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Darcy's Favorite Large Print Edition: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation
His duty tells him no, but his heart screams yes. Fitzwilliam Darcy has always done his duty, and he arrives in Hertfordshire to support his friend, not knowing that he would soon be questioning everything he held dear. Elizabeth Bennet is immediately drawn to the friend of her future brother-in-law, but a match between them seems hopeless when he appears to dislike her entire family. Despite his efforts to remain aloof, the more Darcy learns about Elizabeth, the more intrigued he is. Will he be able to overcome his drive to do his duty, or will he walk away from the woman he loves? Darcy’s Favorite Large Print Edition is the latest JAFF novella variation from Zoe Burton. If you like honorable heroes, saucy heroines, and sweet romance, this is the book for you. Pick up Darcy’s Favorite today!
261 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2021
43 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is one instance where a character 'takes his pound of flesh' on another character for 'half an hour'. Nothing is depicted, just stated as above.
Sexual: Mild. There is talk about not all men being 'honorable' and the typical 'being ruined' that you see in most Regency books. Some kissing, all clean and not steamy at all, also hand-holding.
It feels a bit generous to give this 3 stars.
As far as JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) goes, it's pretty straight forward. It basically sets things as happening earlier (Jane being engaged to Bingley much sooner and before Darcy enters as Best Man). It also takes nearly all the conflict/tension out of Darcy and Elizabeth's romance by giving them both a more favorable introduction to each other, which frankly didn't work well. Elizabeth lost all her fire in this variation, and Darcy lost his pride and got a healthy dose of social awkwardness instead.
The only reason I kept reading was because it was so short and I needed something brainless to help me with my insomnia.
I didn't hate it. It just wasn't anything note-worthy within this genre.
Caroline got the treatment as well, turning her into a really shrewish and manipulative brat. That happens a fair bit in JAFF though, but I don't care to make her the 'evil to be overcome' in the book. The fun of Pride and Prejudice is the fact that the main characters are the ones that have to get out of their own way to get to their happily-ever-after.
Also, another thing that happens quite often in JAFF, the characters lost what made them...them. Like I said, Elizabeth was far too docile, Darcy was far too open-minded, and nearly every side character was softened from their original personality to be more palatable. And boring.
Also. Darcy would NEVER randomly share as personal a story as he did, in a PUBLIC gathering to young girls that he had just met in order to get them to behave better. That was incredibly unbelievable.
The 'meh' feeling is strong with this one. It got me through my insomnia. That's about all I can say. Didn't hate it. Didn't love it.
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is one instance where a character 'takes his pound of flesh' on another character for 'half an hour'. Nothing is depicted, just stated as above.
Sexual: Mild. There is talk about not all men being 'honorable' and the typical 'being ruined' that you see in most Regency books. Some kissing, all clean and not steamy at all, also hand-holding.
It feels a bit generous to give this 3 stars.
As far as JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) goes, it's pretty straight forward. It basically sets things as happening earlier (Jane being engaged to Bingley much sooner and before Darcy enters as Best Man). It also takes nearly all the conflict/tension out of Darcy and Elizabeth's romance by giving them both a more favorable introduction to each other, which frankly didn't work well. Elizabeth lost all her fire in this variation, and Darcy lost his pride and got a healthy dose of social awkwardness instead.
The only reason I kept reading was because it was so short and I needed something brainless to help me with my insomnia.
I didn't hate it. It just wasn't anything note-worthy within this genre.
Caroline got the treatment as well, turning her into a really shrewish and manipulative brat. That happens a fair bit in JAFF though, but I don't care to make her the 'evil to be overcome' in the book. The fun of Pride and Prejudice is the fact that the main characters are the ones that have to get out of their own way to get to their happily-ever-after.
Also, another thing that happens quite often in JAFF, the characters lost what made them...them. Like I said, Elizabeth was far too docile, Darcy was far too open-minded, and nearly every side character was softened from their original personality to be more palatable. And boring.
Also. Darcy would NEVER randomly share as personal a story as he did, in a PUBLIC gathering to young girls that he had just met in order to get them to behave better. That was incredibly unbelievable.
The 'meh' feeling is strong with this one. It got me through my insomnia. That's about all I can say. Didn't hate it. Didn't love it.
March 21, 2022
1810 Bingley's year of mourning his father is over and now he can go and join his intended Jane Bennet in Hertfordshire. He invites Dary to join him at Netherfield, and Darcy is instantly attracted to Elizabeth. But she ignores him. Can they find a way to have a happy ending.
An enjoyable story
An enjoyable story
August 14, 2021
4.75 stars rounded to 5 stars
This is a lovely - and very interesting - novella. I was intrigued by the portrayal of Darcy and the insights into his thoughts and feelings. Mr. Bennet’s situation was a surprise, but it allowed other characters to develop in a way that departs from canon.”
The story begins with Jane and Bingley meeting in London at least a year before he meets the Longbourn residents. Their betrothal is why he brings Darcy, Caroline and the Hursts to Netherfield. At this point the plot unfolds in a way that is new and different but retains selected moments/confrontations from P&P. The path to the HEA for ODC is not smooth and allows both Darcy and Elizabeth to grow while resolving their misunderstandings.
As a reader who generally prefers variations that are long, I desperately wanted at least two things to be revealed that occurred “off stage”. One is what Miss Darcy revealed to her new sisters but no one else, not even the reader. I also wanted to be the “fly on the wall” who heard and observed Bingley’s discussion with Caroline.
The editing is good with only a couple items that were probably a result of the rules embedded in the word processing software.
Highly recommended for a morning or afternoon when you can sit back with your beverage of choice and a do-not-disturb sign on your door and silent mode on your phone.
This is a lovely - and very interesting - novella. I was intrigued by the portrayal of Darcy and the insights into his thoughts and feelings. Mr. Bennet’s situation was a surprise, but it allowed other characters to develop in a way that departs from canon.”
The story begins with Jane and Bingley meeting in London at least a year before he meets the Longbourn residents. Their betrothal is why he brings Darcy, Caroline and the Hursts to Netherfield. At this point the plot unfolds in a way that is new and different but retains selected moments/confrontations from P&P. The path to the HEA for ODC is not smooth and allows both Darcy and Elizabeth to grow while resolving their misunderstandings.
As a reader who generally prefers variations that are long, I desperately wanted at least two things to be revealed that occurred “off stage”. One is what Miss Darcy revealed to her new sisters but no one else, not even the reader. I also wanted to be the “fly on the wall” who heard and observed Bingley’s discussion with Caroline.
The editing is good with only a couple items that were probably a result of the rules embedded in the word processing software.
Highly recommended for a morning or afternoon when you can sit back with your beverage of choice and a do-not-disturb sign on your door and silent mode on your phone.
March 24, 2024
Quick read
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. This is a quick read and can easily be read in one sitting. It’s one that you can read if you’re looking for a very small amount of angst. I prefer little to no angst stories between more complex stories I’m reading just to help clear the palette. In this story (you find out very early) that Jane and Bingley meet before his dad passes away and are betrothed. Georgiana was kidnapped by Wickham not convinced of an elopement. So this is where we start the story. Darcy sees that maybe he can help influence the younger girls to better behavior and he is able to share his sister’s story and it truly makes an impact. The angst comes from a persistent Caroline and an upset Lady C. You can just sit back and enjoy a sweet story.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. This is a quick read and can easily be read in one sitting. It’s one that you can read if you’re looking for a very small amount of angst. I prefer little to no angst stories between more complex stories I’m reading just to help clear the palette. In this story (you find out very early) that Jane and Bingley meet before his dad passes away and are betrothed. Georgiana was kidnapped by Wickham not convinced of an elopement. So this is where we start the story. Darcy sees that maybe he can help influence the younger girls to better behavior and he is able to share his sister’s story and it truly makes an impact. The angst comes from a persistent Caroline and an upset Lady C. You can just sit back and enjoy a sweet story.
October 16, 2023
This was an enjoyable turn of events for Darcy in Hertfordshire so he wasn't so stuffy, nor so aloof. I did like that he first complimented Mary, and then spoke to Kitty before he got the courage to enjoy longer conversations with Elizabeth though he followed her about the room like a lost pup. It was a sweet tale, and though Lady C and Miss B were equally irritating, ODC pledged their love right as the curtain was about to close.
Read
August 25, 2024A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Jane and Bingley meet and become engaged when she is visiting the Gardeners in London.
Instead of Georgiana eloping with Wickham, she was kidnapped and recovered a day later. Instead of being arrogant, Darcy sees the younger Bennet girls as objects of his compassion and tries to gently encourage them to better behaviour. The only spanner in the works is Caroline Bingley's increasingly desperate attempts to get Dacry to propose.
Instead of Georgiana eloping with Wickham, she was kidnapped and recovered a day later. Instead of being arrogant, Darcy sees the younger Bennet girls as objects of his compassion and tries to gently encourage them to better behaviour. The only spanner in the works is Caroline Bingley's increasingly desperate attempts to get Dacry to propose.
January 6, 2025
Taking Action
Watching Darcy actively taking part in those early scenes when he met Elizabeth and her sisters was interesting. Noting a combination of his actions and inner thoughts associated with them really made sense. It was also a fun way to see the story progress so quickly. It is to note that timely communication given with the intent of assisting others can be extremely beneficial. Loved it!
Watching Darcy actively taking part in those early scenes when he met Elizabeth and her sisters was interesting. Noting a combination of his actions and inner thoughts associated with them really made sense. It was also a fun way to see the story progress so quickly. It is to note that timely communication given with the intent of assisting others can be extremely beneficial. Loved it!
January 8, 2025
This is a low angst, clean, quick read taste of P&P. It is easily read in one sitting and was enjoyable. I liked this Darcy. He didn't just judge the family as unsuitable but kindly helped the younger sisters to see the error of their ways. And Elizabeth didn't have Wickham's influence to mar her feelings about Darcy. It was all very sweet. The conflict came from Caroline and Lady C. I thank them for their interference. :)
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
August 8, 2021
A sweet novella
Bingley's father was still alive when Jane and Bingley met, and they are already engaged when Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire.There is no initial insult and Wickham has been dealt with earlier, so Darcy and Elizabeth get to know each other less argumentatively but Darcy still has doubts. I enjoyed this quick read.
Bingley's father was still alive when Jane and Bingley met, and they are already engaged when Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire.There is no initial insult and Wickham has been dealt with earlier, so Darcy and Elizabeth get to know each other less argumentatively but Darcy still has doubts. I enjoyed this quick read.
February 25, 2022
Darcy the big brother
I loved the idea of Darcy quietly protecting Elizabeth's younger sisters by acting as a big brother might. Quietly influencing them to control themselves and teaching them how to know if a suitors intentions are honorable. I would love a sequel featuring Caroline. 😉
I loved the idea of Darcy quietly protecting Elizabeth's younger sisters by acting as a big brother might. Quietly influencing them to control themselves and teaching them how to know if a suitors intentions are honorable. I would love a sequel featuring Caroline. 😉
March 20, 2022
Interesting, captivated, well written
Darcy is more outgoing in this book. I loved how Darcy used his life experience to help the younger bennets. I enjoyed how Elizabeth guarded her heart, but was not too stand offish. I really enjoyed how Bingley stood his ground. Well written, easily read, interesting, and keeps you wanting to turn the page. Recommended for anyone to read.
Darcy is more outgoing in this book. I loved how Darcy used his life experience to help the younger bennets. I enjoyed how Elizabeth guarded her heart, but was not too stand offish. I really enjoyed how Bingley stood his ground. Well written, easily read, interesting, and keeps you wanting to turn the page. Recommended for anyone to read.
August 10, 2021
A short story in which Darcy arrives at Hertfordshire after Bingley has been engaged to Jane for over a year and is just out of mourning for his father.
Obviously, there was the D&E misunderstanding, but things start to shift when Darcy takes a compassionate interest in the 2 younger girls and tries to open their eyes to bad results if continuing current behavior.
Caroline is as she ever is, but even more so for a short story. Hurst gets some great lines. Lady C shows up for her moment.
I enjoyed this quick read.
Obviously, there was the D&E misunderstanding, but things start to shift when Darcy takes a compassionate interest in the 2 younger girls and tries to open their eyes to bad results if continuing current behavior.
Caroline is as she ever is, but even more so for a short story. Hurst gets some great lines. Lady C shows up for her moment.
I enjoyed this quick read.
January 19, 2022
I !like all of these
Just a nice interesting variation on the Austin marvelous creative intriguing characters and another peak into their lives. I am there in the rooms,in their clothing,laughing,weeping,loving family friends and their handsome suitors.
Just a nice interesting variation on the Austin marvelous creative intriguing characters and another peak into their lives. I am there in the rooms,in their clothing,laughing,weeping,loving family friends and their handsome suitors.
October 15, 2023
Nice
- Sweet and angst-free.
- Caroline is conniving, and Lady Catherine is brazen.
- No Collins or Wickham, although the latter is mentioned at the story's beginning.
- I liked Darcy taking the time to help the younger girls.
- Sweet and angst-free.
- Caroline is conniving, and Lady Catherine is brazen.
- No Collins or Wickham, although the latter is mentioned at the story's beginning.
- I liked Darcy taking the time to help the younger girls.
November 5, 2024
Enjoyable read
Believably rearranged circumstances made for an engaging story. Dynamics between Bingley, Darcy, and Jane are more to my liking, as are Darcy’s thoughtful interactions with the younger sisters. ODC reach an understanding at a satisfying point. Good work!
Believably rearranged circumstances made for an engaging story. Dynamics between Bingley, Darcy, and Jane are more to my liking, as are Darcy’s thoughtful interactions with the younger sisters. ODC reach an understanding at a satisfying point. Good work!
December 17, 2021
Delightful
Another absolutely lovely and rather sweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Zoe Burton.
Another absolutely lovely and rather sweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Zoe Burton.
December 11, 2024
In which Jane and Bingley meet and become engaged when she is visiting the Gardiners in London. Darcy, possibly with his sister in mind, is much more engaged with Elizabeth's younger sisters.
May 1, 2026
Lovely story.
June 24, 2024
(Novella) Lizzy is drawn to her future brother-in-law's friend, but he seems to dislike her family. He takes upon himself to help impact Lydia and Kitty's behavior and they listen.
February 22, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this book a lot. Bingley and Jane got engaged early, but the death of Bingley's father meant he was gone for a year. Bingley, his family and Darcy go to Netherfield a year early, but Bingley is already engaged. Miss Bingley is horrible and keeps insisting that Bingley jilt Jane, which of course he refuses to do. Darcy and Hurst support him in this, trying to explain to Miss Bingley that since the settlement papers have been signed, if he were to do that, the Bennets could sue and not only would it cost Bingley a significant amount of money, the scandal would be horrible and redound on all of them.
Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, but convinces himself he cannot marry her, for all the usual reasons. However, he has conversations with the sisters at various times. He is concerned about Lydia and Kitty, and in several conversations, reminds them that not all gentlemen behave with honor, and tells them of Georgiana's kidnapping earlier in the year, which had changed her personality drastically from the fright. I would have liked to see more attention to that situation and learn what exactly happened. It seemed like something that was only partially there when needed and ignored the rest of the time.
Miss Bingley gets worried about Darcy's friendliness to the Bennets and how he looks at Elizabeth often, so she writes a letter to Lady Catherine in an attempt to separate Darcy from Elizabeth, which only serves to separate Darcy from his aunt.
The frustrated Miss Bingley's feeble attempt to compromise Darcy in the stables was somewhat hilarious, but I would have liked to see her have more of a set-down over it, as she certainly deserved it.
However, it was sweet to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Elizabeth. From both the compromise attempt and his aunt's nasty behavior, he finally realizes that his only choice is to marry Elizabeth.
I highly recommend this book, in spite of my little complaints, the romance was lovely.
Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, but convinces himself he cannot marry her, for all the usual reasons. However, he has conversations with the sisters at various times. He is concerned about Lydia and Kitty, and in several conversations, reminds them that not all gentlemen behave with honor, and tells them of Georgiana's kidnapping earlier in the year, which had changed her personality drastically from the fright. I would have liked to see more attention to that situation and learn what exactly happened. It seemed like something that was only partially there when needed and ignored the rest of the time.
Miss Bingley gets worried about Darcy's friendliness to the Bennets and how he looks at Elizabeth often, so she writes a letter to Lady Catherine in an attempt to separate Darcy from Elizabeth, which only serves to separate Darcy from his aunt.
The frustrated Miss Bingley's feeble attempt to compromise Darcy in the stables was somewhat hilarious, but I would have liked to see her have more of a set-down over it, as she certainly deserved it.
However, it was sweet to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Elizabeth. From both the compromise attempt and his aunt's nasty behavior, he finally realizes that his only choice is to marry Elizabeth.
I highly recommend this book, in spite of my little complaints, the romance was lovely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews