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Handsome Enough to Tempt Him: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Forces seek to keep Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy apart, but hope springs eternal.

Saved from an unwanted marriage, Darcy finds himself in Hertfordshire with his sister and former fiancée. In repayment for a debt of honor, Mr. Darcy assists Bingley in finding a wife who truly loves him by testing his potential brides. Although helpful in some ways, it ends up causing substantial confusion, especially for Elizabeth, who is upset by his peculiar behavior.

Mr. Bennet suffered a terrible injury many years previous that greatly affects him, and his family must endure his poor temperament and sharp tongue. Mrs. Bennet adeptly handles her husband and shields her daughters as best she can.

Darcy quickly finds himself enamored with a lively and lovely woman by the name of Elizabeth Bennet, and she is equally drawn to the noble and intelligent master of Pemberley. Unlike any other woman he has met, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth is, in fact, handsome enough to tempt him.


This is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.

602 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

191 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Laraba Kendig

40 books102 followers
I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

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5 stars
266 (44%)
4 stars
222 (37%)
3 stars
95 (15%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Ree.
1,291 reviews77 followers
September 13, 2024
An admirable Mrs. Bennet
This book opens with Darcy and Anne de Bourgh at their wedding. I’ll just leave that here to pique your interest.

In this variation, Mr. Bennet is portrayed as a verbally abusive husband and father to all of his family, including Elizabeth, his usually favourite daughter. Disfigured and lamed from a riding accident years before, his chronic pain and bitterness lead him to drink daily and escape to his library, hurling insults as he goes. On the other hand, Mrs. Bennet is portrayed as a loving and supportive mother, making sure her daughters are educated and investing her pin money for their future, should something happen to Mr. Bennet. I really thought it was refreshing to see Mrs. B presented as a much less silly and more responsible mother. The younger girls are well raised by her. This is a no angst story with everyone getting a happy ending which is typical for this author.

Stevie Zimmerman is outstanding in her five-star performance of the audiobook.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,509 reviews15 followers
September 6, 2024
lovely

A rather enjoyable and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for James S.
1,415 reviews
March 11, 2025
Long book, small amount of angst

In this story Mrs. Bennet is a very good mother, not mean to any of her children. But Mr. Bennet is horrible. Mama Bennet tries to protect her children from her husband who is very verbally and psychologically abusive.

The story wasn’t terribly interesting. The bad guys weren’t hard to deal with. Were times I almost quit on the story.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,654 reviews198 followers
September 20, 2024
447 pages on my Kindle for PC.

We have a startly beginning as we read of Darcy and Anne de Bourgh standing in church beginning their marriage vows. Anne is the one to end this as she declares she will not marry him. She separates from her mother and goes to live with Darcy and Georgiana. They go to stay with Bingley when he requests helps managing Netherfield.

The Bennet family is different in this story as Mr. Bennet comes off as our villain. Shortly after Lydia's birth he was thrown by a horse, broke his leg and scarred his face. His legs never healed correctly so he is lame. He depends on alcohol and laudanum to ease his pain. He is verbally abusive to all his family, including Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet is also different in that she tries her best to shield her daughters. The family also has a governess so Lydia and Kitty are not out of control.

It is ironic that in this story, Darcy has set up a test for any lady who shows interest in his friend, Bingley. This soon has not only the neighborhood gossiping but Lady C. showing up and confronting Jane about "seducing" Darcy.

This story has two marriages early on and Elizabeth is not one of the brides. As the story goes on all the Bennets do find happiness.

Backing up, though, Collins comes to Longbourn and as usual looks to court one of the sisters. A tragic event occurs and his part in this story does not follow canon.

Wickham's part is totally different and in the long epilogue we are also told of his fate.

Darcy is caught up in DUTY. His mother told him to marry Anne and so he proposed to her. He is very attracted to Elizabeth but duty to his family and the expectations of the ton tell him he cannot offer for her.

There was little angst in this story for me. Mrs. Bennet being different was interesting.
60 reviews
September 6, 2024
a very enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this book. A very different Darcy than we are used to. But well written. Glad to see Mr Bennett gone. Liked the Wickham ending - vey is unexpected.
Profile Image for Yas.
149 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2024
I liked the story. The characters are well written, but somehow, I do not buy Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s relationship, I find it rather dull.
1,148 reviews29 followers
September 13, 2024
Always a good yarn

This is an evil Mr Bennett version. He has an accident after Lydia is born, a fall from a horse, that leaves him lame and disfigured. Being already a vain and cocky man, his loss of looks and agility turns him bitter, resentful, and verbally abusive to his family, but especially Elizabeth. Mrs Bennett, by necessity, tries to shield her five daughters and see to their proper upbringing. They have a governess, Mrs Bennett is composed and sensible, and the daughters all have the required accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Darcy is at the altar to marry Anne Debourgh when she suddenly refuses to go through with it, and defies her mother. She goes to live with Darcy and Georgiana, and they all come to Netherfield to stay with the Bingleys. Darcy has an odd arrangement with Bingley to test any "angel" that Bingley becomes interested in. This leads to confusion and certain consequences for Darcy, Bingley, and the Bennett girls.

I like this author. This isn't one of her best creations, but it kept my interest. Darcy is a much more congenial character in this version. He likes Elizabeth early on, but it takes him a good long time to finally decide to pursue her. The Bennett daughters are all negatively affected by their abusive father, and their attitudes about men are much more cautious. Although Elizabeth admires and likes Darcy fairly early, it takes her also a long, long times to overcome her fears of trusting a man. This situation with a mean Mr Bennett puts a real damper on any romance. There's no "love for the ages" for anyone, and I kind of miss that. Of course ODC have their HEA, but the development of their relationship seemed way too clinical to me.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it, but with reservations.
Profile Image for Ashvini.
187 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2024
I have to admit, having read miss kendig's all books i had high expectations from this book but i was left disappointed

In this book, we get Darcy who says he abhors deceit but practices it thoroughly to aid bingley. We get to know through words that Darcy and Elizabeth had long discussions but we never hear them so its difficult to understand why they fall in love

The very good aspect of this book is Mrs. Bennet. its refreshing to read a good take on Mrs B and Mr. B is the main antagonist where he berates and belittles his children whereas Mrs B stood firm in protecting her brood. and its this plot that is believable as i never understood E's blindness in terms of her father's faults where he belittles his wife and children under the guise of sarcasm and wit

A plot that could have been very well but fell just short
Profile Image for Gratia.
217 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2024
Pleasant read

3.5* rounded up

I find Ms. Kendig's books generally low-angst with some unique plot twist spurring on the story. This book is no different. Darcy’s approach to determining if Jane truly cared for Bingley was interesting, but I felt that it was utilized for too long. Mr. Bennet, was truly terrible, with his and Mrs. Bennet's role as matchmaker swapped. There were some minor typos in the book and some odd edits in the audiobook (narrated by the incomparable Stevie Zimmerman). Overall, it was a pleasant way to spend a rainy day.
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,179 reviews152 followers
pride-prejudice-variations
March 10, 2025
A treat for Pride and Prejudice fans

This a long book but definitely worth the time and effort spent reading it.

I don't know where to start. Perhaps at the beginning with Anne de Bourgh and Fitzwilliam Darcy joined at the altar. When it was time for Anne to say *I do," she said, "I do not" and firmly refused to marry Darcy despite her mother's haranguing and threats.

This is an excellent story, and I recommend it to Pride and Prejudice fans without hesitation.

4
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,169 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2024
An interesting approach

What a difference the change in Mr. Bennet represents! It creates a totally different environment for the Bennets and the plot is really engaging. I also liked the inclusion of Anne de Bourgh. A most entertaining tale.
114 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2024
Blandly pleasant

The book meandered along with very little real drama and absolutely no real character development. With the exception of a truly unpleasant Mr. Bennet, everyone was a wiser and better behaved version of themselves. And if you enjoy detailed descriptions of the great outdoors, you won't be disappointed.
16 reviews
September 10, 2024
not good

It is quite astounding that persons can still slap on the names Darcy and Bennet and call it a P&P variation. If you are looking for romance, move on. If you’re looking for a Darcy who practices disguise despite his words to the contrary, stay. If only to see how much he loves and admires EB by the multiplicity of times the author says but never shows it. A beyond boring read. Not worth the KU.
Profile Image for Just JAFF.
70 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2025
Premise: Starts with Darcy almost marrying Anne but at the last minute she says no. Then he, Anne, and Georgiana end up at Netherfield where Darcy performs his usual service for Bingley: the Regency version of a GF/BF test, in which he shows a slight interest in any 'angel' Bingley is interested in, and sees if she switches her interest to him immediately, showing that she's mercenary. Bingley's into Jane, Darcy does his thing, Jane is annoyed, Elizabeth is mighty confused, and Darcy is like... these Bennet women are legit! Also Mr Bennet is in chronic pain from an injury and is a huge dick. Mrs Bennet steps up to protect her girls.

What I liked: Mrs Bennet's protectiveness and wariness regarding fast engagements and too charming men.

Characterization: Obviously Mrs Bennet is greatly altered by her marriage, in which her once charming and handsome husband, who swept her off her feet as a girl, has become a bitter cantankerous drunk who delights in verbally abusing his wife and daughters. Lady Catherine is a bit more cuckoo bananas. I'm not sure I buy "disguise of every sort is my abhorrence" Darcy participating in a girlfriend test, but okay.

Spice level: brief kisses and a morning after only.

Any non-canon parings: Yes.

Other notes or issues: Very low angst and slow paced. Got a little tedious with all the epilogues. A little heavy with the religious stuff.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,665 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2024
I loved it!

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. Forces seek to keep Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy apart, but hope springs eternal. Saved from an unwanted marriage, Darcy finds himself in Hertfordshire with his sister and former fiancée. In repayment for a debt of honor, Mr. Darcy assists Bingley in finding a wife who truly loves him by testing his potential brides. Although helpful in some ways, it ends up causing substantial confusion, especially for Elizabeth, who is upset by his peculiar behavior. Mr. Bennet suffered a terrible injury many years previous that greatly affects him, and his family must endure his poor temperament and sharp tongue. Mrs. Bennet adeptly handles her husband and shields her daughters as best she can. Darcy quickly finds himself enamored with a lively and lovely woman by the name of Elizabeth Bennet, and she is equally drawn to the noble and intelligent master of Pemberley. Unlike any other woman he has met, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth is, in fact, handsome enough to tempt him. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Nina.
236 reviews9 followers
September 12, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Like the authors many other books this is an angst free read. The story was interesting in the way that Mrs Bennet was a likeable and very loving mother, which I really enjoy.
Due to her very bad union with Mr Bennet, she is adamant, that her daughters shall choose their husband wisely. Likewise she lives sensibly and has saved her pin money to secure their lively hood, when Mr Bennet passes. Kitty and Lydia are not out and they have a very cabable and kind governess.
The reason I only gave it 3.5 stars is, I found it a little boring. Normally I really enjoy books that are low angst, but it was as if something was missing. Also ODC couples romance was a bit unconvincing, they do talk a lot, but we are not privy to a lot of their dialogue. More flirting banter between them would have added to the story.
All in all though the story is enjoyable. But if this author is new to you, then I would recommend you to start with Elizabeth Bennet's inheritance, The banished uncle or The Ramsgate rescue.
I listened to the audio version and Stevie Zimmerman is always very enjoyable
379 reviews
January 6, 2025
totally different Pride and Prejudice

In this story, Mr. Bennett has fallen off a horse while trying to jump a fence and permanently crippled and scarred. He treats his wife and daughters with nastiness and they are all anxious to get away from Longbourn. Mrs. Bennett is though not as educated as her husband the protector of her daughter.
Jane( Mr. Bingley)and Mary( Mr. Collins)marry and the next day Mr. Bennett dies. William Collins come to take over the estate, it with Mary, his wife, all the remaining Bennetts are able to continue to live at Longbourn. Elizabeth marries Darcy and the Bingleys buy an estate in Derbyshire, not far from Pemberley.
A different family and a different twist on the story. Very interesting.
Profile Image for Chetana.
874 reviews26 followers
May 30, 2025
3.75⭐️

I liked reading this variation as it had one of my favourite tropes. That of an Epistolary romance. thought that part of the book was only a couple of chapters I still loved seeing it and reading it. This book also had the unusual combination in the Bennets with Mrs. Bennet being the voice of reason and Mr. Bennet's sharp tongue being used to harm his family. The book might have been a bit long and meandering at times but I did not find that too boring. The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy was once again a bit lacking as it mostly was forwarded in the monologues the 2 had and later in the letters but it was still satisfactory.
Profile Image for J.C. Plummer.
Author 3 books29 followers
September 21, 2024
This was an okay story, but I can’t imagine re-reading it. I’ve read all of her books, and I own all but two (this one and “From Pemberley to Gretna Green”). There are many that I like to re-read, but this one isn’t the same quality. There are too many descriptions, too many proofreading errors (missing words, wrong names, etc.), and the story itself meanders along, as another reviewer mentioned.

Of course, I will continue to read everything she publishes, but I will read it in KU before deciding whether to purchase.
Profile Image for Mariska.
638 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
Truly Wonderful!!

So many things could have gone so horribly wrong for our dear characters and with skill and believability they didn't. I always love it when Mrs Bennet is a sensible and caring person. Yes, Mr B was essentially the villain, but he wasn't truly evil, it's possible to have some true sympathy for him. The love stories are wonderful, and I enjoyed seeing Wickham redeemed.
336 reviews
September 9, 2024
Elizabeth is not Bennett’s favorite

This was a twist that gave good evidence to support the variation. I liked Bingley’s change and Ann becoming strong enough to challenge Lady Catherine.
There were many storylines not just Elizabeth. While I did not Bennet, I did pity him, which a change I always seem to pity Mrs. Bennet or Mary.
Profile Image for Katherine Dissmore.
8 reviews
September 9, 2024
Another good read

This was an enjoyable story, once we got beyond the verbal abuse. I honestly skimmed any conversations with the verbal abuse. It is trigger for me but I wanted to read the whole story. It was good. But ill have to be ain a certain mood to be able to reread it. It will happen and this story now graces my virtual shelf.
Profile Image for David Johnson.
23 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2024
arghhhh

Good editing but… the rest of the story could have been so, so much more. Mr. Bennett.. bad, but has excuses due to pain. Mrs. Bennett.. good but still short in the brainpower. Mr. Collins… absent yet malleable by Mary. Wickham… reformed after hitting rock bottom. Big religious bent.

2 reviews
September 15, 2024
Story wonderful enough to tempt me to buy!

This was a great story and I loved the premise. I technically bought it because I adore Laraba Kendig’s writing and try to buy all her books but still I love the idea of Darcy tempting away Bingley’s prospective Angels to test their true intentions.
462 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2024
Delightful plot, realistic conversations, interesting developments

The P&P characters in this version are true to the original for the most part. Mr. Bennet is the difficult parent while Mrs. Bennet is sensible, loving, and protective of all her daughters. Cousin Anne and Mary Bennet have unexpected roles in the plot.
All in all, this story is a gem.
620 reviews
March 25, 2025
Enjoyable

Interesting twist to somewhat switch Mr. and Mrs. Bennett's roles (personalities? tendencies?) How nice for the girls to have a mother they can rely on. Though in this situation, I am not sure how Elizabeth becomes the Elizabeth of canon. Still, I like low-fat variations.
314 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2024
Sweet and Satisfying

As always, Ms. Kendig's latest variation is unique and absorbing. The changes to canon are reasonable, but have enormous impact on the story. This was a delightful variation, from its shocking opening to its multiple epilogues.
Profile Image for Lesley Barklay.
Author 9 books17 followers
Read
September 16, 2024
A very low-angst P&P variation where everyone gets their happily ever after. The end of the story is portrayed by a series of letters, and vignettes in which each of the Bennet sisters have more children.
20 reviews
September 22, 2024
Another heavenly book by this author

Kind words, a well organized plot , respect and feminine spirit with every word. I felt blessed to read the book after sometimes being unlucky in my choices. Keep on dear Author... Waiting patiently for the next one❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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