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Chance Encounters
In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives at Netherfield in a state of indignation and delivers an insult that nearly ended his future before it began. What if he did not go to Meryton that autumn and instead met Elizabeth Bennet later in London during the winter? What if their introduction was not an insult, but rather a challenge to smile, and how does the strength of an extraordinary couple help them to survive all that life sends their way?Chance Encounters is a journey of the imagination and explores how a resigned and wiser Elizabeth meets a hardened Darcy. It follows them and their families through their courtship, wedding, and beyond. Together they experience a mature love.Revised edition 2012. This story contains scenes of a mature nature.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2008
83 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Linda Wells
10 books95 followersWelcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself. I worked for years in the environmental engineering world until I traded my career as a geographer for one as a mom to a challenging and really great son. One day, I saw the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, and I was fascinated. I bought a copy of Jane Austen's novel and read it so many times, falling under the spell of her unforgettable characters and story, and I could not help but wonder what happened next for them. That led me in search of Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 15, 2017
In this book Bingley hasn't gone to Netherfield yet and Darcy and Elizabeth meet in London. It's a chance to see how their romance will fare if he's not immediately faced with her family proving an embarrassment, which is interesting and I enjoyed it for quite a while. There are a number of characters that are different than Austen's though - Mr Bennet is massively more selfish and isn't out for Lizzy's best interests, Caroline Bingley is losing her grip on reality, and George Wickham does something really awful, he's not just a chancer in this, he is genuinely a bad person.
The main problem I had with this book is that it doesn't really seem to have much plot, it just ambles on. And there is so much repetition, masses of sex scenes, everybody saying how much they envy Elizabeth and Darcy's love match over and over again, lots of inappropriate touchy feely contact between them - in this era that was dodgy behaviour and Darcy and Elizabeth had more class than that. I would say many people wouldn't be that touchy feely now, let alone then. And Darcy cries at the drop of a hat which somehow didn't seem likely. It's a shame, as I was hoping for better from this book.
The main problem I had with this book is that it doesn't really seem to have much plot, it just ambles on. And there is so much repetition, masses of sex scenes, everybody saying how much they envy Elizabeth and Darcy's love match over and over again, lots of inappropriate touchy feely contact between them - in this era that was dodgy behaviour and Darcy and Elizabeth had more class than that. I would say many people wouldn't be that touchy feely now, let alone then. And Darcy cries at the drop of a hat which somehow didn't seem likely. It's a shame, as I was hoping for better from this book.
October 26, 2023
HEA in the beginning
First half of the book was amazing. It earned its 5 stars there. The last half of the book was what a HEA could be if not everything didn’t go smoothly.
I enjoyed the entire book but really didn’t enjoy the ‘Richard loves Lizzy’ plotline. I found Richard every bit as bad as Caroline and couldn’t believe Darcy not being more forceful with him.
I LOVED how Darcy took care of Wickham.
This book is great.
First half of the book was amazing. It earned its 5 stars there. The last half of the book was what a HEA could be if not everything didn’t go smoothly.
I enjoyed the entire book but really didn’t enjoy the ‘Richard loves Lizzy’ plotline. I found Richard every bit as bad as Caroline and couldn’t believe Darcy not being more forceful with him.
I LOVED how Darcy took care of Wickham.
This book is great.
May 27, 2018
This was a different approach on so many levels. Two star cross lovers take notice of each other across a dark theatre and feel such an instant magnetism to one another they breach propriety and battle for an introduction. It's as simple and romantic as that. I read some thought too hard about it and couldn't believe,for that time period, it would happen as it did. The best things in life are worth fighting for and sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and just go for it! That goes for any time period.
Darcy was not the Darcy JA created he was shy to be sure but he was a lot quicker to open up. You have to keep in mind his biggest trouble was the behavior from Lizzy's family. Elizabeth was different for the fact we didn't see her with her father and sister but with her aunt and uncle. This took several immediate impediments out of the way and the understanding between D&E together sooner. There were some road blocks in the way but it was after the pair were aquainted better.
Mr. Bennet was the biggest shock and I won't say why other than to say in the beginning you will not like him. Caroline was so obsessed that she literally lost her head to obtain Darcy. Wickham was evil as ever but too quickly disposed of. Jane and Lizzy did not have that tight bond but it made sense the direction it took. Georgiana and aunt Catherine was both a surprise and joy. The one star I deducted is due to colonel Fitzwilliam. He struggles with being in love with Lizzy. I hated what he put poor Kathleen through and felt we should have got to see more on how he turned things around. My heart broke with hers as the former colonel told Katie was in love with Lizzy and brutally honest while doing so.
What a nightmare to learn the man you love hasn't given all of himself to you and struggled whenever around his cousins wife. I really wanted to see her make him realize how lucky he was but the story is about Darcy and Lizzy and I liked this book over all. If you have ever read anything by Wells this one is a typical of her work. You should prepare to kick back because her writing style is at a leisurely pace and detailed with pov's , intimacy, high emotions and in this one some violence surrounding an attempted sexual assault concerning Lizzy. Enjoy!
Darcy was not the Darcy JA created he was shy to be sure but he was a lot quicker to open up. You have to keep in mind his biggest trouble was the behavior from Lizzy's family. Elizabeth was different for the fact we didn't see her with her father and sister but with her aunt and uncle. This took several immediate impediments out of the way and the understanding between D&E together sooner. There were some road blocks in the way but it was after the pair were aquainted better.
Mr. Bennet was the biggest shock and I won't say why other than to say in the beginning you will not like him. Caroline was so obsessed that she literally lost her head to obtain Darcy. Wickham was evil as ever but too quickly disposed of. Jane and Lizzy did not have that tight bond but it made sense the direction it took. Georgiana and aunt Catherine was both a surprise and joy. The one star I deducted is due to colonel Fitzwilliam. He struggles with being in love with Lizzy. I hated what he put poor Kathleen through and felt we should have got to see more on how he turned things around. My heart broke with hers as the former colonel told Katie was in love with Lizzy and brutally honest while doing so.
What a nightmare to learn the man you love hasn't given all of himself to you and struggled whenever around his cousins wife. I really wanted to see her make him realize how lucky he was but the story is about Darcy and Lizzy and I liked this book over all. If you have ever read anything by Wells this one is a typical of her work. You should prepare to kick back because her writing style is at a leisurely pace and detailed with pov's , intimacy, high emotions and in this one some violence surrounding an attempted sexual assault concerning Lizzy. Enjoy!
December 5, 2020
With an average of 3.9 stars for 95 reviews on Amazon, (51% being 5 stars) you can imagine that this story raised some strong feelings. Some of the negatives were Mr. Bennet’s role, the number of technical errors, and the lack of development in Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship prior to marriage. Those, plus the fact that the book, Kama Sutra, (mentioned as in the library at Pemberley), was not published during this time period, is another “mistake” pointed out in several reviews. And with that: some objected to the descriptions and/or frequency of ODC’s sexual relationship.
I love the first chapter; I love that in this story our favorite couple experienced “love at first sight”. I have read and re-read that chapter on more than one occasion. For me it was so endearing. So we don’t have all the accusations of a totally improper family or of class differences before cupid strikes.
We are told of Darcy’s father’s directions to his brother-in-law as to what he wants for Darcy in marriage and just why. We are told of an event in Darcy’s youth when the father takes the son to a brothel for sexual initiation BUT then makes him promise never to plant his seed outside of marriage as this could leave disenfranchised children in the community. And we also read why the father wants this for Darcy – a very powerful reason. And we learn that Darcy doesn’t know this latter purpose in the relationship he had with his father and in the relationship his father had with Wickham.
Then we are also told of Elizabeth’s relationship with her father. (Yes, this book has the fathers playing roles in past and present circumstances.) We know the Mr. Bennet of canon. Many of us don’t like that his indolence is a major contributing factor in the behaviors and personalities we witness in his daughters and even in his wife’s silly actions and shrill exclamations. In this tale Lizzy’s father has reared her more as he would have a son. He considers her his companion due to her wit and her demeanor. She gets his snide or humorous comments; they share opinions through just a raised eyebrow or a smirk. He DOES NOT expect her to marry and move away. But he has not faced just how that desire plays out until someone in whom Lizzy is seriously interested asks to first court her and then for her hand in marriage. This does not compute in his world. And the outcome is disastrous! If you like Mr. Bennet, you may not want to read this book. But one good effect to Mr. B’s observations about ODC is that he decides to change his treatment of his wife – oh, no, she doesn’t make a 180° change but she does “put a lid on it”.
We learn that Mr. Bennet has a past, one that no one has known about and one that now has a role in so many lives and relationships. You may be surprised most of all by a certain Mr. Carrington in this story.
On the other hand, I did like Lady Catherine’s change in character…even though it didn’t occur until there was a death in the family. The Fitzwilliam family’s role in accepting, supporting and then setting a standard for the “ton’s” outlook on the marriage was a positive one. Even within the family the older brother’s marriage of convenience is affected by this marriage of love between Elizabeth and Darcy.
I liked the development of Col. Fitzwilliam’s relationship with Darcy and with Darcy’s love for Elizabeth, his and Darcy’s acknowledgment of certain feelings and how he faced up to those, how he made a resolution to change and how he communicated the feelings, what they meant and how he changed. He does get his happy ending.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin a relationship which seems to be made in heaven BUT this tale gives them more than their share of trauma, of heartbreak, of learning how to communicate. And it was gratifying to read that there were others in the family who observed the need to point out to one or the other how they needed to share even the ugly parts of their lives. Darcy and Elizabeth grow and at times cling to each other against overwhelming events.
There are other romances in this story. Georgiana and, even Lydia, have love lives. Caroline Bingley acts in a ghastly manner on more than one occasion. Charles and Jane do not have the backbone to set boundaries with, again, horrendous results for ODC.
The only negative, (and this book does have 443 pages) is that in the epilogue some facts are rather vague. I had to wonder at offspring, (gender, names, etc.) and other events referenced which kept our couple steadfast in their need for each other’s support and love. But all-in-all this was a long and satisfying book. I would recommend it to all JAFF lovers.
I love the first chapter; I love that in this story our favorite couple experienced “love at first sight”. I have read and re-read that chapter on more than one occasion. For me it was so endearing. So we don’t have all the accusations of a totally improper family or of class differences before cupid strikes.
We are told of Darcy’s father’s directions to his brother-in-law as to what he wants for Darcy in marriage and just why. We are told of an event in Darcy’s youth when the father takes the son to a brothel for sexual initiation BUT then makes him promise never to plant his seed outside of marriage as this could leave disenfranchised children in the community. And we also read why the father wants this for Darcy – a very powerful reason. And we learn that Darcy doesn’t know this latter purpose in the relationship he had with his father and in the relationship his father had with Wickham.
Then we are also told of Elizabeth’s relationship with her father. (Yes, this book has the fathers playing roles in past and present circumstances.) We know the Mr. Bennet of canon. Many of us don’t like that his indolence is a major contributing factor in the behaviors and personalities we witness in his daughters and even in his wife’s silly actions and shrill exclamations. In this tale Lizzy’s father has reared her more as he would have a son. He considers her his companion due to her wit and her demeanor. She gets his snide or humorous comments; they share opinions through just a raised eyebrow or a smirk. He DOES NOT expect her to marry and move away. But he has not faced just how that desire plays out until someone in whom Lizzy is seriously interested asks to first court her and then for her hand in marriage. This does not compute in his world. And the outcome is disastrous! If you like Mr. Bennet, you may not want to read this book. But one good effect to Mr. B’s observations about ODC is that he decides to change his treatment of his wife – oh, no, she doesn’t make a 180° change but she does “put a lid on it”.
We learn that Mr. Bennet has a past, one that no one has known about and one that now has a role in so many lives and relationships. You may be surprised most of all by a certain Mr. Carrington in this story.
On the other hand, I did like Lady Catherine’s change in character…even though it didn’t occur until there was a death in the family. The Fitzwilliam family’s role in accepting, supporting and then setting a standard for the “ton’s” outlook on the marriage was a positive one. Even within the family the older brother’s marriage of convenience is affected by this marriage of love between Elizabeth and Darcy.
I liked the development of Col. Fitzwilliam’s relationship with Darcy and with Darcy’s love for Elizabeth, his and Darcy’s acknowledgment of certain feelings and how he faced up to those, how he made a resolution to change and how he communicated the feelings, what they meant and how he changed. He does get his happy ending.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin a relationship which seems to be made in heaven BUT this tale gives them more than their share of trauma, of heartbreak, of learning how to communicate. And it was gratifying to read that there were others in the family who observed the need to point out to one or the other how they needed to share even the ugly parts of their lives. Darcy and Elizabeth grow and at times cling to each other against overwhelming events.
There are other romances in this story. Georgiana and, even Lydia, have love lives. Caroline Bingley acts in a ghastly manner on more than one occasion. Charles and Jane do not have the backbone to set boundaries with, again, horrendous results for ODC.
The only negative, (and this book does have 443 pages) is that in the epilogue some facts are rather vague. I had to wonder at offspring, (gender, names, etc.) and other events referenced which kept our couple steadfast in their need for each other’s support and love. But all-in-all this was a long and satisfying book. I would recommend it to all JAFF lovers.
December 25, 2025
The Best Beginning
The way Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter one another in this book is one of my most memorable and favourite beginnings for this beloved couple. Rather than meeting in Meryton, they have a “chance encounter” at the theatre. There are other chance encounters in the story as well. Mr. Bennet’s portrayal was maddening. Fearing he will lose his favourite companion, he is not ready to give up Elizabeth to a husband. I adored Alex Carrington, and loved his part in the book, especially the loyalty he displays to his parents. Wickham was especially evil. Caroline’s Darcy obsession is also particularly extreme.
The writing is truly characteristic of Linda Wells’ passionate characters; it is definitely mature in content, so if that makes you squeamish, it’s not the book for you. Parts are quite graphic, and there is also a violent assault scene.
The way Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter one another in this book is one of my most memorable and favourite beginnings for this beloved couple. Rather than meeting in Meryton, they have a “chance encounter” at the theatre. There are other chance encounters in the story as well. Mr. Bennet’s portrayal was maddening. Fearing he will lose his favourite companion, he is not ready to give up Elizabeth to a husband. I adored Alex Carrington, and loved his part in the book, especially the loyalty he displays to his parents. Wickham was especially evil. Caroline’s Darcy obsession is also particularly extreme.
The writing is truly characteristic of Linda Wells’ passionate characters; it is definitely mature in content, so if that makes you squeamish, it’s not the book for you. Parts are quite graphic, and there is also a violent assault scene.
October 25, 2017
I probably have problem with long stories. But this story felt endless. I had to take a break several times, because I was just so bored.
November 14, 2015
If you're looking for a low angst tale that includes numerous scenes of ODC, a very romantic love at first sight scenario and a long story that meanders along in a well written way, then this is the book for you.
It's a sweet story where Darcy and Lizzy are very committed to each other and relish their very passionate and loving relationship.
While most of the characters are extremely positive and welcoming of Darcy and Lizzy's relationship, Mr Bennet's character left a lot to be desired.
An ideal read for all lovers of Pride and Prejudice who yearn for a gentle love story, one filled with little stress, low angst and any blips along life's path easily resolved.
It's a sweet story where Darcy and Lizzy are very committed to each other and relish their very passionate and loving relationship.
While most of the characters are extremely positive and welcoming of Darcy and Lizzy's relationship, Mr Bennet's character left a lot to be desired.
An ideal read for all lovers of Pride and Prejudice who yearn for a gentle love story, one filled with little stress, low angst and any blips along life's path easily resolved.
September 29, 2020
I will read anything by this author. Loved it.
Reread: Hoping for more. Love this book!
Reread: Hoping for more. Love this book!
July 21, 2015
What if Darcy never made it to Meryton and never had the chance to offend Elizabeth immediately? What if instead her wit and cleverness warms him from day one and the two become inseparable?
What I loved about this variation: Nearly everything! I for some reason love when Mr. Bennet is an antagonist. He is very against Elizabeth being married altogether in this variation. As much as I love misunderstanding, I think I love the fact that Elizabeth and Darcy accepted their love for each other nearly immediately. There really is so much going on in this book that you really are okay with less misunderstandings between them (there are definitely some still, but mostly it's their own self doubt). I really think this version of their love story was beautiful. I liked the new character Alex Carrington. I enjoyed the evilness and the disturbed mind of Caroline Bingley.
What I didn't like - this may seem like a long list for a book I am giving five stars. I wavered and thought maybe it's only a four, but felt that I really did love this book so changed it to five. This is definitely a MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY book. With that being said, I don't at all mind the adult content...however towards the end it started to get to be sooooooo much that I was skipping it. She describes their relations...VERY often.
I think my main complaint though is Richard Fitzwilliam. Some variations like to really hone in on his attraction to Elizabeth, and this one is one of those. He even claims to be in love with her...even after he himself marries. That just made me uncomfortable and I could have done without it.
Loved this book though and I'll read it again in the future!!
What I loved about this variation: Nearly everything! I for some reason love when Mr. Bennet is an antagonist. He is very against Elizabeth being married altogether in this variation. As much as I love misunderstanding, I think I love the fact that Elizabeth and Darcy accepted their love for each other nearly immediately. There really is so much going on in this book that you really are okay with less misunderstandings between them (there are definitely some still, but mostly it's their own self doubt). I really think this version of their love story was beautiful. I liked the new character Alex Carrington. I enjoyed the evilness and the disturbed mind of Caroline Bingley.
What I didn't like - this may seem like a long list for a book I am giving five stars. I wavered and thought maybe it's only a four, but felt that I really did love this book so changed it to five. This is definitely a MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY book. With that being said, I don't at all mind the adult content...however towards the end it started to get to be sooooooo much that I was skipping it. She describes their relations...VERY often.
I think my main complaint though is Richard Fitzwilliam. Some variations like to really hone in on his attraction to Elizabeth, and this one is one of those. He even claims to be in love with her...even after he himself marries. That just made me uncomfortable and I could have done without it.
Loved this book though and I'll read it again in the future!!
January 21, 2020
Chance Encounters
Just finished re-reading this wonderful story by Linda Wells, everything she writes is entertaining and a bit magical in the belief of true love overcoming all obstacles! I love that Darcy and Lizzie meet in town, in this tale, away from her annoying family, as it sets a different slant on their beginning! Mr Bennet is particularly obnoxious, when he finds out that Lizzie is being courted by an exceptional man, and tries to break them up, before they have hardly begun! But, Lizzie's Faith in Darcy, and his Trust in her, win out. They have many trials but their Happily Ever After is well worth it. Wonderful Read!
Just finished re-reading this wonderful story by Linda Wells, everything she writes is entertaining and a bit magical in the belief of true love overcoming all obstacles! I love that Darcy and Lizzie meet in town, in this tale, away from her annoying family, as it sets a different slant on their beginning! Mr Bennet is particularly obnoxious, when he finds out that Lizzie is being courted by an exceptional man, and tries to break them up, before they have hardly begun! But, Lizzie's Faith in Darcy, and his Trust in her, win out. They have many trials but their Happily Ever After is well worth it. Wonderful Read!
July 1, 2016
This isn't so much a Pride & Prejudice variation as it is a complete do-over. But thinking about this book has made me realize something about myself; I read these books because they are easy. I don't need to put a lot of thought into them, I know everyone's name and what they do for a living and where they live and who their families are. They are like fast food verses home cooking; you know it's is going to be tasty but ultimately unsatisfying.
In this P&P retelling Lizzy & Darcy are spared the Prejudice and most of the pride. Their misunderstandings are few and are easily and quickly resolved. There are parts of this book that are good and overall it is not badly written, but I really didn't like it very much.
In this P&P retelling Lizzy & Darcy are spared the Prejudice and most of the pride. Their misunderstandings are few and are easily and quickly resolved. There are parts of this book that are good and overall it is not badly written, but I really didn't like it very much.
June 7, 2018
Good Lord…this book. There are a few parts I loved, but way more parts that I hated. Spoilers ahead.
Good points –
-I adored their meet cute
-I liked the distinct lack of miscommunication between Darcy and Elizabeth
-I liked the new characters and how they played into the story
Downsides –
-WHY would you ever make Mr. Bennet like that? He should never be the villain.
-The lack of propriety for this era is almost more than I can stand. I have said before that I am not a purist when it comes to P&P variances but this was almost way too modern.
-This book had no plot once they married. It rambled on and developed drama for no reason. The book could have been half the length if the author dropped the unneeded extra drama storylines (i.e. Wickman, Caroline, etc). And the way too many sex scenes - less is more. I only finished this book because I paid for it, otherwise I would have probably have closed this and chosen not to continue. It was just filled with way too many fanfic tropes for my taste (which says a lot since I have written my own fair share of trope filled fanfics).
1.5 stars, rounding up.
Good points –
-I adored their meet cute
-I liked the distinct lack of miscommunication between Darcy and Elizabeth
-I liked the new characters and how they played into the story
Downsides –
-WHY would you ever make Mr. Bennet like that? He should never be the villain.
-The lack of propriety for this era is almost more than I can stand. I have said before that I am not a purist when it comes to P&P variances but this was almost way too modern.
-This book had no plot once they married. It rambled on and developed drama for no reason. The book could have been half the length if the author dropped the unneeded extra drama storylines (i.e. Wickman, Caroline, etc). And the way too many sex scenes - less is more. I only finished this book because I paid for it, otherwise I would have probably have closed this and chosen not to continue. It was just filled with way too many fanfic tropes for my taste (which says a lot since I have written my own fair share of trope filled fanfics).
1.5 stars, rounding up.
October 16, 2011
This book was almost a one star and as I have great admiration for those who can create a story and bring it forth on the page, I have to almost loathe a book to not give credit where credit is due.
While the author's treatment of the Elizabeth/Darcy love affair was handled anointly. I feel the author made a huge error in making Mr Bennet a loathsome man, Wickham a kidnapping rapist, Caroline Bingley a maddened voyeur and Jane and Charles wretchedly selfish beings.
These character underpinnings greatly depreciated what could have been a great p&p variation.
While the author's treatment of the Elizabeth/Darcy love affair was handled anointly. I feel the author made a huge error in making Mr Bennet a loathsome man, Wickham a kidnapping rapist, Caroline Bingley a maddened voyeur and Jane and Charles wretchedly selfish beings.
These character underpinnings greatly depreciated what could have been a great p&p variation.
March 13, 2017
Long boring sections.
There is a story here separated by long sections that can be flipped over. If you have the patience you can get through it.. After a while I began to Profile Mr Darcy and regard the obsessive behavior described as frightening. I kept expecting the story to change with Elizabeth locked in an attic.
There is a story here separated by long sections that can be flipped over. If you have the patience you can get through it.. After a while I began to Profile Mr Darcy and regard the obsessive behavior described as frightening. I kept expecting the story to change with Elizabeth locked in an attic.
May 14, 2023
One of my favorite stories! So sweet and enchanting! I read it at least once every year.
May 18, 2009
Whether to go 2 or 3 stars was a very tough decision, as this was more of a 2.5 star book. I have a lot of opinions on this, mostly negative. It earns 3 stars soley if taken by itself and not compared with any other books in the genre (if I did, it would most definitely be a 2 star). In no particular order:
Casting Mr. Bennet as a cad was a mistake. I've read other versions where various characters are taken in different directions, and this is the most out-there I've come across.
The lovemaking bits (aka bodice-ripping) are written with very little, and sometimes no, finesse. I really go for this sort of thing, so for me to complain about it is really saying something.
WAAAAAAY too many parts were lifted (or seemed to be) right from Linda Berdoll's books. Linda Wells needed to strive for more originality. There were a few things that instantly jumped out at me as though they came right from Berdoll's books.
The openness and general attitude of all the characters towards another character's adoption is much too unrealistic for the early 19th century.
If you're going to write a P&P piece and set it in the original Regency era, for heaven's sake, please call Darcy Fitzwilliam. William, or Will, is only appropriate for modern settings.
Finally, there are a terribly large amount of technical errors in this book, mostly punctuation and paragraph-break related. Virtually all of the dialogue is written incorrectly (you can't tell who is speaking). This is the first published work I've seen that looks like it had no editing at all. Really made it seem like it was written by a high schooler.
What I did like:
It covered the period both of from the time they met through a good while after they were married. Most stories are usually one or the other.
The various editing and plot issues pretty much went away towards the last part of the book; I enjoyed this part the most. It wasn't all rosy; and there was the inclusion of a nice epilogue at the end that took place 25 years later where you get a bit more of a picture of what happened. It opens things up nicely for a sequel, which I think the author is capable of if she puts more work and more editing into it.
Overall, if you are brand new to the genre of Pride & Prejudice fanfiction and are looking for recommendations, I recommend you keep looking. If you are insanely addicted (like me) and must read anything that is not absolute trash, this won't hurt.
Casting Mr. Bennet as a cad was a mistake. I've read other versions where various characters are taken in different directions, and this is the most out-there I've come across.
The lovemaking bits (aka bodice-ripping) are written with very little, and sometimes no, finesse. I really go for this sort of thing, so for me to complain about it is really saying something.
WAAAAAAY too many parts were lifted (or seemed to be) right from Linda Berdoll's books. Linda Wells needed to strive for more originality. There were a few things that instantly jumped out at me as though they came right from Berdoll's books.
The openness and general attitude of all the characters towards another character's adoption is much too unrealistic for the early 19th century.
If you're going to write a P&P piece and set it in the original Regency era, for heaven's sake, please call Darcy Fitzwilliam. William, or Will, is only appropriate for modern settings.
Finally, there are a terribly large amount of technical errors in this book, mostly punctuation and paragraph-break related. Virtually all of the dialogue is written incorrectly (you can't tell who is speaking). This is the first published work I've seen that looks like it had no editing at all. Really made it seem like it was written by a high schooler.
What I did like:
It covered the period both of from the time they met through a good while after they were married. Most stories are usually one or the other.
The various editing and plot issues pretty much went away towards the last part of the book; I enjoyed this part the most. It wasn't all rosy; and there was the inclusion of a nice epilogue at the end that took place 25 years later where you get a bit more of a picture of what happened. It opens things up nicely for a sequel, which I think the author is capable of if she puts more work and more editing into it.
Overall, if you are brand new to the genre of Pride & Prejudice fanfiction and are looking for recommendations, I recommend you keep looking. If you are insanely addicted (like me) and must read anything that is not absolute trash, this won't hurt.
Currently Reading
May 21, 2023Currently reading... So far our dear couple have fallen in love at first sight, courted against her father's opposition, uncovered some family secrets, had some jealous arguments, ended up wed in a cute wedding scene, seen Jane and Bingley married, had a honeymoon at London and Pemberley, had multiple sexual scenes, dealt with a violent threat and delivered a villain to his fate. I think this is a good ending, and check the page count. But I am only at 50%, and there's half a book left. Right now they are introducing a new character, an apparent love interest for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
I have enjoyed the story so far but this does seem to go on and on after the HEA.
I have enjoyed the story so far but this does seem to go on and on after the HEA.
October 7, 2020
Barely got through this, such a slow read. Far too much "loving" and "passion" between ODC. Now I know some people really like that in these books, but when it takes place of the plot and the writing it just too tedious for my taste!
October 11, 2020
I gave it three stars because there is nothing really bad about that book and I do respect the author's work. That being said, it was not a good read for me. In the middle, I just skipped the annoying moments and concentrated on those who were relevant to the story.
I like very much the original, but I am not obsessed with it and I am quite open to variations. The problem with this one is not the fact that Darcy fell in love with Elizabeth five seconds after seeing her, or that he was already a changed man before even meeting the woman who actually made him achieve that wonderful transformation in the canon. Darcy is actually the only one I like compared to the others. My problem is with everyone else starting with Elizabeth herself.
No matter what we are supposed to believe about her, she has her shortcomings. I always loved Elizabeth no matter how different she is depending on the variations, but in this specific case, she is supposed to be so perfect that a man loved her instantly because she smiled at him. At the same time, she is quite moody and jealous of her sister Jane's beauty berating her for her supposed lack of understanding, or selfish actions. Of course, we are still to believe that she loves her sister immensely even if she decides to "outgrow" her after she found herself a new family which never held her accountable for anything. It doesn't mean that Jane is perfect, or a victim of her sister's jealousy. The way she is represented in this book is really strange. She is not mean, or selfish as we are supposed to believe. I think that she is just oblivious and very naive or even uncaring about everything that happens outside of her little world because she is not capable of being something else. Her actions, and Bingley's by the way, are not really deliberate, they are just in love and live in their own world. At the same time we are not to believe that they are innocent, the moment they try to overshine ODC they are labeled as selfish and uncaring.
I hated the idea of Mr. Bennet being the way he is because he has no son. This is a fairly overused concept in PP variations, but most of the time it works very badly. Explaining his selfishness with
the fact that Elizabeth is not the boy he wished for, but he made her clever and well educated for his own use, is annoying. I do believe that canon Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth have a relationship that he would never have been able to have with anyone else, son or no son. So, it was particularly difficult to believe that he would behave in such an absurd manner for no reason at all.
I won't continue with all the people that actually annoyed me because I can stand bad secondary characters. But with ruining Elizabeth and partially Darcy, Jane, Bingley, and Mr. Bennet the others don't really matter. I knew that it won't be able to read the book entirely almost from the beginning. It was the over-dramatic feel of the entire story that put me off. I had a general uncomfortable feeling about it and I didn't want to stay in that fictional world for long, which is a problem because the book is quite long.
I don't know if I would recommend it to anyone. Maybe the book's shortcomings are perceived only by me. It has a good note and if you don't get the same negative vibe as me, it is worth a try.
I like very much the original, but I am not obsessed with it and I am quite open to variations. The problem with this one is not the fact that Darcy fell in love with Elizabeth five seconds after seeing her, or that he was already a changed man before even meeting the woman who actually made him achieve that wonderful transformation in the canon. Darcy is actually the only one I like compared to the others. My problem is with everyone else starting with Elizabeth herself.
No matter what we are supposed to believe about her, she has her shortcomings. I always loved Elizabeth no matter how different she is depending on the variations, but in this specific case, she is supposed to be so perfect that a man loved her instantly because she smiled at him. At the same time, she is quite moody and jealous of her sister Jane's beauty berating her for her supposed lack of understanding, or selfish actions. Of course, we are still to believe that she loves her sister immensely even if she decides to "outgrow" her after she found herself a new family which never held her accountable for anything. It doesn't mean that Jane is perfect, or a victim of her sister's jealousy. The way she is represented in this book is really strange. She is not mean, or selfish as we are supposed to believe. I think that she is just oblivious and very naive or even uncaring about everything that happens outside of her little world because she is not capable of being something else. Her actions, and Bingley's by the way, are not really deliberate, they are just in love and live in their own world. At the same time we are not to believe that they are innocent, the moment they try to overshine ODC they are labeled as selfish and uncaring.
I hated the idea of Mr. Bennet being the way he is because he has no son. This is a fairly overused concept in PP variations, but most of the time it works very badly. Explaining his selfishness with
the fact that Elizabeth is not the boy he wished for, but he made her clever and well educated for his own use, is annoying. I do believe that canon Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth have a relationship that he would never have been able to have with anyone else, son or no son. So, it was particularly difficult to believe that he would behave in such an absurd manner for no reason at all.
I won't continue with all the people that actually annoyed me because I can stand bad secondary characters. But with ruining Elizabeth and partially Darcy, Jane, Bingley, and Mr. Bennet the others don't really matter. I knew that it won't be able to read the book entirely almost from the beginning. It was the over-dramatic feel of the entire story that put me off. I had a general uncomfortable feeling about it and I didn't want to stay in that fictional world for long, which is a problem because the book is quite long.
I don't know if I would recommend it to anyone. Maybe the book's shortcomings are perceived only by me. It has a good note and if you don't get the same negative vibe as me, it is worth a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
This is a really long book and I started feeling every one of the pages at around the middle of the book. To be fair, it started really well. I loved the initial sequences of the book but as it went on and on and on, it started wearing on me.
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was cute and sweet in the beginning but soon crossed the line to cheesy. Honestly I seriously doubt anyone in the era will behave the way they do in public. And the author repeatedly claims Darcy as a private man, but it seems as if every person in the book gets to knowcevery single one of his affairs. And Richard's obsession with Elizabeth is seriously disturbing. And, what is wrong with the men in this book? Why do they spontaneously burst into tears on every occasion? And did anyone notice that for two stubborn people one of them an impertinent woman, D&E never argue? They are perfect in every way individually and together. And this actually makes them boring. The main characteristic of them in the original is their faults (as said in the original title) and how they overcome them. That, I think actually made them interesting and relatable. But, in this they are like flawless and so in sync with each other, which I think is next to impossible in any human relationship. All in all, only my loyalty towards Darcy and Elizabeth made me finish this book.
The things I really liked in this book :
1. Darcy and Elizabeth's first encounter. It was really dreamy and sweet. And their courting and marriage.
2. The consistency if Mr. Bennet's portrait, even though I disliked the idea of a villainous Mr. Bennet.
3. Lord and Lady Matlock
4. Alex Carrington and his family.
I really regret that a book that started so well and with so much potential went so wrong midway. I think the initial portion of the book till the wedding would've made a really good novella with a good epilogue.
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was cute and sweet in the beginning but soon crossed the line to cheesy. Honestly I seriously doubt anyone in the era will behave the way they do in public. And the author repeatedly claims Darcy as a private man, but it seems as if every person in the book gets to knowcevery single one of his affairs. And Richard's obsession with Elizabeth is seriously disturbing. And, what is wrong with the men in this book? Why do they spontaneously burst into tears on every occasion? And did anyone notice that for two stubborn people one of them an impertinent woman, D&E never argue? They are perfect in every way individually and together. And this actually makes them boring. The main characteristic of them in the original is their faults (as said in the original title) and how they overcome them. That, I think actually made them interesting and relatable. But, in this they are like flawless and so in sync with each other, which I think is next to impossible in any human relationship. All in all, only my loyalty towards Darcy and Elizabeth made me finish this book.
The things I really liked in this book :
1. Darcy and Elizabeth's first encounter. It was really dreamy and sweet. And their courting and marriage.
2. The consistency if Mr. Bennet's portrait, even though I disliked the idea of a villainous Mr. Bennet.
3. Lord and Lady Matlock
4. Alex Carrington and his family.
I really regret that a book that started so well and with so much potential went so wrong midway. I think the initial portion of the book till the wedding would've made a really good novella with a good epilogue.
June 16, 2016
First it was a four star book. I loved it. Then the book kept going and going.... and it went from a 4 stars to a 3 then a 2 stars book. The book was really great in the beginning, funny, cute, romantic, then the author managed to make me hate Elizabeth and Darcy !!
ALL THE TIME saying "I love you" "I love you too my love" they must have said that 300 times in this book. Their dialogues are so annoying it's crazy. They have sex - say they love each other... have sex - say they love each other... again again and again. I had to pass a few pages each time it was so annoying.
They even manage to make other people's life hell. They try to control everyone around and it's horrible !! Ok Mr Bennet did bad stuff but turns out he's better in the end but NO they barely speak to him, Elizabeth even starts not to like her sister because her sister doesn't do what SHE says. They become brats and it's annoyiiiiiing. They critisize everyone and Darcy is like "she is the best person in the world always ready to help others..." I think she's Lady Catherine !!! critisizing everything. And the Darcy family I don't get it, they say two words to each others and they are close to tears... COME ON ! they are ALWAYS close to tears !!
Seriously I was so disappointed it started really great and it really went wrong afterwards. The beginning is the only reason this book gets 2 stars otherwise it would be only one.
Read at your own risk
ALL THE TIME saying "I love you" "I love you too my love" they must have said that 300 times in this book. Their dialogues are so annoying it's crazy. They have sex - say they love each other... have sex - say they love each other... again again and again. I had to pass a few pages each time it was so annoying.
They even manage to make other people's life hell. They try to control everyone around and it's horrible !! Ok Mr Bennet did bad stuff but turns out he's better in the end but NO they barely speak to him, Elizabeth even starts not to like her sister because her sister doesn't do what SHE says. They become brats and it's annoyiiiiiing. They critisize everyone and Darcy is like "she is the best person in the world always ready to help others..." I think she's Lady Catherine !!! critisizing everything. And the Darcy family I don't get it, they say two words to each others and they are close to tears... COME ON ! they are ALWAYS close to tears !!
Seriously I was so disappointed it started really great and it really went wrong afterwards. The beginning is the only reason this book gets 2 stars otherwise it would be only one.
Read at your own risk
May 30, 2015
Enjoyed this variation of Austen 's Pride and Prejudice. Loved the way the author introduced Elizabeth and Darcy at the theatre. Brilliant! Love at first sight, with a smile, is indeed a welcomed change of their first meeting. Lizzy up for the challenge, smiles at Darcy. When his lips curve up just a little, she smiles a little more, and he meets the challenge again. Finally, her smile increased to show her teeth with a smile clear to her eyes causing Darcy to smile until his dimples showed. Good for Elizabeth insisting on a smile. A lot going on in this story, but the love between Darcy and Elizabeth was desired by everyone around them. Even Lady Catherine's disapproval of their marriage softened after time. Wicked Wickham finally gets his reward as well as Caroline. Loaded with people having connections to other major characters making the branches of the family tree spreading wildly throughout the society of London. Too bad Elizabeth's father was such a disappointment in this book. Barely was able to recover his relationship with his favorite daughter. Well written.
April 14, 2012
I loved this book. The variation was so different. Darcy and Lizzy love at first site. Even so they had many ups and downs to get to their happiness.I was uncomfortable with her portrayal of Mr. Bennett....at first but then I was more unconfortable with Col Fitzwilliams stalking/obsession but then I realized this is a variation and the characters I loved in P&P might need to be different.... Duh!!!
I loved to watch how their loved unfolded and developed rifgt from the first moment of thier "Chance Encounters"
Definitely top 5 on my list on my mission to read every prequel, sequel, variation and modern tale of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Who knew there soooo many and a new one published just around the corner.
I loved to watch how their loved unfolded and developed rifgt from the first moment of thier "Chance Encounters"
Definitely top 5 on my list on my mission to read every prequel, sequel, variation and modern tale of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Who knew there soooo many and a new one published just around the corner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2017
Did not adhere to canon at all. I don't mind if P&P variations veer off the original path, but when there is nothing grounded in the original, it's a little hard to stick with it. Also, some of the characters were just too much. I agree Wickham was a cad, but to have him basically attempt to rape Lydia once and Elizabeth twice throughout the course of the book was a bit much. Mr. Bennet and Caroline Bingley were likewise vilified to the extreme. There were just a lot of issues with believability with this. Way too much melodrama. Additionally, the book was just too long. Seemed like a case of quantity over quality.
August 12, 2019
The book is okay. I wouldn’t really align it with Pride and Prejudice as many of the characters are completely out of character and many of the relationships between characters follows this same trend. The book starts off okay but after awhile I found that it became a chore to read. Every character is almost always on the verge of tears and there is a lot of gratuitous sex just occupying space. Any conflict is solved within a few pages of it being brought up. It honestly felt like several one shot fanfics sliced together to make a book.
January 26, 2018
Lovely long read with lots of romance and passion.
Love at first sight between ODC makes a very different road to HEA then canon but the road is definitely not without bumps...
Lady C, Wickham, Caroline are more wicked then ever but surprisingly Mr Bennet is joining them.
Loved the plot and the feel of the relationship between ODC.
Heartily recommend this book!
Love at first sight between ODC makes a very different road to HEA then canon but the road is definitely not without bumps...
Lady C, Wickham, Caroline are more wicked then ever but surprisingly Mr Bennet is joining them.
Loved the plot and the feel of the relationship between ODC.
Heartily recommend this book!
September 17, 2016
Loved it and didn't want to put it down! I was so glad that Wickham finally got his due from Mr. Darcy!
I just wish Caroline Bingley would have gotten what was due to her from Elizabeth and Charles and Jane had not betrayed the Darcys the way they did.
I just wish Caroline Bingley would have gotten what was due to her from Elizabeth and Charles and Jane had not betrayed the Darcys the way they did.
July 7, 2024
if you delight in anything RIDICULOUS… then this is the book for you
all involved are completely out of character, and the myriad of different unrealistic and over-the-top storylines leave this reader quite vexed.
all involved are completely out of character, and the myriad of different unrealistic and over-the-top storylines leave this reader quite vexed.
June 21, 2025
Just not for me. Darcy is weepy, several people are evil, and the story rambles all over the place.
February 12, 2026
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars.
Other than the fact that the character names are familiar (for Pride & Prejudice fans), this novel is much more than a simple reimagining of the original. It really stands as its own separate story. The “canon” characters from Pride & Prejudice feel noticeably different here — their dispositions, personalities, and even their ways of thinking are reworked. It’s not just a retelling; it’s an interpretation.
My main critique would be the length. At times, the story dragged and could have benefited from tighter pacing. There were moments where the narrative lost momentum, which slightly affected my overall enjoyment.
Another point worth mentioning is the “open door” approach to the romantic scenes. After the first explicit love scene, I chose to skip the others — not because I’m prudish (I’m a faithful reader of smut), but because I didn’t find the described actions compatible with the Regency era. They also felt somewhat random and out of place within the flow of the story, which pulled me out of the narrative rather than adding to it.
One particular creative choice that stood out to me was the way Mr. Bennet was quite literally “brought out of his library.” It felt extreme and not entirely faithful to Austen’s original characterization of him. However, I can’t deny that it added tension and sharpness to the story. It was both cruel and clever — unsettling in a way that definitely leaves an impression.
Overall, this is an interesting and bold take on familiar characters. It may not fully align with the spirit of the original for purists, but it does carve out its own identity, which I appreciated.
Other than the fact that the character names are familiar (for Pride & Prejudice fans), this novel is much more than a simple reimagining of the original. It really stands as its own separate story. The “canon” characters from Pride & Prejudice feel noticeably different here — their dispositions, personalities, and even their ways of thinking are reworked. It’s not just a retelling; it’s an interpretation.
My main critique would be the length. At times, the story dragged and could have benefited from tighter pacing. There were moments where the narrative lost momentum, which slightly affected my overall enjoyment.
Another point worth mentioning is the “open door” approach to the romantic scenes. After the first explicit love scene, I chose to skip the others — not because I’m prudish (I’m a faithful reader of smut), but because I didn’t find the described actions compatible with the Regency era. They also felt somewhat random and out of place within the flow of the story, which pulled me out of the narrative rather than adding to it.
One particular creative choice that stood out to me was the way Mr. Bennet was quite literally “brought out of his library.” It felt extreme and not entirely faithful to Austen’s original characterization of him. However, I can’t deny that it added tension and sharpness to the story. It was both cruel and clever — unsettling in a way that definitely leaves an impression.
Overall, this is an interesting and bold take on familiar characters. It may not fully align with the spirit of the original for purists, but it does carve out its own identity, which I appreciated.
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