What do you think?
Rate this book
Chaos Comes to Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
While attempting to suppress his own desire to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy flees the Netherfield ballroom only to stumble upon a half-dressed Lydia Bennet in the library. After being discovered with her in a compromising position, Darcy is forced to make her an offer of marriage.
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2016
About the author
Victoria Kincaid
19 books191 followersVictoria has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.
She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.
Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com
She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.
Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 28, 2016
What a book! I was quite apprehensive to start this book since I could never imagine dear Mr. Darcy with anyone other than Elizabeth. I couldn't even imagine myself with him! Nevertheless, I'm happy I read this book. 'Chaos' wouldn't be enough to describe the events in this book. What could possibly have happened for four mismatched betrothals to occur??? Mr. Darcy and Lydia, Mr. Wickham and Charlotte Lucas, Mr. Collins and Jane, and Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth.
I'll give a quick summary of the four betrothals. Darcy was forced to propose to Lydia Bennet after he found her almost half-naked in the library, and in an attempt to help her, he instead tripped on her. A few seconds later, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet arrived and saw them, and Mrs. Bennet cried that he ruined Lydia. Left with no choice, Darcy proposed. Still with me? We have three couples to go.
Mr. Wickham was forced to propose to Charlotte Lucas because he was blackmailed by Sir William Lucas. Apparently, Sir Lucas saw Wickham flee the library moments before Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet discovered Lydia with Mr. Darcy. He supposed Charlotte had a good enough dowry, and so he proposed. And what a scene it was! I think it was my favorite proposal among the four. Charlotte was hilarious! Two couples to go!
Jane was forced to accept Mr. Collins' suit when he proposed to her just moments after proposing to––and getting rejected by–– Elizabeth. Despondent because of Bingley's retreat, she figured that she might as well accept Mr. Collins to make her family happy. One couple left!
Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth were forced to enter an engagement due to two reasons. When Bingley went to London, his mother arrived ill from Italy. She feared she didn't have long to live, but she asked Bingley if he was finally engaged to the 'Miss Bennet' he mentioned. Bingley equally feared for his mother's health, and thinking it was for her sake, he said that he indeed was engaged. He planned to grovel for Jane's forgiveness, and eventually he would proposal. Alas, when he arrived in Longbourn, he bumped into Elizabeth, who then told him that Jane and Mr. Collins were engaged. He realized he could still propose to a different Bennet and stay in an engagement long enough to appease his dying mother, and so he proposed to Elizabeth. Elizabeth figured that if she refused, he would have no reason to stay in Netherfield. She wanted to give Jane and Bingley a chance, and if Bingley were near, they might find their way into each others' arms. So, Elizabeth said yes.
It's as hilarious as it sounds, folks. There were a lot of funny parts in the book that made me laugh out loud, but I would have to say the Engagement Ball scene was by far the funniest in the book! It reminded me a little of Colin Firth and Hugh Grant's catfights in Bridget Jones' Diary 1 and 2, but that's all I'm going to say about it.
From what you've read above, we are instead left with four unhappy couples, all mismatched. As funny as the circumstances were, I still pitied Bingley, Jane, and Darcy. Wickham and Collins? Not so much.
For me, the characters acted as they should when thrust in that circumstance. Jane had not-so-kind thoughts about Collins, but I guess if anyone as kind as Jane was forced to endure Collins' droll proposal, they wouldn't be thinking of kind thoughts, too.
I wanted to slap three woman throughout this book––Lydia, Caroline Bingley, and Mrs. Bennet. Lydia is somehow more petulant than usual, Caroline was an emotionally manipulative woman, and Mrs. Bennet was as annoying as she usually was. I don't condone violence, but I have never been tempted to slap someone as much as I wanted to hurt these three. My palm is still itching. Haha.
Charlotte was portrayed differently, but wow. Go, Charlotte Lucas! I was laughing so much when Mr. Wickham proposed to her. It was quite amusing to see Mr. Wickham try to seduce Charlotte; unfortunately for him, Charlotte just didn't find him handsome enough to tempt her.
It was relieving to see our characters find their way back to their respective partners, but it didn't mean I didn't have a good laugh thanks to their mismatch.
Copy provided by author in exchange for honest review.
I'll give a quick summary of the four betrothals. Darcy was forced to propose to Lydia Bennet after he found her almost half-naked in the library, and in an attempt to help her, he instead tripped on her. A few seconds later, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet arrived and saw them, and Mrs. Bennet cried that he ruined Lydia. Left with no choice, Darcy proposed. Still with me? We have three couples to go.
Mr. Wickham was forced to propose to Charlotte Lucas because he was blackmailed by Sir William Lucas. Apparently, Sir Lucas saw Wickham flee the library moments before Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet discovered Lydia with Mr. Darcy. He supposed Charlotte had a good enough dowry, and so he proposed. And what a scene it was! I think it was my favorite proposal among the four. Charlotte was hilarious! Two couples to go!
Jane was forced to accept Mr. Collins' suit when he proposed to her just moments after proposing to––and getting rejected by–– Elizabeth. Despondent because of Bingley's retreat, she figured that she might as well accept Mr. Collins to make her family happy. One couple left!
Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth were forced to enter an engagement due to two reasons. When Bingley went to London, his mother arrived ill from Italy. She feared she didn't have long to live, but she asked Bingley if he was finally engaged to the 'Miss Bennet' he mentioned. Bingley equally feared for his mother's health, and thinking it was for her sake, he said that he indeed was engaged. He planned to grovel for Jane's forgiveness, and eventually he would proposal. Alas, when he arrived in Longbourn, he bumped into Elizabeth, who then told him that Jane and Mr. Collins were engaged. He realized he could still propose to a different Bennet and stay in an engagement long enough to appease his dying mother, and so he proposed to Elizabeth. Elizabeth figured that if she refused, he would have no reason to stay in Netherfield. She wanted to give Jane and Bingley a chance, and if Bingley were near, they might find their way into each others' arms. So, Elizabeth said yes.
It's as hilarious as it sounds, folks. There were a lot of funny parts in the book that made me laugh out loud, but I would have to say the Engagement Ball scene was by far the funniest in the book! It reminded me a little of Colin Firth and Hugh Grant's catfights in Bridget Jones' Diary 1 and 2, but that's all I'm going to say about it.
From what you've read above, we are instead left with four unhappy couples, all mismatched. As funny as the circumstances were, I still pitied Bingley, Jane, and Darcy. Wickham and Collins? Not so much.
For me, the characters acted as they should when thrust in that circumstance. Jane had not-so-kind thoughts about Collins, but I guess if anyone as kind as Jane was forced to endure Collins' droll proposal, they wouldn't be thinking of kind thoughts, too.
