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Crime and Consequences #2
Rivalry and Ruination: Crime and Consequences Book 2
Newly wed and newly wary, Elizabeth and Darcy embark on their life together under the shadow of secrets. With Lydia and her secret safely hidden away in Leicester, the couple journeys on to Pemberley, their relationship still tender and uncertain. Elizabeth fears Darcy married her out of obligation rather than love, while Darcy worries she accepted him only to save her family from ruin. As they navigate these misunderstandings, Elizabeth's gentle influence brings warmth to Pemberley, drawing Georgiana out of her shell and gradually melting the last of Darcy's reserve.
Just as they begin to find genuine happiness, Charles Bingley and his sister Caroline arrive unexpectedly at Pemberley. Caroline's bitter resentment of Elizabeth's marriage threatens to expose Lydia's secret, while Bingley's determination to renew his courtship of Jane creates complications the newlyweds can ill afford, and Darcy and Elizabeth must return to Netherfield to manage the consequences. When Colonel Fitzwilliam joins their party at Netherfield and begins paying marked attention to Jane Bennet, the stage is set for a dangerous rivalry.
During a magnificent ball at Netherfield, tensions come to the breaking point. The following morning, a body is discovered at the foot of the grand staircase. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon reveals itself as something far more sinister, and the evidence points to someone within their intimate circle. As suspicion falls upon those closest to them, Elizabeth and Darcy must once again navigate the treacherous waters of scandal while protecting those they love.
In this compelling second installment of the Crime and Consequences trilogy, affection deepens amid adversity, family loyalty is tested, and the façade of polite society crumbles to reveal darker motives beneath. Every choice carries a price, every secret demands payment, and even the most innocent hearts may harbour desperate intentions when pushed too far.
Don't miss the riveting final installment of the Crime and Consequences Intrigue and Inheritance!
Step back into Austen's England, where newfound love contends with old grudges, and the path to happiness is paved with rivalry... and ruination.
Just as they begin to find genuine happiness, Charles Bingley and his sister Caroline arrive unexpectedly at Pemberley. Caroline's bitter resentment of Elizabeth's marriage threatens to expose Lydia's secret, while Bingley's determination to renew his courtship of Jane creates complications the newlyweds can ill afford, and Darcy and Elizabeth must return to Netherfield to manage the consequences. When Colonel Fitzwilliam joins their party at Netherfield and begins paying marked attention to Jane Bennet, the stage is set for a dangerous rivalry.
During a magnificent ball at Netherfield, tensions come to the breaking point. The following morning, a body is discovered at the foot of the grand staircase. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon reveals itself as something far more sinister, and the evidence points to someone within their intimate circle. As suspicion falls upon those closest to them, Elizabeth and Darcy must once again navigate the treacherous waters of scandal while protecting those they love.
In this compelling second installment of the Crime and Consequences trilogy, affection deepens amid adversity, family loyalty is tested, and the façade of polite society crumbles to reveal darker motives beneath. Every choice carries a price, every secret demands payment, and even the most innocent hearts may harbour desperate intentions when pushed too far.
Don't miss the riveting final installment of the Crime and Consequences Intrigue and Inheritance!
Step back into Austen's England, where newfound love contends with old grudges, and the path to happiness is paved with rivalry... and ruination.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
59 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bilson
191 books74 followersI've been writing since I was 5 years old. I've always had to set it aside and try to concentrate on so-called 'real life' though. I've had a number of interesting careers - engineer, real estate sales agent, owner of an electrical goods store, silversmith - but finally the time has come for me to return to my first love. Writing.
I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.
Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!
I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.
I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.
Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!
I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 28, 2025
A slow continuation from book 1
I felt the first half was mostly filler with a lot of rehashing book 1. Which is great if you haven't read it, but not so exciting for the rest of us.
The new drama came near the end of the book and it was clear what was going to happen.
I kind of feel bad for Darcy. For a man who is generally written as a man who is honest and rarely obfuscates, he sure is doing a heck of a lot of it in this series.
One weird point for me. At the end after Col. F sells his commission he is introduced as Lord Fitzwilliam, but he's not the viscount, still just the second son. I've never seen that before.
I wanted to like this and I'm hoping book 3 is better.
I felt the first half was mostly filler with a lot of rehashing book 1. Which is great if you haven't read it, but not so exciting for the rest of us.
The new drama came near the end of the book and it was clear what was going to happen.
I kind of feel bad for Darcy. For a man who is generally written as a man who is honest and rarely obfuscates, he sure is doing a heck of a lot of it in this series.
One weird point for me. At the end after Col. F sells his commission he is introduced as Lord Fitzwilliam, but he's not the viscount, still just the second son. I've never seen that before.
I wanted to like this and I'm hoping book 3 is better.
July 10, 2025
This second novel of the trilogy is a bit low key until the last chapter. When another death stuns Netherfield!
This story was not near as intriguing as the first, with lots of drab conversations and activities.
There is not a hint of ANY passion or romance between our favorite couple! Embraces and dry kisses, mostly on back of Lizzy’s hand!
It was a huge let down for me. No mention of their wedding night:(
I like a little desire between Darcy and Elizabeth!
It wasn’t there at all:(
Not sure I will read the third.
This story was not near as intriguing as the first, with lots of drab conversations and activities.
There is not a hint of ANY passion or romance between our favorite couple! Embraces and dry kisses, mostly on back of Lizzy’s hand!
It was a huge let down for me. No mention of their wedding night:(
I like a little desire between Darcy and Elizabeth!
It wasn’t there at all:(
Not sure I will read the third.
August 5, 2025
Don't think I can finish this series
This isn't a standalone book. You must read the first in this series in order for any of this to make sense. Darcy and Elizabeth are married, but the circumstances of their marriage make them each approach their life together in a hesitant way, and it's weeks before they finally hash it out, and consummate the marriage. The next hurdle is Lydia's situation, and everything is upended when Charles and Caroline Bingley make a surprise appearance at Pemberly, jeopardizing the fragile deception being used to explain Lydia's situation. Eventually, Bingley decides to re-open Netherfield, and take another crack at wooing Jane, while Caroline is turning into a demon. A rivalry for Jane's attentions brings everything to a dramatic conclusion.
I like this author. She's a good writer. However, the length of the book could have been cut in half simply by removing all of the tedious repetitions. Thought processes that were revealed are repeated again and again, and then ten more times just in case we didn't get the point before. Darcys admiration of Elizabeth's gracefulness, Elizabeth's wonder at how much has changed in a year's time, and other thought processes are beaten into the ground ad nauseum. I started skimming large portions of the text, and that indicates that a lot of the content does nothing to advance the plot. I think the reader should be given some credit for being able to remember thoughts that were already disclosed.
There were some pretty ludicrous and OOC scenes throughout the story, but especially the speech that Darcy gives at Jane's wedding late in the story. It was just wrong in so many ways that I just had to laugh to myself and roll my eyes. The whole story is about how Elizabeth and Darcy's circumstances have required them both to become skilled liars, which goes directly against the essence of Darcy's character, and his abhorrence for disguise. The romance is good, but I can't really recommend this book, and don't think I'll slog through the next installment.
This isn't a standalone book. You must read the first in this series in order for any of this to make sense. Darcy and Elizabeth are married, but the circumstances of their marriage make them each approach their life together in a hesitant way, and it's weeks before they finally hash it out, and consummate the marriage. The next hurdle is Lydia's situation, and everything is upended when Charles and Caroline Bingley make a surprise appearance at Pemberly, jeopardizing the fragile deception being used to explain Lydia's situation. Eventually, Bingley decides to re-open Netherfield, and take another crack at wooing Jane, while Caroline is turning into a demon. A rivalry for Jane's attentions brings everything to a dramatic conclusion.
I like this author. She's a good writer. However, the length of the book could have been cut in half simply by removing all of the tedious repetitions. Thought processes that were revealed are repeated again and again, and then ten more times just in case we didn't get the point before. Darcys admiration of Elizabeth's gracefulness, Elizabeth's wonder at how much has changed in a year's time, and other thought processes are beaten into the ground ad nauseum. I started skimming large portions of the text, and that indicates that a lot of the content does nothing to advance the plot. I think the reader should be given some credit for being able to remember thoughts that were already disclosed.
There were some pretty ludicrous and OOC scenes throughout the story, but especially the speech that Darcy gives at Jane's wedding late in the story. It was just wrong in so many ways that I just had to laugh to myself and roll my eyes. The whole story is about how Elizabeth and Darcy's circumstances have required them both to become skilled liars, which goes directly against the essence of Darcy's character, and his abhorrence for disguise. The romance is good, but I can't really recommend this book, and don't think I'll slog through the next installment.
July 31, 2025
I liked the first book well enough, but this book spent a lot of time going over the events of the first book, in particular Darcy and Elizabeth working out their relationship (even though the issues had been resolved in the first book).
There are a lot of activities and events that don’t really move the plot forward, although they are generally pleasant – Elizabeth learning to be mistress of Pemberley, forming a close friendship with Georgiana, walking the estate, doing things in the garden, planning a harvest festival, and so on.
Nothing very exciting happens until the last 30% of the book when Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana travel to Netherfield where Caroline stirs up trouble. The triangle with Bingley, Jane, and Richard was also interesting.
I will read the third book. Read through KU.
There are a lot of activities and events that don’t really move the plot forward, although they are generally pleasant – Elizabeth learning to be mistress of Pemberley, forming a close friendship with Georgiana, walking the estate, doing things in the garden, planning a harvest festival, and so on.
Nothing very exciting happens until the last 30% of the book when Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana travel to Netherfield where Caroline stirs up trouble. The triangle with Bingley, Jane, and Richard was also interesting.
I will read the third book. Read through KU.
July 27, 2025
Character development
The author does an excellent job of delving into the complexities that make up human beings. Unexpected developments show the characters at their best—and worst.
The author does an excellent job of delving into the complexities that make up human beings. Unexpected developments show the characters at their best—and worst.
July 14, 2025
a delightful continuation of one of my favorite stories
I enjoyed this second book in this series almost as much as I loved the first book. I can’t wait to see what adventures come next.
I enjoyed this second book in this series almost as much as I loved the first book. I can’t wait to see what adventures come next.
July 7, 2025
Rivalry and Ruination
Another death! A love for Hand and Richard!
An inheritance for Richard and a wedding for E' sister.
The best stories with a lot going on is what you get from Catherine Bilson.
Another death! A love for Hand and Richard!
An inheritance for Richard and a wedding for E' sister.
The best stories with a lot going on is what you get from Catherine Bilson.
August 25, 2025
Good story badly written
I like the narrative. Great potential. However, after trudging through this second book, I don't have the courage to read the 3rd. The sheer number of unnecessary repetitions and factual errors... it's as if the author didn't read the original or has forgotten some of what she wrote in Book 1.
I won't dwell on the details as I've annotated the book. I hope she'll make the necessary corrections, as the story itself is good, as well as the lesson to be open minded in our assessment of people's characters.
I like the narrative. Great potential. However, after trudging through this second book, I don't have the courage to read the 3rd. The sheer number of unnecessary repetitions and factual errors... it's as if the author didn't read the original or has forgotten some of what she wrote in Book 1.
I won't dwell on the details as I've annotated the book. I hope she'll make the necessary corrections, as the story itself is good, as well as the lesson to be open minded in our assessment of people's characters.
August 27, 2025
I liked book 2 of the series -- a very original plot. Bingley was really interesting.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews