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Total Want of Propriety #1
Total Want of Propriety, Volume 1: Darcy's Reformation : A Pride & Prejudice Variation
At the first light of dawn the morning after the dance at Netherfield, a carriage speeds north as Fitzwilliam Darcy flees the temptation wrought by Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s pert opinions and fine eyes. His heart yearns for the intelligent beauty, but he knows his duty to Pemberley, and his family, and cannot risk exposing his beloved sister to the total want of propriety evidenced by the rest of the Bennet family.
A month later – and now resolved to follow his heart – Darcy hastens towards Bath after Darcy learns of Elizabeth’s expulsion from her family for refusing to marry Longbourn’s heir, Mr Collins.
Soon confronted with the truth of his own family’s wanton lack of propriety – and Elizabeth’s dislike of him – Darcy must do all he can to protect his sister from her own folly, while hoping to earn Elizabeth’s forgiveness for his arrogant presumptions…
And ultimately win her heart.
Total Want of Propriety: Darcy's Reformation is the first volume of a two part story, and shall resolve in Total Want of Propriety: Georgiana's Reclamation. Both volumes are clean, novel-length, non-canon P&P romances, and feature British and historical spellings.
Please Note: Total Want of Propriety is one story spread across two volumes, Darcy's Reformation comes first, and Georgiana's Reclamation comes last. Both volumes are necessary to complete the story.
Warning: Total Want of Propriety: Darcy's Reformation features an instance of fade-to-black (non-sexual) violence. Physical, emotional, and mental recovery from the trauma of past physical and verbal abuse are themes throughout both volumes.
A month later – and now resolved to follow his heart – Darcy hastens towards Bath after Darcy learns of Elizabeth’s expulsion from her family for refusing to marry Longbourn’s heir, Mr Collins.
Soon confronted with the truth of his own family’s wanton lack of propriety – and Elizabeth’s dislike of him – Darcy must do all he can to protect his sister from her own folly, while hoping to earn Elizabeth’s forgiveness for his arrogant presumptions…
And ultimately win her heart.
Total Want of Propriety: Darcy's Reformation is the first volume of a two part story, and shall resolve in Total Want of Propriety: Georgiana's Reclamation. Both volumes are clean, novel-length, non-canon P&P romances, and feature British and historical spellings.
Please Note: Total Want of Propriety is one story spread across two volumes, Darcy's Reformation comes first, and Georgiana's Reclamation comes last. Both volumes are necessary to complete the story.
Warning: Total Want of Propriety: Darcy's Reformation features an instance of fade-to-black (non-sexual) violence. Physical, emotional, and mental recovery from the trauma of past physical and verbal abuse are themes throughout both volumes.
- GenresRomance
710 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
74 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Cherith Boardman
4 books23 followersCherith Boardman is the mother of the ten best children ever, and Gamma to the world's cutest grandchild. My dh of 31 years and I live with our three youngest and five cats.
I have always been an avid reader, and since childhood, I have amused myself by altering stories - books or movies - in my mind. Fan fiction is a great outlet for me.
I write JAFF stories in between playing chauffeur, helping with schoolwork, babysitting the grand, and grabbing hugs and kisses when I can.
I have always been an avid reader, and since childhood, I have amused myself by altering stories - books or movies - in my mind. Fan fiction is a great outlet for me.
I write JAFF stories in between playing chauffeur, helping with schoolwork, babysitting the grand, and grabbing hugs and kisses when I can.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 3, 2021
A Saga Novel
At the outset, let it be understood that this is not a short story. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It is a detailed, long and leisurely narrative. For me, this is not a negative and, if you enjoy a long read that reaches beyond the usual JAFF “tropes” and, is well written and researched, then I believe you will enjoy this “saga novel”, chronicling the lives and times and locations (in this volume, during October 1811 - June 1812) of Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana, with the support or non-support of various family members.
As the title depicts, Volume I mainly focuses on Darcy’s reformation from being a prideful man full of prejudice and uncivil manners towards those he feels beneath him—primarily Elizabeth and her family. It also focuses on Elizabeth’s relationships with her family at Longbourn and overcoming events that took place there, as well as her extended family outside Longbourn, ergo the new characters within the story. (I’m really trying not to give spoilers. Teases only.)
There is also a secondary plot surrounding Georgiana, which in order to protect her reputation after her near elopement with Wickham, requires Darcy to remove her from England and the gossips. They are accompanied by Lady Matilda (Tildy), Lord Matlock’s daughter, Lord Helton (Matlock’s brother-in-law) and Elizabeth, who has befriended them all. Lord Helton is also a sort of adopted uncle of Elizabeth’s. She is accompanying them on the journey to Portugal to be reunited with one of her sisters.
To be reformed, one must first experience an epiphany or revelation. With Darcy’s cousin Tildy’s set-down to him about his conduct, Ms. Boardman has her brilliantly outline his every fault and hypocrisy towards the Bennets, Bingleys and Meryton in general. It definitely rivals Elizabeth’s infamous refusal of the Hunsford proposal in P&P (which doesn’t happen in this book). Some of Tildy’s voiced opinions I often thought myself but, here within they are expressed with skill as only a talented wordsmith can. Brava Tildy and Ms. Boardman! Darcy really had that coming. His eyes begin to finally open! This scene is also one of the highlights in this book in my opinion. Brilliantly done!
There are many new characters and relationships in this book, Lord Helton being one, who is in favour of Darcy’s hopeful suit and encourages him all through his journey of making mistakes, learning lessons, and reforming himself to earn Elizabeth’s affection. Darcy has difficulty forgiving himself.
“You have endured business difficulties, your sister’s illness, falling in love, and learning you are not as infallible as you thought. These circumstances are challenging what you learned, and your previous view and experience.”— quote from book, Elizabeth‘s Uncle Helton to Darcy
Not to be forgotten is the love story of our dear couple and Ms. Boardman permits us to watch and listen in as their friendship grows through sharing of secrets, hurts, and hopes. Elizabeth—strong (courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her), yet vulnerable and insecure due to her upbringing and the unkindness of her parents, especially the abuse by Mrs. Bennet. Darcy—also ever strong in character, yet still vulnerable and insecure as he works to reform and overcome his learned pride and prejudice. Together, they become stronger, each recognizing their strength comes from one another. All this culminates in one of the most beautiful proposals I’ve read in JAFF. The setting, Darcy’s words, Elizabeth’s reactions—just so lovely and beyond swoon worthy. My mind’s eye has Colin Firth as Darcy proposing of course! Le sigh…
In a lengthy book such as this, the detailed narrative surrounding many characters can feel drawn out, but I appreciate how Ms. Boardman takes that narrative and turns many instances of it into dialogue between or among the characters, expertly moving the story along. You really are drawn in, wanting to know what will happen next.
Lastly, credit must be given for the extensive research as evidenced in the numerous, highly informative and, edifying footnotes; some of which were quite diverting — Mr. “Cullion” indeed! The detailed list of characters is also helpful.
Loving this book! Highly recommend.
Volume II is entitled, “Georgiana’s Reclamation”. I’m looking forward to reading it next.
At the outset, let it be understood that this is not a short story. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It is a detailed, long and leisurely narrative. For me, this is not a negative and, if you enjoy a long read that reaches beyond the usual JAFF “tropes” and, is well written and researched, then I believe you will enjoy this “saga novel”, chronicling the lives and times and locations (in this volume, during October 1811 - June 1812) of Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana, with the support or non-support of various family members.
As the title depicts, Volume I mainly focuses on Darcy’s reformation from being a prideful man full of prejudice and uncivil manners towards those he feels beneath him—primarily Elizabeth and her family. It also focuses on Elizabeth’s relationships with her family at Longbourn and overcoming events that took place there, as well as her extended family outside Longbourn, ergo the new characters within the story. (I’m really trying not to give spoilers. Teases only.)
There is also a secondary plot surrounding Georgiana, which in order to protect her reputation after her near elopement with Wickham, requires Darcy to remove her from England and the gossips. They are accompanied by Lady Matilda (Tildy), Lord Matlock’s daughter, Lord Helton (Matlock’s brother-in-law) and Elizabeth, who has befriended them all. Lord Helton is also a sort of adopted uncle of Elizabeth’s. She is accompanying them on the journey to Portugal to be reunited with one of her sisters.
To be reformed, one must first experience an epiphany or revelation. With Darcy’s cousin Tildy’s set-down to him about his conduct, Ms. Boardman has her brilliantly outline his every fault and hypocrisy towards the Bennets, Bingleys and Meryton in general. It definitely rivals Elizabeth’s infamous refusal of the Hunsford proposal in P&P (which doesn’t happen in this book). Some of Tildy’s voiced opinions I often thought myself but, here within they are expressed with skill as only a talented wordsmith can. Brava Tildy and Ms. Boardman! Darcy really had that coming. His eyes begin to finally open! This scene is also one of the highlights in this book in my opinion. Brilliantly done!
There are many new characters and relationships in this book, Lord Helton being one, who is in favour of Darcy’s hopeful suit and encourages him all through his journey of making mistakes, learning lessons, and reforming himself to earn Elizabeth’s affection. Darcy has difficulty forgiving himself.
“You have endured business difficulties, your sister’s illness, falling in love, and learning you are not as infallible as you thought. These circumstances are challenging what you learned, and your previous view and experience.”— quote from book, Elizabeth‘s Uncle Helton to Darcy
Not to be forgotten is the love story of our dear couple and Ms. Boardman permits us to watch and listen in as their friendship grows through sharing of secrets, hurts, and hopes. Elizabeth—strong (courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her), yet vulnerable and insecure due to her upbringing and the unkindness of her parents, especially the abuse by Mrs. Bennet. Darcy—also ever strong in character, yet still vulnerable and insecure as he works to reform and overcome his learned pride and prejudice. Together, they become stronger, each recognizing their strength comes from one another. All this culminates in one of the most beautiful proposals I’ve read in JAFF. The setting, Darcy’s words, Elizabeth’s reactions—just so lovely and beyond swoon worthy. My mind’s eye has Colin Firth as Darcy proposing of course! Le sigh…
In a lengthy book such as this, the detailed narrative surrounding many characters can feel drawn out, but I appreciate how Ms. Boardman takes that narrative and turns many instances of it into dialogue between or among the characters, expertly moving the story along. You really are drawn in, wanting to know what will happen next.
Lastly, credit must be given for the extensive research as evidenced in the numerous, highly informative and, edifying footnotes; some of which were quite diverting — Mr. “Cullion” indeed! The detailed list of characters is also helpful.
Loving this book! Highly recommend.
Volume II is entitled, “Georgiana’s Reclamation”. I’m looking forward to reading it next.
May 13, 2022
Taking on this author's books one should be prepared for an AU in minute detail.
Like Second Son, this body of work has a historical, detailed explanation for everything. Also like Second Son Elizabeth has close ties with the wealthy Palmer shipping magnate, the scenario whos, whys and wheres being somewhat different. This connection is what built up most of her life outside of Longbourn, which following her brutal attack is also what saves her.
There is much more extended Fitzwilliam family and oooweee aren't they a piece of work! Not enough they practically destroyed 2 of their own children's lives, they now have Darcy on their radar.
Elizabeth ends up cared for my Darcy's cousin, before they all sail off to Portugal to save Georgianna's reputation, coinciding with accompanying Elizabeth to her family. Darcy has made serious mistakes with Elizabeth and must dig deep in himself to become a better man to deserve her. She has multiple loving extended family watching over to make sure it happens.
The surprise nastiness ends up coming from not-so-sweet-anymore Georgianna, but that is the lead in to Volume 2.
Another review writes this is a marathon not a sprint and they are so correct. It is almost a methodical read to fully absorb all the old and new characters and each individual's histories and back story. Which they almost all have.
The writing is on par for this author and you will either get it or not. Personally I find it a nice change, even if I do have to psych myself up before committing to the long commitment.
Like Second Son, this body of work has a historical, detailed explanation for everything. Also like Second Son Elizabeth has close ties with the wealthy Palmer shipping magnate, the scenario whos, whys and wheres being somewhat different. This connection is what built up most of her life outside of Longbourn, which following her brutal attack is also what saves her.
There is much more extended Fitzwilliam family and oooweee aren't they a piece of work! Not enough they practically destroyed 2 of their own children's lives, they now have Darcy on their radar.
Elizabeth ends up cared for my Darcy's cousin, before they all sail off to Portugal to save Georgianna's reputation, coinciding with accompanying Elizabeth to her family. Darcy has made serious mistakes with Elizabeth and must dig deep in himself to become a better man to deserve her. She has multiple loving extended family watching over to make sure it happens.
The surprise nastiness ends up coming from not-so-sweet-anymore Georgianna, but that is the lead in to Volume 2.
Another review writes this is a marathon not a sprint and they are so correct. It is almost a methodical read to fully absorb all the old and new characters and each individual's histories and back story. Which they almost all have.
The writing is on par for this author and you will either get it or not. Personally I find it a nice change, even if I do have to psych myself up before committing to the long commitment.
November 13, 2021
Off canon romance
There is a great deal about the histories of the Bennets, Darcys and the Fitzwilliams families which goes a long way in explaining the personalities of the P&P characters and new characters added to the story. This is book one in a two book series. They can’t really be read alone fore there is one long story about our dear couple, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
The book is chock filled with evil characters and all of them don’t want our dear couple together. By the end of this book a new source of evil is growing. The golden Darcy sister, Georgiana, has a seed of evil growing in her and I fear for the second book and fear greatly for Lizzy’s safety.
The story has Lizzy being beaten and the people who did it are still free.
This story is a lot like the TV shows ‘Peyton Place’ or ‘Game of Thrones’. Long, winding stories where a few good people have to survive a great many bad people.
I’ve enjoyed it and will read the second volume but I don’t look forward to more physical assaults or crooked legal assaults.
There is a great deal about the histories of the Bennets, Darcys and the Fitzwilliams families which goes a long way in explaining the personalities of the P&P characters and new characters added to the story. This is book one in a two book series. They can’t really be read alone fore there is one long story about our dear couple, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
The book is chock filled with evil characters and all of them don’t want our dear couple together. By the end of this book a new source of evil is growing. The golden Darcy sister, Georgiana, has a seed of evil growing in her and I fear for the second book and fear greatly for Lizzy’s safety.
The story has Lizzy being beaten and the people who did it are still free.
This story is a lot like the TV shows ‘Peyton Place’ or ‘Game of Thrones’. Long, winding stories where a few good people have to survive a great many bad people.
I’ve enjoyed it and will read the second volume but I don’t look forward to more physical assaults or crooked legal assaults.
March 30, 2023
The story has merit. The characters are studied and well rounded, if caricatural for some of them. But the reading becomes tedious when each one's thoughts, feelings and reactions are repeated ad nauseam. Situations are explained over and over again, and yet again several chapters later. Sometimes those repeats were slipped in the middle of a dialogue, loosing the reader catch on the characters' conversation.
Some words were repeated so many times I couldn't bear them anymore. (example: ere, notwithstanding, mayhap, to name a few). There were some missing words here and there as well as 'misplaced' comas and quotation marks.
However the research was thorough which was welcomed.
All in all, I have enjoyed the story, and liked Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship very much.
I have just finished volume 2 (not quite, could not read the epilogue...)
Some words were repeated so many times I couldn't bear them anymore. (example: ere, notwithstanding, mayhap, to name a few). There were some missing words here and there as well as 'misplaced' comas and quotation marks.
However the research was thorough which was welcomed.
All in all, I have enjoyed the story, and liked Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship very much.
I have just finished volume 2 (not quite, could not read the epilogue...)
April 7, 2022
Much too wordy for the amount of plot. Should be about a third the length. Gave up part way through.
November 2, 2021
I loved her first book “ Second Son” the characters were amazing and grabbed your heart and never let go. She’s surpassed herself this time with “Total Want of Propriety”. There’s a huge cast of characters and so much going on in multiple places and many different storylines within the main arc. But they all weave together into a beautiful tapestry of life. It doesn’t feel like a story it is more like meeting up with old friends and catching up on what’s been happening in their lives. It will burrow into your heart and be there to stay. I highly recommend it. I enjoyed every moment.
March 19, 2022
Excellent story, yet with issues
In this rather off canon/fanon novel, Darcy fights his elitist lessons, his class based hostility, his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, his overbearing relatives, and the denial and resentment of a pregnant Georgiana. Elizabeth deals with a family far more dysfunctional than Austen might ever envision (intra-familial violence warning). Most of the action takes place in Portugal.
As excellent as this story is, there are issues.
First - the good stuff - Well researched with footnotes. Well plotted. Fully fleshed out characters and story lines. Emotional lives of characters very complex, true and believable for the situations.
Second - the failings. The book is over written with unnecessary complication in the elucidation of family relationships and across generational lines. A simplified storytelling would reduce the overwhelming nature of the overlapping familial ties.
The author has ridden the language pendulum to the farthest apogee away from modern usage and toward obscure archaic vocabulary. I doubt some words were used as casually in the actual Regency period as they are here. There is also the use of the word 'pharisaic' to mean hypocritical, a use considered anti-Semitic.
There is an overwhelming number of quotes and factoids which don't necessarily forward the story or characterizations. They struck me the way Piers Antony's self congratulatory notes in his punny stories screamed 'aren't I clever!'
Lastly, the incorporation of so many biblical references and quotes does not necessarily forward the story or characterizations. And frankly, if I wanted such in depth exposure to Christian liturgy, I would gave enrolled in a survey class.
In this rather off canon/fanon novel, Darcy fights his elitist lessons, his class based hostility, his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, his overbearing relatives, and the denial and resentment of a pregnant Georgiana. Elizabeth deals with a family far more dysfunctional than Austen might ever envision (intra-familial violence warning). Most of the action takes place in Portugal.
As excellent as this story is, there are issues.
First - the good stuff - Well researched with footnotes. Well plotted. Fully fleshed out characters and story lines. Emotional lives of characters very complex, true and believable for the situations.
Second - the failings. The book is over written with unnecessary complication in the elucidation of family relationships and across generational lines. A simplified storytelling would reduce the overwhelming nature of the overlapping familial ties.
The author has ridden the language pendulum to the farthest apogee away from modern usage and toward obscure archaic vocabulary. I doubt some words were used as casually in the actual Regency period as they are here. There is also the use of the word 'pharisaic' to mean hypocritical, a use considered anti-Semitic.
There is an overwhelming number of quotes and factoids which don't necessarily forward the story or characterizations. They struck me the way Piers Antony's self congratulatory notes in his punny stories screamed 'aren't I clever!'
Lastly, the incorporation of so many biblical references and quotes does not necessarily forward the story or characterizations. And frankly, if I wanted such in depth exposure to Christian liturgy, I would gave enrolled in a survey class.
March 12, 2023
Meandering and repetitive
This novel had an interesting premise at its base, which could have been more effectively realized with 1/3 the word count.
I almost put it down forever after the first chapter--NINETEEN (Kindle) pages of Darcy ruminating on Elizabeth's many drawbacks imperfections, a subject which could have been more than adequately canvassed in 3 or 4 pages. By the end of it I found myself hoping the Darcy carriage would hurtle off into a ravine and the rest of the book would be about Elizabeth meeting and falling in love with someone whose gory demise was not now the object of my fondest wishes.
It got a little better after that for the rest of the first half, but I skimmed most of the second half with its seemingly endless descriptions of places toured and events attended, and its definitely endless navel-gazing, mostly on Darcy’s part, broken on occasion by repeated, unvarying conversations on the same three subjects: the dreadfulness of Elizabeth's family life, the errors and regrets of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and the predicament of a secondary character.
This novel had an interesting premise at its base, which could have been more effectively realized with 1/3 the word count.
I almost put it down forever after the first chapter--NINETEEN (Kindle) pages of Darcy ruminating on Elizabeth's many drawbacks imperfections, a subject which could have been more than adequately canvassed in 3 or 4 pages. By the end of it I found myself hoping the Darcy carriage would hurtle off into a ravine and the rest of the book would be about Elizabeth meeting and falling in love with someone whose gory demise was not now the object of my fondest wishes.
It got a little better after that for the rest of the first half, but I skimmed most of the second half with its seemingly endless descriptions of places toured and events attended, and its definitely endless navel-gazing, mostly on Darcy’s part, broken on occasion by repeated, unvarying conversations on the same three subjects: the dreadfulness of Elizabeth's family life, the errors and regrets of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and the predicament of a secondary character.
October 1, 2023
I'm generally very wary of starting a long novel. The reason being that they invariably are filled with repetitions, analysing things to death, unfulfilled adorations, frequent insightful pondering and often extensively elaborate intimacies (I think this book to be free of the last one), a very few are exceptions to this rule and I respectfully salute them. This book is definitely not my cup (or barrel) of tea.
April 11, 2024
Too much telling, very little showing. Author struggles with period language, using words incorrectly.
DNF at 20%
DNF at 20%
April 8, 2022
This book dragged on and on - by the end I was skipping pages and pages of boring nothingness just to get to something worth reading. Background stories and extensive connections are created for every single character and it got so confusing keeping the cast straight.
And the characters got so annoying: Georgiana gets away with being a spoiled little brat for far too long and seems unrealistically obtuse, Mr Bennett is even lazier and more selfish than in the original, Lizzy is much nicer and sweeter than her past realistically should allow, Darcy is a hopeless romantic who takes about 3 pages to propose… I will not be reading the second volume, as much as I’d like to see how Georgiana turns out, it’s just too long winded and painful to read such a volume.
And the characters got so annoying: Georgiana gets away with being a spoiled little brat for far too long and seems unrealistically obtuse, Mr Bennett is even lazier and more selfish than in the original, Lizzy is much nicer and sweeter than her past realistically should allow, Darcy is a hopeless romantic who takes about 3 pages to propose… I will not be reading the second volume, as much as I’d like to see how Georgiana turns out, it’s just too long winded and painful to read such a volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Actually 2.5 stars
Given the title and blurb, I did not expect the content of this book. While the overall plot was good, the text read more like an attempt to present a mash up of P&P with a regency history research paper. The sentence construction represents a formal style that, along with word choice and spelling, is intended to reflect the time period. This reader is not a regency scholar and cannot ascertain the accuracy of the style. That said, there were places where the language seemed quite modern and other places that used unnecessarily erudite word choices. I will read Volume 2 to hopefully find answers to my unanswered questions, but am glad I did not purchase them for my digital library.
Given the title and blurb, I did not expect the content of this book. While the overall plot was good, the text read more like an attempt to present a mash up of P&P with a regency history research paper. The sentence construction represents a formal style that, along with word choice and spelling, is intended to reflect the time period. This reader is not a regency scholar and cannot ascertain the accuracy of the style. That said, there were places where the language seemed quite modern and other places that used unnecessarily erudite word choices. I will read Volume 2 to hopefully find answers to my unanswered questions, but am glad I did not purchase them for my digital library.
September 15, 2023
Three Stars
I could barely get past the first few chapters, so the three stars is in case it turns around at some point. Where I left off was endless pages of an extensive family tree. I couldn’t keep up. They are listed in the very back, but who wants to look up nearly everyone mentioned every time they are mentioned. I left off in the middle of some competition by what I think are the Earl’s daughters, but could be in-laws, cousin’s, acquaintances. If there is a story in there I’d suggest pulling out every character not in the original, removing as many of them as possible. The voice wasn’t bad at all, so it’s the endless telling of dozens of people that killed it for me.
I could barely get past the first few chapters, so the three stars is in case it turns around at some point. Where I left off was endless pages of an extensive family tree. I couldn’t keep up. They are listed in the very back, but who wants to look up nearly everyone mentioned every time they are mentioned. I left off in the middle of some competition by what I think are the Earl’s daughters, but could be in-laws, cousin’s, acquaintances. If there is a story in there I’d suggest pulling out every character not in the original, removing as many of them as possible. The voice wasn’t bad at all, so it’s the endless telling of dozens of people that killed it for me.
November 15, 2021
Too much exposition
I wanted to like it, but it was so boring. Rather than summarizing necessary but uninteresting information, the author wrote the boring stuff as exposition which made the pace of the story drag, so that rather than the reader experiencing the thrill of conflict, the ups and downs of emotion, we were just subjected to a lot of boring information much of the time.
I wanted to like it, but it was so boring. Rather than summarizing necessary but uninteresting information, the author wrote the boring stuff as exposition which made the pace of the story drag, so that rather than the reader experiencing the thrill of conflict, the ups and downs of emotion, we were just subjected to a lot of boring information much of the time.
March 11, 2022
I didn't mind the story but the book was far too long. I will not be reading the second book as Georgiana was so hateful I have no interest in finding out what happens to her.
October 30, 2023
This book is full of hurt, hate, and harm. This book is also full of ardency, achievement, and acceptance. This book does not make for a light-hearted lunchtime read, but the reading of it will take you on a journey through the society of Portugal and the delightful extended family for Elizabeth when her parents are less than note-worthy. This book allows for every human emotion, making one feel for the characters and their struggles. It allows the reader to run the gamut through all the feels, and the rewards are not always immediately revealed, but are rewarding even the outcome is expected. I would also like to thank the author for the extreme and wonderful consideration for those of us who prefer the jovial and kind Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam for her kindness in naming her unsavory Colonel Fitzwilliam Edward. A normal ALL-STOP for me, I found I could accept the cruel character quite well as he was not the namesake I expect to be exemplary. In this reread, I find myself looking forward to the second volume added to my TBR list, but wanted to read this one again before I opened it. It was a beautiful tale of mixed cultures, mixed emotions, and absolute resolve to find one's happiness with the one who they are meant to walk beside.
June 17, 2023
Really Long, But Very Interesting
One would think that 700+ pages would be enough to finish a story, but Volume 2 awaits. Yes, this variation is such a page turner that I am interested in finding out what comes next.
Instead of being a book that skips weeks or even months as many do, this is like a daily journal and we get to see the activities of and/or hear the thoughts of either Darcy or Elizabeth. The point of view vascillates between the two.
But the entire time you are interested in knowing what will happen next!
One would think that 700+ pages would be enough to finish a story, but Volume 2 awaits. Yes, this variation is such a page turner that I am interested in finding out what comes next.
Instead of being a book that skips weeks or even months as many do, this is like a daily journal and we get to see the activities of and/or hear the thoughts of either Darcy or Elizabeth. The point of view vascillates between the two.
But the entire time you are interested in knowing what will happen next!
August 13, 2024
Detailed
This version is detailed in a depth that is not necessary. The relationships of Elizabeth to her family could have been addressed in a sentence and have a reference to a family tree. You’ll hate this version of Mrs. Bennet and be incensed at Mr. Bennett’s attitude. This version of Georgianna is one that is hard to like in any capacity. Loved the addition of new characters and the changes to the Bennet sisters.
This version is detailed in a depth that is not necessary. The relationships of Elizabeth to her family could have been addressed in a sentence and have a reference to a family tree. You’ll hate this version of Mrs. Bennet and be incensed at Mr. Bennett’s attitude. This version of Georgianna is one that is hard to like in any capacity. Loved the addition of new characters and the changes to the Bennet sisters.
December 3, 2021
Ever changing emotions
Liked most of it. I found that there were so many characters it was difficult to remember all their parts and relationships.
As there will probably be a sequel I will look forward to reading how it all pans out.
.
Liked most of it. I found that there were so many characters it was difficult to remember all their parts and relationships.
As there will probably be a sequel I will look forward to reading how it all pans out.
.
December 14, 2021
Not for me
She is an excellent writer with new characters I enjoyed, but way two angry, and hateful not what I read p&p variations for can find this sort of hatred in other stories, read these to relax and put the world away for a quite afternoon or evening.
She is an excellent writer with new characters I enjoyed, but way two angry, and hateful not what I read p&p variations for can find this sort of hatred in other stories, read these to relax and put the world away for a quite afternoon or evening.
December 27, 2021
An interesting variation.
A ground up remix of pride and prejudice. This was a an epic in scope retelling and it's only half of the story. I am definitely going to pick up the next one!
A ground up remix of pride and prejudice. This was a an epic in scope retelling and it's only half of the story. I am definitely going to pick up the next one!
April 17, 2024
I enjoyed this variation, it’s different, we seem to have swapped Lydia with Georgiana though, I love ODC in this and the lengths Darcy will go to, to win his Elizabeth. Lots of of historical details in this and a lot of background information which is interesting.
May 7, 2024
I liked the idea of the story, but the execution was very poor. The author has no sense of how to structure a story and doesn’t understand the importance of pacing and tightly focusing a story on the main plot.
December 18, 2024
Conniving Georgiana
Deducted one point to reflect the repetition and long, boring inner reflections. Stories with expanded Bennet family members who are wealthy and respectable make for great reads. Jane and/or Georgiana as villains adds greater storyline and angst.
Deducted one point to reflect the repetition and long, boring inner reflections. Stories with expanded Bennet family members who are wealthy and respectable make for great reads. Jane and/or Georgiana as villains adds greater storyline and angst.
December 8, 2021
Two of My Favorite JAFF READS!!
Loved the story development and the character interactions!! Both Volumes were excellent representations of Jane Austen's style. Holding for more.
Loved the story development and the character interactions!! Both Volumes were excellent representations of Jane Austen's style. Holding for more.
December 17, 2021
Loved it and ready for book 2....
May 26, 2022
Slow but enjoyable
I cannot say that I like it when I read about a nasty Georgians Darcy she is so different to what I would picture her as 😈😈😈😈😈😈
I cannot say that I like it when I read about a nasty Georgians Darcy she is so different to what I would picture her as 😈😈😈😈😈😈
November 22, 2021
This a long book a little meandering toward the end.
Everyone quotes which annoyed me a bit just wanted to know what they thought.
But its a good story overall.
Everyone quotes which annoyed me a bit just wanted to know what they thought.
But its a good story overall.
March 20, 2022
This story begins with Darcy leaving Meryton after denying his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth has refused Mr. Collins and is beaten and thrown from her home. On the way to her Uncle’s she is found and brought to Bath to recover from her injuries. There she finds Miss Darcy and learns her secret. This leads to Darcy’s decision to remove Georgiana from England to protect her from her folly. Elizabeth travel plans mean the Darcy’s will travel on the same ship allowing the couple to become friends.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s time together with her extended family allow them the safety and freedom to discover how much they belong together.
There are members of Darcy’s family that object to the connection to Elizabeth and her family. Georgiana becomes a angry and spiteful girl due to her situation and Darcy’s refusal to fix everything. I look forward to the next book.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s time together with her extended family allow them the safety and freedom to discover how much they belong together.
There are members of Darcy’s family that object to the connection to Elizabeth and her family. Georgiana becomes a angry and spiteful girl due to her situation and Darcy’s refusal to fix everything. I look forward to the next book.
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