, as always with this author, Darcy and Elizabeth are very well written. What’s more, because of the alternating PoV, we get access to both his and her thoughts and feelings (which I love). The characters’ voices (and not only D and E) are also varied, distinct and very well done (I found Mr. Collins’s speeches particularly enjoyable :D).
WHAT I WAS NOT SO FOND OF
This author never introduces a new character for no reason – in some way or another, they are important to the story, and they are also usually very well fleshed out, so it is easy to remember who is who. In this case, though, some of them, although recognizable and memorable, seem just like a plot device. They serve their purpose and then disappear, which is sometimes a little jarring given how much page space they occupy (and the book is not very long for a story of this type, only 250 pages).
Similarly, some rather important questions are left unanswered and some threads left hanging ().
WHAT RUINED THE BOOK FOR ME
The problem with fanfiction is that the reader always approaches it with a set of expectations about the characters, their choices, their behaviour, etc. And that’s exactly the case here. Darcy and Elizabeth are fascinating characters, both intense and passionate people, but also both with a moral backbone made of steel. So to me, the fact that is completely unacceptable. I hated that it happened, the way it happened, and the fact that they basically gave it no thought afterwards. It was all hunky-dory. I think the whole situation was completely OOC for both of them. And much as I would like to give this book another go, this particular part makes it impossible for me to go back and reread, and it makes me sad.
I guess it is 2.5 stars rounded up to three from me.
So, as soon as I saw that one of my favourite JAFF authors published a new P&P variation, I grabbed it and devoured in one afternoon, neglecting a lot I was supposed to do on that day. I could not put the book down. All the same, it is incredibly hard for me to rate. There was a lot I loved (as is always the case with this author) but one aspect basically ruined the whole experience for me.
WHAT I LOVED
The book is a total page-turner. It sucks you in and you have to go on, probably because of the mystery/suspense aspect this author is so good at. It is a P&P retelling, so obviously, uses the source material, but reworks it very cleverly and usually in a different way to what you might have expected, e.g. Darcy does not explain himself and his actions in That Letter (although there are some other important letters in the story), but Lizzy begins to see him in a different light based on what he does. And it is a very efficient example of the show-don’t-tell rule.
As always, there is an interesting cast of original characters, with (I think) some nods to Georgette Heyer novels, which for me is always a plus. Some of them play a crucial part in the story and also allow us to see ODCs in new, often unexpected situations (some of them very funny).
Again, as always with this author, Darcy and Elizabeth are very well written. What’s more, because of the alternating PoV, we get access to both his and her thoughts and feelings (which I love). The characters’ voices (and not only D and E) are also varied, distinct and very well done (I found Mr. Collins’s speeches particularly enjoyable :D).
WHAT I WAS NOT SO FOND OF
This author never introduces a new character for no reason – in some way or another, they are important to the story, and they are also usually very well fleshed out, so it is easy to remember who is who. In this case, though, some of them, although recognizable and memorable, seem just like a plot device. They serve their purpose and then disappear, which is sometimes a little jarring given how much page space they occupy (and the book is not very long for a story of this type, only 250 pages).
Similarly, some rather important questions are left unanswered and some threads left hanging ().
WHAT RUINED THE BOOK FOR ME
The problem with fanfiction is that the reader always approaches it with a set of expectations about the characters, their choices, their behaviour, etc. And that’s exactly the case here. Darcy and Elizabeth are fascinating characters, both intense and passionate people, but also both with a moral backbone made of steel. So to me, the fact that is completely unacceptable. I hated that it happened, the way it happened, and the fact that they basically gave it no thought afterwards. It was all hunky-dory. I think the whole situation was completely OOC for both of them. And much as I would like to give this book another go, this particular part makes it impossible for me to go back and reread, and it makes me sad.
I guess it is 2.5 stars rounded up to three from me.
April 8, 2021
A Wonderful Story with Characters ‘Old’ and New
A different story right from the start. Loved the author’s version of Darcy and Elizabeth and I very much enjoyed the new characters she wrote into this story - I could easily envision them as she described them so well. The story is very well-written with an unexpected passionate love scene written so tastefully but with lots of heat nonetheless! Will be looking for more stories by the author.
A different story right from the start. Loved the author’s version of Darcy and Elizabeth and I very much enjoyed the new characters she wrote into this story - I could easily envision them as she described them so well. The story is very well-written with an unexpected passionate love scene written so tastefully but with lots of heat nonetheless! Will be looking for more stories by the author.
January 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging had a great array of all sorts of characters. I really loved Lady Emma, especially her transport and think she would have delighted Jane Austen herself! I also got a good chuckle when Uncle Sylvester’s sledges saved the day! 😂
The set up for an early engagement between D&E was a bit flimsy, but I felt that was made up for with the very realistic and believable reactions and behaviors that followed.
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things that I won’t specify to avoid spoilers that were a little too over the top or out of character that I wasn’t super fond of, but it wasn’t enough to turn me off of the book. The things to like and enjoy far outweigh the other. We were given some insight into some hardships a younger Darcy had endured and it made me love him all the more. My heart especially broke for a very young Darcy as I read his ungranted pleas to his father. I wanted to hold and comfort the poor boy. An overall very good read!
The set up for an early engagement between D&E was a bit flimsy, but I felt that was made up for with the very realistic and believable reactions and behaviors that followed.
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things that I won’t specify to avoid spoilers that were a little too over the top or out of character that I wasn’t super fond of, but it wasn’t enough to turn me off of the book. The things to like and enjoy far outweigh the other. We were given some insight into some hardships a younger Darcy had endured and it made me love him all the more. My heart especially broke for a very young Darcy as I read his ungranted pleas to his father. I wanted to hold and comfort the poor boy. An overall very good read!
January 14, 2021
Wonderful
A compromise resulting in an unwanted engagement between Elizabeth and Darcy seems to be a popular choice of premise, and one I've read a couple of times very recently. I'm so thankful that this one was handled with some cleverness, rather than having to slog through another tale of unrelenting unhappiness and depression. A confrontation between Darcy and Wickham right before the Netherfield ball is followed by nasty rumors involving Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy does the honorable thing and offers to marry Elizabeth in order to save her reputation. Elizabeth is furious, while Darcy isn't completely sorry about it, since he has secretly admired her for some time. Elizabeth eventually goes to London to assemble a trousseau, and Darcy also goes to London so that Elizabeth can meet the family.
As usual, Elizabeth is the one with the most attitude to overcome. She seems determined, at first, to cast everything Darcy does in an unfavorable light. Then she overhears some things about Darcy's love life that shock her. Meanwhile, there is family opposition from Darcy's uncle the earl and some others, but Darcy meets it all with firmness and an insistence that his is a love match. He refuses to reveal that they were compromised, and is determined to protect Elizabeth's standing with his family. While Elizabeth and Darcy are getting to know each other in London, the author gives us many wonderful glimpses of Darcy's true humanity and sense of humor. There are many occasions that give the reader hope for happiness ahead, and it's lovely.
I deducted a star for a single situation in the story that I felt was unnecessary and out of character. I was disappointed with the scene in the library of Darcy House where *****spoiled alert ****** they anticipate their vows. This scene seemed contrived and out of place, not sure why the author thought it necessary to further the plot. Both characters suddenly behaved oddly.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
A compromise resulting in an unwanted engagement between Elizabeth and Darcy seems to be a popular choice of premise, and one I've read a couple of times very recently. I'm so thankful that this one was handled with some cleverness, rather than having to slog through another tale of unrelenting unhappiness and depression. A confrontation between Darcy and Wickham right before the Netherfield ball is followed by nasty rumors involving Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy does the honorable thing and offers to marry Elizabeth in order to save her reputation. Elizabeth is furious, while Darcy isn't completely sorry about it, since he has secretly admired her for some time. Elizabeth eventually goes to London to assemble a trousseau, and Darcy also goes to London so that Elizabeth can meet the family.
As usual, Elizabeth is the one with the most attitude to overcome. She seems determined, at first, to cast everything Darcy does in an unfavorable light. Then she overhears some things about Darcy's love life that shock her. Meanwhile, there is family opposition from Darcy's uncle the earl and some others, but Darcy meets it all with firmness and an insistence that his is a love match. He refuses to reveal that they were compromised, and is determined to protect Elizabeth's standing with his family. While Elizabeth and Darcy are getting to know each other in London, the author gives us many wonderful glimpses of Darcy's true humanity and sense of humor. There are many occasions that give the reader hope for happiness ahead, and it's lovely.
I deducted a star for a single situation in the story that I felt was unnecessary and out of character. I was disappointed with the scene in the library of Darcy House where *****spoiled alert ****** they anticipate their vows. This scene seemed contrived and out of place, not sure why the author thought it necessary to further the plot. Both characters suddenly behaved oddly.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
September 12, 2021
2.75 stars
I am of the mindset that the worst feeling one can feel while reading is the crushing disappointment that occurs when you have expectations for a book, and they're just not met.
This story unfortunately falls into this category.
Let's start with the characterization.
Darcy’s family and acquaintances were too many. I couldn’t keep track of them, I didn’t even feel inclined to do so, because they were entirely annoying. Other than Lady Emma and Colonel Fitzwilliam (whose name shall forever be Richard, not Ted because NO), and Georgiana despite her naivety, I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about any of them. And the fact that they dominated a large portion of the story was tedious. Wickham was stupid. Like I was actually questioning his level of intelligence too often.
Character dynamics and relationships? Well, Lizzy and Darcy’s burgeoning relationship post non-proposal (because that was not a proposal but rather the shitty facsimile of one) felt off. It’s not that it wasn’t genuine, but rather how it’s executed seemed very convoluted and confusing and didn’t make sense to me.
Which I think is the major problem with this novel - the fact that I was very confused for probably 75% of the time. I genuinely felt like I didn’t understand what was going on because nothing made sense with respect to the plot and how the Earl fit into everything with Darcy‘s mother. I’m at a loss for words as to trying to explain why I don’t like how things went down other than the fact that I just didn’t like how things went down. It’s a preference thing, and in this specific case, my preference is to respectfully decline what this book offered.
I’m sure there are some potential readers out there that will comprehend exactly what was going on and also enjoy it. I just happen to not be one of those people.
And yeah, I don’t recommend this one\. Instead, I urge you to pick up Mr. Darcy and the Murder at Rosings by the same author because Lin Mei Wei still has a lot left to offer and that one of hers is a glorious read.
I am of the mindset that the worst feeling one can feel while reading is the crushing disappointment that occurs when you have expectations for a book, and they're just not met.
This story unfortunately falls into this category.
Let's start with the characterization.
Darcy’s family and acquaintances were too many. I couldn’t keep track of them, I didn’t even feel inclined to do so, because they were entirely annoying. Other than Lady Emma and Colonel Fitzwilliam (whose name shall forever be Richard, not Ted because NO), and Georgiana despite her naivety, I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about any of them. And the fact that they dominated a large portion of the story was tedious. Wickham was stupid. Like I was actually questioning his level of intelligence too often.
Character dynamics and relationships? Well, Lizzy and Darcy’s burgeoning relationship post non-proposal (because that was not a proposal but rather the shitty facsimile of one) felt off. It’s not that it wasn’t genuine, but rather how it’s executed seemed very convoluted and confusing and didn’t make sense to me.
Which I think is the major problem with this novel - the fact that I was very confused for probably 75% of the time. I genuinely felt like I didn’t understand what was going on because nothing made sense with respect to the plot and how the Earl fit into everything with Darcy‘s mother. I’m at a loss for words as to trying to explain why I don’t like how things went down other than the fact that I just didn’t like how things went down. It’s a preference thing, and in this specific case, my preference is to respectfully decline what this book offered.
I’m sure there are some potential readers out there that will comprehend exactly what was going on and also enjoy it. I just happen to not be one of those people.
And yeah, I don’t recommend this one\. Instead, I urge you to pick up Mr. Darcy and the Murder at Rosings by the same author because Lin Mei Wei still has a lot left to offer and that one of hers is a glorious read.
September 7, 2025
Its a different darcy than canon. In a lot of ways, he is a much better man than canon Darcy, so its not the usual Darcy overcoming his pride, arrogance etc, but rather Elizabeth just slowly realising what a great guy darcy is and falling in love with him. But even with this ooc-ness, i still loved it. This darcy's pov chapters were such treat to read. The beginning chapters when darcy finds out about Elizabeth's dislike of him and how hard he finds it to deal with that fact were too good. Elizabeth in this was thankfully not idiotic, so even though she believed Wickham, she also saw Darcy's good side from the moment he agreed to marry her and was in turn trying to think better of him. I did feel like there weren't enough Darcy/Elizabeth interactions, rather a significant time was spent on their interactions with other characters but even with that it was realistic how Elizabeth's feelings towards him changed. Its also refreshing to read Elizabeth pov chapters where it is evident how much she likes him, attracted to him etc, where her feelings for him are also written very well.
This had few issues but such a lovely read.
I was worried about author writing unlikeable Elizabeth, but thankfully in this E&D both were likeable and rational
This had few issues but such a lovely read.
I was worried about author writing unlikeable Elizabeth, but thankfully in this E&D both were likeable and rational
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2021
First Reviewed at: http://austendiaries.blogspot.com/
Title and Author: Betrothed to Mr Darcy by Lin Mei Wei
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: one more descriptive scene
Recommended: yes, 3.5 stars
Summary: While in Hertfordshire, Wickham threatens Darcy with (Georgina's) exposure. When Darcy doesn't respond to the bait, Wickham starts a rumor that he and Darcy duelled over Elizabeth and Darcy won. The rumors swirl and Darcy is forced to propose to save Elizabeth's reputation. Will the two wed with love or obligation?
Pros
* I always love a story with the slow realization (for Elizabeth) of how worthy Darcy really is.
* It was fun to get to see Darcy's extended family here. I always wonder how they really would have reacted.
* Mr Bennett is more practical and clever in this one than in most versions.
Cons
* Would any man start a rumor he LOST a duel? Enough said.
* There is a sub-plot involving a member of Darcy's family that I didn't find compelling.
* There was one scene that was more descriptive than necessary. But even with that, I wasn't totally sure what had happened. It felt unnecessary.
Title and Author: Betrothed to Mr Darcy by Lin Mei Wei
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: one more descriptive scene
Recommended: yes, 3.5 stars
Summary: While in Hertfordshire, Wickham threatens Darcy with (Georgina's) exposure. When Darcy doesn't respond to the bait, Wickham starts a rumor that he and Darcy duelled over Elizabeth and Darcy won. The rumors swirl and Darcy is forced to propose to save Elizabeth's reputation. Will the two wed with love or obligation?
Pros
* I always love a story with the slow realization (for Elizabeth) of how worthy Darcy really is.
* It was fun to get to see Darcy's extended family here. I always wonder how they really would have reacted.
* Mr Bennett is more practical and clever in this one than in most versions.
Cons
* Would any man start a rumor he LOST a duel? Enough said.
* There is a sub-plot involving a member of Darcy's family that I didn't find compelling.
* There was one scene that was more descriptive than necessary. But even with that, I wasn't totally sure what had happened. It felt unnecessary.
December 30, 2024
I loved it!
Warning: This story contains scenes of a sexual nature.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When a rumour forces Elizabeth to get engaged to Mr Darcy she swears to never allow him to pierce her defences, but the betrothal forces her into Mr Darcy's frequent company, and the better she knows and understands him, the more he bewilders and fascinates her. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, dark forces are at work, while Elizabeth slowly loses her heart to the man she once thought would be the last in the world she would ever marry, she is in danger of losing much more, when she discovers long buried family secrets, and understands what it means to be Mrs Darcy. 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.
Warning: This story contains scenes of a sexual nature.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When a rumour forces Elizabeth to get engaged to Mr Darcy she swears to never allow him to pierce her defences, but the betrothal forces her into Mr Darcy's frequent company, and the better she knows and understands him, the more he bewilders and fascinates her. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, dark forces are at work, while Elizabeth slowly loses her heart to the man she once thought would be the last in the world she would ever marry, she is in danger of losing much more, when she discovers long buried family secrets, and understands what it means to be Mrs Darcy. 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.
December 11, 2022
I was not a fan of this book, and would have given it 3 stars if I was only going with my reaction to the story. The fourth is from the inventiveness and the plethora of characters surrounding Darcy that use him, his re-emerging mother, and the cruelness of Wickham. The temerity of his still looking disdainfully on her family after they came to a better understanding was a joke, and the earl was hateful and always taking money. Georgiana was excellent for the first 150 pages then again was causing drama with Wickham, and Elizabeth stupidly went for the letters she wrote speaking words of love and want to that man AFTER having such intimacies with Darcy. So, while there was never not anything icky being pushed on the couple, and while they found their happiness, their professed intelligence and supposed understanding made them both have to explain a great deal to each other the day of the wedding. It proved them both of a wavering character when they professed otherwise. But it was unique and well constructed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2021
Confusing start, then improves
When I started this book, I was confused by all the unexpected family members with the unusual names. It took quite a while for the relationships to reveal themselves. Because of the slow start I wasn’t sure if I would even finish the book. I am glad I persisted because it certainly got better as the plot developed.
At times Elizabeth and Darcy seemed to get lost amid the other drama. E’s switch from dislike to love and indiscretion was rather abrupt. It was a nice change to not have Lady Catherine or Miss Bingley be prominent villains. The setting as a whole was very different from canon and from other P&P variations or retellings. After reading The End, I had read on ok story but one that did not draw me in or engage my interest very much.
When I started this book, I was confused by all the unexpected family members with the unusual names. It took quite a while for the relationships to reveal themselves. Because of the slow start I wasn’t sure if I would even finish the book. I am glad I persisted because it certainly got better as the plot developed.
At times Elizabeth and Darcy seemed to get lost amid the other drama. E’s switch from dislike to love and indiscretion was rather abrupt. It was a nice change to not have Lady Catherine or Miss Bingley be prominent villains. The setting as a whole was very different from canon and from other P&P variations or retellings. After reading The End, I had read on ok story but one that did not draw me in or engage my interest very much.
March 25, 2021
This is a wonderful book. I was very excited to see a new title from Lin Mei Wei. She has a mastery of sounding like Jane Austen but keeping her voice true. I loved the romance and growth between the characters. I saw Elizabeth slowing opening her heart in a natural and innocent way. Darcy’s reaction to the knowledge Elizabeth is not partial to him was realistic. The thread with the opera singer was very unsatisfying. I’m not sure the purpose of it other than to confuse the reader on who was following Elizabeth. Overall, this is a wonderful story with a wry sense of humor and just the right level of angst. Completely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
I started a re-read, but could not go on. I tried to carry-on, but after 15%, it exhausted me. Elizabeth seems naturally depressed, contrary to the description given in the story. As for Mr Darcy we could feel the weight of the world on his shoulder from the incipit. And to be honest, depressed is too mild a depiction of Mr Darcy's state of mind...
I had already read this in its entirety before, but could not remember it until chapter 4 (it was a long time ago), the story came back to me at once; quite frankly, I do not know how I could have finished it, because this time 41 pages sufficed to dampen my mood.
I had already read this in its entirety before, but could not remember it until chapter 4 (it was a long time ago), the story came back to me at once; quite frankly, I do not know how I could have finished it, because this time 41 pages sufficed to dampen my mood.
December 21, 2022
Satisfying Read
Well written and well paced. Good dialogue with foray into 'hearing the voices' of some characters. Some interesting twists, particularly amongst the Fitzwilliam family.
Not wholly comfortable with the handling of love/lust in this instance. What I read described lust more than love, yet labeled love. Am not comfortable with the affect that can have on some people, particularly those raised to already conflate the two and those raised to think their own value is linked to their desirability and availability.
Well written and well paced. Good dialogue with foray into 'hearing the voices' of some characters. Some interesting twists, particularly amongst the Fitzwilliam family.
Not wholly comfortable with the handling of love/lust in this instance. What I read described lust more than love, yet labeled love. Am not comfortable with the affect that can have on some people, particularly those raised to already conflate the two and those raised to think their own value is linked to their desirability and availability.
April 20, 2023
4.5*
A very well written what-if where Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves compromised by the words and insinuations of others. This author is skilled at her craft.
As they start to understand each other better they are thwarted by members of Darcy’s extended family. The malevolent spectre of Wickham lurks in the background throughout.
The characters are excellent and there are some delightfully humorous conversations.
A small number of typos and editing misses remain but these do not have an impact on the reading enjoyment.
The cover does not do the book any favours.
A very well written what-if where Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves compromised by the words and insinuations of others. This author is skilled at her craft.
As they start to understand each other better they are thwarted by members of Darcy’s extended family. The malevolent spectre of Wickham lurks in the background throughout.
The characters are excellent and there are some delightfully humorous conversations.
A small number of typos and editing misses remain but these do not have an impact on the reading enjoyment.
The cover does not do the book any favours.
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