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Designed for Each Other
Make room, Mrs. Bennet. It's Charlotte's turn to play matchmaker for Mr. Darcy and her intimate friend, Elizabeth.
Mr. Darcy has a second chance to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet after his disastrous marriage proposal, thanks largely to Mrs. Collins's timely intervention. As a result of an incident at Rosings, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves suddenly engaged to each other. Elizabeth respects Mr. Darcy. She likes him very much. But, what if she fears she is not indeed in love with the gentleman? What if Elizabeth is persuaded she does not really know what love is?Darcy’s heart belongs to Elizabeth. What must he do to convince her that her heart belongs to him?
Mr. Darcy has a second chance to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet after his disastrous marriage proposal, thanks largely to Mrs. Collins's timely intervention. As a result of an incident at Rosings, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves suddenly engaged to each other. Elizabeth respects Mr. Darcy. She likes him very much. But, what if she fears she is not indeed in love with the gentleman? What if Elizabeth is persuaded she does not really know what love is?Darcy’s heart belongs to Elizabeth. What must he do to convince her that her heart belongs to him?
- GenresHistorical
302 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2018
67 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
P.O. Dixon
88 books167 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 9, 2019
This is yet another charming piece of JAFF by the talented Ms. Dixon. There's lots to love here, although I do have several reservations that prevent me from rating it higher.
The story begins AFTER the disastrous Hunsford proposal. Elizabeth has read Mr. Darcy's letter repeatedly.
Charlotte may not be romantic herself, but she IS observant and she loves her friend Elizabeth. Once she is certain that Mr. Darcy is in love with Lizzy, she becomes a bug in her friend's ear, urging her to give the man a chance and providing opportunities for them to speak whenever she can. Colonel Fitzwilliam does the same with Darcy, suggesting that, if the lady is worth winning, Darcy should not give up. After all, Darcy never really courted her or showed her his best qualities. Both Charlotte and the good Colonel relentlessly push the two together throughout this story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these "secondary" characters getting more page time here.
An entwined side plot emerges, as Darcy and Elizabeth agree to invite Mr. Bingley to Rosings and Jane Bennet to the Hunsford parsonage in order to reunite them. Theoretically, this should set things right after Darcy's misguided interference separated them. However, this doesn't go exactly as planned when Colonel Fitzwilliam takes a definite interest in the eldest Miss Bennet. While I've encountered this particular romantic triangle in other books, usually the colonel swoops in during Bingley's absence. Here, each gentleman is acutely aware of the competition. Jane may have been in love with Mr. Bingley in Hertfordshire, but the hurt at his abandonment was too deep for her to easily forgive him. She shows more interest in Colonel Fitzwilliam despite knowing that he can't have serious intentions toward her due to her lack of a sizable dowry. For me, this actually develops into a more interesting thread than the primary Darcy-and-Elizabeth plot.
The early part of the book all takes place in Kent. Darcy points out that it's easier to find opportunities to woo Elizabeth there without interference than it would be amid the family chaos at Longbourn or the unknown relatives in Cheapside. It's surprising that Lady Catherine is so unaware of what's going on virtually under her nose, as Darcy arranges numerous meetings with Elizabeth, including a picnic on Rosings grounds, without his aunt's knowledge. Considering that, it's doubly surprising when, later in the book, Lady C. has spies clever enough to ferret out a carefully guarded secret regarding Darcy and the Bennets.
The group (Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, Bingley, Colonel Fizwilliam) moves to London without making prior plans, and the Gardiners are not at home to host their nieces. Instead, the girls stay at Darcy's town home.
At this point, I question the propriety of Darcy hosting the Bennet sisters without an appropriate chaperone. My understanding has always been that a married or widowed woman must be in residence with a mixed group of single ladies and gentlemen. Once Caroline and the Hursts show up, I would expect the Bingley sisters would immediately rush to stoke the gossip mills in hopes of tarnishing the Bennet sisters' reputations to make them unmarriageable. Certainly the servants at the Gardiners' home know the girls. Why can't they stay there, even in the absence of the Gardiners? Or if not there, why not at Miss Darcy's London town home? (It's noted in the book that she has her own residence.)
There are other developments that I found unsettling, too. Elizabeth gets all miffed at Darcy when Jane is obviously more receptive to the colonel than to Bingley. Darcy holds up his end by bringing his friend to Rosings. Why does Lizzy blame him when it's Jane who isn't eager to greet Bingley with open arms?
I am left dissatisfied with the way that romantic triangle ends, as well.
The writing is just excellent, as I always find in Ms. Dixon's works. She also does a great job building sensual chemistry between characters. Although none of the sensual content is overtly explicit, there are amorous encounters between Darcy and Elizabeth that get quite steamy. Definitely rated MA.
I'd prefer less descriptions of characters' thoughts, but I do recognize that much of it here is an integral part to this particular story. Jane sense of betrayal when she deduces that both Charlotte and Mr. Darcy are aware of the feelings she had confided to Elizabeth regarding Mr. Bingley leads her to avoid sharing her thoughts with anyone at this point. It's a different take on the relationship between Jane and Elizabeth that I find really interesting.
There are so many things I loved about this story, but I couldn't help noticing those odd plot points that didn't add up for me. Still, it's an entertaining read with some new twists on Pride and Prejudice for JAFF lovers.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a review, positive or otherwise. Opinions are my own.
The story begins AFTER the disastrous Hunsford proposal. Elizabeth has read Mr. Darcy's letter repeatedly.
Charlotte may not be romantic herself, but she IS observant and she loves her friend Elizabeth. Once she is certain that Mr. Darcy is in love with Lizzy, she becomes a bug in her friend's ear, urging her to give the man a chance and providing opportunities for them to speak whenever she can. Colonel Fitzwilliam does the same with Darcy, suggesting that, if the lady is worth winning, Darcy should not give up. After all, Darcy never really courted her or showed her his best qualities. Both Charlotte and the good Colonel relentlessly push the two together throughout this story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these "secondary" characters getting more page time here.
An entwined side plot emerges, as Darcy and Elizabeth agree to invite Mr. Bingley to Rosings and Jane Bennet to the Hunsford parsonage in order to reunite them. Theoretically, this should set things right after Darcy's misguided interference separated them. However, this doesn't go exactly as planned when Colonel Fitzwilliam takes a definite interest in the eldest Miss Bennet. While I've encountered this particular romantic triangle in other books, usually the colonel swoops in during Bingley's absence. Here, each gentleman is acutely aware of the competition. Jane may have been in love with Mr. Bingley in Hertfordshire, but the hurt at his abandonment was too deep for her to easily forgive him. She shows more interest in Colonel Fitzwilliam despite knowing that he can't have serious intentions toward her due to her lack of a sizable dowry. For me, this actually develops into a more interesting thread than the primary Darcy-and-Elizabeth plot.
The early part of the book all takes place in Kent. Darcy points out that it's easier to find opportunities to woo Elizabeth there without interference than it would be amid the family chaos at Longbourn or the unknown relatives in Cheapside. It's surprising that Lady Catherine is so unaware of what's going on virtually under her nose, as Darcy arranges numerous meetings with Elizabeth, including a picnic on Rosings grounds, without his aunt's knowledge. Considering that, it's doubly surprising when, later in the book, Lady C. has spies clever enough to ferret out a carefully guarded secret regarding Darcy and the Bennets.
The group (Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, Bingley, Colonel Fizwilliam) moves to London without making prior plans, and the Gardiners are not at home to host their nieces. Instead, the girls stay at Darcy's town home.
At this point, I question the propriety of Darcy hosting the Bennet sisters without an appropriate chaperone. My understanding has always been that a married or widowed woman must be in residence with a mixed group of single ladies and gentlemen. Once Caroline and the Hursts show up, I would expect the Bingley sisters would immediately rush to stoke the gossip mills in hopes of tarnishing the Bennet sisters' reputations to make them unmarriageable. Certainly the servants at the Gardiners' home know the girls. Why can't they stay there, even in the absence of the Gardiners? Or if not there, why not at Miss Darcy's London town home? (It's noted in the book that she has her own residence.)
There are other developments that I found unsettling, too. Elizabeth gets all miffed at Darcy when Jane is obviously more receptive to the colonel than to Bingley. Darcy holds up his end by bringing his friend to Rosings. Why does Lizzy blame him when it's Jane who isn't eager to greet Bingley with open arms?
I am left dissatisfied with the way that romantic triangle ends, as well.
The writing is just excellent, as I always find in Ms. Dixon's works. She also does a great job building sensual chemistry between characters. Although none of the sensual content is overtly explicit, there are amorous encounters between Darcy and Elizabeth that get quite steamy. Definitely rated MA.
I'd prefer less descriptions of characters' thoughts, but I do recognize that much of it here is an integral part to this particular story. Jane sense of betrayal when she deduces that both Charlotte and Mr. Darcy are aware of the feelings she had confided to Elizabeth regarding Mr. Bingley leads her to avoid sharing her thoughts with anyone at this point. It's a different take on the relationship between Jane and Elizabeth that I find really interesting.
There are so many things I loved about this story, but I couldn't help noticing those odd plot points that didn't add up for me. Still, it's an entertaining read with some new twists on Pride and Prejudice for JAFF lovers.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a review, positive or otherwise. Opinions are my own.
June 22, 2018
Oh my, what a steamy read. Ladled with sexual tension, allusion, innuendo while not really going too graphic. Masterly done.
Entering at Hunsford, after Elizabeth has received the letter, it ventures off canon but stays within the framework.
Elizabeth had a mishap with the letter that kind of ended with being a blessing in disguise. It ultimately lead to an earlier understanding between ODC but not an instant one.
Their time in Kent was extended and both Jane and Mr Bingley was invited into the fray.
Loved the twist to Jane as she had more of a backbone and she was more reflective. In canon we are not preview to what goes on in Jane's mind, this was rectified in this book.
Not only Jane's thoughts was revealed but several of the other characters as well, which was one of my favourite traits of this book. (Maybe because they where similar to the thoughts I have made myself on certain issues.)
Loved the Colonel, he was instrumental not only to the development of the relationship between ODC but Jane and Bingley too.
Lady Catherine did make some havoc which sent the party on their way to London, only to be descended by an ingratiating Caroline.
The Wickham/Lydia debacle ensue with a twist, very interesting things goes on inside Wickham's head...
Ends in an epilogue and a little romantic and steamy something after the epilogue.
Heartily recommend this book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Entering at Hunsford, after Elizabeth has received the letter, it ventures off canon but stays within the framework.
Elizabeth had a mishap with the letter that kind of ended with being a blessing in disguise. It ultimately lead to an earlier understanding between ODC but not an instant one.
Their time in Kent was extended and both Jane and Mr Bingley was invited into the fray.
Loved the twist to Jane as she had more of a backbone and she was more reflective. In canon we are not preview to what goes on in Jane's mind, this was rectified in this book.
Not only Jane's thoughts was revealed but several of the other characters as well, which was one of my favourite traits of this book. (Maybe because they where similar to the thoughts I have made myself on certain issues.)
Loved the Colonel, he was instrumental not only to the development of the relationship between ODC but Jane and Bingley too.
Lady Catherine did make some havoc which sent the party on their way to London, only to be descended by an ingratiating Caroline.
The Wickham/Lydia debacle ensue with a twist, very interesting things goes on inside Wickham's head...
Ends in an epilogue and a little romantic and steamy something after the epilogue.
Heartily recommend this book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2019
Hidden hero? The Colonel
A wonderful story. Matchmaking by Charlotte was important but the unsung hero of the story, imho, was the Colonel.
This iteration of the Colonel is a new one for me. Unlike most variations where he is definite second fiddle to Darcy, here the Colonel is his own man. He is not someones hunting dog who is to be patted on the head. He is a full blown military officer who has had a long and successful career leading men, making plans, and speaks bluntly so no one will mistake what he says.
The Colonel fancies Jane and will not make way for Bingley just because Lizzy and Darcy wants him to. He rightly believes if Jane doesn’t want his attention, she will tell him so. I’m sure he doesn’t even respect Bingley since Darcy and Caroline seem to rule him.
After awhile when Lizzy and Darcy are not moving fast enough to commit to each other the Colonel comes out, in front of Lady Cat, that they ought to admit their love and get engaged. Well, the poo hits the fan but it does move things along.
Later when Jane and Bingley seem destined to not get together, because he cares for Jane, can’t afford to marry her he tells her that Caroline AND Darcy worked together to separate them. And if she can forgive Darcy perhaps she should forgive Bingley. Later in the story that’s exactly what she does
The only flaw I the story is tithe Colonel isn’t mentioned in the epilogue so we don’t know his future. I hope the author writes a sequel and tells us his story.
I recommend this book.
A wonderful story. Matchmaking by Charlotte was important but the unsung hero of the story, imho, was the Colonel.
This iteration of the Colonel is a new one for me. Unlike most variations where he is definite second fiddle to Darcy, here the Colonel is his own man. He is not someones hunting dog who is to be patted on the head. He is a full blown military officer who has had a long and successful career leading men, making plans, and speaks bluntly so no one will mistake what he says.
The Colonel fancies Jane and will not make way for Bingley just because Lizzy and Darcy wants him to. He rightly believes if Jane doesn’t want his attention, she will tell him so. I’m sure he doesn’t even respect Bingley since Darcy and Caroline seem to rule him.
After awhile when Lizzy and Darcy are not moving fast enough to commit to each other the Colonel comes out, in front of Lady Cat, that they ought to admit their love and get engaged. Well, the poo hits the fan but it does move things along.
Later when Jane and Bingley seem destined to not get together, because he cares for Jane, can’t afford to marry her he tells her that Caroline AND Darcy worked together to separate them. And if she can forgive Darcy perhaps she should forgive Bingley. Later in the story that’s exactly what she does
The only flaw I the story is tithe Colonel isn’t mentioned in the epilogue so we don’t know his future. I hope the author writes a sequel and tells us his story.
I recommend this book.
June 26, 2018
This book takes place right after the proposal at Hunsford and this time it's Charlotte that plays matchmaker after she finds the letter that Darcy gives Lizzy. So ODC comes to an understanding earlier than canon and ironically it's Lady Catherine that makes Lizzy accept him. You'll still hate Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine in this story. I loved how Jane didn't just immediately back into Bingley's arms after he comes back, hell Colonel Fitzwilliam and her actually flirt with each other. I see Colonel Fitzwilliam as a better choice for Jane than Bingley ever will be.
This book is a fast read and I would have finished it faster if I could get the people in my house to leave me alone for a minute. This book is another winner from P.O. Dixon and I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
*I received a complimentary copy of the book early from the author. All opinions are my own.
