𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Elizabeth Bennet and some of her family, travel to Ramsgate. There they meet the shy Georgiana Darcy and her handsome brother, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth's most unruly sister, Lydia agrees to elope with George Wickham, a scoundrel.  Elizabeth asks for Darcy's help in recovering Lydia. She abandons propriety in her desperation and travels alone with Fitzwilliam. The elopement takes a surprising turn, but they ultimately fail to stop the inevitable. As a consequence, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam enter a marriage of convenience.  They develop a friendship, which warms to something more. While Darcy is away on business, Elizabeth's kind heart is betrayed and blackmail is threatened. Suddenly, Elizabeth is terrified that if Darcy finds out, their burgeoning love will be destroyed. A foul Wickham, several foolhardy female characters and a good deal of angst.   This had me on the edge of my seat.  It's a good thing that Heather Moll can be relied upon to deliver happy endings...

. On the night of the Netherfield ball, Mr Thomas Bennet tells Fitzwilliam Darcy, that Elizabeth Bennet is to be betrothed to her toad of a cousin, Mr Collins.  His comment is overheard and thus Elizabeth discovers her father's plan to force the marriage.  Darcy sees her distress and wants to help.  Elizabeth is surprised as she thought he distained her and all her family. A kiss and a scheme to flee to London ensue. Short and sweet, with the guarantee of a happy ending! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Elizabeth Bennet was captivated by horses at an early age. However, a family tragedy means she is denied any opportunity to learn to ride or to just spend time around horses. As a child she fought against the restriction, until the sad reason is explained. Now a young lady, she meets the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy and his behaviour makes her avoid him.  When her sister, Jane falls ill at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth goes to care for her. Close proximity to Darcy is uncomfortable until they find a shared passion for horses. Without Darcy's social mask, Elizabeth finds him much more agreeable. A delightful variation with love, angst and all things equine.  I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Goodreads review

What if Elizabeth Bennet accompanied the heartbroken Jane to London? This variation finds Elizabeth and Darcy crossing paths in London. He realises that he loves her and wants to court her.  He repents of his actions to separate Bingley from Jane and seeks to make amends. This is a sweet, novella length variation with a lovely Darcy. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review

Fitzwilliam Darcy is overwhelmed to inherit the vast Pemberley estate in his early twenties.  Discerning who to trust and who wants to take advantage is a significant challenge. When struggling to decypher ledgers, he searches his study for a magnifying glass.  What he finds is his father's quizzing glass, a bejeweled trinket used by several generations of Darcys. He is shocked to find that the glass has mysterious properties. When he realises that it shows a person's true character, it becomes an essential tool. Over the years, he relies heavily on the glass but in doing so, does nothing to develop his own ability to judge wisely. Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy cross paths at the Meryton Assembly. She is unimpressed with him. He is captivated by her. The quizzing glass becomes a bone of contention, a subject of envy and even provokes accusations of witchcraft! A good variation, with a novel twist. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon rev...

This is a pride and prejudice variation with two ongoing layers.  Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy have been married for a year. The initial tender intimacies of marriage have matured into something that is definitely more kink, than vanilla. Suddenly they face yet another scandal caused by Elizabeth's family.  The loud, vulgar Mrs Bennet and the vacuous Kitty, descend on Pemberley as uninvited guests. They are running from something, but won't admit the details.  Darcy is trying hard to protect the family from threats of violence and ruined reputation.  He retreats from Elizabeth, slipping into old patterns of behaviour. The intrigue is suitably engaging and unpredictable. The intimacy is erotic, explicit and includes novel uses for a hairbrush! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review

When Mr Bennet realises that he does not have long to live, he demands that his teenage daughters accept marriages of convenience.   For Elizabeth and Jane, the only choice is who marries Mr Collins, the foolish heir to Longbourn and who will have to submit to Mr Ashwood, a wealthy man who is in his dotage.  When this variation begins, four years have passed and Elizabeth is a widow, with little money and a crumbling dower cottage.  When Mr Ashwood dies, his estate at Stoke goes to his heir. Sadly, he is a weasel and his wife, Fanny is a manipulative harpy. Their impact on Elizabeth is not just material. Fanny drives a wedge between Elizabeth and Jane. Mrs Bennet is vitriolic to and about Elizabeth. The combined effect is that Meryton Society is rather chilly to Elizabeth.  Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives with his friend, Mr Bingley and meets the local gentry.  He is intrigued by Elizabeth Bennet and after a shaky start, the two become friends. This is an admirable Da...

In this pride and prejudice variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy does not propose to Elizabeth Bennet at the Hunsford Parsonage.  He discovers (just in time) that Elizabeth despises him. During a brief sojourn in London, Darcy realises that only Elizabeth will do. He returns to Hertfordshire to make his amends and woo Elizabeth.  It is a long haul but while progress is made, Elizabeth is embroiled in scandal. This Darcy is sweet, supportive and constant. How could you not love him?. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet meet at the Netherfield Park house party.  When a man is found dead in the library, everyone is relieved when a physician confirms a natural death.  Elizabeth is skeptical and suspicious. She starts to investigate. Darcy disapproves, but is reluctantly drawn into the investigation. This is the first of a series, so the Elizabeth/Fitzwilliam relationship is closer, but not resolved. There wasn't much propriety being observed, with Darcy and Elizabeth meeting behind closed doors, to discuss the investigation. This felt more like Agatha Christie, than Austenesque.  Nevertheless, worth a read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In the summer following her disastrous visit to Hunsford, Elizabeth Bennet inherits a ramshackle beachfront mansion in Brighton. She begins the slow process of arranging for the renovation and repair. Fitzwilliam Darcy has been nursing his wounded pride since his rejection following the worst proposal in literary history. Darcy's cousin, Lord Saye decides that Darcy, Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam deserve a holiday by the sea. As with any last minute booking, the choices are limited. Anything left is too small or too far from the sea. Lord Saye spots Elizabeth's house and investigates. He insists on leasing the ruin, despite the amount of work required to make it habitable. A date of occupation is agreed. Work continues apace, but as one issue is fixed, two more are revealed.  Elizabeth makes an evening site visit with a friend, only to find Lord Saye and his party in residence (several weeks early).  The awkwardness is made worse, when Darcy and Elizabeth see each ot...

This delightful novella begins at the Meryton Assembly, with Fitzwilliam Darcy making a disparaging remark about Elizabeth Bennet.  In this pride and prejudice variation, Elizabeth confronts Darcy and demands satisfaction (the pistols at dawn, bring your seconds type of satisfaction). When Darcy faces Elizabeth on the field of combat, it is not quite what he expected.  When honour is satisfied and the duel is over, Darcy declares to his second, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that Elizabeth Bennet is the only woman for him. From that point on Darcy courts Elizabeth, in a novel way, showing her the worthy man he is (when not putting his foot in to his mouth). This Darcy is most definitely swoon worthy and Elizabeth is smart, witty and thoroughly captivated by him.  A pleasing variation with romance, friendship and just a dash of angst. Perfect!

In this variation, while staying at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet helps a maid, injured by broken porcelain.  The haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy, arranges to pay for medical assistance, when Miss Bingley refuses. Elizabeth is surprised to discover that Darcy is always kind to the servants.  With her typical impertinence, Elizabeth asks why a man who is so kind, treats the people of Meryton with such distain. Thus begins a conversation, that leads to friendship and then to love. We have the usual obstacles, Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham and others. I particularly enjoyed seeing both Caroline and Wickham receiving their just desserts! The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is sweet, tender and grounded in both love and friendship. Excellent book. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society.  Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company. The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him.  In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage. This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold. Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser.  She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage.  The friendship and support make life bearable, just. When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow. The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears fro...

Caroline Bingley was born the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Her sole aim was to rise in Society and she felt that she was having some success. Ladies of Society welcomed her and she was sure that her brother's friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon offer for her. To be the mistress of his vast estate, Pemberley would be a social pinnacle. Unfortunately, on the evening of the Northram Ball, Caroline overheard herself being derided in the most scathing of terms. Nothing but a social climbing mushroom. For the first time, Caroline recognises that her family position in Society may increase, but it will take generations. She is mortified and realises that Darcy, grandson of an Earl, was never going to marry someone like her. When Charles Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield Park, a much changed Caroline enters Meryton Society. No longer sneering and superior, she is approachable and good company.  Darcy is thoroughly unnerved by her lack of fawning attention, convinced that it ...

In this variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy's second proposal is interrupted, seconds before Elizabeth Bennet can answer.  Darcy receives an urgent summons from his family, who have all arrived at Netherfield.  Dreading a death or other disaster, Darcy is blindsided by an ultimatum from Lady Catherine de Bourg. She has roused her brother, the Earl of Matlock and his countess to back her demands.  Her simple request? Darcy must marry his cousin Anne, or Lady Catherine will ruin Darcy, Elizabeth and the whole Bennet family. An epic battle of wills ensues. Can Darcy prevail? Is Elizabeth prepared to face the consequences of loving Fitzwilliam Darcy? Really good novella. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

In this variation, Mr Bingley returns to Meryton soon after the Netherfield Ball, determined to court Jane Bennet. Despite his reservations over the suitability of the match, Mr Darcy accompanies Bingley. Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, but distanced himself due to her unsuitable family. When Darcy decides he does want to marry Elizabeth, he realises that she doesn't like him, because of his previous haughty behaviour. He makes a serious effort to be amiable and show Elizabeth the worthy man he really is. Over the twelve days of Christmas, Elizabeth receives gifts from a mystery admirer. The gift are beautiful but thoughtful, showing insight into her tastes. Who is her admirer? By Twelfth Night, she knows who she wants it to be! A really charming Christmas variation, with a swoon worthy Darcy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet returns from her trip to Hunsford, a more thoughtful and subdued young lady. She was shocked to receive a proposal from the proud and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. Unfortunately, while declaring his ardent love, he roundly insulted her status, her family and her lack of fortune.  She gives a vociferous rejection. The next day, Darcy breaks propriety by insisting she accepts his letter, explaining himself. Thus, Darcy is heartbroken and Elizabeth realises that she has thoroughly misunderstood him. She questions her ability to judge character. Her devoted godfather, Mr Goulding provides counsel and comfort. When he dies, he leaves a bequest that challenges Elizabeth. She takes on the task with relish, but misunderstandings leave her vulnerable to fortune hunters of every sort.  She suddenly has a great deal more sympathy with Mr Darcy's reaction to those who view him as a target. She begins to miss Darcy very much, but doubts that she will ever see him again. ...

Dragons of the Great Wyves: Fire and Song is the third and final book in M.Verant’s award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. It is a sequel to Emma’s Dragon. In Emma's Dragon, the Napoleonic War arrived in England, with the French allied with the southern American states that support slavery— the same states that will eventually form the Confederacy. The most prominent characters are the Great Wyves, women of strength and courage, Elizabeth, Emma, Mary and Georgiana. Elizabeth Darcy, the wyfe of war, is bound to the formidable dragon, Yuánchi. Together, they confronted the insane black dragon Fènnù. At the end of the second book, Elizabeth and Yuánchi are both horribly hurt and vanish into the depths of Pemberley lake. Emma, Mary and Georgiana must find a way to heal the broken dragon song to save England from a spreading blight. The lost artifact of music is the key. But how to find something lost so long ago? This is a brilliant conclusion to this series and I heartily recommend...

This is a seasonal collection of pride and prejudice variation short stories, from some of the best JAFF authors around. All feature Elizabeth and Darcy at various points in their story, with three being after marriage.  Some are light and fluffy, others have a touch of angst. A happy ending is, of course, guaranteed! So settle down in a cosy corner, a mug of hot chocolate in hand and indulge. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Today My JAFF Obsession is joined by Morgan Blake, to talk about her first full length novel The Cherry Trees of Rosings. Available now on Kindle Unlimited.  Welcome Morgan! Thank you so much for hosting me today, Gill! Book Blurb for The Cherry Trees of Rosings A Pride & Prejudice variation with a slightly paranormal, mainly comic twist! When Elizabeth Bennet visits her newly-married friend, Charlotte Collins, at the Hunsford parsonage, she has no idea that Mr. Darcy (he of the arrogant demeanor and perpetual cause of annoyance!) shall turn up to ruin her blissful, idyllic days. Only, Mr. Darcy is not himself. And then Elizabeth stumbles straight through him one day....like one would an apparition! Goodness gracious! “Mr. Darcy, I do not know what you mean, but I would appreciate it if you would desist from haunting me!” “I apologize, Miss Bennet, for scaring you,” Mr. Darcy said, almost regretfully. To solve her haunting problem, Elizabeth must team up with Mr. Darcy to find ...

When Elizabeth Bennet visits her newly-married friend, Charlotte Collins, at the Hunsford parsonage in Kent, she looks forward to exploring the vast grounds of Rosings Park.  What she had not anticipated, was meeting the haughty, arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy. First introduced to him in Hertfordshire, she was unimpressed by his rude and boorish manners.  By the time he left Hertfordshire, she despised him for coming between her beloved sister Jane and his friend Charles Bingley. She visits the blossoming Cherry trees, but retreats when she spots Darcy. There are several brief encounters, but his behaviour is increasingly odd.  In an effort to avoid him, she walks to a secluded woodland, only to have him appear next to her. He is distressed and becomes angry, frightening Elizabeth.  She tries to run away, but suddenly he is in front of her. Unable to stop, she expects to crash into him but to both Darcy and Elizabeth's shock, she runs straight through him. Between them, ...

Ali Scott returns with this pleasing Pride and Prejudice Variation.  Elizabeth Bennet is the god daughter of a wealthy explorer. Some in Meryton believe that he must have bestowed a fortune upon her and thus they try to hunt her! One unwelcome suitor is the foppish brother of Elizabeth's close friend Charlotte Lucas.  In order to reject his proposal diplomatically, she agrees to an early meeting in the woods.  An already vexing morning gets so much worse. Elizabeth slips into the mud, overhears a confrontation between two men and then comes face to face with the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. She is very surprised to find him kind and gentlemanly.  They strike up a friendship that blossoms into something deeper. Mrs Bennet is typically marriage obsessed, Lady Lucas has far too high an opinion of her eldest son and George Wickham indulges in a blackmail plot. An excellent variation with a good combination of angst, peril and of course a happy ever after for our dear coupl...

This Pride and Prejudice reimagining shows us events from both Fitzwilliam Darcy's and Elizabeth Bennet's points of view. At those pivotal moments where careless speech or rash judgement will keep them at odds, something causes them to pause and think again. The voices of their better angels or perhaps guardian angels intercede.  They develop a friendship, which blossoms into something deeper. Obstacles along the road to happiness, include Mr Bennet's willingness to listen to his wife's gossip.  Miss Bingley is determined to be Mrs Darcy and views any malicious scheme to be justified. This variation includes vexation, kidnapping and rescue. Most disturbingly, there are not one but two Caroline Bingley's. Great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Amazon review Goodreads review

Following his unwelcome proposal at the Hunsford parsonage, Fitzwilliam Darcy is stunned to find Elizabeth Bennet taking the tourists visit to Pemberley. He is delighted to find Elizabeth is pleased to see him. He quickly invites Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to stay. During her stay, as he is attempting to court Elizabeth, Caroline Bingley is determined to compromise Darcy. Hearing unexpected movement in his bedroom, Darcy flees. Entering what he thought to be an unoccupied bedroom, he finds himself face to face with Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth does not protest and Darcy does not retreat. They spend several hours talking by the fireside. Miss Bingley continues her attempts and each time, Darcy spends the night in conversation with Elizabeth. Unsurprisingly, none of these actions are without consequence! Very enjoyable variation. I particularly liked the image of Miss Bingley trying to climb a tree to reach Darcy's room.  I received a free copy of this book and am volun...

This variation begins with Elizabeth Bennet travelling to Hunsford to visit her recently married friend Charlotte. She is accompanying Charlotte's father, Sir William and and sister, Maria. During a stop at Bromley they visit a street market. Elizabeth is drawn to buy a gold locket. The seller, Madame Hercaud has a definite air of mystery and maybe magic. Elizabeth is most unhappy to meet the rude and haughty Mr Darcy again. Last seen in her village the previous November. Unhappiness becomes shock when Darcy makes an impassioned and insulting proposal.  She delivers a vociferous refusal and rebuke. The following morning, Darcy confronts her, demanding that she reads his letter of defence. Elizabeth retreats beneath a tree, but before she gets to read the letter, she is struck by a falling branch. Elizabeth wakes to find the world is different from her memories. Darcy was first introduced to Elizabeth in Kent and has been a pleasing acquaintance. Maria did not accompany her on the t...

In this variation, an early morning express, giving news of Lydia's elopement with Wickham, smothers the shoots of a rapprochement between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.   A note of regret is sent to Pemberley, but much of the detail is blurred due to water damage. Darcy interprets this as a confirmation that Elizabeth still does not want him. For Elizabeth, life changes utterly. Scandal makes the Bennet women outcasts. The death of their father leaves Mrs Bennet broken and brings the family under the power of Mr Collins. Fortunately, rescue comes from a paternal aunt, Mrs Cahill. She sweeps them away to live with her in Yorkshire. Elizabeth never stops regretting Mr Darcy.  Two years later on a visit to a local family, she is introduced to some of their eccentric, noble relatives. Among them, is Darcy! This is a lovely third chance for Elizabeth and Darcy. The story has a warmth and positivity. Darcy is loving and tender. There is a wonderful relationship between Eli...

This is an unusual variation, in that we are spared the vexations of Mrs Bennet and her less charming daughters. No Mr Wickham and no Bingley family. Mr Bennet is dead, Mr Collins has inherited Longbourn and cast out the Bennet ladies  Elizabeth Bennet must find her own way in the world. Thus she comes to Derbyshire, as companion to Mrs Darcy, ailing wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley. This is a tale that combines grief and comfort, passion and guilt.  Can maintaining propriety be worth more than the chance of love? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

To mark the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, a group of well established authors of Austenesque fiction come together to create a combined travelogue and short story anthology. The authors share memories of travels around England in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Each memory inspires a story. The six stories vary from the whimsical to the heartbreaking. This is a treat that should not be missed. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

This variation starts when Elizabeth Bennet is only thirteen. She has always idolised her elder sister Jane, viewing her as the epitome of beauty, gentility and goodness. When her first suitor proves to be false, Jane is so demonstrably heartbroken that she becomes ill. This incident has a profound effect on Elizabeth. She doesn't think that she will be able to trust any man and takes it upon herself to protect Jane. When Netherfield Park is let by the wealthy Charles Bingley, Elizabeth is on her guard.  Unfortunately, as Charles and Jane spend more time together, Elizabeth's interference is neither welcome nor successful. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a guest at Netherfield and quickly becomes a friend to Elizabeth. He has a more clear eyed view of Jane and is not impressed. He views her as a fortune hunter and is appalled by her treatment of Elizabeth. This story features a cold, calculating Jane Bennet. Elizabeth is loyal but naive, while Darcy is supportive, steadfast and swoon wort...

In a first for My JAFF Obsession, today we are joined by the lovely Kelly Miller, to talk about her contribution to In the Path of Jane Austen: Travels and Tales .  Welcome Kelly! Thank you so much for hosting me today, Gill! Story quote from Kelly Miller’s story, The Love Potion I toyed with my sleeve, averting my vision from her piercing scrutiny. I could not shake the fanciful notion that she had a window into my thoughts. Book Blurb for In the Path of Jane Austen: Travels and Tales We will know where we have gone—we will recollect what we have seen. — Pride and Prejudice Chapter 27 With a foundation of the prose created by six handpicked Austen-inspired authors who have selected a location from their travels upon which to base an Austenesque short story, this book is just as much a whimsical travelogue as an anthology of excellent Regency romance fiction and fantasy. Each author tells the story of their homage to Jane Austen during their past travels to the UK, with photos t...