Two Peas in a Pod: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Annette Johansson, Lyr Newton

What would have happened if Mr Darcy had been given no chance to use his ‘tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me’ remark?

Two Peas in a Pod explores how the events of Jane Austen’s beloved novel would have developed if Darcy and Elizabeth had a better first encounter at the Meryton assembly and danced together despite any pride or prejudice on either side.

In this variation of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Jane are identical twin sisters who are both beautiful and intelligent but have very different personalities. While Jane is sweet, forgiving, and gentle, Elizabeth is sharp-tongued and quick-witted, with an acute spirit of justice.

Jane, the epitome of grace and kindness, catches the eye of the amiable Mr Bingley, while Elizabeth’s intelligence and spirited nature captivate the proud Mr Darcy.

Instead of their mutual dislike, the gentleman is drawn to the most beautiful creature at the ball at first sight, and Elizabeth finds herself increasingly fascinated by Mr Darcy.

But the absence of a disdainful remark is not enough for a perfect outcome. Unexpected twists of fate lead to misunderstandings and heartbreak. And difficulties arise to test our dear couple and help them discover their true feelings.
The twins’ resilience and unwavering sisterly bond gives them the strength to confront the challenges that lie ahead.

Two Peas in a Pod is a spellbinding reimagining of Jane Austen’s timeless classic, with a happily ever after conclusion.

Prepare for a lovely tale — sweet, low angst, amusing, witty, and romantic — that will leave your heart racing and your imagination soaring.

Genres: Romance

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2023

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…we’re twins, and so we love each other more than other people…” –Louisa May Alcott, Little Men

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: clean
>>Angst Level: slight due to the accident involving Mr. Bennet.
>>Borrowed 1-4-24 from KU and I volunteered to leave a review. This was a quick read at only 11 chapters.
>>Trope: Twins


Jane and Elizabeth were identical twins with different personalities. The timeline opened with the Bennet and Netherfield parties arriving at the Meryton Assembly. Darcy and Bingley were stunned at the two identical beauties before them. While Bingley dances with Miss Jane Bennet, Darcy dances with Miss Elizabeth and the first set. Mrs. Bennet was thrilled, while Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were not. Events moved quickly over a few days. Mr. Bennet was injured under suspicious circumstances and had to recover at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy sent word to London for his physician. It was touch and go there for a while.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are identical twins with very different personalities. Darcy and Bingley are enchanted from the first meeting. Two traumatic events ensure their relationships are forged in fire on their way to happily ever after.

The story was syrupy sweet.

[Edy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not my favourite. The Elizabeth character was more of a vague outline of Elizabeth than actually her. And Mr. Darcy was pretty much entirely different. If you love P&P, you love the struggles the characters have to overcome in order to find their way, but in this variation, there was neither Pride nor Prejudice.
I probably wouldn't really recommend this for true fans unless (like me) you can kind of read it without being serious.


But when will I stop reading these P&P variations, you ask? Never!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story description tells us that Jane and Elizabeth are identical twins but each retains the characteristics we know from canon. So they meet Darcy and Bingley at the assembly. Lo and behold, Darcy dances the first dance...with Elizabeth.

There are several events which bring them closer together or to know more about each other. First, Darcy is injured while out riding. Our girls come upon him. Elizabeth goes to Netherfield for help while Jane stays with him. Then, a second event, after Collins comes for his "visit", he shows up wet and bedraggled at Netherfield "claiming" that there was an accident while he and Mr. Bennet were out surveying the Longbourn estate and he, not knowing his way around, has had to leave an unconscious Mr. Bennet alone in the cold and rain while he attempted to find his way to bring some help. Mr. Bennet is finally found but is in very poor shape. Things are touch and go with him.

Jane and Bingley's romance is obvious for all who see them and learn of his visits with her. Darcy and Elizabeth learn more and more about each other and come to admire the other. Even though we have Wickham showing up with his tale, they do have their HEA.

There was no angst for me in this story even with the two injured men. The language, the cant, did not flow smoothly for me.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collaboration among three authors, the story begins a few days before the Meryton assembly, with rumors of the new resident of Netherfield and his guests. The difference is that Darcy does not deliver his famous insult, and he asks Elizabeth for the first dance.

A fall from his horse gives Elizabeth the opportunity to go for help, impressing Darcy with her actions. Another fall from a horse occurs when Mr. Bennet is showing Mr. Collins the land that Longbourn encompasses. Mr. Bennet suffers some medically unlikely consequences, but it gives Darcy a chance to return the favor.

That is pretty much the extent of drama in the story. Wickham doesn't get a chance to cause any trouble. Collins never brings up the supposed engagement between Darcy and Anne de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine never shows up. Caroline Bingley does little more than sneer and make cutting remarks.

The writing is grammatically correct, which is always appreciated. There are a couple of minor issues of propriety. A nice, short read. 3.5 stars

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I loved this twin idea so much! This is a lovely short story and great fun with Jane and Elizabeth being twins, the perfect book for a relaxing afternoon. Lovely characterisations, lovely crisp and concise writing. The baddies are dealt with easily (meaning no pages or chapters of unnecessary blather) and the story flows beautifully. A lovely Lizzy, gorgeous Darcy, Mrs B is still Mrs B but Mr B is much better than he is often portrayed. Read and enjoy. I highly recommend it

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This SAYS 119 pages but it was filled with so much repetition that the 47% I stopped at took me forever to read.

Also did you know that identical twins can be identical and have different personalities?! The author tells us this over and over. Elizabeth is unlikable.

Author describes as witty and romantic. It was neither, imo.

[Lory Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing plotline and a surprisingly lovely, sweet and romantic novella from a new JAFF author (at least new to me).

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, should’ve been longer tho

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

[mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Carol Hoyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different but interesting premise.
A good read !

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5