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Love Unsought: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy seem determined to misunderstand one another, and after his disastrous proposal, both are eagerly wishing to forget their acquaintance. But fate, with assistance from Darcy’s scheming cousins, contrives to keep them together.
When Miss Darcy is summoned to Kent, the couple has a chance to begin anew, and their budding friendship carries them to London and Hertfordshire. Their feelings deepen but before their new understanding is made known, Elizabeth is sent to Brighton as chaperone to her youngest sister. Her stay there ends in ruin when Darcy’s past comes to call.
Upon discovering the situation is worse than he feared, Darcy determines he must be the one to make things right. His departure leaves Elizabeth in doubt and their future in question. Was their love too new to withstand a scandal?
A series of missed chances, misdirected letters, and miscommunications keeps the couple apart; it make require the intervention of their nearest relations to bring them back together.
When Miss Darcy is summoned to Kent, the couple has a chance to begin anew, and their budding friendship carries them to London and Hertfordshire. Their feelings deepen but before their new understanding is made known, Elizabeth is sent to Brighton as chaperone to her youngest sister. Her stay there ends in ruin when Darcy’s past comes to call.
Upon discovering the situation is worse than he feared, Darcy determines he must be the one to make things right. His departure leaves Elizabeth in doubt and their future in question. Was their love too new to withstand a scandal?
A series of missed chances, misdirected letters, and miscommunications keeps the couple apart; it make require the intervention of their nearest relations to bring them back together.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
About the author
Kay Bea
6 books35 followersKay Bea is an administrative assistant and Jane Austen lover living in Kansas City with her husband of 25 years, her mother-in-law, and her fur kids. She has written several short stories and drabbles on fanfiction.net as “I Found My Mr. Darcy” and on A Happy Assembly as MrsDarcy2032.
Kay grew up in Wyoming, enjoyed a two-year adventure in Maryland, and now calls Missouri home. When she isn’t writing, Kay enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her adult children and three granddaughters.
Kay grew up in Wyoming, enjoyed a two-year adventure in Maryland, and now calls Missouri home. When she isn’t writing, Kay enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her adult children and three granddaughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 31, 2017
There’s an awful lot of blood around that water is thicker than. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
So you say you love a really despicable Mama Bennet? Here’s a story for you!
A short prologue concerns Fitzwilliam Darcy’s unfortunate betrothal when he was a very young man and his fortunate escape from Lady Arabella. The lady resents her need to marry elsewhere and vows revenge. It is no surprise when she re-appears in Darcy’s life years later.
The story shifts ahead to the disastrous Hunsford proposal but deviates from Canon when Darcy remains at Rosings and Georgiana joins the family there. Elizabeth is befriended by Anne and Georgiana and has opportunities to interact with Darcy after considering his letter. Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth depart Hunsford for London. Darcy brings Bingley back into the picture and the friends spend time together.
Quote from the book: “No, sister.” Jane smiled. “It is only that your description of his character reminded me of his slight at the assembly. I wonder, do you suppose that he is not amiable enough to tempt you?”
A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother. ~ Author Unknown
It is not until the return to Longbourn and Netherfield that we meet the Bennets. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet appear at the height of selfishness and stupidity.
When Elizabeth warns her father about letting Lydia travel to Brighton, he insists she go to Brighton to keep Lydia under control. Lydia and Mama Bennet are convinced Elizabeth goes just to spoil Lydia’s fun because she is jealous.
I read this as an on-line post some time ago. The story contains a scene of sexual violence which has been toned down for the published version. An assault still occurs but milder and the victim is asleep in a chair, not in night clothes in bed as before.
Family quarrels are bitter things. They don’t go by any rules. They’re not like aches or wounds; they’re more like splits in the skin that won’t heal because there’s not enough material. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wickham and Lydia escape from Brighton. Darcy searches for them but does not write to the Bennets because he wants his help to remain unknown. When he does return to Meryton, amends are made more difficult by the presence of two women with their own agendas.
This is a complex story and it’s hard to understand how we can have HEA but we do! The final scene is an act of forgiveness and protection of the innocent.
A short companion piece is available as a separate publication. The Adventures of Miss Olivia Wickham is a tale of a 10-year-old girl who saves her family. After you read this, I would recommend that one as well.
I received an ARC of this story with no promise of a review.
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness. ~ Josh Billings
So you say you love a really despicable Mama Bennet? Here’s a story for you!
A short prologue concerns Fitzwilliam Darcy’s unfortunate betrothal when he was a very young man and his fortunate escape from Lady Arabella. The lady resents her need to marry elsewhere and vows revenge. It is no surprise when she re-appears in Darcy’s life years later.
The story shifts ahead to the disastrous Hunsford proposal but deviates from Canon when Darcy remains at Rosings and Georgiana joins the family there. Elizabeth is befriended by Anne and Georgiana and has opportunities to interact with Darcy after considering his letter. Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth depart Hunsford for London. Darcy brings Bingley back into the picture and the friends spend time together.
Quote from the book: “No, sister.” Jane smiled. “It is only that your description of his character reminded me of his slight at the assembly. I wonder, do you suppose that he is not amiable enough to tempt you?”
A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother. ~ Author Unknown
It is not until the return to Longbourn and Netherfield that we meet the Bennets. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet appear at the height of selfishness and stupidity.
When Elizabeth warns her father about letting Lydia travel to Brighton, he insists she go to Brighton to keep Lydia under control. Lydia and Mama Bennet are convinced Elizabeth goes just to spoil Lydia’s fun because she is jealous.
I read this as an on-line post some time ago. The story contains a scene of sexual violence which has been toned down for the published version. An assault still occurs but milder and the victim is asleep in a chair, not in night clothes in bed as before.
Family quarrels are bitter things. They don’t go by any rules. They’re not like aches or wounds; they’re more like splits in the skin that won’t heal because there’s not enough material. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wickham and Lydia escape from Brighton. Darcy searches for them but does not write to the Bennets because he wants his help to remain unknown. When he does return to Meryton, amends are made more difficult by the presence of two women with their own agendas.
This is a complex story and it’s hard to understand how we can have HEA but we do! The final scene is an act of forgiveness and protection of the innocent.
A short companion piece is available as a separate publication. The Adventures of Miss Olivia Wickham is a tale of a 10-year-old girl who saves her family. After you read this, I would recommend that one as well.
I received an ARC of this story with no promise of a review.
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness. ~ Josh Billings
April 3, 2017
This is an enthralling story which kept me up until 1:30 AM and even then I had not finished the entire story. I had reached the climax, however, and could breathe a sigh of relief.
The story gives us some flashbacks to Darcy's post-university days when he has made a disastrous alliance and also has to deal with a father very much attached to Wickham. The rest of the story is tainted with the fingers of revenge reaching out and keeping ODC from finding their own happiness.
We begin, as many stories do, with the aftermath of the Hunsford proposal. This author adds in a Colonel and an Anne who can't keep their noses out of Darcy's affairs but it is in scheming and counseling the inept suitor, that they take action or direct behind the scenes to help Darcy gain Elizabeth's hand. And it does take more than one act in this play.
Just when you think ODC has it all in hand and we are anticipating a second & successful proposal, Mr. Bennet makes a huge mistake: he orders Elizabeth (who is objecting as in canon to Lydia's being allowed to go to Brighton) to accompany her sister there. Lydia's shrieks and Mrs. Bennet's harangues against Elizabeth stating that she is ruining Lydia's enjoyment set the stage for more of the same in this story. But this behavior has much more deadly consequences...so, yes, in this story their evil & its affects have us on the edge of our seats. I did like how Mr. Bennet comes to realize his sitting back and laughing at the antics in his family was so wrong and how he changes and takes charge.
Wickham, Caroline and a new character, Lady Winslow, have much to do with long periods of separation and misunderstanding for Elizabeth and Darcy and the circle of family and friends who are determined to bring this couple together. A lost letter, a violent assault, mistaken identity, and past liasons added to the usual miscommunications as we bite our nails and turn pages to find some relief from the suspense.
There is an epilogue which takes us many years into the future and even gives us a tale of final forgiveness in an act by ODC.
Well written but also an unpublished story which can be found on fanfiction as well as on A Happy Assembly.
The story gives us some flashbacks to Darcy's post-university days when he has made a disastrous alliance and also has to deal with a father very much attached to Wickham. The rest of the story is tainted with the fingers of revenge reaching out and keeping ODC from finding their own happiness.
We begin, as many stories do, with the aftermath of the Hunsford proposal. This author adds in a Colonel and an Anne who can't keep their noses out of Darcy's affairs but it is in scheming and counseling the inept suitor, that they take action or direct behind the scenes to help Darcy gain Elizabeth's hand. And it does take more than one act in this play.
Just when you think ODC has it all in hand and we are anticipating a second & successful proposal, Mr. Bennet makes a huge mistake: he orders Elizabeth (who is objecting as in canon to Lydia's being allowed to go to Brighton) to accompany her sister there. Lydia's shrieks and Mrs. Bennet's harangues against Elizabeth stating that she is ruining Lydia's enjoyment set the stage for more of the same in this story. But this behavior has much more deadly consequences...so, yes, in this story their evil & its affects have us on the edge of our seats. I did like how Mr. Bennet comes to realize his sitting back and laughing at the antics in his family was so wrong and how he changes and takes charge.
Wickham, Caroline and a new character, Lady Winslow, have much to do with long periods of separation and misunderstanding for Elizabeth and Darcy and the circle of family and friends who are determined to bring this couple together. A lost letter, a violent assault, mistaken identity, and past liasons added to the usual miscommunications as we bite our nails and turn pages to find some relief from the suspense.
There is an epilogue which takes us many years into the future and even gives us a tale of final forgiveness in an act by ODC.
Well written but also an unpublished story which can be found on fanfiction as well as on A Happy Assembly.
September 1, 2017
Aside from having what felt to me like an overly long HEA, this is a really great read.
There's just so much that's RIGHT about the story. It begins in Hunsford, a popular hopping off spot for JAFF writers. When Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet doesn't conclude as he'd hoped, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh conspire to help him win the lady, starting with extending his stay and getting Georgiana to Rosings. Those three (Fitzwilliam, Anne and Georgiana), Charlotte Collins, Jane Bennet/Bingley and the Gardiners turn out to be the destined couples' primary allies in a book filled with villains. Somewhat surprisingly, the least of the villains in this case is Lady Catherine.
The multiple antagonists start with Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, both of whom are portrayed as over-the-top horrible people and specifically anti-Elizabeth. It's like Cinderella with her stepmother and one of her stepsisters. Mr. Bennet thinks he's so damn funny when he decides that if Elizabeth is concerned about Lydia going to Brighton, then Elizabeth should go too and chaperone her uncontrollable little sister. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, along with Mrs. B. and Lydia, believe Elizabeth schemed to go just because she was jealous and wanted to wreck Lydia's good time. There's Mrs. Forster, who helps Lydia sneak around behind the backs of Elizabeth and Colonel Forster. Of course, Mr. Wickham is in the middle of things, too. Even the Forster's maid manages to throw an extra wrench in the works. A new character, Lady Arabella Winslow, has a shared past with Darcy. She's a total bitch in the mold of Caroline Bingley, who also gets her licks in. There may be others. Suffice it to say that Elizabeth is constantly surrounded by nasty, nasty people.
The first part of the book, there's a whole lot of lovely Darcy-and-Elizabeth courtship time together. Unfortunately, when they separate for what is intended to be just a short period before Darcy's return to her, events (and various villains mentioned above) prevent that. This includes an assault on Elizabeth while she's in Brighton. There's also the fact that overheard conversations get misinterpreted and letters either are not delivered or are not written when they should have been. With all this lack of communication and misinformation, each is miserably in love with the other and positive these ardent feelings are not reciprocated.
This has got to be my very favorite characterization of Jane. Once she's betrothed to Bingley, her confidence swells and her protective instincts kick in when it comes to her younger sister Elizabeth. For once, Jane is the one to put Caroline in her place rather than Charles or Elizabeth or Darcy stepping up to do it. I also love the way Mary and Kitty's characters are developed as well as the positive relationship that emerges between them and Elizabeth.
It's melodrama, but it's melodrama that's really well done. As eventful as it all is, there is a single cohesive storyline rather than just a series of unconnected obstacles. The writing flows nicely, and the dialogue doesn't sound forced or unnatural. Of course, ODC prevails and all the good folks get their HEA, which is as it should be in a satisfying romance novel. It extends well beyond the resolution, which is when Darcy and Elizabeth finally become happily betrothed, to show Caroline Bingley and Lady Winslow trying to get some last licks in. I'm aware that many enjoy enjoy seeing villains get their comeuppance, but I found those scenes unnecessary. As they say, living well is the best revenge!
I received an ARC of the published edition with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise. I did previously review the unpublished version.
There's just so much that's RIGHT about the story. It begins in Hunsford, a popular hopping off spot for JAFF writers. When Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet doesn't conclude as he'd hoped, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh conspire to help him win the lady, starting with extending his stay and getting Georgiana to Rosings. Those three (Fitzwilliam, Anne and Georgiana), Charlotte Collins, Jane Bennet/Bingley and the Gardiners turn out to be the destined couples' primary allies in a book filled with villains. Somewhat surprisingly, the least of the villains in this case is Lady Catherine.
The multiple antagonists start with Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, both of whom are portrayed as over-the-top horrible people and specifically anti-Elizabeth. It's like Cinderella with her stepmother and one of her stepsisters. Mr. Bennet thinks he's so damn funny when he decides that if Elizabeth is concerned about Lydia going to Brighton, then Elizabeth should go too and chaperone her uncontrollable little sister. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, along with Mrs. B. and Lydia, believe Elizabeth schemed to go just because she was jealous and wanted to wreck Lydia's good time. There's Mrs. Forster, who helps Lydia sneak around behind the backs of Elizabeth and Colonel Forster. Of course, Mr. Wickham is in the middle of things, too. Even the Forster's maid manages to throw an extra wrench in the works. A new character, Lady Arabella Winslow, has a shared past with Darcy. She's a total bitch in the mold of Caroline Bingley, who also gets her licks in. There may be others. Suffice it to say that Elizabeth is constantly surrounded by nasty, nasty people.
The first part of the book, there's a whole lot of lovely Darcy-and-Elizabeth courtship time together. Unfortunately, when they separate for what is intended to be just a short period before Darcy's return to her, events (and various villains mentioned above) prevent that. This includes an assault on Elizabeth while she's in Brighton. There's also the fact that overheard conversations get misinterpreted and letters either are not delivered or are not written when they should have been. With all this lack of communication and misinformation, each is miserably in love with the other and positive these ardent feelings are not reciprocated.
This has got to be my very favorite characterization of Jane. Once she's betrothed to Bingley, her confidence swells and her protective instincts kick in when it comes to her younger sister Elizabeth. For once, Jane is the one to put Caroline in her place rather than Charles or Elizabeth or Darcy stepping up to do it. I also love the way Mary and Kitty's characters are developed as well as the positive relationship that emerges between them and Elizabeth.
It's melodrama, but it's melodrama that's really well done. As eventful as it all is, there is a single cohesive storyline rather than just a series of unconnected obstacles. The writing flows nicely, and the dialogue doesn't sound forced or unnatural. Of course, ODC prevails and all the good folks get their HEA, which is as it should be in a satisfying romance novel. It extends well beyond the resolution, which is when Darcy and Elizabeth finally become happily betrothed, to show Caroline Bingley and Lady Winslow trying to get some last licks in. I'm aware that many enjoy enjoy seeing villains get their comeuppance, but I found those scenes unnecessary. As they say, living well is the best revenge!
I received an ARC of the published edition with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise. I did previously review the unpublished version.
August 18, 2017
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12284051...
“Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.” William Shakespeare
Our story opens in Kent, post-DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal], post-Darcy’s letter of explanation, with Anne de Bourgh trying to help Darcy pick up the pieces of his shattered life. I loved Anne de Bourgh. She was so good. Our dear Colonel was just as fabulous as always giving his cousin the benefit of his counsel and a bit of brotherly love… em… grief.
I adored the interaction between Darcy and Lizzy. They were so good together [when they finally got together]. Lizzy had such a hard time thinking he really cared for her. She simply could not see it. After all, she had heard her mother’s disparaging words all her life. Why would he or any respectable man want her?
Throughout the story, we had Anne and our dear Colonel offering the comedic relief to offset the angst. These cousins were hilarious and always managed to stay a step ahead of Lady Catherine. Even though she was not a major factor in this story, her presence was felt none the less. She always managed to let her sentiments be known… and she was not best pleased. I had to laugh when Anne and Richard constantly thwarted her machinations.
After Kent, Darcy made up with Bingley. Bingley, in turn, banished his sister to the north and headed for Netherfield. Jane and Bingley made up and were so good together. They made a wonderful team as they joined forces against Mrs. Bennet and even against Caroline when she showed up at Netherfield uninvited. She had left the north with all her possessions determined to have her way in her brother’s home. Instead, she found her brother and her new sister a unified front she could not command, outmaneuver, or influence. Way to go Bingley and Jane!!
Then, Mr. Bennet lost his ever-loving-freaking mind. Yep, I wanted to bash him up-side-the-head with his own book. OMG!! He simply would not listen to Lizzy’s counsel regarding Lydia going to Brighton. He then made the concession [to silence Lydia’s wailing and Mrs. Bennet’s screeching] that IF Lizzy was so concerned, THEN she should go along and chaperone her younger sister. OMG!! This was a disaster waiting to happen. There was no way this could end well… and it didn’t. He had a lot to realize, answer for and grieve over when all was said and done. I wanted to feel sorry for him… but simply could not.
A trigger warning was due to an attempted sexual assault: however, I didn’t think it was too bad. It was not as graphic as it could have been but it was descriptive of the scoundrel’s intent. It was a case of mistaken identity and, thank goodness, no virtue was lost. It was labeled well before it occurred.
High Angst: Misunderstandings, miscalculations, and interference kept ODC apart. Also, their own stubbornness and pride did them no favors either. I wanted to shake both of them. An interfering servant, a calculating Miss Bingley and a Lady who was no lady, along with rumors, gossip and scandal… threatened our dear couple at every turn.
This story was never boring… that is for sure. However, it was long and drawn out. I wanted it to get to the point and the author was having none of that and continued to drag it out. I wanted to scream or throw my device but decided that would not be a good idea. It is another of those instances where a few minutes conversation between the two principal characters and it was over. All was forgiven and everything was now fine. Grrr!!
I cannot explain the frustration I felt toward Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. I wanted to simply smash them both. I could not believe the silly child and her behavior. LA! She had a mouth on her that even shocked Colonel Forster. That’s pretty bad. They should have shipped Mrs. Bennet off to the north with Lydia and been done with it. I’ve never been so upset in my life.
The epilogue was amazing and heartbreaking. I loathe this Wickham and Lydia. OMG!!
1st read: 8-17-17
2nd read: 5-5-19 ~ 5-6-19
“Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.” William Shakespeare
Our story opens in Kent, post-DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal], post-Darcy’s letter of explanation, with Anne de Bourgh trying to help Darcy pick up the pieces of his shattered life. I loved Anne de Bourgh. She was so good. Our dear Colonel was just as fabulous as always giving his cousin the benefit of his counsel and a bit of brotherly love… em… grief.
I adored the interaction between Darcy and Lizzy. They were so good together [when they finally got together]. Lizzy had such a hard time thinking he really cared for her. She simply could not see it. After all, she had heard her mother’s disparaging words all her life. Why would he or any respectable man want her?
Throughout the story, we had Anne and our dear Colonel offering the comedic relief to offset the angst. These cousins were hilarious and always managed to stay a step ahead of Lady Catherine. Even though she was not a major factor in this story, her presence was felt none the less. She always managed to let her sentiments be known… and she was not best pleased. I had to laugh when Anne and Richard constantly thwarted her machinations.
After Kent, Darcy made up with Bingley. Bingley, in turn, banished his sister to the north and headed for Netherfield. Jane and Bingley made up and were so good together. They made a wonderful team as they joined forces against Mrs. Bennet and even against Caroline when she showed up at Netherfield uninvited. She had left the north with all her possessions determined to have her way in her brother’s home. Instead, she found her brother and her new sister a unified front she could not command, outmaneuver, or influence. Way to go Bingley and Jane!!
Then, Mr. Bennet lost his ever-loving-freaking mind. Yep, I wanted to bash him up-side-the-head with his own book. OMG!! He simply would not listen to Lizzy’s counsel regarding Lydia going to Brighton. He then made the concession [to silence Lydia’s wailing and Mrs. Bennet’s screeching] that IF Lizzy was so concerned, THEN she should go along and chaperone her younger sister. OMG!! This was a disaster waiting to happen. There was no way this could end well… and it didn’t. He had a lot to realize, answer for and grieve over when all was said and done. I wanted to feel sorry for him… but simply could not.
A trigger warning was due to an attempted sexual assault: however, I didn’t think it was too bad. It was not as graphic as it could have been but it was descriptive of the scoundrel’s intent. It was a case of mistaken identity and, thank goodness, no virtue was lost. It was labeled well before it occurred.
High Angst: Misunderstandings, miscalculations, and interference kept ODC apart. Also, their own stubbornness and pride did them no favors either. I wanted to shake both of them. An interfering servant, a calculating Miss Bingley and a Lady who was no lady, along with rumors, gossip and scandal… threatened our dear couple at every turn.
This story was never boring… that is for sure. However, it was long and drawn out. I wanted it to get to the point and the author was having none of that and continued to drag it out. I wanted to scream or throw my device but decided that would not be a good idea. It is another of those instances where a few minutes conversation between the two principal characters and it was over. All was forgiven and everything was now fine. Grrr!!
I cannot explain the frustration I felt toward Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. I wanted to simply smash them both. I could not believe the silly child and her behavior. LA! She had a mouth on her that even shocked Colonel Forster. That’s pretty bad. They should have shipped Mrs. Bennet off to the north with Lydia and been done with it. I’ve never been so upset in my life.
The epilogue was amazing and heartbreaking. I loathe this Wickham and Lydia. OMG!!
1st read: 8-17-17
2nd read: 5-5-19 ~ 5-6-19
April 23, 2017
Are you looking for a P&P variation that is just chock full of angst? That has more baddies than Suicide Squad and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end? Then dive into Love Unsought here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12284051...
Our story again begins at Hunsford but here following Darcy's disastrous proposal both Col. Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh rally him to work upon Miss Bennet and improve her opinion. I loved this Anne, she is mildly ill, very clever and a bit imperious [hey you don't get ducks from crows]; but she is a well formed character. She keeps Darcy at Rosings and brings Georgiana there to make Darcy look good.
A bit of Darcy's past is revealed. His first season back from his tour he was almost betrothed to the daughter of an Earl. He was attempting to improve his father's opinion; you see George Darcy just loved his fun loving godson and appeared to despise his stiff, awkward heir, so much that even Darcy was surprised by how little his father left Wickham. His fiance can't wait the two months that Darcy desires for their wedding - she must marry NOW. Her attempts to compromise Darcy to force the wedding fail and desparate she attempts a compromise with another man when caught her father realizes that neither will have her and marries her off to an older man. And we have our first new villain Lady Winslow.
While Darcy is improved in Lizzy's eyes and she agrees to allow him to call on her at Gracechurch Street. And of course he returns Bingley to Jane and they are quickly engaged. Caroline and Louisa will not accept this and are banned from Bingley's company. When Caro cannot be silences she is shipped off North. Darcy had planned to spend time courting Lizzy the way she deserved but a tenant cottage fire at Pemberley keeps him in Derbyshire while Lizzy tries to convince her father not to allow Lydia to go to Brighton. This is a terrible, awful, spoiled, rotten, nasty, mouthy, spiteful Lydia. This is a Lydia you want to take a switch to. this is a Lydia who is a testimonial to spare the rod spoil the child. Mr. Bennet in a bit of perverse logic decides that if Lizzy is so worried about Lydia then she should be her chaperone; thus Lizzy & Lydia will leave for Brighton the day after Jane's wedding. And Lizzy and Darcy are denied their courtship. Darcy decides to stay in Meryton and endeavor to make Lizzy's family and neighbors like him.
There is one matron who won't be moved, our next villain, Mrs. Bennet. She hates Lizzy HATES HER. Everything is Lizzy fault and she thinks Lizzy should be denied everything. This Mrs. Bennet really only like Lydia who as I explained above is so spoiled that she is almost evil. And Mrs. Bennet has turned the Phillips against Lizzy as well. This Mrs. Bennet is reason to bring back the scold's bridle https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi... for gossiping. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scold%2...)
Once in Brighton Lizzy is run ragged trying to prevent Lydia from ruining the family. Lydia is aided by her friend Mrs. Forrester. One night desiring to correct Lydia Lizzy falls asleep in Lydia's room and awakens to the unwanted embrace [and More] of Mr. Wickham. Her reaction attracts her sister who loudly accuses Lizzy of trying to steal her man (Lydia would have been a perfect guest for Regency Jerry Springer). Thankfully Col. Forrester steps in and sends an express to Mr. Bennet to rid himself of the troublesome brat. The Bingleys and Darcy set out to rescue Lizzy and restrain Lydia but Mrs. Bennet receives Lydia's version of the story and sends her money to elope with Wickham.
Darcy had promised Mr. Bennet that he would return immediately and marry Lizzy; if she would have him, but instead spends almost 2 months incommunicado and resolving the Wickham issues. meanwhile Mrs. Bennet is railing against Lizzy until she is censored by her husband and banned from society. Mrs. Bennet is truly unbalanced and refuses to listen reason. Jane Bingley (nee Bennet) develops a back bone of steel and manages to set down more people calmly, coolly and with such aplomb you will be cheering.
Both Lizzy and Darcy think one loathes the other and cannot seem to connect. There are letters gone astray and misunderstood eavesdropping. The Bingleys take their 'sworn to secrecy' way too seriously because at any point they could have broken the promise and resolved the misunderstanding. Caroline arrives at Netherfield, visits Mrs. Bennet and invites Lady Winslow to dinner.
Eventually all of the villains get their comeuppance or a version there of, Darcy and Lizzy communicate and they all live happily ever after.
This book has an Eplogue that ties up all of the loose ends and makes you smile.
There is so much more to this story that just add to the delicious smorgasbord that is Love Unsought.
Our story again begins at Hunsford but here following Darcy's disastrous proposal both Col. Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh rally him to work upon Miss Bennet and improve her opinion. I loved this Anne, she is mildly ill, very clever and a bit imperious [hey you don't get ducks from crows]; but she is a well formed character. She keeps Darcy at Rosings and brings Georgiana there to make Darcy look good.
A bit of Darcy's past is revealed. His first season back from his tour he was almost betrothed to the daughter of an Earl. He was attempting to improve his father's opinion; you see George Darcy just loved his fun loving godson and appeared to despise his stiff, awkward heir, so much that even Darcy was surprised by how little his father left Wickham. His fiance can't wait the two months that Darcy desires for their wedding - she must marry NOW. Her attempts to compromise Darcy to force the wedding fail and desparate she attempts a compromise with another man when caught her father realizes that neither will have her and marries her off to an older man. And we have our first new villain Lady Winslow.
While Darcy is improved in Lizzy's eyes and she agrees to allow him to call on her at Gracechurch Street. And of course he returns Bingley to Jane and they are quickly engaged. Caroline and Louisa will not accept this and are banned from Bingley's company. When Caro cannot be silences she is shipped off North. Darcy had planned to spend time courting Lizzy the way she deserved but a tenant cottage fire at Pemberley keeps him in Derbyshire while Lizzy tries to convince her father not to allow Lydia to go to Brighton. This is a terrible, awful, spoiled, rotten, nasty, mouthy, spiteful Lydia. This is a Lydia you want to take a switch to. this is a Lydia who is a testimonial to spare the rod spoil the child. Mr. Bennet in a bit of perverse logic decides that if Lizzy is so worried about Lydia then she should be her chaperone; thus Lizzy & Lydia will leave for Brighton the day after Jane's wedding. And Lizzy and Darcy are denied their courtship. Darcy decides to stay in Meryton and endeavor to make Lizzy's family and neighbors like him.
There is one matron who won't be moved, our next villain, Mrs. Bennet. She hates Lizzy HATES HER. Everything is Lizzy fault and she thinks Lizzy should be denied everything. This Mrs. Bennet really only like Lydia who as I explained above is so spoiled that she is almost evil. And Mrs. Bennet has turned the Phillips against Lizzy as well. This Mrs. Bennet is reason to bring back the scold's bridle https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi... for gossiping. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scold%2...)
Once in Brighton Lizzy is run ragged trying to prevent Lydia from ruining the family. Lydia is aided by her friend Mrs. Forrester. One night desiring to correct Lydia Lizzy falls asleep in Lydia's room and awakens to the unwanted embrace [and More] of Mr. Wickham. Her reaction attracts her sister who loudly accuses Lizzy of trying to steal her man (Lydia would have been a perfect guest for Regency Jerry Springer). Thankfully Col. Forrester steps in and sends an express to Mr. Bennet to rid himself of the troublesome brat. The Bingleys and Darcy set out to rescue Lizzy and restrain Lydia but Mrs. Bennet receives Lydia's version of the story and sends her money to elope with Wickham.
Darcy had promised Mr. Bennet that he would return immediately and marry Lizzy; if she would have him, but instead spends almost 2 months incommunicado and resolving the Wickham issues. meanwhile Mrs. Bennet is railing against Lizzy until she is censored by her husband and banned from society. Mrs. Bennet is truly unbalanced and refuses to listen reason. Jane Bingley (nee Bennet) develops a back bone of steel and manages to set down more people calmly, coolly and with such aplomb you will be cheering.
Both Lizzy and Darcy think one loathes the other and cannot seem to connect. There are letters gone astray and misunderstood eavesdropping. The Bingleys take their 'sworn to secrecy' way too seriously because at any point they could have broken the promise and resolved the misunderstanding. Caroline arrives at Netherfield, visits Mrs. Bennet and invites Lady Winslow to dinner.
Eventually all of the villains get their comeuppance or a version there of, Darcy and Lizzy communicate and they all live happily ever after.
This book has an Eplogue that ties up all of the loose ends and makes you smile.
There is so much more to this story that just add to the delicious smorgasbord that is Love Unsought.
January 27, 2021
Tons happens in-between all the many misunderstandings of ODC. We have a 2nd female character to rival Caroline Bingley, a Mrs. Bennet who really takes the cake and a Wickham who gets exactly what he deserves.
But the real star of this book is the incredibly written verbal rapor between all the Fitzwilliam cousins! Darcy is not left to drown in his usual self-proclaimed isolationism. It was refreshing and enjoyable to read.
**Reread, listened on audiobook. Story is just as great, but the narrator sounded almost computerized. Couldn't take it. Had to listen at double time to get through it and try to squeeze some kind of emotion out of the performance. If I had read this first, sadly I wouldn't have given such a good review.
But the real star of this book is the incredibly written verbal rapor between all the Fitzwilliam cousins! Darcy is not left to drown in his usual self-proclaimed isolationism. It was refreshing and enjoyable to read.
**Reread, listened on audiobook. Story is just as great, but the narrator sounded almost computerized. Couldn't take it. Had to listen at double time to get through it and try to squeeze some kind of emotion out of the performance. If I had read this first, sadly I wouldn't have given such a good review.
August 2, 2017
4.5 stars. Mostly i didn't like the ending and wanted more bad things to happen to Mrs. Bennett.
March 28, 2021
Influence and Interference from Their Nearest Relations
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins the day after Darcy’s disastrous Hunsford proposal.
SYNOPSIS: After learning Mr. Darcy was soundly (and deservedly) rejected, his relations band together to lend him some much needed assistance in winning the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. And just when he is about to make a second (and much more desired) proposal, Elizabeth’s capricious and negligent father burdens her with responsibilities that force her to be elsewhere. While the distance and the delay is no deterrent to our determined hero, Elizabeth soon doubts that his affections can survive her family and all the damage they cause…
WHAT I LOVED:
- With A Little Help From Their Friends (and Family): Oh, I absolutely love it when Darcy confides in his cousins and they give him some much needed counsel and assistance! Anne de Bourgh plays a delightfully prominent and active role in this story and I loved her ingenious and perceptive plans for helping out her woefully misguided cousin! I really enjoyed all the lovely support and camaraderie that developed in this story between the principal characters and their siblings, cousins, and friends!
- A New Antagonist: In the Prologue readers are introduced to someone from Darcy’s past who has now resurfaced and is out for revenge. I really loved the premise and circumstances surrounding this new additional character – and how Kay Bea cleverly weaved her into Darcy’s history. I enjoyed witnessing the turmoil she caused and the surprising alliances she formed. I loved the fact that she was a new antagonist with different motives. I almost wish she played a bigger role in the story!
Jane Bennet with Back Bone!: Slow clap for Jane…she stands up in this variation and it is brilliant to behold! I love seeing sweet Jane understand the depravity and contemptible behaviors of others and find her voice to speak out against it. I love it when Jane stands up for herself, for her sister, and for Charles. Elizabeth is always so fiercely protective to Jane, and it is lovely to see the symbiosis of her being likewise.
- Mr. Darcy Courting: Aww. I love when Mr. Darcy makes his attempts to court Elizabeth! Whether he is tongue-tied and awkward or boldly flirting, surprising Elizabeth with his considerate actions or confusing her with his single-minded officiousness – it is all adorable to me. 😉 And what was even more fun in this story was seeing Mr. Darcy court someone else in addition to Elizabeth – and that courtship was just as satisfying and entertaining to witness!
p- Consequences: There are some downright vile and unrepentant characters in this story, ones that act maliciously and make unforgivable transgressions. I appreciated how Kay Bea treated these characters, and the harsh consequences she gave them for their actions. It was a powerful reminder that there isn’t always good in everybody and that there can be grievous consequences for your mistakes.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Small Quibbles: I really loved the premise of Darcy’s past that was introduced in the Prologue, but part of me was expecting it to have a bigger impact on his future romantic outlook and relationship with Elizabeth. In addition, (and this might be just a personal preference) but I always get impatient when there are seemingly unnecessary delays with Darcy and Elizabeth finally coming to an understanding. Like when they are on the very brink of it happening and then move at a snail’s pace. 🐌 c’mon guys…get there faster!
CONCLUSION:
While Ms. Bea’s first release, Letters from the Heart, is a darker tale filled with heart-wrenching poignancy and painful realities, Love Unsought is a lighter and brighter tale with less shade – but still plenty of tension and tribulations! Both stories encompass beautifully-rendered characters, an array of diverse relationships, and thoughtfully-conceived premises. I think I quite love Kay Bea’s writing!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins the day after Darcy’s disastrous Hunsford proposal.
SYNOPSIS: After learning Mr. Darcy was soundly (and deservedly) rejected, his relations band together to lend him some much needed assistance in winning the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. And just when he is about to make a second (and much more desired) proposal, Elizabeth’s capricious and negligent father burdens her with responsibilities that force her to be elsewhere. While the distance and the delay is no deterrent to our determined hero, Elizabeth soon doubts that his affections can survive her family and all the damage they cause…
WHAT I LOVED:
- With A Little Help From Their Friends (and Family): Oh, I absolutely love it when Darcy confides in his cousins and they give him some much needed counsel and assistance! Anne de Bourgh plays a delightfully prominent and active role in this story and I loved her ingenious and perceptive plans for helping out her woefully misguided cousin! I really enjoyed all the lovely support and camaraderie that developed in this story between the principal characters and their siblings, cousins, and friends!
- A New Antagonist: In the Prologue readers are introduced to someone from Darcy’s past who has now resurfaced and is out for revenge. I really loved the premise and circumstances surrounding this new additional character – and how Kay Bea cleverly weaved her into Darcy’s history. I enjoyed witnessing the turmoil she caused and the surprising alliances she formed. I loved the fact that she was a new antagonist with different motives. I almost wish she played a bigger role in the story!
Jane Bennet with Back Bone!: Slow clap for Jane…she stands up in this variation and it is brilliant to behold! I love seeing sweet Jane understand the depravity and contemptible behaviors of others and find her voice to speak out against it. I love it when Jane stands up for herself, for her sister, and for Charles. Elizabeth is always so fiercely protective to Jane, and it is lovely to see the symbiosis of her being likewise.
- Mr. Darcy Courting: Aww. I love when Mr. Darcy makes his attempts to court Elizabeth! Whether he is tongue-tied and awkward or boldly flirting, surprising Elizabeth with his considerate actions or confusing her with his single-minded officiousness – it is all adorable to me. 😉 And what was even more fun in this story was seeing Mr. Darcy court someone else in addition to Elizabeth – and that courtship was just as satisfying and entertaining to witness!
p- Consequences: There are some downright vile and unrepentant characters in this story, ones that act maliciously and make unforgivable transgressions. I appreciated how Kay Bea treated these characters, and the harsh consequences she gave them for their actions. It was a powerful reminder that there isn’t always good in everybody and that there can be grievous consequences for your mistakes.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Small Quibbles: I really loved the premise of Darcy’s past that was introduced in the Prologue, but part of me was expecting it to have a bigger impact on his future romantic outlook and relationship with Elizabeth. In addition, (and this might be just a personal preference) but I always get impatient when there are seemingly unnecessary delays with Darcy and Elizabeth finally coming to an understanding. Like when they are on the very brink of it happening and then move at a snail’s pace. 🐌 c’mon guys…get there faster!
CONCLUSION:
While Ms. Bea’s first release, Letters from the Heart, is a darker tale filled with heart-wrenching poignancy and painful realities, Love Unsought is a lighter and brighter tale with less shade – but still plenty of tension and tribulations! Both stories encompass beautifully-rendered characters, an array of diverse relationships, and thoughtfully-conceived premises. I think I quite love Kay Bea’s writing!
Austenesque Reviews
June 15, 2020
A socially stupid Darcy
The plot hinges on Darcy being unable to have the remotest correct idea about what other people are thinking/feeling. He goes off to be a white knight for Lizzy and all she knows is he has disappeared without a word and she feels jilted
Darcy expects everyone to know wherever he is he is doing the right thing but the same people must NOT know what he is doing so they won’t be beholden to him.
Intricate plot but I didn’t like Darcy and really disliked Lizzy’s parents.
Thumbs up for originality, thumbs down for characterization.
The plot hinges on Darcy being unable to have the remotest correct idea about what other people are thinking/feeling. He goes off to be a white knight for Lizzy and all she knows is he has disappeared without a word and she feels jilted
Darcy expects everyone to know wherever he is he is doing the right thing but the same people must NOT know what he is doing so they won’t be beholden to him.
Intricate plot but I didn’t like Darcy and really disliked Lizzy’s parents.
Thumbs up for originality, thumbs down for characterization.
September 27, 2020
My Rating: 4.5*
"I want her ruined. I want them both ruined. I care not how, but I want her family brought down..." (quote from the book)
Who could possibly have such hatred in their heart to see another ruined. Ms. Bea has given us an angst-filled variation that kept me turning the pages. But the villain(s) aren't the only ones causing trouble. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet keep misunderstanding each other. Mr. Darcy's proposal at Hunsford has certainly made things worse. Fortunately, they have others willing to help them sort out these problems.
"What should I do? How can I prove to her that I am not the arrogant man I have shown myself to be? How might I please a woman worthy of being pleased?" (quote from the book)
It was wonderful to see Anne de Bourgh take charge, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam, of Darcy. Anne especially was rather clever in manipulating events to make Elizabeth Bennet see the good in Mr. Darcy. Inviting Georgiana Darcy to Rosings certainly paved the way of throwing Elizabeth in Darcy's path.
"Order and control left my life at the same moment in which I encountered Miss Elizabeth Bennet." (quote from the book)
Another aspect I loved was Jane Bennet. She is truly an angel and a rather avenging one at that! Her confidence and outspokenness soars when it comes to her sister, Elizabeth.
Then there was Mrs. Bennet and Lydia...one extremely selfish and dim-witted and the other spoiled beyond belief and just as dim-witted as her mother. Both could have used a good dunking in the pond!
Yes, this was an absolutely engaging and well written variation, and I look forward to reading the novella that follows this story. I also look forward to Ms. Bea's next novel!
May 16, 2019
Thrilling, engaging and well written story.
Rated T at FF but it has a descriptive scene of an attempt of sexual assault so I would rate it M on that account.
Entering at the disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Darcy's cousins team up and attempt to repair the damage of the butchered proposal, bringing in the heavy artillery in form of Georgiana.
The party eventually left Kent for London and the Jane/Bingley affair has a quicker resolution than canon. In London we are introduced to the lady that broke Darcy's heart before the party uprooted again for Hertfordshire.
This part of the book had an Austenesque feel to it, the characters felt true to canon and the relationship between ODC moved forward in a slow but entertaining and engaging way. It did take a turn for the more dramatic when Mr Bennet forced Elizabeth to accompany her untamed sister to Brighton. The relationship between ODC also turned dramatic and angsty.
I particularly loved what the author had done to Jane. She was a fabulous big sister and the kind of backbone that made her strong while still feeling like Austen's Jane. Well done.
Although there were several villains in this story, Mrs Bennet was particularly vile and felt a little too exaggerated to be believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
Rated T at FF but it has a descriptive scene of an attempt of sexual assault so I would rate it M on that account.
Entering at the disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Darcy's cousins team up and attempt to repair the damage of the butchered proposal, bringing in the heavy artillery in form of Georgiana.
The party eventually left Kent for London and the Jane/Bingley affair has a quicker resolution than canon. In London we are introduced to the lady that broke Darcy's heart before the party uprooted again for Hertfordshire.
This part of the book had an Austenesque feel to it, the characters felt true to canon and the relationship between ODC moved forward in a slow but entertaining and engaging way. It did take a turn for the more dramatic when Mr Bennet forced Elizabeth to accompany her untamed sister to Brighton. The relationship between ODC also turned dramatic and angsty.
I particularly loved what the author had done to Jane. She was a fabulous big sister and the kind of backbone that made her strong while still feeling like Austen's Jane. Well done.
Although there were several villains in this story, Mrs Bennet was particularly vile and felt a little too exaggerated to be believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
August 13, 2020
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Love Unsought was one of my favourite books this year and it took me back to the time I stayed up until dawn to finish reading a book because I couldn’t get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth. The writing is very good and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with the perfect balance of romance, intrigue and action.
The story starts with a prologue that takes us back to 1808 and reveals us a side of Darcy we don’t frequently see in other books. This initial chapter is very engaging and made me want to read this book non-stop. Apart from a facet of Darcy that was charming to see, we are introduced to a character whose existence made the story even more appealing. Readers will love to hate this character and will rejoice with Elizabeth’s last interaction with her 🙂
After the prologue, the story starts right after the Hunsford proposal, and from here the differences in the plot are very small, a feature I absolutely loved. Kay Bae was able to pick up a simple, uncomplicated premise, and turn the story into a completely new and unpredictable book. I confess I sometimes get tired of reading books where either the plot is completely different and often unrealistic, or when it is so close to canon that I already know which events will transpire. In Love Unsought Kay Bae found a perfect balance and developed a story that is believable, enticing and unpredictable at the same time.
In this book Mr. Darcy is very close to the Colonel and Anne, so when he returns to Rosings after the proposal, he tells them exactly what happened and hears their opinion on the matter. Faced with the rudeness of his proposal, Mr. Darcy is convinced by his cousins to remain at Rosings and properly court Elizabeth, from here the story will take a completely different path.
Because of this simple change, Darcy and Elizabeth will spend a lot of time together and develop a trusting and strong relationship. I was very happy to see that the author didn’t create unrealistic insecurities or misapprehensions between the couple. It was very easy to go down that path and Kay Bae was always faithful to their love and trust in one another. I absolutely loved that fact and readers who do not like angst will be very pleased by it too. The relationship that was developed in this book and their journey into happiness was pure bliss and I have to highlight their first kiss, it was perfect! And Elizabeth’s letter? It was the cherry on top of the cake.
I only had a couple of quibbles with this book, namely the amount of time ODC spends together at the end of the story without bringing up the elephant in the room, and Mrs. Bennet’s character who was too mean and narrow minded, but these aspects worked out perfectly in terms of romance, so it did not affect my enjoyment with the story, even because I was happy to overlook these details given the accuracy in Elizabeth and Darcy’s characters.
On the other hand a character I really loved was Lady Winslow. She was a believable villain who added an element to the narrative that I loved, she didn’t quite create some jealousy, but her presence, and competition of sorts, gave the book a spicy feeling I always like to see.
Something else I loved about this book was the developing relationships between the characters. Anne and Mary’s friendship was something I really enjoyed, and even if this is to be expected, their adventures in the end were not, and I liked it. I also loved to see Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet give more attention to Kitty and Mary while simultaneously becoming closer to these sisters.
Love Unsought is a page turner, it starts with the refusal, their coming to know one another better, which has all the romance readers wish for, and then their separation, and the events that will make the story going, bring all the angst I was looking for. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend you moving it up on your TBR pile and making it your next read.
Love Unsought is a story full of romance and intrigue that will captivate your heart and surprise you at every turn. Do not miss it!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Love Unsought was one of my favourite books this year and it took me back to the time I stayed up until dawn to finish reading a book because I couldn’t get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth. The writing is very good and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with the perfect balance of romance, intrigue and action.
The story starts with a prologue that takes us back to 1808 and reveals us a side of Darcy we don’t frequently see in other books. This initial chapter is very engaging and made me want to read this book non-stop. Apart from a facet of Darcy that was charming to see, we are introduced to a character whose existence made the story even more appealing. Readers will love to hate this character and will rejoice with Elizabeth’s last interaction with her 🙂
After the prologue, the story starts right after the Hunsford proposal, and from here the differences in the plot are very small, a feature I absolutely loved. Kay Bae was able to pick up a simple, uncomplicated premise, and turn the story into a completely new and unpredictable book. I confess I sometimes get tired of reading books where either the plot is completely different and often unrealistic, or when it is so close to canon that I already know which events will transpire. In Love Unsought Kay Bae found a perfect balance and developed a story that is believable, enticing and unpredictable at the same time.
In this book Mr. Darcy is very close to the Colonel and Anne, so when he returns to Rosings after the proposal, he tells them exactly what happened and hears their opinion on the matter. Faced with the rudeness of his proposal, Mr. Darcy is convinced by his cousins to remain at Rosings and properly court Elizabeth, from here the story will take a completely different path.
Because of this simple change, Darcy and Elizabeth will spend a lot of time together and develop a trusting and strong relationship. I was very happy to see that the author didn’t create unrealistic insecurities or misapprehensions between the couple. It was very easy to go down that path and Kay Bae was always faithful to their love and trust in one another. I absolutely loved that fact and readers who do not like angst will be very pleased by it too. The relationship that was developed in this book and their journey into happiness was pure bliss and I have to highlight their first kiss, it was perfect! And Elizabeth’s letter? It was the cherry on top of the cake.
I only had a couple of quibbles with this book, namely the amount of time ODC spends together at the end of the story without bringing up the elephant in the room, and Mrs. Bennet’s character who was too mean and narrow minded, but these aspects worked out perfectly in terms of romance, so it did not affect my enjoyment with the story, even because I was happy to overlook these details given the accuracy in Elizabeth and Darcy’s characters.
On the other hand a character I really loved was Lady Winslow. She was a believable villain who added an element to the narrative that I loved, she didn’t quite create some jealousy, but her presence, and competition of sorts, gave the book a spicy feeling I always like to see.
Something else I loved about this book was the developing relationships between the characters. Anne and Mary’s friendship was something I really enjoyed, and even if this is to be expected, their adventures in the end were not, and I liked it. I also loved to see Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet give more attention to Kitty and Mary while simultaneously becoming closer to these sisters.
Love Unsought is a page turner, it starts with the refusal, their coming to know one another better, which has all the romance readers wish for, and then their separation, and the events that will make the story going, bring all the angst I was looking for. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend you moving it up on your TBR pile and making it your next read.
Love Unsought is a story full of romance and intrigue that will captivate your heart and surprise you at every turn. Do not miss it!
August 12, 2020
Ugh, this Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are just two selfish and undeserving individuals who deserve a good lashing or comeuppance but unfortunately it was not harsh enough. Other than that I enjoyed the story.
July 29, 2020
Reread September 8, 2025
Read July 29, 2020
On this second reading, I'm raising my rating to 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Although I had some of the same problems on this reading as on the first, they didn't stand out from the story as much, and I found the story much more compelling.
Read July 29, 2020
On this second reading, I'm raising my rating to 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Although I had some of the same problems on this reading as on the first, they didn't stand out from the story as much, and I found the story much more compelling.
June 2, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading the ARC of Love Unsought. Like “Letters from the heart” it is impossible to stop reading unless you defenitely have to. It’s very well written and has unexpected turns. I got totally absorbed.
August 28, 2018
3.9 stars
A very well done fanfiction. My only problem with it is a short period of high angst that didn't fit with the rest of the book in my opinion.
Well written, engaging and fun. There are some characters that are different from the canon, but it is a fanfiction, what did you expect? Oh, and there are a couple of characters that you might want to kill.
A very well done fanfiction. My only problem with it is a short period of high angst that didn't fit with the rest of the book in my opinion.
Well written, engaging and fun. There are some characters that are different from the canon, but it is a fanfiction, what did you expect? Oh, and there are a couple of characters that you might want to kill.
August 7, 2026
I listened to part of this audiobook on Audible before realizing I’d been duped! If I’m wrong, then the narrator lacks the ability to correctly pronounce proper nouns or use voice inflection. The ratings tell the story of the poor narration.
Audible lists William Matthews as the narrator of this audiobook. Right away I thought he sounded unnatural, so I double checked and it listed a real narrator. After about 6 mispronounced Pride & Prejudice lingo words, I have no doubt that this is NOT a human narrator! I’m shocked and disappointed that Audible would try such a dishonest tactic to try to pass off Virtual Voice as a human narrator! Will this be a regular occurrence? Customers deserve transparency! I would very much like to see a response.
I listened to a few chapters of Speechless by Jessie Lewis with the same narrator. He does sound a bit flat, but no obvious pronunciation errors. There are changes in his tone, but I remain confused.
Can anyone explain this? Is Love Unsought narrated by a virtual voice based on Matthew William’s narration? This is in the Audible member library. Please listen to a few chapters and tell me your opinion.
I found a Reddit thread that’s over a year old complaining about an author and narrator Audible listed as Barrett Williams. OVER 5,000 books written and recorded by AI. I looked up the author & he’s now listed as Barrett Williams ChatGPT and now narrator is listed as virtual voice.
Is Audible going to break my heart? I have no problem with virtual voice as long as it’s identified properly & not listed as an actual narrator.
Audible lists William Matthews as the narrator of this audiobook. Right away I thought he sounded unnatural, so I double checked and it listed a real narrator. After about 6 mispronounced Pride & Prejudice lingo words, I have no doubt that this is NOT a human narrator! I’m shocked and disappointed that Audible would try such a dishonest tactic to try to pass off Virtual Voice as a human narrator! Will this be a regular occurrence? Customers deserve transparency! I would very much like to see a response.
I listened to a few chapters of Speechless by Jessie Lewis with the same narrator. He does sound a bit flat, but no obvious pronunciation errors. There are changes in his tone, but I remain confused.
Can anyone explain this? Is Love Unsought narrated by a virtual voice based on Matthew William’s narration? This is in the Audible member library. Please listen to a few chapters and tell me your opinion.
I found a Reddit thread that’s over a year old complaining about an author and narrator Audible listed as Barrett Williams. OVER 5,000 books written and recorded by AI. I looked up the author & he’s now listed as Barrett Williams ChatGPT and now narrator is listed as virtual voice.
Is Audible going to break my heart? I have no problem with virtual voice as long as it’s identified properly & not listed as an actual narrator.
June 7, 2020
This engaging Pride and Prejudice variation simply made me smile. The insightful prologue presents a backstory surrounding events that formed Darcy's later behavior. Then a thrilling time jump drops the reader in Rosings Park with Elizabeth, Darcy's crucial letter in hand. Anne de Bourgh, often portrayed as no more than a sickly phantom, is a vibrant and involved participant in this story, yet with a continued adherence to her reputation and a believable explanation for it that doesn't stray from canon. She, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam, serve as trusted advisors to Darcy, and it's an utterly refreshing take on the original story. Through her involvement, the reader gets to see what a difference just a few more days together at Rosings could make for our dear couple, and how that timeline alteration has a ripple effect through their evolving relationship with each other and with their respective families. The sisterly affection that develops between Elizabeth and Georgiana is everything a P&P fan could hope for, and more. Elizabeth inspires confidence in Georgiana, and Georgiana shows Elizabeth how to see Darcy in a different light. Everything is flowing along in a charming fashion, and then there's a wicked twist involving some bitterly resentful villains. I was particularly pleased with the delightfully satisfying conclusion. Kay Bea's portrayal of our beloved characters takes what we know and love about them and makes them even better, while simultaneously highlighting their perfectly imperfect, relatable humanity. A lovely addition to the JAFF library!
June 8, 2020
Received an ARC for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up. I loved this author's previous work, Letters from the Heart, so I was excited to see a new story being published. This story is a variation from cannon, with some new characters and new twists.
This story has quite a few of the major players OOC, the best of which is Anne. I love variations where Anne plays a prominent part in the story and is not a sickly secondary character. When Darcy screws up with Elizabeth, Anne (along with Fitzwilliam) is always there to help him see the error of ways and to help him do what he needs to do to get back into Elizabeth's good graces. The other major OOCs are the Bennet parents. Mrs. Bennet is just horrid but fortunately gets her comeuppance once Mr. Bennet steps up after Brighton.
Another thing that jumped out at me in this story is that Darcy and Elizabeth actually talk through what could be misunderstandings. In today's tumultuous world, having ODC actually talk to each other and work things out with minimal angst is refreshing. Until they finally don't talk after Brighton in a short, major angst (which seemed jarring after they were doing so well at communicating, hence the 4.5 instead of 5), and then Anne and Fitzwilliam have to step in again once Darcy totally mucks things up.
Overall a very enjoyable read. Another well-written story by this author.
This story has quite a few of the major players OOC, the best of which is Anne. I love variations where Anne plays a prominent part in the story and is not a sickly secondary character. When Darcy screws up with Elizabeth, Anne (along with Fitzwilliam) is always there to help him see the error of ways and to help him do what he needs to do to get back into Elizabeth's good graces. The other major OOCs are the Bennet parents. Mrs. Bennet is just horrid but fortunately gets her comeuppance once Mr. Bennet steps up after Brighton.
Another thing that jumped out at me in this story is that Darcy and Elizabeth actually talk through what could be misunderstandings. In today's tumultuous world, having ODC actually talk to each other and work things out with minimal angst is refreshing. Until they finally don't talk after Brighton in a short, major angst (which seemed jarring after they were doing so well at communicating, hence the 4.5 instead of 5), and then Anne and Fitzwilliam have to step in again once Darcy totally mucks things up.
Overall a very enjoyable read. Another well-written story by this author.
June 20, 2020
Avid Reader
I have read all of this author 's books. I read the book about Olivia Wickham first, which encouraged me to bread this one. It seems that Lady Winslow and Wickham were determined to make Darcy 's life miserable because he had destroyed their plans when he caught her with another man and refused to marry her. Since Darcy didn't see the other man's face, only his back, he didn't know that it was Wickham. Of course, Lydia became part of their plan to destroy the Bennet family.
I have read all of this author 's books. I read the book about Olivia Wickham first, which encouraged me to bread this one. It seems that Lady Winslow and Wickham were determined to make Darcy 's life miserable because he had destroyed their plans when he caught her with another man and refused to marry her. Since Darcy didn't see the other man's face, only his back, he didn't know that it was Wickham. Of course, Lydia became part of their plan to destroy the Bennet family.
June 18, 2020
Enjoyable Read
This was a well written story of a Lizxy and Darcy that are forever misunderstanding each other. There are the usual villains along with a new one who gets exactly what she deserves. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the continuation.
This was a well written story of a Lizxy and Darcy that are forever misunderstanding each other. There are the usual villains along with a new one who gets exactly what she deserves. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the continuation.
September 14, 2020
4.5 worthy of a round up. Mrs. Bennett was a bit much, even for Mrs. Bennett but Mr.Bennett made up for the over exaggeration of Mrs. Bennett. Read it in one day.
May 19, 2021
Even though I've read and listened to this book several times I forget some of the details of the story, enough that if feels fresh each time.
There is a short time period after the Hunsford proposal that enables Anne de Bourgh to see where Darcy's heart has gone and tries to help by talking to Elizabeth about some of his good qualities. 'The Letter' changes her opinion some but Elizabeth is still upset for Jane's sake. Anne invites Georgiana for a visit and she takes to Elizabeth immediately, and Elizabeth is able to bolster Georgie's courage to face Lady C. So even though Darcy is still stinging from her refusal he now has Georgie, Col Fitzwilliams and Anne de Bourgh at his back, encouraging him to pursue Elizabeth.
There's a twist in the 'Lydia follows the regiment to Brighton' scenario. A very wicked twist that angered this reader thoroughly. Not at the writer, but the characters, the writing was excellent. Lizzy is forced to accompany Lydia to Brighton due to her protests to her father giving Lydia permission to go with the Forsters. What could go wrong with that?
The introduction of a new character into the story, Lady Winslow, enabled the plot to thicken in numerous ways. It showed off Elizabeth's poise, character and wit in society long before she was married to Darcy. This female character gave Caroline a wedge to get herself back into Charles' & Jane's life again where she was perfectly positioned to torment Elizabeth while she was in an extremely vulnerable place, now living with Jane and Charles after the Brighton disaster. Oh, and of course after 'promising to be nice.' We get to see a stronger Jane in this story, but still trying to believe the best of people.
Why is it that when people are egregiously, blatantly abusive to another person in front of everyone we still let them stay as a guest? Or as a coworker, or family at a gathering. This isn't just fiction, it happens in real life too. But why didn't a couple of the men at Netherfield order Lady Winslow to the nearest Inn, post haste, and 'your bags will follow you shortly.' Well, Caroline and Lady Winslow end up with each other which they both deserve. Can you imagine? Let's say 30 years down the road...it will be like 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' Wickham is bribed to marry Lydia but instead of a commission in the regulars, Darcy buys an Inn for the two of them to run. Usually, I'm more than half sorry for Lydia ending up married to her 'Dear Wickie.' This time, unh-uh. Those two deserved each other. Their children didn't deserve them. But that story happens in the follow-up novella connected to this book, which I recommend.
In this story Elizabeth seemed to have very few people on her side, she was abused by her hateful mother, hated by her bratty spoiled sister, blindly, stupidly teased by her father who thought he was being so clever. She was even ridiculed by none other than that non-entity of a cardboard character, Mr Phillips. What? Him I couldn't believe. No reason given for his spiteful little torment.
After arriving back in Hartfordshire Darcy sees how sad Elizabeth is and of course misinterprets this as not wanting him around any longer. Elizabeth sees Darcy keeping his distance and misinterprets this as him not wanting her anymore. Both are thinking it's because Wickham now is connected to the Bennet family. But....wait! There's more! Anne de Bourgh and Col Fitzwilliams to the rescue (they think,) although a day late and a dollar short. It was still cute and introduced some much needed humor at this point into this sad tale.
As I read back over my own review and really think about certain aspects of the story, I realize I had to suspend my disbelief quite a few times. However, many of the things that happened are true to human nature. Reputations get ruined equally often by other forces you cannot control, than the damage you can do to yourself.
However briefly we get to witness it, there is a lovely HEA. And I recommend it highly to Pride & Prejudice variation lovers.
There is a short time period after the Hunsford proposal that enables Anne de Bourgh to see where Darcy's heart has gone and tries to help by talking to Elizabeth about some of his good qualities. 'The Letter' changes her opinion some but Elizabeth is still upset for Jane's sake. Anne invites Georgiana for a visit and she takes to Elizabeth immediately, and Elizabeth is able to bolster Georgie's courage to face Lady C. So even though Darcy is still stinging from her refusal he now has Georgie, Col Fitzwilliams and Anne de Bourgh at his back, encouraging him to pursue Elizabeth.
There's a twist in the 'Lydia follows the regiment to Brighton' scenario. A very wicked twist that angered this reader thoroughly. Not at the writer, but the characters, the writing was excellent. Lizzy is forced to accompany Lydia to Brighton due to her protests to her father giving Lydia permission to go with the Forsters. What could go wrong with that?
The introduction of a new character into the story, Lady Winslow, enabled the plot to thicken in numerous ways. It showed off Elizabeth's poise, character and wit in society long before she was married to Darcy. This female character gave Caroline a wedge to get herself back into Charles' & Jane's life again where she was perfectly positioned to torment Elizabeth while she was in an extremely vulnerable place, now living with Jane and Charles after the Brighton disaster. Oh, and of course after 'promising to be nice.' We get to see a stronger Jane in this story, but still trying to believe the best of people.
Why is it that when people are egregiously, blatantly abusive to another person in front of everyone we still let them stay as a guest? Or as a coworker, or family at a gathering. This isn't just fiction, it happens in real life too. But why didn't a couple of the men at Netherfield order Lady Winslow to the nearest Inn, post haste, and 'your bags will follow you shortly.' Well, Caroline and Lady Winslow end up with each other which they both deserve. Can you imagine? Let's say 30 years down the road...it will be like 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' Wickham is bribed to marry Lydia but instead of a commission in the regulars, Darcy buys an Inn for the two of them to run. Usually, I'm more than half sorry for Lydia ending up married to her 'Dear Wickie.' This time, unh-uh. Those two deserved each other. Their children didn't deserve them. But that story happens in the follow-up novella connected to this book, which I recommend.
In this story Elizabeth seemed to have very few people on her side, she was abused by her hateful mother, hated by her bratty spoiled sister, blindly, stupidly teased by her father who thought he was being so clever. She was even ridiculed by none other than that non-entity of a cardboard character, Mr Phillips. What? Him I couldn't believe. No reason given for his spiteful little torment.
After arriving back in Hartfordshire Darcy sees how sad Elizabeth is and of course misinterprets this as not wanting him around any longer. Elizabeth sees Darcy keeping his distance and misinterprets this as him not wanting her anymore. Both are thinking it's because Wickham now is connected to the Bennet family. But....wait! There's more! Anne de Bourgh and Col Fitzwilliams to the rescue (they think,) although a day late and a dollar short. It was still cute and introduced some much needed humor at this point into this sad tale.
As I read back over my own review and really think about certain aspects of the story, I realize I had to suspend my disbelief quite a few times. However, many of the things that happened are true to human nature. Reputations get ruined equally often by other forces you cannot control, than the damage you can do to yourself.
However briefly we get to witness it, there is a lovely HEA. And I recommend it highly to Pride & Prejudice variation lovers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
A wonderful story,highly recommended.
July 7, 2022
I loved the beginning of this, what with the budding understanding between our favorite couple. But Elizabeth accompanies Lydia to Brighton with disastrous results and Darcy makes himself a prize idiot in the aftermath. He disappears for weeks in search of Wickham, not sending a word for anyone, and when he comes back he still quite inexplicably takes days on end to say anything to Elizabeth. So of course she thinks he's washed his hands of her. Mrs Bennet is extra awful in this.
January 1, 2021
This is a long book with lots of twists and turns... it takes a long time to get to our HEA... After the disastrous proposal Darcy stays on at Rosings and is joined by Georgiana. This allows him and Elizabeth to spend more time together and she can see she's misunderstood him. After this a whole load of things happen to get in the way of a HEA including an ex of Darcy and a dastardly Wickham!
There are some real villains in this book... Lady Winslow, Wickham, Caroline Bingley and Mrs Bennet!! She is vile... I enjoyed seeing them all get their comeuppance! Darcy and Elizabeth misunderstand each other alot... for how honest somme of their discussions were it did start to wear on my patience a little at the end that neither would just speak!!!
At the very end there is a bit of a twist that sets up another book. I wasn't a fan of this and given everything that had happened I felt the way it all worked was very unlikely... I mean there is generosity but even that has a limit...
Overall I enjoyed this but at times it was a bit of struggle and maybe just a little too long.
There are some real villains in this book... Lady Winslow, Wickham, Caroline Bingley and Mrs Bennet!! She is vile... I enjoyed seeing them all get their comeuppance! Darcy and Elizabeth misunderstand each other alot... for how honest somme of their discussions were it did start to wear on my patience a little at the end that neither would just speak!!!
At the very end there is a bit of a twist that sets up another book. I wasn't a fan of this and given everything that had happened I felt the way it all worked was very unlikely... I mean there is generosity but even that has a limit...
Overall I enjoyed this but at times it was a bit of struggle and maybe just a little too long.
July 20, 2020
Good book
I loved the story, but I don't like it when Wickham and Lydia elope and marry. I was glad all the villains got their due. Wished for an epilogue
I loved the story, but I don't like it when Wickham and Lydia elope and marry. I was glad all the villains got their due. Wished for an epilogue
September 12, 2017
I found the writing enjoyable with the authors choice of wording it gave the story that period feel. Some of the lines of course you will recognize as Austens but this one has many of its own twists to them. If you are a lover of angst and misunderstandings I think you would enjoy. Darcy in this one was once almost engaged. He was 23 and really believed he was in love. Lady Arabella is not a lady at all. She fooled around with Wickham and is under the delusion if she were to marry Darcy, of who her parents would approve of, it would give her the opportunity to be with her dear Wickham everyday. Her plans are foiled when Darcy catches her trying to seduce another innocent man he calls the engagement over before it has been publicly announced. Her father makes her marry someone in a hurry as she is increasing. She blames Darcy for all her unhappiness.
Lizzy has just read the letter Darcy wrote to defend his actions after his proposal and the two get a better understanding of each other. The pair still have a ways to go to fully comprehend the other but Georgianna meets Lizzy in Kent and helps assists in pointing her older brother in the right approach with Elizabeth. Ann also is more vibrant in this tale as she too tries to help the lovers to realize what was possible. it is a long road as several people come in to play to separate the couple. Jane and Bingley are brought back together after Darcy confesses his error in judgment to Charles. Charles is not as agreeable and lets Darcy know he is his own man and if ever meddles again he is done. You'll love how he handles Caroline and the Hursts in this one.
I love my D&E together and in this one it is a long road. Once one obstacle is overcome another one comes and then another. It became very tedious in my opinion and even when they finally get together we never really get to see them for very long. They are still trying to overcome threats but at least they're together this time. It is at the end of the book though. Most of the book is seeing the old characters altered. By this I mean when Darcy finally comes to Hertfordshire to court Lizzy he learns that Mr. Bennet is making her go to Brighton with Lydia. It is another side story I won't address but the significance is that it throws another object in the path of D&E getting their HEA. That's not all Because while in Brighton Lizzy is attacked, attempted raped by Wickham, who is drunk and believes it's Lydia. Lydia who has been spoilt most disgustingly blames all on Lizzy accusing her of intentionally instigating Wickhams attentions.
Darcy hearing this is not altered at all in his plans to make her his wife and tells Mr. Bennet as much. While all this is happening Lady Arabella who has already tried to break the two apart previously is still waiting for her opportunity to cause Darcy misery. Caroline is still scheming, Mrs. Bennet is unforgivable, Mary and Kitty come into the scene and we get to see more of their true character as well. They were good characters though. They all banish Lydia and Mrs. Bennet for her deeds and believe me there is much you will see. When Darcy finally reaches Lizzy and convinces her that nothing has changed it starts to level out. I think I was just done by this point. I felt it could have came much sooner and been more enjoyable had there been only one or two villains. I think they could have offered enough conflict and would have allowed more opportunity to have the couple spending time together. Her writing was reminiscent of Brenda Webb in the drama aspect. It had so many new personalities and I felt the author was trying to keep the situation with Lizzy light because for as upset and emotionally distraught Lizzy was painted in the beginning she had no long term effect with Darcy touching her. I found that unrealistic as effected as she was. I still gave it 3 stars because while there were key things I want in my stories seeing Charles and Jane address Caroline as they did was something I always wanted to see. The author threw in an epilogue but it was everyones epilogue and while you want to see how everyone ended up it took the focus away from D&E. Lady Arabella deserved worse and it felt wrong that a simple turning of the head would end everything. Really? Should have happened sooner than. Enjoy!
Lizzy has just read the letter Darcy wrote to defend his actions after his proposal and the two get a better understanding of each other. The pair still have a ways to go to fully comprehend the other but Georgianna meets Lizzy in Kent and helps assists in pointing her older brother in the right approach with Elizabeth. Ann also is more vibrant in this tale as she too tries to help the lovers to realize what was possible. it is a long road as several people come in to play to separate the couple. Jane and Bingley are brought back together after Darcy confesses his error in judgment to Charles. Charles is not as agreeable and lets Darcy know he is his own man and if ever meddles again he is done. You'll love how he handles Caroline and the Hursts in this one.
I love my D&E together and in this one it is a long road. Once one obstacle is overcome another one comes and then another. It became very tedious in my opinion and even when they finally get together we never really get to see them for very long. They are still trying to overcome threats but at least they're together this time. It is at the end of the book though. Most of the book is seeing the old characters altered. By this I mean when Darcy finally comes to Hertfordshire to court Lizzy he learns that Mr. Bennet is making her go to Brighton with Lydia. It is another side story I won't address but the significance is that it throws another object in the path of D&E getting their HEA. That's not all Because while in Brighton Lizzy is attacked, attempted raped by Wickham, who is drunk and believes it's Lydia. Lydia who has been spoilt most disgustingly blames all on Lizzy accusing her of intentionally instigating Wickhams attentions.
Darcy hearing this is not altered at all in his plans to make her his wife and tells Mr. Bennet as much. While all this is happening Lady Arabella who has already tried to break the two apart previously is still waiting for her opportunity to cause Darcy misery. Caroline is still scheming, Mrs. Bennet is unforgivable, Mary and Kitty come into the scene and we get to see more of their true character as well. They were good characters though. They all banish Lydia and Mrs. Bennet for her deeds and believe me there is much you will see. When Darcy finally reaches Lizzy and convinces her that nothing has changed it starts to level out. I think I was just done by this point. I felt it could have came much sooner and been more enjoyable had there been only one or two villains. I think they could have offered enough conflict and would have allowed more opportunity to have the couple spending time together. Her writing was reminiscent of Brenda Webb in the drama aspect. It had so many new personalities and I felt the author was trying to keep the situation with Lizzy light because for as upset and emotionally distraught Lizzy was painted in the beginning she had no long term effect with Darcy touching her. I found that unrealistic as effected as she was. I still gave it 3 stars because while there were key things I want in my stories seeing Charles and Jane address Caroline as they did was something I always wanted to see. The author threw in an epilogue but it was everyones epilogue and while you want to see how everyone ended up it took the focus away from D&E. Lady Arabella deserved worse and it felt wrong that a simple turning of the head would end everything. Really? Should have happened sooner than. Enjoy!
July 19, 2022
I liked this book but some things bothered me. Everyone seemed to move in slow motion with regard to the Brighton stuff. No midnight expresses just slow, regular mail. An oblivious Darcy and a truly terrible Mrs Bennet.
August 31, 2020
For how long this book was, there weren't really that many snags. I thought it would be more problematic but the story line was nearly completely motivated by easily resolved miscommunications. The actual issues weren't really resolved, there were no punishments dealt for the characters who were truly malicious.
I understand that the ending was kind of a segue for future books in this universe but it felt so rushed to add all of those semi-connected characters with a couple of lines. It wasn't even separated into an epilogue, it was just kind of thrown to us as the next logical action. The last hundred pages were kind of boring to me in general due to the lack of original plot action, but to throw that in like that instead of building to it really took away from my experience.
Not terrible overall, pretty original but kind of over-reliant on trashing women. Original characters were introduced pretty much just to reinforce the idea that women are petty. There was some positive depiction with Georgiana and Anne but it wasn't enough to counteract how many times the other women were villianized.
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