𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Matthew, Duke of Abernyte is seeking a traitorous aristocrat, who is assisting with the French invasion of England. Lady Violet lives in terror of her brother, Lord Dennington who is cruel and abusive. When Abernyte and Lady Violet meet on the dancefloor a friendship develops. Unfortunately, Dennington pushes Violet to further a relationship with Abernyte. As Violet knows to her cost, if her brother wants her to do something, his motives will likely be malicious. The book shows Violet finding her courage to defy her brother, no matter how terminal the consequences. Can Matthew and Violet find their way to thwart the malicious plotting of Lord Dennington? Can Violet find hope and love in her future? Compelling read. 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

Georgiana Darcy only just escaped ruin and injury following the actions of her governess Miss Younge and the perfidious George Wickham, ex-family friend. Her brother Fitzwilliam Darcy came to her rescue but during the encounter, he killed Wickham. Both Georgiana and Fitzwilliam are forever changed by the events. Following a collapse of her family’s finances, Elizabeth Bennet takes a job as governess to Georgiana Darcy. However, Pemberley is imposing and grim, Georgiana is troubled, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is secretive and brooding. Can Elizabeth break through their reserve? I have to say that I am not sure about this one. Darcy’s behaviour is massively out of character. Georgiana swings from childlike and coquettish. It is an interesting look at post-traumatic stress disorder and the effects of abuse and grooming. However, it is not a comfortable read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review ...

After two attempts on his life by a female assassin, Fitzwilliam Darcy is understandably perplexed. When he seeks sanctuary with his friend Charles Bingley at his new estate in Meryton, he is shocked to meet the assassin or someone who looks very like her. So begins a tale of several mistaken identities, murder, false accusation, duplicity, betrayal and all-round peril. This is such a great story! The mystery is compelling and the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is adorable. 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

Mr Enfield, long time resident of Netherfield Park, took a grandfatherly interest in the vivacious second daughter of his neighbours, the Bennet family. Elizabeth Bennet loved to walk through the countryside and admired a particular area of Mr Enfield’s garden. He invited her to enjoy it whenever she pleased and renamed it ‘Elizabeth’s garden’. When he died, she was stunned and delighted to learn that he had left the garden to her. But gifts can come with strings! Fitzwilliam Darcy was fond of his uncles' cousin, Mr Enfield. He would visit whenever he traveled along the road to London, which passed Hertfordshire. When the gentleman left Netherfield to him in his will he was pleased but planned to sell, feeling he had sufficient property to manage. His friend Bingley wants to buy an estate after a time leasing to learn estate management. What could be better than for Bingley to buy Netherfield? Except Darcy discovers that the estate must be complete before it can be sold and part of...

Hugh, Earl of Brinsworth is suffering from the aftereffects of fighting in the Napoleonic War. He is haunted by memories and dreadful dreams. Clara Lockhart enters his house as companion to his mother. Clara is the daughter of an abusive Viscount, who sees no value in her. He made no effort to help her find a husband and even helps himself to her wages! The book shows Clara finding kindness and friendship that she has never known before. Hugh finds a willing listener, to ease his burden. Through intrigue, espionage and evil intent can Clara and Hugh find companionship and love? Enjoyable book. 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

Sebastian Lancaster, Earl of Roddam is an intriguing character. Intellectual, exasperated with “Society” and hiding a deep dark secret. Lizbeth Trethow is a wallflower. Bright, enlightened and determined to marry with love and equality, or not at all. Their intellect brings them together as friends. Both develop a secret passion for the other. Unfortunately, Sebastian is scarred by an abusive childhood and is scared to allow Lizbeth close.   There are several advances and retreats before they finally come together.   Lizbeth is determined to help Sebastian work through his demons, but struggles to find the way until she stumbles upon some startling letters. Will they find peace and happiness? An enjoyable read but a possible trigger for abuse survivors. I received a free copy of this book via Voracious readers and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review   Goodreads review

When Elizabeth Bennet refused to marry her father’s heir, the odious Mr Collins, she could not have imagined how life would change.  When her father died suddenly, her family lost their place in society and their home. Her sisters now live as poor relations, separated between relatives. Out of guilt, Elizabeth eased the burden on her family by taking employment. She has spent five years, living a lonely life, working as a governess. When she is importuned by the son of her employer, she is dismissed without a reference.  A guest at the house offers transport and a Christmas working holiday with his family at Pemberley. There she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, wealthy widower, with an infant daughter. He is captivated by the young lady, despite her reduced circumstances The kindness Elizabeth experiences from both staff and the family renews her faith in humanity. Could she find love too? Lovely story, with the usual combination of misunderstandings, angst and joy. Well worth a read....

The book starts on the night that 19 year old Mary Fletcher’s father is dying. While the impecunious Baron Fairley’s life draws to a close, his heir Jonathan is downstairs carousing with his friends and auctioning off his sister’s virtue. Mary’s maid runs to the house of the elderly Duke of Fenwick, begging for help. Luke, Duke of Fenwick may be old but he is definitely not lacking spirit. He races to assist. Using a special license, he offers marriage, is accepted, consent is given by the last words of the Baron and the Vicar attending the deathwatch performs the ceremony.   As Mary’s husband he has the right to protect her and so he does. In her new home she finds security and grandfatherly affection. Also in residence is Henry, the steward and her childhood friend. He is also in love with Mary! When Luke is murdered, he is determined to have the last word. There are major revelations in his will. Mary, now the dowager Duchess find herself haunted by a determined ghost, who deman...

Elizabeth chooses to celebrate Christmas with her friend Charlotte Collins at Hunsford parsonage, also home to her cousin William Collins (Rector to Lady Catherine De Bourgh). A sudden snowstorm, traps Mr & Mrs Collins with a parishioner, leaving Elizabeth alone. Lady Catherine is hosting the Fitzwilliam family and Mr Darcy at Rosings. Between Lady Catherine, droning on about him marrying his cousin Anne and the drunken antics of his Fitzwilliam cousins, Darcy is having the Christmas from hell! When Colonel Fitzwilliam discovers Elizabeth snowed in on her own, he insists she move to Rosings for her safety. She is once again in the company of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Both still love each other, yet each think their love is unrequited due to misunderstandings. Can Christmas provide the magic they need to understand each other and gift them a happy ending? This is an utterly delightful tale of yearning, angst and crazy relations! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am vol...

When confronted with Lady Catherine’s demands to leave Darcy alone, Elizabeth decides it is wiser not to provoke the woman. When Darcy hears of her response, his last hope of her regard flickers out. Feeling he has nothing to lose, her proposes to his cousin Anne De Bourgh. Only a few weeks later, he discovers Elizabeth does love him, but he is now bound to Anne. The pain of this knowledge is unbearable to Elizabeth and she arranges to travel to the continent to mend her heart. After two years she returns, still in love with Darcy. Believing him married with possibly a family, she resolves to offer her friendship. But what is the truth about Darcy’s status? Can friendship or something more flourish? This story is absolutely brilliant. The angst and the pain of misunderstandings and impossible love is palpable When poor Darcy was left without hope, I cried! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon revi...

Attending a Christmas house party results in some emotional disturbance for the eldest Bennet sisters. After sixteen months regretting his absence, Elizabeth Bennet is stunned to meet Mr Darcy. Both still love each other, yet each think their love is unrequited due to misunderstandings. Jane, now Mrs Ridley, is intrigued to find her former beau, Mr Bingley is joining the party. She finds herself still in love with him and unable or unwilling to stay away, despite her husband’s presence. Elizabeth and Darcy join forces to prevent Bingley and Jane from causing a scandal. Can they come to understand each other before the party ends? This is excellent. Longing and regret, angst and then happiness at last. 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

While travelling in Derbyshire just before Christmas, the Gardiner family and their niece Elizabeth Bennet are involved in a terrible carriage accident. Her small cousins are frightened, her aunt is gravely injured, and her Uncle is in shock. Elizabeth takes charge, then runs for help as fast as her feet will carry her. The nearest house is Pemberley, a massive property belonging to Fitzwilliam Darcy. Quickly recovering from the initial shock at the impropriety of a lady running, Darcy leads a team of his staff to assist. The whole family are brought to stay at Pemberley, which is a beautiful but strangely joyless and rather frightening place Elizabeth works hard to care for her aunt and cousins. She is an attentive nurse to her aunt as they pray for her recovery and tries to entertain her young cousins. When it becomes apparent that they will not be leaving in time for Christmas, she makes plans to inject some festive cheer. During her free hours, she walks the grounds, getting to kno...

When they last met at Jane and Bingley’s wedding, misapprehension of each other’s feelings kept Elizabeth and Darcy distant. In the intervening year he has travelled in Greece, hoping distance and distraction might mend his heart. Elizabeth has lived with the Bingleys and rejected yet another proposal, all the while missing Darcy and regretting the loss of his regard. When Darcy returns from Greece, heavy snow stops him travelling to Derbyshire for Christmas. Bingley prevails upon him to join the Bingley Christmas celebrations. The knowledge that Elizabeth will be present, both disturbs and attracts Darcy. The resulting story is a delightful reacquaintance of Darcy and Elizabeth at Christmas. There is yearning and hope, with a tiny touch of angst. Wonderful! 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

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s head has been turned by a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious gentlewoman. However, Elizabeth Bennet is of a lower social status and has an embarrassing family. She has connexions to trade and worst of all her obsequious cousin William Collins, is parson to Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Darcy flees her company before he allows his passion to overcome his sense of duty to his family and status. He also persuades his friend Bingley to join him, to save him from a marriage of unequal affections to Jane Bennet. Just before Christmas, Lady Catherine dies suddenly, leaving Darcy to oversee her estate, Rosings. He ponders whether he ought to marry his unappealing cousin Anne, to protect her and Rosings for the family. In a combination of a Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, Darcy is visited in his dreams by the ghost of Lady Catherine (dragging, not chains but a Rosings fireplace) continuing her lifetime harangue that he should marry Anne. Then his mother’s...

Fitzwilliam Darcy is avoiding Elizabeth Bennet. He refused to attend his best friend Bingleys’ wedding to her sister Jane, he declined an invitation to join them for Christmas at Netherfield and he is fleeing London before she is due to arrive. Darcy loves Elizabeth but holds no hope that she returns his affection. The little glimmer of hope was dashed by the elopement of Lydia Bennet with Wickham. When a snowstorm forces Darcy and his sister to seek shelter at Netherfield, he comforts himself that at least Elizabeth is in London. Elizabeth has been bereft since she lost the good opinion of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Coming to love him late in their acquaintance, she mourns that Lydia’s behaviour and the connexion to Wickham has turned Darcy away from her. Now even her trip to London is denied her as she is prevailed upon to attend the house party at Netherfield. Mrs Bennet will not let her pass up the company of eligible young men! After a difficult start, Elizabeth and Darcy spend time toget...

Mary Bennet struggles to find a place of value in her family. Her mother favours her two most beautiful girls. Her father values the brightest. She has sought to distinguish herself as the most pious and charitable sister. Over time she has resigned herself to spinsterhood (as who would marry her?) with piety and Christian charity her life’s work. While trying to forward a new charitable enterprise at Christmas, she meets Mr Arthur, a guest of Mr Bingley. Slowly a friendship and maybe more, develops. He really sees Mary, understands her loneliness and finds value in her. For the first time she is attracted to a man. Mary develops incite into her behaviour and realises her piety and Christian charity contain a large amount of pride, self-righteousness and superiority. Elizabeth Rasche has a rare gift for depicting Mary in a way that makes you see past her carping, to the lovely young woman within. So nice to have a romantic happy ending for Mary. I received a free copy of this book via ...

Elliott Mayfield 5th Viscount Mayfield has recently come into his title at a mature age. He is saddened to see his nephews and nieces in difficult situations. From a distance he has supported his niece, Hazel Stillman. She was born with a clubfoot, resulting in her rejection by her Society family. Sent away to school from a young age, Elliott has at least been able to pay for excellent schooling. Hazel is an intelligent young woman, now teaching advanced mathematics at a girls’ school. Elliott also supports Duncan Penhale. Not actually a nephew, but taken on by his sister. Duncan is different, (on the autistic spectrum) in a time when difference was not well tolerated. Elliott has arranged a place to live and an accountancy job which suits Duncan’s strengths. Elliott wants all his nephews and nieces to find marital felicity and arranges dowry/ inheritance for each upon marriage to an appropriate partner he approves of. Hazel and Duncan meet at Elliott’s house, when he announces his gif...

Society lauded Lady Tessa Colvin as beautiful and accomplished, but she is dismissed as empty headed by her father and her betrothed, the Earl of Lytham. When she challenges Lytham to set a wedding date, she could not have foreseen the tumultuous outcome. Tessa is kidnapped at midnight from her family estate and taken to a very grim area. Fortunately, she is rescued by Lord Peyton Danforth and returned home. There she faces further threats to her family and herself. When they next meet, both are embroiled in separate scandals. Suddenly, Society is very judgemental indeed. Peyton is a second son and resents it. He loves his elder brother, the Duke but can’t bear his disapproving attitude. Peyton likes to provoke the Duke by developing an (unfounded) reputation as a rake and a scoundrel. By marrying Tessa, he will save her from scandal while aggravating his big brother. Unfortunately, the Earl of Lytham won’t leave them alone and is becoming increasingly unhinged. So follows a tale of pe...

Daniel Holbrook, the fourth Marquis of Tremayne is handsome and wealthy. He is also hampered by a speech impediment. His stammer led to ridicule and cruelty by his father. The emotional effects of the experience, still present in adulthood. Dorothea (known as Thea) is an impoverished widow in such dire circumstances that the suggestion of becoming a man’s mistress is an acceptable option. The two meet at a party held to facilitate such arrangements. The book details their growing relationship. She struggles with his reticence in person but is delighted by Daniel’s wit and humour in letters. Daniel will not reveal his stammer to her, afraid of being ridiculed. Corresponding is easier, but raises her expectations of further discourse. Their growing attachment and understanding of each other is adorable, but is there a respectable future for a mistress and her Lord? While this is described as a bundle or box set of the series, to be honest, it is one book. It should never have been publis...

The morning after the dreadful Hunsford proposal, Darcy seeks out Elizabeth, with a letter defending himself and explaining the truth about George Wickham. As he approaches, Elizabeth meets Colonel Fitzwilliam, on his way home from a very successful night gambling. So successful, that he has won an estate and funds to support a family. He proposes on the spot and is accepted. Darcy retreats unseen. So begins a twenty-year marriage, to a man who becomes steadily less amiable, the more he drinks. He has fits of jealousy, convinced Elizabeth and Darcy care for each other. Although he was an excellent soldier, he is a poor estate manager. So, Elizabeth must raise her children, run her household and take over running the estate. When Fitzwilliam dies, Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn together, but Elizabeth is determined never to marry again, unwilling to lose her independence. What will the outcome be? I really enjoyed this. It shows the gritty reality of life and marriage. It was good to s...

Darcy is tracking down George Wickham and Lydia Bennet through the stews of London. Just as he is successful in coercing Wickham to marry Lydia, he is struck on the head and knows no more. When he wakes, he finds himself on a pirate ship, victim of a case of mistaken identity. Unfortunately, the pirates are not about to send him home with an apology! So begins a breath-taking tale of piracy, kidnappings, betrayal, love and the solving of a 20+ year old mystery. One of my favourite moments is Elizabeth Bennet learning smooth self-defence techniques, which she puts into action on George Wickham. Darcy and Elizabeth are awesome and the new lead characters are engaging. A rollicking adventure! I heartily recommend that you read this. 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

This is such a good book!   Watching Elizabeth's wit and irrepressible personality through the lens of devastating illness was compelling. Darcy's love and devotion are a joy to see. I thoroughly recommend that you read this 🙂 Amazon review Goodreads review  

Excellent novella, set against the backdrop of London, during the sudden, shocking Gordon Riots in June 1790. The female characters are strong throughout, facing imminent childbirth, while mobs roam the streets looting and burning.   Assistance in the shape of Nathaniel Woods appears repeatedly, seemingly just when he is needed! This is a fast-paced combination of history, action, terror and romance. I was delighted with this book. 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 review   Goodreads review

A very enjoyable gothic Pride and Prejudice variation, in which Elizabeth Bennet’s father and uncle are a team of vampire hunters, who staked Mr Darcy Senior. In the first part of the book, Fitzwilliam Darcy is haughty and distant, partly because be hates the name Bennet and partly to disguise his attraction to Elizabeth and the call of her blood. When Mr Wickham (also a vampire) turns up; terror and death follow in his wake. I liked the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth in the second part of the book. The ability to feel each other’s emotions, removes those pesky misunderstandings! A nice mixture of blood, sex, violence and love. Well 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 review Goodreads Review

When Caroline Bingley’s desperation for the money and status of Mr Darcy, leads her to attempt a compromise, he is equally desperate to avoid marrying her. So desperate, that he lies to his friend, Charles Bingley, claiming he is betrothed to Elizabeth Bennet, who happens to be visiting the house. She has never liked Mr Darcy and refuses his officious proposal – “I find it necessary that we should marry!” However, on returning to her home, she discovers that both of her parents are determined that she marry her cousin, Mr Collins. He is the heir to her family’s estate, stupid and physically repellent. Elizabeth's only escape is to tell her father that she has accepted Mr Darcy. From this beginning of an engagement to the least, worst option, Elizabeth and Darcy must try to carve out a happy future. This is wonderful book with angst, passion, misunderstandings, love and acceptance. I heartily recommend you read it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntaril...

A delightful collection of romantic stories with a festive flavour. Feisty, determined heroines and handsome, aristocratic heroes. Enjoyable. 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

Cecilia is pushed into a marriage arranged by her mother, to a Duke who was injured while saving his men in battle. He is so disfigured, he sends a proxy to his wedding, to speak his vows. When Cecilia travels to his estate, he still won’t show himself to her. Poor Cecilia must acquaint herself with her new role as mistress of his estate, without ever meeting him. All the while, he has been spying on her with increasing desire. When she becomes depressed with the isolation, the Duke asks his (male) best friend to visit and cheer Cecilia up. When Cecilia enjoys his company, the Duke throws a jealous tantrum and finally reveals himself. This was an interesting premise and I liked Cecilia’s fortitude. While the Duke has suffered, the man is an ****. His first ever interaction with his wife of several months is to spank her! Really? I’ve read BDSM slanted, Regency novels which included spanking that managed the segue from chastisement to foreplay in a more convincing and erotic manner. The...

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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...

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  

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  

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

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  

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

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 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

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!...

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...