From Tolerable to Tempting: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Hayley Ann Solomon

Another wonderful regency from Ms. Solomon . . . this time, in the tradition of Abigail Reynolds, a Pride and Prejudice variation that should have you both smiling and weeping. What would happen, one wonders, if Mr. Bennet were to die, leaving Lizzie evicted from Longbourn? What if this happens after she has so forcefully rejected Mr. Darcy? What if Mr. Collins proves insuff erable (no surprise) and Lizzie is forced to earn her keep? Will her path cross with Darcy's? Unlikely, but not impossible . . . Can Darcy ever be absolved of his wicked remark "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" What of Anne De Bourgh? What luminously cunning scheme is contrived to thwart Lady Catherine? Does Wickham's insidious charm still have consequences? For whom? When does an astonished Lizzy discover that the last man on earth she could ever be prevailed upon to marry is actually-quite sinfully-tempting? ------------- A gifted new author -Melinder Helfer [Romantic Times] on Viscount Victorious A fast paced and entertaining read that will delight readers with it's witty dialogue -Angela Keck [Romantic Times] on A Rag Mannered Rogue

Genres: Historical Romance

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Hayley Solomon lives in the beautiful river city of Wanganui on the North Island of New Zealand together with her three adorable sons—Raoul, Raphael and Rhaz—and the love of her life, husband Clive. Her home is filled with music—from the lilting strains of Vivaldi and Bach, to the virtuoso violin performances of 'twinkle twinkle little star' by her five year old son.She spends many nights star and planet gazing—the southern skies are heavenly—and enjoys reading, camping and learning classical guitar.

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the reviews and posted a comment about how I might have bought this book except for all the comments about editing, etc. which would turn me off when I read. Then one reviewer responded to my comment that the book had been edited and re-published so I read the sample. I continued to find errors but the story did draw me in. So despite the need for good proof reading and corrections, I will recommend this as a page-turner.

(Some examples of problems: "pg. 11 – tragi – heroic figure (missing “c”)", "pg. 18 - That she’d she thrown the countess’s letter" and "pg. 36 - Better an indolent man then (than) a fusspot like your mother’s brother". When switching to reading on my kindle there were no page numbers but the errors continued.) Another problem was the sometimes modern phrases, idioms, etc. Or phrases that I have no idea what they mean or where they came from: Pg. 8: "Jug bitten" - does the author mean bug bitten? Pg. 31 - “From something to be adjured to something to be admired” – Couldn’t find “adjured” in dictionary or thesaurus.

I did like the person Anne became (even though the past British custom of cousins marrying is disturbing). Couldn’t understand why Elizabeth was reticent to question why Anne was at Pemberley. Additionally, just how was Elizabeth interpreting those kisses from Darcy if she thought he was marrying Anne. Did not seem to be our Elizabeth to allow such if she really thought Anne was there as his bride. The maze scene and the planning for dealing with Wickham were well detailed.

Wickham’s fate was very satisfactory (much more so than in P&P canon). Lady C. was finally put in her place by both Darcy and Anne. Bingley made a very strong turnaround, which was pleasing. Caroline’s fate was well deserved. Lydia may just turn out OK after all. Love the idea that she might end up a parson’s wife. Comparisons to Abigail Reynolds’ books ring false. The main reason is Abigail does not leave one hanging at the end. Plus Abigail’s described sexual tension in ODC is not left to our imagination. It is handled in a very logical and satisfactory way for the reader. So many reviewers state that the ending was abrupt and I have to agree. Very unsatisfactory. Need plans for a wedding, etc.

I did like this story but would have given it five stars if the editing was handled better. Do we blame the author or the publishers? Plus the ending was a problem for me (and others).

[Nikii · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish

Stopped at the beginning of Chapter 3, in which the Darcys were suddenly in London despite having been at Pemberley the day before. No, they didn't travel, it was obvious the author just forgot they'd been at Pemberley.

It's also obvious the author hasn't read Pride and Prejudice, or even employed an editor who has (or any editor, for that matter, but more on that later), because an author who has read P&P would not give us "Mrs. Annersley", "Colonel Foster", or "Lady Catherine De Burgh".

Speaking of names, Elizabeth is "Lizzy" in one sentence and "Lizzie" in the next. Couple that with dozens of typos in the two chapters I actually got through and I was done with this work.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Bennet's worst fears came true, Mr. Bennet has died and Mr. Collins has swept in with the entail. Even more disastrous is the timing of this event, just after Mr. Darcy's failed proposal in Kent. Elizabeth is evicted from her home, and takes up the humbling position of a governess - little does she know it's a governess for Georgiana!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was so frustrated in certain scenes when various misunderstandings happened, and when Miss Bingley was particularly horrid. Once Elizabeth was at Pemberley I enjoyed the book far more! There was far less misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth than what I was expecting, but I didn't find it a disappointment. With all of the other angst in the story, it created a nice balance. I would rate it 3.5 if I could give half-stars. My only critique is that it ended more abruptly than I would have liked!

I must add that while this is not the first "death of Mr. Bennet" story I've read, this is the first one that nearly had me in tears. It was very sad.

[Michelle Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, good writing, although a bit of a slow read. Needs a good editor.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Elizabeth regretted her refusal of Darcy's proposal after reading his letter? What if she realized then that she was always attracted to him but blinded by prejudice because of his slight of her beauty at their first meeting? What if Elizabeth's father dies and his heir mr. Collins quickly takes over the estate as mrs. Bennet always fears? This is the angle the author took in this novel. Elizabeth is thrust into regular contact with Darcy due to her new position as governess. Darcy hopes he has another chance but Elizabeth sees the social distinction between them as a larger barrier now that she is a servant. We know Darcy will win her in the end but I was surprised that he would resort to heated kisses! Is that the serious, proper, gentlemen Darcy we know? That was the only thing a bit off with his character and Social norms of the day.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't even get through the sample. Will not be buying this. A book that gets published should not have so many typos in it. The word wander is substituted twice with the word wonder within one chapter. Anne is spelt two different ways in as many paragraphs (Anne then Ann). And the scenes shift so abruptly and with no more creativity than a simple "meanwhile in Longbourn." And for crying out loud did Elizabeth just ponder that Darcy has a nice butt? *facepalm*

[Amy Tolbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs to be edited

I enjoyed the story line in this P&P retelling, but there were many, many punctuation mistakes (especially quotation marks) and other errors (wrong words, clarity issues, etc.) that I found distracting. If this was edited, however, the book would have potential.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one is almost 3. The first part is very nice and intriguing, whereas the second part is inconsistent. There are some editing mistakes and use of terms inappropriate for the described period.
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[Lesliendrsn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Netherfield twist at the end!

[Yves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was fun for obstinate headstrong Jane-ites too!!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like the outcome of Wickham and Lydia in this one.