Mr. Darcy and the Governess

Mr. Darcy #2

by Alix James

Mr. Darcy is running for his life, but he can't get very far when he's saddled with a handful of frightened children and their stubborn, sassy governess.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Regency, Historical, Adventure, Fiction, Historical Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2023

About the author

Satisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations

Reviews

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 5+


My word! Actually, I am at a loss for words that flow together! There was so much within this novel, and I absolutely loved it! However, I would call this more a dramedy for all that has been cleverly incorporated into this variation.

Elizabeth Bennet as a governess…how did this come about?
“After all, how much trouble could three young girls really be?” (quote from the book)

Adventure on the high seas with some very calamitous incidents.
“Would I never be free of this torment?” (quote from the book)

Political intrigue involving Napoleon Bonaparte

Swoon worthy…so many delicious scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy.
“It was no wilting lily who had stolen my heart but a sharp-tongued wit with a will of iron. A queen.” (quote from the book)

Darcy doing what he does best…saving those he loves.

Laughter…Elizabeth and Darcy dealing with situations that place them in some rather awkward situations.

Touching moments between Elizabeth and the young children in her charge…Dolphins and seagulls dining together.

Did I mention swoon worthy?
“The lavish silk gown she wore was an exquisite deep red, so vivid it seemed to have a pulse of its own.” (quote from the book)

Poignant moments
“Regrets have an uncanny knack of rearing their ugly heads right when they are least convenient.” (quote from the book)

All of this and more is within the pages of this novel. It is told in the first person between Darcy and Elizabeth’s perspectives. Again, I must say, Ms. James (a.k.a. Nicole Clarkston) always delivers unique books. I cannot recommend this one highly enough!

I was fortunate to receive this book as a gift and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people coerced into a change of living arrangements, meet aboard a ship bound for Italy. Two people who have met previously. Two people who may or may not be in love.

Are you intrigued yet? What if you knew that the two people were Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet?

The story opens with Darcy’s cousin, the Colonel, visiting him with the intention of pushing him into serving King and Country by traveling to Elba where a particular former troublemaker is currently confined. (The usual timeline has been adjusted several years to coincide with Napoleon’s career.) Darcy boards a ship to Italy.

In Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet is leaving to take a position as a governess. We learn that Lydia has disgraced herself and the family, but the details are sketchy.

Elizabeth meets her charges:

Quote from the book: Emily, the eldest … sleek black hair, eyes that were flat and dark as jet, and a scowl that pierced like daggers. I am certain that was the intent.
Beatrice ... milky blue eyes and a wild mop of blonde hair that looked as if she had just tumbled down a hill, despite the pins and ribbons her maid had stuck into place with more optimism than success. Beatrice’s eyes widened, and her mouth worked, but no sound came out.
Penelope … equally untamed locks of fiery auburn and the most impertinent rash of freckles over her nose. “…everyone calls me Poppy.”

Too late, Elizabeth learns that the Holt family intends to travel to Elba to spend time with the defeated Emperor. Elizabeth has no choice; she must also set sail.

Neither parent is involved with their children and all the girls misbehave. Emily sends caretakers packing; Bea stutters; and Poppy wanders away. What a situation for a first-time governess! Elizabeth has her work cut out for her. Then she discovers a rejected suitor among her fellow passengers. And the seasickness begins.

When the ship finally clears the stormy waters and arrives in Italy, the situation worsens. Darcy and Elizabeth are confronted with Napoleon’s escape from Elba. Drugged nearly senseless, they must save themselves and three children.

The plot develops and escalates, right along with the romance. Loved it!

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, swoony romance for our dear Darcy and Elizabeth, and it comes with a boat load of story!

This comes off a little chick-lit, a little swashbuckling, a bit of historical and political and has a serious side too. The layers just kept peeling off.

The writing is enjoyable as would be expected from this author. It was the complexity which I hadn't anticipated. Nefarious plans, traitors and irresponsible parents (not just the Bennets) Are just a smattering of what is packed in to this exciting read.

I couldn't put it down, there was no good place to stop!

Better than book 1 in this series and looking forward to book 3!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars!

How did she do this?? Ms. James (a.k.a. Nicole Clarkston) has penned a Pride and Prejudice variation that's equal parts comedy and spy thriller. Somehow she makes them mesh here without making a mockery of a deadly serious situation. And there’s romance, of course, which is the heart of the story.

The timeline shifts ahead slightly to 1815 - a necessary change because Napoleon's exile on the island of Elba, off the coast of Italy, becomes integral to the plot. All the early events in canon have taken place, picking up the story some time after Mr. Darcy's initial insulting proposal to Elizabeth Bennet.

The two have not met since leaving Kent. It was Mr. Gardiner who found Lydia and Wickham, and he loaned Mr. Bennet the money necessary to bribe the groom into marriage. The Bennets have no way to repay the debt except to lease out Longbourn and move into the much smaller dower house.

To ease her family’s financial burden, Elizabeth leaves and becomes a governess working for the thoroughly detestable Lord and Lady Holt. He has a young mistress he flaunts in front of his wife, while she is an air-headed narcissist with a nonsensical idol worship of Napoleon. Neither shows any affection for their children.

Elizabeth’s circumstances are challenging, to put it mildly. The youngest child, Poppy, has an unnerving tendency to wander off. The middle child, Bea, suffers with crippling shyness and a severe stutter. The eldest, Emily, is openly defiant and the mastermind behind pranks that have caused a string of previous governesses to quit. In addition to dealing with the children, Elizabeth is horrified to find that the entire family will be off almost immediately on an ocean voyage to Italy, intending to seek an audience with Napoleon himself!

Mr. Darcy has been trying to recover his spirits after Elizabeth refused his proposal, and Colonel Fitzwilliam needs his help. There are vague reports that Napoleon may be plotting an escape and, as an upstanding British citizen with no noticeable ties to the military or the government, Darcy would be the perfect candidate to find his way into Napoleon’s retinue and discover whether anything seems amiss. Fitzwilliam presses Darcy, who reluctantly agrees and then finds himself on the same ship as the Holts, their children…and Miss Elizabeth.

The book has many light-hearted moments. Darcy routinely curses his cousin for getting him into this mess. He frequently stumbles (both literally and figuratively) when Elizabeth is around. Poppy runs off at the worst possible moments, with Elizabeth frantically scrambling after her. All of them suffer from severe seasickness due to rough seas during the voyage.

On the more serious side, Elizabeth receives unwelcome interest after they arrive at their destination. Darcy must exert himself to be amiable in company with people he secretly despises. Their lives are all in jeopardy when chaos erupts at Elba.

And the romance! Ooo, la, la! Elizabeth’s lowered position in society doesn’t change Darcy’s intent to marry her. Since he still doesn’t know her sister is married to Wickham, Elizabeth protects her heart and resists his continued attentions. Darcy is quite the hero, doing whatever he can to keep Elizabeth and the children safe.

This action-driven story is one you will find hard to put down.

Content is clean.

I received a free copy via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the Adventure!
Darcy never knew about Lydia’s elopement with Wickham, so he is unaware of her folly’s repercussions upon the Bennet family. Imagine his surprise when he encounters Elizabeth in service as a governess to three young girls aboard a ship on the way to Italy. He has embarked on this journey at Colonel Fitzwilliam’s behest to attempt to discover what is happening on Elba where Napoleon is exiled. Elizabeth’s Lord and Lady employers are fixed on meeting the Emperor and for the most part, neglect their daughters.

So begins their voyage, providing some romance and a good measure of comedy by a swoon-worthy and sometimes tipsy Darcy, and an Elizabeth desperately trying to avoid him and keep her charges safely corralled. When she is deliberately drugged (not by Darcy), she finally makes her true feelings known. Mix in some spies and treasonous acts, and a teenie touch of angst topped off with diverting dialogue, and you have the makings of a perfectly light-hearted Regency rom-com.

Loving this series. Highly recommend.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature teen: language, mild cursing, discussions of an adult nature that could be too much for young readers.
>>Angst Level: stressful, hilariously funny, scary during adventures, and I teared up a few times.
>>Fan Points: swoon-worthy banter and touching moments that just made my heart sing.
>>Source: ARC from the author via bookfunnel [9-20-23] I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. There is a short intro, 26 chapters, and an epilogue.
>>Trope: AU: Alternate Universe

I adore Alix James’ books and this new one was no exception. I laughed, teared up, and cringed all at the same time. How does she do that? Our dear couple was put into a situation I’d never read before. The planning, execution, and strategies to pull this off was genius. Yep, Alix James was brilliant in this AU as most of the activity happened off English shores.

I laughed my head off as Darcy and Elizabeth dealt with situations that were so outlandish that I couldn’t help but laugh. Darcy was certainly the hero and three little girls just made the story. Oh, I loved those kids. Of course, I was not their governess. Poor Elizabeth. She certainly had her hands full. As did Mr. Darcy. There is too much to say in a review so I will highly recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read and something different.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Lydia's elopement everything changes for Elizabeth. Longbourn is to be let because her father can't afford to keep it, she cannot go to her aunt Gardiener and now her mother wants her to marry the local butcher. To not be a burden to her family Elizabeth decides to become a governess and some days later she is with Lord and Lady Hold and their children on her way to Italy.
Darcy is about to leave for Scotland to forget Elizabeth when his cousin asks to see him on urgent business. On behalf of the Colonel's commanding officer Darcy is to go to Elba to discover if Napoleon has plans to disturb the fragile peace in Europe. Arriving on the ship to Italy he encounters none other than Elizabeth ... now a governess. He is determined not to let her go again but, in Elizabeth's opinion, she is now even more unsuitable than ever for the rich gentleman, even when she is more and more drawn to him.
When they finally arrive at Elba and meet the Emperor Darcy discovers that it is not only Europe that is in danger of another war but also Elizabeth who soon finds herself in the middle of an international incident. Can Darcy find a way to protect her and the fragile peace? Is Elizabeth at all willing to see the charged man he is and will she give him a second chance?

The book of the author Alix James is a delightful and very well written story. It is both thrilling and funny at the same time, I was not able to put it down and I laughed out loud so many times. I enjoyed it very much, definitely one of the best books I read this year so far.

The book is set in 1815 with the events around Napoleon being exiled to Elba and his return to France. For the heroes of pride and prejudice everything is as it was, except that Darcy and Elizabeth had not met again at Pemberley and he thus was not able to help locating Lydia. The events now enfold in a different manner. Alix James described everything very comprehensible, events could have occurred in the described way had Elizabeth and Darcy not met again at Pemberley.

I like that Darcy is more in love with Elizabeth and more determined than ever to make her his wife even with her circumstances now more reduced because she is in service. His love is sincere and deep. And I really like the way he cares for her, has her in every thought and is not willing to give up even when she is not able to admit her feelings. I also like very much that Elizabeth is slowly but unstoppably more and more falling in love with Darcy until she finally accepts that she does not want to live without him. Like Darcy she is more and more able to read his every mood and every feeling, even from some distance. It was so heartwarming to read it ❤️.
And do not forget Elizabeth's children (the ones she is governess for), they are unique and quite lovable in their own way. I really liked them and was so glad that even they had their happy ending.

There is one big villain in this book, a really unusual one - Napoleon. I enjoy stories in which Darcy and Elizabeth need to work together to solve a problem or come up with a villain. Napoleon was a difficult opponent for them, especially for Darcy who needs to protect Elizabeth and the children and at the same time observe everything for his cousin's commanding officer. But fortunately all is resolved in the end and all the villains get what they deserve - even Napoleon 😉

I enjoyed the humour in the book very much. Darcy and Elizabeth had to endure so many witty and incredible situations (you will discover a new side of Elizabeth 😉) it was soooo delightful ❤️❤️.

If you enjoy a witty book with Darcy and Elizabeth finding themselves in unusual situations in their fight against Napoleon you should definitely read this great story.

I highly recommend the book. Definitely one of my favourites this year so far. I will read it again soon.

I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

_____
Addition for the audiobook
The audiobook was narrated by the outstanding Stevie Zimmerman. I always like her performances but this one was delightful, especially because of Elizabeth’s new side (see above). When Stevie Zimmerman narrates a book you can always expect an excellent performance. This one is no exception. I was always able to discern who is talking to whom, something I enjoy very much. She performed Elizabeth's first person narrative as well as Darcy's first person narrative in an excellent way. Through her narration a great book became even better.

[MichelleH H · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my gosh James has upped her game fantastically

What can’t this author write? This was heart-in-the-throat exciting action for Our Dear Couple.

I’ve read some great stories that have put Darcy and Elizabeth in dangerous situations on European shores during the Short Peace period when Napoleon was on Elba and when war broke out again when he escaped. But this story put Darcy and Elizabeth on Elba itself. I was so nervous watching and waiting for the shoe to drop and even knowing something big and bad was going to happen I was incredibly surprised by what did happen. We know Darcy is going to be the hero of course and that Elizabeth will be courageous and brave. But they have three young girls to rescue too. And there is utter chaos involved in order to escape Elba among every other Englishman on the island where they are now enemies again.

Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship is at this point somewhat riotous as Darcy is acting the most noble hero and trying to convince Elizabeth that he still loves her and that they should be together. But it is also frustratingly humorous and frighteningly nerve wracking because of the danger they are in and the fact that Lizzy has been drugged and isn’t acting herself.

You know how they say that children can steal the show in films and books. These children were an integral part of the story here and I loved them! They proved Darcy’s commitment and and devotion and bravery. They proved Elizabeth’s courage in facing the trials she endured and proved her love and commitment for the people she felt she was responsible for; her family, her charges, and Darcy himself.

This should be made into a movie. I can’t wait for the audio version. I loved this story so much and I cannot recommend it highly enough. 5+++*****

[Lady Mercury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!
You won't regret reading the book.

In my opinion this one is even better than 'Mr. Darcy steals a kiss'. The 3 kids were such little mischiefs and cute at the same time, one could only love them. And as for Mr. Darcy himself.. Wow, a bit of a tease, something I like. It was under perfect regulation, regarding to Darcy and teasing.

As it is shelved as Audiobook, it is kind of clear I listened to the book and let me tell you Stevie Zimmerman really did a great job at narrating, like always. I loved it!

It was about 8 Hours, and clean except for kisses. Low Angst.

[Karura Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 estrellas

Creo que mi mayor problema con el libro, es que esperaba algo totalmente distinto a lo que me había imaginado, y por lo que creo que no me gusto del todo.

Es una historia entretenida, pero esperaba que fuera como dice una comedia, pero solo quitando algunas escenas, yo no la vi como comedia, sobre todo por el la situación en la que se desarrolla.
Por la época en la que transcurre Orgullo y Prejuicio, y parte de lo que habla la historia, sabemos que Inglaterra esta en Guerra, pero es algo que no se trata fondo en la historia original, y solo en ocasiones, en las variaciones, como en este caso.


Pensé que solo tomarían el tema mas a fondo, no que el mismo personaje de Napoleón, participaría en la historia


Otra de las cuestiones, por lo que no lo tomo por comedia, seria el tema de la ruina de la familia Bennet, por culpa de la fuga de Lidia, que aunque en la historia original y como mencione en otras variaciones, se resuelve de manera satisfactoria para nuestros protagonistas (y que bueno, porque soy partidaria de los finales felices). Siento que si tocaba temas de los peligros en los que quedaban sobretodo las damas, al perder el buen nombre de la familia, y los sacrificios a los que tenían que recurrir para poder tener un poco de estabilidad económica.
Sabia que no podía terminar mal, pero en mi cabeza, no podía estar tranquila del todo, imaginando lo que hubiera podido ser, si hubieran llegado en otro momento o hubieran estado en otro lugar.

No se si en este momento, capte mas esta parte de la historia que otra y me afecto mas, por lo que dejare pasar algún tiempo para darle una relectura y ver si la puedo ver con otros ojos.

Una de las partes que si me gusto mucho, y me causo gracia fue la escena de cuando Elizabeth y Georgiana se conocen. Me encanto.

[Barbara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I loved this adventure. It's a revised variation on Pride and Prejudice in which Darcy wasn't around to help get Lydia and Wickham married, so Mr. Gardiner had to foot the expense, at a bad time for his business, and has since had to insist he be repaid, putting the Bennets in a bad spot. Suffice to say, Elizabeth winds up taking a position as governess to the troublesome children of a baron and his wife who, unbeknownst to her, are planning a trip to Elba to visit Napoleon! Darcy has been sent off by some government connection of his cousin's to see what the Corsican is up to in his little island empire, and is shocked to find Elizabeth Bennet heading in the same direction. There's lots of humor, a fast moving plot, and some heavy duty romance. This is a fun read.

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off to meet the tyrant

This was a fun story, despite the original situation of the Bennets after Lydia's elopement. A different search and rescuer leads Elizabeth into service and into a boat to the Continent. This adventure brings her meetings with spies, mistresses, and society of the high and low, along with different kinds of intoxication. Darcy is dazzled, charming and devoted. The audiobook, performed by Stevie Zimmerman is excellent.

[CEK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful little of everything

A little mystery, a little romance, a little angst, a little coincidence, a little truce, a little more romance, a little humor, a little more romance, a little adventure, a little drunkenness, a little more mystery, a little Napoleon, a lot of love, and three little girls. Very nice!

[Maria Maderi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.... wasn't all smooth sailing but it was a fun read....

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

A Darcy I can't help but adore, and once her guard down, a bold and flirty Elizabeth.
The book cover is misleading, this was quite the adventure.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure, Darcy, Elizabeth and Napoleon! Italy! Intrigue! I didn’t think it was particularly Austen but it was fun nevertheless and an enjoyable change of scenery.

[Faustine]

DNF. There’s nothing wrong with this book. I’m just not keen on adventures and too much action.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying Alix James' P&P romantic comedies. This one was funny, but also featured a romantic, heroic Darcy along with a clever Elizabeth. The scene in the Italian inn's common room was absolutely amazing.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

One could not feel the original characters in this alternate story...either in their words or actions ultimately. A decent read, but not at all appropriate to the time period in way too many ways.

[Muriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if Jane never crossed paths with Darcy at Pemberley? This retelling takes Pride and Prejudice in a wildly adventurous direction, featuring boats, a secluded Italian island, a dose of drug-induced hilarity, and even Napoleon. The highlight for me was Elizabeth’s opium-fuelled escapades, which had me laughing out loud. The low point? The children. Their dialogue swung between overly sweet to unrealistically precocious, making their central role a bit tiresome. Still, this is a fun and unexpected retelling.

📚2024/2025 P&P themed book ranking so far...
- Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice (Manga)
- Puck and Prejudice (Time Travel)
- Miss Bennett's Dragon (Fantasy)
- The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Different perspective - Anne)
- The Other Bennett Sister (Different Perspective - Mary)
- Mum's the Word (Modern retelling)
- Debating Darcy (Modern retelling)
- Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice (Fantasy, VR)
- Longbourn (Different perspective - servants)
- The Mistress of Longbourn (Retelling - changed plot)
- Most Ardently (Modern retelling, LGBTQ)
- The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (Modern retelling)
- Lola at Last (Modern retelling, different perspective - Lydia)
- Jane Austen Cannot Marry (Time travel)
- The Bad Miss Bennet (Different perspective - Lydia)
- The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen(Time Travel)
**** - Darcy and the Governance (Retelling, changed plot)
- Proper Darcy Christmas (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- Death comes to Pemberley (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- An Unpleasant Sort of Man (Retelling, changed plot)
- Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh (Time travel, LGBTQ)
- Pride, Prejudice and Poison ( Murder mystery)
- Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (Time travel)
- Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation (Retelling, changed plot, Different perspective - Darcy)
- Dating Mr Darcy ( Modern retelling)
- Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation ( Fantasy)
- Coming Up Roses (Modern retelling)
- Austenland (Modern retelling)
- For Pemberly (Retelling, plot changed)
- Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice ( Modern retelling)

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes under two names and I have enjoyed all of her books. This story does have a bit of angst. I received a copy of this story from BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth becomes a governess to three girls, whose parents really show little affection for them. It seems the whole Lydia/Wickham debacle has occurred with only Mr. Gardner to help pay off Wickham to do the "right" thing. The only way Bennet can repay his brother-in-law is by leasing out Longbourn for a few years. The Bennets then move into the dower house. Elizabeth feels the need to help out financially and sees little choice for her future due to the disgrace into which the family has fallen.

Ironically, Elizabeth finds herself on the same ship sailing to the isle of Elba as Mr. Darcy. Her employers and Darcy (and others) have reasons to want to meet Napoleon.

Elizabeth finds her youngest charge, Poppy, a great challenge as the child continually wanders off. The other two girls have their own unique behaviors, which add interest to the story.

Elba turns out to be a very dangerous place to be as Napoleon succeeds in "escaping" his imprisonment. Of course there are political threads to this story in that event. We read Darcy cursing his cousin, the Colonel, many times as Darcy finds himself in tight and awkward situations. (Some background here: Darcy is a second son and for a short time served in the armed forces until the death of his father and brother change his status. The Hunsford Proposal has already occurred and Elizabeth carries Darcy's letter with her as a reminder of how wrong she was in her words to him.)

As Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth remain unabated and she finds herself falling in love with him, he serves as protector of not only Elizabeth but also three young girls whose parents have their own political agenda and make no time for their children.

This was a story with not only angst but also one which was hard to put down. I highly recommend it.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I've come to expect very light and sometimes silly, but oh so romantic stories from Alix James, and this one is that. However, it's also infused with drama, intrigue, angst, and lots of action. Her books must be approached with the expectation that you'll have to overlook the non-Regency era speech and behaviors, and I'm more than willing because her books are such fun to read. Some time has passed since the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and since Darcy's subsequent letter to Elizabeth. The "Lydia debacle" has taken place, but because Darcy is not involved, it results in dire difficulties for the Bennetts and the Gardiners. Elizabeth regrets her harsh refusal of Darcy's proposal, and Darcy still can't forget Elizabeth. Because of the family difficulties, Elizabeth takes a position as a governess to three young daughters of Baron and Baroness Holt. Darcy, meanwhile, is recruited by the army to go to Italy to determine if something is afoot in Elba, where Napoleon is residing in exile. The family that Elizabeth serves also travels there, and Darcy encounters Elizabeth on the voyage to Italy.

The timeline is altered in order to put the events of P&P closer to these historical events concerning Napoleon. Darcy's family situation is also altered, making him a second son who went into the army until the deaths of his father and elder brother in a carriage accident. Darcy and Elizabeth get caught up in some wild intrigue regarding Napoleon, and come to rely heavily on each other for support. This all sounds rather grim and serious, and it is. But this author is a master of witty banter and wonderfully humorous situations. She's not above using downright slapstick comedy, mixed together with absolutely wonderful romance. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and an admirable Elizabeth, who is fortunately quite ready to fall in love.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a wild ride, and a superb love story.

[Ashvini · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating 5+

This is one funky book on E&D and regency Era. The events happen at 1815 and slight change to the timeliness to accommodate that so it aligns with Napoleon's stay at Elba

The Story starts when Colonel Fitzwilliam coerced Darcy to visit Elba as prominent English gentleman and Elizabeth applying for a position of governess of 3 young girls of one Lord holt. Elizabeth is unaware that they are setting for Italy in few days. the Young girls are positively handful to say the least

Darcy meets Elizabeth on the voyage and she keeps avoiding him due to her family's disgrace and other sketchy details that are gradually unfolded. Darcy keeps trying to woo her and there are some very very funny moments where he tries unsuccessfully

The romance is swoon worthy and so is this Darcy... For this Darcy anyone can face Bonaparte i am sure :)

The tale takes us from England to Paris to Elba and to various other locales with our Hero and heroine and 3 cute or not girls. The bond between Darcy and Elizabeth is so honest and true and the girls start positively to adore Elizabeth

One of the very good books i have read so far when Darcy and Elizabeth have to fight distressing circumstances and emerge victorious. And the scene where Elizabeth is under the influence of drugs and finally admitting to admiring Darcy is hilarious to say the least in such tense surroundings

Well written ms James

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS

Non-stop action. After Lydia ruined the family, Elizabeth is now working as a governess for Lord and Lady Holt. Their three young daughters are traumatized in different ways by their selfish parents. They are aware that their father openly keeps a mistress, and their mother has her own dalliances. Lady Holt is fascinated by Napoleon, who is currently exiled to the island of Elba. At the time, many Brits traveled there to see Napoleon, and those were the plans of the Holts. It came as a surprise to Elizabeth, as she was told nothing upon being hired.

Darcy is forced by Richard into doing spy work on Elba and ends up on the same ship as Elizabeth and the Holts. The wretched voyage is described so well that the reader almost feels part of the scene. As the two are thrown together, Darcy works to protect Elizabeth and gain her trust. There is much to overcome before reaching safety and a happy conclusion. I don't want to say too much and spoil it, but there are some thrilling scenes. It's a thoroughly enjoyable wild ride.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is on the adventurous side as Darcy & Elizabeth have to work together to get themselves and 3 children back to England safely. There were some funny situations in their adventure and a whole lot of it would have made Lizzy 'ruined' in the eyes of English society though it couldn't be helped. Who knew that Lizzy would feel amorous/flirtatious when the bad guys give her opium? And who knew a child would recognize it as opium when Darcy could not. Although, he had been drinking quite a bit in an attempt to figure out what the bad guys were up to.
There was a good deal of innuendo and references to sex through out the book. A mistress was around a lot. And it was blatantly implied after D&E are married but no sex on the page.
I think the story was good but I'm not sure Darcy & Elizabeth of canon would have behaved as they did. Author's prerogative I suppose.
I felt like those three girls had the world's worst parents and I was glad the book ended as it did.

Sex: implied
Language: Maybe a little? I can't remember
Violence: war breaks out

[Doris Studer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this authoress and I dislike the “stars-rating”
Mrs.James’s books are always intelligent, well-designed, well researched, with humour and wit, tenderness and warmth. I also like it when she writes about characters “out of the box”, like Georgiana Darcy in “A Fine Mind” or Napoleon and children in this variation. The co-heroes besides three young girls are a kind, story inventing and brave governess and a really heroic gentleman. And as a surplus I rediscovered Mozart’s piano concerto nr. 23🤩
Why I dislike this (judgmental and subjective) stars-rating? What shall I do when Mrs. James will publish again an even more intricate story like “Nefarious” or “Tempted”? The 4 stars are not a negative rating but - I hope – an encouragement to challenge her readers’ brains and emotions again in the future.

[Bethany Tomerlin Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun & Intriguing with Some Actual History Thrown In

This Darcy & Elizabeth take on the Sound of Music is really, really fun, funny & romantic.


Elizabeth crosses wits with Napolean Bonaparte (Mr. Bennet is going to be so jealous). Also, this Napolean just oozes charisma and is dynamic on the page.

A drugged Elizabeth calls Darcy Fizzy!!!!! (And sees unicorns)

The Holt girls are bundles of chaos and sweetness, and I totally read a spin-off series that shows them during their introduction to society. (London will never be the same).

Also, this was a very interesting look at what might have happened to the Bennet's if Darcy wasn't there to rescue Lydia.

Darcy's determination to not lose this second chance and woo Elizabeth just melted my heart. As did Elizabeth falling hard for Darcy but believing it to be impossible because she had entered service.

[Madenna U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bennet has become a governess due to a reversal in the Bennet family fortune as they have had to pay a young man to marry one of their daughters. Fitzwilliam Darcy is coerced by his cousin to travel to visit Napoleon on this exiled Elba Island as a unassuming British aristocrat. Strangely, the two realize they are both on the same trip under different circumstances and become a team in fulfilling each's responsibilities. Their combined efforts lead to a mutual understanding and love for each other as well some deserved consequences for others.

The book is an amazing thriller of political espionage! The supporting cast of characters are incredible, especially the young girls in Elizabeth's care. I will definitely be reading this one again.

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy is resolute in his desire to win the heart of the woman who holds his heart.

When he encounters her again, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a governess. Why? We'll see Mr. Darcy's protective side, which he also extends ,to the tree young girls in Miss Elizabeth's charge. There's treason afoot, money being part of the reason, but not all. I'm sure you'll enjoy this wonderful story.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard on YouTube :
I have come across this cook several times, but decided it was not for me, because usually I don’t like variations where Darcy and Elisabeth travel a lot, with pirates and spies and the like.
Well, You tube push it to me several time and I start hearing it. I like it very much! I laugh out loud several times. And Darcy was so sweet and protective. So good, I’ll go on Goodreads give it 5 stars.
Oh and Stevie Zimmermann is great…