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Affinity and Affection
What if Mr. Darcy did not simply ride away in anger when he met with Mr. Wickham that day in Meryton? What if he had actually warned Elizabeth Bennet of that gentleman's despicable character? In the spirit and wit of Jane Austen, Affinity and Affection explores the possibility of what might have happened had the proud and haughty Mr. Darcy decided to come down off his high horse, quite literally, so to speak, to lay his personal dealings with his childhood friend and father's former favourite open before the eyes of the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet. Would his forthrightness have set the stage for a better understanding between them? Would it have changed Elizabeth's mind about how she perceived the taciturn Mr. Darcy sooner, rather than later? And what else might have transpired as a result?
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2008
53 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
Susan Adriani
16 books91 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 136 reviews
September 26, 2024
I read this now in paperback as I won it as part of the raffle grand prize at the end of The Darcy Monologues blog tour.
In this variation we have an Elizabeth and Darcy who just can't keep their hands off each other once Elizabeth reaches the point at which she has completely changed her opinion about Darcy. And while that might be lovely for ODC it does not escape the attentions of many around them at Netherfield, in Meryton and in London. At one point Mr. Bennet has a talk with Darcy and admonishes him that he must act within proprieties' standards until they are wed. Even after the wedding ceremony there are just certain things you are not to do...in front of family, in the ballroom or in public. Younger sister can be misguided when older brothers act in that way.
This becomes a significant point when there is gossip; when Lydia is admonished for allowing Wickham liberties! Why is it OK for Elizabeth and not her?
I loved the fact that Darcy put himself out there in the beginning, telling Elizabeth about Wickham, standing up to and punching out Wickham and professing his passionate love to her after agonizing about what she might think of his ungentlemanly assault upon Wickham. Later in the story I was so satisfied to see Wickham get his true desserts at the hands of Col. Fitzwilliam and friends.
We read of time spent in London and participation in the season. In this story there is an addressing the behaviors of certain Bennet sisters and a little variation about Lydia and how she matures.
Even in rereading this story I found some angst, of which I am fond. We do have an epilogue which I always enjoy. In this version I adored the very end in which we read of how Darcy has to explain certain things to his son.
In this variation we have an Elizabeth and Darcy who just can't keep their hands off each other once Elizabeth reaches the point at which she has completely changed her opinion about Darcy. And while that might be lovely for ODC it does not escape the attentions of many around them at Netherfield, in Meryton and in London. At one point Mr. Bennet has a talk with Darcy and admonishes him that he must act within proprieties' standards until they are wed. Even after the wedding ceremony there are just certain things you are not to do...in front of family, in the ballroom or in public. Younger sister can be misguided when older brothers act in that way.
This becomes a significant point when there is gossip; when Lydia is admonished for allowing Wickham liberties! Why is it OK for Elizabeth and not her?
I loved the fact that Darcy put himself out there in the beginning, telling Elizabeth about Wickham, standing up to and punching out Wickham and professing his passionate love to her after agonizing about what she might think of his ungentlemanly assault upon Wickham. Later in the story I was so satisfied to see Wickham get his true desserts at the hands of Col. Fitzwilliam and friends.
We read of time spent in London and participation in the season. In this story there is an addressing the behaviors of certain Bennet sisters and a little variation about Lydia and how she matures.
Even in rereading this story I found some angst, of which I am fond. We do have an epilogue which I always enjoy. In this version I adored the very end in which we read of how Darcy has to explain certain things to his son.
January 27, 2013
A Pride and Prejudice – What If?
What if Mr. Darcy apologized to Elizabeth for his cruel words at the Merryfield Assembly?
What if George Wickham was less a rake and more a rapist?
What if Darcy & Lizzy were overtly sexual with each other?
What if Elizabeth and Darcy had premaritial sex?
What if Darcy was a real horn dog?
There are parts of this book that are very good and rather enjoyable. Then there are the “romance sections”, which leave nothing to the imagination. They are very affectionate at Netherfield, in the yard at Longbourne, at a ball, on the piano forte, at the opera, etc. Which brings about my biggest issue with the book; Darcy can’t keep his hands off of Elizabeth despite his cousin Fitzwilliam, her father Mr. Bennett and his uncle the Lord warning him off, both before and after their marriage.
Darcy as a gentleman would have known the danger and damage to Miss Bennett’s reputation to carry on thus in public. He who was so concerned about his sister’s reputation and her potential damage at the hands of Wickham; yet he cannot hold back his carnal needs for the woman he wants to marry?
In this retelling Lydia again runs off with Wickham but in this version she isn’t forced to marry instead Wickham turns her to prostitution. Throughout the book Wickham’s behavior isn’t merely a slight against Darcy but a slight against society but the only answer is “dueling is illegal”, ignoring that had Darcy, Bingley and the Bennett’s cut Wickham the rest of Merryton society would have joined in.
Mr. Collins is transformed from an oaf to an ogre. Jane is minimized to a minor supporting character. The “romance” is so over blown that after Elizabeth delivers their first child I was worried that Darcy was again going to be “unable to restrain himself” and honestly there was a place where I was slightly nervous that something odd was about to happen with Bingley and Darcy.
What I do like about the version is the development of Georgiana from simpering shy child to a sensible young lady. Mr. Bennett is fleshed out and given a bit of a back bone. An explanation of Lady Catherine’s bitterness is explained and makes her somewhat sympathetic or at least understandable.
What’s good about the book is it is a nice long read, even if you skip over the numerous sex scenes.
What if Mr. Darcy apologized to Elizabeth for his cruel words at the Merryfield Assembly?
What if George Wickham was less a rake and more a rapist?
What if Darcy & Lizzy were overtly sexual with each other?
What if Elizabeth and Darcy had premaritial sex?
What if Darcy was a real horn dog?
There are parts of this book that are very good and rather enjoyable. Then there are the “romance sections”, which leave nothing to the imagination. They are very affectionate at Netherfield, in the yard at Longbourne, at a ball, on the piano forte, at the opera, etc. Which brings about my biggest issue with the book; Darcy can’t keep his hands off of Elizabeth despite his cousin Fitzwilliam, her father Mr. Bennett and his uncle the Lord warning him off, both before and after their marriage.
Darcy as a gentleman would have known the danger and damage to Miss Bennett’s reputation to carry on thus in public. He who was so concerned about his sister’s reputation and her potential damage at the hands of Wickham; yet he cannot hold back his carnal needs for the woman he wants to marry?
In this retelling Lydia again runs off with Wickham but in this version she isn’t forced to marry instead Wickham turns her to prostitution. Throughout the book Wickham’s behavior isn’t merely a slight against Darcy but a slight against society but the only answer is “dueling is illegal”, ignoring that had Darcy, Bingley and the Bennett’s cut Wickham the rest of Merryton society would have joined in.
Mr. Collins is transformed from an oaf to an ogre. Jane is minimized to a minor supporting character. The “romance” is so over blown that after Elizabeth delivers their first child I was worried that Darcy was again going to be “unable to restrain himself” and honestly there was a place where I was slightly nervous that something odd was about to happen with Bingley and Darcy.
What I do like about the version is the development of Georgiana from simpering shy child to a sensible young lady. Mr. Bennett is fleshed out and given a bit of a back bone. An explanation of Lady Catherine’s bitterness is explained and makes her somewhat sympathetic or at least understandable.
What’s good about the book is it is a nice long read, even if you skip over the numerous sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I must confess normally in some books I find myself skipping through part of it and I didn't in this one. The author truly made Wickham a villainous creeper. I liked the direction she took with his character. I also liked the direction she took with Lydia. The main problem I had with this book was with Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy is the worldly one and as most woman of that period Elizabeth is the naive one. I felt the author had it reversed in their intimate scenes. Elizabeth grew up with sisters but when Darcy and her were alone the author made no mention of Elizabeth's surprise upon taking in Darcy's form, which to me would be quite natural. Further more I felt the author made Elizabeth appear to be experienced. She seemed aggressive and not bashful but when others such as Catherine Debourg confronted her she went away in tears.
This to me was not true to who she was. I guess I felt we should have experienced Elizabeth's intimate growth with Darcy but it felt as though Elizabeth had a courtesan handbook and had everything in hand their first night together. Don't get me wrong I didn't expect Elizabeth full of blushes and hiding herself, although it would have been more believable than making her have no reaction to his body at least the first time.
People accused her of seducing him and I'm sorry to say I felt she did. I know it seems as though I have a lot of problems with the book but truly those were minor it was still very enjoyable. Warning this book is also under a different name called Truth About Mr. Darcy.
Darcy is the worldly one and as most woman of that period Elizabeth is the naive one. I felt the author had it reversed in their intimate scenes. Elizabeth grew up with sisters but when Darcy and her were alone the author made no mention of Elizabeth's surprise upon taking in Darcy's form, which to me would be quite natural. Further more I felt the author made Elizabeth appear to be experienced. She seemed aggressive and not bashful but when others such as Catherine Debourg confronted her she went away in tears.
This to me was not true to who she was. I guess I felt we should have experienced Elizabeth's intimate growth with Darcy but it felt as though Elizabeth had a courtesan handbook and had everything in hand their first night together. Don't get me wrong I didn't expect Elizabeth full of blushes and hiding herself, although it would have been more believable than making her have no reaction to his body at least the first time.
People accused her of seducing him and I'm sorry to say I felt she did. I know it seems as though I have a lot of problems with the book but truly those were minor it was still very enjoyable. Warning this book is also under a different name called Truth About Mr. Darcy.
April 15, 2018
Source: Library ebook: Hot, sexy, sensual, mature audience alert, graphic sex scenes, suspenseful.
I skirted this book for some time because I’d seen the mature audience notice. I watched the reviews and noted several that I respect give it favorable stars. I decided to give it another chance.
We open our story with a very interesting prologue that will leave you in no doubt that this will be a revealing, sexy story. We follow a slightly skewed canon for a very short time and open with Jane [post illness], Elizabeth and their sisters having walked to Meryton for shopping and visiting with their aunt. Wickham is introduced and we have Bingley and Darcy approaching on horseback. This is where the story really leaves canon. We are in Darcy’s head as he contemplates what to do. Does he walk away, ignore Wickham, leave the libertine to take advantage of the ladies of the town, expose him as the base, debauched, reprobate that he is…what to do? Darcy decides to tell Elizabeth and protect her and her sisters from the worst sort of man.
After Collins arrived, he, in quick order, decides on the wife of his future happiness and makes an ass of himself in pursuit of her. He is such a toad and must inform his patroness regarding Darcy’s attentions to his unworthy [connections to trade and no fortune] female cousin. After Elizabeth refuses his suit, his jealously is apparent as he causes all manner of horrible problems for the family.
Wickham insults Elizabeth [in company] to the degree that she attempts to slap him. His reflexes [ honed by the skills learned over a lifetime of female responses to his advances] grabs her wrist. In this work, Wickham is worse than canon. He is an animal. His comments are base, degrading, insulting, and his every word, action and deed is geared to inflict the most pain that he can on his victims.
Caroline is awful, Mr. & Mrs. Hurst are themselves…with Mr. Hurst warning Bingley and Darcy regarding her actions and motivations. Her evolution throughout the book is interesting with a very different Caroline at the end.
Note: there was a point where Caroline crossed a line with her actions/ comments/ insults/ gossip regarding Elizabeth. In two places Caroline thought Darcy had cut her in public [incorrect]. Near the end of the book she mentioned the previous encounters as a snub [correct]. According to regencyredingote [dot] wordpress [dot] com, the use of the cut was the signal for the end of a friendship. In asking a question on the site, I was informed that a gentleman never cut a female. Darcy could snub her and, if desired, sever the relationship by never inviting her to any of his houses or social events; however, he would never give her the cut direct in public.
What I liked: the author gave us an insight into the thoughts of our main characters. Darcy loved Elizabeth to the point of obsession and he wanted her beyond any woman of his acquaintance. He would have her or no one else. Darcy battled for Elizabeth’s affections and attentions. Elizabeth battled her thoughts and emotions for this man that she at one time hated.
What I didn’t like:
**** SPOILER **** **** End of Spoiler ****.
Conclusion: This work was filled with angst, heartache, shades of grief [similar to when Jane Eyre left Rochester], Darcy fighting for Elizabeth, hunting down Wickham and Lydia, and fighting for control of his life and emotions. If you love action and angst, this is for you.
Note: Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam was so wise in regards to the troop of men he assembled to help hunt down Wickham. I really like our dear Colonel. The action was edge of your seat as we traveled from Hertfordshire [Longbourn and Netherfield] to London [Darcy House, Gracechurch Street].
Lydia’s actions and behavior took a turnaround that was profound and you really felt for her. Her relationship with her mother and father took an unexpected change that was quite revealing. I’ve never seen it used. It hurt the heart to read it. The epilogue was most excellent.
I skirted this book for some time because I’d seen the mature audience notice. I watched the reviews and noted several that I respect give it favorable stars. I decided to give it another chance.
We open our story with a very interesting prologue that will leave you in no doubt that this will be a revealing, sexy story. We follow a slightly skewed canon for a very short time and open with Jane [post illness], Elizabeth and their sisters having walked to Meryton for shopping and visiting with their aunt. Wickham is introduced and we have Bingley and Darcy approaching on horseback. This is where the story really leaves canon. We are in Darcy’s head as he contemplates what to do. Does he walk away, ignore Wickham, leave the libertine to take advantage of the ladies of the town, expose him as the base, debauched, reprobate that he is…what to do? Darcy decides to tell Elizabeth and protect her and her sisters from the worst sort of man.
After Collins arrived, he, in quick order, decides on the wife of his future happiness and makes an ass of himself in pursuit of her. He is such a toad and must inform his patroness regarding Darcy’s attentions to his unworthy [connections to trade and no fortune] female cousin. After Elizabeth refuses his suit, his jealously is apparent as he causes all manner of horrible problems for the family.
Wickham insults Elizabeth [in company] to the degree that she attempts to slap him. His reflexes [ honed by the skills learned over a lifetime of female responses to his advances] grabs her wrist. In this work, Wickham is worse than canon. He is an animal. His comments are base, degrading, insulting, and his every word, action and deed is geared to inflict the most pain that he can on his victims.
Caroline is awful, Mr. & Mrs. Hurst are themselves…with Mr. Hurst warning Bingley and Darcy regarding her actions and motivations. Her evolution throughout the book is interesting with a very different Caroline at the end.
Note: there was a point where Caroline crossed a line with her actions/ comments/ insults/ gossip regarding Elizabeth. In two places Caroline thought Darcy had cut her in public [incorrect]. Near the end of the book she mentioned the previous encounters as a snub [correct]. According to regencyredingote [dot] wordpress [dot] com, the use of the cut was the signal for the end of a friendship. In asking a question on the site, I was informed that a gentleman never cut a female. Darcy could snub her and, if desired, sever the relationship by never inviting her to any of his houses or social events; however, he would never give her the cut direct in public.
What I liked: the author gave us an insight into the thoughts of our main characters. Darcy loved Elizabeth to the point of obsession and he wanted her beyond any woman of his acquaintance. He would have her or no one else. Darcy battled for Elizabeth’s affections and attentions. Elizabeth battled her thoughts and emotions for this man that she at one time hated.
What I didn’t like:
**** SPOILER **** **** End of Spoiler ****.
Conclusion: This work was filled with angst, heartache, shades of grief [similar to when Jane Eyre left Rochester], Darcy fighting for Elizabeth, hunting down Wickham and Lydia, and fighting for control of his life and emotions. If you love action and angst, this is for you.
Note: Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam was so wise in regards to the troop of men he assembled to help hunt down Wickham. I really like our dear Colonel. The action was edge of your seat as we traveled from Hertfordshire [Longbourn and Netherfield] to London [Darcy House, Gracechurch Street].
Lydia’s actions and behavior took a turnaround that was profound and you really felt for her. Her relationship with her mother and father took an unexpected change that was quite revealing. I’ve never seen it used. It hurt the heart to read it. The epilogue was most excellent.
July 6, 2021
AKA ‘The Truth about Mr Darcy
Synopsis:
Darcy warns Lizzy right when she meets Wickham that he is a utter cad. Lizzy believes him and Wickham noting Lizzy is on to him tries a different approach of just straight up asking her if she is sleeping with Darcy and that he would be up for such an arrangement, so she knows first hand he is despicable.
Darcy lets loose the floodgates of his passions and nearly beats Wickham to death when Wickham speaks disrespectfully of Lizzy.
Darcy immediately feels guilty of his ungentlemanly public display in front of Lizzy and spends a week in depression believing Lizzy will never love a barbarian such as his person. Lizzy realizes Darcy is in love with her, like everyone has been saying, and goes to visit him hearing from Bingley of his low spirits. Thus less prejudice and pride.
Darcy proposes and Lizzy declines but offers a courtship, and Darcy is determined to win her;
Lord Matlock when Darcy introduces his choice of wife,: Is she crazy in bed?
Darcy: YESS
Darcy is jumping on Lizzy every chance he gets, and sometimes its charming and sometimes its too much;
Seriously everyone has to tell him to reign it in, Mr Bennet, the Colonel, his uncle
Darcy;
Wickham is so much worse than usual;
Fear not, he will get his due.
Mr Collins is also a lot worse, feeling jealous and bitter over Lizzy’s refusal and subsequent engagement with Darcy.
What I enjoyed:
-Bingley being a gentlemen and helping Lizzy at Mrs Philips, Bingley overall was just a total class act, that ill let it slide that the author didn’t explain why Bingley in this JAFF suddenly had balls, I like character growth but it must be explained;
-Lizzy avoiding Darcy to dissuade Jane, Charlotte and Mrs Bennet speculation about him having a preference leading to his affection growing faster as he saw what a life without a right to Lizzy was
-Lydia’s character arc, though sad about how it came about
-Darcy and Lizzy together
-The entire Bennet clan invited to stay for visit at Darcy house in London.
What Displeased Me:
-Lizzy is so lame sometimes, just Femme Fragile. Anything Collins does distresses her, I rather think she would laugh it off .
-Dialogue isn't particularly witty of funny, this is felt most in Lizzy’s dialogue
-Lizzy’s wit was in theory, not in evidence. I get really frustrated with JAFF at times when the writer claims Lizzy is smart and witty and the characters call her that and she straight up is not.
Conclusion:
It was by no means an exemplary piece of JAFF; it wants focus, the dialogues weren't memorable, the plot not original, but regardless I must say I was entertained.
I enjoyed the story, though I knew the writing was subpar.
What excuse to give you, dear reader? The writing is no Austen, but if you are looking for a guilty pleasure read, you might enjoy it.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)? Sometimes
Was I engaged during the reading and not bored? Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Mostly
Synopsis:
Darcy warns Lizzy right when she meets Wickham that he is a utter cad. Lizzy believes him and Wickham noting Lizzy is on to him tries a different approach of just straight up asking her if she is sleeping with Darcy and that he would be up for such an arrangement, so she knows first hand he is despicable.
Darcy lets loose the floodgates of his passions and nearly beats Wickham to death when Wickham speaks disrespectfully of Lizzy.
Darcy immediately feels guilty of his ungentlemanly public display in front of Lizzy and spends a week in depression believing Lizzy will never love a barbarian such as his person. Lizzy realizes Darcy is in love with her, like everyone has been saying, and goes to visit him hearing from Bingley of his low spirits. Thus less prejudice and pride.
Darcy proposes and Lizzy declines but offers a courtship, and Darcy is determined to win her;
Lord Matlock when Darcy introduces his choice of wife,: Is she crazy in bed?
Darcy: YESS
Darcy is jumping on Lizzy every chance he gets, and sometimes its charming and sometimes its too much;
Seriously everyone has to tell him to reign it in, Mr Bennet, the Colonel, his uncle
Darcy;
Wickham is so much worse than usual;
Fear not, he will get his due.
Mr Collins is also a lot worse, feeling jealous and bitter over Lizzy’s refusal and subsequent engagement with Darcy.
What I enjoyed:
-Bingley being a gentlemen and helping Lizzy at Mrs Philips, Bingley overall was just a total class act, that ill let it slide that the author didn’t explain why Bingley in this JAFF suddenly had balls, I like character growth but it must be explained;
”And this should be of significant consequence? The insipid opinions of the London ton, whose favor and disfavor, approval and censure, are so easily bought and sold like tradeable goods? No one who conducts themselves in such a manner could ever esteem a man of your impeccable character and intellect in the first place, Darcy!”
-Lizzy avoiding Darcy to dissuade Jane, Charlotte and Mrs Bennet speculation about him having a preference leading to his affection growing faster as he saw what a life without a right to Lizzy was
-Lydia’s character arc, though sad about how it came about
-Darcy and Lizzy together
-The entire Bennet clan invited to stay for visit at Darcy house in London.
What Displeased Me:
-Lizzy is so lame sometimes, just Femme Fragile. Anything Collins does distresses her, I rather think she would laugh it off .
-Dialogue isn't particularly witty of funny, this is felt most in Lizzy’s dialogue
-Lizzy’s wit was in theory, not in evidence. I get really frustrated with JAFF at times when the writer claims Lizzy is smart and witty and the characters call her that and she straight up is not.
Conclusion:
It was by no means an exemplary piece of JAFF; it wants focus, the dialogues weren't memorable, the plot not original, but regardless I must say I was entertained.
I enjoyed the story, though I knew the writing was subpar.
What excuse to give you, dear reader? The writing is no Austen, but if you are looking for a guilty pleasure read, you might enjoy it.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)? Sometimes
Was I engaged during the reading and not bored? Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Mostly
December 19, 2020
Another one to love. I have to go look up if this author has any more books.
Reread: Fun storyline for me to read today.
Reread: Loved it.
Reread: Fun storyline for me to read today.
Reread: Loved it.
April 1, 2018
Hot and heavy!
Hot, because of the generous amount of (well written) passionate interludes, before and after their marriage.
Heavy, refers to the evilness of Wickham and the general ambiance in this story. No sugar-coating in this thrilling read.
Darcy makes the decision to expose Wickham's true nature to the Meryton society which leads to a series of off canon events.
Wickham push Darcy past his limits early on which leads to an altercation in Meryton. It does eventually lead to an early understanding between ODC although not without hiccups. Collins, for one, does what he can to "save" the nephew of his patroness. Their close family add their own troubles but it was ultimately their passion that resulted in an expedit wedding after being discovered...
The newlyweds are not free from Wickham's machinations and he was vile, attacking Elizabeth and absconding with Lydia.
He had made a lot of enemies though which caught up with him in the end and he got his comeuppance.
There was funny moments as well, a quarrel between Elizabeth and Lydia reached hilarious proportions. Made me laugh out loud.
Ends in an epilogue where we meet the future generation as well as the fate of a couple of the characters.
This was a reread for me and it held up nicely for a second time around.
Heartily recommend this book!
Hot, because of the generous amount of (well written) passionate interludes, before and after their marriage.
Heavy, refers to the evilness of Wickham and the general ambiance in this story. No sugar-coating in this thrilling read.
Darcy makes the decision to expose Wickham's true nature to the Meryton society which leads to a series of off canon events.
Wickham push Darcy past his limits early on which leads to an altercation in Meryton. It does eventually lead to an early understanding between ODC although not without hiccups. Collins, for one, does what he can to "save" the nephew of his patroness. Their close family add their own troubles but it was ultimately their passion that resulted in an expedit wedding after being discovered...
The newlyweds are not free from Wickham's machinations and he was vile, attacking Elizabeth and absconding with Lydia.
He had made a lot of enemies though which caught up with him in the end and he got his comeuppance.
There was funny moments as well, a quarrel between Elizabeth and Lydia reached hilarious proportions. Made me laugh out loud.
Ends in an epilogue where we meet the future generation as well as the fate of a couple of the characters.
This was a reread for me and it held up nicely for a second time around.
Heartily recommend this book!
August 2, 2017
I read this back in March of 2009 and even have a copy of an e-mail I exchanged with the author relating to her how I loved this book. I loved the fact that Darcy put himself out there in the beginning, telling Elizabeth about Wickham, standing up to and punching out Wickham and professing his passionate love to her after agonizing about what she might think of his ungentlemanly assault upon Wickham. Later in the story I was so satisfied to see Wickham get his true desserts at the hands of Col. Fitzwilliam and friends. And then Lydia's turnaround after eloping with Wickham and his abandoning her to a brothel. The story had so much angst for me. I would love to see this author give us another tale. She did a marvelous story with her first attempt. I am now reading this book again for I don't know how many times!
February 28, 2022
It took one decision
And the story took off in a most interesting and romantic direction. I enjoyed this variation, and the wonderful love it depicts.
And the story took off in a most interesting and romantic direction. I enjoyed this variation, and the wonderful love it depicts.
October 8, 2012
The best way to describe how I felt about this book: it was a guilty pleasure. Another great way to describe it, if you'll forgive me, is that it is a Jane Austen porno. Basically, it starts where Elizabeth meets Wickham in the original Austen novel. It quickly changes course when Mr. Darcy gets over himself in a hurry and lets Elizabeth know what kind of guy Wickham is. An interesting premise, yes. But not really consistent with Mr. Darcy as Austen created him. Which becomes rather immaterial, I suppose, when everyone starts behaving in a way that is completely inconsistent with the time, place, and social strata the characters are living with. Do I enjoy reading about Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth making out in the woods? Yes. I'll admit it. It's not anything that Austen's characters would have done, and in the end, I feel the new versions may be less interesting characters for that, but it was, as I said, a guilty pleasure to read.
January 5, 2014
'The Truth About Mr. Darcy' was a revelation for me. Apparently I was late to the game, because I had never heard of Jane Austen fan fiction before; so when I stumbled across this re-imagining of what happens leading up to (and following) the marriage between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', I was intrigued. Having read all of Austen's work while a teenager, I was always struck by how much was unsaid between the characters, and how modulated and muted their affections seemed to be. Elizabeth Bennet was an exception in many ways, and she was the Austen character to whom I most related because of her spirit and independence. The idea that a woman would have imagined and written such a character in Jane Austen's time always fascinated me.
But I always thought, of Elizabeth's relationship with Darcy: "There must be more." And this book is the "more". I am so glad to have found it!
I read many of the reviews of this book before purchasing and was amused by the criticisms that it contained too much sex(!), too much passion(!) too much belaboring of the couple's feelings for each other(!) and decided that those reviews were precisely the impetus I needed to buy it. Given the era in which the story takes place, I was curious -- what would a highly sexual, emotional and passionate relationship in the Regency period look like? How would the couple express it given the strictures of their time? Could they express it? And if they did, what would be the consequences? And I wasn't interested in just any bodice-ripper, either, I wanted to see a real, layered treatment of a relationship developing. This book delivered.
This book gave me answers to all those questions and for me at least, struck the perfect balance between the interests in propriety that the characters had, the preoccupation with appearances and society's judgment, and the desires of the human heart (and body) that, let's face it, have existed since the beginning of time.
This book was extraordinarily well-written and incredibly entertaining if you just decide not to be a purist and literary or historic snob. If you want to read Austen, you can, and for free at that! But if you want to read a sexy, passionate, homage to Austen's characters, this will more than amply fit the bill.
I give this book four instead of five stars only because I found some of the declarations of love a little mawkishly sentimental. But the rest of it was a decadent pleasure. I especially liked the author's clever avoidance of more modern terms for the characters' naughty bits while managing to give us sex scenes just as steamy as those found in Sylvia Day's Crossfire books.
To the doubters and naysayers . . . for heaven's sake, lighten up! 'Pride and Prejudice' was one thing, this book is quite another. On it's own, it makes for an incredibly fun ride.
Nia Forrester
But I always thought, of Elizabeth's relationship with Darcy: "There must be more." And this book is the "more". I am so glad to have found it!
I read many of the reviews of this book before purchasing and was amused by the criticisms that it contained too much sex(!), too much passion(!) too much belaboring of the couple's feelings for each other(!) and decided that those reviews were precisely the impetus I needed to buy it. Given the era in which the story takes place, I was curious -- what would a highly sexual, emotional and passionate relationship in the Regency period look like? How would the couple express it given the strictures of their time? Could they express it? And if they did, what would be the consequences? And I wasn't interested in just any bodice-ripper, either, I wanted to see a real, layered treatment of a relationship developing. This book delivered.
This book gave me answers to all those questions and for me at least, struck the perfect balance between the interests in propriety that the characters had, the preoccupation with appearances and society's judgment, and the desires of the human heart (and body) that, let's face it, have existed since the beginning of time.
This book was extraordinarily well-written and incredibly entertaining if you just decide not to be a purist and literary or historic snob. If you want to read Austen, you can, and for free at that! But if you want to read a sexy, passionate, homage to Austen's characters, this will more than amply fit the bill.
I give this book four instead of five stars only because I found some of the declarations of love a little mawkishly sentimental. But the rest of it was a decadent pleasure. I especially liked the author's clever avoidance of more modern terms for the characters' naughty bits while managing to give us sex scenes just as steamy as those found in Sylvia Day's Crossfire books.
To the doubters and naysayers . . . for heaven's sake, lighten up! 'Pride and Prejudice' was one thing, this book is quite another. On it's own, it makes for an incredibly fun ride.
Nia Forrester
October 29, 2016
Truth About Mr. Darcy also known as Affinity and Affection by Susan Adriani
Excellent story. While in Meryton and coming up on Wickham, instead of riding away, Darcy confronts him. Darcy tells Elizabeth about Wickham, and she realizes that he is not a good man. The night of Mrs. Phillips card party catches Bingley observing Wickham's discussing treatment of Lizzy that has her shaken to her core. He literally threats her with bodily hard. Needless to say, Darcy looses it they next time they walk into Meryton. Wickham makes several nasty remarks about Elizabeth to Darcy, and Darcy grabs him by the throat lifting him off the ground. The usual trouble makers are present: Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Collins. By the time Collins shows his evil side, Elizabeth and Darcy are engaged. The pot being stirred causes Darcy and Elizabeth to marry early for various reasons. Quick read.
Excellent story. While in Meryton and coming up on Wickham, instead of riding away, Darcy confronts him. Darcy tells Elizabeth about Wickham, and she realizes that he is not a good man. The night of Mrs. Phillips card party catches Bingley observing Wickham's discussing treatment of Lizzy that has her shaken to her core. He literally threats her with bodily hard. Needless to say, Darcy looses it they next time they walk into Meryton. Wickham makes several nasty remarks about Elizabeth to Darcy, and Darcy grabs him by the throat lifting him off the ground. The usual trouble makers are present: Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Collins. By the time Collins shows his evil side, Elizabeth and Darcy are engaged. The pot being stirred causes Darcy and Elizabeth to marry early for various reasons. Quick read.
Read
November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
September 12, 2025
This story starts out when Darcy et al are at Netherfield and he keeps having racy daydreams about Elizabeth. Wickham is dreadful and Darcy gets violent urges. He asks to court Elizabeth at the same time Collins makes his proposals. Collins is dreadful. Darcy and Elizabeth get engaged and married, and she learns to know his relatives. Lady Catherine is dreadful but powerless. Caroline is dreadful but she sorta kinda reforms herself at the end. Wickham is dreadful and Lydia gets into trouble, but she learns something and has a happy ending. I enjoyed the story a lot and I finished it in one sitting.
However, I thought there was a bit too much sex. It wasn't extremely graphic but frequent. I'm not opposed to steam as such but I got the point with a lot less: Darcy wanted her with a passion, and she returned his ardency in equal measure. They had sex as a stress relief and a show of affection and often just because Darcy is a horny teenager who can't control himself. They anticipated their vows and got caught in other indiscretions. Both Georgiana and Lydia rightly note that this makes Darcy and Elizabeth hypocrites because they don't practice what they preach, but eventually they are able to reconcile that Darcy and Elizabeth's premarital shenanigans are okay because they're good people in love but their own affairs with Wickham were not okay because Wickham is a cad.
I don't know, I guess I just never saw the reserved, starchy Mr Darcy as the sort of man who can't keep it in his pants in public situations.
However, I thought there was a bit too much sex. It wasn't extremely graphic but frequent. I'm not opposed to steam as such but I got the point with a lot less: Darcy wanted her with a passion, and she returned his ardency in equal measure. They had sex as a stress relief and a show of affection and often just because Darcy is a horny teenager who can't control himself. They anticipated their vows and got caught in other indiscretions. Both Georgiana and Lydia rightly note that this makes Darcy and Elizabeth hypocrites because they don't practice what they preach, but eventually they are able to reconcile that Darcy and Elizabeth's premarital shenanigans are okay because they're good people in love but their own affairs with Wickham were not okay because Wickham is a cad.
I don't know, I guess I just never saw the reserved, starchy Mr Darcy as the sort of man who can't keep it in his pants in public situations.
September 13, 2014
My thoughts:
It's time for another Jane Austen variation. This one was different because there was more passion and there was a whole new side to Mr Darcy.
In this one Mr Darcy is falling for Elizabeth, and when Wickham shows up he decides to tell her the truth about things. This leads to Elizabeth seeing him in a whole new light. There is courting and there is passion, yes that is the thing that makes this book stand out. Mr Darcy is really in lust with Lizzy, and she is starting to feel passionate too about his kisses. What can I say more than they are being very improper. I sure like this Mr Darcy.
The other thing that is different is that this book has the most evil Wickham ever. He is not even worthy the word scoundrel, no he is a creepy bastard. Not fit for decent company. He finally steps out as the despicable bad guy he is; a seducer of innocent women.
Lydia, oh I can't spoil things, but she get her spotlight later, and for once I can see Miss Bingley and Lady the Burgh in a new light (but they are still evil).
Conclusion:
A passionate re-telling of how things could have gone if Mr Darcy had told the truth at once. But just because he told some the truth the danger is still not ever. There will be drama, but mostly this is a passionate book about a couple who is truly in love. I enjoyed it, and I certainly liked this Mr Darcy. This is the fun thing about variation, they always surprise you.
Rating:
Hihi Mr Darcy ;)
It's time for another Jane Austen variation. This one was different because there was more passion and there was a whole new side to Mr Darcy.
In this one Mr Darcy is falling for Elizabeth, and when Wickham shows up he decides to tell her the truth about things. This leads to Elizabeth seeing him in a whole new light. There is courting and there is passion, yes that is the thing that makes this book stand out. Mr Darcy is really in lust with Lizzy, and she is starting to feel passionate too about his kisses. What can I say more than they are being very improper. I sure like this Mr Darcy.
The other thing that is different is that this book has the most evil Wickham ever. He is not even worthy the word scoundrel, no he is a creepy bastard. Not fit for decent company. He finally steps out as the despicable bad guy he is; a seducer of innocent women.
Lydia, oh I can't spoil things, but she get her spotlight later, and for once I can see Miss Bingley and Lady the Burgh in a new light (but they are still evil).
Conclusion:
A passionate re-telling of how things could have gone if Mr Darcy had told the truth at once. But just because he told some the truth the danger is still not ever. There will be drama, but mostly this is a passionate book about a couple who is truly in love. I enjoyed it, and I certainly liked this Mr Darcy. This is the fun thing about variation, they always surprise you.
Rating:
Hihi Mr Darcy ;)
April 26, 2011
The Truth About Mr. Darcy is a beautifully romantic variation of Pride and Prejudice that was originally self-published as Affinity and Affection (a more fitting and attractive title, in my humble opinion) in 2008. In this variation Ms. Adriani alters the scene where Darcy and Wickham first encounter each other in Meryton. Instead of letting Wickham insinuate himself in Elizabeth's good graces and tell vicious lies, Darcy shares his side of the story first. Instead of maintaining a healthy dislike for Darcy for many months, Elizabeth, after hearing Darcy's disclosure about George Wickham, experiences a change in her perception. Instead of being happily engaged to Charlotte Lucas, a recently rejected Mr. Collins notices Darcy and Elizabeth's attraction for each other and takes it upon himself to exact some revenge.
As an ardent admirer of Pride and Prejudice variations, I was most eager to read Susan Adriani's debut novel. I greatly enjoyed the unique premise of this variation; having Darcy share his past dealings with Wickham so early in the novel changed the course of several characters' lives. In addition, as a romantic, I was deeply gratified with the exquisite love and tender devotion Ms. Adriani illustrated between Darcy and Elizabeth. Although he was sometimes a little saccharine, I enjoyed seeing Darcy so violently in love.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
As an ardent admirer of Pride and Prejudice variations, I was most eager to read Susan Adriani's debut novel. I greatly enjoyed the unique premise of this variation; having Darcy share his past dealings with Wickham so early in the novel changed the course of several characters' lives. In addition, as a romantic, I was deeply gratified with the exquisite love and tender devotion Ms. Adriani illustrated between Darcy and Elizabeth. Although he was sometimes a little saccharine, I enjoyed seeing Darcy so violently in love.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
January 26, 2016
I know this is Pride and Prejudice fanfiction, but even so some standards are expected...
It starts somewhat okay, Mr Darcy is honest about what happened with Wickham, he and Elizabeth start getting to know one another, he proposes, Elizabeth, quite sensibly, asks for a courtship instead so they may be sure they're right for each other...
And then it's all downhill from there.
Inexplicably Wickham is an actual rapist and woman beater who attacks Elizabeth, sells Lydia to a brothel and despite this most of the book he is just allowed to go about his life...
Mr Darcy is constantly obsessing over bedding Elizabeth and takes many liberties which Elizabeth, for some reason, allows.
And they're not even subtle about this? They go about in public places fondling each other, not really denying they're sleeping together... And their sex life had to be the most uninspired and repetitive thing I've ever read, and it didn't help that it happened in every other page.
Unbelievable as this is, it was still preferable to the point in the story where they both started spouting that tripe about how much they love each other in terms that nearly made me throw up with the sugary hyper-purple prose of it all.
A waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2014
I have a weakness for Pride and prejudice re-imaginings/fanfic. I can't help myself. I see one, I buy one. This book was not so much a re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice as it was a series of sexcapades starring a guy named Fitz and a girl named Lizzie. Nothing in these characters felt true to the books. Darcy was bad, but Lizzie? Everything that made Elizabeth Bennet great was undone and she turned into a girl who cried over every little insult and tried to break an engagement because someone said something mean to her about it. Least forgivable, surprisingly, was the character assassination of Charlotte Lucas. It is one thing for Charlotte to want to marry for comfort and security, disregarding love etc. It's another thing entirely for her to marry a bitter, vicious man with no regard to propriety who actively seeks to destroy her best friend. And then invite said best friend to the wedding!
Everything about this book was terrible for me. And it was much, much too long.
Everything about this book was terrible for me. And it was much, much too long.
April 6, 2015
Otherwise known as "The Truth About Mr Darcy": I liked the storyline with Lydia in this one. This one will be a fave.
May 23, 2022
DNF. This was just a big NOPE for me. I’m linking to Leslie’s review because it’s hilarious & accurate.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read
September 20, 2022Dnf at 31%
The truth about Mr. Darcy is that HE WOULD NEVER
The truth about Mr. Darcy is that HE WOULD NEVER
February 6, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. I must confess normally in some books I find myself skipping through part of it and I didn't in this one. The author truly made Wickham a villainous creeper. I liked the direction she took with his character. I also liked the direction she took with Lydia. The main problem I had with this book was with Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy is the worldly one and as most woman of that period Elizabeth is the naive one. I felt the author had it reversed in their intimate scenes. Elizabeth grew up with sisters but when Darcy and her were alone the author made no mention of Elizabeth's surprise upon taking in Darcy's form, which to me would be quite natural. Further more I felt the author made Elizabeth appear to be experienced. She seemed aggressive and not bashful but when others such as Catherine Debourg confronted her she went away in tears. This to me was not true to who she was. I guess I felt we should have experienced Elizabeth's intimate growth with Darcy but it felt as though Elizabeth had a courtesan handbook and had everything in hand their first night together. Don't get me wrong I didn't expect Elizabeth full of blushes and hiding herself, although it would have been more believable than making her have no reaction to his body at least the first time. People accused her of seducing him and I'm sorry to say I felt she did. I know it seems as though I have a lot of problems with the book but truly those were minor it was still very enjoyable. Warning this book is also under a different name called Affinity and Affection.
June 13, 2023
Had some different methods of telling Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy told Elizabeth much earlier about Wickham and what he did to Darcy's Sister. Protected Elizabeth and was a warning to Lydia. Very graphic violence of Wickham hurting Elizabeth and Lydia. Lots of Sex scenes. It was a well written JAFF but more sex than story at times.
Read
April 8, 2018Review under the other title of the book
October 30, 2022
The Trush about Mr. Darcy--he's super duper horny. Geez man.
It's not awful and its not the best. More of a guilty pleasure, which at times had me laughing bc of the codependency of some parts and just some wild out of character action... BUT wickham also gets his due which is always a huge plus.
It's not awful and its not the best. More of a guilty pleasure, which at times had me laughing bc of the codependency of some parts and just some wild out of character action... BUT wickham also gets his due which is always a huge plus.
May 8, 2011
I’ve come to the realization that Pride and Prejudice “what if’s” are my favorite sub-genre to read in the world of Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF). They give us the opportunity to cut and mold the storyline of Austen’s work in a fresh new way, and to explore all the different avenues in the plot that are previously undiscovered. It’s fascinating that by changing one line of dialogue or one person’s action, you get an entirely different story that gives the reader an opportunity to discover something new about their favorite characters.
Susan Adriani does just this in The Truth About Mr. Darcy (originally self-published as Affinity and Affection). She poses the question, “what if upon first seeing the interaction between Elizabeth and Wickham, Darcy chooses right then and there to tell his history of his dealings with Wickham to Elizabeth?” Instead of allowing Wickham the opportunity to spread viscous rumors about his character to the residents of Meryton, Darcy opens his heart up to the woman whose “fine eyes” have captured his heart. Upon hearing of Darcy’s past with Wickham, Elizabeth realizes that her first impressions of people are totally off, as she thought Wickham was a true gentlemen and Darcy was a proud, pretentious man. She offers an olive branch to Darcy, and tries to begin a friendship that winds up being very pleasing to both parties. Wickham sees all of this, and realizes that Elizabeth means more to Darcy than she knows and tries to find some way to use this knowledge to his advantage. Will his plan work? Or will Darcy and Elizabeth realize how powerful and potent the feelings they have for each other truly are?
This book was awesome! Having read tons of JAFF I always love it when I read a book that stands out, that chooses to differentiate itself from the hoard of fan fiction that’s out there. Adriani has done this most specifically with her Lydia Bennet storyline. Since Elizabeth knew who Wickham really was, she and Darcy were able to save Lydia from the fretful life she was plagued with in Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. I give Adriani a lot of credit for perusing the Lydia storyline as most other JAFF authors choose to leave her as the same, immature, hard wretch that she’s originally described as. In The Truth About Mr. Darcy, we get to see what Lydia Bennet could have become had she had proper care, attention, and discipline. And I have to admit, with a little TLC, I found myself liking her greatly.
I must warn readers that there are many mature scenes in this book! They are, however, done in a tasteful, sensual way that advances the plot in a way that does not deter from the overall feel of the novel. The intimacy that we see between Elizabeth and Darcy progresses their relationship and forms a strong bond between them. As readers, we see what a truly remarkable man Darcy is, and how deep his love for Elizabeth is. My only disappointment in the novel was with Darcy’s sister Georgiana’s very rushed ending. I can only hope that the author expands her storyline in another novel.
Adriani is a fantastic storyteller and I look forward to reading her future endeavors as they are published. Truly remarkable, creative, and brilliantly written, The Trouble With Mr. Darcy is one “what if” variation you will surely not want to miss.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://austenprose.com/2011/05/08/the...
Susan Adriani does just this in The Truth About Mr. Darcy (originally self-published as Affinity and Affection). She poses the question, “what if upon first seeing the interaction between Elizabeth and Wickham, Darcy chooses right then and there to tell his history of his dealings with Wickham to Elizabeth?” Instead of allowing Wickham the opportunity to spread viscous rumors about his character to the residents of Meryton, Darcy opens his heart up to the woman whose “fine eyes” have captured his heart. Upon hearing of Darcy’s past with Wickham, Elizabeth realizes that her first impressions of people are totally off, as she thought Wickham was a true gentlemen and Darcy was a proud, pretentious man. She offers an olive branch to Darcy, and tries to begin a friendship that winds up being very pleasing to both parties. Wickham sees all of this, and realizes that Elizabeth means more to Darcy than she knows and tries to find some way to use this knowledge to his advantage. Will his plan work? Or will Darcy and Elizabeth realize how powerful and potent the feelings they have for each other truly are?
This book was awesome! Having read tons of JAFF I always love it when I read a book that stands out, that chooses to differentiate itself from the hoard of fan fiction that’s out there. Adriani has done this most specifically with her Lydia Bennet storyline. Since Elizabeth knew who Wickham really was, she and Darcy were able to save Lydia from the fretful life she was plagued with in Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. I give Adriani a lot of credit for perusing the Lydia storyline as most other JAFF authors choose to leave her as the same, immature, hard wretch that she’s originally described as. In The Truth About Mr. Darcy, we get to see what Lydia Bennet could have become had she had proper care, attention, and discipline. And I have to admit, with a little TLC, I found myself liking her greatly.
I must warn readers that there are many mature scenes in this book! They are, however, done in a tasteful, sensual way that advances the plot in a way that does not deter from the overall feel of the novel. The intimacy that we see between Elizabeth and Darcy progresses their relationship and forms a strong bond between them. As readers, we see what a truly remarkable man Darcy is, and how deep his love for Elizabeth is. My only disappointment in the novel was with Darcy’s sister Georgiana’s very rushed ending. I can only hope that the author expands her storyline in another novel.
Adriani is a fantastic storyteller and I look forward to reading her future endeavors as they are published. Truly remarkable, creative, and brilliantly written, The Trouble With Mr. Darcy is one “what if” variation you will surely not want to miss.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://austenprose.com/2011/05/08/the...
July 5, 2022
Not my cuppa tea
The story begins during Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield Park to nurse her sister Jane. Elizabeth doesn't like Darcy, but Darcy is struggling mightily against his attraction to Elizabeth, and against the almost constant erotic fantasies he entertains about her in his mind and in his dreams. It's his strong feelings for Elizabeth that cause him to attack Wickham one day in Meryton when Elizabeth and her sisters are present, and Darcy is forced to acknowledge to himself that he can't live without her. Therefore, he starts a campaign to improve Elizabeth's opinion of him, and to seriously court her.
I really like this author's writing talent. Unlike other books of hers that I've read, this one is extremely melodramatic, and the love story is fraught with super strong emotion. I like a nice, sexy love story as well as the next person, but when you're writing a P&P variation, and you're naming your lovers. Darcy and Elizabeth, I believe you need to retain the essence of those characters. In this version, Darcy and Elizabeth are practically unrecognizable. Darcy is nothing but a sex crazed horndog who has absolutely zero self control. His behavior is atrocious. He's worse than Wickham! His behavior even crosses the line into "icky" when he continues to touch and kiss Elizabeth even after she asks him to stop, and he sometimes even gets a little rough. Ugh!!
And then there's Elizabeth. As soon as she admits to herself that Darcy wants her, and that he's not such a bad guy, she turns into a passionate vixen who acts like she's been granting liberties to men all her life! The things she does after they're married could only be known by a brothel-bred hussy, not by a fresh faced innocent. It's laughable, but also icky. These are not our admirable Elizabeth and Darcy, and I kind of resent that the author uses Jane Austen's beloved characters in this way.
The romance is repetitive and sappy, and I began to skim over parts of the book just to get through more quickly, and that's never a good sign. I really got weary and annoyed at Darcy's continual bad behavior. I was hoping, because of other better efforts that I've read by this author, that the story might come around. There's an interesting storyline about Lydia, but otherwise it's just one hot and heavy interlude after another. In spite of the good writing and good editing, I can't really recommend this book.
The story begins during Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield Park to nurse her sister Jane. Elizabeth doesn't like Darcy, but Darcy is struggling mightily against his attraction to Elizabeth, and against the almost constant erotic fantasies he entertains about her in his mind and in his dreams. It's his strong feelings for Elizabeth that cause him to attack Wickham one day in Meryton when Elizabeth and her sisters are present, and Darcy is forced to acknowledge to himself that he can't live without her. Therefore, he starts a campaign to improve Elizabeth's opinion of him, and to seriously court her.
I really like this author's writing talent. Unlike other books of hers that I've read, this one is extremely melodramatic, and the love story is fraught with super strong emotion. I like a nice, sexy love story as well as the next person, but when you're writing a P&P variation, and you're naming your lovers. Darcy and Elizabeth, I believe you need to retain the essence of those characters. In this version, Darcy and Elizabeth are practically unrecognizable. Darcy is nothing but a sex crazed horndog who has absolutely zero self control. His behavior is atrocious. He's worse than Wickham! His behavior even crosses the line into "icky" when he continues to touch and kiss Elizabeth even after she asks him to stop, and he sometimes even gets a little rough. Ugh!!
And then there's Elizabeth. As soon as she admits to herself that Darcy wants her, and that he's not such a bad guy, she turns into a passionate vixen who acts like she's been granting liberties to men all her life! The things she does after they're married could only be known by a brothel-bred hussy, not by a fresh faced innocent. It's laughable, but also icky. These are not our admirable Elizabeth and Darcy, and I kind of resent that the author uses Jane Austen's beloved characters in this way.
The romance is repetitive and sappy, and I began to skim over parts of the book just to get through more quickly, and that's never a good sign. I really got weary and annoyed at Darcy's continual bad behavior. I was hoping, because of other better efforts that I've read by this author, that the story might come around. There's an interesting storyline about Lydia, but otherwise it's just one hot and heavy interlude after another. In spite of the good writing and good editing, I can't really recommend this book.
May 17, 2013
Leggendo Orgoglio e Pregiudizio mi sono spesso domandata cosa sarebbe successo se Darcy fosse stato un po' meno orgoglioso e se avesse messo subito in guardia Elizabeth dalla vera indole di Wickham.
Beh, la versione si Susan Adriani ha soddisfatto la mia curiosità e mi ha regalato ore di piacevole lettura.
La storia parte subito da quel particolare momento, quando Darcy e Bingley incontrano le sorelle Bennet insieme a Wickham.. e da qui la storia prende nuove ed avvincenti direzioni!
Ho notato fin da subito come, in questa versione, i caratteri dei personaggi principali di O&P siano molto enfatizzati, quasi come se la scrittrice avesse voluto depurare la storia da tutti quei modi e quelle maniere che rappresentavano solo la facciata dell'epoca per puntare dritto sulla realtà.
Wickham, ad esempio, si rivela subito per quello che è, un rozzo e volgare approfittatore, e Caroline Bingley molto più acida e maligna (i suoi commenti hanno scandalizzato anche me!!).
E Darcy? Sicuramente è meno orgoglioso, ma molto più insicuro, troppo oserei dire. Certi comportamenti, non proprio usuali per un gentleman, non si addicono alla sua figura e forse questa è l'unica pecca del romanzo.
Un aspetto che invece ho molto apprezzato è la passione che traspare dall'amore tra Darcy ed Elizabeth. è un aspetto nuovo che Jane Austen non avrebbe mai potuto inserire nei suoi romanzi a causa di ciò che era considerato appropriato all'epoca e anche, forse, all'idea di romanticismo, ma che secondo me rappresenta appieno la realtà del periodo.
Ho infine apprezzato la maturazione del personaggio di Lydia, nonché della altre sorelle Bennet, che troppo spesso cadono nel dimenticatoio..
Lo stile della scrittrice, infine, mi è molto piaciuto. Il linguaggio utilizzato è inerente all'epoca in cui è ambientato, i dialoghi non mi sono sembrati forzati o troppo formali, con quel giusto tocco di ironia che mi ha fatto più volte sorridere.
Il giudizio finale su questa variante di orgoglio è pregiudizio è molto positivo!
Buona lettura
Beh, la versione si Susan Adriani ha soddisfatto la mia curiosità e mi ha regalato ore di piacevole lettura.
La storia parte subito da quel particolare momento, quando Darcy e Bingley incontrano le sorelle Bennet insieme a Wickham.. e da qui la storia prende nuove ed avvincenti direzioni!
Ho notato fin da subito come, in questa versione, i caratteri dei personaggi principali di O&P siano molto enfatizzati, quasi come se la scrittrice avesse voluto depurare la storia da tutti quei modi e quelle maniere che rappresentavano solo la facciata dell'epoca per puntare dritto sulla realtà.
Wickham, ad esempio, si rivela subito per quello che è, un rozzo e volgare approfittatore, e Caroline Bingley molto più acida e maligna (i suoi commenti hanno scandalizzato anche me!!).
E Darcy? Sicuramente è meno orgoglioso, ma molto più insicuro, troppo oserei dire. Certi comportamenti, non proprio usuali per un gentleman, non si addicono alla sua figura e forse questa è l'unica pecca del romanzo.
Un aspetto che invece ho molto apprezzato è la passione che traspare dall'amore tra Darcy ed Elizabeth. è un aspetto nuovo che Jane Austen non avrebbe mai potuto inserire nei suoi romanzi a causa di ciò che era considerato appropriato all'epoca e anche, forse, all'idea di romanticismo, ma che secondo me rappresenta appieno la realtà del periodo.
Ho infine apprezzato la maturazione del personaggio di Lydia, nonché della altre sorelle Bennet, che troppo spesso cadono nel dimenticatoio..
Lo stile della scrittrice, infine, mi è molto piaciuto. Il linguaggio utilizzato è inerente all'epoca in cui è ambientato, i dialoghi non mi sono sembrati forzati o troppo formali, con quel giusto tocco di ironia che mi ha fatto più volte sorridere.
Il giudizio finale su questa variante di orgoglio è pregiudizio è molto positivo!
Buona lettura
April 8, 2015
My husband looks at the book I'm reading and says "Haven't you read that before?"
I flip the cover back. "Probably."
And honestly, even if I haven't picked up this version, it's more than possible I read the first few chapters of Affinity and Affection on the DWG or Pemberley.com over a decade ago and then moved on to more compelling reads.
Pride and Prejudice is all about misunderstandings and personality shifts. Self discovery and discovery of others. This cleared up all the misunderstandings in the first fifty pages, and the remaining 400 involved constant--incessant--expressions of love. I do love the "what if" stories that involve significant changes in the timeline of the story, but SA made the story evolve as though being in love solved all of the other problems.
What I DID absolutely love about this representation is SA's representation of Bingley. Instead of the lovable golden retriever that many people throw him in to be, here we have a thoughtful, eloquent man who, while still lovable and doesn't miss the occasional blunder, isn't just added to be the foil for Jane.
On to other things.
I flip the cover back. "Probably."
And honestly, even if I haven't picked up this version, it's more than possible I read the first few chapters of Affinity and Affection on the DWG or Pemberley.com over a decade ago and then moved on to more compelling reads.
Pride and Prejudice is all about misunderstandings and personality shifts. Self discovery and discovery of others. This cleared up all the misunderstandings in the first fifty pages, and the remaining 400 involved constant--incessant--expressions of love. I do love the "what if" stories that involve significant changes in the timeline of the story, but SA made the story evolve as though being in love solved all of the other problems.
What I DID absolutely love about this representation is SA's representation of Bingley. Instead of the lovable golden retriever that many people throw him in to be, here we have a thoughtful, eloquent man who, while still lovable and doesn't miss the occasional blunder, isn't just added to be the foil for Jane.
On to other things.
November 16, 2012
I don’t like to think of Darcy as enduring life rather than living it prior to Elizabeth. I don’t think Elizabeth consumed his life but enhanced it. I think Darcy and Caroline Bingley were friends. He might even have thought her pretty. They talked, spent quite a lot of time together and even schemed against Bingley together. I don’t think Darcy was shy, but rather above the small talk of the local gentry. When Colonel Fitzwilliam said Darcy didn’t take the time to learn to be easy in company, I believe him. And I also don’t think that was mean-spirited of Darcy - just his personality. Not everyone wants to be the life of the party, but that also doesn’t necessarily make them shy. I also imagine Darcy was quite comfortable with people of his station and conversed quite agreeably .
These are the types of things this book was introducing and I just didn’t agree with it. I may pick this book up at another time to finish it, but I’m putting it down now. I’ve reached page 64 and can’t continue. . . . . . .
These are the types of things this book was introducing and I just didn’t agree with it. I may pick this book up at another time to finish it, but I’m putting it down now. I’ve reached page 64 and can’t continue. . . . . . .
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