This book is a fast read and I would have finished it faster if I could get the people in my house to leave me alone for a minute. This book is another winner from P.O. Dixon and I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
*I received a complimentary copy of the book early from the author. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2020
July, 2020
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
February 11, 2023
There are a number of different types of “variations” of P&P, and everyone’s got their favorite types. Mine are the ones that don’t reference too much, if any, of the original text. Especially where exact quotes are concerned. It just seems like lazy writing to me. In addition, I love variations that write some wrongs. For example, that Lydia gets put in her place or that she eventually has a metaphorical mirror held up to her and sees herself the way others do. Or that Mrs. Bennet is either more subdued or that she gets put in her place as well. And, finally, that Mr. Bennet is told how complacent and lazy he’s been in taking proper care of his family. Well, this isn’t that book. Lydia is in very little of the book, thank goodness. She just comes in at the end and the story unfolds almost exactly like the original. Mrs. Bennet is in the latter half of the book and is even more annoying than in the original, if that’s at all possible. Everyone just sits back and listens to her long rants and exclamations, no one calls her on her ridiculousness or ever tells her to hold her tongue. Jane and Elizabeth either simply endure it or leave the room in tears, but no just desserts are served. There is also a great deal of inappropriateness between Darcy and Elizabeth. It’s fine when he pulls her away from a picnic everyone is having at Rosings and has had the servants set up a private picnic for them with no one else around (books like this can’t follow exact traditions and moralities of the period because it would be very boring), but when he starts to kiss her every chance he gets and starts “showing her pleasures” before they’re married it starts to become too much. If I wanted that I’d read a stereotypical romance novel, the kind that cross all boundaries and are completely unrealistic. This book had too many inappropriate moments. There are also too many direct quotes and scenes from the original book. Finally, there is a tremendous number of inner monologues, more inner monologues than there is actual dialogue. Even that I don’t mind if the monologues are interesting. But they’re not, they’re pedestrian and immature. All in all, this is not my type of P&P variation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
Mr. Darcy has a second chance to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet after his disastrous marriage proposal, thanks largely to Mrs. Collins's timely intervention. As a result of an incident at Rosings, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves suddenly engaged to each other. Elizabeth respects Mr. Darcy. She likes him very much. But, what if she fears she is not indeed in love with the gentleman? What if Elizabeth is persuaded she does not really know what love is? Darcy’s heart belongs to Elizabeth. What must he do to convince her that her heart belongs to him?
I’m not really sure how I feel about this one. Pride and Prejudice has been one of my favorite books since I was about 20 years old so I’m a bit love or hate on any variations. I think this one had potential, but there were some parts I just didn’t care for. I think I’m going to give her another try on another variation to see how it might sway my opinion.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I’m not really sure how I feel about this one. Pride and Prejudice has been one of my favorite books since I was about 20 years old so I’m a bit love or hate on any variations. I think this one had potential, but there were some parts I just didn’t care for. I think I’m going to give her another try on another variation to see how it might sway my opinion.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
November 10, 2019
The story started when EB was visiting Charlotte in Kent, then the disastrous proposal and rejection. Charlotte was very instruental in their reconciliation. Charlotte asked for him to seek her out before leaving Hunsford, thus their chance to talk after the letter was delivered. FD tried to amend all the wrongs he did (reconciling CB and JB).
Of course there was a HEA for our couple.
Love the way the story unfolded. It was realistic and I love very much Charlotte has more participation in this variation. Love the strength in Jane's character in the story. I highly recommend it to all P & P fans. As always Ms. Dixon had delivered another engaging variation (this one is patterned to canon)
Of course there was a HEA for our couple.
Love the way the story unfolded. It was realistic and I love very much Charlotte has more participation in this variation. Love the strength in Jane's character in the story. I highly recommend it to all P & P fans. As always Ms. Dixon had delivered another engaging variation (this one is patterned to canon)
November 20, 2018
I really like P.O. Dixon's writing and just love all her Pride and Prejudice Variation books about Darcy & Elizabeth. I wished I had a Darcy like him. Sometimes I do get upset how prim and proper these people had to behave but if Darcy & Elizabeth get together at the end of the book, it makes me happy.
I know that sometimes in the future I will read this book again along with all the ones I have in my kindle from P.O. Dixon.
I know that sometimes in the future I will read this book again along with all the ones I have in my kindle from P.O. Dixon.
August 29, 2018
Hmmmm
Not so sure I like this one as much other books I have read by this author. The book did not seem complete to me; it felt as though something was missing; like the author was hurrying to just get it over and done with. Maybe it is just me, but this was not as enjoyable a read as I expected.
Not so sure I like this one as much other books I have read by this author. The book did not seem complete to me; it felt as though something was missing; like the author was hurrying to just get it over and done with. Maybe it is just me, but this was not as enjoyable a read as I expected.
May 22, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by P.O. Dixon. An enjoyable storyline to read
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by P.O. Dixon. An enjoyable storyline to read
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October 2, 2018Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews