After: A Pride & Prejudice Continuation

by E. Bradshaw

In this variation, E. Bradshaw explores what happens when Darcy discovers that his cousin and closest confidant Richard is also in love with his wife Elizabeth.

‘Darcy clenched his jaw and spoke this time through gritted teeth.
“How long?” he asked with laboured patience.
“How long, what?”
“How long have you been in love with Elizabeth?”
Whatever Richard had been expecting, or even fearing that Darcy might say, he had not for one moment expected that. He had not expected such a bald-faced, abrupt, horrendous question as that.’

The story starts on the evening of Georgiana’s wedding and is told firstly from Richard’s point of view as he tries to deal with the awful feelings of unrequited love. But then as tragedy strikes their lives, it follows both Richard and Elizabeth as they each struggle to adjust and go on with their lives.

‘After’ is a tale of friendship and passion; it explores tragic loss and finding new love, and E. Bradshaw hopes that readers will not be too offended by the twists and turns in this variation!
‘After’ is a long read at over 200,000 words and contains sex scenes.

Genres: Romance

694 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2022

Reviews

[Lady Jl · Rating 3 out of 5]

way too sad for me

I should have read the reviews prior to getting the book. That being said this was way too sad for me. I couldn’t get past the first chapters without thinking what is going on, then it was just about reading the rest.
If you want a Elizabeth and Colonel story this book is for you.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

A secret attraction, or at least was hoped to be secret comes to light as Elizabeth Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam must come to terms with their loss. They have to find strength and trust in what they have to find happiness.

The story is long and slow, but emotionally quite romantic.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t really care…

… for this Richard or this Lizzy, frankly. Also: So.Much.Bickering. So much. And still more. I really didn’t like that. Odd spellings and proofreading errors throughout - silly things that should have been caught by Beta readers.
But mostly I found Lizzy and Richard petulant and immature and quite frankly I did not enjoy being in their company. Have I mentioned petulance and bickering before? Because the other thing was the repetitiveness of the dialogue. Also they argue about stupid shit. Also they both show a shocking lack of perception. Neither was a person I would find attractive or be friends with. It just wasn’t my thing.
Just no.

[Debby Sangiovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

I can't even describe how exceptional this book is. The author has done a superb job tackling a sequel to P&P that is an incredibly unique approach. E. Bradshaw has hit every button that readers who love a great JAFF P&P look for. It is witty, clever and at times, heartbreaking. For anyone who cannot stray too far into an alternative to canon, this one is definitely not for you. However, if you can stretch the boundaries and imagine an alternate life for a few main characters of the original, you definitely will not be disappointed.

[Aly Schne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know how to feel about this book after finishing it. I am rounding up to 5 stars although I'm tempted to make it 4 simply based on the length alone.... Because it did feel WAY too long by the end.

I had a feeling when I read the description of this book that it would end up with Richard marrying Elizabeth... I knew what I was getting in for when it came to Darcy's fate. So I read the book with an open mind. For the most part I liked it and what the author was doing with the story. I've read stories with drama between Elizabeth, Darcy and Richard before and I usually love a good story that gives Colonel Fitzwilliam a more prominent role.

However, two things didn't sit well with me: First, the guilt felt by both Elizabeth and Richard where one (E) owns up and apologizes which is ridiculous because her actions were never done to harm him while the other (R) never fully admits his guilty thinking and actions which did in fact hurt her at truly wretched time. Second, Darcy's son is barely seen through most of this book given how little he is and so I only really could care about him in that he's Elizabeth's living connection to Darcy and yet the author ended the book from the boy's perspective at the age of 10. I almost wish she hadn't because to me it felt like it was more about his connection to Richard which would have been fine if it didn't come across as if the two people who supposedly loved Darcy the most didn't make it a priority to keep him alive for his own son. But maybe that's just me and how I came away from it.

Overall I really did like the book and I've enjoyed other books by this author, but those two things left such a sour taste in my mouth, I felt compelled to say something.

[Anne]

Spoilers>>>>


Darcy dies!

[Joanne Daniels · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not readable!

I got this on my kindle unlimited and am SO glad I didn't pay for it!! I thought this was about Darcy and Elizabeth! When Darcy was killed I then thought it was a dream, but it turned out to be about Richard and Elizabeth and that is NOT what Pride and Prejudice is about. I couldn't go any further.
You don't take a timeless romance and do this to the couple that made it that way to begin with.

[ShaniBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

***SPOILERS******SPOILERS******SPOILERS***

I was warned that I would need tissues and yes I most certainly did.
This is one of the saddest, yet best variations I have ever read!
I have read variations where Richard had to die so Darcy and Elizabeth could have their happily ever after. However, this is the first story with this plotline that I have read. Even though it was hard to see Darcy die and for Elizabeth to go through that loss and grief, I was also just as glad to see Richard get his chance.
Just like our original ODC, Richard and Elizabeth went through their misunderstandings. Richard had his (self imposed) guilt, Elizabeth had her confusion and her own feelings of guilt as to her fear she was being unfaithful to Darcy's memory and the love they shared.

I applaud E Bradshaw for taking on this storyline and doing it a spectacular way!
Editing was excellent.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried so hard in the beginning and just continued on. Elizabeth after so many things went on. I was disappointed the Richard did not sell his commission and went to war twice. I did not expect Darcy to end quite that way. Also were also many lines of just filler. Elizabeth's family was mentioned but there was no substance to them. I loved the build up of relationships with Elizabeth and Richard but the the others were very flimsy. We knew Jane married Charles, Lydia and George. Mrs. Bennet was a footnote. Mr. Bennet hardly more than a footnote. Lord and Lady Matlock were well done and entertaining. Lady Catherine had some interesting insights into her character. This was different than I thought it would be with Darcy dying and Elizabeth carrying on raising her son. Richard always being in love with her was something that when first brought up I thought how does it change the story when Darcy knows how he feels. Well Darcy died.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After

I have to admit I struggled getting past the devastation of the book’s beginning. Missed that horrible tidbit when I bought the book I guess. But throughout the angst and tragedy, the story did end HEA for the second dear couple, but they went through their struggles much greater than Darcy and Elizabeth. Thankfully, the rouge in him evaporated when he realized that he could have his secrets heart’s desire if he applied himself to the task of winning Elizabeth’s trust and love. I’m glad that Elizabeth had Tom to remind her of her love for her dear first husband, but many children of her loving second. Aunt Catherine was actually very funny in this storyline feeling that her words were taken too seriously in the end. Somehow, she was still seriously displeased to be taken so seriously by her nephew and his wife.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not for Darcy and Elizabeth purists.

I would have rated this 5 stars but I thought it just a touch too long.

That said, it was very well written.

I have always loved Col. Fitzwilliam and I especially like to see him happy. I typically don’t prefer to read pairings of the Col. and Lizzy as it usually means the Col. has to die to make room for Darcy.

This was the reverse…. And wow, I feel like I have been through an emotional gauntlet right there with Lizzy and Richard.

This was very good. Bittersweet for my Darcy loving soul, but well-done. Would I reread it? Probably not,…but possibly if I knew I needed a good cry (this had me sobbing when Darcy passes).

I highly recommend.

[Lostintime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the authors needs praise for her courageous plot choice. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

I liked very much how this book was different having removed a very important character from the equation.

It is an angsty love story that had a Bridgertons vibe (When he was wicked) with forbidden passion, grief, guilt , jealousy.

After the main couple gets together it dragged a bit, I think certain parts could be cut and the second part of the story would be more compelling.

I will follow the author and hope she will continue with inventive and unconventional plots… I have ever dreamed of a story with Lizzy leaving Darcy and hiding a child from him 😁

[Tara Book Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this a continuation of pride and prejudice, Elizabeth's character in this novel was so *out* of character for Elizabeth. The constant blushing, being unsure of herself, questioning herself.... She was described as headstrong because she went out walking too far ... Although it's still an enjoyable read despite the pages and pages of their stream of consciousness which was long winded.

[Wendy DeWachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you dream of Colonel Fitzwilliam

Everyone starts out dreaming of Darcy, but many of us have moved on to the more rugged cousin for our dreams. This is an excellent book to fuel those fantasies. Until this variation my favorites were Determination and Colonel & Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam.
So, anyone who loves Richard I recommend you add this volume to your library!
I wish you good dreams

[Linda Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Sort of Happily Ever After

In this continuation of Pride & Prejudice, the author infuses Richard Fitzwilliam with so much genuine and long-lasting love for Elizabeth that the reader is reconciled, much like Lizzy herself, to the eventual inevitability of moving on after Darcy's accidental death and embracing love and life once again. Sensitively and beautifully done!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

tear-jerking story that’s worth the read

Story begins after Darcy and Elizabeth are married and happily living at Pemberly. Tragedy strikes and Elizabeth must continue to make her way in the world without Darcy. The author weaves a complex story that adds enough spice and emotional depth to keep the reader turning the pages.

[lily johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I am somewhat disappointed with the tale only because I have always loved Darcy and Elizabeth. To think that they have such trouble is less than ideal. But it is a great book. I may read it again some day

[Janice M. Payton · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I was surprised is an understatement!

This was a very hard book for me to read. It's an excellent book, but sooooo very different. I stopped and started it a few times before I finished. You'll understand when you read it, and do read it!

[Rev'd Susan Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea to use this lens to continue the original story.

Interesting approach to continue the story of Elizabeth. Over much sexual detail in parts. Good emphasis on the ways women had to face their restrictive lives.

[Jane Owings Schaefermeyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out OK but became a real slog. I kept skipping entire chapters. The author could have cut the book in half and it would have improved it.

[Debs Bradders · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really upset me in chapter 6, I nearly gave up! Then I forgave you in later chapters. Not the usual expectations but soon came up to par! Thoroughly enjoyed the book in the end!

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious and way too long. Also graphic sex scenes.

[Svetlana Krajinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not for me - the characters didn’t ring true for me and if they’re unrecognisable one feels that they’re reading a book with borrowed names.

[Angela Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique story line!

I love this book! I thought that it was a wonderful storyline. It completely fulfilled that little part of me that always wished she could be with the Colonel.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent JAFF

The story arc was interesting and compelling, with well developed characters. I highly recommend this book. I do wish the author were familiar with the waltz that was danced in the Regency era.