Book picks similar to
The Real Mr. Darcy by Sarah Johnson
austenesque
borrow
pricy
genre-history-romance
A Most Alarming Report: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
Atlee Rose - 2019
Darcy's failed proposal at Hunsford, he delivers a letter to Elizabeth Bennet to explain himself. Except, she gets a papercut on the letter and faints at the sight of blood. Then, the brush catches fire, lightning strikes, and the local dam breaks. Darcy and Elizabeth must stick together to save themselves while further odd incidences – wild animals, jewel thieves, and rioters among them – thrust the couple into a most improbable adventure. As the pair navigate through the events of their unlucky day, it is up to them to settle their differences – and perhaps find themselves lucky in love in the end. In this humorous, action-packed variation on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, the fates conspire against Darcy and Elizabeth at every moment. Fans of all ages will appreciate this sweet, exciting adaptation of a beloved classic. This novella is 20,000 words in length and perfect for fast and fun journey into the world of Pride & Prejudice.
The Reintroduction of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Christine Combe - 2021
Though cautioned not to spend more time in his company than she ought, Elizabeth finds she cannot stay away from him.Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father lost half the family fortune to a pair of swindlers and the rest to gaming and investments that gave no returns. He knows he is no good for the daughter of a baronet, but he falls for the lively Elizabeth in spite of every reason he should not.When the two determine their mutual attraction cannot be denied, Darcy decides to accept the challenge of re-entering society more for the sake of Elizabeth’s reputation than his own. Because both know it won’t be easy for him to regain the good opinion of the ton, Darcy goes to his noble relations to seek their assistance and Elizabeth joins him in London to support his efforts.Of course, the expectation of whispers and snobbery is scant preparation for facing down the harshest critic of them all: one’s own family.
Among Intimate Acquaintances
Jann Rowland - 2021
Having heard her new brother, Charles Bingley praise him to the skies, Invited to accompany her brother and beloved, Jane, to stay at the man's estate, Elizabeth wonders how he can possibly be as good as Charles claims.At Pemberley, Elizabeth learns that Mr. Darcy is a diligent man, one sober and upright, a man engaged in the welfare of his estate. His sister, Elizabeth also learns, is a wonderful girl, a girl, unlike her own sisters who are often wild and uncouth.Settling in at Pemberley for a visit, Elizabeth grows to love the estate, and her esteem for the master and his sister grow apace. But while Elizabeth is happy there, she cannot forget the events of the past year, which continue to plague her peace of mindThen an old enemy of the Darcy family arrives to wreak havoc on the Darcys, pulling Elizabeth's own family into his schemes. The question, in Elizabeth’s mind, is whether Mr. Darcy’s newfound appreciation for her can withstand the machinations of a libertine and the silliness of a reprehensible sister.
An Unpleasant Sort of Man: A Variation on Pride and Prejudice
Nicky Roth - 2018
Angry and mortified at first, Elizabeth soon realises that Mr Darcy seems to carry a dark secret and though at initially little inclined to forgive him for his slight, she soon finds herself irresistibly drawn towards him. When she discovers what the secret is and what burden he carries on his shoulders she cannot but forgive him as they grow ever so much closer. Trigger warning: This story does contain very vague and non-graphic references to the rape of a minor! Novel-length book with around 59.000 words.
Much Ado about Many Things: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Sophie Lynbrook - 2020
Mr. Darcy wants to gain command of his wayward heart. But Miss Bingley wants to be acting. Thrown together in the cause of entertainment, our reluctant pair learn to see each other with fresh eyes. But the course of true love never does run smooth. And neither does the course of amateur theatricals. To achieve the stuff that dreams are made of they and their friends must navigate a sea of troubles and dodge the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
Surviving Thomas Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Shana Granderson A Lady - 2021
The heir, James Junior and second born Thomas. The boys start out as the best of friends until Thomas starts to get resentful of his older brother’s status as heir.The younger Bennet turns to gambling, drink, and carousing. In order to protect Longbourn, unbeknownst to Thomas, James Bennet senior places and entail on the estate so none of his son’s creditors are able to make demands against the family estate.Thomas Bennet was given his legacy of thirty thousand pounds when he reached his majority. He marries Fanny the daughter of a local solicitor in Oxford where Thomas is teaching. He is fired for being drunk at work. He manages to gamble away all of his legacy while going into serious debt to a dangerous man in not too many years.When James Senior dies, Thomas and Fanny Bennet arrive at Longbourn demanding an imagined inheritance. They find out there is no more for them and leave after abusing one an all roundly swearing revenge.James Junior, the master of Longbourn, and his wife Priscilla have a son, Jamie, and daughters Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary. Thinking he can sell Longbourn if his brother and son are out of the way, Thomas Bennet murders James Bennet, his wife & son by causing a carriage accident.The story reveals how the three surviving daughters are protected by their friends and how they survive living with the man, who murdered their beloved parents and brother, and his wife and isbehaving daughters, Kitty and Lydia. Netherfield belongs to the Darcy’s second son, William. There are many of the characters that are both loved and hated from the canon in this story, some similar to canon, a good number of them hugely different, there are also some new characters not from canon.
Mr. Darcy's Downfall: a Pride and Prejudice variation
Valerie Lennox - 2019
Everything about you is hateful.” “And you,” he said, breathless, “are the least proper woman in the history of England.” Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s father is on his deathbed, and his wife is desperate to marry off her five daughters. At the Meryton assembly, Mrs. Bennet schemes to throw Elizabeth together with the rich and elusive Mr. Darcy, hoping the scandal will force his cooperation. Proper Mr. Darcy is concerned primarily with his reputation and would not dare marry someone like Elizabeth under normal circumstances. But with that dreadful situation in Ramsgate threatening to be exposed, he fears for his sister’s good name. His hands are tied. Elizabeth thinks Darcy rude and arrogant. She would not marry him if she had a choice. Darcy thinks Elizabeth far beneath him, but he is drawn to her against his will. Together, they summon within each other passionate hatred, a lit match that promises to explode. Dear Reader, while this variation is hardly wall-to-wall love scenes, I fear it is neither clean nor sweet. Be advised.
The Portrait of Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Scent of Lavender Book 1)
Jane Angwin - 2018
She promised him that even in the afterlife if there was a way, she would help guide him to find the perfect woman to marry. "I want you to know, my son, that I will always be with you, watching over you. If it is in my power, even in the afterlife, I will guide you toward the happiness you deserve." Years later, after tiring of the search for a woman of substance among the vapid and mercenary women of society, Darcy began experiencing mysterious events, ultimately taking him on an unexpected journey to an unlikely country estate outside of London. There, he is strangely drawn to a woman far beneath society's expectations for him. Though from totally different worlds, they are attracted to each other, but due to misunderstandings and interference from those who would stand in their way, their path to happily ever after is thwarted at every turn. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find what they both desire on their own, or will they need a little help from the afterlife?
A Fortunate Alliance: A Pride and Prejudice Story
Beth Poppet - 2019
Her sister, Elizabeth, is distraught over the engagement, and although aware of an unspoken attraction between Jane and Mr Bingley, she is powerless to alter her sister’s inevitable future without encouraging a scandal. Elizabeth’s displeasure is often manifest by way of general complaint to the even wealthier and more distinguished Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, who confesses a propensity for offending wherever he goes. Despite assurances that Jane has made a most suitable match, Elizabeth is determined never to marry for mere security and familial obligations, but her sharp wit and biting tongue produce obstacles in making a fortunate alliance of her own. “My Dear Readers, If you have taken up the delightful chore of reading this novel, I hope that you are as fond of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and its author, Jane Austen, as I am. I make no claims of being her equal in writing, though I strive to preserve her style and characters in a way that will do justice to those presented to us in the original. I am under no delusion that my adaptation must appeal to every reader of Jane Austen fan-works. Yet I have done my utmost to deliver to you the sort of drama we might expect from a novel of this period; that of familial duty and regret, of sisterly quarrels and affection, enduring friendships, first impressions, and yes, now and then a runaway animal, and a bit of family scandal. For any inaccuracies written in ignorance, I apologise. For liberties taken for the sake of writerly whims, I can only request your indulgence. These liberties may be most apparent in the continuing stories compiled in Volume II, as this is where my novel expands into new territory and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ could not be consulted for material, leaving me to rely on speculation. My original design to end the story by Volume I was thwarted when I found it impossible to do some of our favourite couples and their endings justice under such limitations. My wise editor, fellow author, and eternal friend, Miss Catherine Miller, suggested I take a page from the illustrious Jane Austen herself and expand into a second volume, the better to tell everyone’s stories in the most satisfactory manner. A last word to those astonishing persons who have made it this far. Thank you ever so much for choosing to read this humble author’s adaptation of such a beloved and enduring novel. I know there are a multitude of fan-works to choose from in this sphere, and I am absolutely delighted that you would consider mine worthy of your time and attention. May it prove so! Your Little Scribbler, Madam Beth Poppet”
Mr. Darcy's Most Reckless Kiss: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
April Floyd - 2020
Darcy's proposal at Kent but the gentleman will not be so easily spurned.Suddenly, she is the wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy. But before their wedding breakfast can commence, she is left to face the wrath of Lady Catherine when illness overcomes Mr. Darcy. With Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charlotte Lucas at her side, Elizabeth comes to know great love and loss at Rosings Park.
Mr. Darcy's Twelfth Night: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice Sequel
Elizabeth Ann West - 2021
For the first time, Elizabeth is thrown head-first into the world of Mayfair shopping, dinners, and balls. You can take the headstrong woman out of the country, but London's highest society isn't ready for Mrs. Darcy's fearless ways.Warned by his uncle that marriage changes a man, Fitzwilliam Darcy confronts expectations not only from his peers, but also his household and even his wife! Absolved of joint decisions when they were with the Bingleys in Hertfordshire, residing in London even for a few weeks places a strain on the new Darcy marriage. Old insecurities and parlor privateers demand a price to be paid and it's the first time Mr. Darcy's wealth may not be enough.One thing is certain, with those fiery tempers come fiery passions. The love shared between Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth helps smooth over their struggles in communication. If only people would stop knocking on the door! When the Matlocks' Twelfth Night Ball becomes the can't be missed event of the Ton, Darcy and Elizabeth have a big decision to make. Will they remain in London answering to the whims and antics of the fast set close to the Prince Regent? Or will they carry the topsy-turvy night beyond dawn and run away to Pemberley?Mr. Darcy's Twelfth Night is a steamy Regency romance novel for fans of If Mr. Darcy Dared.
Mr. Darcy and the Victim of Circumstance: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
Arthel Cake - 2021
As she recovers, Darcy finds himself attracted to his guest, but her low social status silences his desires. Soon Darcy discovers the wreck was no accident, but the work of his old nemesis George Wickham, drawing him into the official investigation. While Darcy gathers evidence of the crime, his friend Charles Bingley falls in love with Elizabeth’s sister Jane. Bingley leases an estate near her home in Hertfordshire, bringing Darcy once more into contact with Elizabeth. After Wickham is captured by an intrepid Bow Street investigator, the monstrous motive for his crime is revealed, and he is arrested for murder. Meanwhile, Bingley secures Jane’s hand, forcing his friend to confront his reservations about Elizabeth. Feeling he is free of Wickham’s shadow, Darcy follows his heart and proposes to Elizabeth, and the double wedding of the two sisters goes forward. But then, unforeseen problems arise. A vitriolic attack by Bingley’s sister Caroline, long obsessed with Darcy, shocks Elizabeth. Georgiana has a distressing secret she is afraid to share with her brother. And Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine deBourgh, exhibits bizarre symptoms that force her brother, Lord Matlock, to intervene before a major scandal damages the entire family, threatening Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s future. Now, as the newlyweds settle at Pemberley, Wickham goes on trial, and Darcy must testify against his one-time friend, sealing Wickham’s fate. With Wickham sentenced to die, honor, treachery and one last act of evil force a crisis no one could have imagined, and bring Darcy face to face with death..
Darcy's Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Andreea Catana - 2021
In London, every member of the ton knows that Mr. Darcy keeps a scandalous secret, but no one dares to claim they know the whole truth about the woman living under his protection. A young lady of little fortune... Elizabeth Bennet is well aware that her prospects of making an advantageous marriage are low. Her family’s lack of fortune and connections are against her but even more so, her witty, obstinate mind seems to keep potential suitors at a distance. On the other hand Meredith Whitney, Sir Edward Whitney’s daughter and Elizabeth’s dearest friend, promises to be much more fortunate, as the Hertfordshire neighbourhood waits with bated breath for the announcement of her engagement to Mr. Bingley. When Mr. Bingley’s party comes to stay at Hudson Park at Sir Edward Whitney’s invitation, fate brings Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth together, although their first encounter is equally awkward and mortifying for both. Still, it is enough to spark interest. It seems that she has finally found her match. A gentleman with a secret... Elizabeth begins to learn that there is much more to Mr. Darcy than her first impression of an arrogant and taciturn gentleman inclined to annoy her, and she realises he has somehow found the key to her mind and heart. Much to her surprise, in just a few encounters, Mr. Darcy manages to enter Elizabeth’s thoughts as no one has ever done before. The strangely warm sentiment appears to be mutual, until Elizabeth accidentally learns about the person who lies at the core of Mr. Darcy’s secret life. In search of justice Meet Mrs. Flora Guillen, a Jamaican woman of colour—beautiful, amiable, intelligent, but above all with a sadness in her eyes that cannot be easily understood. In befriending her, Elizabeth unwittingly starts to unveil the truth behind the secret, a story of heartbreak and survival that affects not only Darcy’s reputation, but also the lives of so many others.
In a more amiable light: A Pride and Prejudice novella
Marley Fulton - 2019
Both sisters are hurt after Mr. Bingley’s hasty departure from Netherfield, although their suffering differs. One of them is trying to mend her broken heart and the other one tries to soothe her anger against those who hurt her sister. Jane and Elizabeth are unexpectedly reacquainted with the men who will change their lives forever. “In a More Amiable Light” is the first Austenesque attempt of a man who has been in love with reading and with Jane Austen’s books all his life but has tried his pen only in other genres so far. The author hopes the readers will give this story a try, so he gains enough courage for another longer and more complex project.
The Curse of Land's End: A gothic 'Pride and Prejudice' variation
Rose Lorimer - 2019
Something buried in his past is always trying to emerge. Unable to overcome his pain, he hides from the world. Until a letter reaches him. Bingley, one of his best friends, is inviting him to spend some time at the coast, in the neighbouring area of Penzance, Cornwall, where he is not just dealing with his business, but also enjoying the first months of his new life as a married man. His bride is an angel-like gentlewoman called Jane, whom he met during a visit to Hertfordshire, last Summer. In case Darcy accepts, Bingley has only one request to make: that he may bring with him one of his new sisters, a Miss Elizabeth, as a favour to his dearest wife. After such a painful summer, and considering he had already missed his friend’s wedding, against all the odds, Darcy decides to accept. What he does not know is that this single decision will change his life forever. First, because he will meet the only woman not just handsome enough to tempt him, but also the one who breaks the walls of his prison, opening for him a door to a happiness he never thought possible. And, second, because he will never be the same ever again after this, which will also be the most terrifying experience of his life. “The Curse of Land’s End” is a story about secrets, intrigue and mysteries which challenges rationality and faith, and demands a courage strong enough to transcend every instinct of self-preservation in the name of honour and love. “You will do nothing in this world without courage, for it is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.” (Aristotle) Rated Mild+ (Contains up to 10 mild swear words; contains kisses, and mild, non-seductive description of intimacy — 'My Book Rating'). FROM THE AUTHOR Suddenly, I felt compelled to write a story which would take me (and JAFF) far from my comfort zone, and try something new. It was watching ‘Crimson Peak’, a biting-nail horror story, that the inspiration finally came to me. How would it be to write a story about ghosts, combining romance and mystery, but with no ghosts? "The Curse" is set in 1815, a year when Romanticism — a movement marked by the exaltation of feelings of loss and guilt related both to nature and men — was the fashion and drama, an essential component of the works of this time. "Songs of Experience", by William Blake (1794), "The Corsair", by Lord Byron (1814), and "Frankenstein", by Mary Shelley (1818), are all good examples of how committed the authors were in exploring human's woes; sometimes the sombre tone and dramatic plots are almost too depressing to endure. I can understand the bad reviews related to this point. But I cannot regret my choice. As another reviewer said, “we are all entitled to our own opinions”; the good reviews show it. I grant — my choice in writing a story using Romantic features was bold, but, for me, the result was very pleasing, especially considering the happy ending — what is not the norm for the Romantics. I should not be saying this, but it doesn't matter how much Literature I study, I always love a good happy ending. Another important choice was the deep POV of ODC. In P&P, we live the story through the eyes of Elizabeth and do not learn about Darcy’s struggles until very close to the end. I intended to show the huge abyss between his aloof appearance and his troubled mind — but here, he another reason for it.