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No Expectation of Pleasure: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
“No Expectation of Pleasure” is a standalone novella, part of the Hot Mush Series, which means it contains romantic scenes appropriate for a mature audience only!
The story begins before Jane is invited to dine at Netherfield and falls ill.
By that time, Mr. Darcy — a man of the world, master of his own fortune and of his own feelings and actions — is already smitten with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young woman he had called tolerable and refused to dance with. As the days pass, charmed by her pretty eyes and sparkling wit, he discovers that she is handsome enough to tempt him, more so than any other woman before. He is determined to keep his distance from her and he manages to do so even during her stay at Netherfield, as she cares for her sister, Jane. That is until one cold, rainy day, three days prior to the Netherfield Ball when Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to spend some time alone in a cabin in the wood.
With no expectation of pleasure, Elizabeth forces herself to bear the arrogant man’s company with enough civility while he struggles with his own desires and temptations, as well as with her low opinion of him.
The distance from arguments to a better understanding, from pride and prejudice to friendship, towards a “happily ever after”, can be easier and faster to travel when the two of them are trapped together. Can’t it?
The story begins before Jane is invited to dine at Netherfield and falls ill.
By that time, Mr. Darcy — a man of the world, master of his own fortune and of his own feelings and actions — is already smitten with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young woman he had called tolerable and refused to dance with. As the days pass, charmed by her pretty eyes and sparkling wit, he discovers that she is handsome enough to tempt him, more so than any other woman before. He is determined to keep his distance from her and he manages to do so even during her stay at Netherfield, as she cares for her sister, Jane. That is until one cold, rainy day, three days prior to the Netherfield Ball when Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to spend some time alone in a cabin in the wood.
With no expectation of pleasure, Elizabeth forces herself to bear the arrogant man’s company with enough civility while he struggles with his own desires and temptations, as well as with her low opinion of him.
The distance from arguments to a better understanding, from pride and prejudice to friendship, towards a “happily ever after”, can be easier and faster to travel when the two of them are trapped together. Can’t it?
- GenresRomanceNovellaHistorical
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2021
54 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 18, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This is a sweet story most of the way through. However we do have some graphic scenes describing ODC's wedding night near the ending.
The notable difference here is events which occur at the cottage in the woods, which is owned by Elizabeth. She inherited it and keeps it stocked with firewood and tea, some clothes, etc. for use if anyone becomes stranded and needs to use a safe haven.
Elizabeth finds herself alone there with Darcy as they both seek shelter from the rain and then she also finds solace there after Darcy's comes upon her seeking to escaped Wickham's attentions. The first instance has both shedding their wet clothes and using blankets to warm up. However Darcy was first upon the scene and Elizabeth surprises him with her entrance, his blanket slips and Elizabeth sees a naked Darcy.
Compromise is spoken of both between Darcy and Elizabeth and with her father. At this point Elizabeth's opinions about Darcy are similar to those in canon. Yes, she has overheard his insult and witnessed his distain. However, Darcy relates some of his experiences with Wickham and Elizabeth realizes she has misjudged the man.
So they grow to know one another better as he and Bingley visit Longbourn often. Yes, Collins shows up and his attentions to Elizabeth are quickly turned towards Charlotte and he hears about her adventure at the cottage.
There is a short epilogue, which gives attention to that cottage where this couple made a start in their relationship.
This is a sweet story most of the way through. However we do have some graphic scenes describing ODC's wedding night near the ending.
The notable difference here is events which occur at the cottage in the woods, which is owned by Elizabeth. She inherited it and keeps it stocked with firewood and tea, some clothes, etc. for use if anyone becomes stranded and needs to use a safe haven.
Elizabeth finds herself alone there with Darcy as they both seek shelter from the rain and then she also finds solace there after Darcy's comes upon her seeking to escaped Wickham's attentions. The first instance has both shedding their wet clothes and using blankets to warm up. However Darcy was first upon the scene and Elizabeth surprises him with her entrance, his blanket slips and Elizabeth sees a naked Darcy.
Compromise is spoken of both between Darcy and Elizabeth and with her father. At this point Elizabeth's opinions about Darcy are similar to those in canon. Yes, she has overheard his insult and witnessed his distain. However, Darcy relates some of his experiences with Wickham and Elizabeth realizes she has misjudged the man.
So they grow to know one another better as he and Bingley visit Longbourn often. Yes, Collins shows up and his attentions to Elizabeth are quickly turned towards Charlotte and he hears about her adventure at the cottage.
There is a short epilogue, which gives attention to that cottage where this couple made a start in their relationship.
December 25, 2021
Lizzy’s rambles get her in trouble
Lizzy is out walking, is caught in a rainstorm. Goes to a cabin to get out of the storm. Of course, it’s a cabin Darcy goes to also. Very familiar beginning.
The question…how are Darcy and Lizzy not going to have to marry. A prime example of why unescorted walking is dangerous for a female. Lizzy is of course angry about mistreatment of Wickham. There will be another instance of unescorted walking being dangerous. Stubborn, naive Lizzy doesn’t look smart in this story.
Secrets can’t be kept in a town with more gossips than the Bravo show The Real Housewives of Regency London. Special notice for new up and coming gossips Lydia and Kitty.
Ok story . Not much depth.
Lizzy is out walking, is caught in a rainstorm. Goes to a cabin to get out of the storm. Of course, it’s a cabin Darcy goes to also. Very familiar beginning.
The question…how are Darcy and Lizzy not going to have to marry. A prime example of why unescorted walking is dangerous for a female. Lizzy is of course angry about mistreatment of Wickham. There will be another instance of unescorted walking being dangerous. Stubborn, naive Lizzy doesn’t look smart in this story.
Secrets can’t be kept in a town with more gossips than the Bravo show The Real Housewives of Regency London. Special notice for new up and coming gossips Lydia and Kitty.
Ok story . Not much depth.
December 25, 2021
A “Hot Mush” Novella
A new offering from Ms. Lillian’s “Hot Mush” series has ODC briefly stranded during a storm where Elizabeth makes a shocking observation. A good quick read with a steamy wedding night ending.
A new offering from Ms. Lillian’s “Hot Mush” series has ODC briefly stranded during a storm where Elizabeth makes a shocking observation. A good quick read with a steamy wedding night ending.
January 17, 2022
I do love a cottage in the woods story! In this novella Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together in a cottage owned by Elizabeth to shelter from a storm. Darcy was there first and in a state of undress when she arrives! The time they spend together offers the chance of an exchange of views and better understanding of each other. Maybe Elizabeth is tolerable enough to tempt him after all!
This is a book that needs to be enjoyed for what isn't is - a bit of fun! If you look too deeply at the compromising situation and the Bennet family response you're unlikely to be a happy reader! As it is, it allows for fun and mischief with the residents of Meryton. There are some great scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth and some very adult content at the end that can be skipped over without losing the story.
This is a book that needs to be enjoyed for what isn't is - a bit of fun! If you look too deeply at the compromising situation and the Bennet family response you're unlikely to be a happy reader! As it is, it allows for fun and mischief with the residents of Meryton. There are some great scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth and some very adult content at the end that can be skipped over without losing the story.
December 27, 2021
Hot mush? Cold bore…
… I had not read anything in the “hot mush” series before and I’m sorry I wasted time slogging through this one. The whole point was the sex toward the end and that was unimaginative and boring. The whole story was boring from start to finish, actually.
… I had not read anything in the “hot mush” series before and I’m sorry I wasted time slogging through this one. The whole point was the sex toward the end and that was unimaginative and boring. The whole story was boring from start to finish, actually.
June 8, 2023
An almost perfectly edited, unique version of the cabin in the woods premise done extremely well, this was my introduction to Lilian's Hot Mush series of books, novellas that promise an option of steam and a definite strong romantic theme. I approve.
I write technical reviews, so there won't be a synopsis or a lot of subjective analysis here, rather, I'll be looking at the details that would tend to make readers drop a star where most reviewers never mention the issue.
- The plot is based on a common theme, yet it's very different in the way it's been carried out, so (mini-expose) the steam doesn't happen early on in the book like most cabin in the woods novels. Does that spoil the hot mush reading experience? I don't think so--it's better this way, as the drama is drawn out.
- Pace is quick but not overwhelming, so you're not bored, yet you don't ever feel left behind either.
- Point of view is third person, multiple, with head-hopping. Honestly, if Lory Lilian could rein herself in and stick to one point of view per scene, her books would be pretty much perfect.
- Dramatic tension is moderate for the most part.
- The author used some telling in the narrative, with some filter words. More consistent use of showing language would enhance her story telling.
- Prose was excellent with a fine feel of Regency language without overwhelming the reader with difficult words. Below average use of non-Regency words (three) and Americanisms (two) were found.
- I found two extra commas, both associated with appositives that didn't need them.
- I didn't much care for the summary in the middle of the book that tried to pass quickly through time. The section reminded me of an epilogue. It was too rushed and was done in a voice incongruent with the rest of the book. As a result, I felt separated from the feel of the romance, and almost felt like skimming.
- As for Regency factual errors, a Regency carriage typically only holds four adults. They just aren't very big. Also, the author used "Miss Bennet" for Elizabeth where the people would have called her "Miss Elizabeth" in real life. Only Jane was Miss Bennet.
- Ms. Lilian is excellent at drawing images, whether it be characters or scenes, and both were well-represented in this book. I have no complaints.
- The romance developed quickly in comparison to other romances, but it was believable and fit the "mush" description that Lilian was hoping for in this series. Kudos to the author.
- I don't care for the cover. Are those people AI? They look like they came from a wax museum and they appear too old for Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy looks a bit hung over. Elizabeth is pretty, though. The cottage is hard to make out at first due to the style of the art work, but once I got it, I liked it well enough. It doesn't go well with the style at the top, though. The font for the title is too fine and won't be easily read at a thumbnail scale.
Lory Lilian is an excellent writer and these days, keeps an excellent editor to enhance that writing. I had just come from reading two JAFFs that were pretty terrible in terms of editing, so this was my warm blanket book. This team proves that a self-published book doesn't mean you have to tolerate being knocked out of the story for mistakes practically every page. In Lory's recent books, you sit back and enjoy her excellent distinctive stories, full of the energy in terms of angst and steam that readers love, without any distractions at all. What a pleasure!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and my reviews might be considered a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and this review is honest and impartial. I write my reviews for both the reader and the author.
I write technical reviews, so there won't be a synopsis or a lot of subjective analysis here, rather, I'll be looking at the details that would tend to make readers drop a star where most reviewers never mention the issue.
- The plot is based on a common theme, yet it's very different in the way it's been carried out, so (mini-expose) the steam doesn't happen early on in the book like most cabin in the woods novels. Does that spoil the hot mush reading experience? I don't think so--it's better this way, as the drama is drawn out.
- Pace is quick but not overwhelming, so you're not bored, yet you don't ever feel left behind either.
- Point of view is third person, multiple, with head-hopping. Honestly, if Lory Lilian could rein herself in and stick to one point of view per scene, her books would be pretty much perfect.
- Dramatic tension is moderate for the most part.
- The author used some telling in the narrative, with some filter words. More consistent use of showing language would enhance her story telling.
- Prose was excellent with a fine feel of Regency language without overwhelming the reader with difficult words. Below average use of non-Regency words (three) and Americanisms (two) were found.
- I found two extra commas, both associated with appositives that didn't need them.
- I didn't much care for the summary in the middle of the book that tried to pass quickly through time. The section reminded me of an epilogue. It was too rushed and was done in a voice incongruent with the rest of the book. As a result, I felt separated from the feel of the romance, and almost felt like skimming.
- As for Regency factual errors, a Regency carriage typically only holds four adults. They just aren't very big. Also, the author used "Miss Bennet" for Elizabeth where the people would have called her "Miss Elizabeth" in real life. Only Jane was Miss Bennet.
- Ms. Lilian is excellent at drawing images, whether it be characters or scenes, and both were well-represented in this book. I have no complaints.
- The romance developed quickly in comparison to other romances, but it was believable and fit the "mush" description that Lilian was hoping for in this series. Kudos to the author.
- I don't care for the cover. Are those people AI? They look like they came from a wax museum and they appear too old for Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy looks a bit hung over. Elizabeth is pretty, though. The cottage is hard to make out at first due to the style of the art work, but once I got it, I liked it well enough. It doesn't go well with the style at the top, though. The font for the title is too fine and won't be easily read at a thumbnail scale.
Lory Lilian is an excellent writer and these days, keeps an excellent editor to enhance that writing. I had just come from reading two JAFFs that were pretty terrible in terms of editing, so this was my warm blanket book. This team proves that a self-published book doesn't mean you have to tolerate being knocked out of the story for mistakes practically every page. In Lory's recent books, you sit back and enjoy her excellent distinctive stories, full of the energy in terms of angst and steam that readers love, without any distractions at all. What a pleasure!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and my reviews might be considered a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and this review is honest and impartial. I write my reviews for both the reader and the author.
January 16, 2022
I really enjoy stories where Elizabeth has to face Darcy with her viewpoint of him and his actions. The two are able to get to resolution very quickly because of time spent in a cabin during a storm. This is similar in concept to this author’s prior book A Rainy Day, but the surrounding story line becomes very different.
April 4, 2022
Wonderful
A wonderfully naughty and delightfully sweet little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Lory Lillian.
A wonderfully naughty and delightfully sweet little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Lory Lillian.
February 6, 2023
Nice story
I loved Darcy in this story Mr Bennett was a revelation. I even enjoyed how the Bennets interacted with each other! I was glad miss Bingley did not get up to her trying to compromise Darvy.I wish Wickham had been left in prison, I hate it when he is not punished properly ! But a goid story lived how Darcy and Lizzy gradually fell in love and had a great marriage!
I loved Darcy in this story Mr Bennett was a revelation. I even enjoyed how the Bennets interacted with each other! I was glad miss Bingley did not get up to her trying to compromise Darvy.I wish Wickham had been left in prison, I hate it when he is not punished properly ! But a goid story lived how Darcy and Lizzy gradually fell in love and had a great marriage!
February 18, 2024
Rating 3,5
It was a sweet story, with Elizabeth and Darcy being stranded in a cottage for a few hours. A cottage which Elizabeth inherited and keep it stocked with fire wood, tea etc..
As I said, ODC were stranded alone and apparently the town knows of it because of a loose tongue and rumors starts flying around.
So, this is for a small town likely true. But how the author ‚handled‘ with it to stop them, is in my opinion quite unlikely and out of character I would say.
Wickham is also there and is his ‚usual‘ charming self. After some incidents Darcy finally dealt with him though.
- Mature Content (Wedding Night Ch. 12)
- Low Angst
- Quick Read
It was a sweet story, with Elizabeth and Darcy being stranded in a cottage for a few hours. A cottage which Elizabeth inherited and keep it stocked with fire wood, tea etc..
As I said, ODC were stranded alone and apparently the town knows of it because of a loose tongue and rumors starts flying around.
So, this is for a small town likely true. But how the author ‚handled‘ with it to stop them, is in my opinion quite unlikely and out of character I would say.
Wickham is also there and is his ‚usual‘ charming self. After some incidents Darcy finally dealt with him though.
- Mature Content (Wedding Night Ch. 12)
- Low Angst
- Quick Read
December 29, 2021
Darcy and Elizabeth seek shelter from storm
Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together at a cottage, wet and cold. Elizabeth gets her first glimpse of a naked male and also her first clue that Wickham is not who he seems to be. (The second and third clue are obligingly supplied by Wickham.) There is some talk about compromising situations but both E&D agree that they don't want to be forced to marry. I rated this four and a half stars rounding up. Quite enjoyable. Contains sexual material.
Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together at a cottage, wet and cold. Elizabeth gets her first glimpse of a naked male and also her first clue that Wickham is not who he seems to be. (The second and third clue are obligingly supplied by Wickham.) There is some talk about compromising situations but both E&D agree that they don't want to be forced to marry. I rated this four and a half stars rounding up. Quite enjoyable. Contains sexual material.
February 11, 2022
Shelter from the storm
The cottage in the woods was left to Elizabeth Bennet by her uncle, and she goes there when she requires peace and quiet. When Darcy is caught in a storm, he knows he must find shelter. The thunder and lightning frighten his horse, and the horse falls, throwing Darcy off. Seeing that he is near the cottage, he leads his horse to the barn and checks him for injuries.
Elizabeth has walked through the woods when the storm catches her too far from home. When she reaches the cottage, she sees smoke rising from the chimney and realizes that someone is inside. Looking through the window, she recognizes Darcy. Nearly frozen, she goes inside to take advantage of the fire.
Are they compromised? Will they be forced to marry?
8
The cottage in the woods was left to Elizabeth Bennet by her uncle, and she goes there when she requires peace and quiet. When Darcy is caught in a storm, he knows he must find shelter. The thunder and lightning frighten his horse, and the horse falls, throwing Darcy off. Seeing that he is near the cottage, he leads his horse to the barn and checks him for injuries.
Elizabeth has walked through the woods when the storm catches her too far from home. When she reaches the cottage, she sees smoke rising from the chimney and realizes that someone is inside. Looking through the window, she recognizes Darcy. Nearly frozen, she goes inside to take advantage of the fire.
Are they compromised? Will they be forced to marry?
8
May 11, 2024
Like Rainy Days, Darcy and Elizabeth get stuck in a cabin during a storm. She has occasion to see him naked and he clues her in regarding Wickham. Then there is some marital love.
February 3, 2022
Lovely yet lacking
This reader does not wish to be harsh given how well this author writes such wonderful P&P variations. This is a 3 1/2 stars for me rounded down to three. The premise is wonderful; that is, Elizabeth Bennet developed admiration and romantic feelings towards Mr. Darcy early on after they had this encounter, spending a considerable amount of time in a cottage while both of them were caught up in a terrible rainstorm.
What was wanting is the connection from the early admiration to the marriage. Surely, there were feelings and thoughts on the part of both Darcy and Elizabeth but there was really no outward manifestations of it. There may have been some flirtations but nothing really substantial before the marriage. It’s was like the man saying “I like you. In fact, I’m in love with you”, while the woman responding, “I hated you but because I saw you half naked, I’ll reconsider.” The reader is keen on the explanations made regarding Elizabeth’s objections towards Mr. Darcy. Yet, there is still this disconnect between Elizabeth’s better understanding of Mr. Darcy to their amorous relationship after the wedding.
Nevertheless, one can sense the sweet torture between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet right after they had that time at the cottage when they had better understanding of each other; and I suppose that is a good basis for a great love affair.
This reader does not wish to be harsh given how well this author writes such wonderful P&P variations. This is a 3 1/2 stars for me rounded down to three. The premise is wonderful; that is, Elizabeth Bennet developed admiration and romantic feelings towards Mr. Darcy early on after they had this encounter, spending a considerable amount of time in a cottage while both of them were caught up in a terrible rainstorm.
What was wanting is the connection from the early admiration to the marriage. Surely, there were feelings and thoughts on the part of both Darcy and Elizabeth but there was really no outward manifestations of it. There may have been some flirtations but nothing really substantial before the marriage. It’s was like the man saying “I like you. In fact, I’m in love with you”, while the woman responding, “I hated you but because I saw you half naked, I’ll reconsider.” The reader is keen on the explanations made regarding Elizabeth’s objections towards Mr. Darcy. Yet, there is still this disconnect between Elizabeth’s better understanding of Mr. Darcy to their amorous relationship after the wedding.
Nevertheless, one can sense the sweet torture between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet right after they had that time at the cottage when they had better understanding of each other; and I suppose that is a good basis for a great love affair.
December 27, 2021
Another memorable one…
I think I have fallen down a black hole of P&P variations, and it all began with Lory Lillian. I love her storylines, and how she stays true to the characters as I imagine them to be. I especially liked this story as it began at the ending, and then opened up to tell how it all began. Overall a beautiful variation of my very favorite books.
I think I have fallen down a black hole of P&P variations, and it all began with Lory Lillian. I love her storylines, and how she stays true to the characters as I imagine them to be. I especially liked this story as it began at the ending, and then opened up to tell how it all began. Overall a beautiful variation of my very favorite books.
December 30, 2021
Sweet
An entertaining and pleasant story, but with no surprises and not much new. Elizabeth owns a cottage, left to her by a great uncle, that is near Netherfield. The story begins after Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield to nurse Jane back to health. She doesn't like Darcy, and has listened to Wickham's story about being cheated out of an inheritance. Darcy is strongly attracted to Elizabeth, but wants to fight it because she isn't suitable. A terrible winter storm traps them both at the cottage, and results in some revelations.
This is a popular theme for JAFF variations, and this one is pretty much just like the rest. ODC are forced by bad weather into a compromising situation, Darcy is only too happy to do the honorable thing and marry Elizabeth, but Elizabeth has no intention of forcing him into an marriage of necessity. Darcy is surprised to learn that Elizabeth despises him, and Elizabeth is surprised to learn that Darcy isn't such a bad guy after all. This storyline is well worn.
Lory Lilian is a talented writer, so at least the tale is told well. It's a very vanilla version, with no angst and no real villains to spice it up. I almost gave it only two stars, but it's well written and well edited, so credit must be given for that. As with other works by this author, there is the obligatory episode about a sexual encounter between Elizabeth and Darcy, but the author gives fair warning about that. I recommend it for a light and pleasant way to pass a few hours.
An entertaining and pleasant story, but with no surprises and not much new. Elizabeth owns a cottage, left to her by a great uncle, that is near Netherfield. The story begins after Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield to nurse Jane back to health. She doesn't like Darcy, and has listened to Wickham's story about being cheated out of an inheritance. Darcy is strongly attracted to Elizabeth, but wants to fight it because she isn't suitable. A terrible winter storm traps them both at the cottage, and results in some revelations.
This is a popular theme for JAFF variations, and this one is pretty much just like the rest. ODC are forced by bad weather into a compromising situation, Darcy is only too happy to do the honorable thing and marry Elizabeth, but Elizabeth has no intention of forcing him into an marriage of necessity. Darcy is surprised to learn that Elizabeth despises him, and Elizabeth is surprised to learn that Darcy isn't such a bad guy after all. This storyline is well worn.
Lory Lilian is a talented writer, so at least the tale is told well. It's a very vanilla version, with no angst and no real villains to spice it up. I almost gave it only two stars, but it's well written and well edited, so credit must be given for that. As with other works by this author, there is the obligatory episode about a sexual encounter between Elizabeth and Darcy, but the author gives fair warning about that. I recommend it for a light and pleasant way to pass a few hours.
January 10, 2022
Although the premise and the main scene of importance have ODC seeking shelter from a dangerous storm in an isolated cabin are ones we've seen before, there are some new angles I liked. After Darcy got Elizabeth to agree to his help once the storm was cleared enough for them to escape, Darcy and Mr. Bennet became acquainted with each other in an admirable way. I liked the way Lory Lilian had Elizabeth slowly came to appreciate Darcy's character that she had misjudged. The little changes in Bingley and Jane's story were nice. So, not too much angst except for one predictable scene of Wickham's dastardly actions. Darcy's rescue was heroic. It was a short read, and the sensuality or 'Hot Mush' (which we are given a heads-up about by the author) were rather cute and sexy and yummy. My disbelief had to be suspended (it often does when we're talking about the 'Absolutely astounding heights of pleasure we're to believe a wedding night with a virgin are always depicted,') and even though I know I have to buy it all the time, it was nice to be informed of what encouraged Lizzy to feel more comfortable (playful) about that night. Like I said, cute and sexy. Needs just a touch more editing. Recommended.
December 25, 2021
Expect Pleasure!
A quick read but oh, so pleasurable! Darcy and Elizabeth get trapped by a cold, soaking rain to spend time together in a cottage Elizabeth owns between Netherfield and Longbourn.
They have the opportunity to air their true feelings about each other, his admiration and her lack thereof. She may not be completely convinced of his honorable nature, but her adamant dislike definitely starts to crack.
Then, when she returned to the cottage to retrieve her dirty clothes, she is accosted by Wickham. Thus her understanding of the two gentlemen is confirmed. The flatterer is a rake and the one who found her merely 'tolerable' loves and wants to protect her! Where to go from there?
To happily ever after!
A quick read but oh, so pleasurable! Darcy and Elizabeth get trapped by a cold, soaking rain to spend time together in a cottage Elizabeth owns between Netherfield and Longbourn.
They have the opportunity to air their true feelings about each other, his admiration and her lack thereof. She may not be completely convinced of his honorable nature, but her adamant dislike definitely starts to crack.
Then, when she returned to the cottage to retrieve her dirty clothes, she is accosted by Wickham. Thus her understanding of the two gentlemen is confirmed. The flatterer is a rake and the one who found her merely 'tolerable' loves and wants to protect her! Where to go from there?
To happily ever after!
September 22, 2022
Short and sweet
I have read the other reviews, which are mostly good. Some readers stated that the story itself and the characters in general, lack depth. Which is true for the most part. However, we do get inside Darcy and Elizabeth's head, somewhat.
Yes, this trope has been done before but I believe that the author does a wonderful job of it. There is very little Mr Collins and Carolyn Bingley. No Lady Catherine. Mr Wickham was dealt with fairly easily.
There is the wedding night scene [ch 12], which can be skipped. I thought it was tastefully done and very sweet. The epilogue was nice.
I thought Ms Lillian presented us with a well written and well edited P&P variation/re-imaging.
I have read the other reviews, which are mostly good. Some readers stated that the story itself and the characters in general, lack depth. Which is true for the most part. However, we do get inside Darcy and Elizabeth's head, somewhat.
Yes, this trope has been done before but I believe that the author does a wonderful job of it. There is very little Mr Collins and Carolyn Bingley. No Lady Catherine. Mr Wickham was dealt with fairly easily.
There is the wedding night scene [ch 12], which can be skipped. I thought it was tastefully done and very sweet. The epilogue was nice.
I thought Ms Lillian presented us with a well written and well edited P&P variation/re-imaging.
July 26, 2025
Good writing, but too short to properly develop the romance. Elizabeth and Darcy only have 1 meaningful conversation where they clear up questions about Wickham. After that, in one very short chapter we are just told that they talked multiple times over the weeks once Darcy come back after Christmas and that's it. Wish the pages dedicated to the Wickham drama or wedding night were used to develop the romance between the MCs or even to write on page conversations between them. Because of that, this felt very unsatisfying and incomplete.
December 29, 2021
Okay
I was hoping to read more on the courtship between Darcy and Elizabeth after the ball, instead I was told they spent time together, they got engaged and kissed. Although this was not the ending, that part felt rushed to me.
Wickham is worthless. I'm glad there was vey little of him to read about.
I was hoping to read more on the courtship between Darcy and Elizabeth after the ball, instead I was told they spent time together, they got engaged and kissed. Although this was not the ending, that part felt rushed to me.
Wickham is worthless. I'm glad there was vey little of him to read about.
February 16, 2022
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are forced to face their differences head on as they are trapped in a cabin during a storm. Included in this situation, they find/adopt a cat. I have read a few other stories that start similarly. Once they are discovered they have to find their happily ever after even though they were found in a compromising situation.
July 29, 2022
2.75 stars
This was a quick little novella variation that involves Lizzy catching Darcy in his birthday suit when they both seek shelter in a little cottage owned by Elizabeth at the edge of Longbourn’s property.
It played out exactly how I’d thought it would, so no surprises here but it wasn’t poor by any means.
Not a favourite but it’s not a bad way to pass the time.
This was a quick little novella variation that involves Lizzy catching Darcy in his birthday suit when they both seek shelter in a little cottage owned by Elizabeth at the edge of Longbourn’s property.
It played out exactly how I’d thought it would, so no surprises here but it wasn’t poor by any means.
Not a favourite but it’s not a bad way to pass the time.
December 26, 2021
Well done loved it
I will defiantly reread it was smoothly written ....I couldn't put it down.....I loved it wasn't the typical compromise stuck getting married scenario also o I loved how Darcy and.Mr Bennett became close
I will defiantly reread it was smoothly written ....I couldn't put it down.....I loved it wasn't the typical compromise stuck getting married scenario also o I loved how Darcy and.Mr Bennett became close
April 6, 2022
Avid Reader
A short, enjoyable read where Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves stuck in her cottage during a storm. Collins decides to marry Charlotte, and Wickham decides that he must correct Elizabeth poor opinion of him once she learns the truth.
A short, enjoyable read where Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves stuck in her cottage during a storm. Collins decides to marry Charlotte, and Wickham decides that he must correct Elizabeth poor opinion of him once she learns the truth.
December 27, 2021
Hot mush series is great. Love this . Great story.
January 23, 2022
It had some potential but did not deliver for me at the end.
February 3, 2022
I liked that the compromise wasn’t really compromising & that E still stood by her principles about marriage. But the story couldn’t quite keep me engaged.
November 30, 2024
This variation is good enough for a light, quick read, but don't expect too much. The author's lengthier novels are much better.
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