I wanted to slap three woman throughout this book––Lydia, Caroline Bingley, and Mrs. Bennet. Lydia is somehow more petulant than usual, Caroline was an emotionally manipulative woman, and Mrs. Bennet was as annoying as she usually was. I don't condone violence, but I have never been tempted to slap someone as much as I wanted to hurt these three. My palm is still itching. Haha.
Charlotte was portrayed differently, but wow. Go, Charlotte Lucas! I was laughing so much when Mr. Wickham proposed to her. It was quite amusing to see Mr. Wickham try to seduce Charlotte; unfortunately for him, Charlotte just didn't find him handsome enough to tempt her.
It was relieving to see our characters find their way back to their respective partners, but it didn't mean I didn't have a good laugh thanks to their mismatch.
Copy provided by author in exchange for honest review.
August 11, 2016
It all began with a ball... then mayhem and comedy ensued for Jane Austen's well-beloved characters. The author begs the reader to have a good hearty laugh as her characters are mixed and matched to hilarious and hysterical results. I snorted and laughed from cover to cover over this novella-lengthed romantic comedy that teased and engaged me.
Yes, it all began at a ball. Darcy wanted to rid himself of his feeling for Elizabeth Bennet so in avoiding her he landed in a mess of epic proportions. He simply meant to hide out in a library. Too bad it was already occupied. Soon he is accused of compromising silly Lydia Bennet who won't be truthful about who she was really meeting.
And that is only the beginning, someone else saw the figure who snuck out of the library. Sir William Lucas has a plain daughter and Mr. Wickham has a secret. Wickham now finds himself engaged to Charlotte Lucas.
But there's more...
Elizabeth Bennet rejects the verbose and bumbling Mr. Collins only to stand in horror as her sweet sister, Jane accepts the man. Bingley returns to propose to Jane only to find her beyond his reach so he then turns to Elizabeth who has her own reasons for saying 'yes'.
In the meantime, poor Darcy, is subjected to Lydia's childish demands and no one else is remotely happy with their situation. Something must be done, but what????
Oh, this was a hilarious disaster. I had a good time with it. Definitely one that is sheer farce and not to be taken seriously. But underlying the comedy was a solid premise. The drastic pairings forced each participant to really look at their current situation and what they really desired. They each looked on each other and their heart yearnings with new eyes creating a tender story blended with the humor.
I think this would be a good match for anyone who enjoys zany comedy blended with historical romance whether the reader is familiar with Austen's Pride & Prejudice or not.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, it all began at a ball. Darcy wanted to rid himself of his feeling for Elizabeth Bennet so in avoiding her he landed in a mess of epic proportions. He simply meant to hide out in a library. Too bad it was already occupied. Soon he is accused of compromising silly Lydia Bennet who won't be truthful about who she was really meeting.
And that is only the beginning, someone else saw the figure who snuck out of the library. Sir William Lucas has a plain daughter and Mr. Wickham has a secret. Wickham now finds himself engaged to Charlotte Lucas.
But there's more...
Elizabeth Bennet rejects the verbose and bumbling Mr. Collins only to stand in horror as her sweet sister, Jane accepts the man. Bingley returns to propose to Jane only to find her beyond his reach so he then turns to Elizabeth who has her own reasons for saying 'yes'.
In the meantime, poor Darcy, is subjected to Lydia's childish demands and no one else is remotely happy with their situation. Something must be done, but what????
Oh, this was a hilarious disaster. I had a good time with it. Definitely one that is sheer farce and not to be taken seriously. But underlying the comedy was a solid premise. The drastic pairings forced each participant to really look at their current situation and what they really desired. They each looked on each other and their heart yearnings with new eyes creating a tender story blended with the humor.
I think this would be a good match for anyone who enjoys zany comedy blended with historical romance whether the reader is familiar with Austen's Pride & Prejudice or not.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Oh, what a wild, glorious, insane series of events begin this book! They lead to the most unlikely pairings imaginable in JAFF. Mr. Darcy engaged to Lydia? Mr. Collins engaged to Jane? Mr. Bingley engaged to Elizabeth? Mr. Wickham engaged to Charlotte? What kind of bizarro-world Pride and Prejudice is this??
A thoroughly entertaining one, as it turns out. Somehow, Ms. Kincaid makes all of this come to pass in surprisingly plausible fashion in accordance with Recency rules of behavior, and the result is 8 people all very miserably engaged to someone they don't want to marry. Well, Lydia is happier than most once she figures out how much jewelry and fine clothing she can expect as Mrs. Darcy. Her character is even more childlike than in canon, and the scenes where Darcy desperately tries to have reasonable discussions with her are hilarious. The best scenes, however, are at an engagement ball. Lydia does her best to get Darcy to loosen up. You'll find the most unique interpretation of Charlotte's character that you'll ever read. Mr. Collins has too much punch and says too much. Some of the men end up throwing punches. A Recency catfight even breaks out with much hair-pulling.
The zany aspects of the story are nicely balanced by the more serious consequences of these mismatches. The reader is given insight into all the anguish experienced by Darcy, Bingley and even Jane. There is a breath-taking almost-kiss between a pair, each of whom is engaged to someone else. It all seems like a hopeless muddle that will end in several unhappy marriages, which isn't really a laughing matter. I will not hint at any spoilers beyond saying that events do proceed to a HEA for almost everyone.
This is just a delightful and well written story from beginning to end. I highly recommend!
A thoroughly entertaining one, as it turns out. Somehow, Ms. Kincaid makes all of this come to pass in surprisingly plausible fashion in accordance with Recency rules of behavior, and the result is 8 people all very miserably engaged to someone they don't want to marry. Well, Lydia is happier than most once she figures out how much jewelry and fine clothing she can expect as Mrs. Darcy. Her character is even more childlike than in canon, and the scenes where Darcy desperately tries to have reasonable discussions with her are hilarious. The best scenes, however, are at an engagement ball. Lydia does her best to get Darcy to loosen up. You'll find the most unique interpretation of Charlotte's character that you'll ever read. Mr. Collins has too much punch and says too much. Some of the men end up throwing punches. A Recency catfight even breaks out with much hair-pulling.
The zany aspects of the story are nicely balanced by the more serious consequences of these mismatches. The reader is given insight into all the anguish experienced by Darcy, Bingley and even Jane. There is a breath-taking almost-kiss between a pair, each of whom is engaged to someone else. It all seems like a hopeless muddle that will end in several unhappy marriages, which isn't really a laughing matter. I will not hint at any spoilers beyond saying that events do proceed to a HEA for almost everyone.
This is just a delightful and well written story from beginning to end. I highly recommend!
July 16, 2016
Let me list for you all the reasons for marriage: first, ‘I got caught with my breasts exposed with an unmarried man and beside mama has just reminded me of how rich I shall be’, then ‘since it seems I compromised her I must offer for her’, thirdly: ‘as I am to inherit and thus make the family homeless so I will compensate by offering for one of the daughters’, fourth is the situation in which 'I can make my mother happy by keeping her from the hedgerows and as, oh well, I will never love a man like the one who abandoned me’, now ‘we come to being blackmailed into marrying a spinster…but she has a nice enough dowry’, and sixth is ‘settling for a man who promises to allow me to run my own household and to give me children’, and the last two we have are ‘a man, marrying to make his mother happy before she dies’, and ‘a woman who accepts a proposal more or less as a place marker (only accepting if you promise to court my sister)’!!!
This book was hilarious and kept me turning pages. Eight people all mismatched but the author so very cleverly tangles and then unwinds the web in her creation. I appreciated how well it was written and how close to the characters from canon these people were portrayed. That is all except Charlotte: she is a work of art - so very, very funny. I was crying with laughter as Mr. Collins wiggles his eyebrows at Wickham and elbows him as he smirks about the comforts of the marriage bed but how that sometimes he just wants to sleep. Then there is this excerpt as Charlotte talks to Lydia, “I could have Mr. Collins provide a few suggestions to him.”
There are so many delightfully related scenes and we hear from each person as this merry or not so happy band of lovers and would-be-betrothed react to circumstances forced upon them or are contrived and then regretted at their own hands. The town gossips will never want for material in the area of Longbourn and Meryton.
This book was hilarious and kept me turning pages. Eight people all mismatched but the author so very cleverly tangles and then unwinds the web in her creation. I appreciated how well it was written and how close to the characters from canon these people were portrayed. That is all except Charlotte: she is a work of art - so very, very funny. I was crying with laughter as Mr. Collins wiggles his eyebrows at Wickham and elbows him as he smirks about the comforts of the marriage bed but how that sometimes he just wants to sleep. Then there is this excerpt as Charlotte talks to Lydia, “I could have Mr. Collins provide a few suggestions to him.”
There are so many delightfully related scenes and we hear from each person as this merry or not so happy band of lovers and would-be-betrothed react to circumstances forced upon them or are contrived and then regretted at their own hands. The town gossips will never want for material in the area of Longbourn and Meryton.
July 22, 2017
Farce- a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.
an absurd event
This book is a farce that is composed of farces in farcical situations.
If you don't like humor and ludicrously improbable situations combined with many an absurd event - walk away. Luckily I am celebrated for my sense of humor and my love of comedy and this book was a treat.
This P&P Variation just jumps in the evening the the Netherfield ball so you need to be familiar with the source material. There are a few changes from canon, Mr. Wickham is in attendance and Mr. Darcy doesn't dance with Miss Elizabeth. Instead he stalks off looking for some peace and quiet and instead finds a piece and agitation. In the dark library Miss Lydia has been getting busy with an unknown man who abandons her disheveled self when Darcy enters. His attempts to be Gentlemanly result in him being accused of compromising Lydia by Mrs. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. In front of many of the guests he is forced to propose and she drunkenly accepts and the are betrothed.
Not long after Darcy and the Bingley's flee Netherfield for various reasons. Darcy to see his solicitor and attempt to escape this new hell. The Bingleys to evade the artful Bennets. Then Lizzy rejects Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet sensing blood in the water sends him to Jane who brokenheartedly accepts the proposal Lizzy so willfully rejected.
Meanwhile at Lucas Lodge Sir William, of those Artful Lucases, is meeting with Wickham and extortion is on the agenda. He knows it was Wickham not Darcy in the Netherfield library with Lydia and will stay silent if Wickham marries his eldest, spinster, daughter Charlotte. In a bit of off canon business she is the daughter of his first marriage and has a healthy dowry. The author also repeatedly points out how plain and dull Charlotte is; she is quite immune to Wickham's charms. And soon they are engaged once she gets him to agree to her terms.
Collins returns to Rosings and Jane accepts her fate like a medieval martyr and Lizzy is just furious at the injustice of all of it. She knows Darcy didn't comprise Lydia but dizzy Miss Liddie won't spill her secret. Amid this insanity Bingley returns to Netherfield planning to propose to Jane, for an unusual reason, and is devastated when he learns she is already engaged. So needing a Bennet and having Lizzy before him he proposes a faux engagement and she accepts with the codicil that Bingley jilt her for Jane should Jane agree to marry him.
So to recap we now have four dreadfully mismatched engagements, all of which are in no hurry to meet the parson. Darcy returns to Netherfield and is stunned at Bingley's betrothal and crushed, he still can't shake Lydia. The scenes with Darcy and Lydia are hilarious you can feel Darcy's pain every time our dim little skank opens her mouth. As are the scenes with Wickham being unable to comprehend how Charlotte is immune to his charms. There is some angst when Jane is denied Bingley and facing years with Mr. Collins. And there is a little adultish content when Lydia is messing around with her secret lover.
But as we all know there will be a HEA for some or all of the characters. One thing I would have loved to have read would have been Lady Catherine verses Lydia Bennet in the scene where she explains that Mr.Darcy can't be engaged to Lydia because he is engaged to Anne.
an absurd event
This book is a farce that is composed of farces in farcical situations.
If you don't like humor and ludicrously improbable situations combined with many an absurd event - walk away. Luckily I am celebrated for my sense of humor and my love of comedy and this book was a treat.
This P&P Variation just jumps in the evening the the Netherfield ball so you need to be familiar with the source material. There are a few changes from canon, Mr. Wickham is in attendance and Mr. Darcy doesn't dance with Miss Elizabeth. Instead he stalks off looking for some peace and quiet and instead finds a piece and agitation. In the dark library Miss Lydia has been getting busy with an unknown man who abandons her disheveled self when Darcy enters. His attempts to be Gentlemanly result in him being accused of compromising Lydia by Mrs. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. In front of many of the guests he is forced to propose and she drunkenly accepts and the are betrothed.
Not long after Darcy and the Bingley's flee Netherfield for various reasons. Darcy to see his solicitor and attempt to escape this new hell. The Bingleys to evade the artful Bennets. Then Lizzy rejects Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet sensing blood in the water sends him to Jane who brokenheartedly accepts the proposal Lizzy so willfully rejected.
Meanwhile at Lucas Lodge Sir William, of those Artful Lucases, is meeting with Wickham and extortion is on the agenda. He knows it was Wickham not Darcy in the Netherfield library with Lydia and will stay silent if Wickham marries his eldest, spinster, daughter Charlotte. In a bit of off canon business she is the daughter of his first marriage and has a healthy dowry. The author also repeatedly points out how plain and dull Charlotte is; she is quite immune to Wickham's charms. And soon they are engaged once she gets him to agree to her terms.
Collins returns to Rosings and Jane accepts her fate like a medieval martyr and Lizzy is just furious at the injustice of all of it. She knows Darcy didn't comprise Lydia but dizzy Miss Liddie won't spill her secret. Amid this insanity Bingley returns to Netherfield planning to propose to Jane, for an unusual reason, and is devastated when he learns she is already engaged. So needing a Bennet and having Lizzy before him he proposes a faux engagement and she accepts with the codicil that Bingley jilt her for Jane should Jane agree to marry him.
So to recap we now have four dreadfully mismatched engagements, all of which are in no hurry to meet the parson. Darcy returns to Netherfield and is stunned at Bingley's betrothal and crushed, he still can't shake Lydia. The scenes with Darcy and Lydia are hilarious you can feel Darcy's pain every time our dim little skank opens her mouth. As are the scenes with Wickham being unable to comprehend how Charlotte is immune to his charms. There is some angst when Jane is denied Bingley and facing years with Mr. Collins. And there is a little adultish content when Lydia is messing around with her secret lover.
But as we all know there will be a HEA for some or all of the characters. One thing I would have loved to have read would have been Lady Catherine verses Lydia Bennet in the scene where she explains that Mr.Darcy can't be engaged to Lydia because he is engaged to Anne.
August 12, 2016
Was this the domino effect or the pebble that started the avalanche?
Just like a loose pebble can start an avalanche, the horror began right away and built as each convoluted engagement came about. I was stunned at how easily a man could be duped/tricked/forced into marriage by a single word… compromise. Fairly quickly everyone was engaged to someone, only not the right someone.
I had been forewarned by friends that this was a farce. Had I stumbled into this book without their warning to take it with a grain of salt, I would have been an emotional mess. As it was, I simply waited for the unraveling to take place and for the right man to be with the right woman. It was hilarious as the couples and their engagements started to fall like dominoes. I loved the introspection of each person as they reasoned their way through their situations. Their train of consciousness was hilarious as we were privy to their thoughts. The engagement ball was an absolute riot…literally. OMG!!! I loved that scene.
The action had a ripple effect as each engagement began easy enough, but then, when everyone was completely miserable, suddenly started to unravel. The machinations of the couples in bringing about a conclusion was devilishly cunning. When several characters started planning their strategies, it was a well laid plan that brought about the HEA for our dear couples. In retrospect, the couple that started the mess was instrumental in bring about the HEA. It came full circle. How fitting.
The epilogue was a hoot. I have always heard that there is someone for everyone…but the behavior of Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins completely took me by surprise. Who knew? I loved that interplay between them. They usually get a bad rap with him being a toad and her settling. In this version they were absolutely adorable and I simply loved their reaction to each other. I mean…they really reacted to each other. OMG!!! Adorable. I am so pleased with that connection. Well done Victoria Kincaid, well done.
Just like a loose pebble can start an avalanche, the horror began right away and built as each convoluted engagement came about. I was stunned at how easily a man could be duped/tricked/forced into marriage by a single word… compromise. Fairly quickly everyone was engaged to someone, only not the right someone.
I had been forewarned by friends that this was a farce. Had I stumbled into this book without their warning to take it with a grain of salt, I would have been an emotional mess. As it was, I simply waited for the unraveling to take place and for the right man to be with the right woman. It was hilarious as the couples and their engagements started to fall like dominoes. I loved the introspection of each person as they reasoned their way through their situations. Their train of consciousness was hilarious as we were privy to their thoughts. The engagement ball was an absolute riot…literally. OMG!!! I loved that scene.
The action had a ripple effect as each engagement began easy enough, but then, when everyone was completely miserable, suddenly started to unravel. The machinations of the couples in bringing about a conclusion was devilishly cunning. When several characters started planning their strategies, it was a well laid plan that brought about the HEA for our dear couples. In retrospect, the couple that started the mess was instrumental in bring about the HEA. It came full circle. How fitting.
The epilogue was a hoot. I have always heard that there is someone for everyone…but the behavior of Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins completely took me by surprise. Who knew? I loved that interplay between them. They usually get a bad rap with him being a toad and her settling. In this version they were absolutely adorable and I simply loved their reaction to each other. I mean…they really reacted to each other. OMG!!! Adorable. I am so pleased with that connection. Well done Victoria Kincaid, well done.
August 14, 2016
Will chaos reign when one ill-fated betrothal leads to series of unfortunate alliances throughout Meryton?
Rating : 5 stars out of 5
Source: I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Jane Austen certainly had a well-developed sense of humor! Whether we stop to consider Mr. Collins’ hideous marriage proposal or enjoy the snarky intent behind one of Elizabeth Bennet’s responses to Caroline Bingley, we are reminded of Austen’s infamous wit and humor. Yet, I don’t think even she could have imagined the comedy of errors that could occur between the guests and residents of Meryton as they unfold in Victoria Kincaid’s newest story,”Chaos Comes to Longbourn!”
What begins as a well-known scene at the Netherfield ball with Mr. Darcy eyeing Elizabeth as a prospective dance partner, while he simultaneously frets over the fact that the greatest obstacle in his present situation lies his attraction to the unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet, quickly turns into a much worse situation than the master of Pemberley ever imagined for himself when he is unjustly accused of compromising Lydia Bennet in the Netherfield library. As a man with a well-developed sense of honor, he soon finds himself engaged to marry the silliest girl in all of Meryton; the dense and immature Lydia Bennet. How can the stodgy and “old” Mr. Darcy ever find happiness married to Elizabeth’s youngest sister?
This story would be entertaining if the calamity of unfortunate pairings ended with Darcy and Lydia, but what would an Austen variation be if other couples weren’t considering marriage for themselves? And consider marriage they certainly do, as they select one ill-suited partner after another! Before the gossips of Meryton even know it, four mismatched couples are headed to the altar, without any hope of cupid turning his arrow in the proper direction.
As she adheres to the proprieties and the sensibilities of the Regency era, Ms. Kincaid has spun a tale that is quite comedic, while she simultaneously manages to balance her story with the serious consequences contained within each couples’ own particular situation. I love that her plot never sags or wanes and that she also manages to develop Darcy and Elizabeth’s own budding relationship in the midst of all of this chaos. The inner musings of each of her characters are so well-written and reflect each character’s growing awareness of his/her own true feelings throughout each situation. I don’t think I could pick one single favorite character from this story, but I certainly enjoyed Darcy and Wickham’s lines as they both came to terms with the idea of living a lifetime married to Lydia Bennet… Need I say more?
Can Darcy make Lydia happy and move Peckerly closer to Longbourn? Will Charlotte be able to resist the charms of a clergyman while she’s engaged to a dashing officer? How will Jane survive attending a ball at Netherfield Park with her own fiancé while Charles is also engaged to marry another? And why is Elizabeth Bennet gaining a sense that Fitzwilliam Darcy may not be such an undesirous man after all? When you finish the last pages of Victoria Kincaid’s latest release, you’ll have all of this chaos under control!
Chaos Comes to Longbourn Book Blurb
While attempting to suppress his own desire to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy flees the Netherfield ballroom only to stumble upon a half-dressed Lydia Bennet in the library. After being discovered with her in a compromising position, Darcy is forced to make her an offer of marriage.
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
Rating : 5 stars out of 5
Source: I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Jane Austen certainly had a well-developed sense of humor! Whether we stop to consider Mr. Collins’ hideous marriage proposal or enjoy the snarky intent behind one of Elizabeth Bennet’s responses to Caroline Bingley, we are reminded of Austen’s infamous wit and humor. Yet, I don’t think even she could have imagined the comedy of errors that could occur between the guests and residents of Meryton as they unfold in Victoria Kincaid’s newest story,”Chaos Comes to Longbourn!”
What begins as a well-known scene at the Netherfield ball with Mr. Darcy eyeing Elizabeth as a prospective dance partner, while he simultaneously frets over the fact that the greatest obstacle in his present situation lies his attraction to the unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet, quickly turns into a much worse situation than the master of Pemberley ever imagined for himself when he is unjustly accused of compromising Lydia Bennet in the Netherfield library. As a man with a well-developed sense of honor, he soon finds himself engaged to marry the silliest girl in all of Meryton; the dense and immature Lydia Bennet. How can the stodgy and “old” Mr. Darcy ever find happiness married to Elizabeth’s youngest sister?
This story would be entertaining if the calamity of unfortunate pairings ended with Darcy and Lydia, but what would an Austen variation be if other couples weren’t considering marriage for themselves? And consider marriage they certainly do, as they select one ill-suited partner after another! Before the gossips of Meryton even know it, four mismatched couples are headed to the altar, without any hope of cupid turning his arrow in the proper direction.
As she adheres to the proprieties and the sensibilities of the Regency era, Ms. Kincaid has spun a tale that is quite comedic, while she simultaneously manages to balance her story with the serious consequences contained within each couples’ own particular situation. I love that her plot never sags or wanes and that she also manages to develop Darcy and Elizabeth’s own budding relationship in the midst of all of this chaos. The inner musings of each of her characters are so well-written and reflect each character’s growing awareness of his/her own true feelings throughout each situation. I don’t think I could pick one single favorite character from this story, but I certainly enjoyed Darcy and Wickham’s lines as they both came to terms with the idea of living a lifetime married to Lydia Bennet… Need I say more?
Can Darcy make Lydia happy and move Peckerly closer to Longbourn? Will Charlotte be able to resist the charms of a clergyman while she’s engaged to a dashing officer? How will Jane survive attending a ball at Netherfield Park with her own fiancé while Charles is also engaged to marry another? And why is Elizabeth Bennet gaining a sense that Fitzwilliam Darcy may not be such an undesirous man after all? When you finish the last pages of Victoria Kincaid’s latest release, you’ll have all of this chaos under control!
Chaos Comes to Longbourn Book Blurb
While attempting to suppress his own desire to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy flees the Netherfield ballroom only to stumble upon a half-dressed Lydia Bennet in the library. After being discovered with her in a compromising position, Darcy is forced to make her an offer of marriage.
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
January 8, 2017
4.5 stars!!! An Engaging Tangle of Engagements!
What if an unexpected series of events caused the four principal couples of Pride and Prejudice to form completely different pairings?
What if Mrs. Bennet caught Mr. Darcy in a compromising situation with Lydia Bennet and forced him to enter into an engagement to protect her reputation?
What if everything was completely mixed-up and everyone wanted to be with someone other than their betrothed?
A romantic farce full of humor would ensue….
In her newest Pride and Prejudice variation author Victoria Kincaid takes readers on a very twisted romp. Instead of employing one popular romantic trope, she utilizes four! Darcy is in a forced engagement with Lydia, Wickham is blackmailed into an engagement with Charlotte Lucas, Jane accepts Mr. Collins’ proposal as a marriage of convenience, and Lizzy enters into a fake engagement with Mr. Bingley! Poor Mr. Darcy wants to desperately find away out of his engagement with Lydia. They both know he isn’t the rake who led her to the library at Netherfield and seduced her. And even though Lizzy was at first outraged at the despicable actions she suspected of Mr. Darcy, she now begins to believe that something isn’t quite adding up and that Mr. Darcy must be innocent. But how can they prove that when Lydia insists Mr. Darcy was her seducer!
Didn’t Victoria Kincaid dream up a delightfully entertaining scenario?!? This is definitely one of those stories where you don’t take everything seriously and suspend your disbelief a little! I would recommend expecting some characters to act with a little less propriety and be a little more open about their personal lives. This jocular tale is definitely tongue in cheek!
I thought Victoria Kincaid did a masterful job orchestrating all the mismatched couples in a believable fashion. Each couples’ engagement happened for a plausible reason and I enjoyed witnessing the domino effect of it all. No one could untangle themselves from their situation without effecting the others. I thought Darcy was supremely I adorable in this impossible situation! And I loved how begrudging Lydia was to act like his finacée and I thought Charlotte’s surprising preference was inspired!
Even though it was most diverting to witness the chaotic and conflicting situations these characters got themselves embroiled in, my favorite part of the story was seeing Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy and optimistically wish for his freedom! Their romance developes gracefully and gradually and I loved witnessing Lizzy’s change of heart and growing awareness of wonderful and honorable man Mr. Darcy is. Oh! And that scene in the alcove?!? *swoon!*
Chaos Comes to Longbourn is a deliciously wicked romantic romp that will have readers chortling in delight and quickly turning the pages! Definitely a perfect choice for readers in search of an amusing and unique variation to captivate their attention!
Austenesque Reviews
What if an unexpected series of events caused the four principal couples of Pride and Prejudice to form completely different pairings?
What if Mrs. Bennet caught Mr. Darcy in a compromising situation with Lydia Bennet and forced him to enter into an engagement to protect her reputation?
What if everything was completely mixed-up and everyone wanted to be with someone other than their betrothed?
A romantic farce full of humor would ensue….
In her newest Pride and Prejudice variation author Victoria Kincaid takes readers on a very twisted romp. Instead of employing one popular romantic trope, she utilizes four! Darcy is in a forced engagement with Lydia, Wickham is blackmailed into an engagement with Charlotte Lucas, Jane accepts Mr. Collins’ proposal as a marriage of convenience, and Lizzy enters into a fake engagement with Mr. Bingley! Poor Mr. Darcy wants to desperately find away out of his engagement with Lydia. They both know he isn’t the rake who led her to the library at Netherfield and seduced her. And even though Lizzy was at first outraged at the despicable actions she suspected of Mr. Darcy, she now begins to believe that something isn’t quite adding up and that Mr. Darcy must be innocent. But how can they prove that when Lydia insists Mr. Darcy was her seducer!
Didn’t Victoria Kincaid dream up a delightfully entertaining scenario?!? This is definitely one of those stories where you don’t take everything seriously and suspend your disbelief a little! I would recommend expecting some characters to act with a little less propriety and be a little more open about their personal lives. This jocular tale is definitely tongue in cheek!
I thought Victoria Kincaid did a masterful job orchestrating all the mismatched couples in a believable fashion. Each couples’ engagement happened for a plausible reason and I enjoyed witnessing the domino effect of it all. No one could untangle themselves from their situation without effecting the others. I thought Darcy was supremely I adorable in this impossible situation! And I loved how begrudging Lydia was to act like his finacée and I thought Charlotte’s surprising preference was inspired!
Even though it was most diverting to witness the chaotic and conflicting situations these characters got themselves embroiled in, my favorite part of the story was seeing Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy and optimistically wish for his freedom! Their romance developes gracefully and gradually and I loved witnessing Lizzy’s change of heart and growing awareness of wonderful and honorable man Mr. Darcy is. Oh! And that scene in the alcove?!? *swoon!*
Chaos Comes to Longbourn is a deliciously wicked romantic romp that will have readers chortling in delight and quickly turning the pages! Definitely a perfect choice for readers in search of an amusing and unique variation to captivate their attention!
Austenesque Reviews
June 7, 2022
Short and sweet. Another quick and pretty angst free read.
Reread: So much fun. Chaos is right! Charlotte has to be my favorite character in it.
Reread: Charlotte is my fave.
Reread: So funny.
Reread: So much fun. Chaos is right! Charlotte has to be my favorite character in it.
Reread: Charlotte is my fave.
Reread: So funny.
December 13, 2016
Status: Read from November 08 to 11, 2016
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Review:
Implausibility diminished enjoyment - 2.5 Stars
I enjoy a little chaos in my JAFF reads, but this variation was just not plausible. The author had to have our beloved characters act wholly out of character to rearrange and pair them eccentrically. The idea should have been entertaining, but it just wasn’t for me.
My Library Notes:
Chaos Comes to Longbourn
by Victoria Kincaid
Kindle Edition, 188 pages
Published June 29th 2016
ASIN: B00IFVAAGA
While attempting to suppress his own desire to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy flees the Netherfield ballroom only to stumble upon a half-dressed Lydia Bennet in the library. After being discovered with her in a compromising position, Darcy is forced to make her an offer of marriage.
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Review:
Implausibility diminished enjoyment - 2.5 Stars
I enjoy a little chaos in my JAFF reads, but this variation was just not plausible. The author had to have our beloved characters act wholly out of character to rearrange and pair them eccentrically. The idea should have been entertaining, but it just wasn’t for me.
My Library Notes:
Chaos Comes to Longbourn
by Victoria Kincaid
Kindle Edition, 188 pages
Published June 29th 2016
ASIN: B00IFVAAGA
While attempting to suppress his own desire to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy flees the Netherfield ballroom only to stumble upon a half-dressed Lydia Bennet in the library. After being discovered with her in a compromising position, Darcy is forced to make her an offer of marriage.
Fearing the Bennets will attempt a similar “trick” with their brother, Mr. Bingley’s sisters convince him to leave Hertfordshire without any intention of returning. After Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins, a heartbroken Jane Bennet accepts his proposal.
Having resolved to propose to Jane, Bingley returns to Longbourn; but when he learns of her betrothal, he makes an offer to Elizabeth instead. She accepts, with the hope that Jane will change her mind if Bingley remains at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lucas is aware that Wickham had actually compromised Lydia in the Netherfield library and blackmails him into proposing to Charlotte Lucas, who is in danger of becoming an old maid.
Hertfordshire has become a tangled web of misbegotten betrothals.
Although Darcy yearns for Elizabeth, he feels honor bound by his promise. Elizabeth is also developing feelings for the master of Pemberley, but he has never seemed so far out of her reach. How can Darcy and Elizabeth unravel this tangle and reach their happily ever after?
January 23, 2017
What a mix up!
This story gets as hopelessly tangled as a ball of yarn in the paws of a kitten, but getting it untangled creates one of the most entertaining tales I have read!
Highly recommended!
This story gets as hopelessly tangled as a ball of yarn in the paws of a kitten, but getting it untangled creates one of the most entertaining tales I have read!
Highly recommended!
August 28, 2016
Poor everyone, especially Darcy! This is a most evil variation that makes poor Darcy engaged to Lydia! I know, the horror, but is such a gentleman and there was a situation that was misunderstood.
Just think about it, Darcy shackled to Lydia, he would be the laughingstock of England. And I was all how will he get out of it!
But this whole mess leads to more messes. Amusing evil messes. Like Jane and Collins! The horror. Bingley and Lizzy! (well that one could actually be content in the end even if both would be unhappy.) And last Charlotte and Wickham. Aye, everyone is unhappy in different ways.
What a mess of couples, I will keep on saying it. It made for such a good read!
This was an amusing variation, and like always, everything will be sorted out. Of course people will get happy endings. It's just a messy way to get there.
I wanted to hug Darcy so much. Poor guy. Give him a drink someone!
Funny! Well written and quite the tale.
Just think about it, Darcy shackled to Lydia, he would be the laughingstock of England. And I was all how will he get out of it!
But this whole mess leads to more messes. Amusing evil messes. Like Jane and Collins! The horror. Bingley and Lizzy! (well that one could actually be content in the end even if both would be unhappy.) And last Charlotte and Wickham. Aye, everyone is unhappy in different ways.
What a mess of couples, I will keep on saying it. It made for such a good read!
This was an amusing variation, and like always, everything will be sorted out. Of course people will get happy endings. It's just a messy way to get there.
I wanted to hug Darcy so much. Poor guy. Give him a drink someone!
Funny! Well written and quite the tale.
March 9, 2019
My Rating: 3.5* rounded up to 4*
Such ado about dancing! Oh, if Darcy only knew what the consequences of not dancing with Elizabeth at the Netherfield Ball would be, he would never have left the ballroom!
"Why do I wish to dance with Elizabeth Bennet?" (quote from the book)
What can go wrong did go wrong in this fun farce! This is a quick easy read that puts a smile on your face and leaves you shaking your head over the calamity of errors that occur throughout. It also has you wanting to try and shake some sense into Lydia...but we all know how that would turn out!
"Lydia had all the restraint of a rabbit in springtime." (quote from the book)
So if you are in need of a good laugh and something light and breezy to read, I do recommend this rather quirky tale!
Such ado about dancing! Oh, if Darcy only knew what the consequences of not dancing with Elizabeth at the Netherfield Ball would be, he would never have left the ballroom!
"Why do I wish to dance with Elizabeth Bennet?" (quote from the book)
What can go wrong did go wrong in this fun farce! This is a quick easy read that puts a smile on your face and leaves you shaking your head over the calamity of errors that occur throughout. It also has you wanting to try and shake some sense into Lydia...but we all know how that would turn out!
"Lydia had all the restraint of a rabbit in springtime." (quote from the book)
So if you are in need of a good laugh and something light and breezy to read, I do recommend this rather quirky tale!
January 26, 2022
This was funny! You can't read this is your a purist, or a stickler for proper manners, etc. I laughed while reading it and I loved Bingley in this! Everyone was engaged to the wrong couple and I wasn't sure how it was going to work out! Very nice!
July 26, 2017
Mixed up engagements. Fun, funny and enjoyable.
July 8, 2016
What a ride! (Some spoilers)
Talk about chaos run amok! Victoria Kincaid's latest book has the reader sitting in suspense as the plot unfolds a mess of unlikely couples, from Jane betrothed to Mr. Collins to Lizzy with Mr. Bingley. I laughed at the ridiculous moments, such as Lydia, at the second Netherfield Ball, yelling for her betrothed 'Fitzie' Fitzwilliam Darcy. I have read a lot of P&P variations, but I haven't come across that nickname! Too funny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I highly recommend it, and am excited for Me. Kincaid's next book.
Talk about chaos run amok! Victoria Kincaid's latest book has the reader sitting in suspense as the plot unfolds a mess of unlikely couples, from Jane betrothed to Mr. Collins to Lizzy with Mr. Bingley. I laughed at the ridiculous moments, such as Lydia, at the second Netherfield Ball, yelling for her betrothed 'Fitzie' Fitzwilliam Darcy. I have read a lot of P&P variations, but I haven't come across that nickname! Too funny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I highly recommend it, and am excited for Me. Kincaid's next book.
October 28, 2016
With this Pride and Prejudice variation chaos starts when Darcy is perceived to have compromised Lydia Bennet, who could well be the worst possible wife for Darcy. Then events lead to three more unlikely engagements. Read how these unfortunate engagements can be, if there are, resolved.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
December 23, 2018
Chaos is the only way to describe this story.... it is so unique and completely bonkers!! It starts at the Netherfield Ball when Mr Darcy ends up engaged to Lydia when her seducer leaves with Darcy doing the honourable thing and picking up the pieces... I don't even know how to summarise without spoiling what happens next but we end up with 4 engagements - all of them miserable!
I really enjoyed so many elements of this book. As much as I hated Lydia being engaged to Darcy - her behaviour was exactly as you would have expected. She was so awful it was brilliant. I think Charlotte turned out to be one of my favourite characters. Her interaction with with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins was hilarious! Mr Collins was brilliant too... I liked him so much and I can't think of a time I have ever said that sentence before!!
I gave 4 stars rather than 5 as it took a bit too long in my opinion for this bundle of chaos to sort itself out. I think I wanted to see more of the sorting out and everything afterwards as opposed to spending most of the book in the chaos. Also, I didn't like Elizabeth's engagement. As much as I could see the reason for it, I didn't like it. I couldn't buy into the way I could with the other situations, despite them being all ridiculous!!
This is a really funny book and well worth a read.
I really enjoyed so many elements of this book. As much as I hated Lydia being engaged to Darcy - her behaviour was exactly as you would have expected. She was so awful it was brilliant. I think Charlotte turned out to be one of my favourite characters. Her interaction with with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins was hilarious! Mr Collins was brilliant too... I liked him so much and I can't think of a time I have ever said that sentence before!!
I gave 4 stars rather than 5 as it took a bit too long in my opinion for this bundle of chaos to sort itself out. I think I wanted to see more of the sorting out and everything afterwards as opposed to spending most of the book in the chaos. Also, I didn't like Elizabeth's engagement. As much as I could see the reason for it, I didn't like it. I couldn't buy into the way I could with the other situations, despite them being all ridiculous!!
This is a really funny book and well worth a read.
November 11, 2016
Pride and Prejudice, with a twist.
Wow. What if Mr. Darcy was mistakenly thought the man who compromised Lydia Bennet, and was forced to enter into an engagement with her to protect her honor? What if this led to a string of catastrophic events regarding all the P & P players and their engagements? Well, in this book, it happens.
Kincaid cleverly manipulates the original storyline of P & P and entertains with a funny, yet distressing story for those of us who love Jane Austen's stories. She takes some of the fringe characters, like Mr. Collins, Lydia, Charlotte Lucas, and delves more deeply into their moral character and mannerisms.
Lydia, ever irritating in the original, is so much more in this book with her tittering, her exclamations of "La!" and her incessant habit of getting the name of Pemberley wrong at every turn. In this version, one almost feels sorry for Wickham in the end.
I liked the fact that she made the characters of Mr. Collins and Charlotte come across as more passionate (toward each other). Mr. Collins was a little less irritating. Only a little.
Kincaid obviously knows her Jane Austen. She constructs a story here that ultimately stays true to the original, but throws in a nice twist to the plot that gives Austen fans a chance to enjoy Pride and Prejudice again, only in a more roundabout way. If you like retellings or variations of Jane Austen novels, then you will be a fan of this book.
Wow. What if Mr. Darcy was mistakenly thought the man who compromised Lydia Bennet, and was forced to enter into an engagement with her to protect her honor? What if this led to a string of catastrophic events regarding all the P & P players and their engagements? Well, in this book, it happens.
Kincaid cleverly manipulates the original storyline of P & P and entertains with a funny, yet distressing story for those of us who love Jane Austen's stories. She takes some of the fringe characters, like Mr. Collins, Lydia, Charlotte Lucas, and delves more deeply into their moral character and mannerisms.
Lydia, ever irritating in the original, is so much more in this book with her tittering, her exclamations of "La!" and her incessant habit of getting the name of Pemberley wrong at every turn. In this version, one almost feels sorry for Wickham in the end.
I liked the fact that she made the characters of Mr. Collins and Charlotte come across as more passionate (toward each other). Mr. Collins was a little less irritating. Only a little.
Kincaid obviously knows her Jane Austen. She constructs a story here that ultimately stays true to the original, but throws in a nice twist to the plot that gives Austen fans a chance to enjoy Pride and Prejudice again, only in a more roundabout way. If you like retellings or variations of Jane Austen novels, then you will be a fan of this book.
July 13, 2016
I was a little apprehensive going into this book but after I started reading I couldn't put it down. The hilarity that ensues because of all these unlikely couples having to hook up because of compromises and convenience. The best scene in the book is the engagement ball when two different people get punched in the face. Victoria Kincaid proves yet again that she is a rising star in the world of JAFF fiction. This is definitely one of her best books.
Rating: 4½ stars out 5
Rating: 4½ stars out 5
September 18, 2016
What chaos ensues. Although I would call chaos an understatement....There were such mismatches I couldn't wait to read more o find out how it ended. It was quite humorous and a tortured Darcy, well the more tortured the better. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
July 15, 2016
Mr. Darcy and the terrible, horrible, bad day
A fun take on matchmaking and compromising positions in a loose and laughable Regency setting. Creative premise and a quick read.
A fun take on matchmaking and compromising positions in a loose and laughable Regency setting. Creative premise and a quick read.
December 11, 2018
I don’t normally read these kind of variations, I prefer those which are more realistic to the time period and the original. However I was swayed by other positive reviews, and I’m glad I took the chance.
I liked that the author was upfront that this was a farcical situation, and yet managed to keep it fairly realistic aside from that plot point. Aside from Charlotte, everyone else was fairly accurately portrayed. With Charlotte, the changes were necessary to the plot and yet she kept her practical edge and was very likeable. I enjoyed her & Collins in this story, especially when talking to Lydia and Wickham! Darcy comes to his senses more quickly than in P&P, as does Elizabeth, but otherwise they aren’t terribly OOC. Bingley/Elizabeth was always going to be the hardest to achieve in this story, but it was well handled and almost believable.
I found the story clever and funny, and would recommend.
I liked that the author was upfront that this was a farcical situation, and yet managed to keep it fairly realistic aside from that plot point. Aside from Charlotte, everyone else was fairly accurately portrayed. With Charlotte, the changes were necessary to the plot and yet she kept her practical edge and was very likeable. I enjoyed her & Collins in this story, especially when talking to Lydia and Wickham! Darcy comes to his senses more quickly than in P&P, as does Elizabeth, but otherwise they aren’t terribly OOC. Bingley/Elizabeth was always going to be the hardest to achieve in this story, but it was well handled and almost believable.
I found the story clever and funny, and would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
Chaos, indeed!
What a mix-up! At the Netherfield ball, Darcy is discovered in a compromising position with Lydia Bennet. Nothing will suffice but that they marry, although this is not an outcome that either party desires. I love how the author probes the depths of Lydia's inner trull.
When Bingley abandons Jane, she despondently accepts a proposal from Mr. Collins, believing that if she cannot marry the man she loves, she may as well marry to protect her family.
When Bingley returns and finds Jane betrothed to another, he implores Elizabeth to be his fiancee to save face with his mother.
And Wickham is induced to marry Charlotte Lucas. How can this mess be put right so that everyone can be happy? Well, almost everyone.
4
What a mix-up! At the Netherfield ball, Darcy is discovered in a compromising position with Lydia Bennet. Nothing will suffice but that they marry, although this is not an outcome that either party desires. I love how the author probes the depths of Lydia's inner trull.
When Bingley abandons Jane, she despondently accepts a proposal from Mr. Collins, believing that if she cannot marry the man she loves, she may as well marry to protect her family.
When Bingley returns and finds Jane betrothed to another, he implores Elizabeth to be his fiancee to save face with his mother.
And Wickham is induced to marry Charlotte Lucas. How can this mess be put right so that everyone can be happy? Well, almost everyone.
4
April 9, 2020
Victoria Kincaid has become one of my favorite authors of Pride and Prejudice variations. I very much enjoy the varied and innovative ways she asks the reader, "what if?" of this classic tale. Although the premise of this tale is quite innovative and amusing, it is the character of Charlotte Lucas (not the pairing of Lizzie Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy) that emerged as the star of this tale. Her scenes with both Mr. Wickham and Mr. Collins are quite entertaining and Kincaid allows Charlotte to be practical, romantic, unexpected, and fun in turn. Although this is not my favorite of Kincaid's variations, it was enjoyable escapist fiction, which was just what I needed.
March 29, 2020
This was such a fun and lighthearted read! It is not a book to be taken seriously, but if you need a farcical diversion, this works nicely! Poor Darcy. There is probably not a literary character less suited to be paired with Darcy than Lydia Bennet. The other pairings were almost as cringy, but I really felt Darcy's pain! Of course, in the end, all the knots untangled and straightened out very well!
June 18, 2020
A tangled mess
It was alright right up until Chapter 16 and the elopement of Wickham and Lydia which was not written well in my opinion (too many holes). The whole story was a bit of a tangled mess to write oneself out of. I'm sure Bingley could have come up with some other reason for hanging around: a courtship instead of an engagement? But I suppose that would have meant lying to his mother.
It was alright right up until Chapter 16 and the elopement of Wickham and Lydia which was not written well in my opinion (too many holes). The whole story was a bit of a tangled mess to write oneself out of. I'm sure Bingley could have come up with some other reason for hanging around: a courtship instead of an engagement? But I suppose that would have meant lying to his mother.
March 27, 2018
Fun
Not a long read, but entertaining. More like three and a half stars. The entanglements with the different couples did grow a bit tiresome.
Not a long read, but entertaining. More like three and a half stars. The entanglements with the different couples did grow a bit tiresome.
October 13, 2019
This was a funny book. I actually really liked everyone and all that happens. It great to see different pairings, but them pinning after their hearts desires.
October 7, 2020
Some funny moments
This is a light read, nothing serious. There were enough funny lines that made me continue on ( I love to laugh.)
This is a light read, nothing serious. There were enough funny lines that made me continue on ( I love to laugh.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews