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Practice Makes Perfect
The characters in this story are not canon.
The Darcy and Elizabeth depicted in this story are quite different from the characters found in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. They do not have the same personalities. They are not the same age.
This is a short story, not a novella or novel. It doesn’t delve into the lives of every character mentioned or attempt to analyze motives.
Warning: Contains violence, sex, and profanity. Content is suitable for mature adult readers over the age of 18.
This short story finds Darcy at Rosings Park dealing with a few issues. An eighteen-year-old Elizabeth is staying at the vicarage with the Collins family. She has gone there for a visit.
Darcy expects to meet her there to solidify their engagement and set a date for the wedding. Elizabeth is unaware she is engaged.
The road to happiness for ODC is never smooth. They find their way to a few places along the way to their HEA.
The Darcy and Elizabeth depicted in this story are quite different from the characters found in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. They do not have the same personalities. They are not the same age.
This is a short story, not a novella or novel. It doesn’t delve into the lives of every character mentioned or attempt to analyze motives.
Warning: Contains violence, sex, and profanity. Content is suitable for mature adult readers over the age of 18.
This short story finds Darcy at Rosings Park dealing with a few issues. An eighteen-year-old Elizabeth is staying at the vicarage with the Collins family. She has gone there for a visit.
Darcy expects to meet her there to solidify their engagement and set a date for the wedding. Elizabeth is unaware she is engaged.
The road to happiness for ODC is never smooth. They find their way to a few places along the way to their HEA.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
42 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 10, 2023
While the second half wasn't bad, and had a lot of action, the first half had a Darcy who merely came off as MANIPULATIVE!
Yes, characters out of canon - those I can handle, but he wanted what he wanted and went for it, without thinking of anyone else's feelings.
After all that, his AHA moment wasn't strong enough, only as if he was perfect and knew everything he did was right all along.
The writing did not flow. Dialog was choppy, with incoherent sentences at times.
Yes, characters out of canon - those I can handle, but he wanted what he wanted and went for it, without thinking of anyone else's feelings.
After all that, his AHA moment wasn't strong enough, only as if he was perfect and knew everything he did was right all along.
The writing did not flow. Dialog was choppy, with incoherent sentences at times.
April 16, 2022
At first it was confusing.
The last 40% was bizarre.
I made it to the end.
The last 40% was bizarre.
I made it to the end.
April 6, 2022
Hmmm…
This isn’t terribly bad or anything, but was a bit over the top for me and not really believable. I wasn’t crazy about he character portrayals. The lack of typos was a plus—good editing there.
This isn’t terribly bad or anything, but was a bit over the top for me and not really believable. I wasn’t crazy about he character portrayals. The lack of typos was a plus—good editing there.
April 4, 2022
This was unexpectedly good. I do like Ms Wagner's books but I also prefer longer reads.
June 16, 2022
This story was very different variation. The premise of an sex obsessed Darcy determined to have Elizabeth is a bit off putting.
His arrangement of a betrothal with Mr Bennet was secretive and not even revealed to Lizzy who is younger than canon.
But he sets out to engage her feelings by trying to seduce her. It’s hard to believe that our Lizzy would fall for his daily gazebo trick to get her alone! 'Even at a young age Elizabeth would not be that naive! Once he he started behaving unlike a gentleman she would have boxed his ears in anger!
Yes it was unbelievable! But then so was the rest of the book! Especially at Rosings when they planned a picnic with Richard, Charlotte and her sister that turned into a overnight trip ! So that Darcy could marry Elizabeth without even telling her, nor anyone else!
Not believable!
I was not a fan of this story. Read at your own risk!
His arrangement of a betrothal with Mr Bennet was secretive and not even revealed to Lizzy who is younger than canon.
But he sets out to engage her feelings by trying to seduce her. It’s hard to believe that our Lizzy would fall for his daily gazebo trick to get her alone! 'Even at a young age Elizabeth would not be that naive! Once he he started behaving unlike a gentleman she would have boxed his ears in anger!
Yes it was unbelievable! But then so was the rest of the book! Especially at Rosings when they planned a picnic with Richard, Charlotte and her sister that turned into a overnight trip ! So that Darcy could marry Elizabeth without even telling her, nor anyone else!
Not believable!
I was not a fan of this story. Read at your own risk!
April 14, 2022
Practice and lessons
This is a younger and unworldly Elizabeth who learns to live Darcy during her visit with the collins’ at hunsford. Darcy is a man with a mission yo make Elizabeth love him. He has already gained her father’s permission and has signed marriage agreements.
The couple is cute as they discover love. Lady Catherine and miss Bingley are both antagonists in this story.
This is a younger and unworldly Elizabeth who learns to live Darcy during her visit with the collins’ at hunsford. Darcy is a man with a mission yo make Elizabeth love him. He has already gained her father’s permission and has signed marriage agreements.
The couple is cute as they discover love. Lady Catherine and miss Bingley are both antagonists in this story.
dnf
July 6, 2023This Pride and Prejudice variation begin at Rosings. Unfortuntely I didn't like the characters, or the way it seemed the Colonel's pairing was going. So I gave up before half way.
June 7, 2022
Who are these people?!
No one can convince me that an 18 year old Elizabeth Bennet was this dumb and naïve! At certain points in the story it seemed as though she may have been intellectually challenged. Also, Mr. Darcy is a controlling creep who intimidates everyone, Colonel Fitzwilliam included, to get what he wants. The premise of the story could have been decent but this was a far miss.
No one can convince me that an 18 year old Elizabeth Bennet was this dumb and naïve! At certain points in the story it seemed as though she may have been intellectually challenged. Also, Mr. Darcy is a controlling creep who intimidates everyone, Colonel Fitzwilliam included, to get what he wants. The premise of the story could have been decent but this was a far miss.
