Misunderstandings & Ardent Love

by Susan Adriani

“I have never been able to forget you...I am yours, in body and soul, for as long as I am able to draw breath.”

AFTER MONTHS OF BROODING DESPAIR while Bingley prepares to wed Jane Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy realises he has no choice but to put his heart at risk and try to win the only woman he will ever love.

ELIZABETH BENNET WOULD MORE THAN WELCOME his return to Longbourn. Yet despite such mutually ardent feelings, her most beloved sister and Darcy’s own uncle hold quite the opposite points of view.

TORN BETWEEN PERSONAL LOYALTIES and responsibilities, the couple must balance finding a discreet solution for a family scandal in London and dealing with new outrageous actions by Mr and Mrs Wickham, all while facing a Jane Bennet who cannot forgive Darcy his interference in her love story.

Can the two overcome misunderstandings and meddling and find their way to one another at last?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Audiobook, Own

474 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2021

About the author

Susan Adriani has been a fan of Jane Austen and her beloved characters for as long as she can remember. Originally from New England, she attended a small art college close to her home, where she majored in illustration. In 2007, after contemplating the unexplored possibilities in one of Miss Austen’s most celebrated novels, Pride and Prejudice, she began to write her first novel-length story, The Truth About Mr. Darcy (previously self-published as Affinity and Affection). With encouragement from fellow Austen enthusiasts she continued, and is currently at work on her second book. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, young daughter, and a very impertinent cat.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book begins near the end of the canon Pride and Prejudice, but it delays the understanding between Elizabeth and Darcy, adding a long interlude in these pages before their inevitable wedding.

Mr. Darcy has successfully orchestrated Lydia's marriage to Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth doesn't know that Darcy saved her sister and the Bennet family from ruin, and there's no rumored betrothal, so Lady Catherine doesn't show up at Longbourn or in London to confront Elizabeth and Darcy - consequently, neither of them has a clue about the other's feelings.

Elizabeth obsessively reads and cries over the letter she received from Darcy but doesn't share its contents or tell her sister she's in love with him. Jane concludes Darcy must have done or said something horrible to make her sister so miserable. Even without confirmation, she's also convinced Darcy has kept her beloved Mr. Bingley from returning as promised.

Meanwhile, Darcy gets a "kick in the breeches" (that's even the title of the chapter!) from Colonel Fitzwilliam, who tells him to woo and win his lady love. Darcy and Bingley return to Netherfield, and it doesn't take long for the latter and Jane to get betrothed. But a Lucas cousin, Mr. Ellis, has returned to the area. His renewed close friendship (but nothing more than that) with Elizabeth leads Mrs. Bennet to assume those two will also head to the altar.

The Gardiners come for Jane's wedding, and Darcy's friendliness with them surprises Elizabeth (who, again, doesn't know of his prior acquaintance with them from the Lydia-and-Wickham crisis). Speaking of the Wickhams, they show up for the wedding too. So does Mr. Bingley's aunt, Mrs. Lawrence. The latter is a perceptive, funny woman who takes to Elizabeth immediately. In the second half of the book, she proves to be a horrible chaperone, partially due to her fondness for brandy.

Before long, the story moves to London. Wickham says he has orders requiring him to report there. He doesn't want his wife with him, but he can't shake the insistent Lydia. Bingley has a London town home where he and Jane go after they wed, and the couple suggests that Elizabeth live with them. This has the dual advantage of getting Elizabeth away from her mother and getting her closer to the helpful, supportive Gardiners.

Naturally, Darcy is delighted that he's now able to pursue Elizabeth without the rest of her family or Mr. Ellis around. However, his uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Carlisle, are pressuring him to marry the titled Lady Eliza regardless of Darcy's unfavorable opinion of the lady. Lord Carlisle is the story's primary antagonist.

A meandering storyline eventually does lead to Darcy and Elizabeth getting engaged. But now more "misunderstandings" crop up due to their "ardent love." It falls into a repetitive pattern: The two have difficulty keeping their hands and lips off each other whenever an opportunity arises, each assumes the other is disgusted by the other's unladylike/ungentlemanly behavior, they clear up that misunderstanding, resolve to stay under control in the future...and then find themselves in a situation where one, the other, or both just can't help themselves, starting the cycle over again.

Ms. Adriani writes beautifully, and there are some excellent scenes throughout. I find it very episodic, though, with a mishmash of different storylines. Some pop up, resolve, and then disappear, while others pop up, disappear, pop up again later, and eventually resolve. Nothing weaves the story together from beginning to end. Along with Darcy and Elizabeth's various problems, we have (among others) the Wickhams (who are always trouble), Jane's un-Jane-like behavior, Mr. Ellis and Lizzy, Lord Carlisle's expectations for Darcy, gossip spread by the slutty Lady Harrow (Lady Eliza's mother), Anne deBourgh's escape from Lady Catherine, and Lord/Lady Carlisle's marriage problems. It's a busy, busy book. Too busy. Not a memorable read.

Content is extremely steamy but not explicit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, ‘What else could this mean?’” –Shannon L. Alder

Rating: PG17 due to adult themes discussed, nothing graphic but suggestive and steamy, 32-chapters. Angst Level: minimal stress as tensions increased: brooding lovers’ angst, and dealing with difficult relations. Source: ARC via BookSprout [7-6-21] [expected release date Aug 23rd] Cover ART: amazing, look at those colors, those eyes, that hair. Heavy sigh!

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

The first part of the story included Darcy maudlin over the loss of his love. Then we had Elizabeth maudlin over the realization that she was wrong about Darcy and her feelings for him had changed dramatically. Colonel Fitzwilliam finally set Darcy straight and he headed back to Hertfordshire with Bingley. Elizabeth’s old friend Mr. Ellis [cousin to Charlotte Collins, née Lucas] arrived back in Meryton after having been away. Mrs. Bennet took one look at this single gentleman and started making plans for Lizzy. Oh, dear. I wasn’t sure I understood what this guy was about. OK, he was Lizzy’s best friend but why was he even in this story?

“Angry people are not always wise.” –Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice

Lord Carlisle [Matlock] was a male version of Lady Catherine, only worse if you can imagine. OMG! He wanted to command Darcy in his personal life and had a bevy of Haute ton Ladies with excellent dowries, superior connections, status to die for, and interests that were the envy of many. It was everything that would benefit him regardless of the sentiments of his nephew. It was only marriage after all. It was business, connections, and political gain… for him, of course.

Darcy tried to explain things to his uncle. He didn’t want a wife that was insipid, ignorant, senseless, could only discuss the weather, fashions, the latest gossip, and with no opinion of her own, she would parrot every opinion that he had. He then described a lady that would be worthy of his love. Of course, we know whom he was describing. His uncle was aghast that his nephew would defy him in the first place and horrified that he would want such a woman in the second. In his opinion… women were to take care of the house, see to the servants and the tenants, provide her husband with an heir and a spare, and she should make her husband look good. A man had his club for conversations, why would he want to talk to his wife? If he wanted more, he should get a mistress. OMG! What a pig-headed jerk. Darcy nearly threw him out of the house. His lordship didn’t exactly threaten Darcy, but it was implied. He would need to be watched.

“How is it
that there was never you
until there was
and then all was you?” –Kamand Kojouri

IT TOOK WAY TOO LONG to bring our dear couple [ODC] together. I wanted to pull out my hair over the first third of the story. The author threw everything in their way and prevented them from having a conversation so they could clear the air between them. FINALLY, when they were given half a chance, they took advantage of it and made nice. That was when the story started for me.

“Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” –Aristotle

Then, of all things, sister Jane threw a wrench in the works. What the heck was her problem? Our dear sister Jane… the controlled, mild-mannered, and easy-going Jane Bennet had discovered that there were pitfalls and rutted roads in her walk of life. No, our Jane had figured out that not everyone was nice, honest, or constant. I think Jane had lived in her own little pie-in-the-sky life bubble and forces beyond her control demanded her to really look at her belief system on life. Below the surface beat the heart of a passionate feeling person who now gave vent to all those emotions that had been held in check for years. She couldn’t, wouldn’t be angry at Bingley. However, she could and would direct her ire against others that had affected her Charles, his actions, and his decisions. That one would be none other than… Fitzwilliam Darcy.

There were several threads that were just dropped and there wasn’t an epilogue. I could ask a dozen ‘what happened to or with’ questions. Several situations felt forced or contrived. There were sections that could have been cut completely and the story would have continued. The flow of the story felt choppy and it was dialogue-heavy. I enjoyed parts of it but others, not so much. They felt like filler to a shorter story. I would have rather had the shorter story. [4-stars]

Lydia’s story just made my teeth hurt. I don’t like her when she is like this and I certainly didn’t like her mother as she was constantly pandering to her youngest daughter. It became tedious and even I was embarrassed by their behavior. That acorn didn’t fall far from the tree. OMG! How horrible.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angst and a Love Story
This story begins with Darcy believing there is nothing for him in Hertfordshire following his arranging Lydia and Wickham’s marriage, and confessing to Bingley his interference between him and Jane, who are now engaged and soon to be married. Elizabeth, on the other hand, could barely look at him for the time he was there. He can only believe she has no feelings for him.

“He closed his eyes, rested his forehead against the window, and welcomed the sharp chill of the glass as it seeped through his skin, into his bones, and wrapped itself around his aching heart.”—quote from book

He has now returned to London where his uncle and aunt (Earl and Countess) are pressuring him to marry. Left behind at Longbourn is an Elizabeth full of regret and mortification at the conduct of her family. She cannot imagine him ever offering for her again. However, Darcy eventually returns to Netherfield determined to win Elizabeth’s affection, but along the way, misunderstandings will threaten to impede his efforts.

So begins the start of several chapters weighted with a good measure of angst that settled deep within my gut and chest until it was over. Whew! Admittedly, I am an angst sissy—especially when Darcy’s heart feared his Elizabeth may have given her heart to another. So did mine for a time! Thankfully, the misunderstandings fairly quickly make way for our dear couple to reconnect and rekindle their love for one another, albeit not without attempts to separate them by those not in favour of the match, including Jane of all people!

”In that moment, the expression upon Elizabeth’s face so closely resembled the stuff of Darcy’s dreams that his heart stuttered in his chest. Her gaze was so intense and her expression so tender and full of affection that he felt the effects all the way to the recesses of his soul.”—quote from book

When I first began reading this book, my first impression was it was going to be heavy with narrative, but ultimately and thankfully, I was mistaken. That is not to say the narrative isn’t good or well written. Indeed it is, but there is also some very good dialogue between ODC to be enjoyed, as well as some good “Darcy, large-and-in-charge” set downs to those he has come to realize are not important to his happiness. Elizabeth too is unafraid to make known her sentiments to those who would look down upon her beloved or their relationship. I loved the heart-to-heart talks and revelations between Darcy and Elizabeth that led them to realize the ardent love they have for one another. Their passion is well expressed without being too graphically written. And, before they reach the point of their understanding, you can really feel the torment they feel in each of their troubled hearts. I loved these two sensitive souls.

“I have never been able to forget you. If I am anything, I am loyal. I am constant. You need never question my faithfulness. You need never doubt my devotion. I am yours, in body and soul, for as long as I am able to draw breath.”—Darcy, quote from book

I especially enjoyed Bingley’s “incorrigible” (as described by Elizabeth), brandy-loving Aunt Lawrence, whose friendly machinations assist ODC in arranging some time spent alone. Having had a love match herself, she sees the depth of Darcy’s love for Elizabeth.

”Still waters run deep you know. I have never been to the sea, but I imagine it to be much like your Mr Darcy—calm and even-tempered at the shoreline, but intense and passionate the farther one ventures from the coast. You are a lucky woman to have captured the heart of such a man.”—Aunt Lawrence, quote from book

There are also glimpses of humour.

”I want to marry you in the chapel there and make you mine in body as soon as you say ‘I do’ to the minister.” “I am sure the minister is delightful,” Elizabeth said breathlessly as her fingertips brushed the edge of his cravat, then his collar, “but I would prefer to say ‘I do’ to you.”—quotes from book

Be prepared for some Lydia and Wickham. They may shock a bit, but don’t much influence the story.

This beautifully-written love story by Susan Adriani is a pleasure to recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

November 13, 14, 2021 – Audiobook
I thought the narrator, Genevieve Begley, was good, but felt her voice presentation lacked the emotion I felt from Elizabeth and Darcy when I read the book. There was a sameness to them, and Darcy always sounded a bit angry to me even when he wasn’t. Still good overall though.

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

For it is in the arcana of dreams that existences merge and renew themselves, change and yet keep the same — like the soul of a musician in a fugue. And so memory swooned, again and again, in sleep. ~ Bram Stoker

So, you say you like a story with a bit of Swoon? Here is the book for you!

Quote from the book: She was firmly within the circle of his arms; his body warmed her like a fire, their breaths mingled with every exhalation. Surely, he did not doubt her heart belonged to him, that she was entirely, solely, irrevocably his?

Their bodies were now filled with calm and their hearts, like poppies, were at rest. ~ Jean Giono

“Misunderstandings and Ardent Love” is well-named. The beginning third of the book is full of misunderstanding. The rest? Well, that would be the Ardent Love, wouldn’t it?

But before we reach Ardent Love, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must tread through their misunderstandings and also those of everyone else in their circle of family and friends. Even Jane Bennet, sweet as pecan pie Jane Bennet, who forgives Bingley’s desertion as soon as he re-appears, is compelled to abuse Darcy on her sister’s behalf:

Quote from the book: “As a matter of fact, after passing several weeks in Elizabeth’s company I would wager a great deal that you, sir, more than anyone else, can imagine how my sister might react should someone dare to treat her with an air of arrogance and presumption and so wholly misinterpret her cordial sentiments as something more than what they are, especially when her preference has always been perfectly clear to those of us for whom she cares.”

Bread
Is your hand upon my head;
Wine
Is your warm mouth pressed to mine.
~ Mary Carolyn Davies

Complications also arise from Elizabeth’s friendship with a cousin of Charlotte Lucas. Jonathan Ellis has just returned from a journey to America. Her childhood friend is very pleased to see Elizabeth again. Is it any wonder Mrs. Bennet assumes a wedding is in the offing?

Darcy has plenty of complications from his own family, specifically, his Uncle, the Earl of Carlisle who has chosen the perfect bride for Darcy. The only issue: Darcy does not agree with that choice. Then, Lady Catherine arrives to make her sentiments known.

The air between us seemed to crackle with contained emotion. ~ Stephanie Barron, Jane and the Man of the Cloth: Being the Second Jane Austen Mystery, 1997

Only Darcy and the Gardiners know Darcy was instrumental in the resolution of the George Wickham/ Lydia Bennet elopement.

The entire family is surprised when the Wickhams arrive from Newcastle to attend the wedding of Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet. Why have they come? How did Wickham obtain leave from duty so soon after he arrived at his new regiment? How could the Wickhams afford the trip?

Wickham issues are the only real mystery to the story and Lydia’s tale seemed a bit unresolved.

I loved the additional Aunts: Bingley’s Aunt Lawrence and Darcy’s aunt, the Countess of Carlisle. Matchmaking makes unlikely bedfellows, indeed.

But, of course, the bedfellows who interest us are Darcy and Elizabeth. Scenes of affection are abundant — anytime our dear couple can manage to be on their own (and with Aunt Lawrence and Lady Carlisle as chaperones, well!) — tender touches, stolen kisses, but no ultimate intimacy until the wedding. Pick this one up when you’re ready to swoon!

That the very next day I would no longer possess those swooning eyes, those devouring lips, the nightly renewed miracle of that body with its divine contours and savage embraces ... long spasms as powerful as sin and as deep as death... ~ Octave Mirbeau

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story about ODC loss of connection following Lambton and the news of Lydia's elopement and then their reconnecting despite family challenges.

Bingley returns to Jane, is readily accepted back and they are engaged. ODC can barely communicate. Elizabeth is too ashamed of her family to even look at him and Darcy finds he doesn't know how to speak with her now, after the ease of meeting at Pemberley. He returns to London thinking he has no chance with Elizabeth.

Meanwhile and old childhood friend of the Bennet's returns, sparking rumors about a future engagement (if only in Mrs. B's mind). Mr. Ellis's arrival brings some relief to Elizabeth's thoughts of hopeless love, but fear to Darcy. On the urging of Col. F. he goes back to Hertfordshire to try again. He knows he will not have the support of most his family due to E's lack of anything... The Earl is a piece of cake... (you know those people that talk back to the tv? Well I have become a talk back to the book person LOL)

At about 40% and after further misunderstanding, miscommunication, lack of communication, a snit fit by Jane -Part 1(!?!) ODC finally come to an understanding.

Reader beware: the rest of the story is peppered with LOTS of amorous loving on ODC part, physical and verbal, although they do not anticipate vows. But it is at times OTT, IMHO- I know others will adore it.

Snit fit by Jane -Part 2, in which she gets clarity re her uncharacteristic feelings and behavior. That being said, we get a glimpse into the Bingleys relationship and consequent marriage and their expectations, via Jane and Bingley's revelations throughout the book. No spoilers here!

We also get an allusion to Ellis near the end of the story via Darcy. Very subtle, but its there. Again, no spoilers here...!

Caroline Bingley and the Hursts are barely there, Charlotte being married to Collins already isn't at all.
Lady Carlisle is one of the more dynamic characters in the book. Another new character Mrs. Lawrence brings a fresh frankness and humor to break up the, at times, heaviness of the story.
Anne is a lovely surprise. Lady Harrow is just slime personified.

The Wickhams return with a vengeance. Lydia is as - lets face it - stupid as ever. Wickham too smooth to be up to any good.

I did find there were several dry part full of either description or thoughts. For me these slowed down the story, other readers will not find it so.

No epilogue- We don't learn what ultimately happens to Lady Carlisle, the Earl, Lydia and Ellis or of the Bingley's marriage.

The cover is spot on as I felt this leaned more toward a Darcy story. We seemed to have more of his thoughts and family's shenanigans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 474 page book, as you would suspect, has many threads and so I will try to only highlight those that stood out for me. I did like the fact that the author gives us titles to each chapter which hint at /inform us what will now happen.

We begin after Lydia's elopement with and then marriage to Wickham. Darcy also informs Bingley as to his mistaken notion that Jane did not return his affection.

Then we read of Elizabeth rereading Darcy's letter with Jane advising her not to as it always makes her sad. After her engagement to Bingley Jane persuades Elizabeth to accompany her and Bingley on their honeymoon to London.

One of the main threads is that of Darcy's Uncle Lord Carlisle (Matlock) insisting that Darcy marry for money and connections (especially those that benefit Carlisle) throughout this story. Carlisle keeps mistresses and it is his present one who is pushing that Darcy marry her daughter. Ironically that mistress is also a good friend to the man's wife and seeks her help to persuade Darcy to court that daughter.

Later, Lady Carlisle separates from her husband, moves into Darcy House and becomes friends with, not only Elizabeth, but also Bingley's Aunt, Mrs. Lawrence. (You have to love that latter lady as she "chaperones" ODC and makes observations about their relationship.) Although the lady is a widow she has loving memories of the ardent love her own husband gave her.

At one point, we have Elizabeth's childhood friend, Jonathan Ellis, (cousin to Charlotte) coming back from some extensive travels, including America. Mrs. Bennet sees him as a suitor for Elizabeth's hand while even telling Darcy about those hopes.

Lydia and Wickham arrive back at Longbourn with an explanation that he is on a mission for his commander. That relationship plays out differently. However the fact that Lydia expects Darcy to "find" Wickham when he disappears leads Elizabeth to question why Lydia would seek such. (He never told her of his part in their marriage.) Wickham has informed Darcy of his plans to disappear in a letter. However Wickham's words are so harsh Darcy doesn't share them with Lydia.

Back when Darcy had shown up with Bingley Elizabeth was so ashamed of Lydia's actions and her family's disgrace that she refused to look him in the eye. He takes that as her continued disdain of him after his remarks about her family at Hunsford. However, later in London, the Colonel sets Darcy straight as he says, (Quote from the book) "Her family has been disgraced by the act of her sister’s impulsive foolishness, her father’s neglect, and her mother’s indulgence. Is it any wonder she could not meet your eyes?"

Yes, ODC does finally come to an understanding and are engaged a.s.a.p. Some MA pages tell us of how both feel passion and have to make efforts not to get carried away. Mrs. Bennet's and Mrs. Gardiner's comments to Elizabeth on the issue of the physical side of marriage are as you would expect.

And where would our story be without Lady Catherine showing up to voice her demands that Darcy marry Anne? As the story draws to an end we find Darcy cutting his uncle out of his life as Carlisle insults Elizabeth.

I enjoyed this story although it did take me a few days to read it and I found I had to keep notes due to all the various happenings. Thank goodness for the "copy and paste" option on my PC's Kindle app.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abrupt ending, in my opinion

Darcy’s uncle, The Earl, is not happy with Darcy’s decision to wed Lizzy. Well, that’s an understatement. He is very, very mad. At the very end off the book The Earl storms into Pemberley and there is yelling, threats barrels of anger. It is the climax of the major plot of the book. The Earl is not mollified and shows every inclination to use the power of the peerage to revenge himself on the Darcys but then the story ends. Yikes.

Other than the above, the story and the plot string are very entertaining and enjoyable to take part. Thumbs up.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn you KU for allowing 20 books in the queue now. This poor book has sat in my TBR pile for 2 months.

This was a long enjoyable read. Angst fest for the first 40% and then a smooch fest for the rest.

Yes, there were some loose ends. I could have done without the Lady Cat / Anne portion. I would rather have been a fly on the wall in the battle that was Lady Cat & Mama B. There were several occasions where I wanted to slap one or two Bingleys - Caroline and Louisa did weren’t the annoying B’s in this book!

Overall, I loved it. 4&1/2 stars rounded to 5

[Ｓｈｉｆｒａ ♕ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Darcy and Lizzy are not aware their heart has landed on the same page.
Synopsis:

Imagine- if you can briefly bear- Darcy returning with Bingley to Longbourn, never having been embolden by Lady Catherine’s confrontation provoking Lizzy's staunch defense, and receiving no encouragement in a chagrined Lizzy- to whom Lydia never revealed his involvement in orchestrating the marriage- concluding he had no hope.

Daring not to tender a second proposal, he retreats to London. This is the nerve wrenching scenario we open upon in this yarn.

Darcy's relations, Lord & Lady Carlisle, are driving him up the wall with their dogged insistence that he do his duty and marry their hand picked heiress. When Darcy vents his frustrations to Richard and reveals he is hopelessly in love with Elizabeth, Col. Fitz will posit that Lizzy was merely shy and he ought to go back and 'give it the ol' college try' if he truly wants her.
Colonel Fitzwilliam:

Darcy, encouraged, swallows his pride & summons his gumption to go back to Hertfordshire, acknowledging that if he wants to be Lizzy's lover he's got to get with her friends, and resolving to be everything amicable to the local society. He intends this time to properly court her and allow her time to warm up to him and then maybe be rewarded with her affection.

When he arrives he finds things are quite different than when he first arrived the year previous: Lizzy is now the belle of the ball- with Jane off the market- and rumors of her potential match with a returned childhood friend, Mr Jonathan Ellis, leave him nervous. I do love a good love triangle, but I don't enjoy a half-assed one, and while Mr Ellis proved an interesting character due to later revelations, he was not consistently enough present/ relevant to the plot to merit his inclusion.
Mr Ellis:


What Worked:

♡Darcy coming all gung-ho to court Lizzy was well set up and it is fun to witness him squirm upon his return to Hertfordshire.

♡ODC gets saddled with some lazy chaperones, one of which is the Bingley's widowed Aunt with a charming- read significant- drinking problem.
Her Chaperone Philosophy:


♡Some solid dialogue, era appropriate, and overall well edited.

♡Little romantic details, i.e. Darcy procured the same rose water scent Lizzy wore and kept it bottled to sprinkle it on his pillow for sweet dreams! Awww!

♡Big fan of the Wickham twist. Absolute win IMO.

What Irked:
✗ Alright, without further ado, the prevalent over arching issue: There is this odd almost episodic quality to many chapters, they tended to hold one-on-one arguments between ODC & the given relation of the chapter that has been struck by obstinance to provide a partner in debate.

Sure the topic is relevant enough, but they are just so rambling, and crawling with monologues, and chiefly silly. They seemed intended to pretend conflict, but were blatantly masquerading as such, and failing to pass, since Darcy is his own master, and Lizzy is all in.
I wanted more ODC development and legitimate conflicts, less side quest convos that proved fruitless to the story.

These little asides just parked the story, instead of driving it forward. I wish ODC had more attention directed inwards- to their relationship- rather than concerns with the outwards- the behaviors of those around them- which is beyond their control regardless.

✗Uneven on action indicators/ dialogue tags at times, which left some emotionless paragraphs, resulting in some romantic moments falling flat for me.

✗Premiss half life; Seemed it would be centered on Darcy patiently courting a skittish Lizzy- the better premiss IMO-alas it was hastily resolved/ quickly abandoned.

By their third scripted convo the whole thing is sorted.

Then we got this whole London arc which was fueled chiefly by petty squabbles.

The Brass Tacks:
Engaging. A ping pong between ODC arguing with their various relations and absconding for a romantic interlude, that due to their lack of development scenes oft feel unearned, lacking built up tension to break. It wanted for a cohesive theme, and resulted in a disjointed collections of sub plots, rather than an overarching conflict supported by them. Yet I was able to easily read through, so there is enough there to keep a reader well engaged.

I prefer Adriani's other work, The Truth about Mr. Darcy, though both are engaging. However, I liked this well enough that I won't hesitate to read her next project.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Booksprout for an honest review.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Subtle Serrano 🌶 🌶/5 ꙳

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring a variation on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice that asks a big ‘what if’ and thus plunges the last part of the story into a new, thoughtful, romantic, and engaging direction is always a tantalizing prospect for a variation-lover such as myself.

Misunderstandings and Ardent Love tackles a small, but significant series of ‘what if’ questions and with one being the chief driving point to this easy-paced, (moderately) low angst, second chance romance. What if, when Darcy returns to Netherfield with Charles Bingley after the events in London that save Lydia Bennet and the rest of the Bennet family from scandal, he doesn’t stay and try once more with Elizabeth because he gets no encouragement from her? What if gentle Jane turns into a lioness towards Darcy and attempts to thwart his chances with her sister? What if Darcy’s noble relations all oppose him when he does think to try again? It lead to a whole new chance to enjoy Austen’s P&P world and characters with a slightly steamy second chance romance with all sorts of obstacles tossed in their path.

As I said, there are several obstacles that rear up ugly in their way not the least of which is the pair getting very little chance to iron out their issues, to potential rivals being set up by their less than helpful family members who have their own agendas for Mr. Darcy and even for Elizabeth. And, that pair took a bit to get their business sorted, but they also had a strong attraction and couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other every chance they got.
One might think all this would make it dreadfully angsty and possibly sluggish in pace the way it was one thing after the other. The story was mostly character-driven and there were no big spikes of action, but there was something about it that made me settle in and enjoy. I found humor in a few of the characters and situations like Darcy's aunt the countess who was much more than she seemed and I thought stole the show a few times. I loved fun friendship Elizabeth had with Mr. Ellis her childhood friend and I was relieved that this didn’t turn into a love triangle. There were some more serious moments and especially because of the way Darcy’s detestable uncle wanted to manage his life. I liked the way the romance pair grew as a couple and learned to trust and rely on each other’s strengths and support their partner in a weak moment. The book ran through the gamut of situations and emotions.

I only had one niggle and it was the way the end seem to come without wrapping up some smaller threads. I suppose that it how life is- things on going, but these were things I was curious about so I wanted a longer end or an epilogue.

However, all in all, I had a comfy coze with a lovely, easy-read variation on P&P that offered a slightly spicy romance. This is not one for everyone as it assumes the reader is familiar with the P&P story and enjoys ‘what if’ scenarios, but I think those who love the classic story and like to explore such questions should definitely pick it up.

My thanks to Quills & Quartos for providing a copy of the book to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is titled perfectly. It does indeed start out with misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth. After Darcy patches up Lydia’s marriage and comes clean with Bingley, he returns to Hertfordshire. There Darcy and Elizabeth are both too distraught to even talk to each other much less declare their tender feelings and Darcy departs for London. It’s cousin Richard who prods Darcy to return in chapter three, aptly titled: “Where Colonel Fitzwilliam Gives Mr. Darcy a Kick in the Breeches.” The chapter headings are a delightful bonus, each one made me smile and kept me reading.

Once they are engaged, new obstacles arise. It’s not uncommon to see Darcy at odds with his family regarding Elizabeth (Lady Catherine started it!), but Darcy’s uncle, Lord Carlisle is truly a despicable character and takes his objections to new lows. But this time it’s not just Darcy’s uncle who objects to the match but also, sweet, mild mannered Jane Bennet. In what seems out of character, she holds a grudge against Darcy for much of the book. Elizabeth finally reasons her out of it in the latter half of the story.

There are two new characters who keep things lively: Bingley’s aunt, Mrs. Lawrence (the world’s worst chaperone), whom I loved, and Jonathan Ellis, Sir William’s nephew and close family friend of the Bennets, most particularly of Elizabeth. Ellis adds a familiar threat to Darcy: the old family friend who might be something more.

Overall, I found this book to be an easy, enjoyable read with an engaging plot and fun, new characters.

I received an ebook to review via Booksprout. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[Gill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of Darcy and Elizabeth finally coming together.
They love each other but Darcy assumes she still dislikes him and Elizabeth believes that he is repelled by her vulgar, almost-ruined family.
Their courtship is steamy. Full of yearning, desire and stolen kisses.
New characters include Elizabeth’s childhood friend Mr Ellis, who is stalwart and true. Bingley’s aunt Mrs Lawrence is a hoot. The sort of older relative we would all appreciate.
On the less pleasant side are Lord Carlisle, Darcy’s uncle who is repulsive and Jane Bennet, who can be decidedly shrewish!

I adored this book and urge you to read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If Darcy and Elizabeth Were Unaware of Each Others’ Feelings After the Lydia/Wickham Debacle?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: A dejected and brooding Darcy decides to return to Meryton for Bingley’s wedding and determine once and for all if there is a no hope for a future with Elizabeth Bennet. Little does he know that he already possesses Elizabeth’s heart and “that her sentiments had undergone so material a change.” As these two sort through their own misunderstandings and feelings, some unwelcome interference from outsides sources has the potential to mar their happiness…

MY THOUGHTS: I am so elated to read a new story by Susan Adriani!! Her writing is beautiful (more on that later) and I love how she employed several subtle twists in this premise. With Elizabeth being completely unaware of Darcy’s involvement with Lydia, Wickham, and the Gardiners, and without Lady Catherine paying a frank call to an “obstinate, headstrong girl,” Darcy and Elizabeth must come to understand each other through their own actions and exchanges. And the manner in which they do so is both wonderfully orchestrated and deeply rewarding.

What I loved most about this story was how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were portrayed and how they interacted with each other. I appreciated how their feelings and actions felt natural and authentic to their personalities, and that they were never overly melodramatic, “pictures of perfection,” or too saccharine. While a bit broody in the beginning, Darcy still exhibits some hope and perseverance. And while Elizabeth adjusts to her new understanding of Mr. Darcy’s character, she doesn’t continue to willfully misunderstand or prejudge him. Both characters displayed maturity, sensitivity, and perceptive awareness that was lovely to witness. As was their mutual ardency! (NOTE: While there weren’t any explicit intimate scenes – I was hoping for at least one 😉, there were plenty of romantic and sensual scenes. I’d recommend this tale for readers over the age of 14.)

Susan Adriani’s writing is splendidly captivating and engaging. Her tone is warm and gentle, and she strikes the perfect blend of describing the actions of a scene with conveying the sensations and emotions felt by the characters. I was completely swept away by her achingly beautiful prose. Even though I’m not one to prefer tales with low-tension and minimal conflict, I was eager to live in this novel and feel engrossed with these characters.

In this variation Susan Adriani implements some new characters and some different character deviations. I thoroughly enjoyed the new creations of Mr. Ellis, a cousin of Charlotte Lucas who is a dear childhood friend to Elizabeth, and Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Bingley’s widowed aunt who is delightfully sharp and candid. In addition, I enjoyed Lord and Lady Carlisle, who have an unhappy marriage yet are very eager to make an equally unhappy match for Mr. Darcy with an insipid heiress. The deviations I wasn’t as fond of were Jane’s unwillingness to change her opinion of Mr. Darcy and the Lydia/Wickham storyline. With Jane, the author made a valiant attempt to make these negative feelings and bitter actions plausible for Jane’s character, but something still didn’t ring true about them. And as for the Wickhams, with it being such an eventful novel already, this storyline ended up feeling a little extraneous (and because it is the Wickhams – exasperating).

With Misunderstandings and Ardent Love Susan Adriani delivers a sweepingly romantic Pride and Prejudice variation that will bring much joy and pleasure to readers who prefer to see more affection and less angst between Darcy and Elizabeth. A lovely tale full of swoon-worthy interludes, troublesome relations, and a radiant example of steadfast and fervent love.

Austenesque Reviews

[Sheryl Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were a guy, I would be quite blue

I really, really enjoyed this book except when I didn't. This is very romantic, quite ardent one must say. This Darcy is fervent. I didn't even want to smack this Elizabeth which, sadly, is so often the case. But this story was so tempting, so teasing that the ending was an insult. Talk about being a tease? I've read most of this author's stories and I believe they've always been "sweet", but this went right to the cliff's edge and dropped the curtain. Was it editing choices? Excessive pages? Whatever the reasoning, readers deserve the outtakes and an epilogue on this one. And for the record, too many threads left hanging. Maybe it really was the page count. I for one could have easily lasted an additional 50 or so considering how beautifully this author writes. Sorry ladies, this one got its soul chopped off. Four stars because I'm wishing for the extended director's cut.

[krow · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a lot a liked about this book, but the cartoonish villains killed it for me (Lord Carlisle's disgusting monologues grated on my nerves, surely we did not need that many of them). The misunderstandings I felt were a bit of a stretch, too.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Darcy returns to Hertfordshire with Bingley, he feels Elizabeth despises him thanks to her discomfort around him and her inability to meet his eye. She feels he would never condescend to pay any special attention to her due familial connection to Wickham, thus, Darcy leaves the area defeated and in low spirits with no hope that Elizabeth will ever accept him, and at the same time, Elizabeth feels downcast thinking he is fleeing from her and her undesirable family. A flicker of hope is sparked in Darcy when Richard challenges him to go and try to win the fair hand of his lady love!

Darcy decides to give it the old college try and returns to Hertfordshire. There are more misunderstandings and interrupted conversations before a candid conversation finally takes place and the couple come to understand each other better and clear up their false notions of one another. I absolutely loved that conversation! It was sweet and charged and just delightful! Once they are able to clear the air between them, their romance blossoms and is very sweet and lovely and I loved their devotion and loyalty.

D&E come to an understanding fairly early in the book, probably a third in, and it felt to me that once this occurs, there wasn’t much after that in the way of a plot that really kept my interest peaked. There were some really great moments that D&E share that is always nice to read, but not a lot to keep the story moving. There is a whole lot of introspection that starts to get a bit tedious. I did enjoy the addition of Bingley’s Aunt Lawrence. She was a fun character that added some color to the story, and even Lady Carlisle grew on me after a while. The two aunts together made a formidable pair!

Unfortunately, most of the characters seemed a bit two dimensional to me and that robbed them of some of their believability to a large degree. The Earl comes to mind as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the Wickhams and even Bingley and Jane. This wasn’t a portrayal of Jane that I enjoyed. She seemed very insipid and boring and also very inconsistent in regards to her behavior towards Darcy. She was still kind and forgiving to everyone under the sun except Darcy. She even showed more kindness and understanding to the Wickhams. It just didn’t seem to fit and the reasons she stated for her hostility didn’t seem justify her very OOC behavior IMO. While I did love the romance between D&E, I also felt that their sensual appetites got a bit tedious after a while. They became more like hormone driven teenagers and it seemed the physical side of the relationship was all that was there and all that was focused on. Don’t get me wrong, I love some great love scenes, even some sensuality, but I prefer when their relationship is more balanced and well rounded.

Overall, this book was okay and I liked it, but I didn’t love it. There were things to enjoy, but it felt long and I also didn’t find anything that made it stand out or make it memorable. I’m glad I read it, but probably wouldn’t read it again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this overall, enough to start another Susan Adriani book immediately after finishing this.
But it might have been better if it was edited a little tighter.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Darcy find there way together and learn to communicate their thoughts and also their passion. The story features some amazing secondary characters. Mr Bingley’s aunt is great as well as Elizabeth’s childhood friend. The whole story could have been much shorter as our dear couple misunderstands, talks it through and kisses: repeat.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frustratingly good

Such great story read it with much joy the first time .listening to it on audible inspired me to read it again I think ms Adriani has a wonderful imagination and I hope to benefit from it for a very long time.

[abmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, sigh worthy, angsty story. How is it that this author, Darcy, Elizabeth and a piano makes for such beautiful scenes? Mrs. Lawrence is a hoot. Loved it!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt the ending was too abrupt and left too many loose ends.

Well written and edited.

[Daniela Quadros · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, there is no Lady Catherine's visit, so Darcy and Elizabeth don't get together when Jane and Bingley do. He comes back to Hertfordshire later on and many misunderstandings and new characters get in the way of their happiness. There is Mr Ellis Lucas, Elizabeth's childhood friend and also Bingley's aunt, Mrs Lawrence, who brings comical moments to the book. ODC is very passionate and have a hard time keeping their hands off each other. There is also the problem with Jane, who is not so nice as in canon and has a hard time accepting Darcy as Elizabeth's betrothed. I didn't like this Jane very much. The book is a bit long and I feel some events might have been worked faster than they did, but all in all, it was a pleasant and entertaining reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Feltz Milkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know how I feel about this book. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't one if my favorites. I had a hard time staying on task with this book. The story was interesting but it seemed drawn out and I also felt like the book just ended. What happened with the countess, with Lydia, even with Darcy and Elizabeth. It feels like an ending for a book with a sequel, however I can't find anything that says there is a sequel out or being written.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

📜 Misunderstandings & Ardent Love 📜
A Pride and Prejudice variation
✒️ Susan Adriani
https://www.facebook.com/sadrianiauthor/ Release Date 08/23/2021
Publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098KPNB4H/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

“I have never been able to forget you...I am yours, in body and soul, for as long as I am able to draw breath.”
AFTER MONTHS OF BROODING DESPAIR while Bingley prepares to wed Jane Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy realises he has no choice but to put his heart at risk and try to win the only woman he will ever love. 
ELIZABETH BENNET WOULD MORE THAN WELCOME his return to Longbourn. Yet despite such mutually ardent feelings, her most beloved sister and Darcy’s own uncle hold quite the opposite points of view.
TORN BETWEEN PERSONAL LOYALTIES and responsibilities, the couple must balance finding a discreet solution for a family scandal in London and dealing with new outrageous actions by Mr and Mrs Wickham, all while facing a Jane Bennet who cannot forgive Darcy his interference in her love story.
Can the two overcome misunderstandings and meddling and find their way to one another at last?

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will their sentiments be strong enough to face the scorn of those against them …

I have never read so many variation of P&P since this last year, probably because I did not know they even existed.
And while I have read it only one time many many decades ago, it is The reference for the tortured alpha hero, with of course Mr Rochester. But P&P was never my favorite Austen’s novel.
So why I maybe have a different look upon those variations. Now I’m tasting the waters with one more new-to-me author.
The action of this book takes place after the end of the original story, with the difference that Elizabeth and Darcy never came to an understanding and professed their love to one another. Instead each is certain that one dislikes the other. Since they live with the turmoil of what they lost, unable to overcome their grief.
Hopefully one Darcy’s side, he will be ejected from his veil of sorrows by his friend and cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam urging him to go after the woman he loves, to not give up without fighting first.
For Elizabeth, she is more comforted in her opinion he must have fallen out of love, as her sister, the sweet Jane has now an immense distaste of Darcy and presses her to forgot him.
Their reunion is awkward and they dance around one another, at loss about the other’s feelings, misinterpreting their reactions and overreacting.
Until a chance eavesdropping followed by a heartfelt explanation help them clear the waters.
From there begins their real courtship, Darcy learning to express his thoughts and feelings to Elizabeth, while she has to face all those set against them. But she is not alone as he stands by her side each and every time, even going against his own kin to defend her and refusing so see her name dragged into the mud. Together they also explore their attraction and chemistry, helped in some sort by some very lenient chaperones.

I loved to see Darcy opening to Elizabeth, struggling at first then realizing to have the real life partner he seeks and talks about, he must unload his burden to her, together they will be stronger and more devoted to one another if they share their load. Such a contrast with the Bingleys.
And Jane, she was so out of character, petty and mean, definitely not my favorite. And don’t talk me about egoistical self-centered Lydia.
The additional characters such as Bingley’s aunt Mrs Lawrence and Darcy’s Lady Carlisle were a happy surprise, lifting the ambiance.
A lovely reread of a classic I much enjoyed.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and sweet caresses.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[lori huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

After arranging the Lydia/Wickham marriage, and after confessing his interference to Bingley and accompanying him back to Hertfordshire, Darcy returns to London after a week of silence from Elizabeth, and after getting the cold shoulder from the Bennett family. Darcy concludes that Elizabeth blames him for Lydia's unfortunate marriage. Elizabeth, however, is embarrassed, and feels that Darcy would never want to connect himself to a family that includes the Wickhams. It takes a conference with Colonel Fitzwilliam to shake some sense into Darcy, and make him consider Elizabeth's viewpoint. Darcy resolves to return to Hertfordshire and to court Elizabeth properly.

This is a fairly high angst story. Mr Bennett is infuriating, even more lazy and uncaring than usual. Mrs Bennett is at her most ridiculous best, or worst. Lydia is impossibly bad. Added strongly to the mix is an extremely unpleasant Earl of Carlisle (Earl of Matlock in most versions), Darcy's uncle, and even his wife at the start of the book. Even Jane is part of the problem with a bad attitude towards Darcy. These characters and others make for some very troubling times for ODC, almost to an overwhelming degree. Fortunately, the author introduces some likeable new characters that help to balance out the melancholy situations. In addition, Darcy and Elizabeth realize their mutual attraction and love fairly early on in the story, so the romance does a lot to make their trials bearable. In this book, as in others by this author, Darcy is portrayed as if he's a horny teenager with only a tenuous hold on his sense of propriety. Thankfully, he keeps his head screwed on straight for the duration of their engagement, and doesn't do anything stupid.

The book is very well written, and well edited. I felt that it could have been shortened a bit with some editing out of tedious details, such as the detailing of what the servants were doing, or such as the descriptions of finery. However, it's an interesting and engaging story, and I recommend it highly.

[Bethanne]

Very interesting story

This story covers the time period from shortly after the elopement of Wickham and Lydia up to the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth several months later. New characters are seen : Mr Ellis who was a childhood friend of the Bennet girls returns from America... And Lady Harrow who has been trying to get into Darcy's bed since his father died but has gone after his uncle the pompous disagreeable Earl. Jane married Charles and we see a different side of her character. She deliberately attacks Darcy in front of Charles and her Aunt Gardiner for his actions at Rosings. She's not pleased with Elizabeth marrying Darcy and is vocal in her displeasure to Elizabeth. Charles is upset bc he wanted a quiet wife who has no strong opinions. ( the opposite of his sisters). Darcy's troubles are in dealing with his relatives. Once the Earl begins his affair with Lady Harrow, the Countess collected her gowns and jewelry and moves in with Darcy! Lady Catherine is her usual self. AND he has to suffer with the Wickhams who show up unexpectedly for Jane's wedding. Trouble follows! Wickham deserted the Army, left Lydia at the Gardiners and decamps to America!! Lydia refuses to believe it, and wants to live in London and party but no one is going to pay her way. Mrs Bennet wants Darcy to let her live in Pemberley but that's definitely not happening! Poor Darcy - he also has Charles' s widowed aunt who enjoys brandy in her tea and is as impertinent as Elizabeth! Putting the two Aunts together is quite funny ...
It's long but it flows well and its very enjoyable.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

November, 1812, Darcy is in London, still agonizing over Elizabeth, months after her rejection at Hunsford. Lydia is married to Wickham. Elizabeth is at Longbourn, filled with regrets about Darcy, and Bingley is engaged to Jane. Darcy's aunt and uncle are haranguing him to marry a wealthy heiress and sire a son, while he protests that he wants to marry someone he respects and admires. Those scenes of sneering misogyny were painful to read and went on a bit too long. One of them would have been enough to establish their views, I think, although it does reinforce their intransigence.

Oxford-educated Mr. Ellis, a childhood friend of Elizabeth's and cousin to the Lucases, has returned from three years in America. An inheritance and wise investments have made him a wealthy man. When Bingley tells Darcy about his new friendship with this man, it throws him into an even deeper well of anxiety. He had already decided to return to Netherfield to pursue Elizabeth, which Richard had encouraged, but now it seemed much more urgent.

Darcy has no idea that Elizabeth's feelings have changed. Circumstances continue to prevent Darcy from speaking to her. The angst builds significantly. A new character, Bingley's aunt, Mrs. Lawrence, is introduced. She becomes a friend and chaperone to Elizabeth when she goes to London with Jane and Bingley. There, Darcy has a better chance of pursuing Elizabeth, while he avoids the woman his aunt and uncle have pushed him to marry.

There are many obstacles to overcome in this long, well-written story. It's immensely enjoyable.

[Misha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough, but completely misses the mark for the Austen style of soft implications. Many things are said INCREDIBLY bluntly in ways that are out of character or out of time. Also misses having any real tension, as after the fourth identical misunderstanding of feelings cleared up by just *using words* it starts being hard to feel anything but impatience for the mutual pining nonsense. These two problems on their own would be enough to make the story less than fully engaging, but both at once make it ridiculous - a story where Fitzwilliam 'disguise of every sort is my abhorrence' Darcy would repeatedly hide things from his friends and fiancee is barely believable without adding that he appears to have developed not only the nerve but also the vocabulary to explain precisely who is/wants to sex whom.... but only once he's gone out of his way to frame things in the least clear way possible first. Lizzy 'capable of abusing him so abominably to his face' Bennett, while at least retaining some humour, also suffers from the same inexplicable turn towards using words only when people of the time period would never have done so in such explicit terms, while completely and utterly ignoring any method of communication less blatant than tearful confessions followed by smooching.

I snark, but it was a fun read. If you like p&p variations, you'll probably enjoy it, if only as a target for ridicule.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. After months of brooding despair while Bingley prepares to wed Jane Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy realises he has no choice but to put his heart at risk and try to win the only woman he will ever love. Elizabeth Bennett would more than welcome his return to Longbourn, yet despite such mutually ardent feelings, her most beloved sister and Darcy’s own uncle hold quite the opposite points of view. Torn between personal loyalties and responsibilities, the couple must balance finding a discreet solution for a family scandal in London and dealing with new outrageous actions by Mr and Mrs Wickham, all while facing a Jane Bennet who cannot forgive Darcy his interference in her love story. Can the two overcome misunderstandings and meddling and find their way to one another at last? 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.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

Darcy and Elizabeth struggled to communicate their true feelings and love for each other to each other after Lydia 's marriage to Wickham. Darcy failed to realize that Elizabeth was embarrassed by Lydia 's 'behavior because it made Darcy 's earlier statements about her family 's behavior true. Colonel Fitzwilliam encouraged him to pursue Elizabeth and explained that she was probably embarrassed since she understood how much she hated Wickham. Jane was also a problem because she didn't want to admit that Bingley wasn't man enough to return on his own without Darcy. Elizabeth confronted her about her behavior after Aunt Gardenier witnessed her public rudeness towards Darcy. Darcy struggled with the Earl of Matlock who was just horrible towards his wife and 100% misogynist! He told Darcy to make Elizabeth his mistress! Wickham caused a scandal when he deserted his post and Lydia while Mr. Bennet tried to cost her off on Darcy and Elizabeth, which was not going to happen! Lady Carlisle and Mrs. Lawrence added levity to the novel, one unhappily married and one a widow. The HEA was hard won.