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Pride and Persuasion #1
Starch and Strategy
She's got a plan. He's not part of it.
When the Elliot family of Persuasion joins the community of Pride and Prejudice fireworks will commence. Lizzy Bennet wants to see a happy ending for her best friend Charlotte and for her sister, Jane. And while she's at it, she might try to save young Mary Elliot from a fortune-hunter!
Lizzy forms a strategy to help her friends without transgressing society's rules, but there's one gentleman visitor to Meryton who is NOT part of her plan, Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy, falling head over heels, might just insert himself into the plan--if he can get over his starch and reserve.
Lizzy may save more than one crossed set of lovers if she is successful, but will she be too distracted to give Mr. Darcy a chance?
When the Elliot family of Persuasion joins the community of Pride and Prejudice fireworks will commence. Lizzy Bennet wants to see a happy ending for her best friend Charlotte and for her sister, Jane. And while she's at it, she might try to save young Mary Elliot from a fortune-hunter!
Lizzy forms a strategy to help her friends without transgressing society's rules, but there's one gentleman visitor to Meryton who is NOT part of her plan, Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy, falling head over heels, might just insert himself into the plan--if he can get over his starch and reserve.
Lizzy may save more than one crossed set of lovers if she is successful, but will she be too distracted to give Mr. Darcy a chance?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
211 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Corrie Garrett
36 books58 followersHello! I'm Corrie Garrett, indie author of the Austen Ensemble trilogy and other romance novels. I'm currently working on a story about the characters of Mansfield Park, as well as an historical fantasy in the Byzantine Empire.
I love to read as well as write - mainly young adult (contemporary, dystopian, adventure, science fiction), romance (Christian, suspense, historical), science fiction, and urban fantasy.
Ask a question, make a recommendation, or just say hello - and thanks for stopping by!
I love to read as well as write - mainly young adult (contemporary, dystopian, adventure, science fiction), romance (Christian, suspense, historical), science fiction, and urban fantasy.
Ask a question, make a recommendation, or just say hello - and thanks for stopping by!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 26, 2023
Fun to Read
I Am still smiling and have smiled my way through most of this book. It is so very well written as the personalities, strengths and weaknesses of each novel is set off against the characters of the other. Often, I have been a bit amazed they have behaved so well and yet so true to what we know of them.
I Am still smiling and have smiled my way through most of this book. It is so very well written as the personalities, strengths and weaknesses of each novel is set off against the characters of the other. Often, I have been a bit amazed they have behaved so well and yet so true to what we know of them.
April 26, 2023
I so enjoyed this book! I've never actually read Persuasion (shame on me!) but I REALLY enjoyed getting to know all the characters. And especially rooting for Charlotte!
November 19, 2023
This is a fun crossover of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. The Elliots are visiting Meryton and there may be some new couples as a result. I had hoped for more Lizzy and Darcy time but look forward to the second book to tie up some loose ends.
I won a copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I won a copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
May 26, 2025
Nice variation on Pride and Prejudice, some better endings for certain people.
June 1, 2023
I didn’t realize this is the first of two books and the second isn’t out until November. Unfortunately this was underwhelming and forgettable and I doubt I’ll be reading the next one.
No attempt to have Regency manners at all. Everyone is on a first name basis. Darcy tells ‘Caroline’ why he won’t be proposing, while they’re out riding without a chaperone. Also Mr Phillips, an attorney in canon, here has an unspecified ‘shop’ that Wickham owes money to.
Did this author even read the two original books?
For some reason Darcy is 25. I couldn’t tell the ages of other characters except Mary Elliot is mentioned as being 18.
The inclusion of the Persuasion characters didn’t really add anything.
No attempt to have Regency manners at all. Everyone is on a first name basis. Darcy tells ‘Caroline’ why he won’t be proposing, while they’re out riding without a chaperone. Also Mr Phillips, an attorney in canon, here has an unspecified ‘shop’ that Wickham owes money to.
Did this author even read the two original books?
For some reason Darcy is 25. I couldn’t tell the ages of other characters except Mary Elliot is mentioned as being 18.
The inclusion of the Persuasion characters didn’t really add anything.
June 17, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This story invites readers into a world of Regency elegance and romantic intrigue, where love and strategy collide in the most delightful ways. This is Book 1 in the Sweet Regency Saga series. In this series, the Elliot family from Persuasion drops into the world of Pride and Prejudice, setting the stage for a tangle of love, friendship, and unexpected consequences. Would Lizzy Bennet be friends with Anne Elliot? Would George Wickham go after a rich Elliot sister if he had the chance? Should we save Charlotte Lucas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on. The Elliot family is visiting Meryton, and the townspeople are just as convinced that wealthy young women deserve husbands as much as wealthy young men need wives. Of course, the townspeople would rather one of their own Bennet girls got Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy, but they are all agog to see if the eldest and most beautiful Miss Elliot might win one of them. Anne only hopes to be left in peace, but it is not easy when her old friend Charles Musgrove comes to town to propose to her. She doesn't love him as he deserves, and while he might have turned to her sister, Mary, he cannot, for Mary is currently besotted with the questionable officer, George Wickham. Anne is deeply concerned, but Mary listens to her so little already and Elizabeth Bennet is on a mission to ensure happy endings for everyone, particularly her older sister, and her best friend, Charlotte. Mr. Darcy is entranced with her despite himself, although he isn't quite ready to embrace his feelings, not unless he can overcome his own starch and reserve. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This story invites readers into a world of Regency elegance and romantic intrigue, where love and strategy collide in the most delightful ways. This is Book 1 in the Sweet Regency Saga series. In this series, the Elliot family from Persuasion drops into the world of Pride and Prejudice, setting the stage for a tangle of love, friendship, and unexpected consequences. Would Lizzy Bennet be friends with Anne Elliot? Would George Wickham go after a rich Elliot sister if he had the chance? Should we save Charlotte Lucas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on. The Elliot family is visiting Meryton, and the townspeople are just as convinced that wealthy young women deserve husbands as much as wealthy young men need wives. Of course, the townspeople would rather one of their own Bennet girls got Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy, but they are all agog to see if the eldest and most beautiful Miss Elliot might win one of them. Anne only hopes to be left in peace, but it is not easy when her old friend Charles Musgrove comes to town to propose to her. She doesn't love him as he deserves, and while he might have turned to her sister, Mary, he cannot, for Mary is currently besotted with the questionable officer, George Wickham. Anne is deeply concerned, but Mary listens to her so little already and Elizabeth Bennet is on a mission to ensure happy endings for everyone, particularly her older sister, and her best friend, Charlotte. Mr. Darcy is entranced with her despite himself, although he isn't quite ready to embrace his feelings, not unless he can overcome his own starch and reserve. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 24, 2023
Entertaining
A rather flippant, tongue-in-cheek mashup of P&P and Persuasion. The Elliotts from Persuasion visit the Longs and the Lucases of P&P during the same timeline as the beginning of P&P, for the Meryton assembly, the evening party at Lucas Lodge, the Netherfield ball, and other events. Wickham sets his sights on Mary Elliott, Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, but failing completely, Bingley is taken with Jane, and Charlotte Lucas is falling in love with Charles Musgrove, in spite of the fact that she's already engaged to Mr Collins. Elizabeth decides to get involved with matchmaking for Jane and Charlotte, which is the "strategy" part of the title. The "starch" refers, of course, to Darcy.
Corrie Barrett is a talented writer, and I much appreciated her clever and humorous banter in this one, particularly between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth, especially, is a sarcastic jokester in this story, and it's highly amusing. Starchy Darcy is put in his place handily by our clever Elizabeth, but he's no slouch himself, and gives as good as he takes. It's this that begins to melt Elizabeth's heart gradually, when he meets her on the verbal battlefield. It's a lot of fun.
I deducted a star because the denouement, namely the point at which Darcy and Elizabeth get engaged, lacked chemistry and romance. It seemed like a spur of the moment decision for Darcy to propose, and her answer seemed to say "Why not? I may as well marry him." rather than a decision based on passionate love. They both apparently like each other, but not more than that.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it as a pleasant and fun way to pass some time.
A rather flippant, tongue-in-cheek mashup of P&P and Persuasion. The Elliotts from Persuasion visit the Longs and the Lucases of P&P during the same timeline as the beginning of P&P, for the Meryton assembly, the evening party at Lucas Lodge, the Netherfield ball, and other events. Wickham sets his sights on Mary Elliott, Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, but failing completely, Bingley is taken with Jane, and Charlotte Lucas is falling in love with Charles Musgrove, in spite of the fact that she's already engaged to Mr Collins. Elizabeth decides to get involved with matchmaking for Jane and Charlotte, which is the "strategy" part of the title. The "starch" refers, of course, to Darcy.
Corrie Barrett is a talented writer, and I much appreciated her clever and humorous banter in this one, particularly between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth, especially, is a sarcastic jokester in this story, and it's highly amusing. Starchy Darcy is put in his place handily by our clever Elizabeth, but he's no slouch himself, and gives as good as he takes. It's this that begins to melt Elizabeth's heart gradually, when he meets her on the verbal battlefield. It's a lot of fun.
I deducted a star because the denouement, namely the point at which Darcy and Elizabeth get engaged, lacked chemistry and romance. It seemed like a spur of the moment decision for Darcy to propose, and her answer seemed to say "Why not? I may as well marry him." rather than a decision based on passionate love. They both apparently like each other, but not more than that.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it as a pleasant and fun way to pass some time.
May 28, 2025
3.5 stars rounding up. I love Austen and a Pride & Prejudice/Persuasion mashup could have been soooooooo juicy and delicious. Buuuutttt this was missing some key ingredients: 1) Where the F was Wentworth?? When does Anne get her long awaited romantic redemption??? This was super disappointing. 2) Yes it was gradual in the original P&P, but when the F did Lizzie develop feelings for Darcy in this?? It was super abrupt and completely lacking in romance and drama on her side. I did enjoy the fleshing out of Darcy’s feelings (and the additional character development for him and Bingley as compared to the original). 3) Poor Lydia! Reduced to a mere mention with no real purpose in the book. Ugh this all could have been so much more dramatic.
The positives: 1) a refreshing take on a classic and I love the creation of an Austen universe. So I will definitely read the next book still. 2) it was believable that Caroline Bingley and Miss Elliot could be friends. That was fun. 3) Mary Elliot’s character blossomed in the end surprisingly - love that for her.
Overall fun, fluffy, and diverting.
The positives: 1) a refreshing take on a classic and I love the creation of an Austen universe. So I will definitely read the next book still. 2) it was believable that Caroline Bingley and Miss Elliot could be friends. That was fun. 3) Mary Elliot’s character blossomed in the end surprisingly - love that for her.
Overall fun, fluffy, and diverting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! This low angst tale makes great use of the characters and situations from Jane Austen's two novels, Pride and Prejudice, and Persuasion. The well-developed characters read true to canon, with some minor changes. We see more of Darcy and Musgrove's thoughts and feelings. Bingley is a bit more forceful, while Darcy is a bit more thoughtful. He doesn't require quite such a bludgeon to reconsider some aspects of his character. Caroline is also a more well-rounded individual, not the villain she is often portrayed in fan fiction.
Most of the story arcs are wrapped up in this volume, while one continues into the next. The groundwork is laid for possible plot lines in future novels in the series. I recommend this as a stand-alone book, and look forward to the the continuation in Propriety & Piquet.
Most of the story arcs are wrapped up in this volume, while one continues into the next. The groundwork is laid for possible plot lines in future novels in the series. I recommend this as a stand-alone book, and look forward to the the continuation in Propriety & Piquet.
August 1, 2023
It has been awhile since I read a Jane Austen variation that was a) entertaining and b) true to the characters, if not the original plot. Garrett does a really fine job of being faithful to Austen's characterization, and although circumstances change, ODC still get their happy ending.
Garrett splices characters from Persuasion into our story, and for the most part, it works. My one complaint is that Anne, one of my very favorite Austen characters, really comes up kind of bland and almost irrelevant to the plotline. However, this is book 1, and book 2 may give me more of what I hoped for in regard to Anne. I will definitely be reading it.
Garrett splices characters from Persuasion into our story, and for the most part, it works. My one complaint is that Anne, one of my very favorite Austen characters, really comes up kind of bland and almost irrelevant to the plotline. However, this is book 1, and book 2 may give me more of what I hoped for in regard to Anne. I will definitely be reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
stellar “retelling”
I really enjoyed this story, though I often question the WHY of retellings. Why not just write an original story? I decided it is because the backstory already exists, so the author can move a tale forward without so much character introduction. This was made more complicated by adding the Elliot family. I hadn’t realized there would be two Marys and two Elizabeths.
