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Rescuing Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
An arrogant gentleman concerned with family pride. A spirited young lady who vows only to marry for love. What happiness can they find if they are forced to wed?
Fitzwilliam Darcy distrusts the workers employed to prepare Netherfield Park for the much-awaited ball. When his suspicions prove correct, he risks himself to save Elizabeth Bennet, the lively yet unsuitable young lady his heart has struggled against for months. But what if doing the honourable thing means he not only betrays his family but also sees himself bound to a woman who can never love him?
Elizabeth Bennet always wished for adventure, but she never expected it to come in the form of being abducted along with Mr Darcy, the man she dislikes more than any other and the last man in the world she would ever marry. Astonished by his courage and kindness in caring for her, Elizabeth finds her feelings changing. But how can she endure a forced marriage with a man who would never willingly choose her?
When their captors grow more desperate, Elizabeth and Darcy have no choice but to trust in the goodwill of a villain if they are to survive. And as they strive to escape their perilous situation, Elizabeth and Darcy come to realise that the greatest danger of all lies in their own hearts.
Fitzwilliam Darcy distrusts the workers employed to prepare Netherfield Park for the much-awaited ball. When his suspicions prove correct, he risks himself to save Elizabeth Bennet, the lively yet unsuitable young lady his heart has struggled against for months. But what if doing the honourable thing means he not only betrays his family but also sees himself bound to a woman who can never love him?
Elizabeth Bennet always wished for adventure, but she never expected it to come in the form of being abducted along with Mr Darcy, the man she dislikes more than any other and the last man in the world she would ever marry. Astonished by his courage and kindness in caring for her, Elizabeth finds her feelings changing. But how can she endure a forced marriage with a man who would never willingly choose her?
When their captors grow more desperate, Elizabeth and Darcy have no choice but to trust in the goodwill of a villain if they are to survive. And as they strive to escape their perilous situation, Elizabeth and Darcy come to realise that the greatest danger of all lies in their own hearts.
- GenresRomance
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2021
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 21, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
The author’s blurb is a good wrap up of this story’s premise and as Marie stated in her review one has to think of another story, The Journey, which has much of the same premise.
When Mrs. Bennet and her other daughters visit at Netherfield, talk of having to hire help for the upcoming ball is one of the topics. Strangely the men hired seem to keep losing their way as they labor around the house.
Upon leaving Netherfield, Elizabeth doesn’t ride home in the carriage with her mother and sisters but decides to walk. She hears voices and is grabbed from behind by Darcy who tries to shush her and hide. However, both are soon discovered and captured. The men (Yes, those who were "working" at Netherfield), transporting stolen goods from Netherfield, talk of ransoming Darcy but are not sure they need to keep Elizabeth and there is even talk of doing away with her. Darcy offers that his family would ransom him and that the two are sweethearts with plans to marry and that his family knows of their relationship and would expect to redeem both.
So much of this story has the two held together which forces physical closeness and, of course, the thought that they are now compromised and if fortunate enough to escape will have to marry.
However, both keep bringing up the idea that they know the other one does not wish to marry the other: he due to her lack connections and wealth and she because she only wants to marry for love.
They find one of the captors, Lawson, giving them small favors and seeming to be sweet on Elizabeth. The final hiding place is a house belonging to him and in which his mother resides.
So the story goes on to give us the circumstances of their escape, and then of their long walk back to Longbourn…with the idea that if they separate and show up at different times and places they may escape the compromised marriage situation.
The language is modern and there is a need for editing. I did enjoy this story.
The author’s blurb is a good wrap up of this story’s premise and as Marie stated in her review one has to think of another story, The Journey, which has much of the same premise.
When Mrs. Bennet and her other daughters visit at Netherfield, talk of having to hire help for the upcoming ball is one of the topics. Strangely the men hired seem to keep losing their way as they labor around the house.
Upon leaving Netherfield, Elizabeth doesn’t ride home in the carriage with her mother and sisters but decides to walk. She hears voices and is grabbed from behind by Darcy who tries to shush her and hide. However, both are soon discovered and captured. The men (Yes, those who were "working" at Netherfield), transporting stolen goods from Netherfield, talk of ransoming Darcy but are not sure they need to keep Elizabeth and there is even talk of doing away with her. Darcy offers that his family would ransom him and that the two are sweethearts with plans to marry and that his family knows of their relationship and would expect to redeem both.
So much of this story has the two held together which forces physical closeness and, of course, the thought that they are now compromised and if fortunate enough to escape will have to marry.
However, both keep bringing up the idea that they know the other one does not wish to marry the other: he due to her lack connections and wealth and she because she only wants to marry for love.
They find one of the captors, Lawson, giving them small favors and seeming to be sweet on Elizabeth. The final hiding place is a house belonging to him and in which his mother resides.
So the story goes on to give us the circumstances of their escape, and then of their long walk back to Longbourn…with the idea that if they separate and show up at different times and places they may escape the compromised marriage situation.
The language is modern and there is a need for editing. I did enjoy this story.
August 22, 2021
Good, but too familiar
I thought this was a good book, but there was a bit too much that was similar to Jan Hahn’s book, The Journey, with respect to the kidnapping and one of the captors falling in love with Elizabeth, a captor that is more evil, an escape and making their way home, and pretending to be brother and sister along the way. I suppose it can be a familiar theme, but I wasn’t comfortable with it.
That said, there are still differences, and good dialogue throughout that made for a very interesting read. It is well written, but has proofreading misses. I would have rated it higher if I had been able to stop thinking of Hahn’s book, which is a favorite.
I thought this was a good book, but there was a bit too much that was similar to Jan Hahn’s book, The Journey, with respect to the kidnapping and one of the captors falling in love with Elizabeth, a captor that is more evil, an escape and making their way home, and pretending to be brother and sister along the way. I suppose it can be a familiar theme, but I wasn’t comfortable with it.
That said, there are still differences, and good dialogue throughout that made for a very interesting read. It is well written, but has proofreading misses. I would have rated it higher if I had been able to stop thinking of Hahn’s book, which is a favorite.
October 3, 2023
What a delightful story! I love rescue stories and this is one of the best even though it reminded me of another story with a similar villain.
October 6, 2021
I would give the first half of this book 5 stars and the second half 3. This book certainly grabs your attention right from the start and definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat through most of the story. This was a good book that was really enjoyable, but could have been better.
I love it when the foundation of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship is built and developed when they are in situations where they have to work together and learn to trust and rely on each other. That was the case in this book and it was so sweet and romantic to see them start to really care for each other and to see those feelings deepen due to the bond of going through such a difficult experience together. I felt the connection between them and thought it was really well done! I felt that as that situation began to resolve and the story moved to the next phase, the misunderstanding that each of them incorrectly guessed the feelings of the other dragged a bit got a little tiresome. After everything they had been through and shared, it was hard to believe that neither of these brave characters had the courage to speak up about their feelings, or that they thought the risk of rejection was worse than the alternative of not being together. That part didn’t ring true to me and I felt the author tried to get a little too much mileage from that storyline. Other than that, I found the story really sweet and enjoyed it quite a bit.
I do think this book could use a little more time with an editor as the editing errors were more than usual. I also felt that the story was better than the writing which was sometimes a little unpolished and felt more modern. A little more observance of appropriate manners and behaviors for that time period wouldn’t go amiss either. At one point Elizabeth was urging Jane to write to Mr. Bingley when there was no understanding between them and as much as I love romantic scenes between D&E, to have Darcy kiss her in the middle of the drawing room in front of her family and Mr. Collins was a bit over the top as well.
Overall, I’m so glad I gave this book a try and found it a really sweet diversion! The good outweighed the bad and I would read this again and would definitely read more from this author!
I love it when the foundation of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship is built and developed when they are in situations where they have to work together and learn to trust and rely on each other. That was the case in this book and it was so sweet and romantic to see them start to really care for each other and to see those feelings deepen due to the bond of going through such a difficult experience together. I felt the connection between them and thought it was really well done! I felt that as that situation began to resolve and the story moved to the next phase, the misunderstanding that each of them incorrectly guessed the feelings of the other dragged a bit got a little tiresome. After everything they had been through and shared, it was hard to believe that neither of these brave characters had the courage to speak up about their feelings, or that they thought the risk of rejection was worse than the alternative of not being together. That part didn’t ring true to me and I felt the author tried to get a little too much mileage from that storyline. Other than that, I found the story really sweet and enjoyed it quite a bit.
I do think this book could use a little more time with an editor as the editing errors were more than usual. I also felt that the story was better than the writing which was sometimes a little unpolished and felt more modern. A little more observance of appropriate manners and behaviors for that time period wouldn’t go amiss either. At one point Elizabeth was urging Jane to write to Mr. Bingley when there was no understanding between them and as much as I love romantic scenes between D&E, to have Darcy kiss her in the middle of the drawing room in front of her family and Mr. Collins was a bit over the top as well.
Overall, I’m so glad I gave this book a try and found it a really sweet diversion! The good outweighed the bad and I would read this again and would definitely read more from this author!
May 26, 2022
A total adventure
A really worthwhile tale focused mainly on our favorite couple. We get to watch as their relationship develops and meet several interesting characters.
A really worthwhile tale focused mainly on our favorite couple. We get to watch as their relationship develops and meet several interesting characters.
February 6, 2022
I did enjoy this read .
April 17, 2023
For all that the topic is actually quite serious, this is actually a sweet read.
December 6, 2021
3.5
There is a promise of something better in this writer, otherwise it would be under 3 stars. The prose isn't bad.
The plot is VERY similar (alarmingly so) to The Journey by Jan Hahn. The characters act a bit a if they are on the set of a telenovela. Plenty of melodrama. One frank conversation would solve most of the issues.
Plus, for some reason my attention kept slipping and I wanted to start skimming. Not even sure if it was an issue with the narrative or maybe I was just slightly sluggish or tired.
There is a promise of something better in this writer, otherwise it would be under 3 stars. The prose isn't bad.
The plot is VERY similar (alarmingly so) to The Journey by Jan Hahn. The characters act a bit a if they are on the set of a telenovela. Plenty of melodrama. One frank conversation would solve most of the issues.
Plus, for some reason my attention kept slipping and I wanted to start skimming. Not even sure if it was an issue with the narrative or maybe I was just slightly sluggish or tired.
January 23, 2022
Kidnapped!
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are kidnapped by a gang of thieves and taken to the coast along with their stolen goods. Elizabeth and Darcy are locked in a room in a crumbling mansion. It is the intent of the thieves to demand a ransom for them.
19
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are kidnapped by a gang of thieves and taken to the coast along with their stolen goods. Elizabeth and Darcy are locked in a room in a crumbling mansion. It is the intent of the thieves to demand a ransom for them.
19
March 28, 2022
Forced proximity
Thieving workers that the Bingleys hired kidnap Darcy and Elizabeth. The ordeal brings them close and Darcy impresses her with his kindness and chivalry. And his beard. I enjoyed this a great deal. I got a little frustrated that it took them so long to speak of feelings but I guess if they did it would have spoiled some nice scenes in the end. Steam level: kissing.
There was one character who supposedly couldn't read or write at one point of the book but sends them a letter in the end. They think he learned to write, but somehow the letter sounded a bit too sophisticated for someone who would have been illiterate 18 months ago, and mentions that he read their wedding announcement which would have been very shortly after the kidnapping. So I am choosing to think he knew how to read all along. (I know, I know, it was not the point at all... but I get stuck on details like this.)
Thieving workers that the Bingleys hired kidnap Darcy and Elizabeth. The ordeal brings them close and Darcy impresses her with his kindness and chivalry. And his beard. I enjoyed this a great deal. I got a little frustrated that it took them so long to speak of feelings but I guess if they did it would have spoiled some nice scenes in the end. Steam level: kissing.
There was one character who supposedly couldn't read or write at one point of the book but sends them a letter in the end. They think he learned to write, but somehow the letter sounded a bit too sophisticated for someone who would have been illiterate 18 months ago, and mentions that he read their wedding announcement which would have been very shortly after the kidnapping. So I am choosing to think he knew how to read all along. (I know, I know, it was not the point at all... but I get stuck on details like this.)
December 6, 2021
I really loved this story! It was so good! I am glad I gave it a go.
At first I thought I had read it before, but it has similarities with "Follies and vices" By Emily Russell Follies and Vices: A Pride and Prejudice Variation.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth get kidnapped after walking in the woods one evening. Darcy tries to save them by pretending they were "courting" but it doesn't work and they are both taken by the thieves that have stolen things from Netherfield Park.
From then on there is a lot happening, the thieves take them south in a cart until they get to a house by the sea.
Darcy tells the thieves he is engaged to marry Elizabeth so they need her well to claim the ransom. The thieves think it is a better idea if Elizabeth becomes Mrs Darcy because in that way she will be more valuable. They want him to send a letter to his family announcing his marriage.
The owner of the house, Lawson, would take Elizabeth from their room where they were kept to work in the house, do laundry, wash dishes, clean up, etc
All the while Mr Darcy would be very worried and when she would come back, he would hug her to him. Mr Darcy in this story is very affectionate. It has a lot to do with their circumstances but he is so sweet and caring, no wonder Elizabeth fell for him so fast. .
But there is a big misunderstanding… .
No much from Darcy's POV, the majority of the story is from Elizabeth's.
Mr Collins is his awful self, tries to marry Lizzy arguing her reputation is ruined. Mr Darcy comes to the rescue.
Mis Bingley is nasty! Her remarks are very cruel and unfeeling, but she gets a well deserved tongue lashing from Elizabeth.
There are many sweet ( even a bit hot) moments, nothing explicit though, only kisses. There is also a short epilogue.
4.5 stars just because there were some grammatical errors ( wrong pronoun, wrong word, missing word, etc)
The story is excellent! Recommended!
At first I thought I had read it before, but it has similarities with "Follies and vices" By Emily Russell Follies and Vices: A Pride and Prejudice Variation.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth get kidnapped after walking in the woods one evening. Darcy tries to save them by pretending they were "courting" but it doesn't work and they are both taken by the thieves that have stolen things from Netherfield Park.
From then on there is a lot happening, the thieves take them south in a cart until they get to a house by the sea.
Darcy tells the thieves he is engaged to marry Elizabeth so they need her well to claim the ransom. The thieves think it is a better idea if Elizabeth becomes Mrs Darcy because in that way she will be more valuable. They want him to send a letter to his family announcing his marriage.
The owner of the house, Lawson, would take Elizabeth from their room where they were kept to work in the house, do laundry, wash dishes, clean up, etc
All the while Mr Darcy would be very worried and when she would come back, he would hug her to him. Mr Darcy in this story is very affectionate. It has a lot to do with their circumstances but he is so sweet and caring, no wonder Elizabeth fell for him so fast. .
But there is a big misunderstanding… .
No much from Darcy's POV, the majority of the story is from Elizabeth's.
Mr Collins is his awful self, tries to marry Lizzy arguing her reputation is ruined. Mr Darcy comes to the rescue.
Mis Bingley is nasty! Her remarks are very cruel and unfeeling, but she gets a well deserved tongue lashing from Elizabeth.
There are many sweet ( even a bit hot) moments, nothing explicit though, only kisses. There is also a short epilogue.
4.5 stars just because there were some grammatical errors ( wrong pronoun, wrong word, missing word, etc)
The story is excellent! Recommended!
November 14, 2021
Exciting and alluring romantic adventure
What a truly enjoyable Pride and Prejudice variation; one that this reader would highly recommend to any JAFF enthusiast or fan!
The change in Elizabeth Bennet’s feelings for the mysterious and enigmatic Mr. Darcy is so palpable and predictable but most effective. To have this in the course of a kidnapping and forcing Elizabeth and Darcy together while they are both taken makes it a romantic adventure to look forward to. Also, the impertinent exchanges between the beloved couple are wonderfully humorous and at times, full of heartfelt uncertainty that one could not help but remark, “Get on with it already and admit to each other how you both feel!”
This variation capitalized what is essential in every Pride and Prejudice retelling, that is, focus on the relationship and love affair between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This story served and accomplished that ultimate aim very well which is what makes it truly work. Well done to the author!
Despite this being on Kindle Unlimited, this reader is buying a copy of this for keeps which is an indication of how much she enjoys it to reread and revisit over and over again in the future.
What a truly enjoyable Pride and Prejudice variation; one that this reader would highly recommend to any JAFF enthusiast or fan!
The change in Elizabeth Bennet’s feelings for the mysterious and enigmatic Mr. Darcy is so palpable and predictable but most effective. To have this in the course of a kidnapping and forcing Elizabeth and Darcy together while they are both taken makes it a romantic adventure to look forward to. Also, the impertinent exchanges between the beloved couple are wonderfully humorous and at times, full of heartfelt uncertainty that one could not help but remark, “Get on with it already and admit to each other how you both feel!”
This variation capitalized what is essential in every Pride and Prejudice retelling, that is, focus on the relationship and love affair between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This story served and accomplished that ultimate aim very well which is what makes it truly work. Well done to the author!
Despite this being on Kindle Unlimited, this reader is buying a copy of this for keeps which is an indication of how much she enjoys it to reread and revisit over and over again in the future.
January 5, 2022
With so many books ot there in the JAFF genre, it is inevitable that there will be similarities between the works of different authors. This happens here with the very close similarity of this book with Jan Hahn's book, "TheJourney." With that said, I gave this book 4 stars. I enjoyed it very much, but there were numerous errors noted, all minor, but annoying. This author has promise, but she needs to do her research and she needs a good proofreader. Loved the chemistry of ODC!
February 26, 2022
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is missing along with Mr.Darcy. Are they in danger or have they run off?
That is the question. It will be some time before anyone can get answers. This is a tale of theft, kidnapping, misunderstandings and emotional revelations. There are several surprising acquaintances made along the way as these two make their return home. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story.
That is the question. It will be some time before anyone can get answers. This is a tale of theft, kidnapping, misunderstandings and emotional revelations. There are several surprising acquaintances made along the way as these two make their return home. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story.
September 13, 2021
I love kidnapping plots and this one did not disappoint. Darcy and Lizzy are taken by thieves and fall in love while dreadfully misunderstanding each other, of course. They return to Longbourn and hide the truth to protect Lizzy’s reputation only to realize they desperately miss one another’s company. Very sweet.
September 15, 2021
Different
It's so awful how English is so readily interpreted multiple ways. Are all languages as unclear? The angst of miscommunication keeping ODC apart until finally they say what they mean. Book needs a little editting. Got the impression author thought the guns could fire more than one shot.
It's so awful how English is so readily interpreted multiple ways. Are all languages as unclear? The angst of miscommunication keeping ODC apart until finally they say what they mean. Book needs a little editting. Got the impression author thought the guns could fire more than one shot.
March 28, 2023
Nice quick read
This was a nice quick read. There was obviously the issue of being kidnapped and the growing feelings between our couple. I enjoyed the back and forth between D & E. I enjoyed that they talked soon after the ordeal and came to terms with their feelings, rather than chapter after chapter of denying what they felt due to no communication.
This was a nice quick read. There was obviously the issue of being kidnapped and the growing feelings between our couple. I enjoyed the back and forth between D & E. I enjoyed that they talked soon after the ordeal and came to terms with their feelings, rather than chapter after chapter of denying what they felt due to no communication.
August 31, 2021
Very enjoyable
Nice little saga. The adventure of a kidnapping with enough plausible danger and of course misunderstanding. A very enjoyable story. Highly recommend to the P&P faithful. Enjoy.
Nice little saga. The adventure of a kidnapping with enough plausible danger and of course misunderstanding. A very enjoyable story. Highly recommend to the P&P faithful. Enjoy.
October 1, 2021
A Good story for fans of P&P
A variation to enjoy. I liked the story and the versions of D & E, finding it engaging to follow them on their journey. A few blatant errors in grammar/spelling, which for a published book that people pay for seems problematic.
A variation to enjoy. I liked the story and the versions of D & E, finding it engaging to follow them on their journey. A few blatant errors in grammar/spelling, which for a published book that people pay for seems problematic.
September 20, 2022
Worth reading
Not the best I have read of this trope but good enough. I agree that their return to Merton did not make sense. However, Darcy’s declaration of love was great. Definitely worth reading once, but I won’t revisit
Not the best I have read of this trope but good enough. I agree that their return to Merton did not make sense. However, Darcy’s declaration of love was great. Definitely worth reading once, but I won’t revisit
November 5, 2022
One of my favorite P&P variations
I have read A LOT of Pride and Prejudice variations and this is one of my favorites. It has everything I love in a book - action, adventure, humor, romance. I can not wait to read it again!
I have read A LOT of Pride and Prejudice variations and this is one of my favorites. It has everything I love in a book - action, adventure, humor, romance. I can not wait to read it again!
August 28, 2021
3.5
A cheery, amusing story despite the angsty storyline. Quick, fun read. HEA even for the baddies :)
A cheery, amusing story despite the angsty storyline. Quick, fun read. HEA even for the baddies :)
September 11, 2021
Love and Fortitude
Thoroughly enjoyed this variation! Loved the interaction between characters. Not giving anything away because this is a must read for all JAFF followers.
Thoroughly enjoyed this variation! Loved the interaction between characters. Not giving anything away because this is a must read for all JAFF followers.
September 16, 2021
Lots of fun
Well worth the read , lots of new adventures, even the villain, well won't want to ruin it for anyone
Well worth the read , lots of new adventures, even the villain, well won't want to ruin it for anyone
September 20, 2021
Adventurous
Not your usual variation of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Our dear couple are kidnapped and held for ransom.a fun read.
Not your usual variation of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Our dear couple are kidnapped and held for ransom.a fun read.
September 28, 2021
fun and sweet
Enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice variation. The love story evolved very nicely. Quick read and unique for this type of story.
Enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice variation. The love story evolved very nicely. Quick read and unique for this type of story.
October 5, 2021
Swoon worthy and heartwarming
Amazing writing! The chemistry, tension, longing.. I felt it all deeply. I truly felt Elizabeth's pain and confusion.
The end had me tearing up!
Amazing writing! The chemistry, tension, longing.. I felt it all deeply. I truly felt Elizabeth's pain and confusion.
The end had me tearing up!
October 14, 2021
I simply liked this book. Not too heavy, no Wickham, low angst - entertainment with mostly nice people :-)
February 11, 2022
The perfect version of the Elizabeth-and-Darcy-get-kidnapped-together storyline.
October 8, 2022
Loads of fun to read
Thoroughly enjoyed this one and lost some sleep staying up to read. Loads of fun and just the right amount of angst.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one and lost some sleep staying up to read. Loads of fun and just the right amount of angst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews