What do you think?
Flames and Passion at Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Author’s Note: ‘Flames and Passion at Netherfield’ is the second edition of a book originally released three years ago but removed shortly after. Its original title was ‘FROM PEMBERLEY TO PARADISE’. The story has now been re-published with a different title—one that better suits the narrative. Extensive editing has taken place (special thanks to Tish Holmes for her invaluable assistance), and certain changes have been made. However, the overall structure and main ideas remain consistent with the original version.The tale begins with a dramatic fire at Netherfield, just days before Jane’s impending marriage to Charles Bingley. This unexpected event throws Elizabeth into a turmoil she could never have anticipated. She finds herself facing a dire and unimaginable situation that could potentially change her life forever.Desperately seeking solutions, Elizabeth realises that the only person who can possibly help her is Mr Darcy. A visit to Derbyshire becomes imperative, and she embarks on the journey northwards accompanied by the newly married Jane and Charles Bingley.The journey is fraught with difficulties, as Elizabeth knows that at its conclusion, she may be compelled to marry the proud owner of Pemberley despite her earlier harsh rejections of him in Kent and London. Her dreams of a marriage based on love appear to be fading, and instead, she faces the prospect of a forced union.A changed Mr Darcy reluctantly agrees to assist her, setting aside his plans. Elizabeth must overcome her pride and prejudice in her quest to discover her love for Mr Darcy and find happiness at the end of this adventure—one that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.Filled with moderate angst, unexpected twists, and humour, ‘Flames and Passion at Netherfield’ offers a fresh and original interpretation of the beloved classic, ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Did Not Finish
November 14, 2023This Elizabeth is indecisive, and borderline cruel.
She tells Darcy she wants him for a friend and flirts with other men in front of him.
I can't stand her!
Quote from the book: All his plans were shattered, and for some moments he hated her, thinking she was playing a rather odd and unfair game.
I am done with this one. DNF
She tells Darcy she wants him for a friend and flirts with other men in front of him.
I can't stand her!
Quote from the book: All his plans were shattered, and for some moments he hated her, thinking she was playing a rather odd and unfair game.
I am done with this one. DNF
November 14, 2023
The only characters I liked in this variation are Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Darcy's behavior was emotionally abusive. Pregnant Elizabeth was not thrilled to marry him, so he told her they would be married for a year, then he would divorce her so he could marry a woman he was already courting. He would provide an estate for Elizabeth and the child but she would not be allowed to remarry. Then he had sex with her in the mornings and afternoons but abandoned her every evening, presumably to continue his courtship with the other woman.
Of course, the other woman was actually being courted by Colonel Fitzwilliam and they were all involved in the deception until Elizabeth admitted she loved Darcy. They all laughed about causing her to think her husband was cheating on her.
There were also a lot of details that just didn't make sense. There was a fire at Netherfield days before Jane and Bingley's wedding, so they move the wedding to London instead of hosting the wedding breakfast at Longbourn. The Bingleys are the only members of her family present at Elizabeth and Darcy's wedding at Pemberly, yet Colonel Fitzwilliam gives the bride away instead of Bingley.
The only part of the story that made any sense was realizing Datcy and Elizabeth were under the effects of opium (laundanum) the night of the fire so she has no memory of sex with Darcy.
Darcy's behavior was emotionally abusive. Pregnant Elizabeth was not thrilled to marry him, so he told her they would be married for a year, then he would divorce her so he could marry a woman he was already courting. He would provide an estate for Elizabeth and the child but she would not be allowed to remarry. Then he had sex with her in the mornings and afternoons but abandoned her every evening, presumably to continue his courtship with the other woman.
Of course, the other woman was actually being courted by Colonel Fitzwilliam and they were all involved in the deception until Elizabeth admitted she loved Darcy. They all laughed about causing her to think her husband was cheating on her.
There were also a lot of details that just didn't make sense. There was a fire at Netherfield days before Jane and Bingley's wedding, so they move the wedding to London instead of hosting the wedding breakfast at Longbourn. The Bingleys are the only members of her family present at Elizabeth and Darcy's wedding at Pemberly, yet Colonel Fitzwilliam gives the bride away instead of Bingley.
The only part of the story that made any sense was realizing Datcy and Elizabeth were under the effects of opium (laundanum) the night of the fire so she has no memory of sex with Darcy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
October 29, 2023I read this as from Pemberley to Paradise.
December 10, 2023
Just Bad
Ms. Gold has little to knowledge of anything to do with Recency England. From language, customs, societal rules, land ownership, peerage ranks to military rank. Referring to General Fitzwilliam as the colonel. This Darcy and Elizabeth are just to characters in her fairytale, they have no connection to Miss Austen's P&P . Besides everything else the author needs an editor, A dictionary, and a book on basic grammar.
Ms. Gold has little to knowledge of anything to do with Recency England. From language, customs, societal rules, land ownership, peerage ranks to military rank. Referring to General Fitzwilliam as the colonel. This Darcy and Elizabeth are just to characters in her fairytale, they have no connection to Miss Austen's P&P . Besides everything else the author needs an editor, A dictionary, and a book on basic grammar.
October 11, 2023
Interesting story
For much of this story I was so distraught that I didn't believe I could continue. Elizabeth is saved from a fire at Netherfield by Darcy and they are both given laudnum by the doctor ( first time I have heard of a physician in Meryton as its usually Mr Jones the apothecary) and something happens. Elizabeth wakes up confused and quite disoriented and nothing makes sense. She received a note from Darcy and her response doesn't make sense either. She's angry at him for something and it doesn't seem she knows what either.
Unfortunately she finds herself " with child " as Darcy's supposed to be courting a very wealthy widow. Eventually they marry and Darcy promised they would divorce in 1 year and she would have custody of the child in an estate he's purchasing her near Netherfield. He will then remarry but she's not going to legally be permitted to. Throughout the first few months Darcy's making love to her, being the kind husband and then leaves Pemberley every single night to sleep elsewhere. For me, my heart was breaking.... the same way it was for Elizabeth who actually was in love with him.
I won't reveal the ending but was quite surprised that she didn't leave Pemberley in anger!
For much of this story I was so distraught that I didn't believe I could continue. Elizabeth is saved from a fire at Netherfield by Darcy and they are both given laudnum by the doctor ( first time I have heard of a physician in Meryton as its usually Mr Jones the apothecary) and something happens. Elizabeth wakes up confused and quite disoriented and nothing makes sense. She received a note from Darcy and her response doesn't make sense either. She's angry at him for something and it doesn't seem she knows what either.
Unfortunately she finds herself " with child " as Darcy's supposed to be courting a very wealthy widow. Eventually they marry and Darcy promised they would divorce in 1 year and she would have custody of the child in an estate he's purchasing her near Netherfield. He will then remarry but she's not going to legally be permitted to. Throughout the first few months Darcy's making love to her, being the kind husband and then leaves Pemberley every single night to sleep elsewhere. For me, my heart was breaking.... the same way it was for Elizabeth who actually was in love with him.
I won't reveal the ending but was quite surprised that she didn't leave Pemberley in anger!
November 24, 2023
A charade to capture the stubborn Elizabeth Bennet
This variation is short yet it has enough angst to keep the reader interested and engaged. A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4, the premise to this is how Elizabeth Bennet was forced to wed the enigmatic Fitzwillaim Darcy for reasons not to her liking, though she is left with no choice.
Her inner struggles show a insensible, melodramatic, and stubborn Elizabeth Bennet, which is one reason this reader scratched her head regarding the main protagonist’s actions and decision, and further warranted the star deductions. Nevertheless, the heart-wrenching realization that comes to her towards the end of the story as well as how she finally declared her love for Mr. Darcy is well worth the read. What an unforgettable exchange with Elizabeth Bennet’s uncharacteristic outburst. A recommended read
This variation is short yet it has enough angst to keep the reader interested and engaged. A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4, the premise to this is how Elizabeth Bennet was forced to wed the enigmatic Fitzwillaim Darcy for reasons not to her liking, though she is left with no choice.
Her inner struggles show a insensible, melodramatic, and stubborn Elizabeth Bennet, which is one reason this reader scratched her head regarding the main protagonist’s actions and decision, and further warranted the star deductions. Nevertheless, the heart-wrenching realization that comes to her towards the end of the story as well as how she finally declared her love for Mr. Darcy is well worth the read. What an unforgettable exchange with Elizabeth Bennet’s uncharacteristic outburst. A recommended read
December 14, 2023
Mr. Darcy is in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is equally sure she'll only marry for love.
Miss Jane Bennet and Mr. Charles Bingley will marry in Hertfordshire, that is, until a fire
breakout at Netherfield. Darcy rescues the woman he loves. The building has sustained some damage. Darcy offers to accommodate Bingley's guests at his home in London and sets off first thing the following morning, only leaving a note for Miss Elizabeth. As per usual, for these two, there's miscommunication and misunderstandings galore. Heartbroken , Darcy, returns to Pemberly while Miss Elizabeth is , sadly, obvious as to their interactions since she refused him in Kent. This may seem like business as usual, but believe me, it is not. Sit back, relax, meet some new characters, and witness Jane and Elizabeth as you've never heard them before. Enjoy!
Miss Jane Bennet and Mr. Charles Bingley will marry in Hertfordshire, that is, until a fire
breakout at Netherfield. Darcy rescues the woman he loves. The building has sustained some damage. Darcy offers to accommodate Bingley's guests at his home in London and sets off first thing the following morning, only leaving a note for Miss Elizabeth. As per usual, for these two, there's miscommunication and misunderstandings galore. Heartbroken , Darcy, returns to Pemberly while Miss Elizabeth is , sadly, obvious as to their interactions since she refused him in Kent. This may seem like business as usual, but believe me, it is not. Sit back, relax, meet some new characters, and witness Jane and Elizabeth as you've never heard them before. Enjoy!
October 21, 2025
Well written but didn’t enjoy the plot
I struggled with reviewing this novel. It was well written, well paced and a page turner. However, I didn’t like the interpretation of Elizabeth and Darcy’s character.
Elizabeth was childish, selfish, and hurtful. She didn’t learn from her behaviour or the impact it had on others. That said Darcy was haughty and cunning, arguably to the point of cruelty. The 5 months of anguish he allowed her to experience was awful. I had to skim read the last few chapters as everyone was acting absurdly and inflicting pain on each other.
I’ve read another book from this author which I enjoyed but this particular one was not for me.
I struggled with reviewing this novel. It was well written, well paced and a page turner. However, I didn’t like the interpretation of Elizabeth and Darcy’s character.
Elizabeth was childish, selfish, and hurtful. She didn’t learn from her behaviour or the impact it had on others. That said Darcy was haughty and cunning, arguably to the point of cruelty. The 5 months of anguish he allowed her to experience was awful. I had to skim read the last few chapters as everyone was acting absurdly and inflicting pain on each other.
I’ve read another book from this author which I enjoyed but this particular one was not for me.
January 17, 2024
Stubborn, stubborn and more stubborn. Yes, you guessed it. Sometimes you just want to grab Elizabeth by the shoulders and shake her up! Jane came pretty close here. Darcy is crazy patient here, one would think, but he … nope can’t use a spoiler. If you can hang on while Elizabeth drives you nuts with her 🤦🏽♀️, give this story a try. Unique telling post Lydia and prior to and post Jane and Bingley marrying. They’re so cute.
July 14, 2025
Elizabeth was incredibly frustrating. Some might say that Jane acted out of character, but honestly, I wanted to grab Lizzie's arm and shake her as well. this was 200 pages of her getting in her own way. I didn't love how they "got together" in a drug induced state.
I also didnt feel like it was period appropriate for everyone (except Jane) to be so casual about Elizabeth's pregnancy (also Darcy had a bathtub with indoor plumbing- he is so rich he apparently can get it 30 years before it exists!).
Basically, this is 200 pages of Elizabeth repeatedly rejecting Darcy for no reason (she promises to get married by the following year) and then continuously rejecting him. I almost wish that he had fallen in love with the other woman.
Also, there were several characters who didn't matter. At all. They had absolutely no bearing on the plot.
I also didnt feel like it was period appropriate for everyone (except Jane) to be so casual about Elizabeth's pregnancy (also Darcy had a bathtub with indoor plumbing- he is so rich he apparently can get it 30 years before it exists!).
Basically, this is 200 pages of Elizabeth repeatedly rejecting Darcy for no reason (she promises to get married by the following year) and then continuously rejecting him. I almost wish that he had fallen in love with the other woman.
Also, there were several characters who didn't matter. At all. They had absolutely no bearing on the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2023
Delayed Satisfaction
I’m sorry Ms Gold, but I did not like this depiction of Elizabeth Bennet even though the character was developed for the sake of the story. It just grated my sense of compatibility between the primary characters. Of course I had to thumb through the pages to arrive at a resolution for satisfaction
I’m sorry Ms Gold, but I did not like this depiction of Elizabeth Bennet even though the character was developed for the sake of the story. It just grated my sense of compatibility between the primary characters. Of course I had to thumb through the pages to arrive at a resolution for satisfaction
September 9, 2024
A tragic event creates clarity regarding how short life is. An event combined with a bit of opiates things happen. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet each remember the resulting incident differently, which creates the plot for the story.
It was an interesting premise, but I didn't like how Darcy "tricked" Elizabeth at the end.
It was an interesting premise, but I didn't like how Darcy "tricked" Elizabeth at the end.
May 25, 2025
I love Florence Gold’s writing and I have now read many of her books. Her stories are beautifully written.
However, this book was hard to finish. There are some nice moments. Darcy excels as an honourable and ridiculously patient man. Elizabeth is a perfect twit. I really struggled with this one.
However, this book was hard to finish. There are some nice moments. Darcy excels as an honourable and ridiculously patient man. Elizabeth is a perfect twit. I really struggled with this one.
July 10, 2025
Flames and Passion
Happy for dancing, then bewilderment over the noise. Now scared, and carried by Darcy, A hero and rescuer...but what happened?
Took a while for Elizabeth to remember, but she was in for a lot of surprises and changes in life.
Has a great Mrs. Bennet and strategic Darcy and Mr. Bennet for that matter.
Happy for dancing, then bewilderment over the noise. Now scared, and carried by Darcy, A hero and rescuer...but what happened?
Took a while for Elizabeth to remember, but she was in for a lot of surprises and changes in life.
Has a great Mrs. Bennet and strategic Darcy and Mr. Bennet for that matter.
December 31, 2023
The ending brought the story to a happy ending, though parts not fleshed out, so gave 4 stars. The first 80 pages out of 231 featured an unhappy unlikable Elizabeth. I wish those pages had been more enjoyable. Novel story line
February 23, 2026
Entertaining
I really liked this book's original story line, but at times I thought Elizabeth's character stupid and silly and wanted to smack her.
I really liked this book's original story line, but at times I thought Elizabeth's character stupid and silly and wanted to smack her.
June 19, 2024
This was an enjoyable and fast read with a lovely ending. The English is a tad bit off-- incorrect words and translation errors. Those did not reduce the loveliness of the tale.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews