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A Highly Reprehensible Connection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
He believes she’s unsuited to be mistress of Pemberley. She believes he’s the last man in the world she could ever marry.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is eager to escape Netherfield Park to avoid Bingley's guest, the bewitching but unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet, who attracts him more than he likes. He seeks refuge in an empty cottage where he can read in peace and soon loses track of time. When a snowstorm arrives sooner than expected, he realizes he has no choice but to spend the night there.
Elizabeth Bennet cannot endure living under the same roof as the disagreeable Mr. Darcy. Determined to avoid his cold arrogance, she escapes Netherfield Park to enjoy the fresh air before the anticipated snowstorm arrives. But when the storm is fiercer than expected, she is forced to take shelter in an empty cottage she knows — only to discover it is already occupied by the last man she wants to see.
When Darcy and Elizabeth are found together, they have no choice but to marry to save Elizabeth’s reputation. Neither are happy about their forced alliance, but as they agree to make the best of an unwanted situation, they discover a different side to one another. Both are uneasy about the new and growing love they feel— a love they believe is unreturned.
But an old friend of Darcy’s has newly arrived in the neighborhood, and he is determined to avenge himself on Darcy for past grievances by destroying what Darcy loves most. And if Darcy and Elizabeth cannot overcome their fears, all that has been growing between them may be lost.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is eager to escape Netherfield Park to avoid Bingley's guest, the bewitching but unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet, who attracts him more than he likes. He seeks refuge in an empty cottage where he can read in peace and soon loses track of time. When a snowstorm arrives sooner than expected, he realizes he has no choice but to spend the night there.
Elizabeth Bennet cannot endure living under the same roof as the disagreeable Mr. Darcy. Determined to avoid his cold arrogance, she escapes Netherfield Park to enjoy the fresh air before the anticipated snowstorm arrives. But when the storm is fiercer than expected, she is forced to take shelter in an empty cottage she knows — only to discover it is already occupied by the last man she wants to see.
When Darcy and Elizabeth are found together, they have no choice but to marry to save Elizabeth’s reputation. Neither are happy about their forced alliance, but as they agree to make the best of an unwanted situation, they discover a different side to one another. Both are uneasy about the new and growing love they feel— a love they believe is unreturned.
But an old friend of Darcy’s has newly arrived in the neighborhood, and he is determined to avenge himself on Darcy for past grievances by destroying what Darcy loves most. And if Darcy and Elizabeth cannot overcome their fears, all that has been growing between them may be lost.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 30, 2022
The first part of the story puts Darcy and Elizabeth in forced proximity as they both get stranded in the middle of a storm and find shelter in the same cottage in the woods. They hope to keep their predicament a secret at first but gossip is unavoidable. The second part finds them engaged and trying to reconcile themselves to the situation. Wickham hangs out with their family far too much for Darcy's liking. Elizabeth and Lydia both get warned about him but neither of them takes it quite seriously enough.
It is a very familiar trope and Wickham's lies and Elizabeth's gullibility tend to get old but I did enjoy the story. In his usual tightly zipped manner, Darcy keeps secrets when he shouldn't, and it fuels conflicting emotions that nobody needs. For a moment, it seems like Lydia has wised up, but then she hasn't.
It is a very familiar trope and Wickham's lies and Elizabeth's gullibility tend to get old but I did enjoy the story. In his usual tightly zipped manner, Darcy keeps secrets when he shouldn't, and it fuels conflicting emotions that nobody needs. For a moment, it seems like Lydia has wised up, but then she hasn't.
January 21, 2022
The story description is rather complete. This is one of those FMS tales although we don't really get to the married part until the epilogue. Most of this story deals with the engagement period.
Caught together overnight in a cottage in the woods due to a snow storm a search party comes upon them just as they are leaving that cottage the second morning. Darcy does the right thing although it takes him several days to meet with Mr. Bennet...keeping Elizabeth in some apprehension.
Darcy seems to run hot and cold. One minute he is warm, engaging and even flirting a little but then, all of a sudden, he does an about face and leaves the company of Elizabeth and any who are also present. Elizabeth cannot figure it out and he gives very vague excuses as to why he is leaving or why his plans to visit have changed or why he must suddenly make a trip into London. Elizabeth blames it on her family. Her mother's and sister's behavior while in his presence is embarrassing, to say the least. However, Elizabeth begins to reason with herself as to whether or not the future will find her living with the warm and charming man or the one whose opinion about her family sends him away.
Meanwhile Wickham is as Wickham does. He vaguely describes the man who has cheated him out of a good future, when he first meets Elizabeth and she sees W. as a friend. Then he finds out to whom she is engaged and his story now has more details as to how he was ruined.
This story is not strong on making this a different story. There are similar events to canon although with some slight differences.
Elizabeth and Darcy view interactions each other have with Wickham and (of course) misinterpret the meaning of those.
This was a sweet story with no real angst. I enjoyed it.
Caught together overnight in a cottage in the woods due to a snow storm a search party comes upon them just as they are leaving that cottage the second morning. Darcy does the right thing although it takes him several days to meet with Mr. Bennet...keeping Elizabeth in some apprehension.
Darcy seems to run hot and cold. One minute he is warm, engaging and even flirting a little but then, all of a sudden, he does an about face and leaves the company of Elizabeth and any who are also present. Elizabeth cannot figure it out and he gives very vague excuses as to why he is leaving or why his plans to visit have changed or why he must suddenly make a trip into London. Elizabeth blames it on her family. Her mother's and sister's behavior while in his presence is embarrassing, to say the least. However, Elizabeth begins to reason with herself as to whether or not the future will find her living with the warm and charming man or the one whose opinion about her family sends him away.
Meanwhile Wickham is as Wickham does. He vaguely describes the man who has cheated him out of a good future, when he first meets Elizabeth and she sees W. as a friend. Then he finds out to whom she is engaged and his story now has more details as to how he was ruined.
This story is not strong on making this a different story. There are similar events to canon although with some slight differences.
Elizabeth and Darcy view interactions each other have with Wickham and (of course) misinterpret the meaning of those.
This was a sweet story with no real angst. I enjoyed it.
January 6, 2023
SPOILERS POSSIBLE IN REVIEW
Seems very inspired by the 2005 movie and that’s not a compliment. This includes Elizabeth going out in her nightgown and coat where she meets Darcy.
This is one of those books where the weather changes according to the author’s whims. A few days there’s a howling blizzard so no one can get out and ODC are trapped together. Days later Darcy is in his shirts sleeves reading to Elizabeth.
Time is also vague and Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time stewing about each other.
I don’t think engaged couples could ride around on the same horse alone in this time period. The author means to mention the French author Perrault but misspelled his name.
Too much Wickham.
Seems very inspired by the 2005 movie and that’s not a compliment. This includes Elizabeth going out in her nightgown and coat where she meets Darcy.
This is one of those books where the weather changes according to the author’s whims. A few days there’s a howling blizzard so no one can get out and ODC are trapped together. Days later Darcy is in his shirts sleeves reading to Elizabeth.
Time is also vague and Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time stewing about each other.
I don’t think engaged couples could ride around on the same horse alone in this time period. The author means to mention the French author Perrault but misspelled his name.
Too much Wickham.
February 20, 2022
Missing
Missing words, missing concepts. I did not see mention of cousin marriages in the description we were given off Aunt Catherine's letter. Do not understand why Darcy is going to pay Wickham's debts if he isn't going to have him thrown in debtors jail. What about deserting the militia? Was Wickham not evil enough to punish? People like that have a bad habit of turning up. It's great to be forgiving but Darcy is supposed to be a protector. And I would like Elizabeth and Darcy to resolve to speak their minds so their imaginations do not impede their communication. And tell their children about the cottage!
Missing words, missing concepts. I did not see mention of cousin marriages in the description we were given off Aunt Catherine's letter. Do not understand why Darcy is going to pay Wickham's debts if he isn't going to have him thrown in debtors jail. What about deserting the militia? Was Wickham not evil enough to punish? People like that have a bad habit of turning up. It's great to be forgiving but Darcy is supposed to be a protector. And I would like Elizabeth and Darcy to resolve to speak their minds so their imaginations do not impede their communication. And tell their children about the cottage!
January 9, 2022
Ok and clean
I liked the premise, it's a commonly used theme but when dine right it can be alot if fun. The author did a great job with the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy. But sadly after the initial snowed in scenario, Mr. Darcy is too confusing. I know he was a bit confounding before the Hansford proposal in the original. So I get some if it.
But truly Mr. Darcy came across as extremely inept at relating vital information to Elizabeth. Just my opinion,
I liked the premise, it's a commonly used theme but when dine right it can be alot if fun. The author did a great job with the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy. But sadly after the initial snowed in scenario, Mr. Darcy is too confusing. I know he was a bit confounding before the Hansford proposal in the original. So I get some if it.
But truly Mr. Darcy came across as extremely inept at relating vital information to Elizabeth. Just my opinion,
June 3, 2022
I highly recommend this author!
I read a previous book by Katie Beauford and both did not disappoint in the retelling of Darcy & Elizabeth.
I read a previous book by Katie Beauford and both did not disappoint in the retelling of Darcy & Elizabeth.
February 6, 2022
What an interesting angle!
I enjoyed this variation where our favorite couple is forced to marry by the circumstances. The relationship between them is full of misunderstandings and at the same time discoveries and romance. Highly entertaining!
I enjoyed this variation where our favorite couple is forced to marry by the circumstances. The relationship between them is full of misunderstandings and at the same time discoveries and romance. Highly entertaining!
February 3, 2022
Shotgun wedding, Regency style
Fitzwilliam Darcy sometimes retreated to a cottage he had discovered in the woods near Netherfield. There he could find peace and quiet to read, away from Caroline's constant nattering. On this day, however, he was so engrossed in his book that he failed to notice a gathering storm.
As the wind blew and the snow fell, he realized he could not reach Netherfield before succumbing to the storm. As he looked out, he saw movement through the heavy snowfall. As he watched, the figure stumbled and fell. Darcy gathered up the still body and hurried into the cottage. Only then did he discover that it was an injured Elizabeth Bennet.
They were rescued the following morning, but they both realized that they would have to marry.
10
Fitzwilliam Darcy sometimes retreated to a cottage he had discovered in the woods near Netherfield. There he could find peace and quiet to read, away from Caroline's constant nattering. On this day, however, he was so engrossed in his book that he failed to notice a gathering storm.
As the wind blew and the snow fell, he realized he could not reach Netherfield before succumbing to the storm. As he looked out, he saw movement through the heavy snowfall. As he watched, the figure stumbled and fell. Darcy gathered up the still body and hurried into the cottage. Only then did he discover that it was an injured Elizabeth Bennet.
They were rescued the following morning, but they both realized that they would have to marry.
10
January 19, 2022
Great love story
I loved Lizzy and Darcy and how their love developed. Glad the villain didn't elope with lydia. Glad she learned some sense. Nice epilogue showed how their marriage had progressed three children and another on the way. !
I loved Lizzy and Darcy and how their love developed. Glad the villain didn't elope with lydia. Glad she learned some sense. Nice epilogue showed how their marriage had progressed three children and another on the way. !
April 25, 2022
A quick read
This was a quick read with little angst, even Mrs. Bennet was tamed a bit. Lydia was still the young silly girl. Elizabeth and Darcy learn a lot about each other’s character being stuck in the cottage during a snow storm. Although Darcy still was not as commutative as Elizabeth thought he should be, she learned that Darcy was a serious, responsible and respectful man.
This was a quick read with little angst, even Mrs. Bennet was tamed a bit. Lydia was still the young silly girl. Elizabeth and Darcy learn a lot about each other’s character being stuck in the cottage during a snow storm. Although Darcy still was not as commutative as Elizabeth thought he should be, she learned that Darcy was a serious, responsible and respectful man.
March 18, 2022
It was cute but I literally forgot about it for a week so that's not a great recommendation lol
February 6, 2022
Recommended despite some objections
This reader gives this a 3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars.
The humorous banter/exchanges between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are worthwhile enough to venture into this variation, not to mention the circumstances on how the beloved couple came about an unplanned and forced engagement, despite it being a well-tried plot in past variations.
What this reader finds objectionable is the somewhat uncertain and shaky expression of feelings in Darcy and his actions, which begs the question does he truly love Elizabeth Bennet enough to genuinely want to marry her. Given the situation in which they found themselves in, this somewhat hot-and-cold treatment he gives Elizabeth Bennet creates the angst although it’s forced and/or unnecessary. All he could’ve done was explain in a sentence or two where he is going, what Wickham truly is, why there is a need to be wary of Wickham being in Longbourn, etc. so as to give Elizabeth the assurances she needs to feel stability in Darcy’s affections and feelings for her. The secrecy is uncalled for considering they are already engaged; and even Darcy of canon would have told Elizabeth Bennet even if they were mere friends.
However, there are more good in this variation, especially the focus on the beloved couple, and one cannot get enough of them in a novella like this.
This reader gives this a 3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars.
The humorous banter/exchanges between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are worthwhile enough to venture into this variation, not to mention the circumstances on how the beloved couple came about an unplanned and forced engagement, despite it being a well-tried plot in past variations.
What this reader finds objectionable is the somewhat uncertain and shaky expression of feelings in Darcy and his actions, which begs the question does he truly love Elizabeth Bennet enough to genuinely want to marry her. Given the situation in which they found themselves in, this somewhat hot-and-cold treatment he gives Elizabeth Bennet creates the angst although it’s forced and/or unnecessary. All he could’ve done was explain in a sentence or two where he is going, what Wickham truly is, why there is a need to be wary of Wickham being in Longbourn, etc. so as to give Elizabeth the assurances she needs to feel stability in Darcy’s affections and feelings for her. The secrecy is uncalled for considering they are already engaged; and even Darcy of canon would have told Elizabeth Bennet even if they were mere friends.
However, there are more good in this variation, especially the focus on the beloved couple, and one cannot get enough of them in a novella like this.
Read
February 18, 2022DNF
February 15, 2022
This variation stretched credibility too far for me, and Elizabeth Bennet was unlikable.
February 6, 2022
Very nice ,
She stirred the pot nicely on this one a very pleasent afternoon read. Not much with Caroline, and Wickham was up to his usual mischief.
She stirred the pot nicely on this one a very pleasent afternoon read. Not much with Caroline, and Wickham was up to his usual mischief.
January 27, 2022
Caught in a n untenable situation. Darcy and Lizzy are facing being forced to marry, or are they?
What makes this story so interesting is a deeper look into the workings of the Bennet family and the depravity of George Wickham. What happens when Darcy has finally had enough of Mr. Bennet's disinterest towards his youngest daughters and more importantly Wickham? You are going to enjoy this one!!
What makes this story so interesting is a deeper look into the workings of the Bennet family and the depravity of George Wickham. What happens when Darcy has finally had enough of Mr. Bennet's disinterest towards his youngest daughters and more importantly Wickham? You are going to enjoy this one!!
January 24, 2022
A cute quick story.
January 18, 2022
The book was great it was excellent however someone needs to re-read it for spelling and grammar I’m by far not a grammar guru but it really took away from the story and then he had to stop and consider what they were really wanting to say
Read
January 11, 2022Compromise
Both Darcy and Elizabeth go for a walk away from the insanity of Netherfield. They each eventually end up in front of a
Both Darcy and Elizabeth go for a walk away from the insanity of Netherfield. They each eventually end up in front of a
January 16, 2022
Language a bit modern, dialogue a bit plain. Slight OOC, and premiss has been done before and more interestingly.
July 29, 2022
3.25 stars
A fast paced Pride and Prejudice variation, but still quite character-driven, I quite enjoyed my time with this story.
I liked this version of Darcy, he was more quiet than proud and just lacked the ability to communicate his feelings for the most part.
The chit chat between Lydia and Darcy was a wonderful addition. It was short, but showed depth in their relationship and characters.
The characterization overall was quite good. The slight changes in Wickham made him seem more devious and manipulative which was a great choice. I wanted a little more Jane and Bingley and even Caroline though.
The plot was a little rushed at the end but it was quite enjoyable.
And basically, this was a quick read and I thought it was cute and lighthearted and a swell time.
A fast paced Pride and Prejudice variation, but still quite character-driven, I quite enjoyed my time with this story.
I liked this version of Darcy, he was more quiet than proud and just lacked the ability to communicate his feelings for the most part.
The chit chat between Lydia and Darcy was a wonderful addition. It was short, but showed depth in their relationship and characters.
The characterization overall was quite good. The slight changes in Wickham made him seem more devious and manipulative which was a great choice. I wanted a little more Jane and Bingley and even Caroline though.
The plot was a little rushed at the end but it was quite enjoyable.
And basically, this was a quick read and I thought it was cute and lighthearted and a swell time.
October 25, 2022
I quite enjoyed the first half of the book, as Darcy and Lizzy are trapped in a snow storm together, getting to know one another. The second half of the book, their engagement, was lot of each character assuming and misunderstanding each other and not quite so interesting.
The author also falls in to the "stays are uncomfortable torture devices with no purpose" trope. They clearly have no understanding of why they were worn for hundreds of years (beyond fashion). I have to say, I would rather the back and bust support of a pair of stays than to go all day without a bra (also, properly fitted stays are very comfortable- Regency short stays the most comfortable of them all!).
The author also falls in to the "stays are uncomfortable torture devices with no purpose" trope. They clearly have no understanding of why they were worn for hundreds of years (beyond fashion). I have to say, I would rather the back and bust support of a pair of stays than to go all day without a bra (also, properly fitted stays are very comfortable- Regency short stays the most comfortable of them all!).
August 31, 2024
Generally enjoyable, but Darcy keeps too many secrets (like about Wickham's nature) just for the drama. He's also randomly moody just so there can be conflict and he and Elizabeth have obstacles to overcome. If he told her about Ramsgate when it was logical for him to (~40% in), half the drama could have been avoided. This is one of those books with a totally unnecessary protracted misunderstanding. I really liked the stranded in the cold adopt a kitten start of this, but Darcy's behavior regarding Wickham borders on absurdity. And Wickham doesn't get what's coming to him. More stories need to kill Wickham off with the French disease or have him expire in an outhouse where he belongs.
January 23, 2024
Passable writing, if a little flat and stilted. An ok read that moves along at a good pace. Suspension of disbelief needed, even for more practical matters as having to rummage in one’s cloak for a parcel large enough to contain a pair of sturdy boots and a wool cape!?
January 11, 2022
Such a good read loved it .
Really liked the epilogue too.
Really liked the epilogue too.
March 27, 2022
lovely
A rather short but quite enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Beauford.
A rather short but quite enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Beauford.
July 1, 2022
Fine.
September 6, 2026
I call this Elizabeth and Darcy get a cat.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews