𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Elizabeth Adams’ latest book is part gothic novel , part Grimm's fairy tale and all pride and prejudice!   A cruel ancestor, rightly cursed for his wicked treatment of his wife. Unfortunately, the curse afflicts every Darcy male, down through the generations. Dooming them to darkness, fury and violence. Not quite the sort of inheritance that Society expects! The curse contains a blessing. If a Darcy seeks and wins their great love, they will know great joy. That joy will calm the beast within and save them from the evils of the curse. Fitzwilliam Darcy searches for years, in the ballrooms and soirées of London. He has almost given up, when he feels drawn to Meryton in Hertfordshire. Where Darcy goes, his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is close by as support and a well armed voice of reason! Meeting Elizabeth Bennet is just the start of Darcy’s labours.  Now Darcy must make conversation with a lady !  A serious challenge to the taciturn man from Der...

I adored Rachel Rowan’s Entitled Love series of novellas, so I was eager to read her novel, set in the same world. Ms Rowan doesn’t disappoint! The aristocratic Blackton and Banberry-Thompson families have had a centuries-long friendship, living on adjoining estates. The current generation spent summers together, ranging over the woods and fields. Last year, that friendship ended. Hugo Blackton, Viscount, playboy and disappointment to his father, the Earl, attended the engagement party of Cassandra Banberry-Thompson. His behaviour resulted in the breaking of Cassandra’s engagement (much to her relief) and the breaking of Amy Banberry-Thompson’s heart. Amy had been in love with Hugo for years. However, she was under no illusions that he would pay any attention to her. Until he did. At the party, he whispered words of admiration in her ear and kissed her soundly. Amy was elated, until she heard Hugo’s cronies sniggering. He had done it for a bet! A year later. The Earl is fed up with Hug...

This Pride and prejudice variation gives us two main characters who are the complete opposite of canon. George Wickham, old playmate of Fitzwilliam Darcy, becomes dissolute at Cambridge. Drawn into a coterie of young profligate aristocrats, he feels accepted. Until one day, he overhears what they really think of him. An express arrives, urging his return home as his father is dying. These two blows have a profound effect, leaving him much more receptive to his father’s final advice. So George commits to his studies, eventually becoming a law clerk. Whilst working in a solicitor’s office in Ramsgate, he comes across the young heiress, Georgiana Darcy. When he realises that a fortune hunter is plotting an elopement with Georgiana, he foils the plot with her brother’s assistance. Unfortunately, this Georgiana is very far from Jane Austen’s innocent, gullible young lady. She may be only fifteen, but words like devious, manipulative and vengeful come to mind. The presence of a benign, Georg...

At the wedding breakfast of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, a latecomer is having a very indiscreet conversation, with Bingley’s sisters. Mr Darcy opines that perhaps Charles could have married his first love, despite his suit being rejected. The lady’s very proud father, was regretting his hasty decision. Unfortunately, Jane overhears and decides to flee, so that Charles would not be stuck with her.  Elizabeth Bennet is furious with Darcy and let’s him know it, in no uncertain terms!  Elizabeth’s dramatic exit goes awry, leading to a stumble and the appearance of compromise.  Cue the arrival of Mr Bennet, Sir William Lucas and others. All in their cups and not willing to listen to reason. Darcy is happy to do the honourable thing and marry Elizabeth. However, Mr Bennet decides that Darcy is a rake. As Elizabeth and Darcy come to love each other, they are torn apart by Mr Bennet’s determined efforts to send Elizabeth where she will not be found. This book is a brilliant ...

This short and sweet novella focuses on the stay of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet at Netherfield Park. Charles Bingley is in love with Jane. Fitzwilliam Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, but trying very hard not to be.  Charles sees that Elizabeth is the ideal partner for Darcy, if only he could let go of the “Darcy Pride”. When Darcy gives a less than pleasing opinion of Jane, as a match, Charles and Hurst take steps to convince Darcy of the worth of both ladies. A pleasing novella with an agreeable resolution. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

While we are familiar with matchmaking Mamas, it pays to watch out for the rarer, sneakier, devoted Father. Mr Bennet realises that Fitzwilliam Darcy is the perfect match for his witty, intelligent, stubborn daughter Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Darcy made a very poor, first impression and Elizabeth firmly believes that he is a dreadful man. The Netherfield Ball provides the opportunity for a compromise, when both Elizabeth and Darcy seek solitude to read in the library. Despite their innocent activities, discovery by Elizabeth’s gossiping Aunt Phillips seals their fate. Darcy is actually quite pleased, as he is in love with Elizabeth. He is mortified to discover that Elizabeth is devastated at the thought. So Darcy will have to work hard to win Elizabeth’s heart.  And what will the couple do when they realise Mr Bennet’s culpability? A short and sweet read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

In this Austenesque novella, the action takes place in London.  Mr Edward Gardiner, uncle of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, has been made a Baronet for services to Crown and Country. He invites his nieces to accompany him for the Season.  At the first ball they attend, Fitzwilliam Darcy delivers his infamous slight, dismissing Elizabeth as only tolerable. Unfortunately, the impact is much more devastating than if uttered at a country assembly. Elizabeth soon finds herself relegated to the Wallflowers, for if a man of consequence has dismissed her, Society will follow his lead.  Sadly, the rakes and lechers seem attracted by Elizabeth’s marginalised position. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s unofficial wallflower society, having spirited discussions with other ladies, slighted by Society. I cried for Elizabeth, as she is disillusioned following her exposure to the dark underbelly of the Ton. It is so well written. Darcy has to do a great deal to redeem himself, but fortunately, he is det...

Fitzwilliam Darcy invites Elizabeth Bennet to a house party at Pemberley. He wishes her to befriend his sister and aid in her recovery from melancholy.  Although he doesn’t declare it, he wants to test whether his obsession with Elizabeth is just infatuation or real love, that can bridge the social chasm between them.  Elizabeth does not like Darcy but agrees, providing her sister Jane can accompany her. The goal being time with Mr Bingley, who Jane is in love with. As the party progresses, Elizabeth finds her opinion of Darcy softening. Her friendship with Georgiana makes progress but despite disclosing the events at Ramsgate, still more secrets are held back. A startling visitor reveals the secrets and all must work together to prevent disaster. This debut from Amelia Westerly is quite pleasing. There are some surprising plot developments, which seem to push propriety but nothing too outrageous. As a novella, there is sometimes a conflict between brevity and necessary depth....

In this pride and prejudice variation, we know from the outset, that both Charles and Caroline Bingley are manipulative, fortune hunters. They pretend friendship to the fabulously wealthy, Fitzwilliam Darcy.  The plan is to get Caroline married to Darcy, then Charles married to Georgiana Darcy, for her fortune of £30,000.  They are playing a long game, having met Darcy at Cambridge, some years ago. Georgiana is only 15 years old, so patience is required. Fitzwilliam Darcy has avoided many fortune hunters and compromises since he left university. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see what the Bingley siblings are. When Darcy joins Charles at his new estate in Hertfordshire, he meets Elizabeth Bennet. Beautiful, witty, intelligent and the daughter of an impecunious country gentleman. Darcy is rapidly infatuated with Elizabeth, but is mindful of her lower status in society.  The return of William, beloved cousin of the Bennets, raises jealousy in Darcy and he knows his heart is comm...

This pride and prejudice variation gives us an origin story for Louisa Hurst, née Bingley. We are familiar with Louisa Hurst, portrayed as complicit with her harpy of a sister, Caroline Bingley or behaving as a vacuous female, absently playing with her bracelets. This Louisa is so much more! Daughter to a manipulative, coldly ambitious mother. Louisa is delighted to be courted by wealthy tradesman, Henry Tillman. However, when she tries to marry for love, rather than to aid her social climbing family, Mrs Bingley’s response is brutal and nearly fatal. Reluctant wife to Alfred Hurst, landed gentleman, with an estate in dire need of funds. He gains Louisa’s dowry of £20,000 to save his estate. He takes the money but never lets her forget that she is only the daughter of a tradesman. He and his friends enjoy disparaging Louisa for her origins. Hurst is controlling and abusive. He makes it clear that Louisa’s only value, is as a brood mare. The Hurst estate is rented out, so the Hursts a...

Heather Moll has long been a skilled weaver of pride and prejudice variations.   When she introduced her new book, a Northanger Abbey variation, I was keen to read it. We are quickly drawn into Eleanor Tilney’s desperate need to escape the tyranny and abuse of her father, General Tilney.   A marriage of affection is denied her, as Philip, the man she loves, lacks fortune.   A marriage of convenience, while unattractive, has to be better than remaining under the General’s control.   Unfortunately, Philip is forced to witness Eleanor seeking the attention of a wealthy (and rather unpleasant man).   The pain for a Philip and Eleanor is acute. The story is well written with a large dollop of angst!   Will Eleanor escape the Abbey? Can there be a happy ever after? I highly recommend this book. 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 Goodre...

Jane Bennet becomes unwell whilst visiting Netherfield Park.  Surprisingly, Mrs Bennet is delighted! Why worry about a trifling cold? After all, more time in the house of the amiable and wealthy, Mr Bingley must lead to a proposal. Elizabeth Bennet is worried for her sister, so she walks to Netherfield Park to check on her. Unfortunately, the trifling cold, turns out to be smallpox. Elizabeth has been exposed, so enters quarantine with Jane.  Smallpox spreads through the area, so many households are quarantined. Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy have both been inoculated against smallpox, so undertake to assist the apothecary in monitoring the outbreak. As Jane grows worse, Elizabeth feels very alone. Support comes from an unexpected person. Elizabeth had thought Mr Darcy unpleasant and haughty, but he shows himself to be kind and the best of men. Whilst Elizabeth struggles at Netherfield, Longbourn has five people sick. Mary, though healthy is burdened with caring for several patients,...

As autumn arrives in Meryton, the Revel comes with it. A mix of carnival and fairground, it is welcomed by the tradesmen, farmers and servants.  It is deemed unseemly for daughters of the gentry, so of course, Lydia Bennet decides to sneak out to join the throng. Lydia is the youngest and silliest of the five Bennet sisters, with as little decorum as sense.   When elder sister Elizabeth hears her sneaking out after midnight, she feels duty bound to follow her and bring her back. Lydia is meeting the handsome, charming Mr Wickham. When Elizabeth finds Lydia and tries to take her home, Wickham is less than helpful. Elizabeth is mortified to be spotted by the haughty Mr Darcy, but he surprises her by his kind assistance in returning Elizabeth and Lydia, safely home. When Darcy spots Elizabeth, she is dancing alone and he has never seen anything more enchanting! The author perfectly captures the allure of the fair. The lights, music and atmosphere, produce a sensuous “other w...

After misunderstandings and tribulations, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are betrothed. Just when felicity is assured, Darcy is informed of madness running through the Darcy line. Elizabeth must be informed before marriage but Darcy is terrified that she will break off the engagement. Fortunately, Elizabeth is devoted to Darcy, so the wedding goes ahead. After the honeymoon, a letter arrives which casts a shadow on Georgiana Darcy’s character and even her sanity. This is an excellent romantic, suspense novel.   Little snippets of Georgiana’s odd behaviour fuel our suspicions. It feels like waves upon the shore. Suspicion rises, but then diminishes, only to rise again. Excellently written and gripping. I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Bookbub review Goodreads review

A wonderful novella. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy have a unique way of missing out on the usual pride and prejudice misunderstandings. Brilliant ending too! Amazon review Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet overhears the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy talking with his friend, Charles Bingley. Charles is in love with Jane Bennet, but Darcy disparages Jane, her family and lack of wealth or connections. Elizabeth is furious, but instead of taking Darcy to task, she plans to humiliate him. Her aim is for Darcy to fall in love with her, so that she can reject him. As Darcy and Elizabeth get to know each other, a bond develops. This is when I struggled with this novella. Elizabeth is attracted to Darcy and starts to fall in love. However, instead of abandoning her goal of revenge, she tells herself that she must stick to the plan. What rational creature would behave like that? Darcy's proposal is the typical Hunsford disaster, but Elizabeth is spiteful and nonsensical in her refusal. Darcy flees to London, while Elizabeth realises how much she loves him and regrets her behaviour. She goes to London, hoping to see Darcy. Eventually, in a serious breach of propriety, she writes to...

Elizabeth Bennet rejects the proposal from Mr Collins, her father’s heir. Mr Bennet supports her decision. Mrs Bennet views the match as essential to keeping a roof over her family, after the death of Mr Bennet. Both Elizabeth and Mr Bennet think Mr Collins is a slimy, sanctimonious fool. Unfortunately, the following day Mr Bennet changes his mind, having discovered his heart is rapidly failing. Elizabeth is horrified at the prospect of marrying a man she could not respect and grief stricken at the imminent loss of her beloved Papa. She hopes someone will rescue her, but eventually resigns herself to her fate. Fitzwilliam Darcy is in love with Elizabeth but has a duty to his family. Only a well connected and/or rich wife will do. However, on hearing of Elizabeth’s betrothal, he decides he would rather be happy than dutiful. Arriving minutes before Elizabeth enters the church, Darcy makes a passionate proposal, to a rather stunned Elizabeth. While Elizabeth has never liked Mr Darcy, he ...

Elizabeth Bennet’s much anticipated trip to Kent, gets only as far as London, when one of the party becomes unwell.  Elizabeth joins her sister Jane, at the house of their Aunt and Uncle Gardner. They are thrown into the company of acquaintances, Mr Bingley, who Jane admires and Mr Darcy, who Elizabeth despises. They also meet Darcy’s sister Georgiana, who becomes a cherished friend. A bizarre treasure hunt for paste jewellery and the machinations of a blackguard, result in poor Georgiana being publicly accused of theft. Although the accusation is quickly withdrawn, gossip continues. Darcy and Elizabeth join forces to smoke out the true villain.  Along the way, Elizabeth and Darcy get to know each other better, argue frequently and fall in love. Lyndsay Constable’s latest novella, her third book, is equally delightful as her previous works. Lyndsay Constable has become an author whose works I consider essential reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and a...

Elizabeth Bennet, is well known for her love of rambling over the Hertfordshire countryside. A favourite spot to watch the dawn, is Oakham Mount. One November morning, her peace is disturbed by a meeting between two men of her acquaintance. The handsome soldier, George Wickham, struggling manfully, having had his prospects blighted by the proud, disdainful Mr Darcy. While Elizabeth is shielded from view behind a tree, she listens to Mr Darcy and Wickham talking, then arguing. She discovers that Wickham is in fact a scoundrel and a liar, while Darcy is all that is good. She sees both men leave and watches Wickham ride into Meryton. Next evening at the Netherfield ball, the shocking news of George Wickham’s murder is announced. As the last person to meet with Wickham, Darcy is a suspect. Elizabeth risks her reputation by revealing her presence at Oakham Mount, in order to clear Darcy. There are of course consequences to this revelation. Darcy feels duty bound to offer for Elizabeth. ...

On a visit to her Uncle Gardner in London, the 16 year old Elizabeth Bennet and a friend are excited to be invited to a ball. They fib to her uncle so that they can attend. It does not strike them as odd that the invitation is from a stranger in Hyde Park! The ball is being held for mistresses to find new protectors, but Elizabeth is too naive to realise. She rapidly finds herself the target of some unwanted attention. Fitzwilliam Darcy followed his erstwhile friend, George Wickham to the ball.  He rapidly recognises what is going on and is preparing to leave when he spots Elizabeth. The only way to deflect unwanted attention is to “claim” her for himself. A dance and a thorough kiss do the job. It is at this point that an apoplectic Mr Gardner rushes in to rescue Elizabeth. Darcy is accused of compromise but refuses to marry Elizabeth. After a lot of wrangling it seems they are betrothed – sort of! Over several years, Darcy refuses to marry Elizabeth but Mr Bennet won’t release hi...

During a heatwave in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet is desperate to cool off.  A skinny dip in a secluded pond is too enticing to resist.  Unfortunately, the haughty, handsome Fitzwilliam Darcy has the same idea. Darcy hears splashing and a giggle. Despite seeing a woman’s clothes on the shore, he doesn’t leave.  His eyes move to the water and he is entranced by the sight of Elizabeth, who has haunted his fevered dreams for some time.  He knows that a gentleman would walk away, but he is transfixed, right up until he is spotted by Elizabeth, who screams.  Elizabeth is mortified to have Mr Darcy, of all people witness such a sight. However, over the next few days she is drawn back to the memory of the desire and passion in his eyes. After two days, the heat drives Elizabeth back to the pond. Darcy finds her again and declares that in witnessing her déshabillé, he has compromised her and as a gentleman he is duty bound to marry her. Darcy is distinctly put out wh...

Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, swore to marry only for the deepest love. Always her father’s favourite, she felt secure in his love and respect.  Many happy hours were spent together in his book room, reading, debating and sharing the quiet peace. On the day of the Netherfield ball, Mr Bennet summons her. One brief conversation destroys all of her plans for the future, her faith in her father and her equanimity. He has arranged a marriage for her, to Mr Goulding, a man older than her father, a man she thinks of as an uncle. Goulding needs an heir, after the recent death of his son and Bennet owes him a debt. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is to pay that debt. The only concession is a small delay to allow Elizabeth to come to terms with the match. Elizabeth is grief stricken at her loss of choice, of hope, of all she had planned. Although forced to attend the ball, Elizabeth rapidly seeks sanctuary in the dark, frosty garden. When Fitzwilliam Darcy entered Hertfordshire Society...

A Pride and prejudice variation which starts from a meeting at Pemberley.  Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, on holiday with their Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. While touring Pemberley, a chance meeting with the owner, Mr Darcy leads to an invitation to stay for a house party. Jane is reunited with Mr Bingley, their amiable neighbour from Hertfordshire.  While Elizabeth makes a favourable impression on Mr Darcy.  Darcy follows Elizabeth to Hertfordshire, his heart very soon engaged.  Unfortunately, meeting the Bennet family is less than pleasant for the fastidious Darcy. Darcy struggles between his feelings for Elizabeth and his revulsion for her family’s behaviour. Sadly, Darcy gives Elizabeth the classic “Hunsford” proposal. Elizabeth is humiliated and feels she must refuse, despite being in love with the man, she thought she knew. Time passes and Elizabeth finds herself in London for the Season. (Mrs Bennet finally persuaded her husband to agree to a Season for all her girls)...

As one would expect of a novella, there is not time for deep character development.  This Darcy is much less the proud, stiff “Hunsford” Mr Darcy, more the playful, pleasing “Pemberley” Darcy. The man Elizabeth Bennet encounters in the gardens of Rosings, is engaging and willing to share recollections that show his vulnerability.  All rather unsettling for Elizabeth, who still views him with disapprobation, following his insult to her at the Meryton assembly. Playing the outdoor equivalent of a parlour game, they search through the gardens for various blossoms. Elation at finding the winning bloom, rapidly evolves into a passionate embrace and several searing kisses. Alas, they are seen by Mr Collins, who can’t resist shouting compromise, to most of Lady Catherine’s staff and guests. To save their reputations, Darcy declares their betrothal and Elizabeth must concur. A rapid wedding is arranged. Passion continues, but will love prove elusive? An enjoyable read, with enga...

Fitzwilliam Darcy's father was a cold and distant man who instilled in his son a sense of duty and responsibility.  Darcy was raised to believe that he must always put the needs of his family and his estate first. This burden has weighed heavily on Darcy throughout his life, and it has made him aloof and guarded. Unfortunately, only three members of his family were loving and supportive.   Georgiana, his little sister loves him but is cowed by her haughty father.   Richard Fitzwilliam, his cousin is as close as a brother but duty to the Crown calls him away.   Lady Anne Darcy was a sweet and loving mother who drowned in a freak accident. Her death left Darcy with a long lasting fear of water. When Darcy visits Hertfordshire, he meets Elizabeth Bennet and insults her! Fortunately, Darcy apologies and Elizabeth accepts. Elizabeth is burdened by revelations of just how poor a father, Mr Bennet is and what it might cost the whole family.   During...

Mary Bennet is jealous of the attention that Mr Collins is paying her sister Elizabeth.  At the Netherfield ball, her solution is to lock Elizabeth out of the way in a dark room.  Unfortunately, that room was not empty. Fitzwilliam Darcy just wanted some peace and quiet.  Elizabeth and Darcy try to escape the room by the window, but their progress is observed resulting in a compromise. A forced marriage scenario for Elizabeth and Darcy is a common trope in Jane Austen variations. Often these result in angst ridden efforts to find some way of making a life with a stranger. Bella Breen paints an appealing picture of Elizabeth and Darcy finding affection for each other. However, we are told that this happens, rather than being shown by action and dialogue. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

As Elizabeth Bennet tours Pemberley, she feels anxious about running into the owner, Mr. Darcy. Having rejected his proposal of marriage, she assumes he must loathe her. However, when they do cross paths, she is pleasantly surprised to find that he harbours no ill feelings towards her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is unaware that her reunion with the master of Pemberley is regarded with suspicion by one very significant member of the household. To this person, very few are good enough for Darcy and Elizabeth is dismissed as a fortune hunter to be repelled. Darcy is astonished to discover Miss Bennet’s presence in his home, and even more surprised to learn that her opinion of him has significantly improved.  He begins to contemplate resuming his efforts to win her affection, but unforeseen obstacles emerge that could jeopardize their chances of happiness. Pemberley is under threat. What starts as a small crack, grows bigger, eventually threatening an entire wing. This also serves as a m...

Elizabeth Bennet has a sensual awakening after reading Fanny Hill. When she travels to Hunsford to visit her newly married friend, a minor accident throws her into the path of Mrs Abby Trenwith. Abby is an independent and liberal thinking widow, with a secret passion for the sensual arts. She offers to provide a trustworthy, male instructor to give lessons in pleasure and pain. During the lessons, both are masked and disguised, to maintain their anonymity. A good thing too, as Elizabeth would be angry and distressed if she knew who he was! Erotic bits were well done. Fitted in well with the Hunsford narrative. However, way too much of the original story, almost word for word from Austen. I found myself skipping text to find any changes from the original. I love JAFF but this wasn’t a variation or retelling, just Pride and prejudice with some fairly vanilla BDSM. Not sure if I would recommend this to JAFF fans, but fans of erotica may enjoy it. I received a free copy of this book via Bo...

Emma’s Dragon is the second book in M.Verant’s award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. It is a sequel to Miss Bennet’s Dragon. At the end of the first book, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy marry and bind with the formidable dragon, Yuánchi, thus thwarting Napoleon’s plans for England. In Emma’s Dragon, we are introduced to Emma Woodhouse, a woman burdened by many secrets. Her own father’s indiscretions, the machinations of her brother in law to steal her inheritance and most of all, her mental afflictions. Her gift should be the ability to heal, but without being bound to a dragon, she lacks sufficient power. Instead her “gift” curses her with, what we would know as obsessive compulsive disorder. Emma meets the Darcys and discovers that she should have been the one to bind with Yuánchi, the deadly dragon coveted by both Emperor Napoleon and England’s Secretary of War. The story unfolds in London, with dark forces kidnapping wyves and dosing them with Night Crawler venom. Thos...

Laura, the artist, and Natalie, the actor, were inseparable best friends. Despite living in a shabby apartment, they supported each other through thick and thin, sharing their victories and setbacks as they fought for success in their respective fields. Then suddenly, Natalie was gone, her life changed by success and an unexpected inheritance of both fortune and title. Laura is left behind, still struggling and feeling bereft. Attending Natalie’s swanky birthday party, Laura is mortified to be twice mistaken as a waitress. At least the second person to make that mistake, was stoned. Tom was also gorgeous, charming and a viscount. The instant sexual chemistry between Laura and Tom leads to an incendiary kiss. Laura struggles to forget the kiss, as does Tom. Their paths cross again in Scotland. Natalie has given Laura a job as artist in residence at Deveron Castle. Lord Tom Brewerly, had been heir to Deveron for twenty eight years. But when the Marquess, dies the entire inheritance goes ...

Netherfield Park is let at last and the new tenant Charles Bingley, faces unseasonably hot weather for October. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam join the party, after riding from London in the stultifying heat. Having spotted a very tempting stream as they rode across Netherfield’s land, they suggest a swim. On arrival they hear voices and investigate. All five Bennet daughters are swimming, as Mr Bennet sits in the shade. Elizabeth executes a daring, acrobatic swing into the river. Darcy is initially startled, as he thinks she is drowning, then captivated by the sight of Elizabeth in a wet dress. The heatwave lasts about ten days, with more swimming and interaction with the Bennets. Darcy ends up losing his heart to Elizabeth. The book ends at the Meryton assembly, where Darcy and Elizabeth dance and someone gets a wet and muddy comeuppance. This book is wonderful! No angst, very little Darcy pride and Elizabeth at her teasing best. As a bonus we have Jemima, a duck of great ...

Alexander Washburn, youngest son of the Duke of Richmond, had to make his own way in the world. His career in the army saw him rise to the rank of major, but his horrific experiences fighting Napoleon, weigh on his mind and soul. Due to untimely deaths in his family, Alex finds himself recalled from Spain to take up the duties as Duke. It is essential that he find a wife to secure an heir. Unfortunately, this means joining the marriage mart of Society, while struggling with a reticent temperament and what we would call PTSD. An interesting premise for a story. I’m a huge fan of JAFF, so the label of Pride and prejudice variation guaranteed my interest. However, what we get is Pride and prejudice, almost word for word, with all the characters renamed (some very oddly). All is told from Alex’s (Darcy) perspective, which shows his fascination with the ‘Lizzy’ character, as purely self-serving. He has no insight into who she is and what she feels. I know Fitzwilliam Darcy was the same, but...