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Deception & Retribution: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
26th November 1811
“Good evening, Miss Bennet. It is a pleasure to see you again after so many years.”
Elizabeth looked up and found herself standing in front of the most detestable man she had ever met. She clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure.
---
Six years before Bingley leased Netherfield Park, a baronet's eldest son named Mr. Willow and his sister arrived in Hertfordshire. At a local assembly, Mr. Willow met Jane Bennet, who was very young at the time and showed a keen interest in her. Mrs. Bennet was excited at the prospect of her eldest and most beautiful daughter becoming a baronet's wife and encouraged a relationship between them.
Please note this story contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers (rape). Some minor characters die.
“Good evening, Miss Bennet. It is a pleasure to see you again after so many years.”
Elizabeth looked up and found herself standing in front of the most detestable man she had ever met. She clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure.
---
Six years before Bingley leased Netherfield Park, a baronet's eldest son named Mr. Willow and his sister arrived in Hertfordshire. At a local assembly, Mr. Willow met Jane Bennet, who was very young at the time and showed a keen interest in her. Mrs. Bennet was excited at the prospect of her eldest and most beautiful daughter becoming a baronet's wife and encouraged a relationship between them.
Please note this story contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers (rape). Some minor characters die.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
74 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 4, 2024
Good Plot But A Bit Contrived
I liked the concept of this book. The plot as a whole was unique—I’ve never read another like it in JAFF. However, the book has several issues.
First, the plot has some specifics that were a bit hard to believe. Lord Willow drugs and seduces women just once per woman, but 100% of them get pregnant. Every time another woman found herself pregnant, I scoffed. Just a bit to hard to believe.
Second, while the grammar wasn’t great, I excused that since English is not the authors’ first language. A Beta reader could have helped with that, but I didn’t find it too distracting.
Third, the book felt too long. The investigation into Lord Willow’s death could have added some tension and drama to the book, but it was instead mentioned like an afterthought. The outcome of the investigation was fine (in fact, it was the outcome I was hoping for), but the investigation was written so matter-of-factly that it just came across very flat.
This isn’t a bad book. The book just could be shorter, tighter, and more entertaining.
I liked the concept of this book. The plot as a whole was unique—I’ve never read another like it in JAFF. However, the book has several issues.
First, the plot has some specifics that were a bit hard to believe. Lord Willow drugs and seduces women just once per woman, but 100% of them get pregnant. Every time another woman found herself pregnant, I scoffed. Just a bit to hard to believe.
Second, while the grammar wasn’t great, I excused that since English is not the authors’ first language. A Beta reader could have helped with that, but I didn’t find it too distracting.
Third, the book felt too long. The investigation into Lord Willow’s death could have added some tension and drama to the book, but it was instead mentioned like an afterthought. The outcome of the investigation was fine (in fact, it was the outcome I was hoping for), but the investigation was written so matter-of-factly that it just came across very flat.
This isn’t a bad book. The book just could be shorter, tighter, and more entertaining.
April 15, 2024
Not good
Tedious, full of explanations for the departures from canon but without an actual story. The serial rapist storyline is problematic, but shockingly, that is not what stopped me from reading. It was the tedium - by the time some character named Sebastian was introduced (he inherited after about 20 people in the line of succession just up and died SMH), I was done. Jane, Caroline, and Georgiana all got pregnant after one night (what are the odds?) with a rake. Of course they did. If you’re hoping for any Elizabeth/Darcy romance (or even banter), you’ll be disappointed. Yes, Darcy insults Elizabeth (a weaker insult, similar to canon but more lame) but she doesn’t even really care. They have some tedious discussions about books, but at the 50% mark (which is where I stopped reading), they were separated, with neither caring about the relationship. Jane, of course, is widowed, having been married off to a much older tradesman after giving birth to the product of her rape (a son! Longbourn is saved! Good thing, too, as Mr Bennet dies). The whole thing is just terrible, but had the writing been better, I probably would have finished it. The authors need to read more - this doesn’t even have the requisite period language - not that that would improve it much, but it would make it less egregiously bad.
Tedious, full of explanations for the departures from canon but without an actual story. The serial rapist storyline is problematic, but shockingly, that is not what stopped me from reading. It was the tedium - by the time some character named Sebastian was introduced (he inherited after about 20 people in the line of succession just up and died SMH), I was done. Jane, Caroline, and Georgiana all got pregnant after one night (what are the odds?) with a rake. Of course they did. If you’re hoping for any Elizabeth/Darcy romance (or even banter), you’ll be disappointed. Yes, Darcy insults Elizabeth (a weaker insult, similar to canon but more lame) but she doesn’t even really care. They have some tedious discussions about books, but at the 50% mark (which is where I stopped reading), they were separated, with neither caring about the relationship. Jane, of course, is widowed, having been married off to a much older tradesman after giving birth to the product of her rape (a son! Longbourn is saved! Good thing, too, as Mr Bennet dies). The whole thing is just terrible, but had the writing been better, I probably would have finished it. The authors need to read more - this doesn’t even have the requisite period language - not that that would improve it much, but it would make it less egregiously bad.
May 10, 2024
Completely out of canon
An interesting read that basically only keeps the names of the characters and places but that creates an engaging tale.
An interesting read that basically only keeps the names of the characters and places but that creates an engaging tale.
September 16, 2024
Interesting concept
June 6, 2024
I loved it!
*Warning: Please note this story contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers (rape). Some minor characters die.*
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Six years before Bingley leased Netherfield Park, a baronet's eldest son named Mr. Willow and his sister arrived in Hertfordshire. At a local assembly, Mr. Willow met Jane Bennet, who was very young at the time and showed a keen interest in her. Mrs. Bennet was excited at the prospect of her eldest and most beautiful daughter becoming a baronet's wife and encouraged a relationship between them. This story is a wild ride where the pacing never falters. Several characters are assaulted in the course of the story, and there is character death, but Elizabeth is not one of them. The assaults are described with enough detail to tell the reader what happened but not with too much detail and not in a gratuitous way. The path to love for Elizabeth and Darcy is relatively smooth, and they come to an understanding with little angst in their relationship. It’s their friends and family who endure most of the suffering and angst. There is no Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine is only mentioned, and Wickham is not around much. Sometimes, it’s nice to read a story without these characters taking center stage. There is more telling than showing, but with so much happening in the story, I didn’t mind. I was thoroughly entertained and often at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
*Warning: Please note this story contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers (rape). Some minor characters die.*
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Six years before Bingley leased Netherfield Park, a baronet's eldest son named Mr. Willow and his sister arrived in Hertfordshire. At a local assembly, Mr. Willow met Jane Bennet, who was very young at the time and showed a keen interest in her. Mrs. Bennet was excited at the prospect of her eldest and most beautiful daughter becoming a baronet's wife and encouraged a relationship between them. This story is a wild ride where the pacing never falters. Several characters are assaulted in the course of the story, and there is character death, but Elizabeth is not one of them. The assaults are described with enough detail to tell the reader what happened but not with too much detail and not in a gratuitous way. The path to love for Elizabeth and Darcy is relatively smooth, and they come to an understanding with little angst in their relationship. It’s their friends and family who endure most of the suffering and angst. There is no Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine is only mentioned, and Wickham is not around much. Sometimes, it’s nice to read a story without these characters taking center stage. There is more telling than showing, but with so much happening in the story, I didn’t mind. I was thoroughly entertained and often at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
October 24, 2024
I want to rate it higher
3 1/2 rounded down
I really want to rate this higher, but this book would benefit from a good editor/proofreading. Overall the story is good and I'm sure that I'll read it again in the future. Somethings to know (this is given in the description, so no major spoilers): there are several rape situations (none with Elizabeth) and the death of several characters. The romance of Darcy and Elizabeth happens later in the story, and I felt like it could have been better developed. Early in the story both Mr and Mrs Bennet reevaluate their behavior for the better and I enjoyed seeing the changes. Towards the end of the story I also liked Bingley better than earlier but he too, like others had to travel down his own journey. I have enjoyed several of this author's books and hope they continue to write.
3 1/2 rounded down
I really want to rate this higher, but this book would benefit from a good editor/proofreading. Overall the story is good and I'm sure that I'll read it again in the future. Somethings to know (this is given in the description, so no major spoilers): there are several rape situations (none with Elizabeth) and the death of several characters. The romance of Darcy and Elizabeth happens later in the story, and I felt like it could have been better developed. Early in the story both Mr and Mrs Bennet reevaluate their behavior for the better and I enjoyed seeing the changes. Towards the end of the story I also liked Bingley better than earlier but he too, like others had to travel down his own journey. I have enjoyed several of this author's books and hope they continue to write.
July 22, 2024
Entertaining
Interesting storyline with an initial heavy tone; yes there was the main villain and his accomplice who were additional characters who prayed on and took advantage of young women and the after affects of dealing with it, creating the heavy tone. I think it unlikely after on encounter all the women were with child, but the author was trying to make a point. SPOILER ALERT: the Bennets taking Jane's child as their own was probably common during that time period that we could possibly know due to high infant mortality rate and inconsistent medical treatment.
The storyline did lighten up and focused more on the HEA of are favorite characters and giving the Bennets the connections they always lacked. Enjoy.
Interesting storyline with an initial heavy tone; yes there was the main villain and his accomplice who were additional characters who prayed on and took advantage of young women and the after affects of dealing with it, creating the heavy tone. I think it unlikely after on encounter all the women were with child, but the author was trying to make a point. SPOILER ALERT: the Bennets taking Jane's child as their own was probably common during that time period that we could possibly know due to high infant mortality rate and inconsistent medical treatment.
The storyline did lighten up and focused more on the HEA of are favorite characters and giving the Bennets the connections they always lacked. Enjoy.
April 27, 2024
I would have liked to have awarded 4 stars
Because the plot is fairly good. The author needs to work on being consistent in the tenses. We popped back and forth between past and present until I was dizzy. Another problem was redundancies and using the same word twice in a sentence which I don't understand. All you have to do is look up the word to find variations with the same meaning. Some instances of modern language need to be changed. It's possible this was translated into English which is always problematic with Kindle books. All in all it was a good effort that needs better editing.
Because the plot is fairly good. The author needs to work on being consistent in the tenses. We popped back and forth between past and present until I was dizzy. Another problem was redundancies and using the same word twice in a sentence which I don't understand. All you have to do is look up the word to find variations with the same meaning. Some instances of modern language need to be changed. It's possible this was translated into English which is always problematic with Kindle books. All in all it was a good effort that needs better editing.
May 10, 2024
3.5 Stars
This was a good read. I like that the author usually has a different twist to her stories. It is not always peaches and cream, but it's interesting nonetheless.
- I liked the characters.
- The villain was wicked, but he received his comeuppance in the end.
- I wouldn't categorize this as a romance because it's pretty dark. However, I found the storyline aimed at tracking down Willow diverting.
This was a good read. I like that the author usually has a different twist to her stories. It is not always peaches and cream, but it's interesting nonetheless.
- I liked the characters.
- The villain was wicked, but he received his comeuppance in the end.
- I wouldn't categorize this as a romance because it's pretty dark. However, I found the storyline aimed at tracking down Willow diverting.
September 28, 2024
Realistic anguish throughout emotional
I found this story realistic, extremely well written, detailed enough, and extremely emotional. The subject matter can cause triggers, but warnings are there.
The,characters are changed in some aspects while others are worse. The turmoil for our dear,couple is bad. Anguish for what happens is throughout.
I honest would say this is a story for mature readers
I found this story realistic, extremely well written, detailed enough, and extremely emotional. The subject matter can cause triggers, but warnings are there.
The,characters are changed in some aspects while others are worse. The turmoil for our dear,couple is bad. Anguish for what happens is throughout.
I honest would say this is a story for mature readers
April 14, 2024
daring subject mattee
Ms DiChiara created a compelling tale, with a completely original take on Austen’s tale. Parts of the tale are grim, and I applaud DiChiara for not flinching in telling her characters’ tales.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance lacked chemistry. The rest of the tale makes up for that deficit.
Ms DiChiara created a compelling tale, with a completely original take on Austen’s tale. Parts of the tale are grim, and I applaud DiChiara for not flinching in telling her characters’ tales.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance lacked chemistry. The rest of the tale makes up for that deficit.
May 3, 2024
Interesting, but So Sad!
Not only date rape, more than one, but revenge by the fathers or brothers of those poor young women permeates this variation. No matter what problems had caused the reprobates to start on such a course, it seemed only death, or Bedlam, was able to stop them.
Be prepared to get depressed, but you won't get bored!
Not only date rape, more than one, but revenge by the fathers or brothers of those poor young women permeates this variation. No matter what problems had caused the reprobates to start on such a course, it seemed only death, or Bedlam, was able to stop them.
Be prepared to get depressed, but you won't get bored!
April 5, 2024
Lorena DiChiara does know how to tell a tragic tale. Not for ODC in this case but for many around them and even in their own lives - but this is no angst in ODC getting together. She even draws sympathy for Caroline in this story (and deservedly so)!
April 6, 2024
Get tissues
There are several discussion and two toned down descriptions of rape.
However the storyline was well done. They are strong women who live in a time where men made the rule.
Goegianna was a main cut
There are several discussion and two toned down descriptions of rape.
However the storyline was well done. They are strong women who live in a time where men made the rule.
Goegianna was a main cut
April 9, 2024
This was an exciting story with a lot happening. To describe the story would give away too many spoilers. I encourage you to read the sample to see if you like the author's style. I like it but not everyone will. 4.5-stars rounded up.
April 13, 2024
Sweeping And Epic!
Weep for Jane and all the other victims, and cheer for how lives are pieced together again if never the same as before. This is an epic tale with very clear villains, two of whom get what they deserve. I enjoyed this book very much.
Weep for Jane and all the other victims, and cheer for how lives are pieced together again if never the same as before. This is an epic tale with very clear villains, two of whom get what they deserve. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 14, 2024
Trigger warning required
Decent story line but I was a bit shocked to start off with a rather graphic first chapter.... a content warning would be appropriate as I may not have read the book otherwise.
Decent story line but I was a bit shocked to start off with a rather graphic first chapter.... a content warning would be appropriate as I may not have read the book otherwise.
April 27, 2024
A very moving P&P variation
This was hard to put down! So many changes from the original book - both intriguing, sad and happy results especially for Jane and Mrs. Bennet! A must read!
This was hard to put down! So many changes from the original book - both intriguing, sad and happy results especially for Jane and Mrs. Bennet! A must read!
April 25, 2024
Enjoyed reading. Not really a P & P retelling. Just used the characters along with new ones and an interesting story nothing close to original story.
June 29, 2024
à convoluted story badly written
I enjoy a lot of P&P variations, but sadly this isn’t one of them. Full of clumsy prose and Americanisms.
I enjoy a lot of P&P variations, but sadly this isn’t one of them. Full of clumsy prose and Americanisms.
July 18, 2024
Lots of darkness and trauma
While this book is well-written, it was too dark and disturbing for me to enjoy. I should have heeded to author’s trigger warnings.
While this book is well-written, it was too dark and disturbing for me to enjoy. I should have heeded to author’s trigger warnings.
August 2, 2024
A good read
An interesting take with historical realism which i enjoyed, will admit didnt like certain bits but the overall story was good
An interesting take with historical realism which i enjoyed, will admit didnt like certain bits but the overall story was good
March 23, 2025
It was an okay book but it just lacked heart it was like everyone was in half emotion 🤷🏻♀️
January 27, 2025
Deception and Retribution
This is a sad tale of men (people) without respect for young naive girls. Taking their virtue respect and life.
We do have retribution but thankfully not by those connected.
Final hea's.
This is a sad tale of men (people) without respect for young naive girls. Taking their virtue respect and life.
We do have retribution but thankfully not by those connected.
Final hea's.
February 5, 2025
Well Written
But for a book that bases its allure on being a testament to the worse thing that women could endure, it spends most of the pages lingering on the hurt and betrayal felt by the male characters, rather than the women who were assaulted.
But for a book that bases its allure on being a testament to the worse thing that women could endure, it spends most of the pages lingering on the hurt and betrayal felt by the male characters, rather than the women who were assaulted.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews