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OF LOVE AND LOSS: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Of Love and Loss is a Pride and Prejudice variation of approximately 77,000 words. It is a sweet and clean regency romance with only non-graphic references to intimacy between married couples.
Excerpt:
"Darcy, what are you doing in London? Why are not still with Bingley in Hertfordshire pursuing the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" Darcy looked up in surprise at his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam?
Without waiting for a response, the colonel spoke, "Oh, don't try to convince me you aren't enamored with the lady. You may have fooled Bingley, but I know you too well. I saw the way your eyes followed her whenever you were in her company, how you listened to all of her conversations. Not that I blame you, of course. She is truly a fascinating woman. Intelligent and witty with beautiful eyes, not to mention her very fine figure." Richard grinned and waggled his eyebrows at his cousin.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was shocked to discover that his attention to Elizabeth Bennet had been noted by anyone. "Really, Richard, I know not of what you speak. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is tolerable in appearance, but her manner is impertinent, not even taking into account her appallingly inappropriate family. Surely you jest to think that she would attract my attention."
"Well, despite your protest of disinterest, I can see that you have given the alliance a good deal of thought. I am amazed that you don't recognize that Miss Elizabeth is a 'pearl of great price'. You are severely underestimating the young lady. And I cannot believe that you would abandon her to a forced marriage with her obnoxious cousin Collins!"
"If you think so much of the lady, Richard, then you go rescue her!" Darcy huffed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam continued to gaze at his cousin and dearest friend in disbelief before standing and pronouncing, "Very well, I will, if she will have me"
Excerpt:
"Darcy, what are you doing in London? Why are not still with Bingley in Hertfordshire pursuing the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" Darcy looked up in surprise at his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam?
Without waiting for a response, the colonel spoke, "Oh, don't try to convince me you aren't enamored with the lady. You may have fooled Bingley, but I know you too well. I saw the way your eyes followed her whenever you were in her company, how you listened to all of her conversations. Not that I blame you, of course. She is truly a fascinating woman. Intelligent and witty with beautiful eyes, not to mention her very fine figure." Richard grinned and waggled his eyebrows at his cousin.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was shocked to discover that his attention to Elizabeth Bennet had been noted by anyone. "Really, Richard, I know not of what you speak. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is tolerable in appearance, but her manner is impertinent, not even taking into account her appallingly inappropriate family. Surely you jest to think that she would attract my attention."
"Well, despite your protest of disinterest, I can see that you have given the alliance a good deal of thought. I am amazed that you don't recognize that Miss Elizabeth is a 'pearl of great price'. You are severely underestimating the young lady. And I cannot believe that you would abandon her to a forced marriage with her obnoxious cousin Collins!"
"If you think so much of the lady, Richard, then you go rescue her!" Darcy huffed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam continued to gaze at his cousin and dearest friend in disbelief before standing and pronouncing, "Very well, I will, if she will have me"
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2021
63 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 20, 2021
A Widow Without Woe
It's not really a spoiler to say that Lizzy marries the Colonel because we find that out within the first 10%. And since this is JAFF (the published type) we all know who she ends up with and so the interest here should be in the means of getting from A to B. And that wouldn't be bad if only there was a bit more angst expressed and far fewer typos. And I read the "corrected" version! Normally I don't discount my ratings for typos because they're easier to disregard when the writing is more compelling. This was a story told, not felt. I hope this author tries again, but next time, please find a real editor who can help.
It's not really a spoiler to say that Lizzy marries the Colonel because we find that out within the first 10%. And since this is JAFF (the published type) we all know who she ends up with and so the interest here should be in the means of getting from A to B. And that wouldn't be bad if only there was a bit more angst expressed and far fewer typos. And I read the "corrected" version! Normally I don't discount my ratings for typos because they're easier to disregard when the writing is more compelling. This was a story told, not felt. I hope this author tries again, but next time, please find a real editor who can help.
August 15, 2021
An Amiable Triangle
This variation has Colonel Fitzwilliam marrying Elizabeth. Darcy had returned to London from Hertfordshire in self-denial of his attraction to her. When the Colonel tries to encourage him to go back and court her, he refuses, telling the Colonel to do so if he cares so much. And he does. Darcy seems fine with it all. Sighhhh…. There’s zero angst and conflict, never a raised voice. Everyone too out of character to me. It’s a “nice” story. Too sweet, too nice. The characters were unrecognizable. Any names could have been used in the telling. None of this worked well for me.
The first heading in the book is a misspelled word, and too many other proofreading misses were noted.
If you like the “triangle” trope, you may like it.
This variation has Colonel Fitzwilliam marrying Elizabeth. Darcy had returned to London from Hertfordshire in self-denial of his attraction to her. When the Colonel tries to encourage him to go back and court her, he refuses, telling the Colonel to do so if he cares so much. And he does. Darcy seems fine with it all. Sighhhh…. There’s zero angst and conflict, never a raised voice. Everyone too out of character to me. It’s a “nice” story. Too sweet, too nice. The characters were unrecognizable. Any names could have been used in the telling. None of this worked well for me.
The first heading in the book is a misspelled word, and too many other proofreading misses were noted.
If you like the “triangle” trope, you may like it.
May 9, 2022
3.25 rounded to 3 stars
I know this author has a large following on a fanfiction site, and I can see why. There's creativity and undeniable raw talent here, but this book needs polishing.
The storyline is marvelous: Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, having attended the Netherfield ball and met Elizabeth Bennet, knows Darcy admires her. He confronts Darcy in the latter's London townhome, exhorting him to return to Hertfordshire and pursue her. When his cousin refuses and suggests that Richard marry her himself, the colonel does just that. He and Elizabeth fall deeply in love and enjoy short-lived marital bliss.
Between the book's title and every JAFF-lover's knowledge that Elizabeth is destined to marry Darcy, it's not a spoiler to say that Richard doesn't make it to the end of the book. Elizabeth must face a serious challenge after his death and receives assistance from family and friends, chief among them being Mr. Darcy, the Executor of Richard's will.
There's a very nice story buried in here, and the author has good writing chops. The biggest problem with this book is it's way too long with numerous irrelevant scenes, including an extensive HEA that drags on and on long after Darcy and Elizabeth have acknowledged their feelings for each other. There are also errors scattered throughout - missing words, sentences that say the opposite of the obvious intended meaning, etc. - things that would have been caught by a good editor and/or proofreader. I don't know how much was altered between the online and the published version, but it wasn't near to being enough; this still reads like a rough draft.
I know this author has a large following on a fanfiction site, and I can see why. There's creativity and undeniable raw talent here, but this book needs polishing.
The storyline is marvelous: Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, having attended the Netherfield ball and met Elizabeth Bennet, knows Darcy admires her. He confronts Darcy in the latter's London townhome, exhorting him to return to Hertfordshire and pursue her. When his cousin refuses and suggests that Richard marry her himself, the colonel does just that. He and Elizabeth fall deeply in love and enjoy short-lived marital bliss.
Between the book's title and every JAFF-lover's knowledge that Elizabeth is destined to marry Darcy, it's not a spoiler to say that Richard doesn't make it to the end of the book. Elizabeth must face a serious challenge after his death and receives assistance from family and friends, chief among them being Mr. Darcy, the Executor of Richard's will.
There's a very nice story buried in here, and the author has good writing chops. The biggest problem with this book is it's way too long with numerous irrelevant scenes, including an extensive HEA that drags on and on long after Darcy and Elizabeth have acknowledged their feelings for each other. There are also errors scattered throughout - missing words, sentences that say the opposite of the obvious intended meaning, etc. - things that would have been caught by a good editor and/or proofreader. I don't know how much was altered between the online and the published version, but it wasn't near to being enough; this still reads like a rough draft.
August 22, 2021
The author advises that this is her first published first effort. The story is fairly good but very poorly edited.
I will give this writer another try, on any future effort, with the hope that a proofreader cleans up the grammar. There were so many missing articles and pronouns I thought, perhaps, that English might not be her first language. If that's the case, I give kudos for a fine first effort. But with so many free writing tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, Grammarlookup.com, to name a few, I hope Jae George takes advantage of them in the future.
Now for the story-
Darcy, not ready to commit himself to his heart's desire, leaves the field wide open for his cousin to return to Meryton in pursuit of the most worthy second Bennet daughter. Elizabeth falls in love and marries Colonel Fitzwilliam shortly after the Netherfield Ball. A loving marriage ensues.
But as the title foreshadows, the risk of loving someone is losing them. Fortunately, a supportive, caring Derbyshire gentleman helps pick up the pieces.
I will give this writer another try, on any future effort, with the hope that a proofreader cleans up the grammar. There were so many missing articles and pronouns I thought, perhaps, that English might not be her first language. If that's the case, I give kudos for a fine first effort. But with so many free writing tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, Grammarlookup.com, to name a few, I hope Jae George takes advantage of them in the future.
Now for the story-
Darcy, not ready to commit himself to his heart's desire, leaves the field wide open for his cousin to return to Meryton in pursuit of the most worthy second Bennet daughter. Elizabeth falls in love and marries Colonel Fitzwilliam shortly after the Netherfield Ball. A loving marriage ensues.
But as the title foreshadows, the risk of loving someone is losing them. Fortunately, a supportive, caring Derbyshire gentleman helps pick up the pieces.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Lizzy marries the Colonel
3.5 stars rounded to 4.0 stars. This is a what-if that always seems realistic. After all Lizzy got along with Richard famously at Rosings. The problem with the what-is is getting her married to Darcy for the standard HEA.
SPOILERS
Well when Lizzy and Richard are married they are obviously very much in love with each other. So when Richard dies, all the real emotions of love seem to false and not real since Lizzy accepts a marriage proposal almost immediately after a year of mourning. Not much angst in switching to a new husband. Makes one feel that if Darcy died while riding his horse there would be no surprise if she married another man after a year of mourning.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.0 stars. This is a what-if that always seems realistic. After all Lizzy got along with Richard famously at Rosings. The problem with the what-is is getting her married to Darcy for the standard HEA.
SPOILERS
Well when Lizzy and Richard are married they are obviously very much in love with each other. So when Richard dies, all the real emotions of love seem to false and not real since Lizzy accepts a marriage proposal almost immediately after a year of mourning. Not much angst in switching to a new husband. Makes one feel that if Darcy died while riding his horse there would be no surprise if she married another man after a year of mourning.
June 4, 2022
I entered with an open mind as I have read a p&p fanfic where colonel Fitzwilliam and lizzy are endgame. However their romance was very much told and not shown, it was hard to feel their love for each other as we had not seen it grow. Their courtship and engagement is short and on the whole brushed past in favour of Darcys feelings.
Obviously this is a darcy/Elizabeth book and so I cannot begrudge the author to much for that. But the fact that Richard is darcys cousin didn’t feel wholly right to me and the fact that everyone was pushing them to be together so soon after Richards death made me uncomfortable. I enjoyed Darcys relationship with Hal but on the whole this was not the book for me.
Obviously this is a darcy/Elizabeth book and so I cannot begrudge the author to much for that. But the fact that Richard is darcys cousin didn’t feel wholly right to me and the fact that everyone was pushing them to be together so soon after Richards death made me uncomfortable. I enjoyed Darcys relationship with Hal but on the whole this was not the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 19, 2021Different
In this story Richard courts Elizabeth when Darcy refuses to admit his attraction to her. They marry, have a son, and unfortunately he dies as a result of heart damage after an infection on the battlefield. The remaining story is Elizabeth learning to take care of herself and her son, and learning to love Darcy.
The ending is poorly done... It suddenly ends with little written about the future etc.
It also was rushed to publish because there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors in every chapter. Some are so bad that the sentence makes no sense at all. I did like the plot but it could have been much better.
In this story Richard courts Elizabeth when Darcy refuses to admit his attraction to her. They marry, have a son, and unfortunately he dies as a result of heart damage after an infection on the battlefield. The remaining story is Elizabeth learning to take care of herself and her son, and learning to love Darcy.
The ending is poorly done... It suddenly ends with little written about the future etc.
It also was rushed to publish because there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors in every chapter. Some are so bad that the sentence makes no sense at all. I did like the plot but it could have been much better.
October 25, 2021
Nice story but....
Too much tell not enough show in regards to Elizabeth and Darcy. I didn' t find it quite believable, the ease of moving on and very little reflection on the past. Pales in comparison to the first half of the book. Conversation is very stilted on mist occasions and overly simplistic. Typos may contribute to that. Typos usually don't bother me but a good edtor would have helped because I'm unsure if these are typos or just that English is not the author's first language.
Too much tell not enough show in regards to Elizabeth and Darcy. I didn' t find it quite believable, the ease of moving on and very little reflection on the past. Pales in comparison to the first half of the book. Conversation is very stilted on mist occasions and overly simplistic. Typos may contribute to that. Typos usually don't bother me but a good edtor would have helped because I'm unsure if these are typos or just that English is not the author's first language.
August 18, 2021
Well worth reading
I really enjoyed the author’s take on our favorite couple. I have read many retellings. Some I’ve really enjoyed and others were returned after a couple of chapters. This one goes in my happy group. The author knows her Austen thus keeping the story believable. I would, however, suggest a new editor for her next book. There we’re several glaring mistakes throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the author’s take on our favorite couple. I have read many retellings. Some I’ve really enjoyed and others were returned after a couple of chapters. This one goes in my happy group. The author knows her Austen thus keeping the story believable. I would, however, suggest a new editor for her next book. There we’re several glaring mistakes throughout the story.
October 12, 2021
As Fitzwilliam Darcy can't get over himself in his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, Richard Fitzwilliam pursues her instead and wins her heart. The two are happy and have a child before tragedy strikes. Luckily, Darcy has been designated guardian and caretaker for the widow and child. Together they support each other as they recover from their devastating loss. Eventually finding their own happily ever after.
May 8, 2022
A tear jerker
I can not count the number of times I had to wipe away my tears. I enjoyed a deeper look into Richard and hated he had to die. But of course, that is what brought our dear couple together. I think the author did a good job with the story, however, it needs to go through a through edit. There numerous times him/her and she/he are used wrong, words used in the wrong order duplicate texts.
Regardless of these errors, I would recommend.
I can not count the number of times I had to wipe away my tears. I enjoyed a deeper look into Richard and hated he had to die. But of course, that is what brought our dear couple together. I think the author did a good job with the story, however, it needs to go through a through edit. There numerous times him/her and she/he are used wrong, words used in the wrong order duplicate texts.
Regardless of these errors, I would recommend.
August 17, 2021
Low angst, sweet story
Though this book needs a good editor it wasn’t too bad to have an enjoyable read. If you want a no stress happily ever after without the debating we often find in Lizzy’s character, than you will probably like this book. I felt the writing in the first part of the book was a bit amateurish, but that it got better as the story progressed.
Though this book needs a good editor it wasn’t too bad to have an enjoyable read. If you want a no stress happily ever after without the debating we often find in Lizzy’s character, than you will probably like this book. I felt the writing in the first part of the book was a bit amateurish, but that it got better as the story progressed.
August 18, 2021
Different men, different relationships
*spoilers ahead* I really enjoyed this story. I particularly appreciated how the relationship between Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam was fully developed, and that she was allowed to cherish it and grieve his loss before even thinking about Darcy in a romantic way. Nicely done!
*spoilers ahead* I really enjoyed this story. I particularly appreciated how the relationship between Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam was fully developed, and that she was allowed to cherish it and grieve his loss before even thinking about Darcy in a romantic way. Nicely done!
September 16, 2021
Flat and predictable
I’m simply not a fan of P&P variations in which Richard and Elizabeth are live interests so minus one point. Also, one point deduction for Jane and Bingley marrying; variations that offer a different love interest for her are much better subplots. Too much of the Bennet family of canon.
I’m simply not a fan of P&P variations in which Richard and Elizabeth are live interests so minus one point. Also, one point deduction for Jane and Bingley marrying; variations that offer a different love interest for her are much better subplots. Too much of the Bennet family of canon.
October 16, 2021
A sweet story
Perfect for those who prefer low angst, a little predictability and happily ever afters. There are some laugh out loud moments to enjoy, but the typos are distracting. I kept wondering where the antagonists went, but they can be annoying anyway, so they weren’t really missed.
Perfect for those who prefer low angst, a little predictability and happily ever afters. There are some laugh out loud moments to enjoy, but the typos are distracting. I kept wondering where the antagonists went, but they can be annoying anyway, so they weren’t really missed.
October 9, 2021
great read
I truly enjoyed this story of Elizabeth and Darcy. It is so different than any of the others I read that I consider this story line to be the most exciting and I did cry in a few of the pages. Thank you for giving your readers something very different.
I truly enjoyed this story of Elizabeth and Darcy. It is so different than any of the others I read that I consider this story line to be the most exciting and I did cry in a few of the pages. Thank you for giving your readers something very different.
August 19, 2021
Lovely story
I enjoyed this book very much. It was written with love yet had enough angst to satisfy. I will recommend this as an enjoyable read and not much different from canon.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was written with love yet had enough angst to satisfy. I will recommend this as an enjoyable read and not much different from canon.
September 2, 2021
A pearl of great price!
Very moving, difficult to put down. Interesting plot twist. It's strength is the insights into each of our beloved character's thoughts!
Very moving, difficult to put down. Interesting plot twist. It's strength is the insights into each of our beloved character's thoughts!
September 11, 2021
Good
I always like it when Lizzy has another love, though the title tells you she and Darcy will eventually come to be.
I always like it when Lizzy has another love, though the title tells you she and Darcy will eventually come to be.
November 1, 2021
Sorry not my cup of tea
December 30, 2021
Fast read. Lovely characters. I loved Elizabeth and Richard.
April 10, 2022
Needs editing
The premise is alright, the writing is decent, but dear me, each of this author's books needs editing! Overall mostly enjoyable
The premise is alright, the writing is decent, but dear me, each of this author's books needs editing! Overall mostly enjoyable
July 29, 2022
neat
Well written.
A little low-angst for me (despite the death) but overall a good story.
Good choice if you prefer the love aspect of a story over drama.
Well written.
A little low-angst for me (despite the death) but overall a good story.
Good choice if you prefer the love aspect of a story over drama.
July 27, 2023
Well Done
Always interesting when Elizabeth is married prior to Darcy. This is very well done and definitely worth the download!
Appreciate romance without graphic scenes.
Always interesting when Elizabeth is married prior to Darcy. This is very well done and definitely worth the download!
Appreciate romance without graphic scenes.
April 24, 2024
Wonderful!
I really enjoyed this book. I also wanted to slap some of those people!! Lizzie certainly went through a lot, but she had a wonderful life all in all.
Bravo!
I really enjoyed this book. I also wanted to slap some of those people!! Lizzie certainly went through a lot, but she had a wonderful life all in all.
Bravo!
August 27, 2021
I’ve read other Elizabeth/Col Fitzwilliam that are very similar. It always makes me uncomfortable when Darcy carries a torch all through their marriage and then hooks up with the widow. Especially when the Colonel is somehow complicit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
I first read this in 2021 or 2022, shortly after it was published. I loved it then and I still love it with my recent reread. Yes, it has problems that should have been caught by a proofreader or editor, but the story itself is lovely. I loved the descriptions of the close love between Elizabeth and Richard, and then later between Elizabeth and Darcy. Lots of tissues were sacrificed during each reading of the book.
Originally there was a sequel, Home for Christmas: Hal's Story, which I liked, but it is no longer available. I hope that the author will fold it into this book as an extended epilogue. A re-editing of this story would be wonderful, but I do know it is a time-consuming effort.
Originally there was a sequel, Home for Christmas: Hal's Story, which I liked, but it is no longer available. I hope that the author will fold it into this book as an extended epilogue. A re-editing of this story would be wonderful, but I do know it is a time-consuming effort.
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