𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Fitzwilliam Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet. However, he believes that her lower status and dreadful family make her unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.  So Darcy flees her company and returns to London, hoping his regard will diminish. While staying with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, Elizabeth is jostled and loses her footing on an icy street. A gentleman comes to her rescue. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are shocked, when the gentleman carries Elizabeth into Darcy's house.  A badly sprained ankle requires Elizabeth to remain for two weeks. Georgiana Darcy comes to chaperone and develops a lasting friendship.  She decides to distract Elizabeth by attempting to matchmake. First they must establish her list of requirements for love. Fitzwilliam Darcy is torn between his duty telling him Elizabeth is not suitable and his passion for her. Two weeks in close company with Darcy, allows Elizabeth to understand his decency and character but is his friendship enough? This is a really enj...

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy's dreadful Hunsford proposal is interrupted.  Elizabeth Bennet had no idea that Darcy felt anything but distain for her. The sudden proposal and the offensive comments it contains have shocked and distressed her. As he details the deficiencies in her status and family, she fights back tears and fury.  It crosses her mind that accepting him and thereby exposing him to her family, would be a fitting punishment. She is just beginning to politely decline him, when Mrs Collins returns to the parsonage. Unfortunately, Darcy leaves with the impression that she accepted him.  While Charlotte Collins is comforting her, Elizabeth mentions his fitting punishment, but Charlotte believes she may be serious. When Darcy announces his engagement, the residents of Rosings Park are dismayed.  When his sickly quiet cousin Anne realises that Darcy won't marry her, the reaction is startling and violent. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwillia...

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for an angst filled pride and prejudice variation. And this is a doozy! Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are forced to marry, following a compromise at the Meryton Assembly.  Mr Bennet disowns Elizabeth and sends her younger sisters to a harsh boarding school. It makes Lowood school in Jane Eyre look cushy. Darcy is convinced that Elizabeth and her family are gold diggers. His distain and bitterness know no bounds. At Pemberley, Elizabeth finds some allies and some antagonists. Thank the good Lord that Georgiana loves her. It takes a long time for Darcy to be reconciled to the marriage but when threatened with losing Elizabeth, his behaviour changes. This Darcy becomes the sweetest husband and we receive a delightful happy ever after, as expected. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet vociferously rejected the proposal of the proud and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. In Jane Austen's masterpiece, Darcy offers a letter explaining himself and warning Elizabeth of the danger of a scoundrel. This gothic-tinged novella explores a future without that warning. After her family is ruined, Elizabeth Bennet must make her own way in the world. The life of a governess is respectable but lonely. Not part of the family but not part of the staff. After six years as a governess, she is approached with a job offer. An anonymous client in a mystery location seems dubious. However, the salary is extremely good and so she feels compelled to accept. Elizabeth finds herself at a huge manor in Derbyshire. Delightful accommodation and food are offset by the mysterious employer and the odd atmosphere in the house. She meets her charges, six year old twins, Emma and Edward. They are delightful and engaging. Edward reminds Elizabeth of herself as a child, forever chafing at th...

Charles Bingley is enamoured of a Bennet lady. Unfortunately, while the beautiful, sweet Jane Bennet holds his heart, it is the Bennet Matron who is the recipient of his physical passion at the Netherfield ball! Fitzwilliam Darcy is an unwilling witness to the liaison. Bingley flees to London and goes underground, avoiding Darcy. Very soon Mrs Bennet departs for London, on a mission of mercy to care for an ailing friend.  When several weeks pass by with no sign of Mrs Bennet returning, Elizabeth Bennet is tasked with discreetly tracking her down. Darcy is searching for Bingley and regularly finds himself in company with Elizabeth who is searching for her mother.  The haut ton get wind of these encounters and weave a romance out of it! Elizabeth moves from disliking Darcy to admiring him, but is convinced he despises her and the Bennet family. Unfortunately, while Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, he does view her as unsuitable to be his wife. He has a great deal of growing t...

Loving this.  A sweet Darcy, feeling at home with the Bennets.  An improved Elizabeth, smart and witty but softened by wisdom. A reformed Mr Bennet, who turns his life and that of his family, after friends from University stage an intervention. So good to see Caroline being put in her place (repeatedly) Add in an evil Uncle and a venal Viscount. Watch the sparks fly! I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

At first glance this is a straight body swap, with the usual opportunities for absurdity and vexation. However, the author provides us with so much more. Elizabeth Bennet has always found her mother to be flighty and exasperating, not to mention suffering from a mortifying lack of propriety.  To Mrs Bennet, ensuring the security of marriage for her five daughters is the most important thing she will ever do. She has never truly understood Elizabeth and fears for her future. After the swap, Mrs Bennet discovers what her family and Meryton Society really think of her matchmaking schemes. It is a painful realisation but improves her insights and helps her to grow. For Elizabeth, the revelations are much worse. To realise that her beloved Papa, is actually a spiteful and emotionally abusive husband who has undermined his wife's confidence for years  Elizabeth and her mother become very close, but start to wonder if they will ever switch back. Then Mr Bennet finds himself swapped, ...

This is just such a delight! Fitzwilliam Darcy is wealthy, handsome and eligible. As such, many of the Ton have tried to trap him into marriage. Following his less-than impressive behaviour in Meryton, he is viewed with disdain by the locals. When a faulty door latch results in his being trapped in the Netherfield Park library, with Elizabeth Bennet, he braces himself for cries of "Compromise!" He is rather stunned when the marriage obsessed Mrs Bennet, quietly extracts her daughter from the situation. A series of unfortunate incidents, which ought to have resulted in a forced marriage, yield only polite thanks for his assistance. Darcy discovers that if he truly wants Elizabeth Bennet for his wife, he is going to need to woo her. This Darcy is adorable and his efforts to win Elizabeth will melt your heart ❤️  I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Goodreads review

I never expected an origin story for Lady Catherine de Bourgh to be a tearjerker, but this really is. There are four children born to Earl Barringer. The heir, Viscount Ashby, stolid and dull; Lady Eloise the vibrant, beautiful, perfect lady; the youngest, Lady Anne is headstrong with little care for the rules of propriety.  In the middle is Lady Catherine. Her mother's least favourite child.  She was raised to meet the exacting standards of her mother, Countess Barringer and suppressed her own feelings and opinions to achieve it.  Lady Eloise had a cradle betrothal with the wealthy, handsome George Darcy. When Eloise dies, the Countess expects Lady Catherine to step into her sister's place.  No matter that nobody asked George what he wants. Catherine is dreadfully aware that she is inferior to Eloise in every way, but still she is blamed when George finds someone more to his liking. The author portrays so well, Lady Catherine's confusion and frustration when doing e...

This variation is set a year after the Netherfield ball, when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy left Hertfordshire without taking their leave. When a cholera epidemic strikes London, the Netherfield party seeks refuge in the countryside of Meryton. Darcy is surprised at the changes he finds.  Elizabeth Bennet, once nervous of horses, is racing around in a brand new curricle.  Where they previously seemed to show a mutual dislike, they now spar with each other, exchanging banter and humour. This lightness is contrasted by the profound changes that events have forced on the Bennet family. This is a delightful variation. Darcy is funny, with a dry wit but is also a profoundly honourable and reliable man.  Elizabeth walks a tightrope, balancing the exuberant curricle driver, with her instinct hide from a world she has realised is a harsh and wicked place. Grace Gibson just keeps getting better. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodr...

A Pride and Prejudice variation, where a Bennet heir was born!  Thomas Bennet married his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Nelson. Soon they welcome their heir, Jonathan.  After eighteen years of happy marriage, Mrs Elizabeth Bennet dies some months after the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth. When Jonathan returns from school, he finds a new Mrs Bennet at Longbourn and it soon becomes obvious that Thomas despises his new wife.  Fanny Bennet is a young vulgar fortune hunter who makes a sorry stepmother to the Bennet offspring. When Jonathan inherits Longbourn, Fanny is determined not to give up her position of Mistress of Longbourn, even when he brings a wife home.  Fanny leaves Longbourn but retains a burning resentment for her step children and a determination to get her position back at any cost.  I really enjoyed this variation. Jonathan is presented as a steadfast older brother and worthy Master of Longbourn.  Having Darcy as Jonathan's acquaintance and s...

Elizabeth Bennet is recently acquainted with the rich and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy.  Darcy has been getting threatening letters, followed by speculative gossip in the papers. When someone announces the (non-existent) betrothal of Elizabeth and Darcy in a London gossip column, the result could be the ruin of Elizabeth and all her sisters.  The only way to preserve her honour is for Darcy to offer an engagement. The plan is to work out who the enemy is, then quietly dissolve the betrothal. Elizabeth is introduced to the judgemental world of the Ton and gets a close view of Society's dark underbelly. The process of solving the puzzle, draws the couple closer but can true love come from such a challenging beginning. Featuring a smart Elizabeth and a swoon worthy Darcy. Ali Scott never disappoints! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

The aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy is rich, well connected and handsome. On a journey to London, a washed out bridge means a diversion from the well known roads.  Proceeding slowly, down poorly maintained lanes leads Darcy and his staff into the clutches of highwaymen. The ensuing violence robs two men of their lives. Darcy is wounded and loses his memory. The Bennet sisters find him and he is nursed back to health in their home.  He is drawn to Elizabeth Bennet and she to him. However, Darcy does not know his own identity, so cannot move forward with any plans. A visitor from Kent recognises him, so his identity is restored, but not his memories.  This moment of hope turns bittersweet, when he learns that he is betrothed to his cousin.  The villainous George Wickham seeks to take advantage of Darcy's vulnerability and some of Darcy's family are just as bad. Is there any hope for Darcy and Elizabeth? You won't want to stop reading until you know the answer! A really ...

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, the second son of Earl Fitzwilliam, knows that he should marry a woman of the Ton. His family expect breeding and connections. He needs wealth, as he will inherit nothing. As Richard is about to return to fight in Spain, he chooses love and a woman to comfort and care for him. He meets Elizabeth Bennet at a dance. She is beautiful, intelligent and lively. A whirlwind courtship occurs. Elizabeth is from minor gentry, with no dowry so the Matlock's are appalled.  Only his cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy stands by him. After only a week of marriage they set off for Spain. The adjustment from newly wed to army wife is hard, but Elizabeth hopes to settle in to it, especially as she is already with child. Then it is over. After only six weeks of marriage, she is a destitute widow.  She eventually manages to get home, but the trauma and privations that she faced have changed her forever heart, mind and soul. She has a profound distrust of men having power over ...

At the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth Bennet is shocked to meet Fitzwilliam Darcy (again) four years after he broke her heart. A few hours later, they elope! By the beginning of Chapter two, they are on their way to Scotland. A flashback shows Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam meeting in Derbyshire, falling in love and becoming betrothed. Surely, her father will approve such a good match? Unfortunately, this Mr Bennet is secretive, devious and thoroughly unreasonable.  This book contains a labyrinthine plot,  betrayal, threat of kidnapping, love and passion. It keeps you on the edge of your seat to the end.  Excellent! 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

In 1810, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet at Rosings Park in Kent and fall passionately in love. However, the romance comes to an abrupt and brutal end.  Heartbroken, Elizabeth struggles to recover whilst keeping her sadness a secret from her family. Grief is eventually replaced by anger and resentment.  Three years later, Elizabeth is shocked to find that Darcy is to be best man at her sister's wedding.  They are frequently thrust into company with each other, which both find uncomfortable. Elizabeth's behaviour ranges from cool to uncivil to incendiary! While Darcy is trying very hard to redeem himself in her opinion. He also desperately hopes for a second chance. This pride and prejudice variation switches between the events in Kent in 1810 and in Hertfordshire in 1813. This is handled well and despite knowing what is coming, the separation of the couple is agonising to read. I love this variation and I look forward to reading Abigail Sheffield's next book. ...

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

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...

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...

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,...