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Enduring Connexions
I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest— William Shakespeare
WHEN FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS BETRAYED by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.
FOUR YEARS LATER, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
ALAS, JUST AS DARCY BEGINS TO ALLOW the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed.
WHEN FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS BETRAYED by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.
FOUR YEARS LATER, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
ALAS, JUST AS DARCY BEGINS TO ALLOW the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed.
- GenresRomanceHistoricalRegency
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2023
133 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
J. Marie Croft
15 books36 followersJ. Marie Croft (Joanne) is a life-long resident of Nova Scotia, Canada, but spends a lot of time in Regency England with Jane Austen's beloved characters. She has written a dozen Austenesque stories: three novels, three novellas, and six short stories for anthologies. Joanne shares with her husband a love of their adult twin daughters, a spoiled calico cat, the great outdoors, geocaching, and British crime dramas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 9, 2023
I have read and enjoyed most of this author's stories.
The story description tells us that Darcy's has his heart broken at age 24 and swears off the concept of love forever more. Wickham is involved early in this story but then we hear little about him after his initial contribution to ruining Darcy's life...and another life.
Four years later Darcy meets Elizabeth and much of the story has him going over the list of advice his father gave him about choosing a suitable women to be his wife. There is much verbal interaction, some teasing, between the two and Darcy finds himself losing his battle to abstain from "love". As in canon Elizabeth is surprised when Darcy indicates his attraction to her...he still has not used the "love" word.
There are some unique surprises in this story. Ironically both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet play different roles in this story than in canon. Bingley, also, has a different part and it is not with Jane that we read about his romance. There are a number of new characters and I am not going to introduce you to them here. To do so would require spoiling certain aspects of the story.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it.
The story description tells us that Darcy's has his heart broken at age 24 and swears off the concept of love forever more. Wickham is involved early in this story but then we hear little about him after his initial contribution to ruining Darcy's life...and another life.
Four years later Darcy meets Elizabeth and much of the story has him going over the list of advice his father gave him about choosing a suitable women to be his wife. There is much verbal interaction, some teasing, between the two and Darcy finds himself losing his battle to abstain from "love". As in canon Elizabeth is surprised when Darcy indicates his attraction to her...he still has not used the "love" word.
There are some unique surprises in this story. Ironically both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet play different roles in this story than in canon. Bingley, also, has a different part and it is not with Jane that we read about his romance. There are a number of new characters and I am not going to introduce you to them here. To do so would require spoiling certain aspects of the story.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it.
February 21, 2023
"One day, perhaps on her deathbed, she might feel a whisper of guilt over the decisions she had made and the lies she was about to tell." (quote from the book)
With a light and deft hand, Ms. Croft has written a wonderful variation that held me in its grip providing many hours of delightful entertainment. I have never seen this unique premise before, and it was so well executed providing consternation and laughter along with some very dramatic moments. For lies and betrayals lay at the heart of it.
"He envied the grassy ground she floated upon and the pure air she breathed. All was blue, gold, pink, and green that morn, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers...Miss Amesbury left fragrant, subtle traces of water lilies in her wake. Darcy's blood surged with desire." (quote from the book)
This story starts in 1807 four months after Mr. Darcy is out of mourning for his father. He attends a house party with Lord and Lady Matlock, their two sons and one daughter along with Mr. Wickham. The house party is held in honour of Miss Amesbury's eighteenth birthday. When he sets eyes on 'Her', he is smitten but is soon dramatically betrayed. This betrayal is the foundation for the walls around Mr. Darcy's heart. Walls that a lively lady with fine eyes unknowingly chips away at while he attends a house party as the guest of Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park four years later. Be prepared for some intriguing old and new characters that play an interesting role at the beginning of this tale sending it down a different path. Oh my what scenes ensue at the Netherfield ball along with a lost slipper and a lost soul.
"One shy smile from her, and he was drawn to the siren's call, lured like any unwary sailor to the rocks. What else could come of an alliance with the Bennets but a shipwreck." (quote from the book)
Ah yes, a shipwreck indeed. For when Mr. Darcy sees Jane Bennet for the first time, he is left floundering and quickly back paddling. How is this even possible! But the lure of Elizabeth Bennet is impossible to deny and their journey to each other is greatly impacted by a long ago connexion.
I highly recommend this unique variation greatly showing the story not telling. The dialogue was superb and the banter lively. I loved it!
I had been provided a copy of this by Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review...but I loved the cover so much, I bought the paperback!
With a light and deft hand, Ms. Croft has written a wonderful variation that held me in its grip providing many hours of delightful entertainment. I have never seen this unique premise before, and it was so well executed providing consternation and laughter along with some very dramatic moments. For lies and betrayals lay at the heart of it.
"He envied the grassy ground she floated upon and the pure air she breathed. All was blue, gold, pink, and green that morn, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers...Miss Amesbury left fragrant, subtle traces of water lilies in her wake. Darcy's blood surged with desire." (quote from the book)
This story starts in 1807 four months after Mr. Darcy is out of mourning for his father. He attends a house party with Lord and Lady Matlock, their two sons and one daughter along with Mr. Wickham. The house party is held in honour of Miss Amesbury's eighteenth birthday. When he sets eyes on 'Her', he is smitten but is soon dramatically betrayed. This betrayal is the foundation for the walls around Mr. Darcy's heart. Walls that a lively lady with fine eyes unknowingly chips away at while he attends a house party as the guest of Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park four years later. Be prepared for some intriguing old and new characters that play an interesting role at the beginning of this tale sending it down a different path. Oh my what scenes ensue at the Netherfield ball along with a lost slipper and a lost soul.
"One shy smile from her, and he was drawn to the siren's call, lured like any unwary sailor to the rocks. What else could come of an alliance with the Bennets but a shipwreck." (quote from the book)
Ah yes, a shipwreck indeed. For when Mr. Darcy sees Jane Bennet for the first time, he is left floundering and quickly back paddling. How is this even possible! But the lure of Elizabeth Bennet is impossible to deny and their journey to each other is greatly impacted by a long ago connexion.
I highly recommend this unique variation greatly showing the story not telling. The dialogue was superb and the banter lively. I loved it!
I had been provided a copy of this by Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review...but I loved the cover so much, I bought the paperback!
February 5, 2023
This book had an original premise, a lot of great new characters and a gorgeous cover. It was interesting to see how a betrayal earlier in life still affected Darcy in the following years. However, once he made up his mind, Darcy was steadfast and determined in his regard for Lizzy. She seemed to waffle more, and acted uncertain, which required a third proposal. Other notable differences from canon were Jane’s storyline (which was practically nonexistent), Mrs. Bennet’s protective nature (which emerged thanks in part to Mr. Bennet) and the usual ladies ruined by Wickham (which numbered more than one, to different degrees). I struggled a bit with the writing style. There were many modern phrases that seemed out of place and the story did not always flow easily for me.
3.5 stars.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave this review.
3.5 stars.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave this review.
February 25, 2023
Six Sisters
An attention grabbing beginning sets off a very different premise for Darcy and the Bennet family. As a young 24-year-old, Darcy feels betrayed when he is about to propose marriage to an 18-year old Miss Amesbury, and finds her with another man—and then she eventually marries yet another! Be glad you escaped that mess, Mr. Darcy! He thought he was in love. His feelings and pride were deeply hurt and vowed to never love again—until he met Elizabeth, of course. He even makes a list of requirements for a future wife!
Four years later, he finds himself at Netherfield with Bingley and additional houseguests different from canon. He will insult Elizabeth, but not in the usual way, and she will also be influenced by Wickham. There are several new non-canon characters in this book, some of good character and others not so much. Bingley has interest in one of them, but his eye can’t help but notice Jane’s beauty. His storyline is different, but his part of the plot finishes without a clear ending, in my opinion. I kept expecting to read what ultimately happens to him, at least in the epilogue, but nada, so I didn’t feel quite satisfied there. That just went nowhere. Jane is barely a part of this story.
There was much I liked about this book. I enjoyed the banter and teasing dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy. The author wrote some very nice pieces of prose within the story as well. Once Darcy realises he can’t deny his love for Elizabeth any longer, I thought he was quite good at wooing her, despite his personal challenges that return to haunt him when Miss Amesbury, now the widowed Mrs. Maguire, enters the picture again, and thus also providing a major twist in the book regarding Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth is also trying to reconcile her past prejudices against Darcy with the man she begins to know better and supported by the opinions of his friends and servants.
Notwithstanding her innocence in the circumstances of her upbringing, I couldn’t like the character of Mrs. Maguire. Once she goes to Longbourn, I began to give her some sympathy and the benefit of the doubt, but her coming on to Darcy knowing of his affection for Elizabeth and hers for him, showed me her truest character. Darcy calls her out on this and is ever faithful to his Elizabeth.
Loved the nickname Hurst calls Caroline! I laughed out loud at that.
The writing is good, but there were some instances where I was left a little confused and had to go back and reread for clarity. I’m not certain I found it. That said, it’s still a very good story I recommend, and look forward to Ms. Croft’s next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An attention grabbing beginning sets off a very different premise for Darcy and the Bennet family. As a young 24-year-old, Darcy feels betrayed when he is about to propose marriage to an 18-year old Miss Amesbury, and finds her with another man—and then she eventually marries yet another! Be glad you escaped that mess, Mr. Darcy! He thought he was in love. His feelings and pride were deeply hurt and vowed to never love again—until he met Elizabeth, of course. He even makes a list of requirements for a future wife!
Four years later, he finds himself at Netherfield with Bingley and additional houseguests different from canon. He will insult Elizabeth, but not in the usual way, and she will also be influenced by Wickham. There are several new non-canon characters in this book, some of good character and others not so much. Bingley has interest in one of them, but his eye can’t help but notice Jane’s beauty. His storyline is different, but his part of the plot finishes without a clear ending, in my opinion. I kept expecting to read what ultimately happens to him, at least in the epilogue, but nada, so I didn’t feel quite satisfied there. That just went nowhere. Jane is barely a part of this story.
There was much I liked about this book. I enjoyed the banter and teasing dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy. The author wrote some very nice pieces of prose within the story as well. Once Darcy realises he can’t deny his love for Elizabeth any longer, I thought he was quite good at wooing her, despite his personal challenges that return to haunt him when Miss Amesbury, now the widowed Mrs. Maguire, enters the picture again, and thus also providing a major twist in the book regarding Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth is also trying to reconcile her past prejudices against Darcy with the man she begins to know better and supported by the opinions of his friends and servants.
Notwithstanding her innocence in the circumstances of her upbringing, I couldn’t like the character of Mrs. Maguire. Once she goes to Longbourn, I began to give her some sympathy and the benefit of the doubt, but her coming on to Darcy knowing of his affection for Elizabeth and hers for him, showed me her truest character. Darcy calls her out on this and is ever faithful to his Elizabeth.
Loved the nickname Hurst calls Caroline! I laughed out loud at that.
The writing is good, but there were some instances where I was left a little confused and had to go back and reread for clarity. I’m not certain I found it. That said, it’s still a very good story I recommend, and look forward to Ms. Croft’s next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
She jilted him with a jolt that knocked his heart out of his mouth. ~ Rupert Hughes
A Tale of Betrayal — two betrayals, in fact.
Shortly out of mourning for his father, young Fitzwilliam Darcy falls hard for a girl he met at a house party. She leaves him with no backward glance for a man with a higher social position.
A similar tale is revealed from the distant past.
Who is the woman who so strongly resembles Jane Bennet?
Is it possible the women cannot be related?
What connexion can be hidden?
And, most important of all: can Darcy love a sister who reminds him of his betrayal?
Nothing remains but the bare, gray ashes from the once bright fires of love. ~ James Lendall Basford
A Tale of Betrayal — two betrayals, in fact.
Shortly out of mourning for his father, young Fitzwilliam Darcy falls hard for a girl he met at a house party. She leaves him with no backward glance for a man with a higher social position.
A similar tale is revealed from the distant past.
Who is the woman who so strongly resembles Jane Bennet?
Is it possible the women cannot be related?
What connexion can be hidden?
And, most important of all: can Darcy love a sister who reminds him of his betrayal?
Nothing remains but the bare, gray ashes from the once bright fires of love. ~ James Lendall Basford
March 8, 2023
a complicated tale of interconnected connections
Somewhat a difficult read. There are many new characters to keep track of. The new characters don’t always have their own voice so I started over and kept track of the genealogy of each and how they interacted with other characters.
As usual, in the beginning Darcy is arrogant and hard to enjoy being with him. But as Darcy begins his journey of love for Lizzie we must remember everyone is allowed to make poor decisions when in new love but he seems to make a career of it. Until almost the very end of the story Lizzie and most of her family and connections are alway judging him, which will make a man very nervous.
So really this isn’t the Regency Era England. The story is about everyone ignoring he is one of the richest bachelors in England who has many powerful connections who would take deep umbrage if he was pushed to far. Pretty much a fairy tale.
Somewhat a difficult read. There are many new characters to keep track of. The new characters don’t always have their own voice so I started over and kept track of the genealogy of each and how they interacted with other characters.
As usual, in the beginning Darcy is arrogant and hard to enjoy being with him. But as Darcy begins his journey of love for Lizzie we must remember everyone is allowed to make poor decisions when in new love but he seems to make a career of it. Until almost the very end of the story Lizzie and most of her family and connections are alway judging him, which will make a man very nervous.
So really this isn’t the Regency Era England. The story is about everyone ignoring he is one of the richest bachelors in England who has many powerful connections who would take deep umbrage if he was pushed to far. Pretty much a fairy tale.
April 21, 2023
This is a story at is at the same times rushed and draggy
We have a multi-generational scandal where mother and daughter prove to be of low morals and the Bennet and Darcy families.
ODC are almost constantly at odds and thinking the worst of the other its really petty
We have a multi-generational scandal where mother and daughter prove to be of low morals and the Bennet and Darcy families.
ODC are almost constantly at odds and thinking the worst of the other its really petty
July 7, 2025
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
At three and twenty, Fitzwilliam Darcy fell in love with Miss Amesbury. Unfortunately, she betrayed him with his enemy, George Wickham.
He vows to protect his heart from any unworthy woman.
He collects advice, from those he trusts, on which qualities will make the perfect Mrs Darcy.
Unsurprisingly, such a woman is hard to find.
Four years later, he meets Elizabeth Bennet. She is beautiful, intelligent, witty and completely unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.
However, the heart wants, what the heart wants.
Darcy courts Elizabeth but their budding romance is threatened when Darcy’s lost inamorata, reappears with a scandalous connection to the Bennet family.
This is an interesting variation. A different cast of characters at Netherfield Park, allows events to play out differently.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet again at a wedding in Derbyshire. The absence of the usual obstructive characters makes a pleasing change.
Happy to recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
At three and twenty, Fitzwilliam Darcy fell in love with Miss Amesbury. Unfortunately, she betrayed him with his enemy, George Wickham.
He vows to protect his heart from any unworthy woman.
He collects advice, from those he trusts, on which qualities will make the perfect Mrs Darcy.
Unsurprisingly, such a woman is hard to find.
Four years later, he meets Elizabeth Bennet. She is beautiful, intelligent, witty and completely unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.
However, the heart wants, what the heart wants.
Darcy courts Elizabeth but their budding romance is threatened when Darcy’s lost inamorata, reappears with a scandalous connection to the Bennet family.
This is an interesting variation. A different cast of characters at Netherfield Park, allows events to play out differently.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet again at a wedding in Derbyshire. The absence of the usual obstructive characters makes a pleasing change.
Happy to recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2023
A serious story of betrayals, mistrust, rakes, duty and ardent love generously injected with humour. Though the asides by Darcy and Elizabeth, did reduce the gravity of the story, it was not totally unwelcome.
June 21, 2023
5* I know I’ll reread this
A duel perspective story, both ODC’s viewpoints. Darcy arrives at Netherfield with an even bigger ax to grind with the female half of the human race, but is still looking for a wife…who must meet an impossible list of accomplishments and virtues he has accumulated for four years.
Elizabeth gets insulted even before the Meryton assembly and again there too. But she keeps running into this Darcy creature and gets glimpses now and again of a man being not such an arrogant backside. She’s being ‘creepily wooed’ by a new member of the Netherfield party. Which she figures out early on, thankfully. She pegs the snake Wickham right away too, which was a nice surprise.
Interesting new side stories involving the Netherfield party aside, the main characters are Darcy and Elizabeth, the side characters adding humor and frustration to the off-canon work.
The DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal) becomes the disastrous Netherfield Ball proposal. Our dear boy doesn’t know when to shut up! Oh, boy. The more uptight they are the harder they fall.
Now the action switches to Darbyshire, where Elizabeth joins her Aunt and cousin, on the Bennet side, to attend her cousin’s wedding to a young woman Elizabeth met and became friends with a year ago. This isn’t an ‘Elizabeth isn’t a Bennet,’ but Elizabeth’s aunt married a wealthy man which made her life easy enough to travel and indulge her goddaughter Elizabeth occasionally. The new friend just happens to know Mr Darcy from childhood AND the woman who deceived him causing that above mentioned ax grinding attitude. Yes, ODC meet again. Big surprise. But things go better. Yet you know nothing about a really good yarn goes smoothly in the romance department. They’re all in for a big surprise. Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth are perfect here, which is good. He’s slowly making progress, with her, and himself, and then pulls a doofus step back. I felt for him and his lack of confidence there. Elizabeth really knocked him off his self-imposed pedestal of resolve when he gave into his feelings for her. And he talks himself back. You gotta love that.
I liked the way Elizabeth (after she has a well-earned cry into her pillow) thinks through everything going on around her including the bad ‘man information/advice’ coming from multiple sources, and all the things she knows about Darcy and bases her resolve on the good things.
Like Elizabeth, the writing is intelligent and witty. There isn’t any deep dark angst. It’s a comedic drama. There were a couple of storylines left unresolved I’d say would make a good sequel if the author chose.
Highly recommended.
A duel perspective story, both ODC’s viewpoints. Darcy arrives at Netherfield with an even bigger ax to grind with the female half of the human race, but is still looking for a wife…who must meet an impossible list of accomplishments and virtues he has accumulated for four years.
Elizabeth gets insulted even before the Meryton assembly and again there too. But she keeps running into this Darcy creature and gets glimpses now and again of a man being not such an arrogant backside. She’s being ‘creepily wooed’ by a new member of the Netherfield party. Which she figures out early on, thankfully. She pegs the snake Wickham right away too, which was a nice surprise.
Interesting new side stories involving the Netherfield party aside, the main characters are Darcy and Elizabeth, the side characters adding humor and frustration to the off-canon work.
The DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal) becomes the disastrous Netherfield Ball proposal. Our dear boy doesn’t know when to shut up! Oh, boy. The more uptight they are the harder they fall.
Now the action switches to Darbyshire, where Elizabeth joins her Aunt and cousin, on the Bennet side, to attend her cousin’s wedding to a young woman Elizabeth met and became friends with a year ago. This isn’t an ‘Elizabeth isn’t a Bennet,’ but Elizabeth’s aunt married a wealthy man which made her life easy enough to travel and indulge her goddaughter Elizabeth occasionally. The new friend just happens to know Mr Darcy from childhood AND the woman who deceived him causing that above mentioned ax grinding attitude. Yes, ODC meet again. Big surprise. But things go better. Yet you know nothing about a really good yarn goes smoothly in the romance department. They’re all in for a big surprise. Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth are perfect here, which is good. He’s slowly making progress, with her, and himself, and then pulls a doofus step back. I felt for him and his lack of confidence there. Elizabeth really knocked him off his self-imposed pedestal of resolve when he gave into his feelings for her. And he talks himself back. You gotta love that.
I liked the way Elizabeth (after she has a well-earned cry into her pillow) thinks through everything going on around her including the bad ‘man information/advice’ coming from multiple sources, and all the things she knows about Darcy and bases her resolve on the good things.
Like Elizabeth, the writing is intelligent and witty. There isn’t any deep dark angst. It’s a comedic drama. There were a couple of storylines left unresolved I’d say would make a good sequel if the author chose.
Highly recommended.
March 6, 2023
IMO, Ms. Croft is an incredibly versatile, top tier JAFF author. She proves it again in this marvelous variation, starting with the book's clever title. "Enduring" has two definitions: the adjective means long-lasting, while the verb means to patiently bear troubling circumstances. Both definitions apply equally here.
There's a Prologue describing how a young gentlewoman (who is obviously pregnant) callously dumps her betrothed, a young gentleman, when presented with the opportunity to wed a peer instead. She has no real feelings for either of them. No names are provided, and Ms. Croft keeps the reader wondering who they are/were as well as the reason this scene is relevant until way into the book.
Chapter One introduces Fitzwilliam Darcy a bit earlier than in canon, at twenty-four years old. He's attending a house party not long after the end of the mourning period for his father. An eighteen-year-old making her come-out, Miss Amesbury, instantly charms him. Just before the end of his stay, Darcy decides to propose marriage despite warnings from his uncle and cousin. When he follows his love to a folly on the property to make his offer, he finds her in an extremely compromising position with Mr. Wickham. Heartbroken and mortified, he determines never to be so trusting of a woman again.
We fast-forward a few years, when Darcy accompanies Bingley and the rest of the Bingley family to Netherfield. Older and wiser, Darcy has spent the past four years compiling a list of attributes he should look for in a wife based on advice from relations, his readings on the subject, and his own preferences. He's still full of pride and prejudice against those not of his social sphere, but now he's got this whole trust issue with women going on.
He cannot deny the attraction he feels toward Elizabeth Bennet despite his personal misgivings and the fact that she does not meet many of his criteria. And then there is her family - how could he endure such lowly, poorly mannered connections?
But the Bennets suddenly have a doozy of a family crisis to face, and it is not something that can be changed. Mrs. Bennet's nerves finally have legitimate cause to be unhinged. The situation makes Elizabeth and Darcy's romance that much harder.
This is excellent quality writing with interesting- but credible- alterations. (For example, Mr. Bingley is a notorious flirt, and Jane is not in love with him. Lydia is on the road to ruin long before Brighton.) All characters feel real, and the angst is based on believable circumstances. Elizabeth and Darcy engage in wonderful banter and have steamy chemistry together.
Highly recommend!
Content is suggestive but clean.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's a Prologue describing how a young gentlewoman (who is obviously pregnant) callously dumps her betrothed, a young gentleman, when presented with the opportunity to wed a peer instead. She has no real feelings for either of them. No names are provided, and Ms. Croft keeps the reader wondering who they are/were as well as the reason this scene is relevant until way into the book.
Chapter One introduces Fitzwilliam Darcy a bit earlier than in canon, at twenty-four years old. He's attending a house party not long after the end of the mourning period for his father. An eighteen-year-old making her come-out, Miss Amesbury, instantly charms him. Just before the end of his stay, Darcy decides to propose marriage despite warnings from his uncle and cousin. When he follows his love to a folly on the property to make his offer, he finds her in an extremely compromising position with Mr. Wickham. Heartbroken and mortified, he determines never to be so trusting of a woman again.
We fast-forward a few years, when Darcy accompanies Bingley and the rest of the Bingley family to Netherfield. Older and wiser, Darcy has spent the past four years compiling a list of attributes he should look for in a wife based on advice from relations, his readings on the subject, and his own preferences. He's still full of pride and prejudice against those not of his social sphere, but now he's got this whole trust issue with women going on.
He cannot deny the attraction he feels toward Elizabeth Bennet despite his personal misgivings and the fact that she does not meet many of his criteria. And then there is her family - how could he endure such lowly, poorly mannered connections?
But the Bennets suddenly have a doozy of a family crisis to face, and it is not something that can be changed. Mrs. Bennet's nerves finally have legitimate cause to be unhinged. The situation makes Elizabeth and Darcy's romance that much harder.
This is excellent quality writing with interesting- but credible- alterations. (For example, Mr. Bingley is a notorious flirt, and Jane is not in love with him. Lydia is on the road to ruin long before Brighton.) All characters feel real, and the angst is based on believable circumstances. Elizabeth and Darcy engage in wonderful banter and have steamy chemistry together.
Highly recommend!
Content is suggestive but clean.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
A delight to read
This book is quite charming; a perfect balance between wit and drama with just enough angst to keep the pages turning almost by themselves. The story just flows beautifully.
The use of language is excellent and the prose and the dialogue are rich with descriptive text drawing the reader in to the hopes and fears of the characters. There are a number of well-rounded new characters as well as many of the original Austen characters. I thought the use of the Bingleys to create some misunderstandings was inspired.
This book portrays Darcy and Elizabeth in a way which I believe Austen herself would recognise and appreciate, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of the genre as well as to those who have never explored the world of Austenesque writing - you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is quite charming; a perfect balance between wit and drama with just enough angst to keep the pages turning almost by themselves. The story just flows beautifully.
The use of language is excellent and the prose and the dialogue are rich with descriptive text drawing the reader in to the hopes and fears of the characters. There are a number of well-rounded new characters as well as many of the original Austen characters. I thought the use of the Bingleys to create some misunderstandings was inspired.
This book portrays Darcy and Elizabeth in a way which I believe Austen herself would recognise and appreciate, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of the genre as well as to those who have never explored the world of Austenesque writing - you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
Great story, great writing, great cover
This is simply an incredible story told in beautiful words. This is one of those books that unfolds in my mind like I'm watching a movie.
At a house party, Fitzwilliam Darcy is enthralled by a beauty known as Miss Amesbury. As he daily falls deeper in love, she seems to enjoy his attentions and encourage his suit. He is ready to propose when he discovers something that shatters his heart.
Four years later, with his heart firmly locked away, he attends an assembly in Meryton and meets the Bennets. He is astonished by the resemblance of one of the Bennet daughters to his first love.
92
This is simply an incredible story told in beautiful words. This is one of those books that unfolds in my mind like I'm watching a movie.
At a house party, Fitzwilliam Darcy is enthralled by a beauty known as Miss Amesbury. As he daily falls deeper in love, she seems to enjoy his attentions and encourage his suit. He is ready to propose when he discovers something that shatters his heart.
Four years later, with his heart firmly locked away, he attends an assembly in Meryton and meets the Bennets. He is astonished by the resemblance of one of the Bennet daughters to his first love.
92
February 3, 2023
A past betrayal may destroy the hope for future felicity.
I really liked this Darcy and Elizabeth. Despite their misunderstandings/lack of good communication, they had excellent chemistry!
Poor Darcy, as a young man his first crush went very badly for him and due to Wickham no less.
On meeting Elizabeth, the struggle was real. Every fiber of him wanted to love her, but his old resolve kept trying to get in the way.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the young woman who made a big mistake so young. Deprived of healthy, loving relationships she looked for it in the cheapest most naive ways and paid for it. She was interesting and very human- a good person, but had her foibles. She finally learned more about herself and was able to take a healthy step forward. For an entirely new character the author made her fit well into canon characters without going overboard on the drama.
A couple of other new characters fill out the cast, including Bennet cousins. It both balanced out the story and allowed for some plot to take place at a completely different area.
Mr. Bennet got the shock of his life. So many people lives affected in both short and long term due to one woman's greed and avarice.
On the other hand where would Darcy be without Elizabeth having been born!
Took me about half the book to get in to this, there was something about the writing style made it difficult to understand easily. I found the second half to flow much better as it cut back on all the overly done eclectic dialog.
I felt there were some plot left open, I'd have liked a little more resolution to all the side characters, like Jane for example.
3.5*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this Darcy and Elizabeth. Despite their misunderstandings/lack of good communication, they had excellent chemistry!
Poor Darcy, as a young man his first crush went very badly for him and due to Wickham no less.
On meeting Elizabeth, the struggle was real. Every fiber of him wanted to love her, but his old resolve kept trying to get in the way.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the young woman who made a big mistake so young. Deprived of healthy, loving relationships she looked for it in the cheapest most naive ways and paid for it. She was interesting and very human- a good person, but had her foibles. She finally learned more about herself and was able to take a healthy step forward. For an entirely new character the author made her fit well into canon characters without going overboard on the drama.
A couple of other new characters fill out the cast, including Bennet cousins. It both balanced out the story and allowed for some plot to take place at a completely different area.
Mr. Bennet got the shock of his life. So many people lives affected in both short and long term due to one woman's greed and avarice.
On the other hand where would Darcy be without Elizabeth having been born!
Took me about half the book to get in to this, there was something about the writing style made it difficult to understand easily. I found the second half to flow much better as it cut back on all the overly done eclectic dialog.
I felt there were some plot left open, I'd have liked a little more resolution to all the side characters, like Jane for example.
3.5*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2023
Cannot recommend
Pride & Prejudice, except everyone is an unlikable jerk. Why?
On the bright side, the grammar and punctuation are flawless. But the story is not well thought out, the dialogue is clumsy and jarringly anachronistic, and my favorite characters are behaving in ways I wouldn't tolerate in company in 2023, let alone Regency England. Darcy in particular comes off as not awkward, as the author seems to intend, but a really inappropriate, vulgar, inconsiderate creep. And Bingley is as bad as Wickham. Again, why?
At the 80% mark, when Darcy's ex (!!), who shows up at Longbourn as part of a distasteful plot twist, started bringing up their ill-fated courtship in conversation in front of Lizzy (!!!), I noped out. And I'm not even going to get into the many frank discussions of adultery that happen between passing acquaintances in polite company. I understand from the many positive reviews that this book is supposed to be funny or cute, but it definitely wasn't for me.
To be clear, I don't have a problem with departures from canon -- but they need to be believable, and they need to have a reason. This was more like a reality TV show where everyone is told to just be as awful as possible. And I read JAFF to escape that world.
Pride & Prejudice, except everyone is an unlikable jerk. Why?
On the bright side, the grammar and punctuation are flawless. But the story is not well thought out, the dialogue is clumsy and jarringly anachronistic, and my favorite characters are behaving in ways I wouldn't tolerate in company in 2023, let alone Regency England. Darcy in particular comes off as not awkward, as the author seems to intend, but a really inappropriate, vulgar, inconsiderate creep. And Bingley is as bad as Wickham. Again, why?
At the 80% mark, when Darcy's ex (!!), who shows up at Longbourn as part of a distasteful plot twist, started bringing up their ill-fated courtship in conversation in front of Lizzy (!!!), I noped out. And I'm not even going to get into the many frank discussions of adultery that happen between passing acquaintances in polite company. I understand from the many positive reviews that this book is supposed to be funny or cute, but it definitely wasn't for me.
To be clear, I don't have a problem with departures from canon -- but they need to be believable, and they need to have a reason. This was more like a reality TV show where everyone is told to just be as awful as possible. And I read JAFF to escape that world.
February 15, 2023
💔 Enduring Connexions ❤️🩹
A Pride and Prejudice Variation
✒️ J. Marie Croft
https://www.facebook.com/quillsquartos
Release Date 03/06/2023
Publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing
➪ https://a.co/d/j3eQ1Ks
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest— William Shakespeare
WHEN FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS BETRAYED by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.
FOUR YEARS LATER, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
ALAS, JUST AS DARCY BEGINS TO ALLOW the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he ever stand for the poor impression he made first ….
Another new author to me, and what a delight.
Her writing style is very definite, droll and bright, with an uniqueness I found very refreshing even if I had to slow my reading to full enjoy the narrative at its fullest.
Mrs Croft delivers a witty clever revisit of the canon, with a Darcy and Lizzie I just loved to watch journeying toward the other despite their misgiving, mistakes and errors of communication.
To be able to have a look at Darcy’s thoughts when he argues with himself and Elizabeth’s inner comments was so entertaining.
Having been burned by the poets’ sentiment, Darcy is bordering on cynicism, pasting the deceit he faced on every too lovely misses crossing his path. So hurt by having been mislead and made a fool, Darcy retreated into his core, building a shell for his wounded pride and injured heart. He is now the embodiment of haughtiness, vanity and superciliousness with a n encyclopedia long list of requirements for his future Mrs Darcy.
Lizzie is close to her usual self, maybe a bit more a mother’s hen than her alter ego.
Thus from the moment they find them self in the vicinity of one another, they begin an intriguing if unconventional courtship as both Darcy and Lizzie stand at one edge of the emotional ladder, they both test and try their feelings, unsettled but adamant in denying their depths. Darcy soon finds himself innerly running wild, battling with every requirement he thinks he was right to demand and fighting his attraction to a woman he sees as unsuitable despite every positive attributes he must conceive. While Elizabeth is to address the rightness of her first impression of Mr Darcy, is it really the conceited fellow, rather chilly with those not from his party she paints him since she overheard his disparaging comment.
The new characters and altered pasts of known actors in this revisit make for a fascinating and engrossing read with a very passionate Darcy despite his will to repress himself his emotions and a Lizzie who is his perfect match, taking her time to assess his sentiments before altering her path.
My only tiny complain is just very personal, as I would have liked for an epilogue foraying farther in the future to learn a bit more about secondary characters like Jane, Colonel Fitzwilliam…
A delightful tale deserving 5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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A Pride and Prejudice Variation
✒️ J. Marie Croft
https://www.facebook.com/quillsquartos
Release Date 03/06/2023
Publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing
➪ https://a.co/d/j3eQ1Ks
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest— William Shakespeare
WHEN FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS BETRAYED by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.
FOUR YEARS LATER, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
ALAS, JUST AS DARCY BEGINS TO ALLOW the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he ever stand for the poor impression he made first ….
Another new author to me, and what a delight.
Her writing style is very definite, droll and bright, with an uniqueness I found very refreshing even if I had to slow my reading to full enjoy the narrative at its fullest.
Mrs Croft delivers a witty clever revisit of the canon, with a Darcy and Lizzie I just loved to watch journeying toward the other despite their misgiving, mistakes and errors of communication.
To be able to have a look at Darcy’s thoughts when he argues with himself and Elizabeth’s inner comments was so entertaining.
Having been burned by the poets’ sentiment, Darcy is bordering on cynicism, pasting the deceit he faced on every too lovely misses crossing his path. So hurt by having been mislead and made a fool, Darcy retreated into his core, building a shell for his wounded pride and injured heart. He is now the embodiment of haughtiness, vanity and superciliousness with a n encyclopedia long list of requirements for his future Mrs Darcy.
Lizzie is close to her usual self, maybe a bit more a mother’s hen than her alter ego.
Thus from the moment they find them self in the vicinity of one another, they begin an intriguing if unconventional courtship as both Darcy and Lizzie stand at one edge of the emotional ladder, they both test and try their feelings, unsettled but adamant in denying their depths. Darcy soon finds himself innerly running wild, battling with every requirement he thinks he was right to demand and fighting his attraction to a woman he sees as unsuitable despite every positive attributes he must conceive. While Elizabeth is to address the rightness of her first impression of Mr Darcy, is it really the conceited fellow, rather chilly with those not from his party she paints him since she overheard his disparaging comment.
The new characters and altered pasts of known actors in this revisit make for a fascinating and engrossing read with a very passionate Darcy despite his will to repress himself his emotions and a Lizzie who is his perfect match, taking her time to assess his sentiments before altering her path.
My only tiny complain is just very personal, as I would have liked for an epilogue foraying farther in the future to learn a bit more about secondary characters like Jane, Colonel Fitzwilliam…
A delightful tale deserving 5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cor1us...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
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March 9, 2023
SPOILERS IN REVIEW
Well written and edited. I’m glad to see this author tackle a full length novel. Her short story Play With Fire is one of my favorites.
I hesitated between four and five stars but what was bothering me was the way the author handled some of the plot. I decided since it’s her choice I gave it 5 stars. I’m still torn.
I didn’t like the Bingley subplot AT ALL. I especially didn’t like him marrying a woman who was pregnant by another man.
There’s a sort of epilogue of journal entries which didn’t give me information I wanted: especially what happened with Elizabeth’s sisters.
Well written and edited. I’m glad to see this author tackle a full length novel. Her short story Play With Fire is one of my favorites.
I hesitated between four and five stars but what was bothering me was the way the author handled some of the plot. I decided since it’s her choice I gave it 5 stars. I’m still torn.
I didn’t like the Bingley subplot AT ALL. I especially didn’t like him marrying a woman who was pregnant by another man.
There’s a sort of epilogue of journal entries which didn’t give me information I wanted: especially what happened with Elizabeth’s sisters.
August 1, 2023
Dark but delightful
A rather dark beginning that leads to delight in this charming variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by J. Marie Croft. I enjoyed it.
A rather dark beginning that leads to delight in this charming variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by J. Marie Croft. I enjoyed it.
December 2, 2023
Interesting
Some of the circumstances change and this has consequences that affect the characters in different ways. The portrayal of our beloved couple is lovely,if somehow bumpy.
Some of the circumstances change and this has consequences that affect the characters in different ways. The portrayal of our beloved couple is lovely,if somehow bumpy.
March 16, 2023
This has an interesting premise, with the betrayals and "natural" children. I enjoyed it and would have given it 4 stars if it had not been so repetitive in places and if the ending had not gone on so long. Mr. Darcy seems a bit out of character, and that's fine, just not my preference. It's well written, and good at setting up the situation so that it's understandable. Just not my cup of tea, I guess.
March 13, 2023
solid story but long
I enjoyed the characters in this story, but felt like the final 25% of the story dragged a bit. I eagerly awaited it being wrapped up toward the end
I enjoyed the characters in this story, but felt like the final 25% of the story dragged a bit. I eagerly awaited it being wrapped up toward the end
March 21, 2023
J. Marie Croft is an accomplished Regency-era wordsmith, and I can never go wrong reading anything she writes. Her latest, “Enduring Connexions,” is unpredictable, yet familiar. In this “Pride and Prejudice” reimagining about love and betrayal, a young pregnant woman jilts her betrothed to marry a peer, and her actions have far-reaching consequences well into the future, affecting Mr. Darcy and the Bennets.
When we first meet Fitzwilliam Darcy, he is twenty-four years old and believes himself in-love with a Miss Amesbury. Yet, after she toys with his affections, he commits to holding himself under better regulation for the future and becomes somewhat jaded toward the idea of love. Four years later, when Darcy joins Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park, he is wiser, more aware of who he allows in his circle. Plus, he has created "a list" of characteristics for his ideal wife. Oh dear.
“Fortunately for him, Darcy would never need to woo and try to win a woman. When the time came, he would crook his finger, and the chosen one would come running.” –Chapter 4
Still, he cannot deny his attraction to Miss Elizabeth, despite her family and low connections. Does she even have any traits on his list? Familiar scenes from Austen's masterpiece are massaged into this variation, and Darcy's point-of-view is, at once, sensual and diverting:
“Chancing another look, he gaped as she whetted a finger, dragged it over her bottom lip, across the page, and magical, down his spine.” –Chapter 10
Poor Darcy.
Fortunately for the reader, he catches on to Miss Bingley's antics early on. (Croft's play on words is, as ever, smart and humorous with emphatic effect.)
“...he noticed Miss Bingley making her sheep's eyes at him as she continued to bleat on about the Bennet family's faults.” –Chapter 4
When Darcy meets with the now widowed Mrs. Maguire, nee Miss Amesbury again, Croft creates amazing tension as certain truths are revealed and become more than stumbling blocks for Darcy as he navigates love at Longbourn, but his "annoyingly, prodigious memory" remembers his hurts as a younger man:
“Miss Amesbury seemed unharmed, unaffected even, by her fall from grace. So, the injured person inside the folly, it turns out, is me.” –Chapter 2
I am a longtime fan of J. Marie Croft. Part of the appeal of “Enduring Connexions” is the clever use of language and how each word is well-intended. But the triumph of the story is the pure originality of its hard-won happily-ever-after and how brilliantly Croft connects all the dots. Satisfying, superbly crafted, and believable. With a plethora of Jane Austen fanfiction to choose from, “Enduring Connexions” is a must read.
When we first meet Fitzwilliam Darcy, he is twenty-four years old and believes himself in-love with a Miss Amesbury. Yet, after she toys with his affections, he commits to holding himself under better regulation for the future and becomes somewhat jaded toward the idea of love. Four years later, when Darcy joins Mr. Bingley at Netherfield Park, he is wiser, more aware of who he allows in his circle. Plus, he has created "a list" of characteristics for his ideal wife. Oh dear.
“Fortunately for him, Darcy would never need to woo and try to win a woman. When the time came, he would crook his finger, and the chosen one would come running.” –Chapter 4
Still, he cannot deny his attraction to Miss Elizabeth, despite her family and low connections. Does she even have any traits on his list? Familiar scenes from Austen's masterpiece are massaged into this variation, and Darcy's point-of-view is, at once, sensual and diverting:
“Chancing another look, he gaped as she whetted a finger, dragged it over her bottom lip, across the page, and magical, down his spine.” –Chapter 10
Poor Darcy.
Fortunately for the reader, he catches on to Miss Bingley's antics early on. (Croft's play on words is, as ever, smart and humorous with emphatic effect.)
“...he noticed Miss Bingley making her sheep's eyes at him as she continued to bleat on about the Bennet family's faults.” –Chapter 4
When Darcy meets with the now widowed Mrs. Maguire, nee Miss Amesbury again, Croft creates amazing tension as certain truths are revealed and become more than stumbling blocks for Darcy as he navigates love at Longbourn, but his "annoyingly, prodigious memory" remembers his hurts as a younger man:
“Miss Amesbury seemed unharmed, unaffected even, by her fall from grace. So, the injured person inside the folly, it turns out, is me.” –Chapter 2
I am a longtime fan of J. Marie Croft. Part of the appeal of “Enduring Connexions” is the clever use of language and how each word is well-intended. But the triumph of the story is the pure originality of its hard-won happily-ever-after and how brilliantly Croft connects all the dots. Satisfying, superbly crafted, and believable. With a plethora of Jane Austen fanfiction to choose from, “Enduring Connexions” is a must read.
February 23, 2023
“What cannot be altered must be borne, not blamed.”- quote from book
I would give this between a 3-3.5. It was an interesting and original premise. A younger Darcy gets his heart broken and vows to never allow himself to be so vulnerable again. This is a P&P variation so, of course, when he crosses paths with Elizabeth Bennet, he finds his resolve severely tested. It’s not only Darcy’s resistance to love that creates problems for the couple, but events from the past, long before Elizabeth Bennet is even born, that create some obstacles on the path to D&E’s happily ever after.
The story was a good one and an interesting one, but the pacing and the flow felt a little off and slow in parts. The book seemed longer than it actually was. It started especially slow and took a while to capture my interest. There were many things to like. Darcy and Elizabeth got some good page time and had some lovely romantic scenes and some good chemistry. Darcy’s character, however, seemed a bit childish. On more than one occasion when he encountered something not to his liking, he threw a tantrum and stomped off without a word, leaving a baffled and hurt Elizabeth staring after him wondering what was happening. I could see that happening once, but when it kept happening, it seemed he learned nothing. It not only wasn’t very gentlemanlike, but it seemed very “unDarcylike”. Following his multiple desertions, I also thought Elizabeth was a little too quick to forgive- which might have attributed to the repeat offenses. Elizabeth was a little to wishy washy as well in her feelings and also seemed somewhat OOC, but not unlikable.
There were some new characters introduced that added some color to the story, although with some side plots introduced relating to these characters, they ended rather abruptly and were kind of forgotten. I found myself especially unsatisfied with Bingley and the way his story went. There were some lovely additions in Elizabeth’s Aunt and Godmother and her family and I enjoyed their role in the story.
Overall, I did like this story, but did not love it. There were enough good qualities that I am glad to have read it. I did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed some of this author’s other works, but will still look forward to her future works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would give this between a 3-3.5. It was an interesting and original premise. A younger Darcy gets his heart broken and vows to never allow himself to be so vulnerable again. This is a P&P variation so, of course, when he crosses paths with Elizabeth Bennet, he finds his resolve severely tested. It’s not only Darcy’s resistance to love that creates problems for the couple, but events from the past, long before Elizabeth Bennet is even born, that create some obstacles on the path to D&E’s happily ever after.
The story was a good one and an interesting one, but the pacing and the flow felt a little off and slow in parts. The book seemed longer than it actually was. It started especially slow and took a while to capture my interest. There were many things to like. Darcy and Elizabeth got some good page time and had some lovely romantic scenes and some good chemistry. Darcy’s character, however, seemed a bit childish. On more than one occasion when he encountered something not to his liking, he threw a tantrum and stomped off without a word, leaving a baffled and hurt Elizabeth staring after him wondering what was happening. I could see that happening once, but when it kept happening, it seemed he learned nothing. It not only wasn’t very gentlemanlike, but it seemed very “unDarcylike”. Following his multiple desertions, I also thought Elizabeth was a little too quick to forgive- which might have attributed to the repeat offenses. Elizabeth was a little to wishy washy as well in her feelings and also seemed somewhat OOC, but not unlikable.
There were some new characters introduced that added some color to the story, although with some side plots introduced relating to these characters, they ended rather abruptly and were kind of forgotten. I found myself especially unsatisfied with Bingley and the way his story went. There were some lovely additions in Elizabeth’s Aunt and Godmother and her family and I enjoyed their role in the story.
Overall, I did like this story, but did not love it. There were enough good qualities that I am glad to have read it. I did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed some of this author’s other works, but will still look forward to her future works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2023
Darcy Steals the Show
Darcy:
- Darcy's priggish character was entertainment all on its own.
- His inner thoughts kept a smile on my face- all the while I'm shaking my head.
- I'm unsure if his character was meant to be amusing, but I loved it. He did ease up during the second half of the book. I guess it had to be done.
- Darcy's first proposal had me at the edge of my seat. Never have I read of Darcy responding in such a manner. My goodness, my eyes were wide open in disbelief, but once again, loving every minute of it. The man was determined.
Nethefield Ball:
- There was a lot going on at this ball. Scandal, rejection, betrayal, discovery, and flight.
The others:
- I liked this down to earth Elizabeth. She wasn't made to be more than she was. Yes, she takes a dislike to Darcy, and misjudged him, but it was appropriate, or for the appropriate amount of time. It didn't weigh down the story, nor did I wish to strangle her.
- Bingley's character was different from canon. That was pretty bold.
- A smidgen on Caroline, Wickham, and Collins. Lady Catherine is mentioned.
- Whenever there is a former love, I'm always hopeful that any residual feelings are completely gone when Darcy and Elizabeth do meet. Although, the betrayal stayed with him over the years, I didn't feel his heart remained with his former interest. I think his pride is what suffered the most.
Other things:
- The story held my interest from the very beginning.
- I loved how the author put her own spin on Austen's words and scenes- especially the insult. For shame!
- Great cover.
I'm definitely adding this to my collection because of Darcy. I felt sorry for him. He was insecure, arrogant, and a stuffed shirt, but a fun character to read nonetheless. Quite a balancing act. Kudos, to the author.
-
Darcy:
- Darcy's priggish character was entertainment all on its own.
- His inner thoughts kept a smile on my face- all the while I'm shaking my head.
- I'm unsure if his character was meant to be amusing, but I loved it. He did ease up during the second half of the book. I guess it had to be done.
- Darcy's first proposal had me at the edge of my seat. Never have I read of Darcy responding in such a manner. My goodness, my eyes were wide open in disbelief, but once again, loving every minute of it. The man was determined.
Nethefield Ball:
- There was a lot going on at this ball. Scandal, rejection, betrayal, discovery, and flight.
The others:
- I liked this down to earth Elizabeth. She wasn't made to be more than she was. Yes, she takes a dislike to Darcy, and misjudged him, but it was appropriate, or for the appropriate amount of time. It didn't weigh down the story, nor did I wish to strangle her.
- Bingley's character was different from canon. That was pretty bold.
- A smidgen on Caroline, Wickham, and Collins. Lady Catherine is mentioned.
- Whenever there is a former love, I'm always hopeful that any residual feelings are completely gone when Darcy and Elizabeth do meet. Although, the betrayal stayed with him over the years, I didn't feel his heart remained with his former interest. I think his pride is what suffered the most.
Other things:
- The story held my interest from the very beginning.
- I loved how the author put her own spin on Austen's words and scenes- especially the insult. For shame!
- Great cover.
I'm definitely adding this to my collection because of Darcy. I felt sorry for him. He was insecure, arrogant, and a stuffed shirt, but a fun character to read nonetheless. Quite a balancing act. Kudos, to the author.
-
February 4, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is book two of four of the series called Mr Darcy’s Dilemmas. Each book is a standalone story.
When Fizwilliam Darcy is betrayed by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what. Four years later, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
Alas, just as Darcy begins to allow the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is book two of four of the series called Mr Darcy’s Dilemmas. Each book is a standalone story.
When Fizwilliam Darcy is betrayed by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what. Four years later, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
Alas, just as Darcy begins to allow the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 27, 2023
Darcy has had a previous disappointment in love and it has made it harder for him to trust people. However, he is quickly smitten with Elizabeth but he has a list of qualities that his wife should have, and Elizabeth fails several of those bulletpoints. There are some family secrets about to come to light, and Darcy needs to figure out what weighs more, his love or his expectations.
I liked the writing style. It's polished and elegant, less aggressively punning than some of the author's earlier efforts. Our Dear Couple's scenes are good and there are lots of good lines. It is flawlessly edited and overall an engaging read.
This was one of those enhance your vocabulary books as there were some words I had to look up. Now I know that anfractuous means sinuous or circuitous. Live and learn, baby, live and learn.
The plot depends on several big coincidences. Trying not to spoil things but several original characters somehow end up connected to both the Bennets and Darcy, sometimes also Bingley. Every single lady who anticipates their vows ends up pregnant straight away, and marrying somebody who is not the father. The story leaves some loose hangnails and the reader doesn't get closure on everything. We know that there is a happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth but we don't know about the other Bennet sisters. (This is not a Jane-Bingley story.) Several characters just leave the town, never to be heard from again. If you need your scoundrels punished you will be disappointed.
I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review.
Steam level: No graphic scenes but it is clear that adult activities occasionally take place.
I liked the writing style. It's polished and elegant, less aggressively punning than some of the author's earlier efforts. Our Dear Couple's scenes are good and there are lots of good lines. It is flawlessly edited and overall an engaging read.
This was one of those enhance your vocabulary books as there were some words I had to look up. Now I know that anfractuous means sinuous or circuitous. Live and learn, baby, live and learn.
The plot depends on several big coincidences. Trying not to spoil things but several original characters somehow end up connected to both the Bennets and Darcy, sometimes also Bingley. Every single lady who anticipates their vows ends up pregnant straight away, and marrying somebody who is not the father. The story leaves some loose hangnails and the reader doesn't get closure on everything. We know that there is a happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth but we don't know about the other Bennet sisters. (This is not a Jane-Bingley story.) Several characters just leave the town, never to be heard from again. If you need your scoundrels punished you will be disappointed.
I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review.
Steam level: No graphic scenes but it is clear that adult activities occasionally take place.
March 11, 2023
Wonderful
A clever, humorous, and romantic tale, in which Darcy is betrayed in love at age twenty-three, making him wary and distrustful of women in general, until he meets Elizabeth Bennett. Her apparent disinterest in him intrigues him, and when he learns that she actually doesn't like him, he becomes determined to improve her opinion of him, and win her hand. As a result of his jaded and suspicious attitude towards women, Darcy composes a written list of requirements that a woman must meet in order to qualify as a worthy wife. This list accidentally falls into Elizabeth's hands, and is a source of amusement for Elizabeth and Jane.
This is a serious story about betrayal and its far-reaching implications. The makeup and characters of the Netherfield party are much different, and not for the better, making me wonder, as did Elizabeth in the story, why Darcy would surround himself with such dishonorable people. There are several instances of couples anticipating their wedding vows, resulting in pregnancies, and sometimes in abandonment. Fortunately, the story is saved from being oppressive by clever, humorous banter, and by lovely romance. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and an admirable Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them.
The book is well written and well edited. The premise is original and imaginative. I recommend it highly.
A clever, humorous, and romantic tale, in which Darcy is betrayed in love at age twenty-three, making him wary and distrustful of women in general, until he meets Elizabeth Bennett. Her apparent disinterest in him intrigues him, and when he learns that she actually doesn't like him, he becomes determined to improve her opinion of him, and win her hand. As a result of his jaded and suspicious attitude towards women, Darcy composes a written list of requirements that a woman must meet in order to qualify as a worthy wife. This list accidentally falls into Elizabeth's hands, and is a source of amusement for Elizabeth and Jane.
This is a serious story about betrayal and its far-reaching implications. The makeup and characters of the Netherfield party are much different, and not for the better, making me wonder, as did Elizabeth in the story, why Darcy would surround himself with such dishonorable people. There are several instances of couples anticipating their wedding vows, resulting in pregnancies, and sometimes in abandonment. Fortunately, the story is saved from being oppressive by clever, humorous banter, and by lovely romance. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and an admirable Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them.
The book is well written and well edited. The premise is original and imaginative. I recommend it highly.
July 9, 2023
The book's attraction is intense, from the first to the last page, with the description of people, their feelings, their emotions.
Intense are the feelings of betrayal and deception felt by a Mr. Darcy, who tries to be cold and rational, but at times, gets carried away by emotions.
Intense are his internal conflicts to fulfill what is socially expected of him, endure enduring connections, but also intense are his feelings for Elizabeth.
Intense are Elizabeth's feelings for Mr. Darcy, but also intense are the uncertainty and anguish in the face of his actions.
Intense was the satisfaction of reading this book and looking forward to the next events.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intense are the feelings of betrayal and deception felt by a Mr. Darcy, who tries to be cold and rational, but at times, gets carried away by emotions.
Intense are his internal conflicts to fulfill what is socially expected of him, endure enduring connections, but also intense are his feelings for Elizabeth.
Intense are Elizabeth's feelings for Mr. Darcy, but also intense are the uncertainty and anguish in the face of his actions.
Intense was the satisfaction of reading this book and looking forward to the next events.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2023
Sometimes, it is hard to know what to base a review on. Authors have different capabilities so I judge differently from author to author. With this book, I will go with I wouldn't read it again. The writing did move me along but through an unsatisfied landscape. So much of the story was useless to me. I think that the romance wasn't very convincing to me. I feel like E felt hot for D and that was enough. Mrs B really got the shaft in this book, twice over but I guess because of her past as a young girl that it makes it alright. There was a lot of that balancing the scales here. I am not a fan.
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