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Falling Slowly by Christie Capps. ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet finds Fitzwilliam Darcy insufferably proud and arrogant.  Meanwhile, Darcy is trying, very hard, not to fall in love with her. When Elizabeth slips and suffers a head injury, Darcy's care and kindness forces Elizabeth to re-evaluate her opinion. After months apart, circumstances bring them together at Rosings Park. However, a chance to become better acquainted is blasted by an accident that could have far reaching consequences. The novella can be a tricky medium, with the risk of rushed storylines. Christie Capps shows that she has a deft hand and produces a perfect story of our dear couple! I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Goodreads review

Pride and Circumstance by Ariane Boos. ★★★★☆

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This book is described as a rewrite of Pride and Prejudice, and so it is. However, it is so much more. Really well imagined episodes, that expand upon Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. It took me a little while to get into the story, but it is definitely worth the effort. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  Amazon review Goodreads review

To Marry for Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton. ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet rejects the proposal of her ridiculous cousin, William Collins, heir to her family's entailed estate, Longbourn. Mrs Bennet is outraged at her least favourite daughter's refusal to secure a home for her family, when her father dies. You see, Elizabeth and Jane Bennet have vowed to marry for only the deepest love. Friend, Charlotte Lucas leads Collins away to give Elizabeth some respite (also hoping Mr Collins might offer for her) After entertaining Collins for two days, the Lucas family expect an imminent betrothal. However, Collins discovers information that might allow him to have the beautiful, Jane as his wife.  Charlotte is immediately forgotten. Circumstances lead Jane to marry a man that she does not love. She does however, marry for the love of her family. So very early in the book, Jane is married to a fool, Charlotte is even more firmly on the shelf and Elizabeth is distressed and confused. The ladies' path to security and love is long and sometim...

Abandoned at the Altar by Julie Cooper ★★★★☆

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Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich, handsome member of the Ton, visits his friend Charles Bingley in the country.  Darcy is rapidly infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, but knows that she is far below him in rank and unsuitable to be mistress of his vast estate. After an initial poor opinion, Elizabeth finds herself falling in love with him. She tries to guard her heart but is overjoyed when Fitzwilliam proposes (having become thoroughly carried away!) The wedding is quickly planned and a special license acquired.  A family crisis pulls Darcy away and he sends messages to delay the wedding and reassure Elizabeth of his love. Unfortunately, his trusted messenger has a black heart. No messages are delivered and the whole of Meryton watches as Elizabeth waits at the church in vain. Julie Cooper weaves the tale with familiar characters, but they often take on very different attitudes to those we are accustomed. Dialogue from Pride and prejudice appears from unexpected mouths. I have seen this...

Elizabeth's Christmas Wish by Claudia Lomond. ★★★★☆

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Venturing outside on a cold, clear winter's night, Elizabeth Bennet sees a shooting star. She makes two wishes, seeking happiness for her friend Charlotte and the return of Charles Bingley for her sister Jane.  On seeing a second shooting star, she wishes for a love of her own. All lovely thoughts, but Elizabeth is a rational creature.  She is therefore, stunned when the following day the Netherfield Party returns, with the addition of Georgiana Darcy. Dinners and parties ensue and bring the Bennets to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are inseparable. Elizabeth is delighted with Georgiana's company and starts to think better of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Into the mix is poured an overly strong punch, leading to confession and indiscretion.  The smarmy George Wickham threatens the equanimity of several but is shocked to be met with resistance. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are well written and this novella has a satisfying resolution. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and...

An (Un)believably Artful Theft by Jennifer Joy ★★★★★

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The story pivots around a Rembrandt, stolen from the home of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy. Darcy is determined to find it and restore it to Georgiana. It turns up in a pawn shop in the disreputable Seven Dials. Unfortunately, a grey haired gentleman buys it, the day before Darcy visits the shop. The Bennet family live at Longbourn, their ramshackle estate, with rapidly dwindling funds. Mr Bennet and his daughter, Elizabeth are both talented artists. Mr Bennet has not painted in many years, as he became overwhelmed with trying and failing to manage Longbourn, when tragedy turned a third son into the Master.  Elizabeth paints in secret and sells her art under a pseudonym, the only way she can earn money. Her goal is to save Longbourn and her family. The Rembrandt turns up at Longbourn, where it seems to become the sole focus of Mr Bennet. Netherfield Park is let at last, by Charles Bingley. The Netherfield party includes Bingley's pernicious sisters and their guests, Georgian...

The Art of Apology: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Marin. ★★★★☆

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When Fitzwilliam Darcy joins his friend Bingley in Hertfordshire, he is unimpressed by local society.  At the Meryton Assembly he speaks disparagingly about Elizabeth Bennet. In a private conversation, yes. But too loud and with little care who heard.  Elizabeth tries to brush it off but when it becomes clear that her neighbours heard and either pity or scoff at her, it is hard. She is stunned when her lackadaisical father is furious and demands that Darcy make amends. Darcy has rarely been challenged on his behaviour and is shocked by Mr Bennet's attitude. The insult becomes a catalyst for both men.  Bennet realises that he has neglected his daughters and makes some huge changes within the family. Elizabeth is delighted that he is finally dealing with the behaviour of her younger sisters and even Mrs Bennet. Darcy is initially resistant to change but when Bingley also berates him for his churlish manners, he accepts his faults. Time will tell if the captivating Elizabeth...

Christmas with Elizabeth by Leah Page ★★★★☆

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Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are orphaned at a young age.  Their Aunt Phillips is keen to take in the beautiful Jane.  However, little Elizabeth is unwanted. Rejected by her mother, for not being a boy, she is bound for an orphanage.  Although he is a single man and not yet successful, Uncle Edward Gardiner will not see her abandoned.  He raises Elizabeth alone, for six years. A business associate, the Earl of Effington becomes a friend and then Godfather to Elizabeth. His daughter, Lady Susan becomes her 'sister of the heart'. Edward's marriage to Madelyn completes the Gardiner family. Elizabeth grows up happy, healthy, educated and loved. Elizabeth's only regret is her distant relationship with Jane.  Mrs Phillips is a stupid, shallow woman who has spoilt Jane and taught her to only care about the superficial. In an effort to forge a closer relationship, Elizabeth goes to stay at Longbourn with Jane and her idiot husband, Mr Collins.  While in Meryton she me...

Twins for Mr Darcy by J. Dawn King ★★★★★

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Jane Bingley dies in childbirth and her grief maddened husband, Charles is soon lost in a riding accident.  This leaves orphaned Charlie and Clara, to the care of their heartbroken aunt, Elizabeth Bennet.  She and her family have little legal standing and the vultures are circling, seeking to claim the Bingley fortune and the Bingley heir.  Enter Fitzwilliam Darcy, sometime friend of Charles. Although estranged, Darcy is the person Bingley contacts for aid in his grief. Darcy arrives at Netherfield Park to offer support to Charles, only hours after his death. Suddenly, the burden of responsibility is so much greater. Elizabeth Bennet dislikes Darcy. On his previous visit to Netherfield his behaviour was haughty and arrogant. When she learns that he plans to take the twins into his care, she is hostile and scared. Darcy has long admired Elizabeth and is shocked that she finds him thoroughly objectionable. The Court of Chancery will not grant guardianship to a single woman,...

Sudden Awakening by Amanda Kai. ★★★★☆

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The Bennet family have several sleepwalkers, but Elizabeth is the most profoundly affected.  Her family have safeguards in place to keep her from harm. Unfortunately, when Elizabeth stays at Netherfield Park to care for her sister, there is nothing to protect her from herself.  Sleepwalking right into Fitzwilliam Darcy's bed, leads to a very reluctant marriage of convenience. After a shaky start they settle in to a businesslike partnership, but no intimacy.  Both Elizabeth and Darcy are keen to improve the behaviour of Kitty and Lydia Bennet.  The girls come to Pemberley for some lessons in deportment and propriety.   More worrying is Jane's conduct. Definitely not angelic! Of course, we have to have villains.  Here there are two, one is a psychopath and the other a narcissist, so of course drama will ensue. Very enjoyable. Amazon review Goodreads review

Good Men are Scarce by Elin Eriksen ★★★★★

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Fitzwilliam Darcy is being pressured to marry Caroline Bingley. This leads to a falling out with the Bingley family.  Darcy seeks some distance and retreats to Rosings Park, with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam Jane Bennet is suddenly being sought out by the Bingley family, only weeks after an appalling snub.  Mr Bennet is suspicious and fears that sweet Jane is being gulled.  Elizabeth Bennet's stay in Hunsford ends early, when she is summoned to London to help her sister Jane. Once all the players are in London, a rollercoaster of events ensue.  Elizabeth witnesses an assassination and tries to stem the copious bleeding.  Elizabeth and Darcy become closer while he and the Fitzwilliam family try to identify who is behind the attack.  As love grows, so does danger. A kidnapping occurs and Elizabeth is involved in a madcap chase to follow. Unfortunately, she is less than successful.  However, an exceptional horse comes to the rescue! Compelling story of...

Undoubtedly by Design by Michelle D'Arcy. ★★★★☆

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Following literature's most appalling proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy endeavours to understand Elizabeth Bennet's chastisements and become a better man.  Darcy writes a letter explaining himself and Elizabeth learns to think better of him. A few months later, Elizabeth is on holiday in Derbyshire with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. They make a tourists visit to Pemberley, as the Darcy family are away. Elizabeth is shocked to bump into Darcy. Fate has granted them a second chance for love but they must overcome the challenges of a teenage elopement and a wicked scoundrel.  The road to Gretna Green awaits. Pleasing twist from the original. Definitely worth your time! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

A Darkness in Hertfordshire Book 1 of Under a Cloak of Night by Kaurifish. ★★★★☆

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Fitzwilliam Darcy flees to Hertfordshire, seeking solace following a year of heartbreaking loss at the hands of a dark and malevolent creature.  He joins his friend Bingley at Netherfield Park. He is stunned to find that the handsome Elizabeth Bennet is familiar with both the loss and the creature. They hatch a desperate plan to draw the creature out and destroy it. Along the way they find both love and terror! Thoroughly engrossing story! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

The Spinster: Rags to Richmonds Book 2 by Amy D'Orazio. ★★★★☆

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Scarlett Margrave lives a quiet and confined life, as the daughter of a widowed, puritanical parson. Attending a local assembly, she meets the aristocratic Earl of Worthe. He and his companions insist that they have met her twin! When she approaches her father, he is dismissive. However, the pull of connection leads her to flee to London.  Scarlett's joy of newly found family is blasted by the appearance of Reverend Margrave. Despite his claims to piety and respectability, he is quite prepared to lie and cheat in order to drag Scarlett back to the Parsonage. Will she be denied both romantic love and the embrace of a loving family? Very enjoyable. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Goodreads review

The Lake House at Ramsgate: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton ★★★★★

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In 1812, Jane Bingley is having a difficult time with her first pregnancy. Her besotted husband Charles, leases Lake House in Ramsgate, in the hopes that the sea air will be a remedy. They are accompanied by Jane's beloved sister Elizabeth, who steps in to run the house when Jane deteriorates. Part of that role, includes dealing with Charles' correspondence as he has illegible handwriting! A letter intended for a solicitor, is redirected to the owner. The response is rather shocking! Fitzwilliam Darcy claims he would never lease Lake House and makes several rude accusations. He also asks why she has dated her letter as 1812, when it is currently only 1810? Never being one to be intimidated, Elizabeth replies, rather strongly. A regular correspondence arises, as they realise somehow their letters are crossing time. Friendship turns to love, but how can they cross that gap? I was looking forward to reading this, as the synopsis sounded intriguing.  I started reading as soon as th...

Mr. Darcy's Masked Desire by Maria Dashwood ★★★★☆

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In Meryton, the harvest celebration is a fair, with all those attending masked until midnight.  During the dancing Elizabeth Bennet, masked as Shakespeare's Ganymede, is drawn to a gentleman masked as Benedick. An evening of dancing and clever banter, culminates in a passionate clinch.  An accident, during a rainstorm leads to allegations of compromise. Worse still, Benedick is revealed to be Mr Darcy, a man Elizabeth dislikes for his haughty pride. Can the scandal be avoided? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to kindle love, from the sparks of passion?  An enjoyable, erotic novella with a pleasing resolution for our dear couple. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Pemberley by Mary Smythe ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet regrets misjudging Fitzwilliam Darcy and her vociferous rejection of his proposal.  While on a tour of Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, her greatest fear is encountering Mr Darcy.  With some reluctance, she agrees to visit Pemberley, on being assured that the Darcy family are from home. During her tour of the house, Elizabeth encounters a supernatural presence.  At this point, I fully expected a gothic pride and prejudice variation! Darcy arrives home and they meet again. But will the "Shades of Pemberley" help or hinder our dear couple? Delightful story, great characters and a mischievous great Dane puppy. What more could you want? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

No Less Resentment: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nan Harrison ★★★★★

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Fitzwilliam Darcy met and fell in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, during a brief visit to Hertfordshire in 1811.  Unfortunately, her lack of social position, connexions and dowry make her an unlikely wife for a wealthy man.  Her vulgar mother, poorly behaved sisters and ties to trade provide a seemingly insurmountable barrier for a man who must fulfil the demands of his aristocratic family. After one dance at the Netherfield ball, Darcy flees to London, determined not to succumb to his infatuation. In retrospect, life for Elizabeth Bennet seems to take a downturn after the ball.  She rejects a ridiculous proposal from her cousin William Collins, to her mother's chagrin.  Her sister Jane is heartbroken after Mr Bingley left Netherfield, without a word.  All this is nothing to the sorrow to come.  The combination of a young girl's folly, a scoundrel and a winter storm results in tragedy and the ruin of the Bennet family.  They are shunned by both gentry...

Cads & Capers: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology by Jessie Lewis and Amy D'Orazio. ★★★★★

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Wits & Wagers: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amy D'Orazio. ★★★★★ Fitzwilliam Darcy is despondent following his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet.  Initially, he was angry. How dare someone inferior to him refuse?  And there of course was the problem. His Darcy pride, had blasted his hopes.  When he realises this he berates himself and sinks into despair.  In this frame of mind, he decides to ride to Kent to propose to his cousin Anne De Bourgh.  His male cousins Colonel Fitzwilliam and Viscount Saye, decide to stage an intervention.  When the Colonel announces that he will pursue Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy is horrified and is spurred into action.  A private gentleman's bet on the outcome, gets rapidly out of hand and includes many of the Ton.  One can predict Elizabeth Bennet's response to being the object of a bet! An excellent story. Darcy is lovely, the Colonel is deliberately both charming and irritating. Viscount Saye is his ow...

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology by Julie Cooper & Mary Smythe ★★★★★

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Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper ★★★★★ When Thomas Bennet dies, his estate is entailed to a Mr Collins. His wife and daughters will lose both home, status and income. Mr Bennet is unwell and Mrs Bennet is scared that death is not far away. She diligently cares for him and ensures that he takes the tonic recommended by the apothecary. A tonic that makes him amiable and compliant. The unctuous Mr Collins is visiting, with a plan to wed one of the Bennet sisters. Unfortunately, he is focused on Elizabeth, who has nothing but contempt for him.  Fitzwilliam Darcy is thoroughly infatuated with Elizabeth, but is leaving Hertfordshire because she is not suitable to be Mrs Darcy.  He learns that Collins intends to propose. Unfortunately, Mrs Bennet has drugged Elizabeth with her father's tonic.  When Darcy arrives at Longbourn, he finds Collins and Mrs Bennet dragging Elizabeth to church for an immediate wedding. She is too out of her wits to know or object.  Darcy ...

My Dear Friend by Heather Moll. ★★★★★

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After Mr Bingley abandons Jane Bennet, following the Netherfield ball, she is heartbroken. Even worse her mother won't stop complaining about Bingley's loss, while implying Jane was to blame.   Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are relieved to escape to their relatives in Cheapside. In an effort to show Jane that there are other fish in the sea, Elizabeth signs up to a matchmaking agency. As "L" she chooses to correspond with "F" and finds a man she thinks she could come to love. Fitzwilliam Darcy left Netherfield determined to forget Elizabeth Bennet. Despite being in love with her, she is not suitable to be Mrs Darcy. To distract himself he is persuaded to join the matchmaking agency. As his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam opines, Darcy is much more eloquent on paper than in person.  You can guess what is going to happen! However, when he and Bingley cross paths with Jane and Elizabeth, Darcy is crestfallen to realise how much Elizabeth dislikes him. They have a long ...

A Hopeless Business: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jan Ashton ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet has already refused an offer marriage from her father's cousin, William Collins. Unfortunately, he is persistent. He follows her on her daily walk to make yet another attempt.  Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy appears and makes every effort to stop Mr Collins. Sadly, a falling tree branch and a rainstorm causes all three of them to take shelter in the Bennet boathouse. Fortunately any accusations of impropriety are dismissed, Mr Collins finally gets the message and Elizabeth gets to know that Darcy is a good man. A young relative of Mr Hurst arrives at Netherfield and becomes attached to Elizabeth. Mr Nugent is immature, sport obsessed and tedious.  When Elizabeth declines his offer of marriage, Mr Bennet declares that she will have to accept the next proposal, no matter who makes it. With six months left until she gains her majority, Mr Bennet has that power. How will Elizabeth steer clear of unwanted suitors and will she ever find a man willing to share both love and re...

A Teasing Courtship by Kaurifish. ★★★★☆

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When the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley delivered the most insulting proposal in Literature, Jane Austen had Elizabeth Bennet refuse him vociferously. What if Elizabeth said yes?  Here we see the results of her "malicious compliance".  Unfortunately, what was intended to be a short term exercise in tormenting Darcy, becomes a betrothal in truth. Lady Catherine de Burgh castigates Elizabeth for accepting Darcy. Elizabeth proclaims that she loves Fitzwilliam, but will give him up so that Society will not shame him for his choice. Just as Elizabeth finds a way out of the betrothal, Darcy overhears her proclamation and declares that they will elope. Before she knows it, she and Darcy are unchaperoned in a carriage. Thus, marriage becomes the only way to save the reputations of all the Bennet sisters. This is a good story with great character development. Elizabeth matures and starts to appreciate Darcy, while he learns to quell his pride and arrogance. An enjoyable JAFF! ...

Each Time They Might Have: Kissed, vol. 1 by Kaurifish. ★★★☆☆

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This book is a collection of 16 vinettes, imagining a variety of encounters between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet leading to their first kisses. Some encounters are sweet and chaste, others are distinctly spicy.  While most are believable, a few are completely bonkers! Something for every JAFF fan to enjoy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

The Valentine Writer by Iris Lim. ★★★★☆

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  Mary Danforth has resigned herself to spinsterhood. Since childhood, her health has been too fragile to allow her to join in the active lives of her many siblings.  Mary excels at writing sweet, romantic notes to assist her brothers' courtships. She is happy for her siblings, but their success is bittersweet. Doctors have advised Mary to be extremely cautious with her health as another illness may be fatal. While caution is keeping her alive, she wonders if it is worth missing out on so much. The introduction of Captain Hayes, allows Mary to dream of love and a future, but can dreams become reality. Mary is a well drawn and believable character. You yearn with her as she is left behind as her siblings find love. An enjoyable novella. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Amazon review Goodreads review

Cursing Mr Darcy by Amy D'Orazio ★★★★☆

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Amy D'Orazio's latest Pride and Prejudice variation is part gothic horror, part Sleeping Beauty, with a nod to the Pendle witches. The unmarried George Darcy has a mistress. He knows that she has other lovers, when he is away from Town.  She becomes with child, right around the time George wants to marry a "suitable" bride. He arranges for her to be provided for, by marriage to his steward, Mr Wickham, who like George, could be the father of the baby. The pretty little girl grows up wild at Pemberley, after her mother dies. Unfortunately, she is always tainted by her birth. As she grows older and more beautiful, Jessamine is seen as a threat and is banished from Pemberley. She grows up to be bitter and resentful at the Darcy family. She plans an exquisite revenge, with the help of witchcraft. There is a flavour of Sleeping Beauty, in the decay of Pemberley, while the master is trapped. Only pure love can lift the curse!  Can Elizabeth Bennet provide the solution? Jess...

The Scarred Duchess by Barry S Richman. ★★★★★

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The Scarred Duchess is Barry S Richman's second Pride and Prejudice variation.  It is just as compelling as his first, Doubt Not, Cousin. The saga spans several generations, but focuses on the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Here, Thomas Bennet is a second son and a soldier. He is smart, well connected and worldly wise. Valuable strengths when he inherits Longbourn from his elder brother.  The five Bennet daughters are raised well and protected carefully. However, Jane's betrothal to Lord Lambrook, exposes her to the violent machinations of a greedy, desperate aristocrat.  A carriage accident, engineered to kill Lord Lambrook and his father, the Earl, finds Jane instead. She survives, but is badly scarred. The book follows both Jane's and Society's response. A great story, full of love, angst and adventure. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Darcy’s Spell – Short Story by Reut Barak. ★★★★☆

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A short, spicy and magical Pride and Prejudice variation. What if Elizabeth Bennet's response to the Hunsford proposal is delayed, long enough to allow Darcy to correct his errors and her misunderstandings? Perfect for reading in your lunch break!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Something About Lizzy: Family Secrets Post-Pride and Prejudice by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi ★★★★☆

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In the continuing adventures of Sofia-Elisabete, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Colonel Fitzwilliam, we see life at Pemberley from her unique perspective. She recounts the events of a summer spent with Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. They have a delightful tribe of children, the eldest of whom is 12 year old Will.  The trials and tribulations of their family lives are played out, against the backdrop of marital strain, grief and the machinations of influential family members. Sofia-Elisabete at first idolises Elizabeth Darcy, but is repulsed by perceived failings. She is still very young and is struggling with the fact that nobody is perfectly good or totally bad. An interesting variation on the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Affections & Wishes: A Short Story Anthology of Pride and prejudice variations by Amy D’Orazio, Jessie Lewis, Julie Cooper, Mary Smythe, Frances Reynolds, Lucy Marin, Jan Ashton, Barry S Richman & Elsie Fulbrook ★★★★☆

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A delightful bouquet of Pride and Prejudice Variations, with something to delight everyone. Some Regency, some modern. The serious, the light-hearted, the magical and the fantasy.  A collection from some of the best JAFF authors writing today. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

The Maid: Rags to Richmonds Book 1 by Jessie Lewis with Amy D'Orazio ★★★★☆

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Adelaide Booker is working as a housemaid, but a visiting aristocrat is about to turn her life upside down.  She finds herself pulled from the life she has made for herself, into the world of the first circles.  This is a really enjoyable read, which effortlessly captures the awkwardness of trying to fit into the alien world of Society. Finding no acceptance amongst the servants and tenants who see her as above herself. A brother who adores her, but honestly has no idea how to be a good brother.  An aunt who seems to only see just how much effort will be needed to make a lady out of a housemaid. The lofty aristocratic uncle who seems to resent her existence. Can Adelaide start to feel like she belongs? Is she destined to find love? Definitely recommend!. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

What Ought to Have Been: A Sense and Sensibility Variation by MJ Stratton. ★★★★☆

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An interesting variation of Sense and Sensibility.  The action focuses on events after Willoughby's abandonment of Marianne Dashwood.  Eleanor Dashwood's tender regard for Edward Ferrars is dashed, by the revelation of a longstanding secret betrothal to Lucy Steele.  Unfortunately, Lucy's continued presence in their company only adds to the pain.  Marianne seeks to find justice for the Dashwood sisters. This Marianne is more avenging angel, than passionate romantic and boy is she devious!  The story is told from both Marianne and Eleanor's point of view. While this is well written, instead of intercutting points of view, in one chapter, the events are repeated to get both versions.  I have to say that I found the repetition a little tedious, but overall an enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

The Bachelor Mr Darcy by Julie Cooper ★★★★★

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After the death of Mr Bennet, Elizabeth finds herself cast out of Longbourn by Mr Collins and Mrs Bennet. Fortunately, her sister Jane goes with her and they settle with their Aunt and Uncle Gardner in Cheapside. Elizabeth is desperate to be independent and not burden the Gardners. Teaching doesn't work out but another option presents itself.  Elizabeth finds herself writing a Society gossip column called Mr Pennywither's Reports. In the persona of an aging valet, she combines gossipy stories with wit, humour and a gentleness not found in more vituperative publications. Fitzwilliam Darcy is an honourable young man, burdened with inheriting the vast Pemberley estate in his early twenties. He is responsible for his much younger sister, Georgiana.  He also must shelter his Cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, who has been brought low by the physical and mental impacts of battle. Decent, hardworking and appearing rather dull. It is a shock to suddenly find himself the focus of the London g...