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Perfect Fit: A Modern Tale of Pride And Prejudice
Perfect Fit is a modern fairy tale featuring the characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Billionaire William Darcy is burdened with maintaining his family’s legacy following the tragic deaths of his parents, and must also attempt to restore his young sister’s spirit after becoming the victim of Internet luring by a former family friend. Elizabeth Bennet is a popular author of young adult mystery novels. She began writing as a way to escape first the behavior, and then the memory, of a dominating former lover. These two lonely people meet at a wedding, over a broken shoe, and learn that once upon a time can lead to a happy ending. This low-angst story contains scenes of a mature nature. Linda Wells is also the author of Chance Encounters, Fate and Consequences, Memory and Imperative.
398 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2009
22 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Linda Wells
10 books92 followersWelcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself. I worked for years in the environmental engineering world until I traded my career as a geographer for one as a mom to a challenging and really great son. One day, I saw the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, and I was fascinated. I bought a copy of Jane Austen's novel and read it so many times, falling under the spell of her unforgettable characters and story, and I could not help but wonder what happened next for them. That led me in search of Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 17, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I read this shortly after it was published in paperback. I purchased this June 20th, 2010 so that is most likely when I read it. (( am guessing at the date.) At that time I was not posting reviews. Thus I now reread it as I vaguely remembered some of the details but not enough to post a review. 351 pages in the paperback edition. Warning: this story is for MA only.
This very long modern variation at times dragged for me. Darcy and Elizabeth meet, as the blurb tell us, when he bumps into her and her shoe breaks at the wedding of his cousin. Jane Bennet is the wedding planner, with Elizabeth assisting her, and so the two sisters have been invited to the affair.
Charles Bingley, Richard Fitzwilliam and Charlotte Lucas are present in this story also and have romances of their own. William Darcy owns a paper company and forest property which supplies the wood to make into paper. So this story has him wrapped up in those family businesses as he attempts to delegate responsibilities to others to lessen his burden. Elizabeth is a writer of YA novels, usually putting out two per year which entails touring to promote her books and having signing sessions for fans.
ODC does not have the major misunderstandings that they have in canon. They fall into love quickly and their romance takes up many of the pages. There are some minor adjustments in their business lives so that they can spend time together. They do make several trips to the Pemberley in England/Derbyshire and find it delightful.
Georgiana, again, has a problem with George Wickham. And the man just doesn't give up.
A major issue is the fact that Elizabeth's previous lover was emotionally abusive towards her. He makes several attempts to get back into her life. She has to deal with her self-image due to that abuse.
I kept thinking something major was going to happen to break ODC apart. Enough said.
This very long modern variation at times dragged for me. Darcy and Elizabeth meet, as the blurb tell us, when he bumps into her and her shoe breaks at the wedding of his cousin. Jane Bennet is the wedding planner, with Elizabeth assisting her, and so the two sisters have been invited to the affair.
Charles Bingley, Richard Fitzwilliam and Charlotte Lucas are present in this story also and have romances of their own. William Darcy owns a paper company and forest property which supplies the wood to make into paper. So this story has him wrapped up in those family businesses as he attempts to delegate responsibilities to others to lessen his burden. Elizabeth is a writer of YA novels, usually putting out two per year which entails touring to promote her books and having signing sessions for fans.
ODC does not have the major misunderstandings that they have in canon. They fall into love quickly and their romance takes up many of the pages. There are some minor adjustments in their business lives so that they can spend time together. They do make several trips to the Pemberley in England/Derbyshire and find it delightful.
Georgiana, again, has a problem with George Wickham. And the man just doesn't give up.
A major issue is the fact that Elizabeth's previous lover was emotionally abusive towards her. He makes several attempts to get back into her life. She has to deal with her self-image due to that abuse.
I kept thinking something major was going to happen to break ODC apart. Enough said.
October 25, 2016
If the shoe fits…
This is my first time reading a Linda Wells novel. As far as ratings: mature audience, R-rating, explicit sensuality, graphic sex scenes, soft porn [including sound effects and crude sex language]. I think that covers it. The writing was not well developed and took too long to get where it was going.
It is a modern setting and ODC [our dear couple] get together right off the bat and that leaves a whole lot of book dealing with them and their families. I wonder if this should have been trimmed down dramatically or split into novellas dealing with each couple. The traffic jam was getting a bit congested as we dealt with the various couples. We are in New York, the Hamptons, the Pemberley Estate in England, and Darcy is flying all over the U.S. as he deals with various company ventures. He is a billionaire, after all. It’s not like he sits around and collects interest.
Initial, ODC had eyed each other across a crowded room at Anne’s wedding reception. As Darcy was leaving, he literally fell over Elizabeth as she walked behind him, causing her to break the heel on her shoe. He, being ever the gentleman, offered to buy her a new pair of shoes. In fact, he was constantly buying her shoes and they were always the big name-dropping brands that everyone talks about.
Social issues: Be prepared, our author spent a lot of time with social issues. This platform allowed concerns to be addressed and presented in various forms. We read of teen drug use, internet predators, abusive relationships [whether dating or marriage], co-dependence [although not named, described], abuse counseling and support groups, PTSD [both abuse victims and military], noblesse oblige, giving back to the community, corporate responsibility, land and resource conservation, etc.
Low angst: mostly it was each character dealing with what was going on within their own heads. Dealing with low self-confidence, self-doubt, social anxieties, and recovery from trauma. There would be a few paragraphs dealing with an argument or fight [if you want to call it that] and then the make-up and apologies. One minuet ODC is standing tall and fending off the likes of Lady Catherine and then collapse in a puddle of self-doubt and recriminations. It dragged on forever. Like I said, we were in their heads a lot. We did have a few tense moments, but no true angst.
Characters: It was a congested highway of story threads, too many couples to track and keep up with as they courted, crashed and burned, then hooked up and got married. I developed whiplash trying to watch all the pairings. I cannot discuss the couples as that would spoil the reveal. They are so cute. I was impressed with the pairings and thought it was so creative. There were several characters that I just adored and they deserved more page time for their own stories. Darcy’s cousins the Fitzwilliam brothers were just one example of stories left flapping in the wind. I wanted to read more of them.
Villains: Wickham was the scumbag rat bastard as usual. Caroline was simply an annoying gnat that buzzed around periodically getting on everyone’s nerves. Collins was truly a vengeful, controlling, emotionally abusive, rat bastard and too dense to learn his lesson or heed the warning. He had to be dealt with on more than one occasion. Lady Catherine wasn’t exactly a villain; she was just controlling and needed to eat a bit of humble pie. She went too far in her controlling attitude and disrespect of Elizabeth and Darcy had to deal with her. Go Darcy.
This is my first time reading a Linda Wells novel. As far as ratings: mature audience, R-rating, explicit sensuality, graphic sex scenes, soft porn [including sound effects and crude sex language]. I think that covers it. The writing was not well developed and took too long to get where it was going.
It is a modern setting and ODC [our dear couple] get together right off the bat and that leaves a whole lot of book dealing with them and their families. I wonder if this should have been trimmed down dramatically or split into novellas dealing with each couple. The traffic jam was getting a bit congested as we dealt with the various couples. We are in New York, the Hamptons, the Pemberley Estate in England, and Darcy is flying all over the U.S. as he deals with various company ventures. He is a billionaire, after all. It’s not like he sits around and collects interest.
Initial, ODC had eyed each other across a crowded room at Anne’s wedding reception. As Darcy was leaving, he literally fell over Elizabeth as she walked behind him, causing her to break the heel on her shoe. He, being ever the gentleman, offered to buy her a new pair of shoes. In fact, he was constantly buying her shoes and they were always the big name-dropping brands that everyone talks about.
Social issues: Be prepared, our author spent a lot of time with social issues. This platform allowed concerns to be addressed and presented in various forms. We read of teen drug use, internet predators, abusive relationships [whether dating or marriage], co-dependence [although not named, described], abuse counseling and support groups, PTSD [both abuse victims and military], noblesse oblige, giving back to the community, corporate responsibility, land and resource conservation, etc.
Low angst: mostly it was each character dealing with what was going on within their own heads. Dealing with low self-confidence, self-doubt, social anxieties, and recovery from trauma. There would be a few paragraphs dealing with an argument or fight [if you want to call it that] and then the make-up and apologies. One minuet ODC is standing tall and fending off the likes of Lady Catherine and then collapse in a puddle of self-doubt and recriminations. It dragged on forever. Like I said, we were in their heads a lot. We did have a few tense moments, but no true angst.
Characters: It was a congested highway of story threads, too many couples to track and keep up with as they courted, crashed and burned, then hooked up and got married. I developed whiplash trying to watch all the pairings. I cannot discuss the couples as that would spoil the reveal. They are so cute. I was impressed with the pairings and thought it was so creative. There were several characters that I just adored and they deserved more page time for their own stories. Darcy’s cousins the Fitzwilliam brothers were just one example of stories left flapping in the wind. I wanted to read more of them.
Villains: Wickham was the scumbag rat bastard as usual. Caroline was simply an annoying gnat that buzzed around periodically getting on everyone’s nerves. Collins was truly a vengeful, controlling, emotionally abusive, rat bastard and too dense to learn his lesson or heed the warning. He had to be dealt with on more than one occasion. Lady Catherine wasn’t exactly a villain; she was just controlling and needed to eat a bit of humble pie. She went too far in her controlling attitude and disrespect of Elizabeth and Darcy had to deal with her. Go Darcy.
October 21, 2021
Good Modern Day Variation
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2019
Up until reading this book, I’d held off reading a modern day P&P variation. I just couldn’t bring myself to leave the era in which the original took place. I finally succumbed to “why not”, especially since I’ve enjoyed this author’s other books, which in order to enjoy, you can’t be opposed to mature content.
I was pleasantly surprised with the modern-day setting. I really didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I did. I thought it was a very good story, using a modern-day American Pemberley corporation and bringing the Derbyshire Pemberley into the story as well. The characters we know were included, without having Wickham overtake the story too much. The wit of Elizabeth and the deep love of Darcy for her comes through from the beginning to end. I loved his romantic side coming through with the songs and dance.
Having said all that, I still prefer the Regency era setting. I really loved the author’s Memories series, and would love to see more like that in the future.
January 23, 2021 Update - my opinion about modern P&P variations has evolved since I first discovered JAFF. I’m definitely in favour of them and wish there were more!
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2019
Up until reading this book, I’d held off reading a modern day P&P variation. I just couldn’t bring myself to leave the era in which the original took place. I finally succumbed to “why not”, especially since I’ve enjoyed this author’s other books, which in order to enjoy, you can’t be opposed to mature content.
I was pleasantly surprised with the modern-day setting. I really didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I did. I thought it was a very good story, using a modern-day American Pemberley corporation and bringing the Derbyshire Pemberley into the story as well. The characters we know were included, without having Wickham overtake the story too much. The wit of Elizabeth and the deep love of Darcy for her comes through from the beginning to end. I loved his romantic side coming through with the songs and dance.
Having said all that, I still prefer the Regency era setting. I really loved the author’s Memories series, and would love to see more like that in the future.
January 23, 2021 Update - my opinion about modern P&P variations has evolved since I first discovered JAFF. I’m definitely in favour of them and wish there were more!
May 31, 2013
Once Upon a Time Darcy Broke Elizabeth's Shoe at a Wedding...
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern Adaptation, Mature Audience
TIME FRAME: Modern-Day
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, William Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Richard Fitzwilliam, John Fitzwilliam, Jane Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Maria, Lucas, Charles Bingley
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
Linda Wells is a very prominent and popular author in the Austenesque genre and I cannot believe it has taken me so long to read one of her books! While the premises for all her Regency variations sound wonderful and intriguing, I was fortunate enough to win Perfect Fit in a giveaway awhile back and thought I'd start with that one since I was in the mood for a modern-day tale!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Truly Inspirational Romance: Darcy and Elizabeth have practically a fairytale relationship in this adaptation: they fall in love at first sight (Lizzy is more than tolerable to this Darcy!) and any discord between them stemmed from outside factors or people from their past. They truly were an emblem of a deeply passionate and fervently devoted couple in love. I enjoyed witnessing what they did on their dates and holidays together (I think it might be time for me and my Mr. Bingley to take some dance lessons together! For real!) In addition, I loved seeing how they relied on, supported, stood up for, and protected each other.
- Clever, Interesting, and Fitting Professions: I thought Linda Wells did a wonderful job with choosing modern professions for these characters that were very appropriate for their personalities – Elizabeth is a YA author, Jane is a wedding planner, Darcy is CEO of a paper company that throws himself heavily into his work and is very hands-on. I enjoyed seeing what each character did for a living and how they faced the challenges of their careers.
- Fairy Tales: With Darcy and Elizabeth meeting over her broken shoe, Darcy being as romantic and perfect as Prince Charming, and everyone living “happily ever after” this adaptation definitely had the feel of a fairy tale to it! I especially enjoyed the nods to Walt Disney's Cinderella – one of my all-time favorite Disney movies!
- Important Issues: I appreciated and admired how Linda Wells bravely and adeptly tackled difficult and scary issues such as abusive relationships (mental not physical), internet predators, and drug addiction. It was inspiring to see how the characters overcame and healed from these horrible experiences, and how in some cases, took steps to help other women in similar circumstances.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
- “Pictures of Perfections:” No pride, no prejudice, no misunderstandings. Darcy and Elizabeth seemed just a little bit too perfect. Their flaws were minor and the conflicts between them were mostly caused by demons of their past. In addition, when their romantically-challenged friends and relatives started coming to them for relationship advice, they started to seem a little smug (sort of in a Bridget-Jones-smug-married-couples way). I would have enjoyed seeing some more conflicts and obstacles in their path, and a little less perfection.
- The Dialogue: I can't really pinpoint why, but I often found the dialogue a little awkward and unnatural. I think the characters sometimes seemed a little stilted or rehearsed in their speech, and I think maybe there could have been a little more showing and less telling.
- The Pacing: With no obstacles and misunderstandings things moved at quite a fast pace in the beginning of this novel for Darcy and Elizabeth (who were engaged by page 78). But then the story seemed to change to a much slower pace for the rest of the novel (the wedding took place on page 226). It felt a like there was a lot more falling action than rising action.
WARNING:
Mature Scenes: Darcy and Elizabeth are quite amorous and passionate in this novel
CONCLUSION:
Escape into a fairy tale romance with Darcy and Elizabeth! I'm so happy I finally got to read a novel by Linda Wells! This sweet and romantic tale is a “perfect fit” for readers looking for a low-angst tale about Darcy and Elizabeth where mostly everything is “good and agreeable” in their world.
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern Adaptation, Mature Audience
TIME FRAME: Modern-Day
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, William Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Richard Fitzwilliam, John Fitzwilliam, Jane Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Maria, Lucas, Charles Bingley
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
Linda Wells is a very prominent and popular author in the Austenesque genre and I cannot believe it has taken me so long to read one of her books! While the premises for all her Regency variations sound wonderful and intriguing, I was fortunate enough to win Perfect Fit in a giveaway awhile back and thought I'd start with that one since I was in the mood for a modern-day tale!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Truly Inspirational Romance: Darcy and Elizabeth have practically a fairytale relationship in this adaptation: they fall in love at first sight (Lizzy is more than tolerable to this Darcy!) and any discord between them stemmed from outside factors or people from their past. They truly were an emblem of a deeply passionate and fervently devoted couple in love. I enjoyed witnessing what they did on their dates and holidays together (I think it might be time for me and my Mr. Bingley to take some dance lessons together! For real!) In addition, I loved seeing how they relied on, supported, stood up for, and protected each other.
- Clever, Interesting, and Fitting Professions: I thought Linda Wells did a wonderful job with choosing modern professions for these characters that were very appropriate for their personalities – Elizabeth is a YA author, Jane is a wedding planner, Darcy is CEO of a paper company that throws himself heavily into his work and is very hands-on. I enjoyed seeing what each character did for a living and how they faced the challenges of their careers.
- Fairy Tales: With Darcy and Elizabeth meeting over her broken shoe, Darcy being as romantic and perfect as Prince Charming, and everyone living “happily ever after” this adaptation definitely had the feel of a fairy tale to it! I especially enjoyed the nods to Walt Disney's Cinderella – one of my all-time favorite Disney movies!
- Important Issues: I appreciated and admired how Linda Wells bravely and adeptly tackled difficult and scary issues such as abusive relationships (mental not physical), internet predators, and drug addiction. It was inspiring to see how the characters overcame and healed from these horrible experiences, and how in some cases, took steps to help other women in similar circumstances.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
- “Pictures of Perfections:” No pride, no prejudice, no misunderstandings. Darcy and Elizabeth seemed just a little bit too perfect. Their flaws were minor and the conflicts between them were mostly caused by demons of their past. In addition, when their romantically-challenged friends and relatives started coming to them for relationship advice, they started to seem a little smug (sort of in a Bridget-Jones-smug-married-couples way). I would have enjoyed seeing some more conflicts and obstacles in their path, and a little less perfection.
- The Dialogue: I can't really pinpoint why, but I often found the dialogue a little awkward and unnatural. I think the characters sometimes seemed a little stilted or rehearsed in their speech, and I think maybe there could have been a little more showing and less telling.
- The Pacing: With no obstacles and misunderstandings things moved at quite a fast pace in the beginning of this novel for Darcy and Elizabeth (who were engaged by page 78). But then the story seemed to change to a much slower pace for the rest of the novel (the wedding took place on page 226). It felt a like there was a lot more falling action than rising action.
WARNING:
Mature Scenes: Darcy and Elizabeth are quite amorous and passionate in this novel
CONCLUSION:
Escape into a fairy tale romance with Darcy and Elizabeth! I'm so happy I finally got to read a novel by Linda Wells! This sweet and romantic tale is a “perfect fit” for readers looking for a low-angst tale about Darcy and Elizabeth where mostly everything is “good and agreeable” in their world.
October 29, 2015
Perfect Fit
For the most part, this story was happy. Georgiana and Darcy's parents had died in a fire from the smoke that filled the house. Struggling to meet the demands of his family's legacy, Darcy has spell where he is into destructive habits. At Anne's wedding, Darcy (was not the groom) was tired, lonely, and depressed. Working was his entire life. All evening he stares and a young woman across the room, while in turn, she was staring at him. He turns into Elizabeth causing her to stumble breaking the heel of her five inch Manolo Blahnik shoes. Not wanting to let her go, he takes her downstairs to the shoe shop downstairs in the hotel. He precedes to buy a replacement pair of Jimmy Choos for Elizabeth. His feelings for were love at first sight, whereas Elizabeth was taking it slow due to her being mistreated by Bill Collins. But eventually his charming desires got her to relax enough to fall in love. Besides having one of the only mansion left in New York City, he owns Pemberley in the Hamptons, and she finds out later the original Pemberley in Derbyshire, England. Amazed at Pemberley, she convinces him to not put Pemberley in the National Trust and keep it as a family home. They become engaged when at Pemberley in the Hamptons and are very happy until his Aunt Catherine demands a prenuptial agreement written to protect his family's interests. Well, Darcy and his and her lawyers write a prenuptial agreement that is so generous, her lawyer is shocked. Darcy is such a romantic figure in this story who's not afraid to show the love he feels for Elizabeth . They eventually marry shortly after meeting, and the author has many other couples joined in happy matrimony. Bill Collins appears several times to try to intimidate Elizabeth, but is taken care of quickly. Wickham shows up but is eliminated quickly, too. All in all, a very good story that was enjoyed.
For the most part, this story was happy. Georgiana and Darcy's parents had died in a fire from the smoke that filled the house. Struggling to meet the demands of his family's legacy, Darcy has spell where he is into destructive habits. At Anne's wedding, Darcy (was not the groom) was tired, lonely, and depressed. Working was his entire life. All evening he stares and a young woman across the room, while in turn, she was staring at him. He turns into Elizabeth causing her to stumble breaking the heel of her five inch Manolo Blahnik shoes. Not wanting to let her go, he takes her downstairs to the shoe shop downstairs in the hotel. He precedes to buy a replacement pair of Jimmy Choos for Elizabeth. His feelings for were love at first sight, whereas Elizabeth was taking it slow due to her being mistreated by Bill Collins. But eventually his charming desires got her to relax enough to fall in love. Besides having one of the only mansion left in New York City, he owns Pemberley in the Hamptons, and she finds out later the original Pemberley in Derbyshire, England. Amazed at Pemberley, she convinces him to not put Pemberley in the National Trust and keep it as a family home. They become engaged when at Pemberley in the Hamptons and are very happy until his Aunt Catherine demands a prenuptial agreement written to protect his family's interests. Well, Darcy and his and her lawyers write a prenuptial agreement that is so generous, her lawyer is shocked. Darcy is such a romantic figure in this story who's not afraid to show the love he feels for Elizabeth . They eventually marry shortly after meeting, and the author has many other couples joined in happy matrimony. Bill Collins appears several times to try to intimidate Elizabeth, but is taken care of quickly. Wickham shows up but is eliminated quickly, too. All in all, a very good story that was enjoyed.
October 30, 2023
I have mixed emotions about this story. There’s WAY too much sex and ODC are kind of vomit inducing to me. They feed each other, sing to each other have sex or close to it in way too public places for me.
Then it just ended with Elizabeth maybe pregnant. Come on at least give details about that. Ugh.
Then it just ended with Elizabeth maybe pregnant. Come on at least give details about that. Ugh.
January 17, 2013
Here's the thing, I made many attempts to read this but just couldn't. I'm sure some people out there would love this book, but not me which is interesting given I really enjoy her others. Now in the book synopsis it says it is a low angst book---wow, that's an understatement. More like nothing ever happens...EVER. The only things that did happen were barely noticable with instant catharsis. I don't ask to be on the edge of my seat the entire read, but put me there once or twice at least please. There were spelling and grammar errors that bugged me more than I care to admit.
Let me again say, I love her other books. I do not love this one. I forced myself to get halfway through it before I threw in the towel. I have great hopes of reading better books of hers in the future with perhaps a little angst and editing.
I marked this as read. My options were limited at best
Let me again say, I love her other books. I do not love this one. I forced myself to get halfway through it before I threw in the towel. I have great hopes of reading better books of hers in the future with perhaps a little angst and editing.
I marked this as read. My options were limited at best
June 27, 2024
This is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. This book starts off with the two getting together right away. And the book is about the relationship and having to deal with life together. Overall, it was okay. Nothing amazing or held my attention; most of these books I read without putting them down; but this one took me three days to finish.
June 15, 2018
I got this book already knowing what to expect with Wells writing. She has done it in her other books and if you've never read any of her P&P variations there are a few things you should know before diving in. First off her D&E are always devoted to each other. They are not afraid to share every emotion or thought. You can expect to be witness to it. As the reader you will experience the simplest idea to the well laid out tryst. So be sure to know your own taste.
If you are the type of person who wants a lot of angst and action it is not going to happen with this one. The couple has some bumps in the road but they are mild and of short duration. I have enjoyed Wells books but would like to see more conflict and not solved in a page. I love her characters and their side stories help elevate her book but it is so low key I found myself easily distracted and putting it down for a while.
The other issue is the sweetness of it all. It was too sweet. It turned a little sappy at points even. I have seen her do this before in her other reads but I think with this one because it is contemporary I feel Lizzy should have been tougher. She was not a woman of the 1800's unworldly. This was a self made woman who traveled and to not be at a different point with Collins seemed unbelievable and adolescent. To see her reaction to the ex Darcy flame was even more so.
It read like high school behavior. I think she could have had it more drawn out at a slower pace to develop a more devious Collins or ex girlfriend. The page number because it written like a day to day journal with minor activities make the pages seem far more than what they are. I did like the characters and wanted to see each one find happiness but I also wanted more. This is not a clean read. Enjoy!
If you are the type of person who wants a lot of angst and action it is not going to happen with this one. The couple has some bumps in the road but they are mild and of short duration. I have enjoyed Wells books but would like to see more conflict and not solved in a page. I love her characters and their side stories help elevate her book but it is so low key I found myself easily distracted and putting it down for a while.
The other issue is the sweetness of it all. It was too sweet. It turned a little sappy at points even. I have seen her do this before in her other reads but I think with this one because it is contemporary I feel Lizzy should have been tougher. She was not a woman of the 1800's unworldly. This was a self made woman who traveled and to not be at a different point with Collins seemed unbelievable and adolescent. To see her reaction to the ex Darcy flame was even more so.
It read like high school behavior. I think she could have had it more drawn out at a slower pace to develop a more devious Collins or ex girlfriend. The page number because it written like a day to day journal with minor activities make the pages seem far more than what they are. I did like the characters and wanted to see each one find happiness but I also wanted more. This is not a clean read. Enjoy!
August 26, 2023
I love Linda Wells' stories!
In this one, romance is the order of the day! A greatly enjoyable tale.
In this one, romance is the order of the day! A greatly enjoyable tale.
April 17, 2016
This book has long been my favorite go to when I need a feel good, warm fuzzy read. Modern and set in America, the characters have already been through enough strife and struggle to have shaped them and prepared them for their first meeting. William has already gone through the death of both parents and Wickham's attempts at Georgiana, but meeting Elizabeth makes him into Mr Romance as well as the Mr Responsibility he already is, a perfect combination she needs after surviving the mental (and other, though only strongly hinted at) abuse and control at the hands of Collins. She is a fairly strong personality when they meet, but his love and devotion help bring out the more impertinent nature we all know. There is some angst, but usually resolved very quickly, and spread out amongst the cast.
Linda Wells has once again written a true variation to the original. Events may be different, but the characters maintain the essentials we all love, many times with more opportunity for these good essentials to shine through more clearly and powerfully. Her Darcys especially are different and definitely more passionate, but truly the best of men, with Elizabeths to perfectly match them. The perfect fit.
Linda Wells has once again written a true variation to the original. Events may be different, but the characters maintain the essentials we all love, many times with more opportunity for these good essentials to shine through more clearly and powerfully. Her Darcys especially are different and definitely more passionate, but truly the best of men, with Elizabeths to perfectly match them. The perfect fit.
September 29, 2015
the worst Darcy I've come across next to the ocd one.
April 22, 2019
Imperfect for me
Caution: potential spoilers in this review.
When I was in college (c. 1985), my mom, (an executive secretary who was about 55 at the time, which is close to my age now), had to have surgery on her feet to deal with all the problems wrought by wearing heels to work for thirty years. A friend of mine dubbed the shoes ‘patriarchal torture weapons’ (PTW.) So this was my frame of reference, along with a lifetime of wearing comfortable shoes, when I read this book.
Obviously, it was clear from the start that PTW and the Cinderella trope were a major part of this story. However, I plunged in anyway, as I am a fan of the author’s Regency-era works.
Judgement error on my part. No surprise that several sections in the book that focused on PTW shoes and shoe shopping, later augmented by clothes shopping had less than zero interest for me.
I’m sure many people who are fans of this genre will be into it, but it just ain’t my thing (to be fair, I really hate the paragraph-long descriptions of clothes in Regency-era books as well.)
Disbelief impossible to suspend: In this book E is 22 and D is 25. And they each have the emotional intelligence of 45 year olds. I also couldn’t believe that a 25 year old CEO (even of a privately owned firm) was possible, especially one who had been at the helm for five years! And all the people saying “we were worried he’d never marry.” Who says that about 25 year-old Americans? Just didn’t shake out for me. If Darcy had been 35, I can see the concern... and if, like this Darcy, he hadn’t dated for several years, I imagine there would even be speculation that he was not heterosexual. But that a 25 year old orphan CEO hadn’t dated for a few years... well, jeez, the guy is busy!
Lack of tension: I understand that in this genre, there are readers who like low-angst stories. You can’t move a plot without tension, though. I was frequently bored. The hot sex was often the only thing that kept me reading. (To be fair, the author was clear that this was a low-angst book, so this may be perfect for others.)
Cheeze-ball level: exceeded beyond my capacity, (I’m a hopeless romantic who reads P&P fanfic voraciously), with the singing and lyrics.
As I said, I’m a big fan of Wells’ Regency-era books, and it’s just that this one didn’t work for me.
Caution: potential spoilers in this review.
When I was in college (c. 1985), my mom, (an executive secretary who was about 55 at the time, which is close to my age now), had to have surgery on her feet to deal with all the problems wrought by wearing heels to work for thirty years. A friend of mine dubbed the shoes ‘patriarchal torture weapons’ (PTW.) So this was my frame of reference, along with a lifetime of wearing comfortable shoes, when I read this book.
Obviously, it was clear from the start that PTW and the Cinderella trope were a major part of this story. However, I plunged in anyway, as I am a fan of the author’s Regency-era works.
Judgement error on my part. No surprise that several sections in the book that focused on PTW shoes and shoe shopping, later augmented by clothes shopping had less than zero interest for me.
I’m sure many people who are fans of this genre will be into it, but it just ain’t my thing (to be fair, I really hate the paragraph-long descriptions of clothes in Regency-era books as well.)
Disbelief impossible to suspend: In this book E is 22 and D is 25. And they each have the emotional intelligence of 45 year olds. I also couldn’t believe that a 25 year old CEO (even of a privately owned firm) was possible, especially one who had been at the helm for five years! And all the people saying “we were worried he’d never marry.” Who says that about 25 year-old Americans? Just didn’t shake out for me. If Darcy had been 35, I can see the concern... and if, like this Darcy, he hadn’t dated for several years, I imagine there would even be speculation that he was not heterosexual. But that a 25 year old orphan CEO hadn’t dated for a few years... well, jeez, the guy is busy!
Lack of tension: I understand that in this genre, there are readers who like low-angst stories. You can’t move a plot without tension, though. I was frequently bored. The hot sex was often the only thing that kept me reading. (To be fair, the author was clear that this was a low-angst book, so this may be perfect for others.)
Cheeze-ball level: exceeded beyond my capacity, (I’m a hopeless romantic who reads P&P fanfic voraciously), with the singing and lyrics.
As I said, I’m a big fan of Wells’ Regency-era books, and it’s just that this one didn’t work for me.
June 20, 2017
This is a very interesting modern adaptation. However, it's not very much like the real P&P. There is very little angst. So, I chose to read it as an inspired tale. I did think Darcy was probably close to the original though a little too much of a romantic and easy to fall in love. Elizabeth seemed very different from cannon. However, I enjoyed the tale. I was shocked that D and E were surprised about a pre-nup. But, i suppose it created some drama.
I enjoy this author's writing and it has a very soap-opera feel. I was fully immersed into the lives of the characters and wanted to stay in that world. My only complaint is that the epilogue was not far enough into the future. I wanted to know if Elizabeth published her books and how many kids they had. But, i suppose i can fill in those blanks myself.
I enjoy this author's writing and it has a very soap-opera feel. I was fully immersed into the lives of the characters and wanted to stay in that world. My only complaint is that the epilogue was not far enough into the future. I wanted to know if Elizabeth published her books and how many kids they had. But, i suppose i can fill in those blanks myself.
March 27, 2022
Outstanding
Linda Wells is such an amazing author. She makes you laugh with her characters but you also sob for their pain and sigh at the sweet tenderness of their love. I get goosebumps from her stories and I have read them all many times. My only complaint is we need many more books of hers to enjoy.
Linda Wells is such an amazing author. She makes you laugh with her characters but you also sob for their pain and sigh at the sweet tenderness of their love. I get goosebumps from her stories and I have read them all many times. My only complaint is we need many more books of hers to enjoy.
January 28, 2022
Just no.
Couldn't finish the first chapter.
Couldn't finish the first chapter.
Read
October 25, 2022Modern Day P&P. Low on angst High on Lovey-dovey. Gets a Whoa Darcy rating.
December 18, 2022
3.5* rounded up
This is a sweet story but is a little muddled at times and too long. This needs an edit but …. I liked it!
This is a sweet story but is a little muddled at times and too long. This needs an edit but …. I liked it!
May 22, 2024
dnf 2024. This is the most ridiculous case of instalove. Darcy wants to call Lizzy his girlfriend on page 11 and by page 78 they're engaged. There's not much happening overall and I fail to see how this has anything to do with Pride and Prejudice except for the names. Case of a changed taste, I guess.
September 20, 2010
Not my favorite Pride and Predjudice spinoff, in fact the only similarity was the fact that she used the characters names and a few of their relationships to each other. I think I would have liked the book better is she just left out any reference to Pride and Prejudice and just published it with original character names as a romance novel.
February 16, 2011
This was a horrible book. Dialogue was juvenile and the characters were silly. Not to mention that by the end of chapter 1, Darcy and Elizabeth have hooked up and are head over heels for each other. It was impossible to finish.
September 19, 2015
A modern re-telling of Pride and Prejudice that focuses almost exclusively on Darcy and Lizzy getting to know each other. Darcy is cast as a billionaire and Lizzy as an author. It's very sweet but missing the tension of the better retellings. Still, I enjoyed reading it.
June 7, 2016
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot describe properly into words how much I love this book or how amazingly good that it was.... MUST MUST MUST read. - Side note: It is a bite "Naughty" not for a the young and Innocent!!!
May 5, 2010
Brilliant book could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover.
June 16, 2012
Terrible dialogue, unbelievable characters, no plot, and no real resemblance to P&P.
August 7, 2012
This book is a great cross between Pride and Prejudice and the Cinderella. it is an innocent love story without the suspense of what will happen next.
October 8, 2014
DNF only once have I not finished reading a book. I love all variations of P&P but this one was just horrible.
September 27, 2015
I love Linda Wells and the story wasn't bad at all I guess I just didn't like Modern P&P but thought I'd give it a try anyway.
March 29, 2010
Loved it!!! I keep re reading it all the time! Very intense for sure!
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