April 9, 2022
silly
The story was very rushed and almost childish. It had some potential but ultimately fell very far from the mark
The story was very rushed and almost childish. It had some potential but ultimately fell very far from the mark
May 12, 2023
This story is a bit chaotic. It starts out in Kent, where one Fitzwilliam Darcy is angry at Elizabeth and the Colonel for teasing him about his taciturnity. But it turns out they may have a point, as Darcy considers himself engaged, and never saw fit to inform his bride about it. Mr. Bennet and Darcy signed a marriage contract back in November but now it's spring in Kent, and Elizabeth still hasn't been told. Darcy decides to practice his social skills with Elizabeth, which mostly means kissing and sexual fondling. Wickham has been dealt with behind the scenes. Bingley hasn't returned but it might be Jane's good fortune. The Colonel wants to flirt with Charlotte. Eventually Darcy and Elizabeth marry as a surprise, and it turns out that some concerned parties have sown seeds of murderous destruction. It was interesting enough to finish but more in an OMG-what-the-heck-is-going-on manner.
Euphemisms: Darcy's genitals are "an instrument", and Elizabeth's private parts are "a blanket".
Euphemisms: Darcy's genitals are "an instrument", and Elizabeth's private parts are "a blanket".
June 17, 2022
Caroline and Lady C deB in league
What I liked: Jane did not marry Bingley; there was very little Mrs Bennet and Lydia; Charlotte was written as intelligent and attractive; and, Darcy was much more human than robotic. I even liked how the sinister friendship of Caroline and Lady Cat deB developed and how Caroline played her like a fiddle. What I didn’t like: Col Fitzwilliam was a bit too much like Wickham for half the novel; Elizabeth was not ready for marriage based on the author’s description of her character; so, Darcy came across as pedo-ish. I know the Regency era did not frown on child brides but my abhorrence may be due to the fact that the author constantly reminded us that Elizabeth was so young and naive.
What I liked: Jane did not marry Bingley; there was very little Mrs Bennet and Lydia; Charlotte was written as intelligent and attractive; and, Darcy was much more human than robotic. I even liked how the sinister friendship of Caroline and Lady Cat deB developed and how Caroline played her like a fiddle. What I didn’t like: Col Fitzwilliam was a bit too much like Wickham for half the novel; Elizabeth was not ready for marriage based on the author’s description of her character; so, Darcy came across as pedo-ish. I know the Regency era did not frown on child brides but my abhorrence may be due to the fact that the author constantly reminded us that Elizabeth was so young and naive.
October 14, 2022
Not sure how I feel about this one..
The events leading up to the meeting of Elizabeth and Darcy at Hunsford are well known.. but what put a weird vibe on it all was Elizabeth is 3 years younger than in canon and Darcy almost comes across as a ‘groomer’.. that gave me a bit of the heebs.. once married, they seemed to act like a much older, long-married couple.. most interesting plot was the vehemence and hatred Lady C and Caroline harbored.. Colonel Fitzwilliam, though not bad as Wickham, he gives off the Wickham-dirtbag vibes at first but luckily redeems himself.. not sure if I’d recommend but it is an interesting read for the most part..
The events leading up to the meeting of Elizabeth and Darcy at Hunsford are well known.. but what put a weird vibe on it all was Elizabeth is 3 years younger than in canon and Darcy almost comes across as a ‘groomer’.. that gave me a bit of the heebs.. once married, they seemed to act like a much older, long-married couple.. most interesting plot was the vehemence and hatred Lady C and Caroline harbored.. Colonel Fitzwilliam, though not bad as Wickham, he gives off the Wickham-dirtbag vibes at first but luckily redeems himself.. not sure if I’d recommend but it is an interesting read for the most part..
November 2, 2022
A Pleasant Surprise
This was a fun read for me. This story doesn't follow canon and there are changes to some of the character's personalities, but I enjoyed them all.
An extra star for:
-Darcy and Elizabeth taking the time to know each other better.
-Darcy's take on Bingley's behavior.
-Charlotte setting young Elizabeth straight.
-Darcy. I love this Darcy. I hope to see more of him in other stories.
There are a few villainous acts but Darcy, Elizabeth, and the colonel are the main characters.
This was a fun read for me. This story doesn't follow canon and there are changes to some of the character's personalities, but I enjoyed them all.
An extra star for:
-Darcy and Elizabeth taking the time to know each other better.
-Darcy's take on Bingley's behavior.
-Charlotte setting young Elizabeth straight.
-Darcy. I love this Darcy. I hope to see more of him in other stories.
There are a few villainous acts but Darcy, Elizabeth, and the colonel are the main characters.
May 20, 2023
Humorous, Emotional, interesting,
Interesting and emotional read that keeps you on your toes. I found this to have a few different emotional faucets. The craziness of family and foes, the anguish of what Elizabeth endured, and the loving relationship of the Darcy's. I really found Colonel Fitzwilliam hilarious and romantic. A little sensual feelings displayed, but clean over all. Highly recommended to read.
Interesting and emotional read that keeps you on your toes. I found this to have a few different emotional faucets. The craziness of family and foes, the anguish of what Elizabeth endured, and the loving relationship of the Darcy's. I really found Colonel Fitzwilliam hilarious and romantic. A little sensual feelings displayed, but clean over all. Highly recommended to read.
April 6, 2022
Charming book
This story was delightful. Different characters but how. Wonderful to find a plot that has Darcy acting like himself but changing as the story unfolds.
This story was delightful. Different characters but how. Wonderful to find a plot that has Darcy acting like himself but changing as the story unfolds.
April 11, 2022
Interesting premise
A rather interesting premise and far from canon but an enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wagner.
A rather interesting premise and far from canon but an enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wagner.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews