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The Other Paths #1
Not In Want of a Wife
Mr. Darcy is not in want of a wife. At least, not one that only loves him for his money. Ever since he came of age, Darcy’s been an object of prey to fortune hunters– greedy ladies and their scheming mamas who would do anything to get their hands on his ten-thousand a year and his luxurious estate. Tired of being the most eligible man in any room he walks into, Darcy decides the only way to stave off the fortune hunters is to make himself unavailable to them.
Elizabeth Bennet is convinced that only the deepest love could persuade her into matrimony, and since that has yet to appear, she would do anything rather than marry without affection. Unfortunately, all her mother's thoughts are bent on finding rich husbands for her and her sisters. With the arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy causing a stir among all the mothers of Meryton, Elizabeth knows it is only a matter of time before her own mother pushes her to try to capture one of these rich gentlemen for herself at all costs.
Seeing themselves in virtually the same predicament, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth come up with a convenient arrangement: they will pretend to court while Mr. Darcy is staying at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy will get a reprieve from the relentless husband hunters, and Elizabeth can satisfy her mother with the notion that she has landed a suitor.
But when the time comes for their partnership to end, the feelings that were merely an act have started to become a reality. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find a way to express the feelings that are in their hearts, or will they part ways for good?
Elizabeth Bennet is convinced that only the deepest love could persuade her into matrimony, and since that has yet to appear, she would do anything rather than marry without affection. Unfortunately, all her mother's thoughts are bent on finding rich husbands for her and her sisters. With the arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy causing a stir among all the mothers of Meryton, Elizabeth knows it is only a matter of time before her own mother pushes her to try to capture one of these rich gentlemen for herself at all costs.
Seeing themselves in virtually the same predicament, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth come up with a convenient arrangement: they will pretend to court while Mr. Darcy is staying at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy will get a reprieve from the relentless husband hunters, and Elizabeth can satisfy her mother with the notion that she has landed a suitor.
But when the time comes for their partnership to end, the feelings that were merely an act have started to become a reality. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find a way to express the feelings that are in their hearts, or will they part ways for good?
- GenresRegencyRomanceHistorical
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2023
162 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Kai
14 books75 followersAmanda Kai’s background in the performing arts drives her creative spirit. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a successful career as a professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. Her love of storytelling, nurtured by a fondness for period dramas and classic literature, led her to begin writing historical romances. She is the author of Marriage and Ministry and Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer, two stories based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. She also wrote a fictional short story about Marie Antoinette, titled Keys. When she’s not diving into the past through the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after in Leander, Texas, with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 10, 2022
>>SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: PG17: there were a few scenes discussing adult themes.
>>Angst Level: frustration angst
>>Source: ARC from the author [12-6-22] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. This is book 1 in The Other Paths Series. Publishing date: January 3, 2023.
>>Cover Art: Lovely cover
>>Trope: Pretend/fake engagement [not my favorite trope]
This was not my favorite trope where Elizabeth and Darcy feign an engagement. It rankled my sensibilities and flaunted the propriety of the time.
I actually experienced whiplash as the story flipped back and forth with their engagement. It was on, then off, then back on, and finally, a letter arrived to break it off again. It was hard keeping up with their reasoning. It felt forced and I didn’t enjoy seeing everything fall apart, then pick up again, only to fall apart within a few pages. Whew! I am hoping I get to remove the neck brace soon.
What I liked: the D&E time together. Heavy sigh. Yeah, I love page time with D&E. Their Romeo and Juliet scene was fabulous. I need a new fan, for sure.
What I didn’t like: the attitude of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and the little harridan Lydia. Have they no shame? Apparently not. I was stunned and shocked out of my senses. Seriously? Of course, they are not the first family to experience this and probably won’t be the last. It just struck me.
Then we had a repentant Wickham. Really? I’m sorry. It made Darcy’s previous actions toward him seem spurious and vindictive. There were too many holes in their back history, the reasoning behind it, and the outcome for it to ring true, IMHO.
Lady Catherine was a nightmare and wicked with her cane. Anne’s situation was completely different.
>>Rating: PG17: there were a few scenes discussing adult themes.
>>Angst Level: frustration angst
>>Source: ARC from the author [12-6-22] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. This is book 1 in The Other Paths Series. Publishing date: January 3, 2023.
>>Cover Art: Lovely cover
>>Trope: Pretend/fake engagement [not my favorite trope]
This was not my favorite trope where Elizabeth and Darcy feign an engagement. It rankled my sensibilities and flaunted the propriety of the time.
I actually experienced whiplash as the story flipped back and forth with their engagement. It was on, then off, then back on, and finally, a letter arrived to break it off again. It was hard keeping up with their reasoning. It felt forced and I didn’t enjoy seeing everything fall apart, then pick up again, only to fall apart within a few pages. Whew! I am hoping I get to remove the neck brace soon.
What I liked: the D&E time together. Heavy sigh. Yeah, I love page time with D&E. Their Romeo and Juliet scene was fabulous. I need a new fan, for sure.
What I didn’t like: the attitude of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and the little harridan Lydia. Have they no shame? Apparently not. I was stunned and shocked out of my senses. Seriously? Of course, they are not the first family to experience this and probably won’t be the last. It just struck me.
Then we had a repentant Wickham. Really? I’m sorry. It made Darcy’s previous actions toward him seem spurious and vindictive. There were too many holes in their back history, the reasoning behind it, and the outcome for it to ring true, IMHO.
Lady Catherine was a nightmare and wicked with her cane. Anne’s situation was completely different.
December 7, 2022
The dynamic between Darcy and Elizabeth is charming. They strike a deal to keep marriage-minded mamas away from them, especially Mrs. Bennet.
And at first it all looks like it is going according to plan.
One Romeo and Juliet scene in particular is inspired and quite swoon-worthy!
Of course, misunderstandings, emotions and pride get in the way. Our poor dear couple have a rocky path to climb and the reader may get whiplash at the constant on again, off again aspect of their journey.
Because, our dear Jangley have a rocky path to love themselves and have to work even harder at finding their HEA than ODC does.
Mr. Collins has his sights set on Jane and makes that situation worse.
Mr. Wickham was an interesting twist, still not likable, and his choices are not those of a mature, responsible adult, but his story is surprising.
In the end, reading of ODC escapades made me smile and I was emotionally invested when Elizabeth's heart was breaking. I also just wanted them to marry so they could move away from all the people who caused them troubles! And that was nearly everyone!
An enjoyable read! By the final scene, it felt more like a comedy of errors, with happy endings for all.
I received and advance copy for my honest opinion.
And at first it all looks like it is going according to plan.
One Romeo and Juliet scene in particular is inspired and quite swoon-worthy!
Of course, misunderstandings, emotions and pride get in the way. Our poor dear couple have a rocky path to climb and the reader may get whiplash at the constant on again, off again aspect of their journey.
Because, our dear Jangley have a rocky path to love themselves and have to work even harder at finding their HEA than ODC does.
Mr. Collins has his sights set on Jane and makes that situation worse.
Mr. Wickham was an interesting twist, still not likable, and his choices are not those of a mature, responsible adult, but his story is surprising.
In the end, reading of ODC escapades made me smile and I was emotionally invested when Elizabeth's heart was breaking. I also just wanted them to marry so they could move away from all the people who caused them troubles! And that was nearly everyone!
An enjoyable read! By the final scene, it felt more like a comedy of errors, with happy endings for all.
I received and advance copy for my honest opinion.
January 15, 2023
Strangely this book and the last book I borrowed from KU would not open on the Kindle app on my PC even when I applied for help from Amazon. And as I find it impossible to highlight anything other than one word at a time on my Kindle I am not able to highlight longer passages so that is missing from my posting what stood out for me.
As the story description ODC tells us ODC meet at the Assembly and agree to pretend they are courting and later pretend they are engaged to ward off unwanted attention from young ladies and their mothers for Darcy and to keep Elizabeth safe from her pushy mother who only cares if the man courting any of her daughters has wealth and connections. They find the pretense easy as both admit to themselves that not all is pretending on their part.
There was a number of anxious moments in this story when ODC dropped the pretense and it seemed that Lady Catherine was going to get her way! Persuasion and then a little blackmail do the trick.
Lydia's and Wickham's story is different from canon and I did not really like that. I found it hard to forgive all his past misdeeds and even his treatment of Lydia. I could not blame Darcy at all for not believing Wickham.
As other have said the pretense was on and then off and then on and then off...you get the picture. And we even had thoughts of elopement thrown into the story.
This story did keep my attention and I recommend it. The playacting of Romeo and Juliet was especially well done.
As the story description ODC tells us ODC meet at the Assembly and agree to pretend they are courting and later pretend they are engaged to ward off unwanted attention from young ladies and their mothers for Darcy and to keep Elizabeth safe from her pushy mother who only cares if the man courting any of her daughters has wealth and connections. They find the pretense easy as both admit to themselves that not all is pretending on their part.
There was a number of anxious moments in this story when ODC dropped the pretense and it seemed that Lady Catherine was going to get her way! Persuasion and then a little blackmail do the trick.
Lydia's and Wickham's story is different from canon and I did not really like that. I found it hard to forgive all his past misdeeds and even his treatment of Lydia. I could not blame Darcy at all for not believing Wickham.
As other have said the pretense was on and then off and then on and then off...you get the picture. And we even had thoughts of elopement thrown into the story.
This story did keep my attention and I recommend it. The playacting of Romeo and Juliet was especially well done.
January 2, 2023
When hiding at dances can bring interesting results
At the Meryton Ball, Elizabeth Bennet and Fizwilliam Darcy try to go unnoticed but end up discovering each other and their desire to avoid a loveless marriage. They make a deal where they will pretend he woos her to avoid unwanted spouse candidates and matchmaking schemes of mamas.
The farce works very well, but gossip, prejudice, ignorance of one's own feelings and feelings of the other and different people's schemes will disrupt their relationship immensely.
The text holds a lot of attention from the beginning with some moments of anguish and several twists. I loved the couple moments, especially the mentions of Romeo and Juliet.
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the Meryton Ball, Elizabeth Bennet and Fizwilliam Darcy try to go unnoticed but end up discovering each other and their desire to avoid a loveless marriage. They make a deal where they will pretend he woos her to avoid unwanted spouse candidates and matchmaking schemes of mamas.
The farce works very well, but gossip, prejudice, ignorance of one's own feelings and feelings of the other and different people's schemes will disrupt their relationship immensely.
The text holds a lot of attention from the beginning with some moments of anguish and several twists. I loved the couple moments, especially the mentions of Romeo and Juliet.
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2023
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy make a pact to help each other avoid unwanted marriage pressures. To bad that doesn’t always work once you get to know each other better!
January 17, 2023
Starts well, ends very poorly.
I stopped at chapter 25. The story turns impossible to believe without Darcy and Lizzy acting like automations. Oh course this is my opinion, so read other reviews also.
I stopped at chapter 25. The story turns impossible to believe without Darcy and Lizzy acting like automations. Oh course this is my opinion, so read other reviews also.
December 27, 2022
In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bingley party has arrived in Netherfield. On talking to Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly Darcy suggests a pretend courtship to save both of them from match-making Mamas. Darcy shows himself to be pleasant and so Elizabeth agrees, but will it last, among their misunderstandings.
An entertaining and well-written romance story with its cast of mainly likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining and well-written romance story with its cast of mainly likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 4, 2023
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Fitzwilliam Darcy is beyond tired of being hunted for his fortune.
Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, while her mother is determined that she shall make a match for security.
When Elizabeth and Darcy meet, trying to blend into the background, at the Meryton assembly, they hatch the perfect scheme. Pretend to be courting each other, meaning they will be left alone, then simply end the courtship when Darcy leaves Hertfordshire.
Will their strategy work or will there be unintended consequences?
I enjoyed this romp, but one has to ignore some hefty breaches of Regency propriety. Elizabeth writing to Darcy, meeting him alone and traveling in his carriage unchaperoned, and broken engagements, with little consequence for both parties.
If you are happy to ignore the above, the developing friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth is lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Fitzwilliam Darcy is beyond tired of being hunted for his fortune.
Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, while her mother is determined that she shall make a match for security.
When Elizabeth and Darcy meet, trying to blend into the background, at the Meryton assembly, they hatch the perfect scheme. Pretend to be courting each other, meaning they will be left alone, then simply end the courtship when Darcy leaves Hertfordshire.
Will their strategy work or will there be unintended consequences?
I enjoyed this romp, but one has to ignore some hefty breaches of Regency propriety. Elizabeth writing to Darcy, meeting him alone and traveling in his carriage unchaperoned, and broken engagements, with little consequence for both parties.
If you are happy to ignore the above, the developing friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth is lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
December 18, 2022
If you’ve ever had a great idea that turned out to be more like a train wreck then you’ll get the vibe of this book. D and E quickly become friends and strike a bargain to thwart the matchmakers-they’ll pretend to be engaged. I’ve seen variations of this plot on Hallmark channel !! It never ends up the way the couple think it will.
They fall in love but of course can’t admit it so. They go back and forth towards and then away from the HEA. They eventually get there but it was a twisted path. I was especially surprised by the conclusion to the Lydia & Whickham arc. A nice surprise.
The story was entertaining and the face to face time for ODC was well done.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy, my views are my own.
They fall in love but of course can’t admit it so. They go back and forth towards and then away from the HEA. They eventually get there but it was a twisted path. I was especially surprised by the conclusion to the Lydia & Whickham arc. A nice surprise.
The story was entertaining and the face to face time for ODC was well done.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy, my views are my own.
December 27, 2022
He never wants to marry — and neither does she
They agree to a fake courtship - and what an experience this becomes. Terrific story!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
They agree to a fake courtship - and what an experience this becomes. Terrific story!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
July 4, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
January 9, 2023
Good enough
A bit long and predictable (I never plot-spoil) but good enough for a rainy weekend. I found this Charlotte refreshing.
A bit long and predictable (I never plot-spoil) but good enough for a rainy weekend. I found this Charlotte refreshing.
October 17, 2023
This story starts off pretty well and I did enjoy the first half of the book, but then the storybegan to frustrate me. Here, I warn you, there are spoilers ahead.
First, could Elizabeth be any more indecisive?! Shechanges her mind as often as her clothes. She will just befriens with Darcy, no wait she loves him. Then no, she is back to the indifferent acquaintances, to making him thebad guy when Wickham and her sister make poor choices. Can she still love him? Really!
Second, could Darcy be any more obtuse, as begins a pretend relationship with Elizabeth to keep the match-making mommas and their daughters at bay. Only, then to create a situation where it is necessary to protect Elizabeth's reputation by deciding a pretend engagement will do the trick! But neither communicate well, so their engagement ends. When Darcy believes he cannot have Elizabeth, he acts just like Mr. Collins does in the original
P&P, and turns to immediately agree to marry is cousin Anne. And Mr. Darcy, usually very bright, acts like a simpleton and gives all the power to his aunt, Lady Catherine.
Another element of frustration for me is that Darcy has had so many incidents where Wickham has demonstrated that he is no gentleman. Yet, when Darcy learns Wickham has once again been a dastardly, taking advantage of Lydia who is only a slightly older than Georgianna, and abandoned her...he pressures his aunt to give him a living. Really, he gets a girl pregnant, leaves her unwed, and now he will make a good clergyman. By this point, I was beyond annoyed. And there was more! My rating is at a three because the first half of the book was not bad. I was disappointed with the second half.
First, could Elizabeth be any more indecisive?! Shechanges her mind as often as her clothes. She will just befriens with Darcy, no wait she loves him. Then no, she is back to the indifferent acquaintances, to making him thebad guy when Wickham and her sister make poor choices. Can she still love him? Really!
Second, could Darcy be any more obtuse, as begins a pretend relationship with Elizabeth to keep the match-making mommas and their daughters at bay. Only, then to create a situation where it is necessary to protect Elizabeth's reputation by deciding a pretend engagement will do the trick! But neither communicate well, so their engagement ends. When Darcy believes he cannot have Elizabeth, he acts just like Mr. Collins does in the original
P&P, and turns to immediately agree to marry is cousin Anne. And Mr. Darcy, usually very bright, acts like a simpleton and gives all the power to his aunt, Lady Catherine.
Another element of frustration for me is that Darcy has had so many incidents where Wickham has demonstrated that he is no gentleman. Yet, when Darcy learns Wickham has once again been a dastardly, taking advantage of Lydia who is only a slightly older than Georgianna, and abandoned her...he pressures his aunt to give him a living. Really, he gets a girl pregnant, leaves her unwed, and now he will make a good clergyman. By this point, I was beyond annoyed. And there was more! My rating is at a three because the first half of the book was not bad. I was disappointed with the second half.
January 5, 2023
Mr Darcy has come into a large a large inheritance which makes him an attractive catch for all the single ladies. Every mother in England would love to have her daughter wed to him and everywhere he goes soirees are thrown so he can meet the ladies of the area. Tired of the social whirl and feeling like a piece of meat at the market, Mr Darcy meets Elizabeth who is also not interested in marriage for the sake of inheritance, status, or marriage’s sake. They create a secret pact to appear to be courting to keep the single women away from Mr Darcy and relieve the pressure Elizabeth is getting from her mother to marry a man with money and prestige. What Elizabeth doesn’t admit to Mr Darcy is that she will only marry for love. Mr Darcy has a strong willed meddling aunt who believes that money should only marry money and one should never marry beneath one’s class. In addition, a cousin of Elizabeth’s is the rector for Mr Darcy’s aunt. The rector is more than willing to sell his soul and all the family secrets to improve his lot with the aunt. With so much standing between them, can Mr Darcy and Elizabeth ever find lasting happiness and true love? A captivating read - I stayed up way too late last night trying to finish this book because I had to know what happened! I was so caught up with the story I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend!
April 30, 2023
I always love a good Pride and Prejudice variation and Ms Kai always does such a lovely job with her stories, I never hesitate to pick them up. This one is no different. A fake dating trope set in the Regency era- what fun! While her mother is set on her daughters marrying well, Elizabeth vows to only marry for love. Mr Darcy is tired of being accosted at every turn by fortune hunters. He wants to marry someone who values him, and not his money. When he comes to stay at Netherfield, he devises a plan that will suit both himself and Elizabeth. By pretending to court, he will be able to keep the matchmaking mamas at bay, and Elizabeth will appease her mother by seeming to entertain a wealthy suitor. But all that time they spend together pretending begins to stir feelings all too real and they will have to decide if they are willing to make this farce a reality.
The story was a well-written story and kept my attention from start to finish. The classic characters were portrayed well, and I enjoyed the variations and twists to the story. A wonderfully entertaining read!
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The story was a well-written story and kept my attention from start to finish. The classic characters were portrayed well, and I enjoyed the variations and twists to the story. A wonderfully entertaining read!
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 6, 2023
A pretend courtship leading to love
One cannot ignore the author’s efforts and hard work in the twists and intricacies infused in this variation. For that, she deserves much praise.
That being said, there are many issues to this story that have caused this reader’s dislike for it. The characters’ flighty actions and demeanor for one. One can’t imagine Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet getting in and out of engagements for each other or others. Jane Bennet’s lack of self respect in holding out a candle for Mr. Bingley who wishes to “test” her for being mercenary is also unthinkable. The underhanded and cruel way many of the so-called villains acted in this story seem to be viewed lightly, without thought for consequences or reparation. Furthermore, the author’s simplistic and often-than-not modernistic way of writing is, at times, distracting and turn-offish.
The author had a good premise and had so many ideas within this variation but they were presented so scattered a manner that one may imagine her as ranting incoherent thoughts without pause. Still, stars are deserved for the effort and the humor that can be gleaned in some parts of the story.
One cannot ignore the author’s efforts and hard work in the twists and intricacies infused in this variation. For that, she deserves much praise.
That being said, there are many issues to this story that have caused this reader’s dislike for it. The characters’ flighty actions and demeanor for one. One can’t imagine Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet getting in and out of engagements for each other or others. Jane Bennet’s lack of self respect in holding out a candle for Mr. Bingley who wishes to “test” her for being mercenary is also unthinkable. The underhanded and cruel way many of the so-called villains acted in this story seem to be viewed lightly, without thought for consequences or reparation. Furthermore, the author’s simplistic and often-than-not modernistic way of writing is, at times, distracting and turn-offish.
The author had a good premise and had so many ideas within this variation but they were presented so scattered a manner that one may imagine her as ranting incoherent thoughts without pause. Still, stars are deserved for the effort and the humor that can be gleaned in some parts of the story.
October 11, 2023
For a man who is not in want of a wife, Darcy gets engaged left and right, and is about to marry a different person every other day. This was an entertaining story with lots of twists and turns but I find Darcy a more romantic character when he's steadfast and dependable and not a waffling waffle who can't make up his waffling mind if his waffle depended on it. His canon character is all about undying devotion and stick-to-itiveness and Elizabeth is his ride-or-die regardless of the abuse she heaps on him. But this Darcy is a tennis ball going back and forth. Whack! he is engaged to girl A. Whack! he is engaged to girl B. Whack! He is engaged to girl A again. Whack! He's marrying girl B! Whack! just kidding!
I don't know what to make of Wickham. Is he a reformed character or not? His subplots do not really seem like he and his eventual wife ought to be part of the clergy set, he'd be better off in some other profession.
I think Caroline Bingley would be the last person to gossip about any indiscretions she saw between Darcy and another woman, because if he did the honourable thing and proposed it would ruin Caroline's own plans.
I don't know what to make of Wickham. Is he a reformed character or not? His subplots do not really seem like he and his eventual wife ought to be part of the clergy set, he'd be better off in some other profession.
I think Caroline Bingley would be the last person to gossip about any indiscretions she saw between Darcy and another woman, because if he did the honourable thing and proposed it would ruin Caroline's own plans.
January 19, 2023
i didn't feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework; their actions and dialogues were so out of character.
Like, Darcy and Elizabeth would never agree to initiate a courtship -much less an engagement- knowing the implications and damage their reputations would suffer (especially Mr. "disguise of every sort is my abhorrence").
Also, why did Elizabeth agree to this scheme? Wanting to avoid Mrs. Bennet's machinations seemed an insufficient explanation for me.
Neither i can see Darcy accepting to marry his cousin under any circumstances - canonically he spent months thinking Elizabeth loathed him and had zero hopes of succeeding in winning her hand and he never succumbed to Lady Catherine's wishes.
The whole playing Romeo and Juliet was extremely cringy, sorry.
Lastly, they would never plan an elopement, for god's sake.
Like, Darcy and Elizabeth would never agree to initiate a courtship -much less an engagement- knowing the implications and damage their reputations would suffer (especially Mr. "disguise of every sort is my abhorrence").
Also, why did Elizabeth agree to this scheme? Wanting to avoid Mrs. Bennet's machinations seemed an insufficient explanation for me.
Neither i can see Darcy accepting to marry his cousin under any circumstances - canonically he spent months thinking Elizabeth loathed him and had zero hopes of succeeding in winning her hand and he never succumbed to Lady Catherine's wishes.
The whole playing Romeo and Juliet was extremely cringy, sorry.
Lastly, they would never plan an elopement, for god's sake.
November 27, 2023
Possible spoilers.
I'm not sure about this one. It's fast-paced and the writing is decent but WTF? Darcy is engaged to two different women about what? Four or five times? First, there is a pretend engagement with Elizabeth, then a rebound engagement with Anne de Bourgh. Then he proposes to elope Elizabeth to save Anne from scandal over HER broken engagement. But wait! Lydia turns up pregnant! Woe! Lizzy blames Darcy and the next thing we know, Lady Catherine is forcing Darcy to go through with the marriage to Anne. So what is that? The fourth engagement? Except Anne decides to run off with Richard to Gretna Green, getting her out of the way and Darcy finally is engaged to Elizabeth for 3rd time. And most of this confusion could have been avoided by a little grown-up conversation. It's almost a farce except it isn't funny, just frustrating and almost irritating.
I'm not sure about this one. It's fast-paced and the writing is decent but WTF? Darcy is engaged to two different women about what? Four or five times? First, there is a pretend engagement with Elizabeth, then a rebound engagement with Anne de Bourgh. Then he proposes to elope Elizabeth to save Anne from scandal over HER broken engagement. But wait! Lydia turns up pregnant! Woe! Lizzy blames Darcy and the next thing we know, Lady Catherine is forcing Darcy to go through with the marriage to Anne. So what is that? The fourth engagement? Except Anne decides to run off with Richard to Gretna Green, getting her out of the way and Darcy finally is engaged to Elizabeth for 3rd time. And most of this confusion could have been avoided by a little grown-up conversation. It's almost a farce except it isn't funny, just frustrating and almost irritating.
January 5, 2023
This story was interesting and kept my attention.
Darcy comes to Netherfield vary wary of women who only want him due to his wealth. Darcy assumes all women are the same and only care for wealth. This becomes apparent when overhearing the matrons speak of Bingley’s and Darcy’s wealth. Mrs Bennet’s comments confirm this when he spots his friend dace with Jane Bennet.
Darcy sees Elizabeth Bennet in the corner and becomes intrigued. After learning Elizabeth feels the same about the marriage mart he comes up with a plan for the two of them to fake a courtship. This where the story becomes interesting and takes a turn. Elizabeth and Darcy refuse to recognize they are in love.
I would recommend this story.
Darcy comes to Netherfield vary wary of women who only want him due to his wealth. Darcy assumes all women are the same and only care for wealth. This becomes apparent when overhearing the matrons speak of Bingley’s and Darcy’s wealth. Mrs Bennet’s comments confirm this when he spots his friend dace with Jane Bennet.
Darcy sees Elizabeth Bennet in the corner and becomes intrigued. After learning Elizabeth feels the same about the marriage mart he comes up with a plan for the two of them to fake a courtship. This where the story becomes interesting and takes a turn. Elizabeth and Darcy refuse to recognize they are in love.
I would recommend this story.
January 8, 2023
This is the first book in this new series that changes some of the characters' behaviors or events and enriches what could have been. With a fresh perspective of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, I enjoyed this tale. It also brought forth some characters I did not remember having such a prominent role. I laughed at some of the dialogue and the bit of a bombshell Mrs. Bennett drops.
What appears to be a good idea – a fake courtship – ends up wreaking havoc on so many characters that I had to give up trying to compare it with my faltering memory of the original. When I read it as an original story, I enjoyed it. It almost made me want to go back and read the original. This unique and beguiling book will delight fans and non-fans alike.
What appears to be a good idea – a fake courtship – ends up wreaking havoc on so many characters that I had to give up trying to compare it with my faltering memory of the original. When I read it as an original story, I enjoyed it. It almost made me want to go back and read the original. This unique and beguiling book will delight fans and non-fans alike.
February 11, 2023
A different twist on a fake courtship
I liked this version of Darcy. A fake courtship. A fake engagement. A tennis volley relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. The friendship and beginning of their love was a wonderful thing to read. Sweet, humorous and the reciting of Romeo's famous lines to Juliette was worthy of a swoon. This depiction of Darcy and Lizzy is a joy to read.
Bingley and Jane have a turbulent relationship as well but their true love shines through. Lady Catherine is still salty and creates a few devious plays but she does care for future welfare of her daughter. Charlotte Is a strong one (appreciated this version of her)wins Collins and has the upper hand in that marriage.
I liked this version of Darcy. A fake courtship. A fake engagement. A tennis volley relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. The friendship and beginning of their love was a wonderful thing to read. Sweet, humorous and the reciting of Romeo's famous lines to Juliette was worthy of a swoon. This depiction of Darcy and Lizzy is a joy to read.
Bingley and Jane have a turbulent relationship as well but their true love shines through. Lady Catherine is still salty and creates a few devious plays but she does care for future welfare of her daughter. Charlotte Is a strong one (appreciated this version of her)wins Collins and has the upper hand in that marriage.
May 16, 2023
The Author writes some intriguing plots and peppers her stories with some very lovely scenes and heartwarming dialogue.
The premise of NiWoaW has been visited in many a Rom-Com and Regency Romance, and it always ends up being a disastrous comedy of errors. As it did here. There's two kinds of people out there in the world, those who loved 'I Love Lucy' and those who didn't' (Me) I like Kai's writing very much and will happily pick up up her next publication. Although there was comedy and drama combined here and a very nice HEA, AND I highly recommend this story....I think I'm just the nervous sort that gets uncomfortable watching what I know is going to be an epic fail.
Highly recommended.
The premise of NiWoaW has been visited in many a Rom-Com and Regency Romance, and it always ends up being a disastrous comedy of errors. As it did here. There's two kinds of people out there in the world, those who loved 'I Love Lucy' and those who didn't' (Me) I like Kai's writing very much and will happily pick up up her next publication. Although there was comedy and drama combined here and a very nice HEA, AND I highly recommend this story....I think I'm just the nervous sort that gets uncomfortable watching what I know is going to be an epic fail.
Highly recommended.
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July 9, 2024This book contains a lot of my favourite things: Pride and Prejudice and the fake courting/ fake engagement trope.
I really liked the way Charlotte handled Mr Collins.
I loved the new take on Wickham's relationships with both Georgiana and Lydia.
I thought the fake engagement was a fun way to see a new side of both Lizzy and Darcy.
My only quibble with this book (and this may not bother you at all) was the frequent use of modern expressions in both the narrative voice, and the dialogue. Lizzy talks about wanting to "sock" Wickham, and in another incident, she thinks that if she weren't a lady she would tell another character where they could shove their offer.
Overall, an enjoyable story.
I really liked the way Charlotte handled Mr Collins.
I loved the new take on Wickham's relationships with both Georgiana and Lydia.
I thought the fake engagement was a fun way to see a new side of both Lizzy and Darcy.
My only quibble with this book (and this may not bother you at all) was the frequent use of modern expressions in both the narrative voice, and the dialogue. Lizzy talks about wanting to "sock" Wickham, and in another incident, she thinks that if she weren't a lady she would tell another character where they could shove their offer.
Overall, an enjoyable story.
December 27, 2022
Fake courtship for Elizabeth and Mr Darcy
I like to read any Pride and Prejudice variation (and I’ve read and enjoyed other books by Amanda Kai), so I thought I'd give this a try.
While this book loosely follows the original P&P story, the methods/paths taken by the characters toward the expected outcomes are different. There’s also some classic Austen P&P dialogue included, but it’s often spoken (or thought) by different characters than the original. There were some questionable (for the period) unchaperoned moments, but this did not distract from the engaging plot. Recommended.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of the ebook, and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
I like to read any Pride and Prejudice variation (and I’ve read and enjoyed other books by Amanda Kai), so I thought I'd give this a try.
While this book loosely follows the original P&P story, the methods/paths taken by the characters toward the expected outcomes are different. There’s also some classic Austen P&P dialogue included, but it’s often spoken (or thought) by different characters than the original. There were some questionable (for the period) unchaperoned moments, but this did not distract from the engaging plot. Recommended.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of the ebook, and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
January 5, 2023
This was a hold-your-breath, will they have a happily ever after or not?! Oh, the agony and angst created!!
The Romeo and Juliet scene was brilliant! And I could not stand Collins so the author’s writing produced great reactions from this reader!!
With the many twists and turns, the story kept the reader turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Part of the story line covers immortality and the real consequences that could come to pass which some characters take seriously while others are very blasé about it all…eye opening but so true!
Recommended!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion.
The Romeo and Juliet scene was brilliant! And I could not stand Collins so the author’s writing produced great reactions from this reader!!
With the many twists and turns, the story kept the reader turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Part of the story line covers immortality and the real consequences that could come to pass which some characters take seriously while others are very blasé about it all…eye opening but so true!
Recommended!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion.
January 7, 2023
I love Pride and Prejudice and enjoyed this retelling. Specifically, I loved getting to know some of the secondary characters better, such as Miss DeBourgh and Charlotte Lucas.
I would’ve liked to see Darcy keep more of his arrogant personality. This Darcy is much sweeter, and while I often enjoy reading about male leads who are sweet and romantic, Darcy without his “teeth” just doesn’t hold the same appeal as the original! That being said, I suspect some readers will adore this Darcy for the very reason I didn’t love him.
Still, a worthwhile read for those who enjoy sweet retellings of Austen’s stories.
I would’ve liked to see Darcy keep more of his arrogant personality. This Darcy is much sweeter, and while I often enjoy reading about male leads who are sweet and romantic, Darcy without his “teeth” just doesn’t hold the same appeal as the original! That being said, I suspect some readers will adore this Darcy for the very reason I didn’t love him.
Still, a worthwhile read for those who enjoy sweet retellings of Austen’s stories.
March 9, 2023
Good book
Darcy and Elizabeth begin a fake courtship that semi works for their goals. Darcy doesn't have women constantly chasing him and while it says it meets Elizabeth's goals, Mrs. Bennett is constantly bothering her about the courtship. As it progresses neither wants to admit they are falling for the other. Darcy's suggestion to Bingley about Jane changes Bingley's interactions quite poorly and I don't know why Jane takes him back. Charlotte is more conniving than normal. Lady Catherine more manipulative, Wickham more reformed than normal.
Overall it was enjoyable and kept my attention. It kept things interesting and normally highly emotional. HEA for all characters
Darcy and Elizabeth begin a fake courtship that semi works for their goals. Darcy doesn't have women constantly chasing him and while it says it meets Elizabeth's goals, Mrs. Bennett is constantly bothering her about the courtship. As it progresses neither wants to admit they are falling for the other. Darcy's suggestion to Bingley about Jane changes Bingley's interactions quite poorly and I don't know why Jane takes him back. Charlotte is more conniving than normal. Lady Catherine more manipulative, Wickham more reformed than normal.
Overall it was enjoyable and kept my attention. It kept things interesting and normally highly emotional. HEA for all characters
June 18, 2023
This was a lot of fun and a new JAFF storyline that I've never seen before. Darcy and Lizzy end up teaming up (and in a relatively bold step for the Darcy that we know) to help each other avoid what they fear most - Darcy being hunted by match making mommas and Lizzy being thrown into the path of every eligible man. How do they help one another? By pretending to court while Netherfield is being rented by Bingley.
Lots of fun conversations ensue, and a jealous Caroline for sure only adds to the fun of this storyline. However, what happens when the pair of these pretenders actually start to maybe develop feelings for their other partner in crime? Will things work out? Or will there only be more stones in the road to overcome?
Lots of fun conversations ensue, and a jealous Caroline for sure only adds to the fun of this storyline. However, what happens when the pair of these pretenders actually start to maybe develop feelings for their other partner in crime? Will things work out? Or will there only be more stones in the road to overcome?
January 3, 2023
A bizarre situation pervades a relationship of pretense. No truth seems true ~ Maya Angelou
Our story begins when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is jaded, not believing that love will happen when all around him young women and their mothers chase him for his wealth.
Elizabeth Bennet is cautious, hoping to fall in love instead of letting her mother choose her husband only for his wealth.
The Meryton Assembly will allow them to meet but with a difference from the canon of Pride & Prejudice. They form an alliance of pretense and pretend an alliance.
Originally, the pretense is that they are courting. A later event requires the deception of an actual engagement. The relationship flips back and forth — protecting them from unwanted influences but also restraining their true feelings. Each believes the other is pretending. But is that entirely true?
How about we stop pretending and tell each other how we really feel. ~ Author Unknown
Well, if Our Dear Couple did that, it would severely limit this book!
The best parts of the story are the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their “playacting” for company is convincing and amusing. Romeo and Juliet will never be the same.
It is not a spoiler to reveal that by the end, Fitzwilliam Darcy is “not in want of a wife.”
Wit has a deadly aim and it is possible to prick a large pretense with a small pin. ~ Marya Manners
The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our story begins when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is jaded, not believing that love will happen when all around him young women and their mothers chase him for his wealth.
Elizabeth Bennet is cautious, hoping to fall in love instead of letting her mother choose her husband only for his wealth.
The Meryton Assembly will allow them to meet but with a difference from the canon of Pride & Prejudice. They form an alliance of pretense and pretend an alliance.
Originally, the pretense is that they are courting. A later event requires the deception of an actual engagement. The relationship flips back and forth — protecting them from unwanted influences but also restraining their true feelings. Each believes the other is pretending. But is that entirely true?
How about we stop pretending and tell each other how we really feel. ~ Author Unknown
Well, if Our Dear Couple did that, it would severely limit this book!
The best parts of the story are the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their “playacting” for company is convincing and amusing. Romeo and Juliet will never be the same.
It is not a spoiler to reveal that by the end, Fitzwilliam Darcy is “not in want of a wife.”
Wit has a deadly aim and it is possible to prick a large pretense with a small pin. ~ Marya Manners
The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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