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Windswept by Annabelle McCormack ★★★★★

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Lady Virginia, daughter of the Earl of Braddock, wanted more than just the life of a socialite. When the Great War began, she took the chance to contribute and trained as a nurse. As Sister Ginger Whitman, she serves as a military nurse on the frontlines of Palestine. A chance encounter with a severely wounded soldier throws her life into chaos.   He is involved in uncovering a plot against the British and entrusts her with vital evidence, but warns her of traitors working in British Intelligence. In trying to help him she is faced with the difficulty of knowing who to trust. Her fiancé and her best friend prove trustworthy, but as the story unfolds, Ginger experiences betrayal, abandonment and violence. The story has a fast and exciting pace, with plenty of angst and peril. Definitely not to be missed and the audiobook was excellent. The narrator has a pleasing voice and does a wonderful job of storytelling. I received a free copy of this book and audiobook via NetGalley and am vo...

Forever Winter by Amber Daulton ★★★☆☆

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Set on what is supposed to be Susanna and Camden's wedding day, all the action takes place in one day. Numerous obstacles throw themselves into the path of the happy couple. Winter weather causes the majority of problems, but slimy wedding guests also intrude. A short story, with a moderate amount of angst and a little violence. While this calls itself a regency novella, it is set in 1834. However, the Regency ended in 1820. The description of house decorated for Christmas and the wedding are delightful, but several Americanisms creep in. I did like the cover. Overall, not a bad read if it was fanfiction, but I wouldn’t pay for it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Goodreads review

Something to Think Of by P. O. Dixon ★★★☆☆

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A quite pleasant tale, starting from the day after the dreadful Hunsford proposal.   Mr Collins sees Darcy give Elizabeth his letter. Later he sneaks into her room to read it! Given the letter’s potentially ruinous information about Georgiana Darcy, we await catastrophe. The story moves on as Elizabeth returns to London, to join Jane at the Gardiner’s.  Jane has a new beau and he has an eligible brother. They are buying a house near Meryton. Darcy and Elizabeth are in company again in Hertfordshire. While the developing relationships are satisfying, the catastrophe, when it comes, seems more of hiccough. Enjoyable, but not gripping. I received a free copy of this book via Storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review   Goodreads review

Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash

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This is a charming novella set in Regency England, but in an alternative universe where fairy magic exists.  Those with fairy blood have silver grey eyes and are viewed as wicked by the superstitious populace. Polite society just dislikes them. Our heroine lost her silver-eyed mother at the age of seven. Her gentleman father, raised her as if she were a son, so she has expertise in running the family estate. When he dies, his entailed estate goes to a distant relative with no land-owning experience. Unfortunately, the new owner won’t take the advice of a mere woman. So our heroine loses her place in society and becomes a dowdy “Cinderella”, in her own home, while watching her beloved estate being run into the ground. Although the story is reminiscent of Cinderella, the angst of Miss Wychwood seeing how bleak her future may be is very well done. The ending is delightful and definitely worth a read. I received a free copy of this book via Voracious readers only and am voluntarily lea...

Mr. Darcy the Rake: a Pride and Prejudice variation by Valerie Lennox ★★★★☆

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Fitz Darcy is a rake, but he has standards! Widows and married women fine, but he doesn’t ruin the innocent. Initially, Darcy appears quite threatening but Elizabeth Bennet challenges him. She leads him to consider how women feel about his behaviour and their lack of choices in life. Darcy starts to change from wicked, to incorrigible, to thoughtful and loving. I liked his character arc and his vulnerability. Elizabeth seems resigned to spinsterhood, which at first she feels distressing. Later, she finds that it gives her license to be adventurous and experiment with passion. If she will not marry, why does it matter if she is virtuous? I rather enjoyed this, although George Wickham with morals, is rather tedious and Georgiana needs to grow up! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon   Amazon review   Goodreads review

Misunderstandings & Ardent Love by Susan Adriani ★★★★★

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This is a delightful story of Darcy and Elizabeth finally coming together.  They love each other but Darcy assumes she still dislikes him and Elizabeth believes that he is repelled by her vulgar, almost-ruined family. Their courtship is steamy. Full of yearning, desire and stolen kisses.  New characters include Elizabeth’s childhood friend Mr Ellis, who is stalwart and true. Bingley’s aunt Mrs Lawrence is a hoot. The sort of older relative we would all appreciate.  On the less pleasant side are Lord Carlisle, Darcy’s uncle who is repulsive and Jane Bennet, who can be decidedly shrewish! I adored this book and urge you to read it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review

Behind the Eyes of Dorian Gray by Beth A Freely ★★★☆☆

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An interesting twist on a Christmas ghost story. Already captivated by the image and story of Dorian Gray, Rachael was surprisingly accepting of the presence of his ghost in her house. Dorian is quite a complex character, often haughty and cruel, hiding the guilty, lonely, regretful soul underneath. I enjoyed the relationship developing from lust to love. Set in London, it has some irritating Americanisms. In the UK, we don’t have realtors or Sterno but I’m nitpicking. A quite enjoyable story, although I think it slightly overpriced. I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review

Sweet Transgression by Renee Wilde ★★★☆☆

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The book starts with Jonathan, a soldier with amnesia meeting Anne at Chelsea Military hospital, where she volunteers as a nurse.  She recognises from his manners that he is of the nobility. She spends time with him leading to a steamy tryst.  She is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and an opera singer, so never expects to meet him again but her circumstances change.  She is introduced to Society and meets Jonathan, now restored to his elevated position.  Things I liked about this – Jonathan was an interesting character and the portrayal of his post Waterloo shell shock, was well done.  I enjoyed Jonathan and Anne’s teamwork when fighting against the smallpox outbreak. Things I did not like – Anne’s behaviour with Jonathan at the hospital felt wrong. I can understand being overwhelmed with passion, but she literally just met him. It also flew in the face of her determination to not behave like her courtesan mother. While I enjoyed the happy ever after, it oc...

Blinded by Prejudice by KaraLynne Mackrory ★★★★★

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During a sight seeing trip to Bodden Chapel, a landslide threatens Elizabeth Bennet’s life.  Fitzwilliam Darcy leaps to protect her and the pair are buried alive together in a tiny space under rubble and soil. The description of this is intense and claustrophobia inducing! Being buried with an injured, semi-conscious gentleman overnight is viewed as a compromise, so marriage is essential to repair reputation. We follow Elizabeth’s thoughts as she comes to terms with impending  marriage to a man she was determined to dislike. In addition, she feels guilty that in saving her, Darcy received a head injury which resulted in blindness. I adored this book. The initial drama was compelling, the slow thawing of Elizabeth’s feelings about Darcy, together with his efforts to draw her closer to him were absorbing and the angst of the misunderstanding made me cry! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon...

Darcy's Longest Day by M.A. Sandiford ★★★★★

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Set a month after his disasterous Hunsford proposal, Darcy travels to Meryton, hoping to see Elizabeth Bennet. Although he has lost all hope of gaining her heart, he wants to give her a letter, in which he seeks to correct her bad opinion of him and ensure that she sees Mr Wickham as the snake he is.   On the way his carriage is stopped by damsel in distress. Rescuing her sets off a chain of events, which places Elizabeth in danger. Darcy and Elizabeth become embroiled in the machinations of French sympathisers, leading to kidnapping, espionage and murder. A fast paced story with a satisfying denouement. I couldn’t put it down! Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review  

Wit and Prattles by Nancy Martin-Young ★★★☆☆

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An interesting story featuring some minor characters from Sense and sensibility. Charlotte Jennings has loved Thomas Palmer since she was a child, when he unsuccessfully courted her elder sister At the end of her second and last season, he reappears in Society, seeking a wife. With some manoevring, Charlotte brings herself to his notice and secures a proposal. Although the proposal is in no way romantic, she is sure his taciturn manner hides his true feelings. She is devastated to discover that Thomas has no hidden feelings and barely tolerates her. So we follow a sad, lonely but determined Charlotte, as she carves out a place for herself in her new home, family and marriage. Although sad in places, this is enjoyable and worth a read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review  

The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer ★★★☆☆

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This was my first experience of Georgette Heyer and this is also her first novel. Set in Georgian England in 1751, when the upper classes wore elaborate and extravagant clothes. The men almost more than the women. Their manners were even more florid and affected.  The hero, Jack (a disgraced Earl) is dashing, amusing and kind despite his current occupation as a highwayman.  The story is about Jack rescuing Diana from Devil Belmanoir and falling in love with her.  The machinations of the Duke of Andover and his Belmanoir family provide the background to the book. This was quite fun, though the characters are rather shallow. Some of the language is quite archaic, so I required a few trips to Wikipedia! The narrator was enjoyable, although his female voices tend towards shrillness. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Netgalley review

Pemberley by Moonlight by Stephen Ord ★★★★☆

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The mystery of the disappearance of Fitzwilliam Darcy intrigues Society, but causes heartbreak and despair to his family and friends. When Elizabeth Bennet visits Pemberley, she becomes enmeshed in a story of love, betrayal, avarice and Egyptian curses! A very enjoyable book which I am happy to recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review  

A Learned Romance by Elizabeth Rasche ★★★★☆

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When quiet and pious Mary Bennet travels to London for the Season she hopes to hide in the shadow of her exuberant married sister Lydia. As Lydia’s irrepressible flirting with a Geologist, threatens to explode into scandal, Mary is tasked with distracting the gentleman. Mary travels on a journey of self-discovery. We glimpse her inner thoughts and learn how sad and neglected her childhood was. The story of the still unfinished doll, was so sad. Mary goes through a metamorphosis from thin, frumpy and frightened by the smallest hint of conflict. Physically she looks prettier as she stops denying herself food and is dressed by Lydia in fashionable clothes. More important is the transformation of spirit and self-esteem. Happy to recommend this, especially to those who are fans of Mary Bennet. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon   Amazon review Goodreads review

Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth by P. O. Dixon ★★★★☆

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An enjoyable continuation of Pride and Prejudice. Starts with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy’s first joint foray into entertaining. A much-planned event becomes a mortifying disaster when uninvited members of the extended family crash the party. Moving on the story introduces a distant Darcy cousin who may or may not have good intentions! Well worth a listen, especially with Pearl Hewitt’s excellent narration.   I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.   Audible

John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews ★★★★★

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John Eyre is a schoolteacher haunted by loneliness, guilt and a laudanum habit. He takes up a job as tutor to two young boys at the isolated Thornfield Hall. When weird things occur, he is not sure what is real and what is opium related. John’s employer Mrs Rochester is enigmatic, mercurial and hiding some terrifying secrets from her recent travels across Egypt, Greece and Bulgaria. This is a brilliant Jane Eyre gender swap, turned into a true gothic horror. I loved the way the story unfolds. It was fun watching for links to characters in Jane Eyre and the breadcrumbs or hints about Rochester’s true nature. Stunningly good. Couldn't put it down. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review Goodreads review Netgalley review

He Taught Me to Hope by P. O. Dixon ★★★★☆

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A Pride and prejudice retelling with Elizabeth as a young widow and mother. Following the deaths of her aristocratic husband and then her father-in-law, Elizabeth finds that the new occupant of her home brings unsavoury visitors. Deciding it is not a fit environment to raise her son Bennet, she reluctantly returns to Longbourn. Mr Bennet disapproved of her marriage and has little sympathy for her plight. His only solution is to pressure her into marrying his heir, a Mr Geoffrey Collins. A handsome widower with two daughters, he seems a not too unpleasant option. So they become betrothed. Into the town comes Fitzwilliam Darcy. He and Elizabeth are powerfully   attracted to each other. Darcy meets Ben, a young boy obsessed with Arthurian legend and they develop a close friendship, not realising that Ben is Elizabeth’s son. Ben is a delightful character and steals the show. Elizabeth and Darcy are well constructed characters, with Darcy having a distinctly racy edge!...

A Splendidly (Un)suitable Match by Jennifer Joy ★★★★★

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Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is heartbroken after his offer of marriage is rejected.  His cousins Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy arrange a trip to a friend’s country house as a distraction. Before they reach Netherfield Park they encounter a roadblock, in the form of Clarice, the irascible mule in a clash with Duchess, a very naughty Maltese puppy. While stepping in to fix the problem, Darcy is left in a hilarious and very undignified state. At such a disadvantage, of course, he first meets the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet! This sets the tone for the story. This is a light and fun Pride and prejudice variation, with occasional mild angst. The animals were cute with great characterisation – Clarice the mule and Jemima the duck were my favourites. I enjoyed the interaction between the Colonel and Darcy. At the Meryton Assembly, Richard manages to manipulate Darcy into behaving as an amiable gentleman (instead of his usual aloof and haughty). He dances every dance and is surprised t...

Nameless by Julie Cooper ★★★★★

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A tale of secrets, lies, debauchery, scandal, gossip and maybe even murder. After losing her home and loved ones twice in seven years, Elizabeth Bennet has found work as a companion to the disagreeable, Dowager Countess of Matlock. So much has been lost and changed, she barely remembers the events that followed “Netherfield Park being let at last” in 1811. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a faint memory. A family member visiting the countess, turns out to be Mr Darcy. Still wealthy, handsome and recently widowed, Mr Darcy shocks Elizabeth with a proposal. Experience has taught her not to squander opportunities, so she accepts. Although Darcy is grim and solemn at first, Elizabeth is delighted to enjoy a passionate and idyllic wedding tour, as they slowly wend their way to Pemberley. At Pemberley, his first wife’s presence is everywhere, as is her vicious mother, Mrs de Bourgh. And so progresses a tale of secrets, lies, debauchery, scandal, gossip and maybe even murder. This is an excellent homage ...

Forgotten Betrothal by L. M. Romano ★★★★★

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Loved it! After the drama and anguish of the Hunsford proposal, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy retreat to London.  He to his Mayfair townhouse to wallow in misery and to acknowledge to himself, that he never deserved her love. Elizabeth joins her sister in Cheapside, with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. She spends her time reflecting on her misjudgement of Darcy’s character. During one of her regular walks, she meets a gentleman who recognises her, as family! Elizabeth discovers she is not who she thought she was. In great distress at these revelations, she runs from the Gardiner house into the street, directly into the path of a horse. Fortunately, the rider is Darcy, who stops and aids her in her distress. So the couple meet again. This is a great story with love, angst, joy and forgiveness. I love this Darcy. He is so steadfast and kind. I like how he opens up to Elizabeth. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views express...

Entrancing Mr. Darcy by Valerie Lennox ★★★☆☆

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Oddly unsatisfying On the night that the Netherfield party first attend the Meryton assembly, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy are unimpressed with each other. Darcy seeks some quiet from the noise and crowd of the assembly. Elizabeth seeks some cool air and a chat with her friend Charlotte. When Charlotte is delayed joining her outside, Elizabeth looks for her. A light seen through an open door, leads Elizabeth to search a storage room and the cold causes her to shut the door. Unfortunately, Charlotte is not in the storage room; Mr Darcy is! Efforts to escape fail and while moving around Elizabeth catches her dress on a nail, ripping it substantially. This of course is the point that the internal door is opened and all of Meryton society, see Elizabeth, her torn dress and Mr Darcy. For the sake of her family’s good name, Elizabeth agrees to marry Mr. Darcy. Given the circumstances, they have decided to live apart, and Mr. Darcy has prepared will a small estate call...

A Murder at Rosings by Annette Purdey Pugh ★★★☆☆

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An entertaining read An interesting regency murder mystery, which uses the Hunsford based characters from Pride and Prejudice. The odious Mr Collins, Rector of Hunsford is found stabbed to death in Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s garden, The prime suspect is Mr Bennet, who was overheard arguing with Mr Collins over the entail of Longbourn in the days before the murder was committed – and who stands to benefit more than anyone from the Rector’s death. However, scandalous goings on at Rosing, mean that there are many avenues to investigate. An entertaining read. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon Amazon review NetGalley review

Only Sofia-Elisabete by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi ★★★★☆

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Worth the effort Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, is a 15-year-old, British-Portuguese girl and natural granddaughter of the Earl of Matlock. In 1825, she lives in Spain with her mother and stepfather. She struggles against the culture which allows women minimal education and no freedom. She loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro and hopes for a life with him. When her family try to sell her into an arranged marriage with an unpleasant elderly nobleman, she feels betrayed and decides to strike out on her own. So begins a perilous journey across Spain and France, with the aim to re-join her English family. I will be honest, I initially struggled with this book and almost abandoned reading it. Perseverance paid off however as it is an enjoyable read. The author is not kidding, describing this as magical realism. It is seriously weird in places, but when you realise that the character has heat-stroke and a concussion, it makes more sense! This is an epic journey both figuratively and literally, w...

A Good Memory is Unpardonable by Alix James ★★★★★

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Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. On their 20th wedding anniversary, Elizabeth Darcy convinces her husband to join her in documenting their love story, each from their own perspective. They will each write in their own private journals, then share their memories. They each remember events differently and we hear their thoughts and feelings at the time. There is a certain amount of amusing cheating, as each wants to read the latest journal entries. Who is telling the story as it really happened? Probably neither one, but there is one thing they both agree on: Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. I love Elizabeth as a widow. It gave her much more license to be her arch self. I was amazed at her ability to tolerate Louisa and Caroline as sisters. Elizabeth and Darcy have a sweet friendship first, then love, which means a much less reserved Darcy It was great to hear their thoughts I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and a...

A Lasting Love Affair: Darcy and Elizabeth by P O Dixon ★★★★☆

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Dare she risk her heart? Elizabeth Bennet, mourning a great loss, is sent to spend time with her paternal aunt, Lady Vanessa.  This lady introduces Elizabeth to the local high society and hopes to match her to the titled son of her best friend. The family run an esteemed racing stables and this brings Fitzwilliam Darcy. Rich, proud, landed, racehorse owning and obsessed with the sport. Darcy is captivated by Elizabeth, but she is determined to protect her heart from the agony of possible heartbreak again. Darcy must be patient and gentle in order to win her heart. I love the Darcy in this story, he is kind, understanding and loving. A great story, which I am happy to recommend Pearl Hewitt has a pleasant voice and it is a true pleasure to listen to her. I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Audible  

So Far Away by P O Dixon ★★★★☆

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Lady Elizabeth no more! Lady Elizabeth is now just Lizzy Bennet, aware that the Duke, who she thought was her grandfather, actually abducted her. She is returned to her true family, but the reunion is not easy.  Understandably, Mr & Mrs Bennet despise all mention of the Duke and his family. Lizzy finds it hard to just turn off a lifetime of love and her conflicted emotions make it difficult to settle into her new life. Most of all, she misses Darcy.  Injury from a carriage accident and the machinations of a cousin, have kept Darcy at Pemberley. Allegations and misunderstandings ensue and threaten their future happiness. This was an angst-ridden conclusion to the two book series, with a satisfying outcome for both heroes and villains alike! Pearl Hewitt is a great narrator and continues to be a pleasure to listen to. I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Audible  

Lady Elizabeth By P. O. Dixon ★★★★☆

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A charmed life? Lady Elizabeth, granddaughter of a Duke, raised in wealth and privilege is destined for an arranged marriage with a man of equal rank and status.  Fitzwilliam Darcy, long time neighbour and close friend of her brother, has known her for many years and loves her. Despite his wealth and connections, he is viewed as beneath Lady Elizabeth, by the Duke. When he visits his friend Bingley at Netherfield Park, he is stunned to meet a Miss Bennett, who closely resembles Lady Elizabeth. When he hears that many years ago, the Bennett family lost a daughter, who disappeared close to his estate in Derbyshire, he decides to investigate. The outcome may be lifechanging for all. I really enjoyed this variation, that had Darcy and Elizabeth as close family friends. The twists and turns of the plot were enjoyable and I was keen to move straight on the Book 2, to complete the story. Pearl Hewitt is a great narrator and is a pleasure to listen to. I received a free cop...

There You Were by Michelle Ray ★★★★☆

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 “I was not looking for love, but there you were.”   This variation gives an interesting perspective.  Elizabeth Bennet and her only sister, Jane grow up at Longbourn with only a neglectful father, having been abandoned by their mother. The scandal of this abandonment leaves the family on the very margins of society, despite being born gentry. Neglected Lizzy, given little education and no social polish, makes an impetuous decision, resulting in forced marriage to James Fitzwilliam, younger son of the Earl of Broxbourne. The family despise Lizzy and do the barest minimum to assist the pair. James has a commission as Lieutenant Colonel, which yields a small income. He is given access to a small plot of land to build a house on. Fortunately, his cousin Darcy builds a small house for them. With little income and no staff, Lizzy lives the hard life of a soldier's wife. (This is what would have been Lydia's lot in life, in Pride & Prejudice). As the years go by and t...

In the Eye of the Beholder by Maggie Mooha ★★★★★

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Eleanor Sherbrook is intelligent, outspoken and brave. The presence of a birthmark on her face, is enough to leave her pitied and side-lined by Victorian Society. Her sister Julia is shallow, venal and beautiful, which of course means she is the delight of Society. Julia is away when Eleanor meets the gallant and handsome Lieutenant Joshua Griffiths Wentworth. His ability to see more than skin deep, leads to a close friendship and the hope of requited love for Eleanor. However, when Julia returns, she dazzles Joshua. Through a series of misunderstandings and Julia’s machinations, Eleanor flees, heartbroken at the thought of seeing Joshua and Julia together. The Crimean war intervenes. Joshua, a member of the ill-fated Light Brigade, travels to join his regiment. Eleanor becomes a nurse and joins Florence Nightingale in her efforts to improve the terrible conditions at the British Military Hospital in Scutari. Joshua and Eleanor meet several times and forge a close bond. A bond they r...

Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft by Samantha Silva ★★★★★

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Mary Wollstonecraft fought for justice. equality and the chance to live life to its fullest. This is an imagining of Mary Wollstonecraft’s life; the mother of Mary Shelley, and arguably the world's first feminist. The book starts in August, 1797, when Mary's labour begins on a fine summer’s day. Her first birth had been quick and easy. She expected her second to be even more straightforward. However, after her baby girl, her second daughter, is delivered, both mother and child fight for survival. The story proceeds as Mary weaves the tale of her life to bind her frail daughter close and to give herself a reason to fight, even as her own strength wanes. The life she describes is exceptional. A life lived against the conventions and restrictions of her time, as she demanded equality for herself and all women. This is a captivating insight into the life of Mary Wollstonecraft. It is fascinating, heart-breaking, lyrical and poignant. This is a wonderful book, that should not be m...

For the Deepest Love by Mary Anne Mushatt ★★★★★

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Pride, prejudice & international intrigue! The Bennet girls are orphaned following a carriage accident. Elizabeth and Jane have worked hard to secure a future at Longbourn for all the sisters, with an initial investment provided by their Uncle Gardiner. Elizabeth is celebrated in Town as beautiful, bright and witty. She is being courted by a peer and is desired by many. Darcy watches her from afar and wants her for his own, but his own scandal has him on the fringes of the Ton. When Uncle Gardiner is threatened with ruin, Darcy offers his aid in exchange for Elizabeth’s hand. Accepting his proposal upends her life in unimaginable ways and plunges her into a tale of love, violence, intrigue and betrayal. This was brilliant story, with a gripping storyline. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon   Amazon review Goodreads

Bewitched, Body and Soul: Miss Elizabeth Bennet by P O Dixon ★★★★☆

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Can Darcy and Elizabeth find a different path to happily ever after?   Elizabeth Bennet travels to London, in an effort to discover the reason why her sister’s suitor, Mr Bingley, travelled to Town and never returned. Her initial scheme having been thwarted and with nowhere else to go, she turns to the one person who is sure to put her in Bingley's path - Mr. Darcy. Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth, but views her as an unsuitable match. When she arrives on his doorstep unescorted will he help her? Or will he soon discover he is in grave danger of falling as much in love with her than ever before? Will there be consequences for such a breach of propriety? Good story, well narrated by Pearl Hewitt I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon    

Darcy & Desire by Cady West

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My Dearest Darcy...  Is Happily Ever After just the beginning? Lizzy and Darcy are married. They’re ecstatically happy newlyweds. But a journey to London separates them. Whatever will they do? Write letters, of course! Unsurprisingly, love letters exchanged soon after the honeymoon are likely to be full of longing and lust. At the beginning they are the Regency equivalent of sexting! The use of euphemisms and the vernacular for naming body parts (lists of them) starts off as amusing and gets rather tedious. The addition of bodily secretions to the letters seemed somewhat gross. I enjoy mature descriptions of sex, but these were really not.   As a background Elizabeth meets some of her neighbours, including the odd Lady Malkin, her family and celebrity guests. The interactions and machinations of these acquaintances are quite intriguing. The letters got better when Elizabeth had more to tell Darcy, than what she missed about his body Having said that, their reunion make...

Some Natural Importance by Jan Ashton ★★★★★

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You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family! Fitzwilliam Darcy already saved his cousin Anne’s reputation, marrying her when pregnant with some charlatan’s child and suffering from the French disease. Her estate, Rosings was struggling, so he took that on.  Anne is now dead and his uncle, Lord Matlock, blames him for her death and believes that he just wanted Rosings. And now the Earl, wants him to marry his stepdaughter. Darcy is fed up with his family's demands and flees to the countryside. Darcy hides at Netherfield but develops an unlikely friendship with Mr Bennet. While Darcy and Bennet relish their friendship, Elizabeth Bennet is angry because suddenly, her position as close companion to her father is being usurped. When Mr Bennet reveals that he is dying, he enlists Darcy's help in a scheme to support his family. Darcy is furious when he subsequently finds he is obligated to marry Elizabeth, to fulfil a dying man's wish. We watch as Darc...