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When Duty Calls
The Netherfield ball brings about many changes for the population of Meryton, and more so for the female residents of Longbourn. Mr. Bingley’s departure leaves the eldest, Jane Bennet, heartbroken whilst Mr. Collins’s proposal induces Miss Elizabeth to make a hasty escape. During her flight, she happens upon Mr. Darcy, a gentleman she despises. A moment of solitude in the woods leads to rather improper behavior, and the couple departs with the promise they will tell no one about their minor indiscretion. When their secret is finally uncovered, marriage becomes the only solution to saving Elizabeth from social disgrace. Her other grudges against Mr. Darcy are amplified by resentment and the prospect of spending her life with a man she can never respect. Nonetheless, the marriage takes place, forcing the young couple to deal with their pride and prejudices as husband and wife.
Originally posted online almost twenty years ago, this Regency tale of redemption narrates the struggles of two people, their differences, and their rocky start. But will they succeed in overcoming lies, misunderstandings, and their own errors to finally find love?
Originally posted online almost twenty years ago, this Regency tale of redemption narrates the struggles of two people, their differences, and their rocky start. But will they succeed in overcoming lies, misunderstandings, and their own errors to finally find love?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 26, 2020
A forced marriage situation brought about when Darcy comes upon Elizabeth distressed and in tears in the woods near her home. She fears her father will insist she marry Collins who has just proposed. Darcy embraces her, allowing her to weep in his arms, but then kisses her. She responds for an instant but then pushes him away. They both agree to forget it ever happened. HOWEVER, one of the town's gossips and her daughter have seen the "compromise" and although Darcy soon leaves, along with Bingley, for London, Elizabeth soon finds herself receiving dark glares and being cut. The gossip has now expanded as some are even saying she is Darcy's mistress. Upon learning about the wagging tongues, Mr. Bennet calls Elizabeth into his study and asks her about it. She admits the truth but downplays the seriousness and even offers to go to live with the Gardiners until the gossip dies down. Mr. Bennet is having none of that and insists that it is her DUTY to marry Darcy if/when Mr. Bennet can call him on his duty to accept her hand in marriage.
Darcy has feelings for Elizabeth which he has been denying but when Mr. Bennet confronts him it is the perfect excuse to gain what he wants, even though his family duty would have denied him this connection. On the other hand he knows it is his DUTY to make things right for Elizabeth (and her family).
Elizabeth resentfully goes along with plans but as the wedding approaches Darcy's part in separating Jane and Bingley as well as Wickham's tale of woe at Darcy's hand make her more and more bitter about the situation. Her words to him when he comes into her bedroom on their wedding night are very similar those you read in canon when he proposed at Hunsford. He walks out of her bedroom and their relationship is now one of awkward silence between them during the very limited times they come together (usually at dinner time).
Darcy has written a letter after her words to him but does not give the letter to her until he is about to depart to Wales on business. The letter does change her opinion about Darcy as did that letter in canon.
Neither party makes time to open up, to want to discuss the letter and the issues it addressed. We read of other ways in which Elizabeth sees that her husband is respected and generous and caring. Her feelings change but she makes no moves to inform him of such. He treats her with respect despite how cool matters are between them.
As in canon there is a crisis which forces both parties to talk and finally there is a HEA.
Darcy has feelings for Elizabeth which he has been denying but when Mr. Bennet confronts him it is the perfect excuse to gain what he wants, even though his family duty would have denied him this connection. On the other hand he knows it is his DUTY to make things right for Elizabeth (and her family).
Elizabeth resentfully goes along with plans but as the wedding approaches Darcy's part in separating Jane and Bingley as well as Wickham's tale of woe at Darcy's hand make her more and more bitter about the situation. Her words to him when he comes into her bedroom on their wedding night are very similar those you read in canon when he proposed at Hunsford. He walks out of her bedroom and their relationship is now one of awkward silence between them during the very limited times they come together (usually at dinner time).
Darcy has written a letter after her words to him but does not give the letter to her until he is about to depart to Wales on business. The letter does change her opinion about Darcy as did that letter in canon.
Neither party makes time to open up, to want to discuss the letter and the issues it addressed. We read of other ways in which Elizabeth sees that her husband is respected and generous and caring. Her feelings change but she makes no moves to inform him of such. He treats her with respect despite how cool matters are between them.
As in canon there is a crisis which forces both parties to talk and finally there is a HEA.
April 21, 2020
A FMS. When Lizzy flees Mr. Collins's proposal she runs into the arms of Mr. Darcy who kisses her. Alas they aren't unobserved and sooner than expected Mr. Darcy is obligated to marry Lizzy.
None of their pre-existing prejudices will be resolved and some will be moved forward. Lizzy is a total cooze who rages at Darcy on their wedding night and kicks him out of the bedroom.
Time heals all wounds and eventually they start getting back to good. But many of the P&P standard problems will sprout up including Lydia eloping with Wickham in April.
The Time management of this story bothered me. In the Regency long engagements weren't a thing I could enumerate all the reasons but please just read a book. So why were Jane and Bingley betrothed in April and married in September??
thus the 4 stars instead of 5
None of their pre-existing prejudices will be resolved and some will be moved forward. Lizzy is a total cooze who rages at Darcy on their wedding night and kicks him out of the bedroom.
Time heals all wounds and eventually they start getting back to good. But many of the P&P standard problems will sprout up including Lydia eloping with Wickham in April.
The Time management of this story bothered me. In the Regency long engagements weren't a thing I could enumerate all the reasons but please just read a book. So why were Jane and Bingley betrothed in April and married in September??
thus the 4 stars instead of 5
April 26, 2020
Enjoyed rereading this classic JAFF. Easy to recommend.
August 22, 2020
“There are many types of marriage relationships and all of them can work, but none is sadder than the one that doesn’t represent peace in your heart.” –Shannon L. Alder
Rating: clean with a bit of steam from a bedroom scene that did fade to black. Warning: Spoiler Alert: this review is biased to the extreme. I am ‘Team Darcy’ all the way and I wanted to string Lizzy up by HER pigtails and attitude for her treatment of our Darcy. Now, if you wish to read this review… you have been warned.
First, let me say that I love that cover choice. This was a forced-marriage-scenario [FMS] between our dear couple D&E. Yep, the town’s worst gossip saw them in a tender moment and couldn’t run fast enough into Meryton to spread the news about Elizabeth Bennet’s scandalous behavior. Elizabeth’s reputation, after the dear lady had finished, took a nosedive. Oh, dear. They could hope for the best but needed to prepare for the worst. Mrs. Bennet took to her bed; Mr. Bennet was furious; the silly younger sisters giggled, while Mary sermonized, and poor Jane said maybe it wasn’t so bad. It was bad and that sent Mr. Bennet into London looking for Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth did NOT get the memo: “Marriage is not kick-boxing, it’s salsa dancing.” –Amit Kalantri
This was a story with an Elizabeth that was so frustrating that at times I could not breathe. There is a fine line between being obstinate and being stupidly stubborn. Elizabeth walked that line nearly the entire story and spent most of her time leaning into the stupidly stubborn side. There were times I wanted to absolutely shake her. Maybe I’ve been married too long and resent the treatment she put her husband through. I mean seriously, the poor man did everything he could for her and her family. She was horrid and I resented her for it. Grrr! My opinion once lost… oh, crap… after what she did [or didn’t do] Darcy should have sent her to the farthest estate he had in Scotland until she cooled off. TALK to each other, people, for goodness sake. Wickham, that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] was a shadow over the whole story. Someone should have run him through when he was born. He probably bit his mother just for spite. And Elizabeth believed everything he said to her and damned her husband for his treatment of the worst sort of man in England. I was so upset, I wanted to chew nails.
Darcy got the memo: “Yes, death is far less dire to contemplate than a forced marriage to an unloved mate.” –Richard Wilbur, The School for Husbands
Oh, I ached for our Darcy. This man of honor was the best. I bled for him in his hurt and disappointment. I wanted to weep as he tried at every turn to please a woman who would NOT be pleased. What more could he do? And yet, he continued to try. This was such a good man.
What I liked: I hate a story where it appears that Elizabeth throws a light switch and moves from dislike to instant love. That never works for me and I resent it when authors do it. Even though this story was long… we were able to watch as chips of the iceberg called Elizabeth’s heart began to fall away. Everything she had against him was addressed and solved to her satisfaction. The end was delicious as their HEA was within our sights. Whew! Thank goodness.
What I didn’t like: this was a long story and could have been trimmed a bit. It would have been fine with me if some of Elizabeth’s tantrums never saw the light of day. Back at the Bennet estate: with all the hubbub regarding Elizabeth’s reputation and talk of a scandalous marriage… you would think that Mr. Bennet would have been more circumspect in sending the silly child Lydia off to Brighton. You would think; however, I guess our author wanted to keep this as close to Austen’s story-line as possible. I hate Wickham… did I say that already? Lydia, stupid, child that she is… is close behind him in my opinion.
3-31-20 I won the ebook copy of this story from Meryton Press during the author’s blog tour. Although a review was not required as part of the giveaway, I was excited to read and review this book. The views and opinions expressed are my own. Maybe I should have waited until my ire cooled down before I wrote this review. I’ll consider that in the future. I do recommend this if you love angst and a lovely, romantic, swoon-worthy, HEA. Heavy sigh.
Rating: clean with a bit of steam from a bedroom scene that did fade to black. Warning: Spoiler Alert: this review is biased to the extreme. I am ‘Team Darcy’ all the way and I wanted to string Lizzy up by HER pigtails and attitude for her treatment of our Darcy. Now, if you wish to read this review… you have been warned.
First, let me say that I love that cover choice. This was a forced-marriage-scenario [FMS] between our dear couple D&E. Yep, the town’s worst gossip saw them in a tender moment and couldn’t run fast enough into Meryton to spread the news about Elizabeth Bennet’s scandalous behavior. Elizabeth’s reputation, after the dear lady had finished, took a nosedive. Oh, dear. They could hope for the best but needed to prepare for the worst. Mrs. Bennet took to her bed; Mr. Bennet was furious; the silly younger sisters giggled, while Mary sermonized, and poor Jane said maybe it wasn’t so bad. It was bad and that sent Mr. Bennet into London looking for Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth did NOT get the memo: “Marriage is not kick-boxing, it’s salsa dancing.” –Amit Kalantri
This was a story with an Elizabeth that was so frustrating that at times I could not breathe. There is a fine line between being obstinate and being stupidly stubborn. Elizabeth walked that line nearly the entire story and spent most of her time leaning into the stupidly stubborn side. There were times I wanted to absolutely shake her. Maybe I’ve been married too long and resent the treatment she put her husband through. I mean seriously, the poor man did everything he could for her and her family. She was horrid and I resented her for it. Grrr! My opinion once lost… oh, crap… after what she did [or didn’t do] Darcy should have sent her to the farthest estate he had in Scotland until she cooled off. TALK to each other, people, for goodness sake. Wickham, that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] was a shadow over the whole story. Someone should have run him through when he was born. He probably bit his mother just for spite. And Elizabeth believed everything he said to her and damned her husband for his treatment of the worst sort of man in England. I was so upset, I wanted to chew nails.
Darcy got the memo: “Yes, death is far less dire to contemplate than a forced marriage to an unloved mate.” –Richard Wilbur, The School for Husbands
Oh, I ached for our Darcy. This man of honor was the best. I bled for him in his hurt and disappointment. I wanted to weep as he tried at every turn to please a woman who would NOT be pleased. What more could he do? And yet, he continued to try. This was such a good man.
What I liked: I hate a story where it appears that Elizabeth throws a light switch and moves from dislike to instant love. That never works for me and I resent it when authors do it. Even though this story was long… we were able to watch as chips of the iceberg called Elizabeth’s heart began to fall away. Everything she had against him was addressed and solved to her satisfaction. The end was delicious as their HEA was within our sights. Whew! Thank goodness.
What I didn’t like: this was a long story and could have been trimmed a bit. It would have been fine with me if some of Elizabeth’s tantrums never saw the light of day. Back at the Bennet estate: with all the hubbub regarding Elizabeth’s reputation and talk of a scandalous marriage… you would think that Mr. Bennet would have been more circumspect in sending the silly child Lydia off to Brighton. You would think; however, I guess our author wanted to keep this as close to Austen’s story-line as possible. I hate Wickham… did I say that already? Lydia, stupid, child that she is… is close behind him in my opinion.
3-31-20 I won the ebook copy of this story from Meryton Press during the author’s blog tour. Although a review was not required as part of the giveaway, I was excited to read and review this book. The views and opinions expressed are my own. Maybe I should have waited until my ire cooled down before I wrote this review. I’ll consider that in the future. I do recommend this if you love angst and a lovely, romantic, swoon-worthy, HEA. Heavy sigh.
May 1, 2020
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, a compromise situation forces our dear couple together. The story follows a one sided attraction until the other person catches up. Close quarters allow past prejudice to be proven false and communication saves the day.
The story line is not new but it is well done.
The story line is not new but it is well done.
July 27, 2020
Not an easy Lizzy to like
Forced marriage. Lizzy despises Darcy and uses the same hatefilled word that she used after his proposal in original P&P. Later she comes to know him better but never explains her change of mind. The marriage is not consummated for months. They both have their faults but for the most part he is a gentleman and will not force her to do anything knowing she despises him. Book is a bit of a slog wondering when Lizzy will quit being a fool.
Forced marriage. Lizzy despises Darcy and uses the same hatefilled word that she used after his proposal in original P&P. Later she comes to know him better but never explains her change of mind. The marriage is not consummated for months. They both have their faults but for the most part he is a gentleman and will not force her to do anything knowing she despises him. Book is a bit of a slog wondering when Lizzy will quit being a fool.
January 5, 2023
What If Mr. Darcy’s Self-Control Slipped When He Was Comforting Elizabeth Bennet?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After escaping from Mr. Collins’s proposal, Elizabeth receives comfort from the least likely person of her acquaintance – Mr. Darcy. And because they were observed and rumors have spread, Mr. Darcy is honor-bound to marry her. While this development becomes most welcome and agreeable to Mr. Darcy, it isn’t until the wedding night that he discovers he has married someone who intensely abhors him…
MY THOUGHTS: A forced-marriage scenario! I love how this came about – how Darcy was unable to repress his feelings and how Elizabeth was greatly bewildered by her own reactions to Mr. Darcy. And now they are to be married, and Elizabeth believes the worst of Mr. Darcy and resents him greatly. How will this ill-fated marriage progress?
This is a beautiful and absorbing Darcy and Elizabeth centric tale. I loved how Ms. Paccagnella portrayed these characters, and I loved witnessing their individual journeys towards understanding, growth, and love. I appreciated how Ms. Paccagnella conveyed Mr. Darcy’s anguish and intense guilt. It would be just like our honorable and dutiful Mr. Darcy to take himself to task for ruining Elizabeth’s life and happiness with is own selfish actions. I loved how he immediately went to work to win Elizabeth’s affections and patiently let her actions be his guide.
In addition, I applaud how she depicted Elizabeth’s confusion and tumultuous emotions. With Mr. Darcy’s reserve and their limited time together before the marriage, Mr. Darcy is still very much a stranger to Elizabeth and she only has her inaccurate sketching and Mr. Wickham’s false reports to go on. Add to that her trepidation for her future life and despair for her relationships with her family, and it is easy to understand why Elizabeth acts as she does. But as we know, Elizabeth is not one “formed for ill-humor,” and admirably attempts to make the best of her situation. I liked that she wasn’t so immovable in her dislike and how she quickly became attuned to Mr. Darcy’s praiseworthy traits.
But perhaps some of my most favorite moments were when Darcy and Elizabeth were together and seeing their quiet amity and feelings of happiness grow. I loved so many of the heart-stopping and tender moments together – when Mr. Darcy returns home from Wales, when Elizabeth presents her gift, when they met in the green sitting room. But I also loved the playful moments too – when Elizabeth and Georgiana first attempted duets, when they take the Gardiners for a picnic by the trout stream… 😄 Their journey to happiness and understanding wasn’t one with a lot of exterior obstacles or dramatic twists. It was one of slow and gentle growth, quiet reflections, and small moments.
I was completely charmed by this tender and understated variation or Pride and Prejudice. I loved Ms. Paccagnella’s emotive prose and introspective tone, and I greatly appreciate her thoughtful and genuine renderings of these characters. When Duty Calls is the first book I’ve read by Bélen Paccagnella, and I cannot wait to read more stories by her!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After escaping from Mr. Collins’s proposal, Elizabeth receives comfort from the least likely person of her acquaintance – Mr. Darcy. And because they were observed and rumors have spread, Mr. Darcy is honor-bound to marry her. While this development becomes most welcome and agreeable to Mr. Darcy, it isn’t until the wedding night that he discovers he has married someone who intensely abhors him…
MY THOUGHTS: A forced-marriage scenario! I love how this came about – how Darcy was unable to repress his feelings and how Elizabeth was greatly bewildered by her own reactions to Mr. Darcy. And now they are to be married, and Elizabeth believes the worst of Mr. Darcy and resents him greatly. How will this ill-fated marriage progress?
This is a beautiful and absorbing Darcy and Elizabeth centric tale. I loved how Ms. Paccagnella portrayed these characters, and I loved witnessing their individual journeys towards understanding, growth, and love. I appreciated how Ms. Paccagnella conveyed Mr. Darcy’s anguish and intense guilt. It would be just like our honorable and dutiful Mr. Darcy to take himself to task for ruining Elizabeth’s life and happiness with is own selfish actions. I loved how he immediately went to work to win Elizabeth’s affections and patiently let her actions be his guide.
In addition, I applaud how she depicted Elizabeth’s confusion and tumultuous emotions. With Mr. Darcy’s reserve and their limited time together before the marriage, Mr. Darcy is still very much a stranger to Elizabeth and she only has her inaccurate sketching and Mr. Wickham’s false reports to go on. Add to that her trepidation for her future life and despair for her relationships with her family, and it is easy to understand why Elizabeth acts as she does. But as we know, Elizabeth is not one “formed for ill-humor,” and admirably attempts to make the best of her situation. I liked that she wasn’t so immovable in her dislike and how she quickly became attuned to Mr. Darcy’s praiseworthy traits.
But perhaps some of my most favorite moments were when Darcy and Elizabeth were together and seeing their quiet amity and feelings of happiness grow. I loved so many of the heart-stopping and tender moments together – when Mr. Darcy returns home from Wales, when Elizabeth presents her gift, when they met in the green sitting room. But I also loved the playful moments too – when Elizabeth and Georgiana first attempted duets, when they take the Gardiners for a picnic by the trout stream… 😄 Their journey to happiness and understanding wasn’t one with a lot of exterior obstacles or dramatic twists. It was one of slow and gentle growth, quiet reflections, and small moments.
I was completely charmed by this tender and understated variation or Pride and Prejudice. I loved Ms. Paccagnella’s emotive prose and introspective tone, and I greatly appreciate her thoughtful and genuine renderings of these characters. When Duty Calls is the first book I’ve read by Bélen Paccagnella, and I cannot wait to read more stories by her!
Austenesque Reviews
June 8, 2022
Angsty but beautiful. Loved this.
A tender and passionate (spontaneous and quite a surprise,) moment observed by a gleeful gossip leads to a tarnished reputation and a forced marriage. Elizabeth’s anger with her situation and Mr Darcy’s proud disdain for Elizabeth’s family leads to a very unhappy start to their marriage.
Imagine the Hunsford proposal argument happening on the Darcys wedding night. This scene was so angst filled, almost shocking with Elizabeth’s pronouncements and Darcy’s initial response. Good grief, it was gut wrenching.
What follows is an agonizingly slow opening of Elizabeth’s eyes. And a hero in Mr Darcy worthy of truly falling in love with. I did!
Highly recommended.
A tender and passionate (spontaneous and quite a surprise,) moment observed by a gleeful gossip leads to a tarnished reputation and a forced marriage. Elizabeth’s anger with her situation and Mr Darcy’s proud disdain for Elizabeth’s family leads to a very unhappy start to their marriage.
Imagine the Hunsford proposal argument happening on the Darcys wedding night. This scene was so angst filled, almost shocking with Elizabeth’s pronouncements and Darcy’s initial response. Good grief, it was gut wrenching.
What follows is an agonizingly slow opening of Elizabeth’s eyes. And a hero in Mr Darcy worthy of truly falling in love with. I did!
Highly recommended.
July 3, 2021
Good Variation
Reviewed in Canada on March 10, 2020
Whoa, Elizabeth’s setdown to Darcy almost rivaled the original. Nicely done! I thought this was a good storyline. Very enjoyable.
July 2, 2021 - Audiobook
As always, an excellent narration by Stevie Zimmerman.
Reviewed in Canada on March 10, 2020
Whoa, Elizabeth’s setdown to Darcy almost rivaled the original. Nicely done! I thought this was a good storyline. Very enjoyable.
July 2, 2021 - Audiobook
As always, an excellent narration by Stevie Zimmerman.
May 31, 2020
This is a forced marriage scenario where Darcy kisses Elizabeth as he comes upon her as she is trying to get away from Collins. Unbeknown to either of them at the time, this indiscretion was witnessed. Darcy thinks all his christmases have come at once when Mr Bennet demands he marries her... takes away all the agonising about how he can marry her despite her low connections. Poor chap doesn't realise Elizabeth hates his guts. I thought she was going to be sensible and try and make the best of it, realising there is is some weird connection with him she can't put her finger on. But then she turns into some kind of maniac on the wedding night, throwing him out her room and reporting she may be married to him but will never be his wife. What follows is him realising he has made a massive error in judgement in thinking Elizabeth would be pleased to marry him. Meanwhile she is feeling like a total muppet for not realising the goodness in the man she married. But... obviously.... they cant talk about their misunderstandings so things continue rather awkwardly for a good long time.
I was really torn reading this.... Elizabeth's behaviour on her wedding night was awful. I really disliked her for it. The author does a good job in explaining it, but I still felt it was a bit much and out of character... meanwhile, you've got Darcy blaming himself and although we get insight into his perspective, I didnt really think he'd done anything wrong so felt quite sorry for him having to put up with this screaming mad woman he married in good faith. Lady Catherine's objections keep being raised but never go anywhere so I'm not really sure why it was even mentioned. We get the Wickham/Lydia scenario and learn he had accrued £1,000 in debt.... that was ALOT of money then. I didn't believe that shop keepers would give that much credit to anyone, never mind a leuitentant. There is a lot of nothing going on in this book because Darcy and Elizabeth are ignoring each other. I hadn't got the patience for it.
I think overall, this book was ok but it didnt draw me in and I didn't like Elizabeth.
I was really torn reading this.... Elizabeth's behaviour on her wedding night was awful. I really disliked her for it. The author does a good job in explaining it, but I still felt it was a bit much and out of character... meanwhile, you've got Darcy blaming himself and although we get insight into his perspective, I didnt really think he'd done anything wrong so felt quite sorry for him having to put up with this screaming mad woman he married in good faith. Lady Catherine's objections keep being raised but never go anywhere so I'm not really sure why it was even mentioned. We get the Wickham/Lydia scenario and learn he had accrued £1,000 in debt.... that was ALOT of money then. I didn't believe that shop keepers would give that much credit to anyone, never mind a leuitentant. There is a lot of nothing going on in this book because Darcy and Elizabeth are ignoring each other. I hadn't got the patience for it.
I think overall, this book was ok but it didnt draw me in and I didn't like Elizabeth.
Read
June 28, 2024DNF at 12%
So far I don't like this Darcy and I really don't want to force myself through.
My advice Darcy, if you kiss distraught maidens then accept the consequences.
I checked the reviews (so many good ones), maybe someday I will pick the book up again.
So far I don't like this Darcy and I really don't want to force myself through.
My advice Darcy, if you kiss distraught maidens then accept the consequences.
I checked the reviews (so many good ones), maybe someday I will pick the book up again.
January 11, 2021
More a 3.5 for me. I have read many similar to this premise, specifically the first part of this book. Then it shifted a bit, and did become a little different.
While this is a good read, there wasn't so much that was new to me here. Aside from their forced marriage there was so much that ran quite similar to canon.
I will say the author wove iconic moments of the original P&P in to this story in a clever way.
While this is a good read, there wasn't so much that was new to me here. Aside from their forced marriage there was so much that ran quite similar to canon.
I will say the author wove iconic moments of the original P&P in to this story in a clever way.
December 17, 2021
Elizabeth is a bit stubborn...
She keeps thinking he does not love her anymore just because she thinks that he cannot love her after her treatment.
She keeps thinking he does not love her anymore just because she thinks that he cannot love her after her treatment.
April 14, 2020
Very nice
The premise of this book is a familiar one, that Darcy and Elizabeth share a brief but passionate kiss, even though Elizabeth doesn't like him, and Darcy is trying to deny his attraction to her. They're seen, and are forced to marry, much to Elizabeth's horror, but Darcy is okay about it because he already is falling in love with her. I've read several JAFF books that begin this way, and this is one of the better ones.
In this scenario, we always have to endure the education of ODC. Darcy must learn the reasons that Elizabeth doesn't want him, and must decide to change his ways to make her happy. Elizabeth must learn that she's a poor judge of character, and that she's guilty of just as much proud and disdainful behavior as Darcy ever was. It was in this aspect that the story became unpleasant for me. The extreme stubbornness that Elizabeth displayed, her complete refusal to meet Darcy halfway in trying to build a relationship, was aggravating and upsetting. In spite of good advice from several of her closest loved ones, she persisted in her hateful attitude towards Darcy, sabotaging his every effort to please her. We all love Elizabeth's independent spirit, but I don't like to see her character act so stupidly.
Then when Elizabeth finally starts to see the good side of Darcy, and decides she might like him after all, she gets all tongue tied and wishy washy, and can't find the words or the courage to let him know. Where is our beloved intrepid Lizzy?
In spite of my dissatisfaction with the character of Elizabeth, the book is well written, although it is pretty melodramatic. The Darcy character is very romantic, so I recommend it.
The premise of this book is a familiar one, that Darcy and Elizabeth share a brief but passionate kiss, even though Elizabeth doesn't like him, and Darcy is trying to deny his attraction to her. They're seen, and are forced to marry, much to Elizabeth's horror, but Darcy is okay about it because he already is falling in love with her. I've read several JAFF books that begin this way, and this is one of the better ones.
In this scenario, we always have to endure the education of ODC. Darcy must learn the reasons that Elizabeth doesn't want him, and must decide to change his ways to make her happy. Elizabeth must learn that she's a poor judge of character, and that she's guilty of just as much proud and disdainful behavior as Darcy ever was. It was in this aspect that the story became unpleasant for me. The extreme stubbornness that Elizabeth displayed, her complete refusal to meet Darcy halfway in trying to build a relationship, was aggravating and upsetting. In spite of good advice from several of her closest loved ones, she persisted in her hateful attitude towards Darcy, sabotaging his every effort to please her. We all love Elizabeth's independent spirit, but I don't like to see her character act so stupidly.
Then when Elizabeth finally starts to see the good side of Darcy, and decides she might like him after all, she gets all tongue tied and wishy washy, and can't find the words or the courage to let him know. Where is our beloved intrepid Lizzy?
In spite of my dissatisfaction with the character of Elizabeth, the book is well written, although it is pretty melodramatic. The Darcy character is very romantic, so I recommend it.
January 6, 2023
It's hard to believe that it's been sixteen years ago since, suffering from nausea and insomnia during the latter half of my first pregnancy, I spent countless hours in the middle of the night reading Jane Austen fanfic on the old Republic of Pemberley and Derbyshire Writer's Guild websites. It was a simpler time, when most stories were PG, and everyone was basing their stories on the Colin Firth miniseries. I read a lot of P&P retellings in those sleep-deprived months and during subsequent pregnancies, and I read countless variations. I'm still a sucker for a good Austen reimagining, but it really has to be special to catch my interest nowadays.
This one (found on Kindle Unlimited) wasn't memorable or special. The big change--that Darcy forgets himself so much as to kiss Lizzy after the Netherfield Ball and then they're forced to marry without a Hunsford confrontation--is just too inconsistent with his character as depicted in the rest of this tale. Now, I have certainly read worse retellings...freed from the constraints of websites visited by children, today's fanfics lean into the raunchy side of what-ifs, making Darcy and Lizzy's moral superiority over Wickham and Lydia more questionable than this blessedly tame tale. But the story gave me no new insights into our characters or the origin story (something that the best fanfics do manage!), and I'm sure I'll not think about it again once I finish this review.
This one (found on Kindle Unlimited) wasn't memorable or special. The big change--that Darcy forgets himself so much as to kiss Lizzy after the Netherfield Ball and then they're forced to marry without a Hunsford confrontation--is just too inconsistent with his character as depicted in the rest of this tale. Now, I have certainly read worse retellings...freed from the constraints of websites visited by children, today's fanfics lean into the raunchy side of what-ifs, making Darcy and Lizzy's moral superiority over Wickham and Lydia more questionable than this blessedly tame tale. But the story gave me no new insights into our characters or the origin story (something that the best fanfics do manage!), and I'm sure I'll not think about it again once I finish this review.
April 8, 2020
This P&P variation begins with the Netherfield Ball. But escaping after the marriage proposal from Mr Collins, Elizabeth meets Darcy. and events lead to a kiss which is seen by the village's gossip Mrs Rigby. This leads to a forced marriage, where Darcy feels affectionate for Elizabeth and believes she should be grateful to marry such a wealthy and high status gentleman, failing to realise that she dislikes him. Their relationship after the wedding can only get better, can't it?
An enjoyable story
An enjoyable story
July 15, 2024
2024: read for the 3rd time. Great book, especially the first part. The second part could be a bit shorter.
Re-read. Still very good on second read. Great writing style and plot. I can only hope this author will write many more books!
1st read:
I read several forced mariage stories but this is one of the best.
What a delightful read! There isn’t a word too many, the emotions are well described, the plot - although not original and quite predictable - well built.
I wished Belen Paccagnella had written more stories.
Re-read. Still very good on second read. Great writing style and plot. I can only hope this author will write many more books!
1st read:
I read several forced mariage stories but this is one of the best.
What a delightful read! There isn’t a word too many, the emotions are well described, the plot - although not original and quite predictable - well built.
I wished Belen Paccagnella had written more stories.
May 31, 2020
⭐⭐⭐ & 1/2
I enjoyed the book with one caveat. The tension between ODC was left going a little too long with neither wanting to speak out. I am glad both grew in character gradually and in their feelings for each other.
I enjoyed the book with one caveat. The tension between ODC was left going a little too long with neither wanting to speak out. I am glad both grew in character gradually and in their feelings for each other.
March 17, 2020
Belen Paccagnella – When Duty Calls – Pride & Prejudice Variation – Reviewed 3/16/20 – Read 3/14/20
Honor and doing the right thing brings love, even if they don’t know it’s what they want!
The Netherfield ball that the Bingley’s hosted, is one of the most talked-about balls to come to the area of Meryton. All the Bennet girls are so excited to attend. The thing that they are not prepared for will be the changes for the girls. Mr. Bingley courts Jane the whole evening, but when his abrupt departure became known Jane is devastated. Bingley told Darcy that he had fallen in love with Jane, but had been encouraged by Darcy to give his heart time to consider his actions. Darcy himself had fallen under the enchantment of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he also thought leaving would give him time to forget her. While walking the area just before their departure for London, he should happen to run into the very woman that had taken root in his heart. She had run from her house in a haze of angst from the untimely proposal from the horrible Mr. Collins. Her mother had just demanded that she accept. Elizabeth was devastated! Running from the house with her head down she runs into none other than the other man that she believes is just as horrible. Mr. Darcy!!! Darcy tries to calm her but instead is overcome with a desire to just touch her lips. Unbeknown to the pair, one of the local ladies and her daughter witnessed the whole scene. Not knowing the true details, she spreads the rumor that it was more than just an accidental meeting. Now the story begins with everyone….
What did I like? From my point of view, having loved the original, this version is just beautiful. I have read many that I liked but none like this one. The differences are not that much but yet have a twist to them that brings you closer to the characters. Even the hated Mr. Wickham, which I am sure every version continues to keep him as such!!
What will you like? The storyline will pick you up and take you to that most exciting time, with the fascinating characters of one of the most beloved stories ever. Now, I am not going to spoil this version for you, but I want you to know that you are going to like how the author took the creative license to change it. She twists it to a very exciting and even more likable version, keeping all the characters as they were, but adding that extra touch of honor that was not in the original version. I found it very poignant and enjoyable.
- File Size: 3282 KB
- Print Length: 208 pages
- Publication Date: March 9, 2020
- Genre: Regency Romances, Regency Historical Romance, Classic Literature & Fiction
Honor and doing the right thing brings love, even if they don’t know it’s what they want!
The Netherfield ball that the Bingley’s hosted, is one of the most talked-about balls to come to the area of Meryton. All the Bennet girls are so excited to attend. The thing that they are not prepared for will be the changes for the girls. Mr. Bingley courts Jane the whole evening, but when his abrupt departure became known Jane is devastated. Bingley told Darcy that he had fallen in love with Jane, but had been encouraged by Darcy to give his heart time to consider his actions. Darcy himself had fallen under the enchantment of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he also thought leaving would give him time to forget her. While walking the area just before their departure for London, he should happen to run into the very woman that had taken root in his heart. She had run from her house in a haze of angst from the untimely proposal from the horrible Mr. Collins. Her mother had just demanded that she accept. Elizabeth was devastated! Running from the house with her head down she runs into none other than the other man that she believes is just as horrible. Mr. Darcy!!! Darcy tries to calm her but instead is overcome with a desire to just touch her lips. Unbeknown to the pair, one of the local ladies and her daughter witnessed the whole scene. Not knowing the true details, she spreads the rumor that it was more than just an accidental meeting. Now the story begins with everyone….
What did I like? From my point of view, having loved the original, this version is just beautiful. I have read many that I liked but none like this one. The differences are not that much but yet have a twist to them that brings you closer to the characters. Even the hated Mr. Wickham, which I am sure every version continues to keep him as such!!
What will you like? The storyline will pick you up and take you to that most exciting time, with the fascinating characters of one of the most beloved stories ever. Now, I am not going to spoil this version for you, but I want you to know that you are going to like how the author took the creative license to change it. She twists it to a very exciting and even more likable version, keeping all the characters as they were, but adding that extra touch of honor that was not in the original version. I found it very poignant and enjoyable.
- File Size: 3282 KB
- Print Length: 208 pages
- Publication Date: March 9, 2020
- Genre: Regency Romances, Regency Historical Romance, Classic Literature & Fiction
March 16, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. The beginning was so promising and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The ending was sweet as well, but the middle was terrible and I wanted to throw this book against the wall several times. This is a forced marriage story where Darcy was in love and not unhappy. Of course Lizzy was not happy at all but I hoped by the way the story began that she would at least try and make the best of her situation. Not so. The middle of the story where the couple tries to figure things out is infuriating. Austen's Darcy and Elizabeth were both passionate, intelligent and brave. They were not afraid to communicate their views and feelings, even when they were not pleasant. This couple disguised as ODC seem to have forgotten how to speak. Darcy does write an explanation letter, but then doesn't give it to her for a month. Lizzy's opinion is changed so much by reading the letter, yet she never says a word, for weeks or months, even though they are already married. So unbelievable of these characters. We spend page after page of reading about how each of them wonders how the other feels or wonders how they can let the other know of their feelings, yet it never seems to cross their minds to actually talk to each other. My brain was screaming, "Have a conversation!" So frustrating. I just don't like a timid shy Lizzy that is afraid to address her concerns. With that being said, the beginning and end were good, the middle, not so much.
November 3, 2020
I'm back on Kindle Unlimited AKA back on these Pride and Prejudice rewrites. This is a FMS, when Elizabeth is trying to escape from her angry mother after rejecting Mr. Collins' proposal, she runs into Mr. Darcy. They're caught in one of those unfortunately misconstrued positions that makes marriage the only option to save Elizabeth's reputation.
The thing that annoyed me here was that though they were both making major sacrifices, Elizabeth is the one who complained the whole time. I feel like Darcy's character and his pride were generally lost as he tried to appease Elizabeth. She got so angry and so rude, understandable in her circumstances but still felt like it was dealt with in an uncharacteristic manner.
I did like the way the events of the book reflected the events of the original without being direct. I love these rewrites because they're like the theory of parallel universes, if one thing had gone a little bit differently how would the rest of the world changed? I think it must be so difficult to hold to the original characterization but this one did a fairly decent job.
Not the best variation that I've read, but it was pretty good considering its length. It had its ups and downs but I don't regret reading it.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
July 4, 2024
I read this a long time ago when it was free on some fanfic site. Returning to it now, it still seems very familiar. Not sure if it's because of fond remembrances or because there are a lot of variations like this. It's your basic compromise-forced marriage scenario. Darcy kissed her and they were observed so Mr. Bennet demands they marry. Darcy first thinks that he might sweep her under the rug by getting her some other husband or a job somewhere far away. Not cool, dude! But of course they marry. Then there is a wedding night quarrel and a lot of awkward silences afterwards. She had been offended when Wickham suggested he was willing to have an adulterous affair with her, yet she does the whole defending-poor-wicky-who-should-have-been-a-clergyman shebang. This felt a little incongruous. Somehow she falls in love, and then she waits a while to tell him.
Steam level: They did it but we are not privy to a lot of details.
Mostly well edited, but some awkward wordings seem like the author may be ESL.
Steam level: They did it but we are not privy to a lot of details.
Mostly well edited, but some awkward wordings seem like the author may be ESL.
June 18, 2020
An earlier/forced marriage variation, in this case due to Darcy kissing Elizabeth after the Netherfield ball.
There were some issues with the set up with delayed discussions that made for a dramatic blow-up after the wedding. This scene bothered me a bit because Darcy says some hurtful things kind of out of the blue and without the author giving us the actual dialogue. We get an odd summary instead. It just made the fight jarring and that kind of throws off the rest of the story. There were also several places where it seemed like the author used the wrong words and could have used better editing.
In short, there is some good angst and the plot avoided some of the over the top drama that are sometimes used, but it wasn’t groundbreaking and lacked some emotional depth.
There were some issues with the set up with delayed discussions that made for a dramatic blow-up after the wedding. This scene bothered me a bit because Darcy says some hurtful things kind of out of the blue and without the author giving us the actual dialogue. We get an odd summary instead. It just made the fight jarring and that kind of throws off the rest of the story. There were also several places where it seemed like the author used the wrong words and could have used better editing.
In short, there is some good angst and the plot avoided some of the over the top drama that are sometimes used, but it wasn’t groundbreaking and lacked some emotional depth.
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice variation. JAFF is one of my favorite genres to read and this novel by Ms. Paccegnella was no exception. This variation is a forced marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth ater they were caught in a kissing compromise. This is before they learned to deal with their own pride and prejudices, but Darcy is aleady fallen for Elizabeth and even though he believes she is not right for him because of her family and lack of connections, he does the honorable thing and marries her. Elizabeth has not learned of Darcy's true character, but believes the lies of Wickham and really does not like Darcy. It took each of them many months to finally come to understand and love eachother. This is a must read for any lover of JAFF.
April 14, 2022
Interesting, emotional turmoil, humorous at times
Very interesting and has extreme emotional turmoil in some places with in the story. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth worked through their misunderstandings to come to happily ever after. A very moving storyline that will pull you I to the story. Found how the original storyline is moved around and how the same things happens within, but the outcome is an acceptable reason. Darcy has taking (one happening) in beginning. Clean and appropriate for all to read.
Very interesting and has extreme emotional turmoil in some places with in the story. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth worked through their misunderstandings to come to happily ever after. A very moving storyline that will pull you I to the story. Found how the original storyline is moved around and how the same things happens within, but the outcome is an acceptable reason. Darcy has taking (one happening) in beginning. Clean and appropriate for all to read.
May 9, 2020
3.75 stars rounded to 4
An unplanned and essentially innocent kiss followed by a forced marriage of convenience is followed by a series of misunderstandings and stubbornness from ODC. I liked the storyline in general but found it somewhat stilted and overly formal. As a result the interactions became too long and even ponderous. This may be the result of the author’s environment. Despite the above issues it is an enjoyable variation and well worth reading.
An unplanned and essentially innocent kiss followed by a forced marriage of convenience is followed by a series of misunderstandings and stubbornness from ODC. I liked the storyline in general but found it somewhat stilted and overly formal. As a result the interactions became too long and even ponderous. This may be the result of the author’s environment. Despite the above issues it is an enjoyable variation and well worth reading.
March 11, 2020
Brilliant read
Could not put it down and read it in one night. It was first published in the internet. It is such a living story of how Darcy and Elizabeth overcome there difficulties
Could not put it down and read it in one night. It was first published in the internet. It is such a living story of how Darcy and Elizabeth overcome there difficulties
May 26, 2020
Good play among the characters
Lots of connecting to the original, likable characters, and Darcy nd Elizabeth true to their nature as well. I liked the additions to the plot like Darcys travel to Wales as well as weaving in lots of text from the original. Nicely done.
Lots of connecting to the original, likable characters, and Darcy nd Elizabeth true to their nature as well. I liked the additions to the plot like Darcys travel to Wales as well as weaving in lots of text from the original. Nicely done.
April 30, 2025
understanding
In this variation, it was interesting to see how a slight change to the timeline and order of events allowed the story to unfold in a different way. It was a pleasure to read.
In this variation, it was interesting to see how a slight change to the timeline and order of events allowed the story to unfold in a different way. It was a pleasure to read.
March 11, 2020
A slightly different forced marriage story how it began. But well resolved Lizzy angry Darcy guilty Wickham nasty as usual . But well written enjoyable read.
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