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Mr. Darcy and the Island: a Pride and Prejudice variation
One island. One murder. One bed.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married.
Admittedly, they are in a strange situation. They’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham.
Neither of them killed him, of course.
But one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes.
Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection—she is a woman alone, unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events, and being thought his wife does make things easier for her.
Until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them. With one bed.
Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, I believe it's one of my lighter offerings. I hope it's enjoyable.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married.
Admittedly, they are in a strange situation. They’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham.
Neither of them killed him, of course.
But one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes.
Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection—she is a woman alone, unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events, and being thought his wife does make things easier for her.
Until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them. With one bed.
Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, I believe it's one of my lighter offerings. I hope it's enjoyable.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
71 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 20, 2022
Mr. Bennet send Elizabeth with Lydia to Ramsgate as sort of a punishment for her censure of Lydia actions and her fathers agreement to allow Lydia to go with the Fosters. While there Elizabeth is always on watch and with good reason, Mr Wickham shows his true self. Elizabeth’s fear that Lydia will be taken in follows Lydia onto the ferry taking visitors to an island, but it’s not Lydia and while Mr. Wickham is on the ferry so is Mr. Darcy. Darcy’s surprised at seeing Elizabeth and Wickham on the same boat comes to the wrong conclusion again. Elizabeth follows Wickham knowing he is up to something bad, at the same time Darcy is also Wickham but on a different path in the woods. Bad things happen and the ferry is gone leaving them stranded on the island with a killer, they must overcome their prejudices and suspicions to keep themselves safe and not accused of murder.
I did enjoy the story. I was upset with Mr. Bennet and his attitude for his decision. Lydia was very silly but when in the group of other ladies she seemed just like them, so Elizabeth’s attitude towards her sister may be a bit harsh, but this gets her on the island with both Darcy and Wickham. The couple learns to trust each other as they endure their time on the island and find they love each other. . What happens after the island makes Lydia’s silliness seem like nothing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did enjoy the story. I was upset with Mr. Bennet and his attitude for his decision. Lydia was very silly but when in the group of other ladies she seemed just like them, so Elizabeth’s attitude towards her sister may be a bit harsh, but this gets her on the island with both Darcy and Wickham. The couple learns to trust each other as they endure their time on the island and find they love each other. . What happens after the island makes Lydia’s silliness seem like nothing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2022
Lizzy goes to Brighton to keep Lydia in check
Mr. Bennet sends Lizzy to Brighton to watch over Lydia. Mr Bennet thinks this just hilarious, just like agreeing Lydia can go to Brighton is so very funny.
Lots of good story occurs not the least being Darcy and Lizzy having to pretend they are husband and wife.
Toward the end of the book Bennet is still finding the humor in everything and he still has no one agreeing with his outlook on life. If I was Lizzy I would have slapped him and told him he would NEVER be invited to Pemberley to see the best private library in the land. Either that or perhaps Darcy and Bingley could take him outside and thrash him a bit to explain what an awful husband and father he is.
I might have given the book 5 stars then. Lots of surprises in the story. I really enjoyed it.
Mr. Bennet sends Lizzy to Brighton to watch over Lydia. Mr Bennet thinks this just hilarious, just like agreeing Lydia can go to Brighton is so very funny.
Lots of good story occurs not the least being Darcy and Lizzy having to pretend they are husband and wife.
Toward the end of the book Bennet is still finding the humor in everything and he still has no one agreeing with his outlook on life. If I was Lizzy I would have slapped him and told him he would NEVER be invited to Pemberley to see the best private library in the land. Either that or perhaps Darcy and Bingley could take him outside and thrash him a bit to explain what an awful husband and father he is.
I might have given the book 5 stars then. Lots of surprises in the story. I really enjoyed it.
February 19, 2022
☠️Mr. Darcy and the Island 🏝
A Pride and Prejudice variation
✒️ Valerie Lennox
https://www.facebook.com/valeriewrite...
Release Date 02/28/2022
Publisher Punk Rawk Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RLMQ8XQ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
One island. One murder. One bed. Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married. Admittedly, they are in a strange situation. They’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham. Neither of them killed him, of course. But one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes. Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection—she is a woman alone, unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events, and being thought his wife does make things easier for her. Until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them. With one bed. Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, I believe it's one of my lighter offerings. I hope it's enjoyable.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their feelings be enough when doubts creep in…
An other very different retelling of Darcy and Elizabeth ‘s romance. This one implies Wickham receiving his final reward, and never seen before side characters.
Here we have stubborn Lizzie and a clumsy Darcy unable to correctly express his thoughts and feelings.
They meet again in different circumstances and a new place after Darcy’s rejected proposal and his letter correcting Elizabeth’s misconstrued opinion of him and Wickham.
We have a distasteful Wickham, who receives the fruition of his awful and provoking actions. And aplenty of possible culprits.
Elizabeth is surprised when Darcy declares himself to be her husband, but she can only go along as she is now stranded without chaperone with him as her only acquaintance.
Darcy reacted in the moment, but is rather glad of the result, as in renewing his connection with Elizabeth, he might have a way to sway her view of him.
A quick entertaining read of two persons who explore their attraction and chemistry while the noose tighten around them. Between opinionated Lizzie and Darcy’s inability to correctly convey his thoughts, they will have to find a way to meet in the middle.
3.75 round up to 4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaJuDkaj...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
A Pride and Prejudice variation
✒️ Valerie Lennox
https://www.facebook.com/valeriewrite...
Release Date 02/28/2022
Publisher Punk Rawk Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RLMQ8XQ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
One island. One murder. One bed. Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married. Admittedly, they are in a strange situation. They’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham. Neither of them killed him, of course. But one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes. Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection—she is a woman alone, unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events, and being thought his wife does make things easier for her. Until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them. With one bed. Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, I believe it's one of my lighter offerings. I hope it's enjoyable.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their feelings be enough when doubts creep in…
An other very different retelling of Darcy and Elizabeth ‘s romance. This one implies Wickham receiving his final reward, and never seen before side characters.
Here we have stubborn Lizzie and a clumsy Darcy unable to correctly express his thoughts and feelings.
They meet again in different circumstances and a new place after Darcy’s rejected proposal and his letter correcting Elizabeth’s misconstrued opinion of him and Wickham.
We have a distasteful Wickham, who receives the fruition of his awful and provoking actions. And aplenty of possible culprits.
Elizabeth is surprised when Darcy declares himself to be her husband, but she can only go along as she is now stranded without chaperone with him as her only acquaintance.
Darcy reacted in the moment, but is rather glad of the result, as in renewing his connection with Elizabeth, he might have a way to sway her view of him.
A quick entertaining read of two persons who explore their attraction and chemistry while the noose tighten around them. Between opinionated Lizzie and Darcy’s inability to correctly convey his thoughts, they will have to find a way to meet in the middle.
3.75 round up to 4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaJuDkaj...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
July 2, 2022
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy stuck on an island with a few others trying to solve a mystery and keep their hands off each other. Some of there discussions are hilarious as she has no idea about “that” and he is embarrassed and aroused to talk about it.
June 2, 2022
Oh the banter between ODC in this one! We’re so far off canon that it’s not end in the rear view mirror with dead bodies, strange characters, and the oh no there only one room with one bed fake marriage trope.
3&1/2 stars rounded to 4
3&1/2 stars rounded to 4
January 10, 2023
Intriguing
Our beloved couple arrive at the island each on their own. Mysterious circumstances play havoc with them and make them get to know each other better. A highly entertaining story!
Our beloved couple arrive at the island each on their own. Mysterious circumstances play havoc with them and make them get to know each other better. A highly entertaining story!
February 15, 2022
Review also posted on my blog https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Silly, flirty, fifteen year old Lydia Bennet is invited to Brighton, a whole town full of soldiers. What could go wrong?
Elizabeth Bennet begs her father to cancel the trip. Instead, he finds it amusing to send her along to supervise Lydia.
Handsome, charming Lieutenant George Wickham, a former favourite of Elizabeth is also in Brighton.
However, Elizabeth has finally understood that he is a duplicitous rake. When she lets him know she is wise to him, he retaliates by targeting Lydia for seduction and ruin.
One day she looses track of Lydia.
Thinking that she sees Lydia in a crowd boarding a ferry, she is alarmed to see Wickham is also there.
She jumps on board but finds no Lydia. Then she walks into Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Darcy and Elizabeth have a tempestuous past. He loves her and proposed to her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth detested him and refused, quite vociferously.
Darcy wrote a letter to Elizabeth defending his character and clearing up misinformation provided by Wickham. As a result Elizabeth has come to admire him and regret her refusal.
Darcy happens to be in Brighton and comes across his nemesis, Wickham. After a brief altercation they part. Darcy muses on all the awful things that Wickham has done and becomes enraged. He sets out to thrash Wickham. Seeing him boarding a ferry, he follows, but is stunned to see Elizabeth.
On the island, Wickham finally gets his comeuppance. The question is, who did it?
Elizabeth and Darcy become trapped on the island when they miss the ferry, which won’t be back for four days.
For various reasons, Darcy and Elizabeth pretend to be married. There is only one room available at the inn and it only has one bed. Darcy and Elizabeth have to learn to be in close quarters.
The story then details their struggles ( and temptations!) while trying to work out who the murderer is. Almost everyone present has a motive, including themselves.
Things I liked:
Good to see Wickham dealt with.
Lots of interesting non-canon characters and a different scenario for ODC.
An insight into the invidious position of women in Regency England.
Not so keen:
While we all know Darcy has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease, this Darcy is bumbling and inept.
The somewhat ribald and frank discussions on sex between Darcy and Elizabeth, while amusing, felt a little cringe worthy.
Not bad, but not sure if I’d pay for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Silly, flirty, fifteen year old Lydia Bennet is invited to Brighton, a whole town full of soldiers. What could go wrong?
Elizabeth Bennet begs her father to cancel the trip. Instead, he finds it amusing to send her along to supervise Lydia.
Handsome, charming Lieutenant George Wickham, a former favourite of Elizabeth is also in Brighton.
However, Elizabeth has finally understood that he is a duplicitous rake. When she lets him know she is wise to him, he retaliates by targeting Lydia for seduction and ruin.
One day she looses track of Lydia.
Thinking that she sees Lydia in a crowd boarding a ferry, she is alarmed to see Wickham is also there.
She jumps on board but finds no Lydia. Then she walks into Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Darcy and Elizabeth have a tempestuous past. He loves her and proposed to her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth detested him and refused, quite vociferously.
Darcy wrote a letter to Elizabeth defending his character and clearing up misinformation provided by Wickham. As a result Elizabeth has come to admire him and regret her refusal.
Darcy happens to be in Brighton and comes across his nemesis, Wickham. After a brief altercation they part. Darcy muses on all the awful things that Wickham has done and becomes enraged. He sets out to thrash Wickham. Seeing him boarding a ferry, he follows, but is stunned to see Elizabeth.
On the island, Wickham finally gets his comeuppance. The question is, who did it?
Elizabeth and Darcy become trapped on the island when they miss the ferry, which won’t be back for four days.
For various reasons, Darcy and Elizabeth pretend to be married. There is only one room available at the inn and it only has one bed. Darcy and Elizabeth have to learn to be in close quarters.
The story then details their struggles ( and temptations!) while trying to work out who the murderer is. Almost everyone present has a motive, including themselves.
Things I liked:
Good to see Wickham dealt with.
Lots of interesting non-canon characters and a different scenario for ODC.
An insight into the invidious position of women in Regency England.
Not so keen:
While we all know Darcy has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease, this Darcy is bumbling and inept.
The somewhat ribald and frank discussions on sex between Darcy and Elizabeth, while amusing, felt a little cringe worthy.
Not bad, but not sure if I’d pay for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
This story is set after Hunsford and during Lydia's stay in Brighton. Mr. Bennet sends Elizabeth to keep an eye on Lydia but it's Elizabeth who gets into a scandalous scrape, She follows Wickham onto a ferry that goes to an island near Brighton, thinking that she's protecting Lydia. But instead, Lizzy becomes entangled in a murder mystery with Agatha Christie vibes. She finds Darcy holding a bloody oar, standing next to Wickham's body. He says he didn't kill him but there are people around who don't believe him and even accuse him of threatening Lizzy. Mr. Darcy claimed they were married. They miss the ferry that goes back to the mainland. Stuck on the island, there are colorful characters named Mr. Green and Mr. Yellow, a couple that says they're afraid of water, and an innkeeper and his wife. It turns out that everyone might have had a motive to kill Wickham. There is an absent character named Mr. Crimson who may or may not have arranged for people to come on the island for motives known only to himself. (Unless I missed something, this plot thread was left hanging and we never quite found out what Mr. Crimson's deal was.) Darcy and Lizzy grow closer, enjoy kissing, and ponder about men's and women's roles in the society as well as the moralities involved in murdering people who were hurting others. After the murder mystery is solved and Darcy and Elizabeth get off the island they still have to solve the problem of saving her reputation after she's been missing for days and sharing a room at the inn with him, largely unchaperoned.
I enjoyed this tale that has interesting original characters, a twisty mystery and some lovely ODC dialogue . Steam level: Marital activities and quite a bit of talking about it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this tale that has interesting original characters, a twisty mystery and some lovely ODC dialogue . Steam level: Marital activities and quite a bit of talking about it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
June 10, 2024Murder mystery on random island off of Brighton. Weird gender dynamics.
June 17, 2022
Thoughtless actions, a crime, an unresolved passion
Elizabeth Bennet is summoned by Mr. Bennet to Brighton in order to control Lydia's behavior.
Mr. Darcy, running from the heat of the summer, goes with Mr. Bingley to Brighton.
He reveals his action to separate him from Jane Bennet.
Mr. Bingley leaves Brighton and Mr. Darcy decides to stay briefly in town.
Both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have very unpleasant encounters with Mr. Wickhan.
Elizabeth thinks Mr. Wickham will ruin Lydia and Mr. Darcy resolves to settle a score with him. They board a ferry that leaves for an island, where they both find Mr. Wikcham murdered.
They are stranded on the island with the corpse and several strangers, one of whom is the murderer. To escape a misunderstanding, Mr. Darcy ends up saying that he and Elizabeth are married.
On the island, there is a climate of permanent tension as one or the other is accused of being the murderer, including Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, but the forced coexistence helps their relationship.
At night, they show the biggest challenges for the couple, as they have to share a room, a single bed and control their growing passion.
Another crime occurs, they leave the island and the couple then seeks to define their future.
Very interesting how the discussion of women's rights in the 19th century was included in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth Bennet is summoned by Mr. Bennet to Brighton in order to control Lydia's behavior.
Mr. Darcy, running from the heat of the summer, goes with Mr. Bingley to Brighton.
He reveals his action to separate him from Jane Bennet.
Mr. Bingley leaves Brighton and Mr. Darcy decides to stay briefly in town.
Both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have very unpleasant encounters with Mr. Wickhan.
Elizabeth thinks Mr. Wickham will ruin Lydia and Mr. Darcy resolves to settle a score with him. They board a ferry that leaves for an island, where they both find Mr. Wikcham murdered.
They are stranded on the island with the corpse and several strangers, one of whom is the murderer. To escape a misunderstanding, Mr. Darcy ends up saying that he and Elizabeth are married.
On the island, there is a climate of permanent tension as one or the other is accused of being the murderer, including Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, but the forced coexistence helps their relationship.
At night, they show the biggest challenges for the couple, as they have to share a room, a single bed and control their growing passion.
Another crime occurs, they leave the island and the couple then seeks to define their future.
Very interesting how the discussion of women's rights in the 19th century was included in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
Silly, strange and funny
This story is a bit strange, but I enjoyed it. Some of it is very silly, but not in a bad way. I snickered or laughed out loud several times.
Mr. Bennet sends Elizabeth to Brighton to watch over Lydia, since she was so against Lydia going there. Mr. Wickham says appalling things to Elizabeth, implying he is going to take Lydia's virtue unless Elizabeth wants to be "nice" to him. Darcy ends up going to Brighton with Bingley, who is peeved at him over the Jane thing. Darcy sees Wickham, and is angry with him for the usual things and also for poisoning Elizabeth against him, which contributed to her refusing him in Hunsford. Elizabeth sees Wickham get on a ferry and she thinks that Lydia is with him, so she follows. Darcy also follows Wickham to have words with him and maybe a bit of fisticuffs to vent his anger.
Anything else would be major spoilers, so that's all I'm going to say about the plot, which is a bit farfetched, but not too much. I'll just say that it involves Darcy and Elizabeth stuck together for several days in very strange circumstances, haha. You have to read it to find out!
I enjoyed the style of writing in this one, Mr. Darcy can't seem to speak sensibly around Elizabeth and keeps angering her. I like the descriptions of what he is thinking. For example, someone talks about not doing something as the Commandments tell us. But Darcy is thinking about how it's not actually in the Commandments, but in other places, and there is contradicting things in other parts of the Bible, but if he ever asks, he is just shushed up. Three or four paragraphs later, Darcy realizes he better pay attention to what is happening around him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is a bit strange, but I enjoyed it. Some of it is very silly, but not in a bad way. I snickered or laughed out loud several times.
Mr. Bennet sends Elizabeth to Brighton to watch over Lydia, since she was so against Lydia going there. Mr. Wickham says appalling things to Elizabeth, implying he is going to take Lydia's virtue unless Elizabeth wants to be "nice" to him. Darcy ends up going to Brighton with Bingley, who is peeved at him over the Jane thing. Darcy sees Wickham, and is angry with him for the usual things and also for poisoning Elizabeth against him, which contributed to her refusing him in Hunsford. Elizabeth sees Wickham get on a ferry and she thinks that Lydia is with him, so she follows. Darcy also follows Wickham to have words with him and maybe a bit of fisticuffs to vent his anger.
Anything else would be major spoilers, so that's all I'm going to say about the plot, which is a bit farfetched, but not too much. I'll just say that it involves Darcy and Elizabeth stuck together for several days in very strange circumstances, haha. You have to read it to find out!
I enjoyed the style of writing in this one, Mr. Darcy can't seem to speak sensibly around Elizabeth and keeps angering her. I like the descriptions of what he is thinking. For example, someone talks about not doing something as the Commandments tell us. But Darcy is thinking about how it's not actually in the Commandments, but in other places, and there is contradicting things in other parts of the Bible, but if he ever asks, he is just shushed up. Three or four paragraphs later, Darcy realizes he better pay attention to what is happening around him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
I loved it!
Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, it's one of author’s lighter offerings.
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. This story has one island, one murder, and one bed.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married. Admittedly, they are in a strange situation, they’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham. Neither of them killed him, of course, but one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes.
Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection, she is a woman alone, and unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events. Being thought his wife does make things easier for her, until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them, and the fact that this room has only one bed.
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.
Dear reader, this variation could not be termed precisely clean, but I assure wary readers that the romantic tension is far more prevalent than the, er, action. Though this variation has a body count, it's one of author’s lighter offerings.
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. This story has one island, one murder, and one bed.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal months ago, but he’s just announced that they’re married. Admittedly, they are in a strange situation, they’re stuck on a small island off the coast of Brighton and they’ve just been discovered standing over the dead body of Mr. George Wickham. Neither of them killed him, of course, but one of the other six occupants on this island did, and now they are all trapped there for four days until a ferry comes.
Elizabeth is glad enough to be granted Mr. Darcy’s protection, she is a woman alone, and unchaperoned due to a series of unfortunate events. Being thought his wife does make things easier for her, until they learn that there is only one room in the inn on the island for them, and the fact that this room has only one bed.
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.
April 12, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
There was not much that resembled canon in this story, in my opinion.
Mr. Bennet has sent Elizabeth to Brighton to watch over Lydia, since E. objected to Lydia even being allowed to go. While there Elizabeth follows a lady onto a ferry going to an island, thinking she is Lydia following Wickham.
However, in searching for Lydia she finds Darcy standing over the body of Wickham with a bloody oar in his hands.
This small island does not have many people on it but as the ferry leaves and ODC is left behind those also left look with suspicion on each other, not knowing who is the murderer as it must be one of them. Darcy has claimed Elizabeth as his wife in an effort to protect her. That leads to them being assigned a bedroom together in the tiny inn on the island.
The story evolves around us getting to know each character, several of whom are using aliases, i.e. Mr. Yellow and Mr. Green. Meanwhile Elizabeth and Darcy not only come to an understanding but also find themselves fighting the strong physical attraction between them. Yes, there are some graphic details and those earn a rating of MA for this story.
Elizabeth is now in the position of having ruined her reputation and Darcy does offer for her. However it is urgent that they correct that when they return to the mainland. So there is more adventure and a short epilogue.
Interesting. The language did not flow smoothly for me.
There was not much that resembled canon in this story, in my opinion.
Mr. Bennet has sent Elizabeth to Brighton to watch over Lydia, since E. objected to Lydia even being allowed to go. While there Elizabeth follows a lady onto a ferry going to an island, thinking she is Lydia following Wickham.
However, in searching for Lydia she finds Darcy standing over the body of Wickham with a bloody oar in his hands.
This small island does not have many people on it but as the ferry leaves and ODC is left behind those also left look with suspicion on each other, not knowing who is the murderer as it must be one of them. Darcy has claimed Elizabeth as his wife in an effort to protect her. That leads to them being assigned a bedroom together in the tiny inn on the island.
The story evolves around us getting to know each character, several of whom are using aliases, i.e. Mr. Yellow and Mr. Green. Meanwhile Elizabeth and Darcy not only come to an understanding but also find themselves fighting the strong physical attraction between them. Yes, there are some graphic details and those earn a rating of MA for this story.
Elizabeth is now in the position of having ruined her reputation and Darcy does offer for her. However it is urgent that they correct that when they return to the mainland. So there is more adventure and a short epilogue.
Interesting. The language did not flow smoothly for me.
March 1, 2022
3.5 up to 4 stars.
While I enjoyed reading this book, most of the known P&P persons were quite OOC. Darcy's sheer awkwardness was pretty funny, as was Elizabeth's naivete.
The story begins after the Hunsford proposal, so Elizabeth has read Darcy's letter and is already beginning to feel differently about him. Darcy is absolute pants at trying to convince himself that Elizabeth refusing him was actually a good thing. Then they both end up stranded on a small island with 6 strangers and a dead body...Wickham. Pretending they're married, Darcy & Elizabeth are sharing a room while trying to uncover who killed Wickham. Just as the murders are all wrapped up and you think the story is about done, Darcy & Elizabeth decide the easiest way to explain why they spent 4 nights sharing a room would be to just elope and make it a non-issue.
It's an entertaining book, and I'd recommend it to anyone that doesn't want to think too much (or at all) but just wants to have a mindless light read.
While I enjoyed reading this book, most of the known P&P persons were quite OOC. Darcy's sheer awkwardness was pretty funny, as was Elizabeth's naivete.
The story begins after the Hunsford proposal, so Elizabeth has read Darcy's letter and is already beginning to feel differently about him. Darcy is absolute pants at trying to convince himself that Elizabeth refusing him was actually a good thing. Then they both end up stranded on a small island with 6 strangers and a dead body...Wickham. Pretending they're married, Darcy & Elizabeth are sharing a room while trying to uncover who killed Wickham. Just as the murders are all wrapped up and you think the story is about done, Darcy & Elizabeth decide the easiest way to explain why they spent 4 nights sharing a room would be to just elope and make it a non-issue.
It's an entertaining book, and I'd recommend it to anyone that doesn't want to think too much (or at all) but just wants to have a mindless light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Gets worse as it continues
Supposedly a whodunit, but convoluted and silly verbal exchanges are more like a farce. Yet - not quite - as a successful farce must be clever. There may be small amounts of cleverness, but they are not found in the plot points nor in dialogue. In fact, the dialogue becomes more and more inane as the story continues.
Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy make intelligent decisions, much less mature ones. When proof of morality is their ability to avoid consummating their attraction and not their actions regarding murder/manslaughter, it becomes obvious no semblance of the personalities within canon are brought to bear. Just as action takes place on an island that does not exist, the story lines, dialogue, and characters pirouette from purposeful obliviousness to purposeless chatter.
Supposedly a whodunit, but convoluted and silly verbal exchanges are more like a farce. Yet - not quite - as a successful farce must be clever. There may be small amounts of cleverness, but they are not found in the plot points nor in dialogue. In fact, the dialogue becomes more and more inane as the story continues.
Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy make intelligent decisions, much less mature ones. When proof of morality is their ability to avoid consummating their attraction and not their actions regarding murder/manslaughter, it becomes obvious no semblance of the personalities within canon are brought to bear. Just as action takes place on an island that does not exist, the story lines, dialogue, and characters pirouette from purposeful obliviousness to purposeless chatter.
February 28, 2022
This story was just fun to read. As with any variation, familiar characters in different settings and circumstances reveal different possibilities. Seeing a different version of Darcy revealing more vulnerability was quite satisfying. Lizzy I found to be a bit more outwardly assertive and romantically more playful. I really liked getting to know their innermost thoughts and feelings to better relate to both of them. The mystery kept the story progressing while Darcy and Elizabeth figured out their situation. While things were resolved in the end, it did feel a bit simplistic. I did however enjoy the epilogue looking several years into the future for this couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2022
The Bennet parents have permitted Lydia to go to Brighton with the Forsters. Then Mr. Bennet has second thoughts and sends Elizabeth to Brighton to keep Lydia out of trouble.
You must use your imagination to conjure the island off the coast of Brighton. It is reached by way of a ferry which is where Elizabeth and Darcy run into each other. Elizabeth is pursuing Lydia as she suspects her sister is running away with Wickham.
Elizabeth and Darcy miss the last ferry and must stay at the inn on the island. Then circumstances force them to stay for several more days, posing as husband and wife.
20
You must use your imagination to conjure the island off the coast of Brighton. It is reached by way of a ferry which is where Elizabeth and Darcy run into each other. Elizabeth is pursuing Lydia as she suspects her sister is running away with Wickham.
Elizabeth and Darcy miss the last ferry and must stay at the inn on the island. Then circumstances force them to stay for several more days, posing as husband and wife.
20
September 27, 2022
I've read several books from this author and she usually has some steamy bits in there. This was definitely steamy, for those of us who want to see things heat up a bit between Darcy and Elizabeth. And I enjoyed the plot and storyline, giving us a pretty solid whodunit. What I disliked about the book was Mr. Darcy's constant second guessing himself. He was so bungling that I couldn't relate him to Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy, at all. And Lizzy was confusing. One minutes he was strong, decisive, and brave. The next, she was worse than Lydia. Sorry, but it was just an okay read for me.
May 30, 2022
A Bit Agatha Christie-ish
The idea of ODC marooned on a small island for four days with questionable persons most of whom had motives to kill Wickham, Elizabeth and Darcy included, was a fairly good plot. I didn’t particularly care for Elizabeth’s 20th century feminist attitude. I did like the absence of most of her family. I find they are written to be utterly ridiculous just as this author profiled Mr. Bennet.
The idea of ODC marooned on a small island for four days with questionable persons most of whom had motives to kill Wickham, Elizabeth and Darcy included, was a fairly good plot. I didn’t particularly care for Elizabeth’s 20th century feminist attitude. I did like the absence of most of her family. I find they are written to be utterly ridiculous just as this author profiled Mr. Bennet.
February 23, 2023
Improprieties and humor abound
An enjoyable variation and would have been satisfying if not for the various situations and conversations of improprieties and vulgarity. However, as much as readers may expect thus from this particular author, then this variation becomes more fun if approached in that manner of acceptance. All in the name of enjoyment and humor at least, and fans won’t ever be bored with this one.
An enjoyable variation and would have been satisfying if not for the various situations and conversations of improprieties and vulgarity. However, as much as readers may expect thus from this particular author, then this variation becomes more fun if approached in that manner of acceptance. All in the name of enjoyment and humor at least, and fans won’t ever be bored with this one.
March 2, 2022
A different take on a a Pride and Prejudice variation. With Elizabeth getting into trouble and Mr. Darcy being quite different than in most stories. I enjoyed reading this story with all its ups and downs, and murder mystery. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2022
Interesting P&P variation.
Enjoyable read, although the beginning almost made me abandon the book. I kept reading though, because I really hate no finishing one. It became a much more interesting story and I enjoyed the whodunit portion even allowing the absurdity of this tale. Enjoy.
Enjoyable read, although the beginning almost made me abandon the book. I kept reading though, because I really hate no finishing one. It became a much more interesting story and I enjoyed the whodunit portion even allowing the absurdity of this tale. Enjoy.
January 10, 2025
so fun and different! and romantic.
I hesitated at first to read this - I have now read all of this author’s books but this is the last one because I wasn’t sure of a murder mystery plot. But I was wrong! It was well done, and moments of pure fun, the characters were rich and interesting, and there was lots of wanting and suspenseful romance and sauciness! Love love love.
I hesitated at first to read this - I have now read all of this author’s books but this is the last one because I wasn’t sure of a murder mystery plot. But I was wrong! It was well done, and moments of pure fun, the characters were rich and interesting, and there was lots of wanting and suspenseful romance and sauciness! Love love love.
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July 7, 2022Interesting, the twist at the end definitely escaped me. I lost some interest in the middle with the interaction of the different characters. However, I was interested enough to read to the end.
January 29, 2024
Well, that was fun. SO much kissing.
Maybe we should kiss now?
Maybe not?
I love kissing.
Sooo much kissing and not kissing.
I'm really quite fond of Ms Lennox's works. Quite amusing amongst all the confusion.
Maybe we should kiss now?
Maybe not?
I love kissing.
Sooo much kissing and not kissing.
I'm really quite fond of Ms Lennox's works. Quite amusing amongst all the confusion.
March 4, 2022
Loved it.
This book was fun and a mystery. A real who done it. I would recommend this one don't forget the happy ending. A life read.
This book was fun and a mystery. A real who done it. I would recommend this one don't forget the happy ending. A life read.
March 6, 2022
Fabulous
A thrilling murder mystery is the premise of this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Valerie Lennox.
A thrilling murder mystery is the premise of this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Valerie Lennox.
January 8, 2023
Mr D is more like Bingley. Scattered thoughts, doesn't like to take the lead? Not very Darcy-like.
June 4, 2023
1.5/5
March 26, 2024
5 stars
Like all of Valerie Lennox's books, this is a banger. 5 stars. Always, she writes 5 star books. From the disclaimer at the start to the very end. Loved it
Like all of Valerie Lennox's books, this is a banger. 5 stars. Always, she writes 5 star books. From the disclaimer at the start to the very end. Loved it
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