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Showing posts from April, 2024

Without Vanity or Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology by Amy D’Orazio & LM Romano. ★★★★★

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No Improper Pride by Amy D’Orazio The story is set in London after the Hunsford proposal. Darcy has got over his anger at being refused by Elizabeth Bennet. However, he has become bereft and regretful.  His cousin, the inimitable Viscount Saye, has no patience and little sympathy with Darcy. He correctly points out that in leaving Kent, after handing his letter to Elizabeth, Darcy denied her the right of reply.  He drags Darcy out for a walk in Hyde Park.  By coincidence, Elizabeth and her sister Jane are walking with their aunt Gardner and cousins.  After introductions, Darcy is floundering, so Saye takes charge, charming the ladies.  Could this be another chance for Darcy? Will Saye be unbearably outrageous and what will Florizel do? Darcy, Elizabeth and Saye in the hands of Amy D’Orazio! How could it be anything but glorious? Insufficient Vanity by LM Romano When Elizabeth Bennet shared the news of her sister's elopement, she was sure that it put an end to her burgeoning romance

Tolerable: Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Darcy Fitzwilliam. ★★★☆☆

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Fitzwilliam Darcy is overheard dismissing Elizabeth Bennet as only tolerable. In this variation, Darcy corrects his error by immediately asking Elizabeth to dance.  They both find much to admire in each other. This changes the whole trajectory of the story. Those changes are pleasing. I quite enjoyed the book, although some things jarred a little. Canteloupe and grapes for sale in the Meryton market? Nevertheless, I am sure many will enjoy the story too. 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

Mr. Darcy's Passion at Pemberley Seasons of Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variations by Maria Dashwood ★★★☆☆

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This novella is almost an alternative reality Pride and prejudice, with the action occurring predominantly in Derbyshire.  Fitzwilliam Darcy lives at Pemberley with his sister, Georgiana and his late father's godson, George Wickham. Despite his reservations regarding some of Wickham's behaviour, Darcy fulfills his father's dying wish by providing a home and financial support for Wickham.  Elizabeth Bennet is touring the Peak District with her aunt and uncle.  At a village festival she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy. Although he exhibits some of his "Master of Pemberley" persona, he and Elizabeth share an instant and volcanic attraction to each other. The plot is not unpleasing, though as expected. The descriptions of their early amorous encounters become rather repetitive. Too many scorching looks, searing kisses and being crushed against his musky scented body. This is most definitely steamy, pride and prejudice. The explicit sections hold nothing back. I have rated oth

Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper ★★★★★

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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 is left with only one choice. He must abduct Elizabeth, to save

The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jessie Lewis ★★★★★

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Fitzwilliam Darcy is still bereft at his failure to win the love of Elizabeth Bennet. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is heartbroken that she fell in love with Darcy, but he never returned for her. A year later finds them both in London.  A chance encounter in a gallery leads to what, may or may not have been "The Cut Direct". The gallery contains a couch, which bears witness to much gossip, misunderstandings and mistaken identities. It is also where we encounter the Cad! Cue many misguided efforts to correct mistakes, relaying messages to entirely the wrong person.  Happy endings are of course guaranteed. All in all, it is glorious mayhem. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Crossroads: A Collection of Austenesque Novellas by MJ Stratton ★★★★☆

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Collections brings together three novellas by MJ Stratton  What Became of Miss Mary King - in which we follow Mary to Liverpool, as she slowly recovers from her encounter with Mr Wickham. It is a delight to watch her build a new life and perhaps find love.  This was really pleasing! At First Slight - in which Eros and Psyche have less than stellar success in encouraging romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. A Change of Outcomes - in which Lydia Bennet reads her sister's mail.  Fitzwilliam Darcy's famous letter to Elizabeth, details just how bad George Wickham really is.  Initially, Lydia dismisses it as lies, but slowly she begins to acknowledge the truth.  Her trip to Brighton gives Lydia opportunities to re-evaluate her views on men and her own sense of self worth. This stands out as the best novella in the anthology. I definitely recommend! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review