This has a couple beautiful happy endings and leaves some loose ends that make me excited for the next book.
Clean, historical romance.
I really enjoyed this story, though I often question the WHY of retellings. Why not just write an original story? I decided it is because the backstory already exists, so the author can move a tale forward without so much character introduction. This was made more complicated by adding the Elliot family. I hadn’t realized there would be two Marys and two Elizabeths.
This has a couple beautiful happy endings and leaves some loose ends that make me excited for the next book.
Clean, historical romance.
May 31, 2023
Very entertaining
Interesting P&P variation with a mashup of characters from Persuasion marking a rather fun storyline. Pleasant that Mr Collins was unexpectedly not rewarded with a marriage to Charlotte Lucas and Wickham had a new target. Caroline Bingley is still vain, although the Elliot's do give her a run for her money. Enjoy.
Interesting P&P variation with a mashup of characters from Persuasion marking a rather fun storyline. Pleasant that Mr Collins was unexpectedly not rewarded with a marriage to Charlotte Lucas and Wickham had a new target. Caroline Bingley is still vain, although the Elliot's do give her a run for her money. Enjoy.
May 17, 2025
Good Merger
A good Merger of two Austen's best, although at times the mechanations of the characters into the plot are a little lengthy; the problem for me arising from the opposition of the natures of the prime characters being diametrically opposite.
Worth a read for those of us who never wanted either book to end.
A good Merger of two Austen's best, although at times the mechanations of the characters into the plot are a little lengthy; the problem for me arising from the opposition of the natures of the prime characters being diametrically opposite.
Worth a read for those of us who never wanted either book to end.
May 22, 2025
Having Fun with Jane Austen’s Characters
What a romp! Finally some of Jane Austen’s characters get properly sorted out in this fun read with well loved characters in this joyous mash up. The ridiculous Mr. Collins gets left behind as Charlotte finds a love more suited to her. What could be better than that? I can’t wait to find out!
What a romp! Finally some of Jane Austen’s characters get properly sorted out in this fun read with well loved characters in this joyous mash up. The ridiculous Mr. Collins gets left behind as Charlotte finds a love more suited to her. What could be better than that? I can’t wait to find out!
June 28, 2025
I enjoyed this variation/combination of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion mostly because it saved Charlotte from marrying that awful parson.
I've read and seen so many versions of both novels that most of what is in this version was no surprise, perhaps a bit more light hearted. It's biggest plus was Charlotte not marrying that awful, dreadful parson! That earned it's four stars form me.
I've read and seen so many versions of both novels that most of what is in this version was no surprise, perhaps a bit more light hearted. It's biggest plus was Charlotte not marrying that awful, dreadful parson! That earned it's four stars form me.
May 11, 2023
Pleasant, fluffy read
Blending characters from P&P and Persuasion in a competent reimagining that is more starch than strategy. No angst, no drama, and very little romance, but original and interesting. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Blending characters from P&P and Persuasion in a competent reimagining that is more starch than strategy. No angst, no drama, and very little romance, but original and interesting. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
May 14, 2023
Lots of fun
Oh dear, Dizzy takes a hand at Matchmaking. Ms. Garrett takes us on a merry dance as she introduces us to new characters and updates us on old friends. Must read with a tongue in cheek. Well not exactly new people as they are from another story.
Oh dear, Dizzy takes a hand at Matchmaking. Ms. Garrett takes us on a merry dance as she introduces us to new characters and updates us on old friends. Must read with a tongue in cheek. Well not exactly new people as they are from another story.
Read
May 2, 2023DNF
May 20, 2023
Enjoyable.
Not my favorite, but an easy read. I am loosing forward to book 2 as the story continues. The combination of two JA characters from different books is interesting..
Not my favorite, but an easy read. I am loosing forward to book 2 as the story continues. The combination of two JA characters from different books is interesting..
Read
May 25, 2023DNF. Modern way of thinking.
June 5, 2025
The start was slow but it ended up being very cute and I found myself giggling at the cute and silliness of it.
July 7, 2025
Cleverly written, but there were some modern words and phrases that were a bit off putting.
November 16, 2025
Based on Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, this was a clever combining of characters from both books. A great read. If you like Jane Austen, you'll enjoy this book as well. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews