Darcy vs. Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Mar 26, 2016 Ceri rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-variation, austen-inspired, 2016-austeneseque-challenge

I was very interested to hear about Victoria Kincaid’s latest ‘Pride & Prejudice’ variation, 'Darcy vs. Bennet', hearing that it had a touch of the Romeo and Juliet about it. Assured of a happy ending, I was pleased to give it a go!

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth first meet at a masquerade and it’s a case of love at first sight. Mr Darcy here is not the master of Pemberley and hence the master of his own destiny. His father is very much alive and a very difficult man. Darcy doesn’t wish to marry his cous ...more

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Mar 26, 2016 Mary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-books

Dear reader,

This delightful story centres around the very romantic,utterly endearing F.Darcy's quest to marry Elizabeth,the beguiling,witty young lady he encounters at a masquerade ball.

While he remains unaware of her identify,she soon learns his and is reminded of the animosity that exists between the two families.Before fleeing, she inadvertently saves Georgiana from Wickham's devious attempts to compromise her,thus leaving a very relieved Georgiania but a rather confused Darcy.

Two years lat ...more

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Mar 28, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 stars

Even with this only being 207 pages long I enjoyed the tale and rarely set my kindle down as I had to read how matters resolved themselves. Although two reviews on Amazon have the SPOILING effect of informing readers of just how matters are settled I will join the one in saying that event was not much of a surprise. But to other members of the Darcy and Bennet families in our novel it was and made their HEA occur only a little more distant into the future.

A large part of what enthralled 4.5 stars

Even with this only being 207 pages long I enjoyed the tale and rarely set my kindle down as I had to read how matters resolved themselves. Although two reviews on Amazon have the SPOILING effect of informing readers of just how matters are settled I will join the one in saying that event was not much of a surprise. But to other members of the Darcy and Bennet families in our novel it was and made their HEA occur only a little more distant into the future.

A large part of what enthralled me about this book was the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth meet without introduction at a masquerade ball, just as he is considering departing as all the guests are "the same old, same old"! He has been searching for wife and is under orders from his controlling and vindictive father to do it within 3 years or yield to the demand that he marry his cousin, Anne. As Darcy notices a young lady in a pale yellow gown, and even as he is drawn to her, he determines that he does not know her. He has looked over the figures, the hair coloring and listened to the voices of all in attendance and resolves he has not met her. Unbelievably....our Darcy asks a stranger to dance. Pursuant conversation urges him to ask her name but she is a party crasher and as such is wise enough to only reveal her Christian name. He must at one point interrupt their conversation as he discovers his sister, Georgiana, who is not yet out, has also "crashed the party". Then only a short time later, as Elizabeth sends him off with an excuse that she desires refreshment in order to allow her to sneak out of the ball before the midnight unveiling of masks, Elizabeth comes upon that same sister in a compromising situation. She intervenes, Darcy returns and upon his confronting of "you-know-who" Elizabeth hears him use his surname and knows that this man is part and parcel of her father's most hated and reviled enemy’s family. Their acquaintance can never be!

Much of this tale is concerning the feelings these two (like Romeo and Juliet) must conceal due to their families renowned hatred of each other. And, yet as days, months and even years pass, each has thoughts and dreams of the other. Now canon comes to bear. The Meryton Assembly is at hand. But now Elizabeth with her foreknowledge and Darcy with his shockingly just acquired learning of the other's identity must force a demeanor of disdain to prevent mayhem on the dance floor...and as our tale continues, in Hertfortshire, Kent, London and Pemberley.

Yes, Collins proposes and you will find much satisfaction in that scene. Again Darcy has an opportunity to make his Hunsford proposal. Does he blunder so badly? But ODC has to guard not only their words but also every act, every glance and facial expression so as to prevent both fathers from learning of their warm feeling towards the other. It is a struggle and you will be amused at how each questions if the other has changed their opinion when their thespian skills are so convincing. You will also hold your breath when you read of just who is suspect in sending tales of Darcy's behaviors back to his father, George Darcy. Few are in on the secret but in the end it is a matter of an old tale as in canon and a blackmail situation which bring all this to a climax.

In reading of George Darcy’s history with Thomas Bennet one can only consider that the former man is a true cad, a man with no honor. This is not a man who imparts to Darcy proper behaviors, morals or how to treat servants, tenants and acquaintances.

Others have said that this story was rushed at the end. That could be seen as true but for me I was satisfied with the settling of affairs in this family feud.

I received an Audible copy of this book and listened to it while walking from 10-1-19 to 10-5-19. ...more

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Apr 29, 2016 Sophia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen-austenesque, review-requests, historical-romance-english-welsh

The Montagues and Capulets have nothing on this pair of feuding families. And then two of the children had to fall in love...

I was curious. Curiosity sparks enthusiasm for many of my reading experiences particularly when an author takes an old classic and lets their creativity fly. What if... what if Darcy and Elizabeth's families were already introduced in the older generation? What if Darcy's father was still alive, the villain of the piece, and Darcy wasn't an independent man of means in his The Montagues and Capulets have nothing on this pair of feuding families. And then two of the children had to fall in love...

I was curious. Curiosity sparks enthusiasm for many of my reading experiences particularly when an author takes an old classic and lets their creativity fly. What if... what if Darcy and Elizabeth's families were already introduced in the older generation? What if Darcy's father was still alive, the villain of the piece, and Darcy wasn't an independent man of means in his own right? Ah see... does your curiosity rise, too?

It all began with a masquerade. Elizabeth and her friend slip into the party at the neighboring estate and Elizabeth encounters a handsome man who is all she could dream of and that same man, Fitzwilliam Darcy, was equally as captivated. It is a magical evening for them both. Lizzy even helps Darcy's little sister out of situation, but then she hears the family name of the siblings and knows that all connection must end. The children of her father's hate rival. And Darcy never learns the name of the lovely lady he was falling for before she slips away into the night.

Two years later, Darcy enters Elizabeth's neighborhood. He encounters Elizabeth at a local assembly and is forced to act the most important role of his life to fool his father's watchers who always keep tabs on him. He must pretend to insult and look down on the woman of his dreams. And Elizabeth, with her family watching must do the same. Though under it all, their yearning toward each other is stronger than ever. Both are affected by the caprice of fate. Is there no hope of a chance?

The author struck the right tone when blending Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet with Austen's Pride & Prejudice for a mash up. The scale was most definitely tipped more toward Austen's work, but there was a quality of a Shakespearean play to it as well. The story flows like a play in fact. The addition of Darcy's villainous father was probably the most obvious example for the Shakespeare influence. What this character set in motion affected the lives of every other character in the story and he felt like he belonged to the playwright's creation more than Austen.

While I marveled at Fitzwilliam Darcy having such a parent, I also found the dynamics of how constricting it was to be the son and heir of such a man changed Darcy's background significantly. Darcy might have lived in luxurious surroundings, be of an independent age, be the most eligible bachelor of Society, but at the end of the day, he is utterly dependent on his father for an allowance and a home. Darcy's principled character and loving protective nature are impressive in the light of the morally bankrupt man who should be the main influence in his life. I found 'sketching the characters' of the cast of this book as fascinating as the actual story line.

Though there is a definite air of despondency around Darcy and Elizabeth because they think their growing love has no chance with their father's hating each other so much, I was grateful that the author kept that on just the right side of too much angst. It was fun watching the pair act out their roles so that the big scenes from the original story took on a new significance because it is play acting. When Darcy says, 'she is not handsome enough to tempt me' at the assembly, Elizabeth is aware he is play acting for her family and his father's spies, the Hursts (yep, for those familiar, that will cause a laugh or two). Though, they both act so well that at times there is a seed of doubt that the insults and actions are real only later to get private moments to reassure each other.

And that brings me to say that it was exciting to see how familiar characters would play out their roles with their personalities in tact. Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam have more scene time since they are introduced early on in the story. Bingley wanted smacking for nearly losing his chance with Jane because he needed to grow a spine. I thought it was great fun to watch Darcy's father and Lady Catherine clash in the Rosings Park scene. It's rare that I will cheer on Lady C, but she was magnificent. But the one that made me giggle snort was Darcy Senior delivering a set down to the odious Caroline Bingley. He's the bad guy, but even bad guys have their moments.

The last series of scenes were a build up of tension and pace as Darcy and Elizabeth worked to thwart his father's plotting. Like watching the end of a Checkers match. I was flipping pages pretty fast to see if they would pull it off.

This is one that it is best read by those who have read Austen's P&P or at least watched a movie adaption. Several times in the story, I relied more on my previous knowledge to fill things in. For example, Mr. Collins is suddenly on the scene without being introduced performing his usual role. So, it's not that others can't enjoy this story or engage with it, I just feel it would be even better to have the older story in mind to appreciate it better.

In summary, this was a delight and a story that I would recommend particularly for JAFF and Austenesque lovers who enjoy a dash of Shakespeare to make it interesting. This is a new situation for Darcy and somewhat for Elizabeth and well worth the curious interest I felt in the beginning.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Jan 03, 2020 Anji rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, e-book, z-2016-austenesque-challenge, beta-proofread, paperback, austenesque-regency, austenesque-pride-and-prejudice, z-2019-austenesque-challenge

DARCY VS. BENNET by Victoria Kincaid

What if the first time Darcy and Elizabeth meet isn't at the Meryton Assembly as in canon?

Two years before this, Elizabeth is staying with a friend during the summer. The friend has a penchant for a young man whose family live close by and persuades Elizabeth to "gatecrash" his family's masquerade ball. The masked Elizabeth meets a masked Darcy and they eventually have their dance. She also meets Georgiana and prevents a certain Mr. W. from getting up to his ...more

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Mar 26, 2016 Tina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

In this book the elder Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet had several situations in which they formed a intense dislike for one another which just happens to affect the futures of our dear couple. I really loved how Lizzy and Darcy met during a masquerade ball (to which Lizzy was a uninvited party crasher) and they started to like one another. But however she finds out who he is and then runs away from the party and they don't meet again for two years.

I l ...more

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Sep 10, 2016 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen, pride-and-prejudice

Will Darcy “Deny Thy Father and Refuse Thy Name?”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: 2 years before the start of Pride and Prejudice

MAIN CHARACTERS: The Bennets, Mr. Darcy, and George Darcy

SYNOPSIS: What if George Darcy was alive? What if he was an immoral, unjust, controlling man and the sworn enemy of Mr. Bennet? What if Darcy and Elizabeth were falling in love, but knew they had no future together because ...more

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Oct 05, 2019 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars

Even with this only being 207 pages long I enjoyed the tale and rarely set my kindle down as I had to read how matters resolved themselves. Although two reviews on Amazon have the SPOILING effect of informing readers of just how matters are settled I will join the one in saying that event was not much of a surprise. But to other members of the Darcy and Bennet families in our novel it was and made their HEA occur only a little more distant into the future.

A large part of what enthralled 4.5 stars

Even with this only being 207 pages long I enjoyed the tale and rarely set my kindle down as I had to read how matters resolved themselves. Although two reviews on Amazon have the SPOILING effect of informing readers of just how matters are settled I will join the one in saying that event was not much of a surprise. But to other members of the Darcy and Bennet families in our novel it was and made their HEA occur only a little more distant into the future.

A large part of what enthralled me about this book was the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth meet without introduction at a masquerade ball, just as he is considering departing as all the guests are "the same old, same old"! He has been searching for wife and is under orders from his controlling and vindictive father to do it within 3 years or yield to the demand that he marry his cousin, Anne. As Darcy notices a young lady in a pale yellow gown, and even as he is drawn to her, he determines that he does not know her. He has looked over the figures, the hair coloring and listened to the voices of all in attendance and resolves he has not met her. Unbelievably....our Darcy asks a stranger to dance. Pursuant conversation urges him to ask her name but she is a party crasher and as such is wise enough to only reveal her Christian name. He must at one point interrupt their conversation as he discovers his sister, Georgiana, who is not yet out, has also "crashed the party". Then only a short time later, as Elizabeth sends him off with an excuse that she desires refreshment in order to allow her to sneak out of the ball before the midnight unveiling of masks, Elizabeth comes upon that same sister in a compromising situation. She intervenes, Darcy returns and upon his confronting of "you-know-who" Elizabeth hears him use his surname and knows that this man is part and parcel of her father's most hated and reviled enemy’s family. Their acquaintance can never be!

Much of this tale is concerning the feelings these two (like Romeo and Juliet) must conceal due to their families renowned hatred of each other. And, yet as days, months and even years pass, each has thoughts and dreams of the other. Now canon comes to bear. The Meryton Assembly is at hand. But now Elizabeth with her foreknowledge and Darcy with his shockingly just acquired learning of the other's identity must force a demeanor of disdain to prevent mayhem on the dance floor...and as our tale continues, in Hertfortshire, Kent, London and Pemberley.

Yes, Collins proposes and you will find much satisfaction in that scene. Again Darcy has an opportunity to make his Hunsford proposal. Does he blunder so badly? But ODC has to guard not only their words but also every act, every glance and facial expression so as to prevent both fathers from learning of their warm feeling towards the other. It is a struggle and you will be amused at how each questions if the other has changed their opinion when their thespian skills are so convincing. You will also hold your breath when you read of just who is suspect in sending tales of Darcy's behaviors back to his father, George Darcy. Few are in on the secret but in the end it is a matter of an old tale as in canon and a blackmail situation which bring all this to a climax.

In reading of George Darcy’s history with Thomas Bennet one can only consider that the former man is a true cad, a man with no honor. This is not a man who imparts to Darcy proper behaviors, morals or how to treat servants, tenants and acquaintances.

Others have said that this story was rushed at the end. That could be seen as true but for me I was satisfied with the settling of affairs in this family feud.

I received an Audible copy of this book and listened to it while walking from 10-1-19 to 10-5-19. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 30, 2016 Carol Perrin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Darcy vs Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Oh, brother, this variation was filled with hateful anger between George Darcy and Thomas Bennet. This feud started at Cambridge when both were students. Through George Darcy's hateful demeanor, he and his group spread lies about Thomas Bennet and he was sent down from Cambridge. Worse yet was that his father believed the rumors and while Thomas inherited Longbourn, all the money and house in London went to the young son who squandered away his for Darcy vs Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Oh, brother, this variation was filled with hateful anger between George Darcy and Thomas Bennet. This feud started at Cambridge when both were students. Through George Darcy's hateful demeanor, he and his group spread lies about Thomas Bennet and he was sent down from Cambridge. Worse yet was that his father believed the rumors and while Thomas inherited Longbourn, all the money and house in London went to the young son who squandered away his fortune once his father died. Thomas was left with a farm that he had no money for upkeep reducing his family's potential. While George Darcy was disliked and not respected by most in Derbyshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy was just the opposite. His staff, his tenants, and the people of Lambton respected young Darcy. Darcy met Elizabeth at a Masquerade Ball where her friend convinced her to attend even though they were not invited. All Darcy knew was her name, but she had saved Georgiana from Wickham's treachery. When Darcy found her missing, he was sad that she left without getting her full name and location. He happened upon her when Bingley rented Netherfield. When both realized that they were restricted because of their fathers' feud, they pretended to dislike each other. What angered me was all the people that spied on Fitzwilliam for his father. Meeting again at Kent, the two could no longer deny their love, became betrothed, but still had to fake their dislike of one another. With Elizabeth's arrival in Lambton, her twenty-first birthday has passed, and William has a special license to marry Elizabeth on Monday. Hurst writes to George Darcy and tells him of his son's betrothed being a Bennet, but George was already on the road from Bath to Pemberley, and needless to say he was angry when he arrived home and his son left with Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners. He wonders if his son figured out that he was involved with Wickham to bring about her sister's ruin. Elizabeth gets Jane's letters the morning of her wedding day, and the wedding is postponed. As Elizabeth tells him the news of her sister's scandal, he tells her that until he finds Wickham and forces him to marry Lydia, and no, he was not letting her out their marriage. When Bennet finds Darcy at the Gardiners, he is livid. Gardiner takes Bennet Bennet and Darcy into his study with Elizabeth big as you please, following close behind. When her father objects and stands to threaten Darcy, little Elizabeth stands up to her father reminding him that William is not like his father. When Gardiner tells all that he did to prevent the scandal, Bennet realizes that he is not like his father and gives his blessings and consent to marry. Celebrating their upcoming marriage, George arrives a blows a gasket, challenging Bennet, Gardiner, and his son. Fitzwilliam knows he will cut his allowance, but is not prepared for losing his inheritance. Darcy decides that a life without Elizabeth will not happen. His father gives him until the morning to come to his senses, and George goes to his room and drinks the night away. In the morning, he is fixed and both Darcy and Richard try to talk him out of leaving Darcy House for the solicitor's office, but his footman helps him into the carriage. Minutes later, the footman that accompanied him, comes back to tell him he's needed. He no longer had to worry about his inheritance. Smiles for a happily ever after. ...more

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May 17, 2016 Sheryl Gordon rated it liked it · review of another edition

An original villain.

Risen from the dead and not heaven sent, the senior Mr. Darcy holds a tight rein on his son, laying out plans and ultimatums that would even choke a sycophant. But our fair, upstanding hero meets our fair, compassionate heroine and love ensues. There are hurdles upon hurdles, scheme after scheme, family vendettas and evil accomplices, but the good and noble win out in the end. If that sounds like 'the moral of the story' take heart, it's only one of them. The ultimate proverb ...more

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Jun 12, 2016 Teresita rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jaff

One night, one masked ball that changes everything...

A very interesting proposition. Darcy and Elizabeth meet earlier, his father is still alive, some information is known earlier, but still they have to overcome serious obstacles seemingly insurmountable...

A very entertaining and worthy read.

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