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Love's Little Helpers #3
A Cleverly (Un)contrived Compromise
Of all the women he could be stuck with, it had to be the one who poses the greatest threat to his plans.
Fitzwilliam Darcy prides himself on his caution. Not willing to leave his beloved sister’s future to chance, he has a plan to see her happily settled. Nothing and no one will stand in his way.
Elizabeth Bennet will do anything to see her dearest sister happy, even defying the surly gentleman from Derbyshire. Using her rapier sharp wit and rapid fire humor, no one, not even Mr. Darcy, will keep her from reaching her goal.
When clever forces contrive to compromise the pair, Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to turn their rivalry into a convincing romance. Can true love win this epic battle of wills?
Someone’s got to give, and Darcy is determined to win. Then again, so is Elizabeth…
A Cleverly (Un)contrived Compromise is a feel-good, low-angst, sweet Regency romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
195 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
45 books209 followersWhen Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 18, 2024
Not my favorite Darcy, but the chemistry between him and Elizabeth as they battle wits and Jangley-will they, won't they- is so much fun to read (especially when Elizabeth bests him again and again). However, the kittens really stole the show. Especially when the big strong men melt and behave like little boys in each kitten scene.
The humorous (and quite accurate) analogies between humans and dogs and cats are ingenious and are peppered throughout to add LOL moments and relieve what could have been far more intense scenes.
A FMS which Darcy is practically overjoyed with and Elizabeth learns to accept with love. This story has the author's trademark witty banter, bromance ensemble scenes, but there is also a deeper undertone. All is not as it would seem.
But that is just the beginning, with so many characters involved, each with their own agenda and more than a few secrets (and hints of future outcomes).
Darcy's Aha! moment was simply inspired and it can't get clearer than being shown such a reflection of himself.
I will probably reread the story to appreciate even more all the dynamics of this story.
My personal favorite scene was Lydia telling Darcy off in protection of Jane, but really she is frustrated in her own misery.
I received an advance copy for my honest opinion.
The humorous (and quite accurate) analogies between humans and dogs and cats are ingenious and are peppered throughout to add LOL moments and relieve what could have been far more intense scenes.
A FMS which Darcy is practically overjoyed with and Elizabeth learns to accept with love. This story has the author's trademark witty banter, bromance ensemble scenes, but there is also a deeper undertone. All is not as it would seem.
But that is just the beginning, with so many characters involved, each with their own agenda and more than a few secrets (and hints of future outcomes).
Darcy's Aha! moment was simply inspired and it can't get clearer than being shown such a reflection of himself.
I will probably reread the story to appreciate even more all the dynamics of this story.
My personal favorite scene was Lydia telling Darcy off in protection of Jane, but really she is frustrated in her own misery.
I received an advance copy for my honest opinion.
September 30, 2022
There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. ~ Albert Schweitzer
Full Disclosure: I loved all these (Un) stories from Jennifer Joy! A whole lotta light-hearted fun and always a companion animal (or six) to add to the Joy!
This time, the companion is a cat, Serafina, a particular friend of Miss Georgiana Darcy. But, as Ernest Hemingway said, “one cat just leads to another” and Serafina is awaiting a blessed event, courtesy of the tom cat who eliminates vermin from Pemberley’s kitchen.
Cats seem to go on the principle that it never hurts to ask for what you want. ~ Joseph Wood Krutch
Georgiana’s story has a complication: Caroline Bingley is not the only one hoping for a match between her brother and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister. No, Georgiana is also convinced she is in love with Charles Bingley — but we must remember, of course, that she thought she was in love with George Wickham only months before.
Darcy hopes for his sister’s happiness and assumes it can be found in the person of his friend.
What will he do when it becomes obvious to everyone that Bingley is seriously interested in Jane Bennet?
Then, as promised, someone is caught in a compromise!
Dogs come when they are called. Cats take a message and get back to you later. ~ Mary Bly
Kittens take the stage. Poor Caroline! Georgiana knows she cannot keep all the kittens. Who will name them? Who will keep one? Can a kitten be removed from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s shoulder?
I loved this jolly look at misdirected love and kittens, kittens, kittens!
The problem with cats is that they get the exact same look whether they see a moth or an axe murderer. ~ Paula Poundstone
The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Full Disclosure: I loved all these (Un) stories from Jennifer Joy! A whole lotta light-hearted fun and always a companion animal (or six) to add to the Joy!
This time, the companion is a cat, Serafina, a particular friend of Miss Georgiana Darcy. But, as Ernest Hemingway said, “one cat just leads to another” and Serafina is awaiting a blessed event, courtesy of the tom cat who eliminates vermin from Pemberley’s kitchen.
Cats seem to go on the principle that it never hurts to ask for what you want. ~ Joseph Wood Krutch
Georgiana’s story has a complication: Caroline Bingley is not the only one hoping for a match between her brother and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister. No, Georgiana is also convinced she is in love with Charles Bingley — but we must remember, of course, that she thought she was in love with George Wickham only months before.
Darcy hopes for his sister’s happiness and assumes it can be found in the person of his friend.
What will he do when it becomes obvious to everyone that Bingley is seriously interested in Jane Bennet?
Then, as promised, someone is caught in a compromise!
Dogs come when they are called. Cats take a message and get back to you later. ~ Mary Bly
Kittens take the stage. Poor Caroline! Georgiana knows she cannot keep all the kittens. Who will name them? Who will keep one? Can a kitten be removed from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s shoulder?
I loved this jolly look at misdirected love and kittens, kittens, kittens!
The problem with cats is that they get the exact same look whether they see a moth or an axe murderer. ~ Paula Poundstone
The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2023
Loving this “Love’s Little Helpers” series
Following Georgiana’s disappointment with Wickham, Darcy wants to match Bingley with Georgiana because he feels she is safe with him. Colonel Fitzwilliam doesn’t agree. Nevertheless, to forward his own plans, Darcy encourages Bingley to lease Netherfield and begin to accept more responsibility in his life. Darcy is his often controlling self. Georgiana is crushing on Bingley, who has no idea of it.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is attempting to rein in the conduct of her younger sisters, as she fears they will jeopardize Jane’s chances with Bingley. Lizzy tries to convince Mr. Bennet to not allow Lydia and Kitty to attend the Netherfield ball. When he refuses her, Lydia swears revenge. At the ball, various contrived minor plots put in play work against one another and will culminate in a compromise, completely “uncontrived” by its two innocent victims.
In this third book to the “Love’s Little Helpers” series, Ms. Joy has written a delightfully-lighthearted story of bound-to-go-wrong plots, mischievous and clever little kittens, a bit of farce and good humour, a teeny tiny touch of angst, and of course, love and a happy ending for all. Definitely recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2023 - Audiobook
Great performance by Stevie Zimmerman, as always.
Following Georgiana’s disappointment with Wickham, Darcy wants to match Bingley with Georgiana because he feels she is safe with him. Colonel Fitzwilliam doesn’t agree. Nevertheless, to forward his own plans, Darcy encourages Bingley to lease Netherfield and begin to accept more responsibility in his life. Darcy is his often controlling self. Georgiana is crushing on Bingley, who has no idea of it.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is attempting to rein in the conduct of her younger sisters, as she fears they will jeopardize Jane’s chances with Bingley. Lizzy tries to convince Mr. Bennet to not allow Lydia and Kitty to attend the Netherfield ball. When he refuses her, Lydia swears revenge. At the ball, various contrived minor plots put in play work against one another and will culminate in a compromise, completely “uncontrived” by its two innocent victims.
In this third book to the “Love’s Little Helpers” series, Ms. Joy has written a delightfully-lighthearted story of bound-to-go-wrong plots, mischievous and clever little kittens, a bit of farce and good humour, a teeny tiny touch of angst, and of course, love and a happy ending for all. Definitely recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2023 - Audiobook
Great performance by Stevie Zimmerman, as always.
October 2, 2022
5+ stars
September 22, 2022
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
At fifteen, heiress Georgiana Darcy was romanced by a fortune hunting scoundrel. Believing it was true love, she consented to an elopement. Her devoted brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy saved her from ruin, but she was left heartbroken.
Darcy invited his close friends, the Bingley family to join them for the summer, to provide distraction.
Georgiana developed an infatuation for Charles Bingley. Darcy viewed the match favourably as he knows his closest friend is a decent, if immature young man.
As master of the great estate of Pemberley, Darcy is used to taking charge. He decides to mold Charles into a responsible landowner and husband for Georgiana.
Thus, Netherfield Park is leased and Charles starts to learn estate management. He also meets the local families and becomes enamoured of the beautiful, Jane Bennet.
Elizabeth Bennet is determined to forward the match by managing her unruly, embarrassing family. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam Darcy is equally determined to thwart the match, to preserve Bingley for Georgiana.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are equally matched in intellect and determination, although Elizabeth has more charm and social skill.
Things come to a head at the Netherfield ball.
Elizabeth’s attempts to place Jane in Bingley’s presence vex Darcy and others. Her actions to quell her younger sisters’ outrageous behaviour have unexpected consequences.
Bingley is vexed with Darcy for obstructing his chances to enjoy Jane’s company.
Thus, both Elizabeth and Darcy are given misleading intelligence, to draw them away from the ballroom.
By unfortunate coincidence, they end up in the same room, which is subsequently locked by an innocent servant.
The potential consequences of such a compromise, impress both parties with the need for urgent escape.
The aftermath starts the slightly bumpy road to true love and a happy ever after!
Along the way we meet four glorious kittens.
One perfect lady and three very naughty boys.
The story is delightful, the characters well drawn (both human and feline) and the mixture of romance and mayhem very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
dumb and dummer
Standard trapped Darcy story, differing in both Darcy and Bingley act 🎭 like fools and other people aren’t shy telling them so. Given Darcy is like a CEO, head of the major business of Darcy Inc. and Bingley being the son of a smart business man, they come across like Laurel and Hardy instead of worthy young gentlemen.
Well written except the angst seemed forced and not very interesting. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Standard trapped Darcy story, differing in both Darcy and Bingley act 🎭 like fools and other people aren’t shy telling them so. Given Darcy is like a CEO, head of the major business of Darcy Inc. and Bingley being the son of a smart business man, they come across like Laurel and Hardy instead of worthy young gentlemen.
Well written except the angst seemed forced and not very interesting. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
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September 16, 2022The pre-order just went live! I can't wait for you to meet the kittens!
You can grab your copy here and wake up to a new book on September 30!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3QOQrBs
Everywhere Else: https://mybook.to/Cleverly
September 26, 2022
Which is easier, herding cats or herding Lydia Bennet away from trouble? This is a magnificent laugh out loud tale with serious undertones and a romance for the ages. Thank you, Jennifer!!!
September 24, 2022
This book reads as a wonderful romantic comedy. This one has comic relief in the form of precocious kittens as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are each working to ensure their sister's happiness. They are like to soldiers in battle but suddenly find themselves in a compromising situation. They continue on their individual missions while also learning the realities of life and each other.
I always enjoy Jennifer Joy's writing style and this book is no exception. I laughed out loud frequently (I said the cats were comical). Her characters are always complex and full of emotion. I will be reading this one again in the future.
The author gave me an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
I always enjoy Jennifer Joy's writing style and this book is no exception. I laughed out loud frequently (I said the cats were comical). Her characters are always complex and full of emotion. I will be reading this one again in the future.
The author gave me an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
January 17, 2023
How do sisters, hairpins and kittens wreak havoc in this latest offering from the talented Jennifer Joy?
"I see you are determined. But, Darcy, love blooms where it will, and it will thumb its nose at you for interfering where you are not wanted." (quote from the book)
This is a story of Mr. Darcy in a 'large and in charge' mode. This is a story of Elizabeth Bennet in 'where there's a will, there's a way' mode. When both become unwittingly locked together in the study, let's just say words and sparks fly. How can two such strong wills come together in harmony?
"But there was lightning in her eyes, and it cracked like a whip through Darcy, leaving him bewildered"
This was a delightfully lighthearted variation with just a little angst. The banter was witty and the antics of the kittens fun, especially when they got the best of Miss Bingley. I enjoyed the presence of the Colonel and his uphill battle in trying to get Mr. Darcy to realize he cannot control everyone and everything within his purview. And I was glad I was right in my suppositions in the end!
I highly recommend this cleverly (un)contrived compromise to all austenesque lovers.
October 8, 2022
Wonderful variation that covers all our beloved characters
Love and marriage throughout all our favorite major and minor characters. Excellent use of canon arcs in parallel lines. The flow is consistent and there is enough conflict and angst to keep you engaged. The cats are icing on the cake.
Love and marriage throughout all our favorite major and minor characters. Excellent use of canon arcs in parallel lines. The flow is consistent and there is enough conflict and angst to keep you engaged. The cats are icing on the cake.
March 3, 2023
3,5*, I enjoyed the playfulness and characters of the kittens.
September 25, 2022
Of all the people to be trapped with, he got lucky she was the best for him.
An enchanting and really funny love story, that includes several kittens!! Furry, cute and lovable!
And of course, our beloved couple find the way to know and understand each other making use even of Caroline to help with their cause.
An story that has to be read!
An enchanting and really funny love story, that includes several kittens!! Furry, cute and lovable!
And of course, our beloved couple find the way to know and understand each other making use even of Caroline to help with their cause.
An story that has to be read!
October 1, 2022
Excellent what a historical book
All I can say this was a page turning feline wanting epic story . I
Laughed so hard my sides hurt. Its a wonderful well written story which literally DARCY A ELIZABETH become combatants its a great story ...this will not disapoint
All I can say this was a page turning feline wanting epic story . I
Laughed so hard my sides hurt. Its a wonderful well written story which literally DARCY A ELIZABETH become combatants its a great story ...this will not disapoint
January 1, 2026
Re-Read :-)
My 5 Stars Rating stands unchanged.
Such a good story! I loved how the compromise situation turned into letting the town(Meryton) believe it's a love match and real courting so to speak.
The real stars though were the kittens, even Colonel Fitzwilliam came very close. He cracked me up everytime he opened his mouth. Thank God. Who doesn't need a good laugh?
I also found my favorite quote about Bingley! I laughed so hard at work.
"If Mr Bingley had a tail, he would be wagging it."
(So fitting for him.)
What can I say about the narration? Brilliantly done by Stevie Zimmerman as always.
- Clean Content (kisses only)
- Low angst
- About 7 hrs 30 minutes
You want a cute story with kittens, humor, sweet ODC moments? Then I recommend this book to you!
Have fun!!
My 5 Stars Rating stands unchanged.
Such a good story! I loved how the compromise situation turned into letting the town(Meryton) believe it's a love match and real courting so to speak.
The real stars though were the kittens, even Colonel Fitzwilliam came very close. He cracked me up everytime he opened his mouth. Thank God. Who doesn't need a good laugh?
I also found my favorite quote about Bingley! I laughed so hard at work.
"If Mr Bingley had a tail, he would be wagging it."
(So fitting for him.)
What can I say about the narration? Brilliantly done by Stevie Zimmerman as always.
- Clean Content (kisses only)
- Low angst
- About 7 hrs 30 minutes
You want a cute story with kittens, humor, sweet ODC moments? Then I recommend this book to you!
Have fun!!
December 3, 2022
This was a satisfying story, and the narration by Stevie Zimmerman was chef’s kiss perfect. I always like Jennifer Joy’s books, but I wasn’t feeling much romance in this particular story. Still very decent.
October 27, 2022
There's nothing serious wrong with this story, it just for some reason wasn't entirely my cup of tea. It's low-angst, but has some humor, and kittens. I love kittens, and cats, but they're not the reason I read JAFF. The kittens sort of steal the show from the romance here, though I loved some of the scenes where they foiled Miss Bingley. It's an enjoyable, lighthearted, and again, low-angst, P&P variation. If you must read every P&P variation that comes along, you will likely enjoy this one.
September 21, 2022
Loved this story, I loved Seeafina, Rudy and Sir Arthur. Loved how the villains were handled and the lovers had a great happily ever after. I was glad that Lydia did not do anything stupid. Loved how Sir Arthur was a good matchmaker and obviously liked to see his two favorite people kiss. Great book!!!
November 10, 2022
4.5 stars
Listened the audiobook. Thank you for sharing it on your YouTube channel.
Listened the audiobook. Thank you for sharing it on your YouTube channel.
October 7, 2022
This was well written and the dialogue is the star! But to be completely honest, I hated the story. 🤣
October 6, 2022
Wonderful
Although this is a much used premise, it's handled very well, and I love Jennifer Joy's subtle and somewhat snarky sense of humor throughout the book. Elizabeth has a single-minded determination to smooth the way for a romance between Jane and Bingley, while Darcy has decided that Bingley would be a good match for Georgiana, since he's cheerful and would help her get over Wickham. Elizabeth has no very good opinion of Darcy, while Darcy struggles against his attraction to Elizabeth because of her family. At the Netherfield ball, through some very shady maneuvering, Darcy and Elizabeth get locked into the study together, resulting in a compromise, and a proposal of marriage from Darcy to Elizabeth.
The funny part is that Darcy and Elizabeth are working at cross purposes regarding Jane and Bingley, and they continuously dance around each other in a delightful way, each one trying not to completely alienate the other, and while trying to become more friendly with each other. This book has to be approached with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Some characters, like Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Caroline Bingley, are portrayed in a slightly goofy way, but not over-the-top. The addition of cute kittens to the mix makes for an adorable story.
I did cringe just a little at the way that Elizabeth's behavior approaches that of Mrs Bennett at her matchmaking worst, and Darcy deciding on Georgiana's future marriage partner when she's only fifteen years old was kind of icky. But those issues are dealt with satisfactorily at the end of the story. The romance is lovely, and it's a fun, if bumpy ride. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Although this is a much used premise, it's handled very well, and I love Jennifer Joy's subtle and somewhat snarky sense of humor throughout the book. Elizabeth has a single-minded determination to smooth the way for a romance between Jane and Bingley, while Darcy has decided that Bingley would be a good match for Georgiana, since he's cheerful and would help her get over Wickham. Elizabeth has no very good opinion of Darcy, while Darcy struggles against his attraction to Elizabeth because of her family. At the Netherfield ball, through some very shady maneuvering, Darcy and Elizabeth get locked into the study together, resulting in a compromise, and a proposal of marriage from Darcy to Elizabeth.
The funny part is that Darcy and Elizabeth are working at cross purposes regarding Jane and Bingley, and they continuously dance around each other in a delightful way, each one trying not to completely alienate the other, and while trying to become more friendly with each other. This book has to be approached with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Some characters, like Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Caroline Bingley, are portrayed in a slightly goofy way, but not over-the-top. The addition of cute kittens to the mix makes for an adorable story.
I did cringe just a little at the way that Elizabeth's behavior approaches that of Mrs Bennett at her matchmaking worst, and Darcy deciding on Georgiana's future marriage partner when she's only fifteen years old was kind of icky. But those issues are dealt with satisfactorily at the end of the story. The romance is lovely, and it's a fun, if bumpy ride. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
October 15, 2022
Jennifer Joy is an amazing author
Once again she did an amazing job up with the story. I really like how Darcy and Elizabeth were not at loggerheads for almost a whole book. Yes there was some conflict but it seemed more realistic or less anxiety than other variations. It was a fun story; I would highly recommend.
Once again she did an amazing job up with the story. I really like how Darcy and Elizabeth were not at loggerheads for almost a whole book. Yes there was some conflict but it seemed more realistic or less anxiety than other variations. It was a fun story; I would highly recommend.
October 15, 2022
This book is yet another awesome read from Jennifer Joy! What makes it so great? Well, obviously, her writing skills! She uses humor, plenty of witty banter, great characterizations, and kittens to deliver us a fun, engaging, and charming story. I loved that there were a few key changes in the dynamics of the couples, too! Absolutely loved this book!
October 8, 2022
Cute story
Georgiana crushes on Bingley in the post-Ramsgate season, and Darcy is conflicted when he sees Bingley thinking about Jane Bennet. A series of manipulations at the ball seals Elizabeth's fate. This was a sweet tale with funny kittens.
Georgiana crushes on Bingley in the post-Ramsgate season, and Darcy is conflicted when he sees Bingley thinking about Jane Bennet. A series of manipulations at the ball seals Elizabeth's fate. This was a sweet tale with funny kittens.
October 13, 2022
Quite enjoyed reading this
Darcy and Elizabeth get locked in Charles' study during the Netherfield ball and end up betrothed. At the same time Georgiana comes to visit and she is attracted to Bingley and Darcy plans their eventual wedding! Of course Elizabeth doesn't agree and Jane begins to pull back from Bingley. The addition of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana (with her cat and its 5 or so kittens) its a lively place for all. Caroline is her witch self, Hurst remains drunk, Mrs Bennet gossips but isn't too obnoxious. Mr Collins goes back to Hunsford earlier than expected. I find the addition of Richard Fitzwilliam always changes the tone of the story.. He's honest and continues to keep Darcy on his toes. He sees the interactions between everyone with an unbiased eye...he tells it as it is!
Very enjoyable story and not as frustrating or full of tension as some variations are.
Darcy and Elizabeth get locked in Charles' study during the Netherfield ball and end up betrothed. At the same time Georgiana comes to visit and she is attracted to Bingley and Darcy plans their eventual wedding! Of course Elizabeth doesn't agree and Jane begins to pull back from Bingley. The addition of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana (with her cat and its 5 or so kittens) its a lively place for all. Caroline is her witch self, Hurst remains drunk, Mrs Bennet gossips but isn't too obnoxious. Mr Collins goes back to Hunsford earlier than expected. I find the addition of Richard Fitzwilliam always changes the tone of the story.. He's honest and continues to keep Darcy on his toes. He sees the interactions between everyone with an unbiased eye...he tells it as it is!
Very enjoyable story and not as frustrating or full of tension as some variations are.
May 21, 2024
Another fun P&P retelling from Ms. Joy. This is the next installment of Love's Little Helpers or "When love needs a helping hand — or paw" stories. No idea how many there will be but the kittens in this one were cute. Somehow it was so fitting that Caroline was allergic. And I loved the comparisons between puppies, kittens, Darcy and Bingley. Can you guess which Darcy and Bingley resemble most? I'd never thought of it before but really the comparison is spot on. I'm not sure that I can ever look at Bingley in the same way again. Once again, while D&E get their HEA, the rest of the romances might be surprising. This was fun to read, low angst, clean, and great for a revisit of Darcy and Elizabeth. Very enjoyable.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 24, 2023
Any novel where kittens play an active role as actual characters is bound to be a favourite of mine. In addition, I tend to find books by Jennifer Joy to be pleasant, well-written, and well-edited, and this one is no different.
I write technical reviews and look for items that would cause a reader to drop a star even though most reviewers wouldn't mention such an issue. There will be no synopsis and little in the way of subjective story analysis.
The plot (complete story arc), pacing (balanced), POV (third person multiple), dramatic tension (mostly low angst), and showing versus telling (mostly showing) were all accomplished very well and professionally. You can tell this is a seasoned author. The book was a stand-alone novel of shorter length.
I found only five non-Regency words, three Americanisms, two non-Regency phrases, one misuse/misspelling of a word, and two contractions (both used by silly people as Austen would) as far as language issues went. This is well within average for a JAFF novel. The language is still very much Regency, yet with no big words to look up.
The author seems to know her Regency well with a few exceptions. A non-Regency error was Mr. Bennet approving the entail--he could not have that pleasure, since it would be foisted upon him, having been written by either his grandfather or father. A reference to Lady Anne being a viscountess was also in error--she was merely the daughter of an earl. No one would refer to their aunts and uncles as Aunt Catherine, Uncle Hugh, or Aunt Helen. They would be Lady Catherine, Lord Titlename, and Lady Titlename (I think Ms. Joy chose Matlock for the Titlename but I don't remember for sure). Anything else would be disrespectful.
Scene setting and characterization were excellent. Beautiful descriptions with all the senses utilized were part of the excellent details of this book. As characters go, I especially liked that the cat and kittens each got their own traits. The choice of punishment for the villains was appropriate for their sins.
The buildup of the romance was at an appropriate pace for a romance novel, and I loved how the kittens played into the romantic themes. From the subtitles, I assume the other books in the series will have similar sub-stories, if it's right to call it that.
I don't much care for the cover. The couple look like they got caught having an assignation in the outdoors--he's missing his coat and her hair is down. Both have body language that isn't exactly welcoming of the other, though, so I doubt it really was an assignation, just a wardrobe malfunction. They're both too smug. If it was indoors, it would be closer to the book. I like the kitty, even if it's an add-on.
Jennifer Joy never fails to supply a satisfying story line, and this is no different than her other novels. The editing is quite good, making the book much easier to read than many author-published JAFF books. Because this offering is part of a series of three, I'll read the others (I got this one on sale). I would recommend this lighthearted, humorous book in a heartbeat. This is an author I would love to meet and talk about books with!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF writer, and some might say my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both reader and author.
I write technical reviews and look for items that would cause a reader to drop a star even though most reviewers wouldn't mention such an issue. There will be no synopsis and little in the way of subjective story analysis.
The plot (complete story arc), pacing (balanced), POV (third person multiple), dramatic tension (mostly low angst), and showing versus telling (mostly showing) were all accomplished very well and professionally. You can tell this is a seasoned author. The book was a stand-alone novel of shorter length.
I found only five non-Regency words, three Americanisms, two non-Regency phrases, one misuse/misspelling of a word, and two contractions (both used by silly people as Austen would) as far as language issues went. This is well within average for a JAFF novel. The language is still very much Regency, yet with no big words to look up.
The author seems to know her Regency well with a few exceptions. A non-Regency error was Mr. Bennet approving the entail--he could not have that pleasure, since it would be foisted upon him, having been written by either his grandfather or father. A reference to Lady Anne being a viscountess was also in error--she was merely the daughter of an earl. No one would refer to their aunts and uncles as Aunt Catherine, Uncle Hugh, or Aunt Helen. They would be Lady Catherine, Lord Titlename, and Lady Titlename (I think Ms. Joy chose Matlock for the Titlename but I don't remember for sure). Anything else would be disrespectful.
Scene setting and characterization were excellent. Beautiful descriptions with all the senses utilized were part of the excellent details of this book. As characters go, I especially liked that the cat and kittens each got their own traits. The choice of punishment for the villains was appropriate for their sins.
The buildup of the romance was at an appropriate pace for a romance novel, and I loved how the kittens played into the romantic themes. From the subtitles, I assume the other books in the series will have similar sub-stories, if it's right to call it that.
I don't much care for the cover. The couple look like they got caught having an assignation in the outdoors--he's missing his coat and her hair is down. Both have body language that isn't exactly welcoming of the other, though, so I doubt it really was an assignation, just a wardrobe malfunction. They're both too smug. If it was indoors, it would be closer to the book. I like the kitty, even if it's an add-on.
Jennifer Joy never fails to supply a satisfying story line, and this is no different than her other novels. The editing is quite good, making the book much easier to read than many author-published JAFF books. Because this offering is part of a series of three, I'll read the others (I got this one on sale). I would recommend this lighthearted, humorous book in a heartbeat. This is an author I would love to meet and talk about books with!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF writer, and some might say my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both reader and author.
September 29, 2022
This book is a lovely low angst romp featuring a forced marriage situation and several intrepid balls of fluff.
During the ball at Netherfield Darcy and Elizabeth, who are still sparring, find themselves trapped together which leads to a reputation saving engagement. Already the rumblings of attraction are there but will they make it to the altar without a hitch?
Featuring Georgiana, her cat and kittens, Bingley and family, and all our usual favourites, it is a treat to see some paths take a different turn, much to everybody's satisfaction!
Whilst there are some low angst moments this story is a really comfortable read, ideal for curling up and shutting out dire autumn weather. A win as always and I can't wait to read the next!
During the ball at Netherfield Darcy and Elizabeth, who are still sparring, find themselves trapped together which leads to a reputation saving engagement. Already the rumblings of attraction are there but will they make it to the altar without a hitch?
Featuring Georgiana, her cat and kittens, Bingley and family, and all our usual favourites, it is a treat to see some paths take a different turn, much to everybody's satisfaction!
Whilst there are some low angst moments this story is a really comfortable read, ideal for curling up and shutting out dire autumn weather. A win as always and I can't wait to read the next!
October 3, 2022
Happy and Witty
I definitely prefer a variation that is mostly happy. This one fits the bill. The compromise was almost contrived by two different parties for two different reasons. But actually executed by the housekeeper just doing her job!
Excellent subplots and twists well written and edited. Brava!
I definitely prefer a variation that is mostly happy. This one fits the bill. The compromise was almost contrived by two different parties for two different reasons. But actually executed by the housekeeper just doing her job!
Excellent subplots and twists well written and edited. Brava!
October 29, 2022
Kept me interested and amused.
What a delightful twist to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I throughly enjoyed the storyline, the wittiness, the comeuppance, and finally the pairing of the couples (although the last pairing was a shock).
This variation gave more depth to the many characters while still alluding/referencing parts of the original Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice expressions.
What a delightful twist to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I throughly enjoyed the storyline, the wittiness, the comeuppance, and finally the pairing of the couples (although the last pairing was a shock).
This variation gave more depth to the many characters while still alluding/referencing parts of the original Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice expressions.
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