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A Compromised Compromise
In this laugh-out-loud take on one of our most beloved tales, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find love in a new way that will have you smiling delightedly all throughout!
At Mr. Bingley's Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth tripped and Mr. Darcy caught her in his strong arms, and as he set her back on her feet, they looked deep into each other’s eyes. They kissed. Unfortunately, they were seen in this passionate embrace before they returned to their senses. Mr. Darcy now must marry Elizabeth to protect her reputation and his own. Even though he still insists to himself that he does not want to. Soon Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to Hertfordshire to save his cousin from the scheming fortune huntress who trapped him and to chastise Mr. Wickham for his sins.
What will Elizabeth do when she has fallen in love, but Mr. Darcy still claims that he wished they did not need to marry?
A funny 61,000 word Pride and Prejudice Variation.
At Mr. Bingley's Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth tripped and Mr. Darcy caught her in his strong arms, and as he set her back on her feet, they looked deep into each other’s eyes. They kissed. Unfortunately, they were seen in this passionate embrace before they returned to their senses. Mr. Darcy now must marry Elizabeth to protect her reputation and his own. Even though he still insists to himself that he does not want to. Soon Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to Hertfordshire to save his cousin from the scheming fortune huntress who trapped him and to chastise Mr. Wickham for his sins.
What will Elizabeth do when she has fallen in love, but Mr. Darcy still claims that he wished they did not need to marry?
A funny 61,000 word Pride and Prejudice Variation.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2018
227 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 16, 2018
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, light, and breezy Pride and Prejudice variation. There's never any doubt how things will end, since the Prologue informs us that Darcy and Elizabeth are newlyweds and she is convinced they would have ended up together anyway, regardless of the "compromise." The rest of the Prologue contains seemingly pointless detail about a certain bearskin rug in the Netherfield library.
Chapter One brings us to the Netherfield ball. Darcy and Elizabeth already have a history of sparring. She wants to speak with him privately to give him a piece of her mind regarding his shabby treatment of Mr. Wickham, while Darcy wants to strongly warn her about the rogue. In the midst of their passionate disagreement on the subject there's a different kind of passion simmering beneath the surface. The aforementioned rug comes into play, and a nice, steamy "compromise" occurs in front of several witnesses. The two must marry.
I love the playful tone of the entire book. Darcy behaves like a dunderhead on two specific subjects, creating serious difficulties between them even though they mutually agree they will make the best of things and work together to have a happy marriage. Their heated arguments (and heated kisses) continue.
There's a great supporting cast here. Mrs. Bennet is the comically clueless source of Darcy's suspicions about his betrothed. A VERY disappointed Caroline Bingley turns cold and does the same with the Netherfield menu. Colonel Fitzwilliam almost steals the story--his character's distinctive voice in the dialogue had me smiling, chuckling or laughing out loud every time he appears. Much to Bingley's dismay, Fitzwilliam blatantly expresses his admiration for Jane Bennet's beauty. Wickham doesn't stand a chance once the colonel shows up. Georgiana gets a strong role, too.
Even though this is generally a lighthearted read, there ARE serious problems that lead to angst and tears. The high quality writing led me to empathize with the characters' feelings at those times without seeming out of place in the larger story.
It's steamy but clean. Great book!
Chapter One brings us to the Netherfield ball. Darcy and Elizabeth already have a history of sparring. She wants to speak with him privately to give him a piece of her mind regarding his shabby treatment of Mr. Wickham, while Darcy wants to strongly warn her about the rogue. In the midst of their passionate disagreement on the subject there's a different kind of passion simmering beneath the surface. The aforementioned rug comes into play, and a nice, steamy "compromise" occurs in front of several witnesses. The two must marry.
I love the playful tone of the entire book. Darcy behaves like a dunderhead on two specific subjects, creating serious difficulties between them even though they mutually agree they will make the best of things and work together to have a happy marriage. Their heated arguments (and heated kisses) continue.
There's a great supporting cast here. Mrs. Bennet is the comically clueless source of Darcy's suspicions about his betrothed. A VERY disappointed Caroline Bingley turns cold and does the same with the Netherfield menu. Colonel Fitzwilliam almost steals the story--his character's distinctive voice in the dialogue had me smiling, chuckling or laughing out loud every time he appears. Much to Bingley's dismay, Fitzwilliam blatantly expresses his admiration for Jane Bennet's beauty. Wickham doesn't stand a chance once the colonel shows up. Georgiana gets a strong role, too.
Even though this is generally a lighthearted read, there ARE serious problems that lead to angst and tears. The high quality writing led me to empathize with the characters' feelings at those times without seeming out of place in the larger story.
It's steamy but clean. Great book!
April 24, 2024
I hated him with a passion so deep, sometimes it felt like love. ~ Terri Guillemets
Passion is the same in all things. People who quarrel with passion can easily slip into lustful passion.
That is what happens to our dear couple. They leave the dance floor at the Netherfield Ball to discuss George Wickham in the library. Speeches become heated. Elizabeth trips across a bear rug; Darcy catches her before she falls; their eyes lock; their lips follow suit.
Sir William, Bingley and Mama Bennet enter the library at that moment.
The same passions in man and woman nonetheless differ in tempo; hence man and woman do not cease misunderstanding one another. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
And so … they are betrothed. No proposal; no acceptance; just the knowledge they have no other choice.
There are only two ways of telling the complete truth — anonymously and posthumously. ~ Thomas Sowell
Can there be such a thing as too much honesty?
During the weeks of betrothal their knowledge of each other increases along with their ardent feelings. Elizabeth confesses her love … but how will Darcy respond?
I especially liked: Colonel Fitzwilliam’s role and Darcy dealing with Caroline Bingley.
The author didn’t feel a need to write an ending for every character in the story. Mr. Collins is at Longbourn … until he isn’t. We never see him depart. We know nothing about Charlotte Lucas. Lady Catherine never arrives to make her sentiments known.
Yet, even with these quirks, I loved this one!
Kissing is a means of getting two people so close together that they can't see anything wrong with each other. ~ Rene Yasenek
Passion is the same in all things. People who quarrel with passion can easily slip into lustful passion.
That is what happens to our dear couple. They leave the dance floor at the Netherfield Ball to discuss George Wickham in the library. Speeches become heated. Elizabeth trips across a bear rug; Darcy catches her before she falls; their eyes lock; their lips follow suit.
Sir William, Bingley and Mama Bennet enter the library at that moment.
The same passions in man and woman nonetheless differ in tempo; hence man and woman do not cease misunderstanding one another. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
And so … they are betrothed. No proposal; no acceptance; just the knowledge they have no other choice.
There are only two ways of telling the complete truth — anonymously and posthumously. ~ Thomas Sowell
Can there be such a thing as too much honesty?
During the weeks of betrothal their knowledge of each other increases along with their ardent feelings. Elizabeth confesses her love … but how will Darcy respond?
I especially liked: Colonel Fitzwilliam’s role and Darcy dealing with Caroline Bingley.
The author didn’t feel a need to write an ending for every character in the story. Mr. Collins is at Longbourn … until he isn’t. We never see him depart. We know nothing about Charlotte Lucas. Lady Catherine never arrives to make her sentiments known.
Yet, even with these quirks, I loved this one!
Kissing is a means of getting two people so close together that they can't see anything wrong with each other. ~ Rene Yasenek
January 15, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4.
There were parts of this book I loved and the angst is just about perfect. Our premise is that during the Netherfield ball Mr. Darcy & Miss Elizabeth are in a passionate debate that thanks to a bear rug turns into a passionate embrace and Bob's your uncle they are headed for the chapel and they're gonna get married...
Neither are happy but gradually Lizzy realizes that Darcy isn't a terrible person, however Darcy seems unwilling to reveal his nice side. While he terrorizes anyone who speaks ill of his betrothed he is vicious and hateful (hateful hateful just to mean to live) insisting that she and her mother conspired to trap him. As a man of logic, reason and education he really should recognize the implausibility of his hypothetical machinations. It all comes to a head the night before the wedding and it is OFF!!
What will happen??
What was fun. I adored this manic, crazy, agitated Col. Fitzwilliam. He is like chaos in a uniform. He is like a hyperactive kid with a pound bag of M&Ms.
What wasn't fun, Colonel's father is just off. He, an Earl, tells a story about his sister Anne's death that is horrible and utterly inappropriate for drawing room conversation in 2018 let alone 1811. Some one any one needed to silence him...
The ending of the book was a little draggy, luckily we were spared an epilogue.
There were parts of this book I loved and the angst is just about perfect. Our premise is that during the Netherfield ball Mr. Darcy & Miss Elizabeth are in a passionate debate that thanks to a bear rug turns into a passionate embrace and Bob's your uncle they are headed for the chapel and they're gonna get married...
Neither are happy but gradually Lizzy realizes that Darcy isn't a terrible person, however Darcy seems unwilling to reveal his nice side. While he terrorizes anyone who speaks ill of his betrothed he is vicious and hateful (hateful hateful just to mean to live) insisting that she and her mother conspired to trap him. As a man of logic, reason and education he really should recognize the implausibility of his hypothetical machinations. It all comes to a head the night before the wedding and it is OFF!!
What will happen??
What was fun. I adored this manic, crazy, agitated Col. Fitzwilliam. He is like chaos in a uniform. He is like a hyperactive kid with a pound bag of M&Ms.
What wasn't fun, Colonel's father is just off. He, an Earl, tells a story about his sister Anne's death that is horrible and utterly inappropriate for drawing room conversation in 2018 let alone 1811. Some one any one needed to silence him...
The ending of the book was a little draggy, luckily we were spared an epilogue.
December 4, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I admire this author's support of the Doctors Without Borders organization. He asks for true feedback. While I loved this story I held back a 1/2 star due to editing needs. Several times there were missing words and then some grammar issues which could have been resolved with a good editor or even a good "spell-check" program.
The story description tells you that it is all the fault of the rug! Both Darcy and Elizabeth claim innocence in the compromise. He is very stubborn about believing she set this up to happen just as her mother would come through the library door. But he does the honorable thing and yields to the fact that a compromise has occurred and they must marry.
As their short courtship (if you want to call it that) proceeds the sexual attraction between the two cannot be denied and both look forward to their wedding day. But then on the eve of that day Elizabeth poses a question...after she admits she has grown to love Darcy. And it is the way in which he answers her that sets up the angst in this storyline. Oh, how I do love angst.
The story ends at 97% and I was disappointed that there was not more. Give me a little completion to their coming together, please.
However, that said, this story did keep me turning pages. I love stories with compromise and that FMS which must ensue...usually.
I admire this author's support of the Doctors Without Borders organization. He asks for true feedback. While I loved this story I held back a 1/2 star due to editing needs. Several times there were missing words and then some grammar issues which could have been resolved with a good editor or even a good "spell-check" program.
The story description tells you that it is all the fault of the rug! Both Darcy and Elizabeth claim innocence in the compromise. He is very stubborn about believing she set this up to happen just as her mother would come through the library door. But he does the honorable thing and yields to the fact that a compromise has occurred and they must marry.
As their short courtship (if you want to call it that) proceeds the sexual attraction between the two cannot be denied and both look forward to their wedding day. But then on the eve of that day Elizabeth poses a question...after she admits she has grown to love Darcy. And it is the way in which he answers her that sets up the angst in this storyline. Oh, how I do love angst.
The story ends at 97% and I was disappointed that there was not more. Give me a little completion to their coming together, please.
However, that said, this story did keep me turning pages. I love stories with compromise and that FMS which must ensue...usually.
April 16, 2021
Let the record show I find the title off-putting, and if anything was compromised it was very nearly my interest and resolve to try it. Would that it had! It would have spared me much vexation
It proved too true. The author has an alliteration addiction, meaning most of his prose start with the same sound/ letter. Doesn't even have to rhyme, just unsettle you:
Started out with a bear rug, how did it end up like this? It was only a trip and bizarro Lizzy and Darcy somehow have the grossest, least era appropriate, make out and no one enjoyed it! Neither will you!
There hasn’t been many JAFF so cringeworthy I couldn't finish, but the writing, dialogue, descriptors, and characters I have found horribly off putting.
I found his flagrant fault to be frustrating, he is a poor mans Dr Seuss. I gather that's the quirk he tried to accomplish, though I can admit to scarcely understanding what ran through such a clearly disturbed mind.
Darcy is an asshole who has no good sense, Lizzy is a wonton moron.
How this has any positive reviews when there exists thousands of excellent, good and tolerable JAFF baffles me!
It boggles the mind!
You read Austen, you like her witty restrained writing, compelling characters, and then you find this acceptable!
I don't get that!
Make it make sense!
What I enjoyed:
What Displeased Me:
Everything !
✗The awkward wording,
✗Rampant repetition within sentences & Alliteration,
✗Nonsense metaphors,
I beg your pardon?
etc,
These quotes in my entire review are only from the first chapter! Just chock full of nonsense!
The wording was extremely ridiculous, I had to check if this was labeled as a satire of P&P, it was the only way logic might be salvaged.
My other theory that would explain such atrocious writing is this author hates JAFF writing and decided to mock it in a subterfuge manner and see if he could make a couple of bucks at fans expense and prove how much bad writing makes it in Fan fiction.
Let me tell you, in high school, if I turned in an essay with such ridiculous sentences to my english professor, or an article to my newspaper's senior editor, my paper would come back with more red ink than black and I would be asked if I was purposely being insubordinate.
Conclusion
Dumpster fire! Made my previous least favorite JAFF author sound like Austen herself compared to this disaster!
His weird writing had me wringing my hands as if some phantom had wooshed past me in a wrathful wary way while wailing. Seriously, I feel like taking a shower, his wording is hauntingly disturbing.
He should go sell seashells at the seashore with sally, his calling is in clearly in nonsense phrasing. Might do for a children's book author.
To all whose praise and positive reviews lulled me into a sense
of security when reading hoping his writing would make sense, badly done! I trusted you!
DNF: chapter 2
It proved too true. The author has an alliteration addiction, meaning most of his prose start with the same sound/ letter. Doesn't even have to rhyme, just unsettle you:
"defence of the slithering scoundrel sprung"
"the same panging pain that pierced"
"a calm cold countenance"
Started out with a bear rug, how did it end up like this? It was only a trip and bizarro Lizzy and Darcy somehow have the grossest, least era appropriate, make out and no one enjoyed it! Neither will you!
“ Upon such objects can the fate of men turn.”
There hasn’t been many JAFF so cringeworthy I couldn't finish, but the writing, dialogue, descriptors, and characters I have found horribly off putting.
I found his flagrant fault to be frustrating, he is a poor mans Dr Seuss. I gather that's the quirk he tried to accomplish, though I can admit to scarcely understanding what ran through such a clearly disturbed mind.
Darcy is an asshole who has no good sense, Lizzy is a wonton moron.
“Well, Lizzy? I expect better sense from you.”
How this has any positive reviews when there exists thousands of excellent, good and tolerable JAFF baffles me!
It boggles the mind!
You read Austen, you like her witty restrained writing, compelling characters, and then you find this acceptable!
I don't get that!
Make it make sense!
What I enjoyed:
What Displeased Me:
Everything !
✗The awkward wording,
he was a young man, a young person, like everyone else.
✗Rampant repetition within sentences & Alliteration,
“For the purpose of having privacy to allow Mr. Darcy to defend with private particulars his interactions with Wickham, the two of them sought private council in the library”
✗Nonsense metaphors,
"She was numb, like someone who’d received a wound in a carriage accident, but was still too occupied stumbling around surprised at their survival to notice that they may not have survived"
I beg your pardon?
etc,
"in the name of his good name"
"The room was too stuffy. Too many candles had burned too long "
These quotes in my entire review are only from the first chapter! Just chock full of nonsense!
The wording was extremely ridiculous, I had to check if this was labeled as a satire of P&P, it was the only way logic might be salvaged.
My other theory that would explain such atrocious writing is this author hates JAFF writing and decided to mock it in a subterfuge manner and see if he could make a couple of bucks at fans expense and prove how much bad writing makes it in Fan fiction.
Let me tell you, in high school, if I turned in an essay with such ridiculous sentences to my english professor, or an article to my newspaper's senior editor, my paper would come back with more red ink than black and I would be asked if I was purposely being insubordinate.
Conclusion
Dumpster fire! Made my previous least favorite JAFF author sound like Austen herself compared to this disaster!
His weird writing had me wringing my hands as if some phantom had wooshed past me in a wrathful wary way while wailing. Seriously, I feel like taking a shower, his wording is hauntingly disturbing.
He should go sell seashells at the seashore with sally, his calling is in clearly in nonsense phrasing. Might do for a children's book author.
To all whose praise and positive reviews lulled me into a sense
of security when reading hoping his writing would make sense, badly done! I trusted you!
DNF: chapter 2
December 26, 2018
I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. It is so eye opening when a man writes Darcy’s thoughts.
Personally, I have always believed Elizabeth fell passionately for Darcy as he walked into the assembly in Meryton at the beginning of P&P. Her dislike of him is too close to an obsession to think she feels nothing for him. It is no surprise to me that she would be a willing partner in a compromise, despite it getting its start from an accident. Both she and Darcy indicate they do not have a choice- they must marry. Neither party is all that upset about the situation. Can it be this simple? Not really.
Darcy makes two large mistakes in this story. The first is resolved fairly quickly, but the second causes tremendous turmoil and uncertainty. We understand Darcy’s thoughts and Colonel Fitzwilliam is along to explain where he is making his mistakes. But, Elizabeth isn’t privy to this information and reacts poorly, as we can see coming. So despite a lack of a Hunsford, the story has it’s share of misunderstandings and wrong-footed actions. Both Georgianna and Colonel Fitzwilliam play significant roles.
Despite the concerns, the two do eventually resolve all issues. This is a highly entertaining story and I plan to read it several times. This is an author I enjoy as he brings a great perspective when writing the male characters.
Personally, I have always believed Elizabeth fell passionately for Darcy as he walked into the assembly in Meryton at the beginning of P&P. Her dislike of him is too close to an obsession to think she feels nothing for him. It is no surprise to me that she would be a willing partner in a compromise, despite it getting its start from an accident. Both she and Darcy indicate they do not have a choice- they must marry. Neither party is all that upset about the situation. Can it be this simple? Not really.
Darcy makes two large mistakes in this story. The first is resolved fairly quickly, but the second causes tremendous turmoil and uncertainty. We understand Darcy’s thoughts and Colonel Fitzwilliam is along to explain where he is making his mistakes. But, Elizabeth isn’t privy to this information and reacts poorly, as we can see coming. So despite a lack of a Hunsford, the story has it’s share of misunderstandings and wrong-footed actions. Both Georgianna and Colonel Fitzwilliam play significant roles.
Despite the concerns, the two do eventually resolve all issues. This is a highly entertaining story and I plan to read it several times. This is an author I enjoy as he brings a great perspective when writing the male characters.
January 24, 2019
Solid work. What we expect from author.
December 21, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it's funny, sad, romantic and ridiculous but all comes together beautifully. In the Prologue we know Darcy and Elizabeth are married - so we are assured of a happy ending!
We start at Netherfield when Elizabeth trips and Darcy attempts to catch her, falling in her and then kissing her which results in a thoroughly compromising situation. Of course, they must marry. Elizabeth is frustrated by the situation and Darcy believes he has been trapped by a fortune hunter. What could go wrong?! What follows is the story of how these two get to know each other, with Darcy managing to put his foot in it at every opportunity.
I think the real highlight of this book is Colonel Fitzwilliam - he is hilarious and larger than life. His dealings with Wickham, interaction with Darcy and Bingley is brilliant and had me in stitches!!
To enjoy this book, take it for what it is - don't take it too seriously. It is a hoot and well worth a read!
We start at Netherfield when Elizabeth trips and Darcy attempts to catch her, falling in her and then kissing her which results in a thoroughly compromising situation. Of course, they must marry. Elizabeth is frustrated by the situation and Darcy believes he has been trapped by a fortune hunter. What could go wrong?! What follows is the story of how these two get to know each other, with Darcy managing to put his foot in it at every opportunity.
I think the real highlight of this book is Colonel Fitzwilliam - he is hilarious and larger than life. His dealings with Wickham, interaction with Darcy and Bingley is brilliant and had me in stitches!!
To enjoy this book, take it for what it is - don't take it too seriously. It is a hoot and well worth a read!
July 26, 2020
Definitely a fresh take, and a very different style to Austen. Very OOC. Some fun parts. This Col F is a bit mental but I quite liked him.
It’s clearly written by a man. When dealing with male characters, that offered an interesting perspective, and I enjoyed it. I do think some aspects of Darcy’s thoughts and character were well captured. For the inner thoughts of the female characters, it didn’t work so well. I had to laugh at how often E considered D’s masculinely masculineness; her thoughts sounded more like what D imagined her to be thinking, than what a woman would actually think. I didn’t much this Elizabeth; she was too much like Collins’ idea of a woman who protests only to give in. A bit one dimensional - a few characters are, actually.
Also little over-wordy at times, some editing & spelling issues, and a few strangely worded conversations with missing words.
It’s clearly written by a man. When dealing with male characters, that offered an interesting perspective, and I enjoyed it. I do think some aspects of Darcy’s thoughts and character were well captured. For the inner thoughts of the female characters, it didn’t work so well. I had to laugh at how often E considered D’s masculinely masculineness; her thoughts sounded more like what D imagined her to be thinking, than what a woman would actually think. I didn’t much this Elizabeth; she was too much like Collins’ idea of a woman who protests only to give in. A bit one dimensional - a few characters are, actually.
Also little over-wordy at times, some editing & spelling issues, and a few strangely worded conversations with missing words.
December 17, 2019
This was supposed to be a comedy I believe, but to me it seemed to get sillier and sillier as the story progressed to the point that to me it was just ridiculous. I’ve read other books by this author that were much more enjoyable.
March 23, 2019
Cute story with several good chuckles
With this book being the first I’ve read in awhile, I am glad I chose it. This story had just the right amounts of the original P&P with plenty changes. To start, the compromise itself was masterfully hilarious and romantic!! Then there’s the normal willful misunderstandings between E and D, so much so that you wanna knock some heads at their obtuseness. Then there was Col Fitzwilliam, his role is comedy relief to the fullest. I mostly enjoyed his sport with Wickham, and his manipulation of D and B!!!
This is an easy and fast read. I’d recommend this story to JAFFers. This is a PG13 story
With this book being the first I’ve read in awhile, I am glad I chose it. This story had just the right amounts of the original P&P with plenty changes. To start, the compromise itself was masterfully hilarious and romantic!! Then there’s the normal willful misunderstandings between E and D, so much so that you wanna knock some heads at their obtuseness. Then there was Col Fitzwilliam, his role is comedy relief to the fullest. I mostly enjoyed his sport with Wickham, and his manipulation of D and B!!!
This is an easy and fast read. I’d recommend this story to JAFFers. This is a PG13 story
September 19, 2019
Good book
I liked the book, would have liked an epilogue. Whatever happened to the Bingleys and the rest of the Bennett's
I liked the book, would have liked an epilogue. Whatever happened to the Bingleys and the rest of the Bennett's
May 5, 2025
3.75 stars
This is humorous variation, bordering on silly.
There is a little too much kissing and not enough resolving of issues…
I listened to the audiobook on the authors YouTube channel
This is humorous variation, bordering on silly.
There is a little too much kissing and not enough resolving of issues…
I listened to the audiobook on the authors YouTube channel
March 22, 2019
I love the idea of this book. I have read so many variations where Elizabeth and Darcy were compromised, and it's always Elizabeth who is still against the marriage, and Darcy is who kind of secretly happy by the arrangement.
This one was the opposite. Elizabeth realized pretty early that this was right, but Darcy still has all of his initial misgivings and carries it through their courtship/engagement.
So why only two stars?
Although the premise was intriguing, I didn't care for how it was executed. Darcy and Elizabeth's connection was mostly passion only, with no real substance. They sat there fighting, and all Elizabeth wants to do is make-out with him, even when he's saying the most terrible things. Where is her backbone, her self-respect? I believe Elizabeth would have quit the engagement pretty quickly with how degrading and horribly Darcy speaks to her. For someone who wants to only marry for love, she seems to be fairly content for much of the book that she is marrying someone who doesn't love her at all.
Furthermore, I just don't believe these two characters, as written in this variation, would actually have a happy marriage. Most of their conversations are really heated arguments, not the quiet debates they share in Pride & Prejudice (with the exception of the first proposal). I have seen too many relationships driven by passion, they don't work in the end. I even have friends who fought all the time. But I think it drove them to be more passionate with each other. So they married.
Ten years later, they have two kids who need to go to therapy after listening to their parents scream at each other for years. The parents, no longer driven to passion, are left to only insane screaming matches and are now going through an extremely messy divorce.
I know this is just one example, but that's the lens I am viewing this relationship. Darcy and Elizabeth are driven by physical passion, and barely seem to get along outside of that. There is no way their marriage could withstand it.
The story also kind of just ends. I won't spoil it, but they really didn't give it much of a conclusion. Could have used another chapter.
This one was the opposite. Elizabeth realized pretty early that this was right, but Darcy still has all of his initial misgivings and carries it through their courtship/engagement.
So why only two stars?
Although the premise was intriguing, I didn't care for how it was executed. Darcy and Elizabeth's connection was mostly passion only, with no real substance. They sat there fighting, and all Elizabeth wants to do is make-out with him, even when he's saying the most terrible things. Where is her backbone, her self-respect? I believe Elizabeth would have quit the engagement pretty quickly with how degrading and horribly Darcy speaks to her. For someone who wants to only marry for love, she seems to be fairly content for much of the book that she is marrying someone who doesn't love her at all.
Furthermore, I just don't believe these two characters, as written in this variation, would actually have a happy marriage. Most of their conversations are really heated arguments, not the quiet debates they share in Pride & Prejudice (with the exception of the first proposal). I have seen too many relationships driven by passion, they don't work in the end. I even have friends who fought all the time. But I think it drove them to be more passionate with each other. So they married.
Ten years later, they have two kids who need to go to therapy after listening to their parents scream at each other for years. The parents, no longer driven to passion, are left to only insane screaming matches and are now going through an extremely messy divorce.
I know this is just one example, but that's the lens I am viewing this relationship. Darcy and Elizabeth are driven by physical passion, and barely seem to get along outside of that. There is no way their marriage could withstand it.
The story also kind of just ends. I won't spoil it, but they really didn't give it much of a conclusion. Could have used another chapter.
June 13, 2019
Nondistinct HEA
One of the aspects of enjoying P&P variations is the HEA. The Happily Ever After is assumed. In the bigger genre of Romance Novel this is true also. After all, people aren’t going to plunk down their hard earned money for misery.
Not many authors have forgone the HEA in P&P variations. For the first time in a long time, while reading this story, I felt there was a good chance there would be no HEA. A refreshing change for sure.
The premise of the story is simple. Lizzy and Darcy are caught kissing in the Netherfield library. So Darcy must marry her. The story moves along down the ‘forced marriage’ genre road from that point.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILER
But things go higgly-piggly. Lizzy falls in love with Darcy. And we see Darcy fall in love with Lizzy. The wrench in the machinery though is that Darcy doesnt know he is love. He thinks he is doing the honorable thing. When Lizzy hears from him he is only marrying her for honor she is heartbroken. This is a really, really moving scene. Written very well. The story moves on from there.
The HEA really never happens. It almost happens and would be anticlimactic to read just another HEA, so the author chooses to end the story. But really there is no guaranteed HEA. It is inferred but our dear couple have many years of trying to get to a classic HEA because of where the story ends.
Not being sure of a HEA in the middle of the story and once again at the end of the story even though they are both madly, ardently in love makes this a marvelous book.
I recommend it highly.
One of the aspects of enjoying P&P variations is the HEA. The Happily Ever After is assumed. In the bigger genre of Romance Novel this is true also. After all, people aren’t going to plunk down their hard earned money for misery.
Not many authors have forgone the HEA in P&P variations. For the first time in a long time, while reading this story, I felt there was a good chance there would be no HEA. A refreshing change for sure.
The premise of the story is simple. Lizzy and Darcy are caught kissing in the Netherfield library. So Darcy must marry her. The story moves along down the ‘forced marriage’ genre road from that point.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILER
But things go higgly-piggly. Lizzy falls in love with Darcy. And we see Darcy fall in love with Lizzy. The wrench in the machinery though is that Darcy doesnt know he is love. He thinks he is doing the honorable thing. When Lizzy hears from him he is only marrying her for honor she is heartbroken. This is a really, really moving scene. Written very well. The story moves on from there.
The HEA really never happens. It almost happens and would be anticlimactic to read just another HEA, so the author chooses to end the story. But really there is no guaranteed HEA. It is inferred but our dear couple have many years of trying to get to a classic HEA because of where the story ends.
Not being sure of a HEA in the middle of the story and once again at the end of the story even though they are both madly, ardently in love makes this a marvelous book.
I recommend it highly.
December 8, 2018
I gave this book 4.5 stars and rounded it up to 5. The story begins with a compromise!!! That bear rug! What was an accidental falling and then a passionate kiss sealed their fates. Darcy is gun ho on believing that Elizabeth set him up and demands she admits it. Elizabeth will only admit the truth that is was not a set up. There begins their courtship of getting to know each other. Love, passion, tenderness and communication. On the eve of their wedding Elizabeth asks one important question and receives the proud, high almighty, arrogant Darcy response. Will the have their happy ever ending? Will Darcy lose Elizabeth forever? Will Darcy walk away? Will the wedding happen? Read this story and find out..
I enjoyed this story and read it in one day. The story was suspenseful and kept the pages turning.
I enjoyed this story and read it in one day. The story was suspenseful and kept the pages turning.
April 21, 2025
Elizabeth tripped on a bear rug and this leads to a passionate kiss with Darcy, because that's what you do if you end up in Darcy's arms. Obviously.
Darcy is a bit mad because he thinks Elizabeth planned it with her mother, but he's not sorry to have his hand forced. Elizabeth would like to think they chose each other and when he upsets her he has things to prove.
I liked the humour here.
Darcy is a bit mad because he thinks Elizabeth planned it with her mother, but he's not sorry to have his hand forced. Elizabeth would like to think they chose each other and when he upsets her he has things to prove.
I liked the humour here.
October 4, 2022
While I liked the premise, there were just too many weird & so very many instances where things went not only against cannon, but reality. Like Mrs. Reynolds’s demanding Lizzy share her story. She’s a servant. This was classist colonial England. She can demand nothing. I hated Colonel Fitzwilliam. Well, perhaps hate is too strong of a word, but he’s just supposed to be more jovial than forceful & he was so very loud. Although, he did give me a few chuckles. I hated the weepy, pouty Elizabeth. Elizabeth would have been hurt yes, but she would have been more infuriated than sad. She would have covered her feelings better with anger. There were a few points that were quite humorous.
November 9, 2023
Wonderful story
This was a very different compromise story. I laughed out loud as many times as I wept silently over the course of reading this book. Dunderheaded Darcy was balanced by the wit of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. Candlebacon was dealt with promptly. The audiobook was narrated perfectly by Penny Scott-Andrews, who made the story even funnier.
This was a very different compromise story. I laughed out loud as many times as I wept silently over the course of reading this book. Dunderheaded Darcy was balanced by the wit of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. Candlebacon was dealt with promptly. The audiobook was narrated perfectly by Penny Scott-Andrews, who made the story even funnier.
April 14, 2019
Hard headed people...
A really interesting concept. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. Both, Elizabeth and Darcy keep their traits and butt heads in a different way. Highly recommended!
A really interesting concept. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. Both, Elizabeth and Darcy keep their traits and butt heads in a different way. Highly recommended!
December 24, 2018
Avid Reader
I am a fan of all of Timothy Underwood 's books. This one is no exception! I kept trying to imagine Elizabeth tripping over the best rug and catching her. Mr. Bennett really does not understand that Elizabeth and Darcy are nothing similar to his relationship to Mrs. Bennett. Mrs. Bennett does not possess Elizabeth 's intelligence, which makes him a simpleton. Darcy is also a simpleton because he kept insisting that Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennett planned to entrap him. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the only sensible person besides Mrs. Ansley. Georgina grows during the courtship and managed to help Elizabeth get over her pain and disappointment.
I am a fan of all of Timothy Underwood 's books. This one is no exception! I kept trying to imagine Elizabeth tripping over the best rug and catching her. Mr. Bennett really does not understand that Elizabeth and Darcy are nothing similar to his relationship to Mrs. Bennett. Mrs. Bennett does not possess Elizabeth 's intelligence, which makes him a simpleton. Darcy is also a simpleton because he kept insisting that Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennett planned to entrap him. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the only sensible person besides Mrs. Ansley. Georgina grows during the courtship and managed to help Elizabeth get over her pain and disappointment.
January 10, 2019
This book is a treasure
The romantic comedy that is clever and easy to follow is a rare find, and this book is one. Of course, the instant passion that springs up between Elizabeth and Darcy at the Netherfield ball grabs the reader immediately and never lets go, since it is so unexpected and contrary to what we've come to anticipate from this couple at this stage in their acquaintance. The fact that it's all done very tongue-in-cheek and sarcastically makes it so much more delicious. ODC take a lot of good-natured roasting after the events leading up to their unexpected betrothal, resulting from a compromising position discovered by Mrs. Bennett during the ball. The banter exchanged by all the parties, particularly Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, is hilarious. There were many laugh-out-loud moments in the story. I particularly enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam 's commentaries on the loveliness of Jane Bennett - priceless!
However, this is not a completely silly book. There is plenty of drama and angst, and a lot of heartfelt soul searching to balance out the humor. Elizabeth and Darcy each have issues to work through before they can reach their happy resolution. Their path to mutual trust and respect is fraught with difficulties, some self imposed and some from outside sources. In spite of their undeniable attraction to each other, they both realize that they truly don't know each other and must make the effort now. Their relations and friends get involved in this effort, and hilarity ensues.
I recommend this book. It's refreshing and interesting, with a minimum of editing mistakes. A real gem.
The romantic comedy that is clever and easy to follow is a rare find, and this book is one. Of course, the instant passion that springs up between Elizabeth and Darcy at the Netherfield ball grabs the reader immediately and never lets go, since it is so unexpected and contrary to what we've come to anticipate from this couple at this stage in their acquaintance. The fact that it's all done very tongue-in-cheek and sarcastically makes it so much more delicious. ODC take a lot of good-natured roasting after the events leading up to their unexpected betrothal, resulting from a compromising position discovered by Mrs. Bennett during the ball. The banter exchanged by all the parties, particularly Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, is hilarious. There were many laugh-out-loud moments in the story. I particularly enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam 's commentaries on the loveliness of Jane Bennett - priceless!
However, this is not a completely silly book. There is plenty of drama and angst, and a lot of heartfelt soul searching to balance out the humor. Elizabeth and Darcy each have issues to work through before they can reach their happy resolution. Their path to mutual trust and respect is fraught with difficulties, some self imposed and some from outside sources. In spite of their undeniable attraction to each other, they both realize that they truly don't know each other and must make the effort now. Their relations and friends get involved in this effort, and hilarity ensues.
I recommend this book. It's refreshing and interesting, with a minimum of editing mistakes. A real gem.
March 14, 2025
2,5 Stars max. 3 Stars.
I don‘t know what to say. Darcy was getting on my nerves the first half of the book with his constant ‚She trapped me into this marriage‘ but inside he knew that he kissed her. 🤦♀️ As for Elizabeth, she was kinda annoying too when being with Darcy. They fought all the time, did nothing else then kissing and she never listened to him but complained he wouldn‘t tell her anything. 🤦♀️
Worse:
The whole book only has maybe 2-3 sensible characters.
Mrs Annesley,Mrs Reynolds and Colonel Fitzwilliam (even with his jokes)
What with the constant ‚By Jove, Zounds or was it Zeus? And others.. it was quite annoying after a while.
As for the ending, quite abrupt, would have wished for an epilogue maybe? An Insight in their marriage, because as they are now, it seems like Mr Bennet may be right. He was passionate with Mrs Bennet too just like ODC but look what it became when passion died down. 🤷♀️
I don‘t know what to say. Darcy was getting on my nerves the first half of the book with his constant ‚She trapped me into this marriage‘ but inside he knew that he kissed her. 🤦♀️ As for Elizabeth, she was kinda annoying too when being with Darcy. They fought all the time, did nothing else then kissing and she never listened to him but complained he wouldn‘t tell her anything. 🤦♀️
Worse:
The whole book only has maybe 2-3 sensible characters.
Mrs Annesley,Mrs Reynolds and Colonel Fitzwilliam (even with his jokes)
What with the constant ‚By Jove, Zounds or was it Zeus? And others.. it was quite annoying after a while.
As for the ending, quite abrupt, would have wished for an epilogue maybe? An Insight in their marriage, because as they are now, it seems like Mr Bennet may be right. He was passionate with Mrs Bennet too just like ODC but look what it became when passion died down. 🤷♀️
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded up. Would be 4 if not for some grammatical problems, though they were at least consistent. Pride and Prejudice variation.
Sometimes something is funny because that's how life is and we can see ourselves or our own experiences in it. Other times something is funny because it's so bizarre and outrageous. This is the second type of humor, developing from Elizabeth Bennet tripping over a bear skin rug in the Netherfield library when she stalks away from an argument with Mr. Darcy over Mr. Wickham. Blame it on the rug is a recurring theme through the story, and something Darcy would have done well to actually do, instead of blaming Elizabeth for all that follows.
This story has a somewhat breathless pace, moving quickly from accidental compromise into the ups and downs of a stormy relationship. It's farfetched, and I don't like Darcy about three-quarters of the way through this story, but then we're not really supposed to. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the most humorous character, not really what he was in the original story but lots of fun in this variation, with his own sort of buffoonish kind of wisdom. Poor Mr. Bennet, though ...
Sometimes something is funny because that's how life is and we can see ourselves or our own experiences in it. Other times something is funny because it's so bizarre and outrageous. This is the second type of humor, developing from Elizabeth Bennet tripping over a bear skin rug in the Netherfield library when she stalks away from an argument with Mr. Darcy over Mr. Wickham. Blame it on the rug is a recurring theme through the story, and something Darcy would have done well to actually do, instead of blaming Elizabeth for all that follows.
This story has a somewhat breathless pace, moving quickly from accidental compromise into the ups and downs of a stormy relationship. It's farfetched, and I don't like Darcy about three-quarters of the way through this story, but then we're not really supposed to. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the most humorous character, not really what he was in the original story but lots of fun in this variation, with his own sort of buffoonish kind of wisdom. Poor Mr. Bennet, though ...
April 17, 2019
Pride and Prejudice variation with a forced marriage scenario.
Unputdownable!
I do love a good forced marriage scenario and this was hilarious. Mr Darcy's arrogance makes him put his foot in his mouth, repeatedly. (Much prefer that than a sudden transformation into a mushy but eloquent Casanova...)
Enters at the Netherfield ball. Darcy decided to defend himself to Elizabeth on the misdoings that Wickham had accused him of. Alone in the library, Elizabeth tripped into Darcy's arms, a fervent kiss ensued that was interrupted by Mrs Bennet, Sir William and Bingley.
Convinced that Elizabeth and her scheming mother had collaborated to entrap him into marriage, he makes his sentiments known to all and sundry although it does not deter him from wanting to marry Elizabeth... Loved the undertow of sexual tension!
Loved the level of angst, just perfect as the wedding day approached and Darcy self-deception reached new heights. Deliciously emotional!
I absolutely loved it! Heartily recommend!
Unputdownable!
I do love a good forced marriage scenario and this was hilarious. Mr Darcy's arrogance makes him put his foot in his mouth, repeatedly. (Much prefer that than a sudden transformation into a mushy but eloquent Casanova...)
Enters at the Netherfield ball. Darcy decided to defend himself to Elizabeth on the misdoings that Wickham had accused him of. Alone in the library, Elizabeth tripped into Darcy's arms, a fervent kiss ensued that was interrupted by Mrs Bennet, Sir William and Bingley.
Convinced that Elizabeth and her scheming mother had collaborated to entrap him into marriage, he makes his sentiments known to all and sundry although it does not deter him from wanting to marry Elizabeth... Loved the undertow of sexual tension!
Loved the level of angst, just perfect as the wedding day approached and Darcy self-deception reached new heights. Deliciously emotional!
I absolutely loved it! Heartily recommend!
December 28, 2019
Fast paced Fun and Frustration
The banter is the best. Everyone, even Darcy, talks without reserve, an unusual occurrence for this cast of characters. Mr. Underwood plays with his voices throughout this story and keeps everyone on edge. The romance is more lust than love except for intense longing, admirational expressions and frequent passionate kisses throughout. It is more clean than sweet, or perhaps more sweet than clean?
The banter is the best. Everyone, even Darcy, talks without reserve, an unusual occurrence for this cast of characters. Mr. Underwood plays with his voices throughout this story and keeps everyone on edge. The romance is more lust than love except for intense longing, admirational expressions and frequent passionate kisses throughout. It is more clean than sweet, or perhaps more sweet than clean?
January 17, 2019
Zounds!
Ugh. I'm reasonably sure that Col. Fitzwilliam would never "pump his fist." Also I've never seen "zounds" used outside of Scooby Doo. And the crazy excessive use of it (and "jove") was so annoying.
Terrible book.
Ugh. I'm reasonably sure that Col. Fitzwilliam would never "pump his fist." Also I've never seen "zounds" used outside of Scooby Doo. And the crazy excessive use of it (and "jove") was so annoying.
Terrible book.
December 21, 2018
Not my style.
February 18, 2019
This is not a favorite- odd writing style not in keeping with the style and time period the book was written.
November 12, 2025
Cruel Darcy and an Elizabeth with no self respect
I didn't mind the weird writing style or the dialogues, but romance was truly horrible.
Darcy suggests the meeting, but still accuses Elizabeth of trapping him. He says this directly to Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth's reaction to this is to continue focusing on darcy's fine form and kiss him. It seems like the only basis for her interest in him is his looks, there is no development to show how Elizabeth went from hating him to desiring him.
Then while engaged, darcy humiliates her by saying all he said in original proposal about her family, connections etc, though in a much worse terms. Elizabeth still does nothing, keeps kissing him. Then she somehow decides she loves him, and tells him the day before their wedding if she had the choice she'd chose him. And, darcy tells her, if he had the choice, he won't choose her even now, after all the time they have spent together. She's visibly upset but he still insists on that. (but somehow completely changes it the next day for no reason). She then decides to release him from her engagement and run away from her home, but when Georgiana finds her, goes with her to pemberley. Like what even?
Then darcy goes there, they reunite, kiss some more, and when Mr. Bennet refuses to consent to the marriage again (the only person to have any sense i guess), they elope.
This Elizabeth is worse than even Lydia. I don't think even she would take this much disrespect. And, darcy is repeatedly cruel to her. This darcy makes the canon darcy look like a saint by comparison.
This doesn't work as a P&P variation as these characters have no similarity to E&D except name, but it's not even a good romance. So what's the point of this book?
Also, what's with the misogynic thoughts in darcy, mr Bennet's pov about women's lack of sense and all that? Is that supposed to be funny?
I didn't mind the weird writing style or the dialogues, but romance was truly horrible.
Darcy suggests the meeting, but still accuses Elizabeth of trapping him. He says this directly to Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth's reaction to this is to continue focusing on darcy's fine form and kiss him. It seems like the only basis for her interest in him is his looks, there is no development to show how Elizabeth went from hating him to desiring him.
Then while engaged, darcy humiliates her by saying all he said in original proposal about her family, connections etc, though in a much worse terms. Elizabeth still does nothing, keeps kissing him. Then she somehow decides she loves him, and tells him the day before their wedding if she had the choice she'd chose him. And, darcy tells her, if he had the choice, he won't choose her even now, after all the time they have spent together. She's visibly upset but he still insists on that. (but somehow completely changes it the next day for no reason). She then decides to release him from her engagement and run away from her home, but when Georgiana finds her, goes with her to pemberley. Like what even?
Then darcy goes there, they reunite, kiss some more, and when Mr. Bennet refuses to consent to the marriage again (the only person to have any sense i guess), they elope.
This Elizabeth is worse than even Lydia. I don't think even she would take this much disrespect. And, darcy is repeatedly cruel to her. This darcy makes the canon darcy look like a saint by comparison.
This doesn't work as a P&P variation as these characters have no similarity to E&D except name, but it's not even a good romance. So what's the point of this book?
Also, what's with the misogynic thoughts in darcy, mr Bennet's pov about women's lack of sense and all that? Is that supposed to be funny?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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