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More Agreeably Engaged
The morning of Mr. Collins’s proposal, Elizabeth leaves Longbourn for a walk, furious at the parson for proposing and her mother for pressing her to accept, eager to put some distance between herself and those who would persecute her. While walking, she meets a most unexpected acquaintance.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is dealing with frustrations of his own. Caroline Bingley, fearful that her brother means to propose to what she considers an unsuitable woman, has demanded that Darcy support her determination to prevent him from making a drastic mistake. While Darcy might have agreed with her view, what she suggests strikes him as deceitful.
Their meeting on the path proves fortuitous, for it allows them a chance to work past their first impressions. As they meet every day the following week, they understand more of each other, their regard growing, barriers between them falling. While misunderstandings drove them apart, on the paths of Longbourn estate they have the chance to set all right between them and attain happiness together that neither thought possible.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is dealing with frustrations of his own. Caroline Bingley, fearful that her brother means to propose to what she considers an unsuitable woman, has demanded that Darcy support her determination to prevent him from making a drastic mistake. While Darcy might have agreed with her view, what she suggests strikes him as deceitful.
Their meeting on the path proves fortuitous, for it allows them a chance to work past their first impressions. As they meet every day the following week, they understand more of each other, their regard growing, barriers between them falling. While misunderstandings drove them apart, on the paths of Longbourn estate they have the chance to set all right between them and attain happiness together that neither thought possible.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2022
80 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
87 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 26, 2022
>>Rating: clean
>>Angst Level: low: even as I worried the SBRB might try something.
>>Source Borrowed from KU [2-25-22] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“Maybe, if you can’t get someone out of your head they were never meant to leave. Perhaps, they were meant to help change you into the person you have been waiting to become.” –Shannon L. Alder
This was not my favorite style of writing. It was mainly contrived meetings full of dialogue where Elizabeth and Darcy aired their grievances. The story was changed up a bit when Bingley left for London the day after the Netherfield Ball. Darcy did not succumb to Miss Bingley’s demands that they follow her brother to town. It was her plan for them to work at convincing him to not return to Netherfield and that Miss Bennet did not love him. Darcy wasn’t sure that felt honest and therefore, he refused to leave and stated that he was staying in Hertfordshire until Bingley returned. La! We had to listen to Miss Caroline lamenting being stuck in that backwater village when they should be on their way to town. I was sick to death of her and her conniving ways.
We spent a lot of time in Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s heads as they worked through their thoughts and opinions. I was nearly sick to death of them. However, several good points were made and I liked how that ended. It just seemed like a long wait for the ultimate HEA endings.
>>Angst Level: low: even as I worried the SBRB might try something.
>>Source Borrowed from KU [2-25-22] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“Maybe, if you can’t get someone out of your head they were never meant to leave. Perhaps, they were meant to help change you into the person you have been waiting to become.” –Shannon L. Alder
This was not my favorite style of writing. It was mainly contrived meetings full of dialogue where Elizabeth and Darcy aired their grievances. The story was changed up a bit when Bingley left for London the day after the Netherfield Ball. Darcy did not succumb to Miss Bingley’s demands that they follow her brother to town. It was her plan for them to work at convincing him to not return to Netherfield and that Miss Bennet did not love him. Darcy wasn’t sure that felt honest and therefore, he refused to leave and stated that he was staying in Hertfordshire until Bingley returned. La! We had to listen to Miss Caroline lamenting being stuck in that backwater village when they should be on their way to town. I was sick to death of her and her conniving ways.
We spent a lot of time in Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s heads as they worked through their thoughts and opinions. I was nearly sick to death of them. However, several good points were made and I liked how that ended. It just seemed like a long wait for the ultimate HEA endings.
December 20, 2024
A Communicative Darcy
Following the Netherfield ball and Bingley’s return to London on business, Darcy remain at Netherfield. He is in a communicative mood, wanting to discern the true feelings between Jane and Bingley, as well as Elizabeth. He also attempts to thwart Miss Bingley’s efforts to have him return to London with her and the Hursts to talk Bingley out of a courtship with Jane. In a twist from canon, Darcy is unwilling to interfere, unless he finds Jane’s affections for Bingley not attached.
While Bingley is away, he meets Elizabeth on her walks and has hesitant but open discussions with her about Jane, her family, and eventually Wickham. Oh, what a little communication will do!
The way Darcy handled Miss Bingley and spoke to her delighted me in every way, as did the way he dealt with Wickham. I was happy also to see Elizabeth begin to see the true Wickham even before Darcy had to explain him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it. Jann Rowland followers will certainly be pleased.
Following the Netherfield ball and Bingley’s return to London on business, Darcy remain at Netherfield. He is in a communicative mood, wanting to discern the true feelings between Jane and Bingley, as well as Elizabeth. He also attempts to thwart Miss Bingley’s efforts to have him return to London with her and the Hursts to talk Bingley out of a courtship with Jane. In a twist from canon, Darcy is unwilling to interfere, unless he finds Jane’s affections for Bingley not attached.
While Bingley is away, he meets Elizabeth on her walks and has hesitant but open discussions with her about Jane, her family, and eventually Wickham. Oh, what a little communication will do!
The way Darcy handled Miss Bingley and spoke to her delighted me in every way, as did the way he dealt with Wickham. I was happy also to see Elizabeth begin to see the true Wickham even before Darcy had to explain him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it. Jann Rowland followers will certainly be pleased.
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This is an author whose name alone leads me to "borrow" his books from my KU account. This story, however, was not quite up to my expectations.
There is no real angst. After the Netherfield Ball we find Darcy meeting up with Elizabeth while she is out walking. At first it is by accident. Little by little OCD finds ways to slip questions and/or comments into their sparse conversations to determine motives and/or feelings about others whose best interests they seek. Then it becomes questions as to their own opinions and feelings.
Jane's feeling towards Bingley (who has gone off to London) are a concern for both. When Darcy learns that Jane is reticent to show her feelings, but that Elizabeth assures him are true, he rebuffs Caroline over and over again in her attempts to leave Netherfield and follow her brother into town.
Slowly Elizabeth's opinions about Wickham and his relationship to and treatment by Darcy change. And Darcy also steps up to informing Colonel Forster as to Wickham's usual habits, i.e., debts, seductions, etc.
And we also read of Darcy's attempts to change the opinion the citizens of the area have formed about him. One of the last things he finds he has to change (and which he was not aware of) is the fact that Elizabeth overheard his "insult" at the Assembly Ball.
Caroline is very determined to not only leave the area but also to prompt Darcy to propose to her, willingly or via compromise. We even find both Louisa and her husband warning Caroline about her plans in that area.
This was a sweet romance in which things progress much earlier than in canon and in other JAFF. Meeting secretly meets the need for both to talk to and get to know the other...even though it might be considered a compromise if they are discovered alone together.
This is an author whose name alone leads me to "borrow" his books from my KU account. This story, however, was not quite up to my expectations.
There is no real angst. After the Netherfield Ball we find Darcy meeting up with Elizabeth while she is out walking. At first it is by accident. Little by little OCD finds ways to slip questions and/or comments into their sparse conversations to determine motives and/or feelings about others whose best interests they seek. Then it becomes questions as to their own opinions and feelings.
Jane's feeling towards Bingley (who has gone off to London) are a concern for both. When Darcy learns that Jane is reticent to show her feelings, but that Elizabeth assures him are true, he rebuffs Caroline over and over again in her attempts to leave Netherfield and follow her brother into town.
Slowly Elizabeth's opinions about Wickham and his relationship to and treatment by Darcy change. And Darcy also steps up to informing Colonel Forster as to Wickham's usual habits, i.e., debts, seductions, etc.
And we also read of Darcy's attempts to change the opinion the citizens of the area have formed about him. One of the last things he finds he has to change (and which he was not aware of) is the fact that Elizabeth overheard his "insult" at the Assembly Ball.
Caroline is very determined to not only leave the area but also to prompt Darcy to propose to her, willingly or via compromise. We even find both Louisa and her husband warning Caroline about her plans in that area.
This was a sweet romance in which things progress much earlier than in canon and in other JAFF. Meeting secretly meets the need for both to talk to and get to know the other...even though it might be considered a compromise if they are discovered alone together.
October 17, 2022
I was in the mood for a low-angst variation of Pride & Prejudice plus rambles through the woods is a favorite fall past time of mine, so this one grabbed my fancy.
More Agreeably Engaged is a long novella and is at heart an ode to romantic pairs skipping the drama that ensues from assumptions and lack of communication because they made a concentrated effort to hold off on knee-jerk actions and words to get the facts first. Glory be! This was a palette-cleanser indeed for all the miscommunication conflict-based romances out there.
After the Netherfield Ball, Miss Elizabeth Bennet's opinion of Fitzwilliam Darcy is very low and his is high of her, but gravely he doesn't see a future with a woman whose family puts her out of his sphere.
When Charles Bingley makes it clear he has a preference for Jane Bennet before he leaves for town and Darcy gets an ear full of Caroline Bingley's harangue about the Bennets, he needs a break and rides off for some fresh air and exercise. At the same time, Elizabeth Bennet has escaped her home and her mother's loud upset when Elizabeth turns down oafish Mr. Collin's pathetic proposal. Thus begins encounters in the woods that bring frank conversations and a new perspective for this edgy pair.
Besides the thrill of a communicating couple, I thought Miss Mary's delightful character, the Hursts, the Phillips, and the situation with Wickham's comeuppance were sparkling good. Miss Bingley's blind self-absorption provided most of the conflict, but she was a nuisance after a while- okay, from day one.
All in all, this was a fast-reading, easy and cozy variation that Austenesque fans would appreciate best.
More Agreeably Engaged is a long novella and is at heart an ode to romantic pairs skipping the drama that ensues from assumptions and lack of communication because they made a concentrated effort to hold off on knee-jerk actions and words to get the facts first. Glory be! This was a palette-cleanser indeed for all the miscommunication conflict-based romances out there.
After the Netherfield Ball, Miss Elizabeth Bennet's opinion of Fitzwilliam Darcy is very low and his is high of her, but gravely he doesn't see a future with a woman whose family puts her out of his sphere.
When Charles Bingley makes it clear he has a preference for Jane Bennet before he leaves for town and Darcy gets an ear full of Caroline Bingley's harangue about the Bennets, he needs a break and rides off for some fresh air and exercise. At the same time, Elizabeth Bennet has escaped her home and her mother's loud upset when Elizabeth turns down oafish Mr. Collin's pathetic proposal. Thus begins encounters in the woods that bring frank conversations and a new perspective for this edgy pair.
Besides the thrill of a communicating couple, I thought Miss Mary's delightful character, the Hursts, the Phillips, and the situation with Wickham's comeuppance were sparkling good. Miss Bingley's blind self-absorption provided most of the conflict, but she was a nuisance after a while- okay, from day one.
All in all, this was a fast-reading, easy and cozy variation that Austenesque fans would appreciate best.
March 28, 2024
Short and sweet.
Much less angst than I usually like but a Darcy I enjoyed getting to know. All the action takes place in only one week.
Much less angst than I usually like but a Darcy I enjoyed getting to know. All the action takes place in only one week.
March 2, 2022
Lizzy and Darcy talk while Lizzy walk on Longbourn trails
Not much new here. Lizzy and Darcy begin talking while walking at Longbourn instead of Rosings. Angst level is low. Not many surprises. Lots of Pride and Prejudice characters don’t receive much plot time. I fond myself skipping 5 pages at a time and feeling like I hadn’t missed much.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. Everything happens around Meryton and Longbourn. The HEA was believable but the story stops abruptly and we don’t see much after the HEA.
Lots of Darcy guilt, lots of Lizzy not liking Darcy because of the assembly slight of her. Jane is the same, Mary is the same. Lydia is annoyingly the same. Mrs Bennet actually fantasizes out loud to her daughters about how much better her life would be if she ran away with a militia officer. Yikes.
Not much new here. Lizzy and Darcy begin talking while walking at Longbourn instead of Rosings. Angst level is low. Not many surprises. Lots of Pride and Prejudice characters don’t receive much plot time. I fond myself skipping 5 pages at a time and feeling like I hadn’t missed much.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. Everything happens around Meryton and Longbourn. The HEA was believable but the story stops abruptly and we don’t see much after the HEA.
Lots of Darcy guilt, lots of Lizzy not liking Darcy because of the assembly slight of her. Jane is the same, Mary is the same. Lydia is annoyingly the same. Mrs Bennet actually fantasizes out loud to her daughters about how much better her life would be if she ran away with a militia officer. Yikes.
February 20, 2022
Pleasant read
Darcy and Elizabeth meet after Collins proposed, and get to talking. They go out walking together almost every day thereafter and gain a better understanding of each other's motives as well as those of other people. When she's not getting her way Miss Bingley acts more unpleasantly than usual and gets a setdown or several from Darcy. Wickham's lies come to a head earlier than usual. Bingley is in London for most of the story but he had the forethought of warn Jane of his absence.
Nothing much happens but it's a pleasant novella length low angst read if you're in the mood for something that gets ODC reflecting on their behavior without crushing anyone's heart first. Apart from Miss Bingley. I liked the way Mr Bennet handles some drawing-room conversations at Longbourn.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet after Collins proposed, and get to talking. They go out walking together almost every day thereafter and gain a better understanding of each other's motives as well as those of other people. When she's not getting her way Miss Bingley acts more unpleasantly than usual and gets a setdown or several from Darcy. Wickham's lies come to a head earlier than usual. Bingley is in London for most of the story but he had the forethought of warn Jane of his absence.
Nothing much happens but it's a pleasant novella length low angst read if you're in the mood for something that gets ODC reflecting on their behavior without crushing anyone's heart first. Apart from Miss Bingley. I liked the way Mr Bennet handles some drawing-room conversations at Longbourn.
February 13, 2023
interesting
A rather unusual but very interesting premise in this enjoyable variation by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Rowland.
A rather unusual but very interesting premise in this enjoyable variation by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Rowland.
Read
April 2, 2022DNF - gave up at 53% after what felt like hours of ODC walking & talking, then reflecting and deflecting their family/friends
Boring
Boring
February 19, 2022
A lovely idyll
Very low angst and plenty of logical progress as Darcy and Elizabeth meet and resolve their misunderstandings and differences in the week following the Netherfield Ball. Well written, with appropriate dialogue and some great setdowns of Caroline Bingley. A nice read!
Very low angst and plenty of logical progress as Darcy and Elizabeth meet and resolve their misunderstandings and differences in the week following the Netherfield Ball. Well written, with appropriate dialogue and some great setdowns of Caroline Bingley. A nice read!
February 27, 2022
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet conquer their pride and prejudices walking the grounds of Longhorn while Bingley is in London. This is a sweet story that leads to their happily ever after.
March 14, 2022
A surprise from an author …
… that I have not particularly enjoyed in the past. Something felt sexist and degrading in something he wrote a few years ago and since then I’ve studiously avoided his other books. I liked this sweet story of zero angst, which surprised me. I may try to read him again - we’ll see.
… that I have not particularly enjoyed in the past. Something felt sexist and degrading in something he wrote a few years ago and since then I’ve studiously avoided his other books. I liked this sweet story of zero angst, which surprised me. I may try to read him again - we’ll see.
March 4, 2022
A sweet story, showing the possibility of ODC finding earlier felicity, if they had had the opportunity to meet and come to understand one another while still in Meryton.
Caroline was a pip of the worst kind!
For what it is, this novella doesn't disappoint, but I do wish for more of JR's work like Bound by Love and Out of Obscurity.
Caroline was a pip of the worst kind!
For what it is, this novella doesn't disappoint, but I do wish for more of JR's work like Bound by Love and Out of Obscurity.
March 4, 2022
This author tends to be quite reliable, and I've come to like that about his books, that I know what to expect, though each story has a somewhat unique perspective or variation on Pride and Prejudice. With some uncertainty going on in my life this past week, it felt good to have a reliable bedtime reading experience. As usual for his work, this is a chaste, low-angst rendering, but it was quite romantic.
The morning after the Netherfield ball, and soon after turning down Mr. Collins' marriage proposal, Elizabeth Bennet goes out for a solitary walk, primarily to escape her mother's tirades, but also to think about her sister's prospects with Mr. Bingley. She finds herself irritated with nearly all her family, after their performance at the ball, and worries that Bingley's sisters and Mr. Darcy will spirit him away before he has a chance to offer for Jane.
Mr. Darcy is out for an early ride. He too has the behavior of the Bennets on his mind since last night, and is concerned whether Jane Bennet returns Bingley's affections or would accept Bingley merely in order to appease her mother by marrying a wealthy man. Miss Bingley has been attempting to persuade him to accompany her and her sister back to London in order to persuade Bingley to give up Miss Bennet.
He and Elizabeth are both surprised to come across one another. Darcy almost rides on, in order to avoid any further involvement with this most attractive Bennet sister. But he sees this as an opportunity to answer some of the questions that are on his mind, so he stops and walks with her for a while.
In the course of several walks in one another's company in the vicinity of Longbourn and Netherfield, the pair learn answers to many questions.
The morning after the Netherfield ball, and soon after turning down Mr. Collins' marriage proposal, Elizabeth Bennet goes out for a solitary walk, primarily to escape her mother's tirades, but also to think about her sister's prospects with Mr. Bingley. She finds herself irritated with nearly all her family, after their performance at the ball, and worries that Bingley's sisters and Mr. Darcy will spirit him away before he has a chance to offer for Jane.
Mr. Darcy is out for an early ride. He too has the behavior of the Bennets on his mind since last night, and is concerned whether Jane Bennet returns Bingley's affections or would accept Bingley merely in order to appease her mother by marrying a wealthy man. Miss Bingley has been attempting to persuade him to accompany her and her sister back to London in order to persuade Bingley to give up Miss Bennet.
He and Elizabeth are both surprised to come across one another. Darcy almost rides on, in order to avoid any further involvement with this most attractive Bennet sister. But he sees this as an opportunity to answer some of the questions that are on his mind, so he stops and walks with her for a while.
In the course of several walks in one another's company in the vicinity of Longbourn and Netherfield, the pair learn answers to many questions.
May 5, 2022
This is a lovely low-angst story that varies considerably from canon. Things happen differently from canon and other things do not happen that we have come to expect.
When Darcy decides to court Elizabeth, he encounters her during her walks, and they talk. They question each other about things that they have been wondering about and decide to simply ask. The dialogue is excellent. The story is pleasant to read and is somehow satisfying.
8
When Darcy decides to court Elizabeth, he encounters her during her walks, and they talk. They question each other about things that they have been wondering about and decide to simply ask. The dialogue is excellent. The story is pleasant to read and is somehow satisfying.
8
September 8, 2022
Pretty standard variation, not too terribly exciting but a good read nonetheless.
March 8, 2022
Thank you, Mr Rowland!
After reading a few sub-par books by this author, I'm glad to read one that restores my faith in him, since he's become an automatic purchase for me. The story occurs during the week after the Netherfield ball. Bingley has left for London, and Caroline Bingley is anxious to convince Darcy to close up Netherfield and follow her brother in an effort to separate him from Jane Bennett. Darcy meets Elizabeth on a series of early morning walks, and they discuss Jane and Bingley, as well as many other things that lead to a greater understanding of each other, as well as much greater esteem for each other.
I love these variations wherein Elizabeth and Darcy replace acrimony with discussion. The banter back and forth between them is the perfect showcase for their strengths and weaknesses, and to allow for the gradual increase of their affection. This is a more open minded Darcy, which is nice, and a more patient Elizabeth. Usually these Regency era tales have such stiff rules of propriety that no one speaks candidly, they're always beating around the bush, and never saying what they mean. It's refreshing to have these frank and open talks between Elizabeth and Darcy.
I deducted a star because this is a very "vanilla" tale, which means there's little to no angst, no crises, no mystery, and no villains to get in the way. Caroline Bingley and Wickham appear in the story, but they're ineffectual. The book is worth reading just to experience Darcy's set down of Caroline Bingley. It's superb.
As always with this author, the book is very well written, and well edited. It's a pleasant way to pass a little time. I recommend it highly.
After reading a few sub-par books by this author, I'm glad to read one that restores my faith in him, since he's become an automatic purchase for me. The story occurs during the week after the Netherfield ball. Bingley has left for London, and Caroline Bingley is anxious to convince Darcy to close up Netherfield and follow her brother in an effort to separate him from Jane Bennett. Darcy meets Elizabeth on a series of early morning walks, and they discuss Jane and Bingley, as well as many other things that lead to a greater understanding of each other, as well as much greater esteem for each other.
I love these variations wherein Elizabeth and Darcy replace acrimony with discussion. The banter back and forth between them is the perfect showcase for their strengths and weaknesses, and to allow for the gradual increase of their affection. This is a more open minded Darcy, which is nice, and a more patient Elizabeth. Usually these Regency era tales have such stiff rules of propriety that no one speaks candidly, they're always beating around the bush, and never saying what they mean. It's refreshing to have these frank and open talks between Elizabeth and Darcy.
I deducted a star because this is a very "vanilla" tale, which means there's little to no angst, no crises, no mystery, and no villains to get in the way. Caroline Bingley and Wickham appear in the story, but they're ineffectual. The book is worth reading just to experience Darcy's set down of Caroline Bingley. It's superb.
As always with this author, the book is very well written, and well edited. It's a pleasant way to pass a little time. I recommend it highly.
April 22, 2022
A well-written account of Elizabeth’s and Mr. Darcy’s romance
This reader was quite put off initially due to how slow-paced the start of this variation was. It helped that the author is quite talented in his writing style and made the beginning engaging despite it rambling on about not much importance. But how wrong this reader was! Obviously towards the middle, one realizes the author was laying a good foundation for the story; that is, how Elizabeth Bennet’s rambles in Longbourn grounds paved the way for meetings with Mr. Darcy, who she initially despised as proud and arrogant to a fault. But as the days go by with hours of discourse and understanding between them, the seeds of admiration, respect and love were planted until it grew and bloomed into this worthwhile romance. There was not much angst but what lacked for angst is the intricate examination of the feelings and thoughts of our beloved couple, and the author was thorough in explaining the changes and the realizations in themselves. Needless to say, this variation is a great example of deep characterization, specifically that of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and even a little bit of antagonists, Wickham and Miss Bingley.
This reader was quite put off initially due to how slow-paced the start of this variation was. It helped that the author is quite talented in his writing style and made the beginning engaging despite it rambling on about not much importance. But how wrong this reader was! Obviously towards the middle, one realizes the author was laying a good foundation for the story; that is, how Elizabeth Bennet’s rambles in Longbourn grounds paved the way for meetings with Mr. Darcy, who she initially despised as proud and arrogant to a fault. But as the days go by with hours of discourse and understanding between them, the seeds of admiration, respect and love were planted until it grew and bloomed into this worthwhile romance. There was not much angst but what lacked for angst is the intricate examination of the feelings and thoughts of our beloved couple, and the author was thorough in explaining the changes and the realizations in themselves. Needless to say, this variation is a great example of deep characterization, specifically that of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and even a little bit of antagonists, Wickham and Miss Bingley.
July 3, 2022
Reviewed first at austendiaries.blogspot.com/
Title and Author: More Agreeably Engaged by Jann Rowland
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen-esque
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited
Summary: This variation starts when Darcy hesitates after Bingley leaves Netherfield for London. As he contemplates what to do next, he finds Elizabeth roaming the grounds of Longbourne. She (having just refused the proposal of Mr. Collins) is out of sorts, but still civil. As Darcy seeks to subtly find the information he needs, he presents a new side to Elizabeth. When he realizes she does not like him, he must make amends and decide what he really wants.
Pros:
*This is a low angst variation and it is sweet to see them come to know each other.
* Wickham got what was coming to him with no casualties.
* I do like a story that puts Caroline in her place.
Cons:
* It was so sweet that it was almost boring.
* I wondered how Darcy overcame his hesitations about the Bennett family so quickly.
Title and Author: More Agreeably Engaged by Jann Rowland
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen-esque
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited
Summary: This variation starts when Darcy hesitates after Bingley leaves Netherfield for London. As he contemplates what to do next, he finds Elizabeth roaming the grounds of Longbourne. She (having just refused the proposal of Mr. Collins) is out of sorts, but still civil. As Darcy seeks to subtly find the information he needs, he presents a new side to Elizabeth. When he realizes she does not like him, he must make amends and decide what he really wants.
Pros:
*This is a low angst variation and it is sweet to see them come to know each other.
* Wickham got what was coming to him with no casualties.
* I do like a story that puts Caroline in her place.
Cons:
* It was so sweet that it was almost boring.
* I wondered how Darcy overcame his hesitations about the Bennett family so quickly.
Read
February 26, 2022Interesting
Most of the story revolves around Darcy and Elizabeth walking every morning around the Longbourne estate and discussing various feelings, events, and people. It gives them both a chance to learn about each other and the characters around them. Bingley has gone to town and Darcy is refusing to follow him to the exasperation of Caroline. He's insisting that he will support whatever Charles decides for himself rather than trying to remove him from Jane as in the classic.
My problem with the story is the abrupt ending. We are in the Bennet sitting room, Wickhams disappeared, Lydia is giggling to Kitty, Mrs Bennet is pleased, and then its done. It needs at least another chapter to tie everything together.
Most of the story revolves around Darcy and Elizabeth walking every morning around the Longbourne estate and discussing various feelings, events, and people. It gives them both a chance to learn about each other and the characters around them. Bingley has gone to town and Darcy is refusing to follow him to the exasperation of Caroline. He's insisting that he will support whatever Charles decides for himself rather than trying to remove him from Jane as in the classic.
My problem with the story is the abrupt ending. We are in the Bennet sitting room, Wickhams disappeared, Lydia is giggling to Kitty, Mrs Bennet is pleased, and then its done. It needs at least another chapter to tie everything together.
February 26, 2022
This story was a little slow getting started but eventually the author picked up the pace. Darcy’s meetings with Elizabeth on the trail allowed for uninterrupted conversations and subsequent understanding of one another. The story happens over a period of days during Bingley’s absence from Netherfield, which seemed too short of a time span to net the results written. There is essentially no angst except for the usual suspects being true to themselves. But sometimes little angst between two intelligent persons who come to affectionately regard one another is quite believable. This was a pleasant enough afternoon read, but not Mr. Rowland’s best work.
March 8, 2022
A fortunate meeting on a walking path…
… leads Jane Austen’s time honored story in a shorter, and more satisfying way to Darcy and Lizzy’s happy ending.
Most of this tale takes place on the paths of Longbourn estate. Lizzy encounters Darcy soon after rejecting Mr. Collins’s proposal. They both manage their tempers better, and have a more agreeable discussion than those at Netherfield. It is not all sunshine and roses, but shows how a few days and candid discussion can change perspectives. You will enjoy this story!
… leads Jane Austen’s time honored story in a shorter, and more satisfying way to Darcy and Lizzy’s happy ending.
Most of this tale takes place on the paths of Longbourn estate. Lizzy encounters Darcy soon after rejecting Mr. Collins’s proposal. They both manage their tempers better, and have a more agreeable discussion than those at Netherfield. It is not all sunshine and roses, but shows how a few days and candid discussion can change perspectives. You will enjoy this story!
February 23, 2022
VERY ENJOYABLE
This is a very entertaining read and wonderfully angst free. Darcy is quite charming and Elizabeth reasonable in her attitudes - very appealing characterizations. I also loved the portrayal of Mr. Bennet as a father about to become engaged with the lives of his daughters and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst as having more depth than usually hinted at. This book - a glimpse of one seminal week in the lives of some of the residents of Longbourn and Netherfield.
This is a very entertaining read and wonderfully angst free. Darcy is quite charming and Elizabeth reasonable in her attitudes - very appealing characterizations. I also loved the portrayal of Mr. Bennet as a father about to become engaged with the lives of his daughters and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst as having more depth than usually hinted at. This book - a glimpse of one seminal week in the lives of some of the residents of Longbourn and Netherfield.
March 2, 2022
Cute, clean, and low angst
This is a low angst, sweet and clean variation. The discussions between Lizzy and Darcy are best parts of the book. They both seem to be in character, their prejudices simply dissolve in an alternative manner. It was a little odd to see Darcy willingly give up his proud notions of connections and wealth. But it was well handled and well within the realm of possibilities.
This is a low angst, sweet and clean variation. The discussions between Lizzy and Darcy are best parts of the book. They both seem to be in character, their prejudices simply dissolve in an alternative manner. It was a little odd to see Darcy willingly give up his proud notions of connections and wealth. But it was well handled and well within the realm of possibilities.
April 30, 2022
Typically, I enjoy a book with lots of strife and drama, but not every book must be full of angst! I generally one-click this author and really enjoy his work. This book did not disappoint. It was sweet, clean, and a pleasure to read. I very much enjoyed that Darcy and Elizabeth started having dialog following the Netherfield ball, rather than Darcy departing for London. As a result, their HEA was able to unfold much more quickly, and smoothly. Just a fabulous feel good read!
March 29, 2022
They are at odds , however given time, discover they can agree on many things. Now what?
This is a story of much reflection. It's interesting to see how the minds of both Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet work through their issues. It's also that in this story Miss Bingley receives a proper and long overdue set down. I'm sure you'll enjoy this story very much. I did!
This is a story of much reflection. It's interesting to see how the minds of both Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet work through their issues. It's also that in this story Miss Bingley receives a proper and long overdue set down. I'm sure you'll enjoy this story very much. I did!
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April 26, 2022Angst-free
It is a very pleasant story. I like that Elizabeth and Darcy ease their way into understanding one another. I don't like that it sends to have taken only a week. I like that Darcy is honest with Elizabeth and Caroline and Colonel Foster. I could stand the story continuing a bit longer.
It is a very pleasant story. I like that Elizabeth and Darcy ease their way into understanding one another. I don't like that it sends to have taken only a week. I like that Darcy is honest with Elizabeth and Caroline and Colonel Foster. I could stand the story continuing a bit longer.
May 12, 2022
I found this story hard to put down. It felt like one of Jane's original stories with its dialogue. The characters acted like they were in the regency period and not modern day. I liked his characterizations of Elizabeth and Darcy. I found them very likable. I also liked his portrayal of Mr. Bennet and Mary. They both were made realistically and not a cartoon.
July 29, 2022
2.75 stars
I thought this was a quicker paced variation with low stakes and was just short of enough angst for my tastes.
What can I say? I like me some emotional turmoil and this didn’t have enough of it.
The plot was fine and the characterization was adequate, but ultimately this didn’t do enough for me and was rather forgettable.
I thought this was a quicker paced variation with low stakes and was just short of enough angst for my tastes.
What can I say? I like me some emotional turmoil and this didn’t have enough of it.
The plot was fine and the characterization was adequate, but ultimately this didn’t do enough for me and was rather forgettable.
August 13, 2023
⇢ 4.5/5 ⭐️
loved the slow pace, great communication, and conversations between ODC.
the resolution felt a little rushed i really would have enjoyed it being a full-length variation instead of a novella, hence the -0.5 rating ❤️🩹
loved the slow pace, great communication, and conversations between ODC.
the resolution felt a little rushed i really would have enjoyed it being a full-length variation instead of a novella, hence the -0.5 rating ❤️🩹
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