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The Luxury of Silence: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice
"No woman of my acquaintance has ever inspired a fraction of the admiration that I feel for you…You are the only woman to ever touch my heart."
FITZWILLIAM DARCY HAS HAD ENOUGH—enough of the ton and their speculations, enough of matchmaking mamas and their eager daughters, and enough of his family’s expectations that he will eventually marry his cousin, Anne.
CRAVING SOLITUDE AND PEACE after discovering his sister with George Wickham in Ramsgate, he accepts an invitation to visit Netherfield Park from his friend Charles Bingley and travels to Hertfordshire, where he hopes Georgiana will recover from her disappointment in relative privacy. Thinking only that his sister might have the good fortune to make a friend there, the last thing Mr Darcy expects is to make one himself.
ELIZABETH BENNET HAS NEVER met a man so used to getting his own way as Mr Darcy, master of Pemberley. Their first meeting is unexpected, their second infuriating, but before the evening ends, they make peace with one another, and an unlikely friendship is forged.
BUT FRIENDSHIP WITH A MAN like Mr Darcy, who soon shows Elizabeth there is more to him than his wealth, reserve, and haughty manners, comes with a steep price—her heart. Will their friendship turn into romance, despite Darcy’s professed disinterest in matrimony, or is friendship all they are ever destined to share?
The Luxury of Silence is a variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and will be enjoyed by fans of friends-to-lovers romantic tales.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY HAS HAD ENOUGH—enough of the ton and their speculations, enough of matchmaking mamas and their eager daughters, and enough of his family’s expectations that he will eventually marry his cousin, Anne.
CRAVING SOLITUDE AND PEACE after discovering his sister with George Wickham in Ramsgate, he accepts an invitation to visit Netherfield Park from his friend Charles Bingley and travels to Hertfordshire, where he hopes Georgiana will recover from her disappointment in relative privacy. Thinking only that his sister might have the good fortune to make a friend there, the last thing Mr Darcy expects is to make one himself.
ELIZABETH BENNET HAS NEVER met a man so used to getting his own way as Mr Darcy, master of Pemberley. Their first meeting is unexpected, their second infuriating, but before the evening ends, they make peace with one another, and an unlikely friendship is forged.
BUT FRIENDSHIP WITH A MAN like Mr Darcy, who soon shows Elizabeth there is more to him than his wealth, reserve, and haughty manners, comes with a steep price—her heart. Will their friendship turn into romance, despite Darcy’s professed disinterest in matrimony, or is friendship all they are ever destined to share?
The Luxury of Silence is a variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and will be enjoyed by fans of friends-to-lovers romantic tales.
358 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2022
222 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Susan Adriani
16 books92 followersSusan Adriani has been a fan of Jane Austen and her beloved characters for as long as she can remember. Originally from New England, she attended a small art college close to her home, where she majored in illustration. In 2007, after contemplating the unexplored possibilities in one of Miss Austen’s most celebrated novels, Pride and Prejudice, she began to write her first novel-length story, The Truth About Mr. Darcy (previously self-published as Affinity and Affection). With encouragement from fellow Austen enthusiasts she continued, and is currently at work on her second book. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, young daughter, and a very impertinent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
June 24, 2022
This is a variation that takes a low-angst approach to the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. It departs from canon at the onset in two significant ways.
The first is that the initial encounter between the two occurs during one of Elizabeth's walks BEFORE the Meryton assembly. This doesn't prevent Darcy from uttering his insulting comment at the dance, which she overhears. Mr. Bingley takes him to task and brings him to Elizabeth to be properly introduced. Chastened, Darcy requests a dance, which she refuses. Subsequently, he tenders a sincere apology and explanation. The result is that he and Elizabeth shake hands and agree to be friends early in the book.
The second is that Georgiana Darcy accompanies her brother to Netherfield. This is shortly after the events at Ramsgate, so she is painfully withdrawn, finding solace only in her music and avoiding the Bingley sisters as much as civility allows. She bonds easily with Elizabeth, who begins to draw her out of her depression. Interestingly, the rest of the Bennet sisters have a positive influence as well. It's her situation that is more the central focus of this story
With Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship fairly stress-free, the main problem is Mr. Wickham, who sends taunting letters to Darcy about Ramsgate even before he shows up in Meryton.
Ms. Adriani's writing is absolutely lovely, and her story puts an unusual spin on things.
This is probably one of those times where "it's not you; it's me," but something felt...lacking. I even reread it to try and put my finger on it. Both times, as admirable as it is, the book just didn't hold my interest and I had to push to finish it. I think there wasn't enough dramatic urgency driving things forward. But that's just me.
It does contain a bedroom scene after Darcy and Elizabeth are married. The intimate content is tasteful but not clean.
I received a free copy from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first is that the initial encounter between the two occurs during one of Elizabeth's walks BEFORE the Meryton assembly. This doesn't prevent Darcy from uttering his insulting comment at the dance, which she overhears. Mr. Bingley takes him to task and brings him to Elizabeth to be properly introduced. Chastened, Darcy requests a dance, which she refuses. Subsequently, he tenders a sincere apology and explanation. The result is that he and Elizabeth shake hands and agree to be friends early in the book.
The second is that Georgiana Darcy accompanies her brother to Netherfield. This is shortly after the events at Ramsgate, so she is painfully withdrawn, finding solace only in her music and avoiding the Bingley sisters as much as civility allows. She bonds easily with Elizabeth, who begins to draw her out of her depression. Interestingly, the rest of the Bennet sisters have a positive influence as well. It's her situation that is more the central focus of this story
With Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship fairly stress-free, the main problem is Mr. Wickham, who sends taunting letters to Darcy about Ramsgate even before he shows up in Meryton.
Ms. Adriani's writing is absolutely lovely, and her story puts an unusual spin on things.
This is probably one of those times where "it's not you; it's me," but something felt...lacking. I even reread it to try and put my finger on it. Both times, as admirable as it is, the book just didn't hold my interest and I had to push to finish it. I think there wasn't enough dramatic urgency driving things forward. But that's just me.
It does contain a bedroom scene after Darcy and Elizabeth are married. The intimate content is tasteful but not clean.
I received a free copy from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2022
A top 10 on my reading list so far this year! Heck, it may even be a top 5.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: M: Mature due to adult themes discussed, sexual innuendo and mild descriptions, language [mild cursing].
>>Angst Level: High Octane on so many levels: Oh-My-Gosh: I may need therapy after reading this. The gloom hanging over the Darcy siblings was stifling and mind-numbing. I wanted to string up the SBRB by his… um… never mind. Let’s just say, my dislike of him has taken on a whole new level. On the lighter side, we had the lover’s angst as Darcy fought his emotions and feelings while Elizabeth dealt with her own.
>>Fan Points: Help us all!?! I'm going to need a new fan. Seriously! Our author gently pulled the reader into the lovely words between ODC. Talk about your swoon-worthy moments. Oh-My-Goodness! I think I blushed even at my age. The page time between ODC was amazing, delightful, hot as heck, and sensual as all get out without being vulgar. I loved every minute they were on the page together. Thank goodness the author didn’t drag it out like so many JAFF stories.
>>Medical Preparedness: Have on hand: Medication to calm the nerves, soothing tea, salts to refresh the senses, and for the faint-hearted, a Defib if needed. It was a close call. I thought my heart was going to stop at one point. The author did not let me down.
>>Religious Element: slight references to a higher power. Our characters were at their lowest point and were seeking prayer for strength. They also attended church and endured a sermon that was perhaps not the best but still made an impression on tender hearts and emotions.
>>Tissue Alert: It was so touching and moving at times that I might have teared up a time or two… sniff.
>>Source: ARC via BookSprout 5-19-22 for an honest review. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed are my own. 20-Chapters + Epilogue [expected launch [6-20-22] I highly recommend this variation on our P&P story.
Ramsgate: That famous seaside, the destroyer of peace and innocence. Darcy arrived but was it in time? Georgiana was devastated. Darcy was crushed at the blatant betrayal of someone he once called a friend and the deceit and treachery of his sister’s companion. The shock at finding his innocent sister in such a situation was more than he could handle. Both siblings were overcome with guilt, shame, and self-reproach, and were haunted by emotions beyond their control. Family honor had been drilled into Darcy since he was old enough to understand the importance and pride in the family name and heritage. The reputation of both siblings was now at stake. Georgiana would never be able to have an advantageous marriage if word ever leaked that she had attempted an elopement with a servant’s son. What family of the ton would dare align their daughter with Darcy if his family name was in disgrace. Pemberley needed an heir. The grief suffered by the Darcy siblings was palpable. How would they go forward?
Darcy didn’t dare leave Georgiana alone. He accepted the invitation from Charles to visit Hertfordshire and assist him with learning land management. Georgiana was reluctant to go as she didn’t like Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Georgiana begged to stay in London which Darcy would not sanction. He did not trust her to be alone. She reluctantly went with him and made the best of it.
An early morning ride coincided with two people arriving at Oakham Mount at about the same time. The moth was intrigued by the flame. He had never met anyone like her. At the Meryton Assembly, Darcy wanted to put paid to any matchmaking attempts. His caustic attitude turned even the most aggressive mamas away. His insult to Mrs. Bennet’s daughter [though not her favorite] stung her pride and she was determined to hate the sight of him from that day forward. Our story progressed as D&E tried to make nice. After apologizing, he eventually became friends with the woman he had initially insulted.
Darcy’s understanding and epiphany of the Bennet family were so beautifully done and so touching. Oh, I love this guy. He was amazing as he watched his sister with Elizabeth’s younger sisters and even her mother. They rallied around Georgiana and accepted her had she been their sister. That was so neat. Lydia was especially protective of her. Who knew?
And then the SBRB arrived in Meryton. Where was the Snuff Squad when you needed one? Someone needed to put that mad dog down. His threats and vulgar letters of blackmail hung over Darcy’s head the whole story. Darcy was beside himself with worry. Then Richard arrived and things took a decided turn. It actually happened more quickly than I thought. I was nearly disappointed until Wickham said the wrong thing and Darcy reacted in a flash. Yeah, that was rewarding.
“I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.” –Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: M: Mature due to adult themes discussed, sexual innuendo and mild descriptions, language [mild cursing].
>>Angst Level: High Octane on so many levels: Oh-My-Gosh: I may need therapy after reading this. The gloom hanging over the Darcy siblings was stifling and mind-numbing. I wanted to string up the SBRB by his… um… never mind. Let’s just say, my dislike of him has taken on a whole new level. On the lighter side, we had the lover’s angst as Darcy fought his emotions and feelings while Elizabeth dealt with her own.
>>Fan Points: Help us all!?! I'm going to need a new fan. Seriously! Our author gently pulled the reader into the lovely words between ODC. Talk about your swoon-worthy moments. Oh-My-Goodness! I think I blushed even at my age. The page time between ODC was amazing, delightful, hot as heck, and sensual as all get out without being vulgar. I loved every minute they were on the page together. Thank goodness the author didn’t drag it out like so many JAFF stories.
>>Medical Preparedness: Have on hand: Medication to calm the nerves, soothing tea, salts to refresh the senses, and for the faint-hearted, a Defib if needed. It was a close call. I thought my heart was going to stop at one point. The author did not let me down.
>>Religious Element: slight references to a higher power. Our characters were at their lowest point and were seeking prayer for strength. They also attended church and endured a sermon that was perhaps not the best but still made an impression on tender hearts and emotions.
>>Tissue Alert: It was so touching and moving at times that I might have teared up a time or two… sniff.
>>Source: ARC via BookSprout 5-19-22 for an honest review. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed are my own. 20-Chapters + Epilogue [expected launch [6-20-22] I highly recommend this variation on our P&P story.
Ramsgate: That famous seaside, the destroyer of peace and innocence. Darcy arrived but was it in time? Georgiana was devastated. Darcy was crushed at the blatant betrayal of someone he once called a friend and the deceit and treachery of his sister’s companion. The shock at finding his innocent sister in such a situation was more than he could handle. Both siblings were overcome with guilt, shame, and self-reproach, and were haunted by emotions beyond their control. Family honor had been drilled into Darcy since he was old enough to understand the importance and pride in the family name and heritage. The reputation of both siblings was now at stake. Georgiana would never be able to have an advantageous marriage if word ever leaked that she had attempted an elopement with a servant’s son. What family of the ton would dare align their daughter with Darcy if his family name was in disgrace. Pemberley needed an heir. The grief suffered by the Darcy siblings was palpable. How would they go forward?
Darcy didn’t dare leave Georgiana alone. He accepted the invitation from Charles to visit Hertfordshire and assist him with learning land management. Georgiana was reluctant to go as she didn’t like Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Georgiana begged to stay in London which Darcy would not sanction. He did not trust her to be alone. She reluctantly went with him and made the best of it.
An early morning ride coincided with two people arriving at Oakham Mount at about the same time. The moth was intrigued by the flame. He had never met anyone like her. At the Meryton Assembly, Darcy wanted to put paid to any matchmaking attempts. His caustic attitude turned even the most aggressive mamas away. His insult to Mrs. Bennet’s daughter [though not her favorite] stung her pride and she was determined to hate the sight of him from that day forward. Our story progressed as D&E tried to make nice. After apologizing, he eventually became friends with the woman he had initially insulted.
Darcy’s understanding and epiphany of the Bennet family were so beautifully done and so touching. Oh, I love this guy. He was amazing as he watched his sister with Elizabeth’s younger sisters and even her mother. They rallied around Georgiana and accepted her had she been their sister. That was so neat. Lydia was especially protective of her. Who knew?
And then the SBRB arrived in Meryton. Where was the Snuff Squad when you needed one? Someone needed to put that mad dog down. His threats and vulgar letters of blackmail hung over Darcy’s head the whole story. Darcy was beside himself with worry. Then Richard arrived and things took a decided turn. It actually happened more quickly than I thought. I was nearly disappointed until Wickham said the wrong thing and Darcy reacted in a flash. Yeah, that was rewarding.
“I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.” –Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
April 16, 2025
Yet this is what we must do if we want to make a real success of life. We must master the unpleasant, instead of letting the unpleasant master us. ~ H. Addington Bruce
After encountering a disaster at Ramsgate, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his sister arrive at Netherfield Park seeking healing.
A morning ride leads to a chance encounter: Arrogant ladies he knew. Grasping ladies he knew. Disingenuous, simpering ladies he knew. An impertinent lady, however, was something of a novelty to a man of Darcy’s stature.
Sometimes in tragedy, we find our life's purpose — the eye sheds a tear to find its focus. ~ Robert Brault
An Assembly insult occurs; a much stronger Bingley marches his friend across the room to make amends. A counter insult results in conversation. Friendship begins.
The love story proceeds rather easily. Friendship between Elizabeth and Georgiana proceeds rather easily. Healing proceeds but not always easily.
Georgiana is emotionally damaged from her encounter with Wickham. She is ashamed before her brother. She is unable to connect with her cousin, the Colonel. And Wickham threatens Darcy with his knowledge of Georgiana’s disgrace.
Darcy suffers from his guilt: not protecting his sister; choosing the wrong companion, and being unable to deal with Wickham’s blackmail.
We carry our burden on and on, until one day, suddenly, we laugh and set it down upon the ground. ~ Muriel Strode
Instead of a disastrous proposal at Hunsford, we get a loving and heartfelt proposal at Netherfield. What could be better?
The supporting characters are at their best: a chance meeting between Georgiana and Elizabeth’s youngest sisters ends in a surprise; Bingley stands by his woman; and Hurst? Well, this is Mr. Hurst:
Hurst took a long swallow from his glass and shrugged. “Colonel Forster likes a late night, and Bingley, as you know, is obliging. I doubt he will return before we retire.”
“And Mrs. Hurst?”
One corner of Hurst’s mouth lifted. “Upstairs consoling Caroline. My sister has barely left her rooms since she heard you are to marry Elizabeth Bennet. It has been the most relaxing day and a half I have spent indoors in the last month.”
“I am glad to be of service,” said Darcy drily.
I always appreciate an author who makes me see the story and especially if I feel the story. Case in point: His voice was impenetrably grave. “Every morning at sunrise I walked to the shore. Even from the cliffs, the air smelt of salt and brine. The sea itself was never still. It was magnificent, hypnotic— a living, breathing entity impossible to contain. It could break a ship in half or drown a man in a matter of minutes. But there is more to the sea than its malicious beauty and intemperate nature. Beneath its cold surface, beneath its undulating waves, there is tranquillity and peace. Submerged, no idle thoughts disturbed my conscience. Not one soul imposed upon my peace. If not for Georgiana, if not for Pemberley, I could have remained in its embrace forever.”
I loved the Austen quotes to begin each chapter! A great little touch.
My soul is like the oar that momently
Dies in a desperate stress beneath the wave,
Then glitters out again and sweeps the sea:
Each second I'm new-born from some new grave.
~ Sidney Lanier
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After encountering a disaster at Ramsgate, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his sister arrive at Netherfield Park seeking healing.
A morning ride leads to a chance encounter: Arrogant ladies he knew. Grasping ladies he knew. Disingenuous, simpering ladies he knew. An impertinent lady, however, was something of a novelty to a man of Darcy’s stature.
Sometimes in tragedy, we find our life's purpose — the eye sheds a tear to find its focus. ~ Robert Brault
An Assembly insult occurs; a much stronger Bingley marches his friend across the room to make amends. A counter insult results in conversation. Friendship begins.
The love story proceeds rather easily. Friendship between Elizabeth and Georgiana proceeds rather easily. Healing proceeds but not always easily.
Georgiana is emotionally damaged from her encounter with Wickham. She is ashamed before her brother. She is unable to connect with her cousin, the Colonel. And Wickham threatens Darcy with his knowledge of Georgiana’s disgrace.
Darcy suffers from his guilt: not protecting his sister; choosing the wrong companion, and being unable to deal with Wickham’s blackmail.
We carry our burden on and on, until one day, suddenly, we laugh and set it down upon the ground. ~ Muriel Strode
Instead of a disastrous proposal at Hunsford, we get a loving and heartfelt proposal at Netherfield. What could be better?
The supporting characters are at their best: a chance meeting between Georgiana and Elizabeth’s youngest sisters ends in a surprise; Bingley stands by his woman; and Hurst? Well, this is Mr. Hurst:
Hurst took a long swallow from his glass and shrugged. “Colonel Forster likes a late night, and Bingley, as you know, is obliging. I doubt he will return before we retire.”
“And Mrs. Hurst?”
One corner of Hurst’s mouth lifted. “Upstairs consoling Caroline. My sister has barely left her rooms since she heard you are to marry Elizabeth Bennet. It has been the most relaxing day and a half I have spent indoors in the last month.”
“I am glad to be of service,” said Darcy drily.
I always appreciate an author who makes me see the story and especially if I feel the story. Case in point: His voice was impenetrably grave. “Every morning at sunrise I walked to the shore. Even from the cliffs, the air smelt of salt and brine. The sea itself was never still. It was magnificent, hypnotic— a living, breathing entity impossible to contain. It could break a ship in half or drown a man in a matter of minutes. But there is more to the sea than its malicious beauty and intemperate nature. Beneath its cold surface, beneath its undulating waves, there is tranquillity and peace. Submerged, no idle thoughts disturbed my conscience. Not one soul imposed upon my peace. If not for Georgiana, if not for Pemberley, I could have remained in its embrace forever.”
I loved the Austen quotes to begin each chapter! A great little touch.
My soul is like the oar that momently
Dies in a desperate stress beneath the wave,
Then glitters out again and sweeps the sea:
Each second I'm new-born from some new grave.
~ Sidney Lanier
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I have read 6 of this author's stories and all have been hits with me.
This story begins with a dramatic event: in Ramsgate Darcy walks in on Wickham unbuttoning Georgiana's dress! Both Darcy and Georgiana have a very difficult time dealing with their emotions in the after math. Darcy decides to take his sister with him as he travels to Netherfield to help Bingley learn estate management.
He meets Elizabeth while riding out the next morning but is not really introduced to her until after his insult at the Assembly. Bingley (with more of a backbone) drags Darcy over to Elizabeth to apologize and after she dresses him down, they agree to start over. Elizabeth doesn't hold back with her opinions and her teasing. She is just what both Darcy and Georgiana needs to recover. And in this variation, we also read as the other Bennet sisters not only help to lighten G.'s spirits but also rally round when Wickham shows up in Meryton. From the start they are not seduced by his good looks, manners or the possibility he will wear a red coat.
This story is long on conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth with some thoughts thrown in. Darcy struggles through all those family expectations and comes to the right conclusion about what he needs in his life in the way of a wife. His cousin, the Colonel and his sister also promote his attraction to Elizabeth. And when the proposal happens it is short and sweet...Not the long list of what he had to put aside to allow himself to propose to her as in canon.
Wickham is a thorn in Darcy's side through much of the story as he continues to attempt to blackmail Darcy. I did like the moment when Darcy loses control as W. begins to insult Elizabeth!
This story was really with no angst for me. There are several scenes with kisses and caresses, close hugs and holding hands but no graphic sexual details. There is talk of undressing on their wedding night.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it. Those who hate angst will especially like it.
I have read 6 of this author's stories and all have been hits with me.
This story begins with a dramatic event: in Ramsgate Darcy walks in on Wickham unbuttoning Georgiana's dress! Both Darcy and Georgiana have a very difficult time dealing with their emotions in the after math. Darcy decides to take his sister with him as he travels to Netherfield to help Bingley learn estate management.
He meets Elizabeth while riding out the next morning but is not really introduced to her until after his insult at the Assembly. Bingley (with more of a backbone) drags Darcy over to Elizabeth to apologize and after she dresses him down, they agree to start over. Elizabeth doesn't hold back with her opinions and her teasing. She is just what both Darcy and Georgiana needs to recover. And in this variation, we also read as the other Bennet sisters not only help to lighten G.'s spirits but also rally round when Wickham shows up in Meryton. From the start they are not seduced by his good looks, manners or the possibility he will wear a red coat.
This story is long on conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth with some thoughts thrown in. Darcy struggles through all those family expectations and comes to the right conclusion about what he needs in his life in the way of a wife. His cousin, the Colonel and his sister also promote his attraction to Elizabeth. And when the proposal happens it is short and sweet...Not the long list of what he had to put aside to allow himself to propose to her as in canon.
Wickham is a thorn in Darcy's side through much of the story as he continues to attempt to blackmail Darcy. I did like the moment when Darcy loses control as W. begins to insult Elizabeth!
This story was really with no angst for me. There are several scenes with kisses and caresses, close hugs and holding hands but no graphic sexual details. There is talk of undressing on their wedding night.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it. Those who hate angst will especially like it.
January 7, 2024
Beautiful Prose
This variation begins at Ramsgate. Feeling he has failed, Darcy is filled with anxiety and self-recrimination following his finding Georgiana and Wickham together in a compromising situation. For the moment, Wickham is gone and Georgiana is secluded in her bedchamber. Crushed by the burden of responsibility and needing a moment’s escape, he seeks the silence and refuge of a church.
“Darcy felt a tightness in his throat and the hot pressure of tears in his eyes. He dropped his head into his hands with a quavering exhalation, fighting to remain in control. It was not to be. The devastating events of the last two days had finally caught up with him, and their hold upon his conscience was unforgiving. He covered his face with his hands and wept.”—quote from book
After weeks of unsuccessful attempts to bring Georgiana out of her gloom, Darcy brings her to Netherfield with him when Bingley leases the estate. Elizabeth and Darcy accidentally meet under more pleasant than usual circumstances at Oakham mount. They will meet again, and Darcy will deliver his infamous insult, but he will apologize and they agree to be friends.
This enthralling story is filled with wonderfully-flowing dialogue and beautifully-written narrative. When they come, the expressions of pain and hurt, both contemplated and spoken, especially by Darcy, will have you ache with him.
“His voice was impenetrably grave. “Every morning at sunrise I walked to the shore. Even from the cliffs, the air smelt of salt and brine. The sea itself was never still. It was magnificent, hypnotic—a living, breathing entity impossible to contain. It could break a ship in half or drown a man in a matter of minutes. But there is more to the sea than its malicious beauty and intemperate nature. Beneath its cold surface, beneath its undulating waves, there is tranquillity and peace. Submerged, no idle thoughts disturbed my conscience. Not one soul imposed upon my peace. If not for Georgiana, if not for Pemberley, I could have remained in its embrace forever.””—quote from book
This Darcy is also musical. When that scene occurs, I must encourage readers to be sure to listen to the music he plays to fully appreciate his emotion of that moment—easily found on YouTube.
Also contained within these pages is one of the most beautiful Darcy and Elizabeth proposal scenes I’ve read to date. The words of love will touch all the right emotions and warm your heart to its core. The prose is so beautifully written, it’s practically poetic. It was difficult not to swoon.
While Wickham influences the plot to a degree, and you remain in anticipation of what will come, I didn’t consider this book angsty. Most of the other usual characters from canon are either present or mentioned and well placed into the plot. Honourable mentions go to Mr. Hurst and Lydia.
Some content touches on suggestive themes, but there’s nothing too graphic—it’s a clean read in my opinion.
This will definitely go into my re-read stack, on my “favourites” shelf, and I plan to purchase the published version. I highly recommend this jewel Susan Adriani has gifted her readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2022 -Audiobook
Stevie Zimmerman’s narration and performance once again leaves me completely satisfied. Always outstanding.
January 24, 2024 - 4th read, 3rd listen. I especially love this audiobook!
This variation begins at Ramsgate. Feeling he has failed, Darcy is filled with anxiety and self-recrimination following his finding Georgiana and Wickham together in a compromising situation. For the moment, Wickham is gone and Georgiana is secluded in her bedchamber. Crushed by the burden of responsibility and needing a moment’s escape, he seeks the silence and refuge of a church.
“Darcy felt a tightness in his throat and the hot pressure of tears in his eyes. He dropped his head into his hands with a quavering exhalation, fighting to remain in control. It was not to be. The devastating events of the last two days had finally caught up with him, and their hold upon his conscience was unforgiving. He covered his face with his hands and wept.”—quote from book
After weeks of unsuccessful attempts to bring Georgiana out of her gloom, Darcy brings her to Netherfield with him when Bingley leases the estate. Elizabeth and Darcy accidentally meet under more pleasant than usual circumstances at Oakham mount. They will meet again, and Darcy will deliver his infamous insult, but he will apologize and they agree to be friends.
This enthralling story is filled with wonderfully-flowing dialogue and beautifully-written narrative. When they come, the expressions of pain and hurt, both contemplated and spoken, especially by Darcy, will have you ache with him.
“His voice was impenetrably grave. “Every morning at sunrise I walked to the shore. Even from the cliffs, the air smelt of salt and brine. The sea itself was never still. It was magnificent, hypnotic—a living, breathing entity impossible to contain. It could break a ship in half or drown a man in a matter of minutes. But there is more to the sea than its malicious beauty and intemperate nature. Beneath its cold surface, beneath its undulating waves, there is tranquillity and peace. Submerged, no idle thoughts disturbed my conscience. Not one soul imposed upon my peace. If not for Georgiana, if not for Pemberley, I could have remained in its embrace forever.””—quote from book
This Darcy is also musical. When that scene occurs, I must encourage readers to be sure to listen to the music he plays to fully appreciate his emotion of that moment—easily found on YouTube.
Also contained within these pages is one of the most beautiful Darcy and Elizabeth proposal scenes I’ve read to date. The words of love will touch all the right emotions and warm your heart to its core. The prose is so beautifully written, it’s practically poetic. It was difficult not to swoon.
While Wickham influences the plot to a degree, and you remain in anticipation of what will come, I didn’t consider this book angsty. Most of the other usual characters from canon are either present or mentioned and well placed into the plot. Honourable mentions go to Mr. Hurst and Lydia.
Some content touches on suggestive themes, but there’s nothing too graphic—it’s a clean read in my opinion.
This will definitely go into my re-read stack, on my “favourites” shelf, and I plan to purchase the published version. I highly recommend this jewel Susan Adriani has gifted her readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2022 -Audiobook
Stevie Zimmerman’s narration and performance once again leaves me completely satisfied. Always outstanding.
January 24, 2024 - 4th read, 3rd listen. I especially love this audiobook!
April 20, 2024
From the opening scenes at Ramsgate and the strong bond between Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was hooked.
Bringing Georgiana to Hertfordshire to try and lift her spirits, Darcy finds the one person who has the ability to cheer him. Despite their first couple of challenging meetings, Darcy and Elizabeth agree to be friends.
Darcy has never been so conflicted in his life. He is in agony of guilt over Georgiana, murderous hatred every time he thinks of Wickham, joyous happiness when he spends time with Elizabeth and the depths of despair when he remembers she can't be his choice of wife. These full gamut of emotions are portrayed beautifully by the author. While, there is some of the usual theme of attraction/lust and she is beneath him, these take a shadowed back seat to the positive growth of character reached by our hero.
Elizabeth finally finds a gentleman who will not run away at the first sign of her intelligence and witty conversation. However, after speaking with Charlotte, she resolves not to give herself hope regarding Darcy and theirs must remain a friendship only.
Reading about this couple falling in love was a pleasure. There is full on communication between them, honest and sometimes blunt, but nothing is misunderstood, misconstrued and no erroneous assumptions are left to plant seeds of misery. Although they do face challenges placed before them by several characters.
The wonderful dialog throughout the whole book kept the pace flowing, no choppiness or pages of ruminations. At times, the scenes with Lydia feel like the best ones, as they are so unexpected!
We have the usual cast of characters and they add to create a more dynamic story. The sisterly bonding we find near the end is very touching. Hurst is astute and has well placed humorous scenes, akin to Col. F.
The writing was so enjoyable to read, flowing seamlessly - I couldn't pick a place to stop and read it in one sitting! My favorite Susan Adriani book now.
One of the things I loved about this story is that I couldn't see what was coming. Sometimes, you just know which way a story is going to go, but here I didn't know what was going to happen next. Most definitely a future reread.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bringing Georgiana to Hertfordshire to try and lift her spirits, Darcy finds the one person who has the ability to cheer him. Despite their first couple of challenging meetings, Darcy and Elizabeth agree to be friends.
Darcy has never been so conflicted in his life. He is in agony of guilt over Georgiana, murderous hatred every time he thinks of Wickham, joyous happiness when he spends time with Elizabeth and the depths of despair when he remembers she can't be his choice of wife. These full gamut of emotions are portrayed beautifully by the author. While, there is some of the usual theme of attraction/lust and she is beneath him, these take a shadowed back seat to the positive growth of character reached by our hero.
Elizabeth finally finds a gentleman who will not run away at the first sign of her intelligence and witty conversation. However, after speaking with Charlotte, she resolves not to give herself hope regarding Darcy and theirs must remain a friendship only.
Reading about this couple falling in love was a pleasure. There is full on communication between them, honest and sometimes blunt, but nothing is misunderstood, misconstrued and no erroneous assumptions are left to plant seeds of misery. Although they do face challenges placed before them by several characters.
The wonderful dialog throughout the whole book kept the pace flowing, no choppiness or pages of ruminations. At times, the scenes with Lydia feel like the best ones, as they are so unexpected!
We have the usual cast of characters and they add to create a more dynamic story. The sisterly bonding we find near the end is very touching. Hurst is astute and has well placed humorous scenes, akin to Col. F.
The writing was so enjoyable to read, flowing seamlessly - I couldn't pick a place to stop and read it in one sitting! My favorite Susan Adriani book now.
One of the things I loved about this story is that I couldn't see what was coming. Sometimes, you just know which way a story is going to go, but here I didn't know what was going to happen next. Most definitely a future reread.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2022
I really enjoyed seeing Darcy’s depth of feeling in this variation. I thought it was a great interpretation of all Darcy must have felt and struggled with. The story starts in Ramsgate where Darcy stops the near elopement. From Ramsgate they go to London where Darcy struggles to master his feelings and help a depressed Georgiana. He soon decides to take Georgiana with him to Netherfield for the promised visit to Bingley and his sisters. There he meets Elizabeth on Oakham Mount and then at the dreaded assembly. Having an idea of his disposition Lizzy feels some sympathy for him, but calls him out on his rude behavior and they form a tentative then more sure friendship. It was lovely to see their relationship blossom. I thought this was a gentle story, it didn’t feel like there was much angst, but instead an exploration of emotion for both Elizabeth and Darcy. I also really enjoyed Georgiana’s relationship with the Bennet sisters, especially when Wickham shows up in Hertfordshire. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
I received an eARC via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an eARC via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2022
"It was not to be. The devastating events of the last two days had finally caught up with him, and their hold upon his conscience was unforgiving. He covered his face and wept." (quote from the book)
What an opening chapter! My attention was caught as Mr. Darcy struggles with the disaster of Ramsgate. He is overwhelmed by his failure to protect Georgiana, the responsibilities and burdens he carries as Master of Pemberley and the expectations of his family and the ton to marry well. However, keeping Georgiana safe and scandal free are his main concerns.
"The entire summer had afforded nothing but disappointment and vexation. He fervently hoped Bingley would not add to it by expecting him to be more sociable than his nature allowed. His temper had barely been under regulation since the end of July, and Darcy knew it was only a matter of time until someone or something could cause him to lose it utterly." (quote from the book)
So to Netherfield Park he and Georgiana go to spend time with the Bingleys and Mr. & Mrs. Hurst. I loved the twists and turns to canon that were incorporated, especially Mr. Darcy's first meeting with Elizabeth Bennet. What an impact she makes. That scene was glorious in its originality. I loved the premise of being being friends first. The insult at the assembly still happens but their interactions from there grow and so does the intensity of their emotions. There are so many wonderful and haunting moments in this story. It is beautifully written and Mr. Darcy still delivers a letter to Elizabeth...oh my what a letter!
"His friends - nay, all of London - expected him to marry an heiress. His family expected him to marry his cousin, Anne. Darcy wanted nothing of them. He wanted a wife who would care for him. He wanted a wife who would love him. God help him, he wanted Elizabeth Bennet." (quote from the book)
But the path to true love is never smooth. Darcy must decide how he is going to handle Mr. Wickham. And it is here, where another twist occurs that was so satisfying. Overall, I would say this is an emotionally intense story but not angsty. There are some humorous scenes with Mr. Hurst and then there was Lydia Bennet who, "...possessed a tendency to say precisely what she thought whenever she thought it - and usually without consideration as to whether it was appropriate or not..."(quote from the book)
I highly recommend this imaginative 'what if' that will leave you breathless with its intensity of emotion. I must also give kudos for the gorgeous book jacket!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Feeling he has failed as a guardian when his young sister is duped and possibly ravaged by a fiend, a world-weary gentleman of wealth and position escapes to a friend’s country estate and finds what he never thought was possible. I’ve enjoyed Susan Adriani’s Pride & Prejudice variations in the past so I got comfy and turned to the first page with great anticipation.
The Luxury of Silence is a variation tale on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The variation begins with an event that happened off-page in the original. For the summer, fifteen year old Georgiana Darcy went on a holiday with her lady companion to the sea-side resort of Ramsgate. Unbeknownst to Fitzwilliam Darcy, the lady he vetted to be Georgiana’s companion was an accomplice in his enemy’s schemes to trick his little sister into eloping for her large fortune. Darcy arrives early to stay with his sister and breaks up the scheme. He can’t believe what almost happened and blames himself for not seeing through Mrs. Younge or that his sister fell afoul of George Wickham.
Between his sister’s upset, his own guilt, and a season in London of being targeted by all the matchmaking women after his wealth, he is relieved to accept his friend Bingley’s invitation and escape into the Hertfordshire countryside. A chance meeting with a teasing young lady and later a skirmish caused by his terrible mood slowly brings a healing friendship with surprising and generous Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He fights the attraction because she has neither wealth or proper family connections to suit his aristocratic family, but falls for her more deeply when her big heart embraces not only his troubles, but his sister’s. She brings them both into her boisterous family and suddenly marriage to oblige the family and do his duty seems impossible. But, Wickham and his nasty, threatening letters are still out there wanting to gain a fortune through blackmail and destroy Darcy’s reputation.
The Luxury of Silence turned out to be much to my liking. I’m always tickled to find low angst romances full of sparkling dialogue and entertaining characters, a slow burn romance, and lots of family antics. I loved the friends to lovers romance and the playfulness as Elizabeth draws Darcy out of his brooding making him laugh, smile, and more than tolerate her zany family. The author took the time to show the building friendship develop. Elizabeth’s bevy of sisters were a wonderful addition as they take in shy, regretful Georgiana and make her one of their pack of girls.
There weren’t a lot of challenges and little action to speak of. It was a gentle, sweet romance with touching non-romance moments and the occasional external struggle caused by family or friends who had their own reasons for not wanting the couple together. The biggest moment of conflict came through the villain, George Wickham, threatening to speak of what happened at Ramsgate and destroy Georgiana and Darcy. This would definitely appeal to sweet historical romance fans who like stories set in Regency and particularly Jane Austen settings.
I rec'd a print copy from Quills and Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on Sept 7th at Books of My Heart.
The Luxury of Silence is a variation tale on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The variation begins with an event that happened off-page in the original. For the summer, fifteen year old Georgiana Darcy went on a holiday with her lady companion to the sea-side resort of Ramsgate. Unbeknownst to Fitzwilliam Darcy, the lady he vetted to be Georgiana’s companion was an accomplice in his enemy’s schemes to trick his little sister into eloping for her large fortune. Darcy arrives early to stay with his sister and breaks up the scheme. He can’t believe what almost happened and blames himself for not seeing through Mrs. Younge or that his sister fell afoul of George Wickham.
Between his sister’s upset, his own guilt, and a season in London of being targeted by all the matchmaking women after his wealth, he is relieved to accept his friend Bingley’s invitation and escape into the Hertfordshire countryside. A chance meeting with a teasing young lady and later a skirmish caused by his terrible mood slowly brings a healing friendship with surprising and generous Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He fights the attraction because she has neither wealth or proper family connections to suit his aristocratic family, but falls for her more deeply when her big heart embraces not only his troubles, but his sister’s. She brings them both into her boisterous family and suddenly marriage to oblige the family and do his duty seems impossible. But, Wickham and his nasty, threatening letters are still out there wanting to gain a fortune through blackmail and destroy Darcy’s reputation.
The Luxury of Silence turned out to be much to my liking. I’m always tickled to find low angst romances full of sparkling dialogue and entertaining characters, a slow burn romance, and lots of family antics. I loved the friends to lovers romance and the playfulness as Elizabeth draws Darcy out of his brooding making him laugh, smile, and more than tolerate her zany family. The author took the time to show the building friendship develop. Elizabeth’s bevy of sisters were a wonderful addition as they take in shy, regretful Georgiana and make her one of their pack of girls.
There weren’t a lot of challenges and little action to speak of. It was a gentle, sweet romance with touching non-romance moments and the occasional external struggle caused by family or friends who had their own reasons for not wanting the couple together. The biggest moment of conflict came through the villain, George Wickham, threatening to speak of what happened at Ramsgate and destroy Georgiana and Darcy. This would definitely appeal to sweet historical romance fans who like stories set in Regency and particularly Jane Austen settings.
I rec'd a print copy from Quills and Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on Sept 7th at Books of My Heart.
September 18, 2023
I love friends to lovers story and this is one of the best in the category. The interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth was delightful. The friendship between them and its transformation to love was exquisite. I also love stories in which Lydia doesn't fall for Wickham and this story had one of the best Lydia and I greatly enjoyed her interaction with the Darcys.
June 21, 2022
This story has Darcy and Elizabeth getting on better almost right from the start. It's a distressed, tormented Darcy, as Wickham has taken to sending him threatening blackmail letters, but Elizabeth's words, looks and touches have a way of soothing him. Initially he has misgivings because she is not of his sphere, but in the end he has lost his heart and never ever getting it back.
I loved the sweet romance and the dialogue, and I liked how the author dealt with Lydia, Darcy and Georgiana's relationship. The writing is stylish and there is emotion and warmth and great dialogue.
Steam level: a briefly and vaguely described wedding night.
I loved most everything about this except maybe I thought that after so much distress about Wickham, the way he was dealt with, mostly behind doors that were closed to the reader, felt a bit of a letdown. I wanted to see Wickham's reckoning in detail. And in the end the math doesn't work. Lydia and Georgiana are 15 at the start of the book. After the Darcys have been married for six years they are 19. (EDIT: it says the Darcys have been married for both six years, and four years, so the four would work.)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the sweet romance and the dialogue, and I liked how the author dealt with Lydia, Darcy and Georgiana's relationship. The writing is stylish and there is emotion and warmth and great dialogue.
Steam level: a briefly and vaguely described wedding night.
I loved most everything about this except maybe I thought that after so much distress about Wickham, the way he was dealt with, mostly behind doors that were closed to the reader, felt a bit of a letdown. I wanted to see Wickham's reckoning in detail. And in the end the math doesn't work. Lydia and Georgiana are 15 at the start of the book. After the Darcys have been married for six years they are 19. (EDIT: it says the Darcys have been married for both six years, and four years, so the four would work.)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2022
I needed this book. It was a slow-burn romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. They met before the Assembly on one of Elizabeth's rambles through the countryside and Darcy was captivated from the start. However he was still the same Darcy, haughty, proud, he still told Bingley the “not handsome enough to tempt me” line even though he met Elizabeth before. But oh his apology is swoon-worthy - lovely! The book is very well written, we have all the plot themes, but every misunderstanding from the canon is addressed before it happens. I wouldn't call it low angst cause I was anxious when some moment or another was getting closer in the book, but just before the disaster happened or could happen the author masterfully fixed it. The proposal scene was simply beautiful, I could genuinely feel all the emotions - from Darcy mostly but also Elizabeth's. The descriptions of emotions and feelings were very realistic. I liked that she was the first who realized she was in love. The author wrote all those ��important” lines from the original book, or rather the lines we all know by heart, but not in the same situations, and I liked that too. Every so often we read the same lines with very similar circumstances in P&P variations, but here they were intertwined very smartly. I will buy this book and keep it to reread every time I just need a great love story between Darcy and Elizabeth to sooth my heart after some other angsty variation.
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.
April 21, 2025
silence means no problems
Since Ramsgate Darcy has had no silence in his head. He lives a life of lurching from one bad moment to an endless string of bad days. Why is Lizzy special? For some reason she can bring silence, she can bring calmness to Darcy.
This is a dark version of Pride and Prejudice. No Cinderella story here, more like Lizzy being an unexpected fairy godmother. A drowning man flail in the water and unexpectedly finds a life preserver. Lizzy doesn’t make life perfect, she brings badly needed hope.
Great story. Definitely a read again book.
Since Ramsgate Darcy has had no silence in his head. He lives a life of lurching from one bad moment to an endless string of bad days. Why is Lizzy special? For some reason she can bring silence, she can bring calmness to Darcy.
This is a dark version of Pride and Prejudice. No Cinderella story here, more like Lizzy being an unexpected fairy godmother. A drowning man flail in the water and unexpectedly finds a life preserver. Lizzy doesn’t make life perfect, she brings badly needed hope.
Great story. Definitely a read again book.
December 22, 2022
This story diverges from the Pride and Prejudice storyline from the start: it brings Georgiana Darcy to Meryton with her brother and allows Darcy and Elizabeth to meet before the Meryton Assembly. That initial encounter, which they both enjoy, allows Elizabeth to put Darcy’s slighting comment about her at the assembly into a different context and sets their relationship on a different trajectory, one far less troubled by misunderstandings.
This book also diverges from the original in telling much of the story from Darcy’s point of view. I tend to like Darcy POV stories because they humanize him and make me more likely to believe in his reform. Here, though, his transformation is fairly sudden and seems to be based mostly on his surrender to desire, not reason. For a character so driven by twin senses of duty and shame, this seemed inadequate. And it points to a weakness the author displays throughout: an inability to craft a plot or sustain pacing. Most of the time when I was reading a scene I was enjoying myself, but each scene felt somewhat isolated. I did not feel myself pushed along by the story, driven to discover what happened next.
This lack of propulsion was especially apparent in Georgiana’s role, which feels fragmented and inconsistent. The author seems to forget about her for days at a time, till she is needed in Darcy’s story. The same issue is evident to a lesser degree with other characters. Wickham is absent through much of the book and, when he appears, is dismissed again rapidly without the author troubling herself to come up with a clear method for his comeuppance. Colonel Fitzwilliam whispers a plan in Darcy’s ear but we never really learn what it is; if it really is only what is on the page, there would be nothing to stop Wickham from creating precisely the scandal Darcy is trying to avoid.
Nevertheless, there was much to enjoy in this variation. Susan Adriani’s grasp of pseudo-Regency language is better than that of many Austenesque writers, though there were slips, and she did a better job than most of understanding manners and mores. Toward the end, though, she apparently got impatient with the restraints of decorum and introduced scenes (marriage bed, childbirth, etc.) that tend to please modern readers but not this reader. She needs to study Regency dining habits and the structure of a gentlewoman’s day, because those elements were quite wrong.
What I most enjoyed was the development of Elizabeth and Darcy’s friendship—the way they sought each other out for lively talk, the way they observed each other closely and so often chose the generous interpretation of each other’s behavior. I believed in them as mature and thoughtful people.
So this was a mixed bag for me, from a writer who shows promise.
This book also diverges from the original in telling much of the story from Darcy’s point of view. I tend to like Darcy POV stories because they humanize him and make me more likely to believe in his reform. Here, though, his transformation is fairly sudden and seems to be based mostly on his surrender to desire, not reason. For a character so driven by twin senses of duty and shame, this seemed inadequate. And it points to a weakness the author displays throughout: an inability to craft a plot or sustain pacing. Most of the time when I was reading a scene I was enjoying myself, but each scene felt somewhat isolated. I did not feel myself pushed along by the story, driven to discover what happened next.
This lack of propulsion was especially apparent in Georgiana’s role, which feels fragmented and inconsistent. The author seems to forget about her for days at a time, till she is needed in Darcy’s story. The same issue is evident to a lesser degree with other characters. Wickham is absent through much of the book and, when he appears, is dismissed again rapidly without the author troubling herself to come up with a clear method for his comeuppance. Colonel Fitzwilliam whispers a plan in Darcy’s ear but we never really learn what it is; if it really is only what is on the page, there would be nothing to stop Wickham from creating precisely the scandal Darcy is trying to avoid.
Nevertheless, there was much to enjoy in this variation. Susan Adriani’s grasp of pseudo-Regency language is better than that of many Austenesque writers, though there were slips, and she did a better job than most of understanding manners and mores. Toward the end, though, she apparently got impatient with the restraints of decorum and introduced scenes (marriage bed, childbirth, etc.) that tend to please modern readers but not this reader. She needs to study Regency dining habits and the structure of a gentlewoman’s day, because those elements were quite wrong.
What I most enjoyed was the development of Elizabeth and Darcy’s friendship—the way they sought each other out for lively talk, the way they observed each other closely and so often chose the generous interpretation of each other’s behavior. I believed in them as mature and thoughtful people.
So this was a mixed bag for me, from a writer who shows promise.
January 9, 2023
Wonderful!
In Ramsgate, we have a Mr. Darcy with feelings of shame, fear and fury, for even with all his efforts to fulfill his own expectations, as well as those of his family and society, he still felt as seen by many as just a means to achieve your fortune. These feelings were added to feelings of frustration and failure after meeting Georgiana with Mr. Wickham.
Months later, at Colonel Fitzwilliam's suggestion, Darcy goes to Hertfordshire with her sister in hopes of helping her, too, to recover emotionally from the incident.
Despite a tempestuous beginning, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy start a friendship that turns into love and this will allow him to review several of his concepts and life projects.
A text in which the couple's relationship building is accompanied by their discoveries, hopes and doubts not only about society's expectations, but also about what they feel in relation to the other, when they do not even express the hope of having the feeling matched.
A book with some very beautiful moments, to read and rearead again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Ramsgate, we have a Mr. Darcy with feelings of shame, fear and fury, for even with all his efforts to fulfill his own expectations, as well as those of his family and society, he still felt as seen by many as just a means to achieve your fortune. These feelings were added to feelings of frustration and failure after meeting Georgiana with Mr. Wickham.
Months later, at Colonel Fitzwilliam's suggestion, Darcy goes to Hertfordshire with her sister in hopes of helping her, too, to recover emotionally from the incident.
Despite a tempestuous beginning, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy start a friendship that turns into love and this will allow him to review several of his concepts and life projects.
A text in which the couple's relationship building is accompanied by their discoveries, hopes and doubts not only about society's expectations, but also about what they feel in relation to the other, when they do not even express the hope of having the feeling matched.
A book with some very beautiful moments, to read and rearead again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2025
I did a second round of reading for this book & somehow like it better than I did the first time.
February 1, 2023
Вже другий фанфік, який я читаю на Амазоні (бо на АО3 й fanfiction.net скінчилися) ))) Оскільки роман "Гордість і упередження" перейшов у суспільне надбання, то таке цілком можна робити. Навіть трохи здивувалася, що є авторки, які тільки й пишуть подібні варіації за Остін. Якщо ви письменник і вам потрібна бізнес-ідея, то українська ніша остінофанатства цілком відкрита й незаповнена.
Історія приємна. Доволі непогано написано, чуттєва романтика, яка використовує троп від друзів до закоханих, трохи ангсту на тему Джорджіани, і Вікем отримує по заслусі. Дуже сподобалася характеризація героїв, виражена через природу: це і те, як Дарсі знаходить розраду біля моря, і те, як він вперше зустрічає Елізабет у вітряний день — вельми мальовничо. Хоча тут немає більшого сюжету, окрім романтики, текст не знуджує, хімія між персонажами вибудована грамотно. Окремо порадувала Лідія, яку авторка зробила морально кращою, при цьому не заоосивши її.
Історія приємна. Доволі непогано написано, чуттєва романтика, яка використовує троп від друзів до закоханих, трохи ангсту на тему Джорджіани, і Вікем отримує по заслусі. Дуже сподобалася характеризація героїв, виражена через природу: це і те, як Дарсі знаходить розраду біля моря, і те, як він вперше зустрічає Елізабет у вітряний день — вельми мальовничо. Хоча тут немає більшого сюжету, окрім романтики, текст не знуджує, хімія між персонажами вибудована грамотно. Окремо порадувала Лідія, яку авторка зробила морально кращою, при цьому не заоосивши її.
September 23, 2022
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
A man at the end of his tether, after barely saving his young sister, Georgiana from ruination, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks peace and solace for them both in Hertfordshire.
There he meets Elizabeth Bennet. Accustomed to deference and flattery from the women of the ton, he is chagrined to be taken to task by Elizabeth for a moment of rudeness.
From this develops a friendship of frankness and warmth. A mutual love of nature, literature and debate deepens the relationship, which slowly becomes something more.
Elizabeth loses her heart to Darcy, but has no expectation of marriage to a man, so much above her in Society.
For Darcy, friendship and infatuation develop simultaneously but duty to family and status, force him to contain his feelings.
Will love and friendship triumph over the expectations of family and Society?
This is a delightful book. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are pleasing characters and the frissons of barely suppressed passion keep everything simmering nicely.
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.
September 9, 2025
What can I say other than WOW what a beautiful story!
June 23, 2022
Mr D's borrowed horse has the best name ever! Loved this one.
June 21, 2023
What if a Vulnerable and Distressed Mr. Darcy Brings Georgiana to Netherfield?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: The Darcys are a troubled pair – Ramsgate did such a number on them and they are still emotionally scarred from the experience. And yet, it isn’t escaping London or the environs of Netherfield that bring healing and peace to these siblings, it is the friendship of an impertinent and playful country miss. Is friendship with the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet enough for Mr. Darcy, or does he want more?
MY THOUGHTS: I think I’ve said this in every review for a book by Susan Adriani, but I adore her writing style. And I was so excited to read this latest release of hers where Georgiana is at Netherfield and Mr. Darcy becomes friends with Elizabeth Bennet! I love the idea of the idea of their relationship taking this type of trajectory. Especially when Mr. Darcy is so burdened with anguish over Georgiana and anxiety about Wickham.
What I loved most this book was the journey I was privileged to take alongside these beloved characters. Not only does Susan Adriani tap into these characters inner thoughts and feelings so intuitively and perceptively, but she also creates interactions that are heartrendingly sweet, swoon-worthy, and charming. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship develops leisurely without much misunderstandings and conflicts. They share so many delectable stolen moments together – on their morning walks, in Longbourn’s parlour, and in Netherfield’s music room. *sigh* It was such a pleasure to witness the friendship, the growing admiration, the decided preference, the undeniable attraction, and the ardent love these characters developed for each other. So much so, that I did not miss the obstacles, twists, and emotional turmoil I usually crave.
Instead of misunderstandings, angst, and tension driving the plot, this tale was propelled forward by a blossoming friendship. With beautiful flowers reaching full bloom, vines growing outwards to connect, and roots digging deep. It was very touching to see how much Elizabeth’s understanding and compassion meant to Mr. Darcy at this time in his life. My heart melted to witness the healing Elizabeth’s friendship brought him, and how much she in turn cherished his presence in her life. With this couple’s newfound regard for each other, it was lovely to observe how the relationships between members of their families likewise became more entwined. I especially loved seeing Lydia’s relationships with the Darcys, and how the Bennets grew to be very welcoming to the Darcy siblings.
If I were to have any quibbles with this story, it would be that the Wickham storyline and the conflict he introduced seemed to lose strength and traction a little. Although, that confrontation scene was wonderfully exhilarating!
The Luxury of Silence is a gentle and expressive romance where vulnerability and distress are countered by compassion and acceptance, and a happily ever after is forged with friendship, understanding, and openness. A romantic and tender Pride and Prejudice variation that is sure to delight readers who tend to favor stories with amiability over angst.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: The Darcys are a troubled pair – Ramsgate did such a number on them and they are still emotionally scarred from the experience. And yet, it isn’t escaping London or the environs of Netherfield that bring healing and peace to these siblings, it is the friendship of an impertinent and playful country miss. Is friendship with the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet enough for Mr. Darcy, or does he want more?
MY THOUGHTS: I think I’ve said this in every review for a book by Susan Adriani, but I adore her writing style. And I was so excited to read this latest release of hers where Georgiana is at Netherfield and Mr. Darcy becomes friends with Elizabeth Bennet! I love the idea of the idea of their relationship taking this type of trajectory. Especially when Mr. Darcy is so burdened with anguish over Georgiana and anxiety about Wickham.
What I loved most this book was the journey I was privileged to take alongside these beloved characters. Not only does Susan Adriani tap into these characters inner thoughts and feelings so intuitively and perceptively, but she also creates interactions that are heartrendingly sweet, swoon-worthy, and charming. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship develops leisurely without much misunderstandings and conflicts. They share so many delectable stolen moments together – on their morning walks, in Longbourn’s parlour, and in Netherfield’s music room. *sigh* It was such a pleasure to witness the friendship, the growing admiration, the decided preference, the undeniable attraction, and the ardent love these characters developed for each other. So much so, that I did not miss the obstacles, twists, and emotional turmoil I usually crave.
Instead of misunderstandings, angst, and tension driving the plot, this tale was propelled forward by a blossoming friendship. With beautiful flowers reaching full bloom, vines growing outwards to connect, and roots digging deep. It was very touching to see how much Elizabeth’s understanding and compassion meant to Mr. Darcy at this time in his life. My heart melted to witness the healing Elizabeth’s friendship brought him, and how much she in turn cherished his presence in her life. With this couple’s newfound regard for each other, it was lovely to observe how the relationships between members of their families likewise became more entwined. I especially loved seeing Lydia’s relationships with the Darcys, and how the Bennets grew to be very welcoming to the Darcy siblings.
If I were to have any quibbles with this story, it would be that the Wickham storyline and the conflict he introduced seemed to lose strength and traction a little. Although, that confrontation scene was wonderfully exhilarating!
The Luxury of Silence is a gentle and expressive romance where vulnerability and distress are countered by compassion and acceptance, and a happily ever after is forged with friendship, understanding, and openness. A romantic and tender Pride and Prejudice variation that is sure to delight readers who tend to favor stories with amiability over angst.
Austenesque Reviews
August 17, 2022
A New Top 10 P&P variation. LoS has it all. ODC pre, during, and after the Insult. Lizzy is more perspective. Darcy is more conscious of the emptiness in his life. All our beloved monor characters grow and show realistic depth. IMHO, a Tour De Force for our beloved community.
June 30, 2022
friendship is the basis for a complete love
Friendship is the basis for a complete love.
Darcy is world wary and is broken in spirit when he and Elizabeth meet at the top of oakum mount. He begins to see the beauty in life slowly but his actions have Elizabeth taking him to task
Being friends with someone allows Darcy to begin the healing process.
This was a retelling of P&P with various changes to allow ODC to explore friendship before they separate. It was a well written story with awesome dialogue as not to be boring. I enjoyed the story.
Friendship is the basis for a complete love.
Darcy is world wary and is broken in spirit when he and Elizabeth meet at the top of oakum mount. He begins to see the beauty in life slowly but his actions have Elizabeth taking him to task
Being friends with someone allows Darcy to begin the healing process.
This was a retelling of P&P with various changes to allow ODC to explore friendship before they separate. It was a well written story with awesome dialogue as not to be boring. I enjoyed the story.
July 7, 2022
Avid Reader
An excellent novel! Mr. Bennet sends Jane in the rain on horseback to capture Bingley, but it's Elizabeth who captures Darcy instead. Georgina finds that she loves the idea of five sisters, Darcy realized that Lydia is the first young lady who ever liked him as much as she liked Bingley! He noticed that Catherine and Lydia listened to what Georgina had to say about ribbon when they were in Mr. Worthington 's store. Afterwards he had no problems marrying into the family, and ignored Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine 's concerns about duty and what he owed to his family.
An excellent novel! Mr. Bennet sends Jane in the rain on horseback to capture Bingley, but it's Elizabeth who captures Darcy instead. Georgina finds that she loves the idea of five sisters, Darcy realized that Lydia is the first young lady who ever liked him as much as she liked Bingley! He noticed that Catherine and Lydia listened to what Georgina had to say about ribbon when they were in Mr. Worthington 's store. Afterwards he had no problems marrying into the family, and ignored Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine 's concerns about duty and what he owed to his family.
June 29, 2022
An engaging story
A previous encounter and an opportune apology change their destiny. This tale won't allow to be put down and it will make you hurry through whatever interrupts its reading to go back to it.
A previous encounter and an opportune apology change their destiny. This tale won't allow to be put down and it will make you hurry through whatever interrupts its reading to go back to it.
May 29, 2023
I feel like a terrible party pooper only giving this 3 stars! Please note that I’m an outlier & ALL of my Jane Austen GoodReads friends gave this 4-5 star ratings. The narrator was Stevie Zimmerman, one of my favorites. The writing was good.
I’m just going to come out with it: I was bored for a large part of the story. I didn’t have that excited feeling I get when there’s a good audiobook waiting for me. Instead, I felt like I’d better finish it since I paid for it. This took me 8 days, which is like 8 years in audiobook land!
I don’t discourage anyone from reading The Luxury of Silence and urge you to read other reviews if you’re contemplating this one.
Content: clean language, no sex, no violence.
I’m just going to come out with it: I was bored for a large part of the story. I didn’t have that excited feeling I get when there’s a good audiobook waiting for me. Instead, I felt like I’d better finish it since I paid for it. This took me 8 days, which is like 8 years in audiobook land!
I don’t discourage anyone from reading The Luxury of Silence and urge you to read other reviews if you’re contemplating this one.
Content: clean language, no sex, no violence.
November 19, 2025
A beautiful and skilful rendition which was a delight to read
At its heart this is a deeply romantic story with two characters who share much with each other and who want happiness for each other. The insightful dialogue and the rich prose are astoundingly good. Really stunningly good.
This book opens in Ramsgate but primarily covers a much shorter timespan than Austen’s work, focussing primarily on the few weeks in autumn when Bingley took Netherfield Park.
In Austen’s work we only have a very sketchy understanding of the events of Ramsgate and their impact on Darcy and Georgiana. In this story the author explores the impact on them both in detail. A deep sadness has fallen over the Darcy siblings and their sense of self worth has been completely eroded. The author describes this sadness quite remarkably and the reader is totally drawn in, experiencing their pain alongside them.
Darcy takes Georgiana to Netherfield with him and there she meets the Bennet sisters and experiences friendship and kinship the like of which she has never known before. In spite of himself Darcy is grateful for the high-spirited Lydia and Kitty and their generosity to the deeply traumatised Georgiana and finds himself quite charmed by them despite himself.
As Darcy struggles to come to terms with the events of Ramsgate, mostly with little success, Elizabeth Bennet comes into his life. The “tolerable” comment is made but is quickly dealt with and a deep friendship develops between them. As they both independently come to a realisation of their love for the other they are challenged by this discovery and it’s implications.
Wickham remains an open sore through much of the book but he is effectively dealt with in a sensible and realistic fashion.
It seems churlish to comment on this minor point but for me the epilogue was unnecessary. It was beautifully written and very enjoyable however.
At its heart this is a deeply romantic story with two characters who share much with each other and who want happiness for each other. The insightful dialogue and the rich prose are astoundingly good. Really stunningly good.
This book opens in Ramsgate but primarily covers a much shorter timespan than Austen’s work, focussing primarily on the few weeks in autumn when Bingley took Netherfield Park.
In Austen’s work we only have a very sketchy understanding of the events of Ramsgate and their impact on Darcy and Georgiana. In this story the author explores the impact on them both in detail. A deep sadness has fallen over the Darcy siblings and their sense of self worth has been completely eroded. The author describes this sadness quite remarkably and the reader is totally drawn in, experiencing their pain alongside them.
Darcy takes Georgiana to Netherfield with him and there she meets the Bennet sisters and experiences friendship and kinship the like of which she has never known before. In spite of himself Darcy is grateful for the high-spirited Lydia and Kitty and their generosity to the deeply traumatised Georgiana and finds himself quite charmed by them despite himself.
As Darcy struggles to come to terms with the events of Ramsgate, mostly with little success, Elizabeth Bennet comes into his life. The “tolerable” comment is made but is quickly dealt with and a deep friendship develops between them. As they both independently come to a realisation of their love for the other they are challenged by this discovery and it’s implications.
Wickham remains an open sore through much of the book but he is effectively dealt with in a sensible and realistic fashion.
It seems churlish to comment on this minor point but for me the epilogue was unnecessary. It was beautifully written and very enjoyable however.
July 9, 2022
I really didn't know what to expect, because this is essentially Pride and Prejudice fanfiction, it was so sweet and romantic! I am so pleasantly surprised by this story. I can't make any comparisons to the original as I haven't read it since high school, though I am a devoted watcher of the 2005 adaption and it follows a similar flow. I really loved the writing style; there were several quotes pulled directly from P&P (the movie version, anyway😅) and though the storytelling was easy to understand, I could tell the author took great care in making sure her dialogue (as well as the narration) was fitting to the time period she was writing in.
Also I want to note: While this book is overall clean, there is one scene at the very end of the last chapter (once they're married) that does border on being mature but is not explicit. It is written tastefully and easy to skip over without being too scandalized, but it's not truly clean.
Also I want to note: While this book is overall clean, there is one scene at the very end of the last chapter (once they're married) that does border on being mature but is not explicit. It is written tastefully and easy to skip over without being too scandalized, but it's not truly clean.
August 5, 2022
Despite how beautifully written this JAFF was or how I loved getting to re-imagine Darcy & Elizabeth’s love story; it was boring. That’s not to say I wanted a more angsty read, because I happen to mostly despise them; however I still needed something resembling a plot, somewhere.
Unfortunately, when you take away both the Pride & the Prejudice; you are left with an unremarkable & commonplace story about two attractive, young people who fell in love. They are both from relatively similar social, economic and circles who share the same race & religion with virtually zero impediments to their happiness. A beautiful love story it may be, but dull nonetheless. If it weren’t for it being a P&P variation with characters already known & loved I know I would have rated it lower.
Unfortunately, when you take away both the Pride & the Prejudice; you are left with an unremarkable & commonplace story about two attractive, young people who fell in love. They are both from relatively similar social, economic and circles who share the same race & religion with virtually zero impediments to their happiness. A beautiful love story it may be, but dull nonetheless. If it weren’t for it being a P&P variation with characters already known & loved I know I would have rated it lower.
July 23, 2022
One of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I've ever read. The writing is exemplary, it is true to the period. The Plot is also up to mark. I loved the character development, especially the friendship part between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Though a bit of an angst would have been good, the story itself was a satisfactory read. I would recommend it for those who loved Pride and Prejudice but also wanted more of them without any angst.
Though a bit of an angst would have been good, the story itself was a satisfactory read. I would recommend it for those who loved Pride and Prejudice but also wanted more of them without any angst.
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