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Mr. Darcy's Trouble with Officers
Fitzwilliam Darcy is at a crossroads, tormented by the choice between familial expectations and the wishes of his heart. Under pressure to marry his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, he instead proposes to Elizabeth Bennet, assuming that a penniless girl with four sisters can ill afford to say no. But he underestimates her spirit and determination. After refusing the detestable Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth is relieved when he retreats to Kent, leaving her to manage her sisters’ increasingly inappropriate fascination with the militia officers stationed in Meryton. Worse, her overbearing cousin Mr. Collins is determined to take one of the beautiful Bennet girls as his bride. When Elizabeth is betrayed by Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham at the Netherfield Ball, a scandal ensues that destroys all her sister's hopes. Overwhelmed with guilt at the part she played, Elizabeth escapes to Hunsford—only to find herself thrown together with Mr. Darcy once again. Can she resist the handsome but proud man, or will he find a way to win her heart?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 31, 2019
There is a great deal of creativity in this satisfying variation. The characters remain much the same as in cannon except for Mr. Collins, who is vastly different. It turns out that that, in the same way Mr. Darcy carries himself with haughtiness when he's uncomfortable in his surroundings, Mr. Collins turns to babbling about Lady Catherine whenever he's nervous. The real Mr. Collins is intelligent, observant, and kind, as Elizabeth slowly learns. AND he was previously in the military! Curiously, Mary is the youngest Bennet sister, but this has little affect on the storyline.
There are two distinct sections of this book. In the first, Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal comes quite early--while Elizabeth is at Netherfield caring for Jane. It's still a bungled declaration, as Lady Catherine has summoned Darcy to Rosings and his primary motivation is to avoid marrying his cousin Anne. You can just imagine Elizabeth's response.
When Mr. Wickham shows up in Meryton, both Darcy and Mr. Collins warn Elizabeth that he's trouble. Wickham has reason to dislike Mr. Collins, who is aware Wickham is not a man to be trusted. The book does a great job portraying Mr. Wickham. Even though Elizabeth's guard is up, the man knows how to weave a spell over his listeners and exudes trustworthiness.
As for Mr. Collins, Elizabeth becomes his confidant, but his eye is on a different Bennet sister. Elizabeth has a plan to help him that ends in a scandal that envelops the entire Bennet family, though it does result in one of the sisters marrying. This concludes the first section.
This is roughly halfway through, and then the setting shifts to Hunsford. When Elizabeth and Kitty go to visit Mr. and Mrs. Collins, the whole trajectory of the story changes. Anne de Bourgh, who has been treated like an invalid her entire life, now has a friend encouraging her that she can do more than she thinks. Darcy is there with Colonel Fitzwilliam. There are misunderstandings between him and Elizabeth that must be cleared up. The climactic scene involves a thrilling rescue.
I admire a lot in this story. Mary is the talented one on the pianoforte; Elizabeth has trouble making her fingers cooperate but reads music fluently, which becomes a significant plot point. Lydia is shown to be misunderstood, just needing her high energy and active mind directed in the right direction. For once, Mrs. Bennet commits a social faux pas that leaves HER embarrassed. I just loved this Mr. Collins. The recurrent theme is "love makes fools out of even the best of us," and this story certainly makes the most of it.
I do have to point out an inconsistency regarding letters. In the Regency era, it would be considered scandalous for a gentlewoman to correspond with an unmarried man. Elizabeth wants to send a letter to Darcy, but the only reason explained for her not doing so is because she's unsure about his feelings. No reference to the impropriety. At a later time, Darcy says, "I perhaps should have written, but you did not send me a letter either." Elizabeth's response to him is that it would be improper, though that had never been mentioned previously. But earlier she HAD send a note to a Meryton officer without any apparent concern about her reputation.
There is also more of Elizabeth's introspection than necessary. It's one of those books where she's back and forth about her feelings for Mr. Darcy, and that occasionally gets tiresome.
Despite my reservations, I really enjoyed the unpredictability of the plot and the generally high quality of the writing.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise. Opinions are my own.
There are two distinct sections of this book. In the first, Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal comes quite early--while Elizabeth is at Netherfield caring for Jane. It's still a bungled declaration, as Lady Catherine has summoned Darcy to Rosings and his primary motivation is to avoid marrying his cousin Anne. You can just imagine Elizabeth's response.
When Mr. Wickham shows up in Meryton, both Darcy and Mr. Collins warn Elizabeth that he's trouble. Wickham has reason to dislike Mr. Collins, who is aware Wickham is not a man to be trusted. The book does a great job portraying Mr. Wickham. Even though Elizabeth's guard is up, the man knows how to weave a spell over his listeners and exudes trustworthiness.
As for Mr. Collins, Elizabeth becomes his confidant, but his eye is on a different Bennet sister. Elizabeth has a plan to help him that ends in a scandal that envelops the entire Bennet family, though it does result in one of the sisters marrying. This concludes the first section.
This is roughly halfway through, and then the setting shifts to Hunsford. When Elizabeth and Kitty go to visit Mr. and Mrs. Collins, the whole trajectory of the story changes. Anne de Bourgh, who has been treated like an invalid her entire life, now has a friend encouraging her that she can do more than she thinks. Darcy is there with Colonel Fitzwilliam. There are misunderstandings between him and Elizabeth that must be cleared up. The climactic scene involves a thrilling rescue.
I admire a lot in this story. Mary is the talented one on the pianoforte; Elizabeth has trouble making her fingers cooperate but reads music fluently, which becomes a significant plot point. Lydia is shown to be misunderstood, just needing her high energy and active mind directed in the right direction. For once, Mrs. Bennet commits a social faux pas that leaves HER embarrassed. I just loved this Mr. Collins. The recurrent theme is "love makes fools out of even the best of us," and this story certainly makes the most of it.
I do have to point out an inconsistency regarding letters. In the Regency era, it would be considered scandalous for a gentlewoman to correspond with an unmarried man. Elizabeth wants to send a letter to Darcy, but the only reason explained for her not doing so is because she's unsure about his feelings. No reference to the impropriety. At a later time, Darcy says, "I perhaps should have written, but you did not send me a letter either." Elizabeth's response to him is that it would be improper, though that had never been mentioned previously. But earlier she HAD send a note to a Meryton officer without any apparent concern about her reputation.
There is also more of Elizabeth's introspection than necessary. It's one of those books where she's back and forth about her feelings for Mr. Darcy, and that occasionally gets tiresome.
Despite my reservations, I really enjoyed the unpredictability of the plot and the generally high quality of the writing.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise. Opinions are my own.
July 18, 2021
Unfortunately this was just not for me. Elizabeth Bennet was not very likable and her tongue had no filter. She was constantly rude and offensive or looking for reasons to be offended.
Much of the behavior and dialogue was too modern. People spoke very freely and openly about their feelings & everything else which would not have been acceptable behavior. D&E were not engaged, yet Elizabeth is angry with Darcy for not writing to her. I probably could have overlooked a lot of this if I found enough other things to enjoy, but I was not impressed and started skimming so I could make it to the end.
Much of the behavior and dialogue was too modern. People spoke very freely and openly about their feelings & everything else which would not have been acceptable behavior. D&E were not engaged, yet Elizabeth is angry with Darcy for not writing to her. I probably could have overlooked a lot of this if I found enough other things to enjoy, but I was not impressed and started skimming so I could make it to the end.
November 28, 2018
A fabulous, well written book with a lovely humorous undertow.
Enters while the Bennet sisters where residing at Netherfield, with an intriguing new twist. Although Darcy had not improved his ability to speak without offending nor had Elizabeth's penchant for misunderstanding him altered, I was fascinated from the first page. Love an unpredictable read where I am not able to guess what comes next and this book definitely had that quality.
Another twist I particularly liked was one involving Mr Collins. I dare say that Mr Darcy was not the only one who had trouble with officers.
The development of the relationship between ODC took senter stage in this story and it was beautifully done. I also loved how several of the secondary characters was portraited. Not without faults but with endearing qualities as well. Would have liked to have had a little less reflections though. Particularly the back and forth in Elizabeth's mind.
4.5* rounded up to 5.
Heartily recommend this book!
Enters while the Bennet sisters where residing at Netherfield, with an intriguing new twist. Although Darcy had not improved his ability to speak without offending nor had Elizabeth's penchant for misunderstanding him altered, I was fascinated from the first page. Love an unpredictable read where I am not able to guess what comes next and this book definitely had that quality.
Another twist I particularly liked was one involving Mr Collins. I dare say that Mr Darcy was not the only one who had trouble with officers.
The development of the relationship between ODC took senter stage in this story and it was beautifully done. I also loved how several of the secondary characters was portraited. Not without faults but with endearing qualities as well. Would have liked to have had a little less reflections though. Particularly the back and forth in Elizabeth's mind.
4.5* rounded up to 5.
Heartily recommend this book!
October 6, 2021
VERY ENJOYABLE
I loved this book and it will definitely go on my reread list.
There was not too much angst and no silly misunderstandings, and ODC came into harmony slowly and steadily.
I particularly enjoyed Darcy in this story, Lizzy was not mean as she can sometimes be and Lydia and Mr. Collins were a delight. I would have liked to have heard more of the Colonel's story, but you can't have everything.
Do yourself a favour and read this book!
I
I loved this book and it will definitely go on my reread list.
There was not too much angst and no silly misunderstandings, and ODC came into harmony slowly and steadily.
I particularly enjoyed Darcy in this story, Lizzy was not mean as she can sometimes be and Lydia and Mr. Collins were a delight. I would have liked to have heard more of the Colonel's story, but you can't have everything.
Do yourself a favour and read this book!
I
November 17, 2018
Delightful!
I do enjoy a book written skillfully by an author with a sense of humor. The characters here were not cartoonishly funny, but just enough that they didn't take themselves too seriously. It was a sweet and slightly silly story, but completely engaging. I loved Lydia's character here, and Darcy, Collins and Kitty were also fresh and surprising.
The story focuses almost completely upon the affairs of Lizzy and Lydia. Perhaps the story could have continued and covered Jane and Bingley 's outcome. Such was my enjoyment of this book that I wish it had been longer. Nonetheless, it was a fun and satisfying read, and I hope to hear more from this author.
The author rather shook up the order of things from the original P&P, such as Lydia's place in the order of the Bennett family, and Darcy's proposal coming much earlier in the story. Mr. Collins is also a completely different character, much less annoying. However, these changes were easy to accept and refreshing.
I do enjoy a book written skillfully by an author with a sense of humor. The characters here were not cartoonishly funny, but just enough that they didn't take themselves too seriously. It was a sweet and slightly silly story, but completely engaging. I loved Lydia's character here, and Darcy, Collins and Kitty were also fresh and surprising.
The story focuses almost completely upon the affairs of Lizzy and Lydia. Perhaps the story could have continued and covered Jane and Bingley 's outcome. Such was my enjoyment of this book that I wish it had been longer. Nonetheless, it was a fun and satisfying read, and I hope to hear more from this author.
The author rather shook up the order of things from the original P&P, such as Lydia's place in the order of the Bennett family, and Darcy's proposal coming much earlier in the story. Mr. Collins is also a completely different character, much less annoying. However, these changes were easy to accept and refreshing.
April 3, 2021
A Charming Tale
This book shows a far more realistic Mr. Collins than normally found in JAFF. He still has his foibles, but also more intelligence and intelligent conversation than we usually see. Darcy and Elizabeth follow a different path to their HEA, and we see a few surprising HEAs as well.
This book shows a far more realistic Mr. Collins than normally found in JAFF. He still has his foibles, but also more intelligence and intelligent conversation than we usually see. Darcy and Elizabeth follow a different path to their HEA, and we see a few surprising HEAs as well.
December 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A Pride and Prejudice Variation this is a well-written story that I enjoyed reading I found myself laughing throughout the book.
December 10, 2018
Wonderful fun P&P variation
Loved this writer’s rendition of an ageless tale! Loved the fact that Mr. Collins character was actually likable and lovable...that Lydia was a delight and Wickham/Carolyn were not major players!!! A Must Read!
Loved this writer’s rendition of an ageless tale! Loved the fact that Mr. Collins character was actually likable and lovable...that Lydia was a delight and Wickham/Carolyn were not major players!!! A Must Read!
January 2, 2019
In which Lydia Is finally surprisingly mature....
A good story with a few twists, turns and confusion. Some familiar traits of the personalities of the original characters appear but others bear little resemblance.
A good story with a few twists, turns and confusion. Some familiar traits of the personalities of the original characters appear but others bear little resemblance.
November 29, 2018
Interesting
A rather unusual variation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride And Prejudice. Our usual cast of characters are here but events are rather different
A rather unusual variation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride And Prejudice. Our usual cast of characters are here but events are rather different
March 16, 2019
Lovely
I especially liked this Darcy. Still tongue tied but more willing. And the change in the order of birth was a novel touch.
I especially liked this Darcy. Still tongue tied but more willing. And the change in the order of birth was a novel touch.
August 11, 2019
This one I found hard to finish the half was very enjoyable but the second half was a serious struggle to get get to the end.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews