Gill M
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/09/darcys-fair-lady-regency-pride-and.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy has been bewitched by the beautiful, witty Elizabeth Bennet.
However, her status in Society makes her unsuitable to be his wife.
He flees from her company, back to London, to try to forget her.
His imperious aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh has always insisted that Darcy was betrothed to her daughter Anne from childhood.
Neither Darcy or Anne favours the alliance and have told Anne's mother. However, Lady Catherine is determined!
When Anne tells Darcy that she has found love and accepted an offer of marriage, he is delighted. However, Lady Catherine won't give her consent until Darcy is no longer available.
To help his cousin, Darcy plans a fake betrothal, hoping that will be enough to convince Lady Catherine.
But who would be willing to enter into a fake courtship?
Darcy decides to approach Elizabeth Bennet and offer a large sum of money, knowing she and her family face genteel poverty.
Elizabeth dislikes Darcy, but needs the money.
So Elizabeth and her sister, Jane move into Darcy House, along with a very grumpy chaperone for the sake of propriety.
Whilst spending time being seen in London and convincing his family, Darcy and Elizabeth come to know each other better.
Could a fake betrothal become a real marriage?
An intriguing storyline, with mild angst and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-famous-good-marrying-scheme-humorous.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy loves Elizabeth Bennet and Charles Bingley loves Jane Bennet. The men have returned to Hertfordshire, to woo the sisters.
Unfortunately, on a windy autumn day, an accident happens with profound consequences.
The Bennet sisters are crossing a small bridge, when an altercation with a fox, causes Jane and Kitty to fall off.
Elizabeth saves Kitty, but Jane goes into the river, hitting her head.
Charles would have been delighted to come to her rescue, if only he had not been distracted by his hat.
Instead, Darcy leaps in to save Jane.
When Jane develops a sort of amnesia, she latches onto the fact that Darcy rescued her. Thus, in her mind he must be her true love. She doesn't even remember Charles or her feelings for him.
What follows is funny, with some slight angst. Elizabeth works with Darcy, to support Jane in her confusion, whilst trying to shield Bingley from the truth, lest he abandon Jane again.
Add in Mrs Bennet's matchmaking machinations to really stir the pot!
Great story and this Darcy was lovely!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/08/darcys-courtesan-sensual-pride.html
Elizabeth Bennet's life has changed beyond recognition.
Mr Bennet died. Mr Collins inherited Longbourn and immediately moved in, with his wife Charlotte.
Mrs Bennet and her daughters would have been homeless without Charlotte's intercession. Instead, they reside in a small cottage on Longbourn estate.
Around the same time, Lydia eloped with Mr Wickham and was never heard of again, thus blighting the Bennet family reputation.
For two years, they live in genteel poverty. Then, the now widowed Mr Collins wants to have Elizabeth as his second wife and will not take no for an answer.
Elizabeth, Jane and Kitty flee to London. Their ruined reputation means that Uncle Gardner cannot help.
Elizabeth looks for work with little success, when a chance meeting with an old acquaintance opens up a whole new world!
Elizabeth decides to undergo training as a courtesan at Tigerlily, an upmarket bawdy house.
Fitzwilliam Darcy once proposed to Elizabeth and seeks to divert Elizabeth from her chosen course.
When Elizabeth is determined and refuses a second offer of marriage, he offers to undertake her training, instead of the staff at Tigerlily.
Elizabeth is
installed in Darcy House with her sisters and learning the skills necessary for a courtesan, whilst trying to hide her actions from Jane and Kitty.
Elizabeth discovers a deep and abiding passion with Fitzwilliam.
It only deepens her love for him.
She had refused his offer of marriage to protect him from scandal, as she thought Darcy only offered as a duty.
She wonders if there is any hope that he might love her again. Can she ever be more than Darcy's pupil?
Meanwhile she must make plans for the future and starts to look for a Protector, who wants a mistress.
Darcy is afraid of further rejection, so keeps his feelings to himself. He struggles with jealousy and hurt, that Elizabeth wants to move on to a Protector. In order to keep her close, he offers to make her his permanent mistress.
Elizabeth accepts his offer with relief. She loves him and would have struggled to cope with intimacy with anyone else.
Darcy tries to offer marriage, but for a long time Elizabeth resists, convinced that the scandal would ruin Darcy's family reputation.
Eventually she recognises that love still exists between them, allowing her to soften her stance.
As Elizabeth is introduced as Fitzwilliam's betrothed, she is on the cusp of obtaining everything in the world that could make her happy.
However, an old enemy sees the opportunity for blackmail which may mire them all in scandal.
Said enemy meets a very satisfying denouement!
Appearances from an unrepentant Mrs Bennet and the odious Lady Catherine add flavour.
A happy ending is guaranteed and is very pleasing.
Sensuality with the deepest love. Elizabeth and Darcy are delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Elizabeth Bennet first meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to Pemberley, she is not impressed.
He is dismissive and rather rude, while she is infatuated with his best friend Unfortunately, this friend has long been in love with a remarkable and unconventional High Society lady.
As Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are thrown together at a house party and other gatherings, they start to appreciate each other. Darcy shows a romantic and charming side to his character.
Unfortunately, a singular object stands between the couple and happiness, Darcy's mother!
Lady Anne Darcy is devious, arrogant, spiteful, controlling and dangerous.
She makes Lady Catherine de Bourgh look sweet and appealing, in comparison.
A rough road of angst, separation and heartbreak lies ahead, before the possibility of a happily ever after resolution.
I really enjoyed this. Lady Anne Darcy is rarely portrayed as anything other than a kind and loving mother. Here is a villain we can all despise!
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/08/a-stronger-impulse-by-julie-cooper.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy loves Elizabeth Bennet but his appalling proposal leads to rejection and heartbreak. He travels to join his young sister Georgiana in Ramsgate, but on arrival the sight of her in the arms of rake and scoundrel, George Wickham causes him to have an apoplexy.
The resulting damage and loss of coherent speech leave him vulnerable and the vultures are circling.
Unfortunately, the vultures in this case are his own extended family, who want control of the Darcy fortune.
Elizabeth Bennet has always been the least favourite daughter at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet favours the daughters who are most like her. Mr Bennet behaves as though Elizabeth is invisible.
When Elizabeth refuses to secure Longbourn for her family by marrying her odious cousin, Mr Collins, she is exiled.
Sent to an unknown family member and thence into a life in service.
She manages to postpone that future by travelling to Ramsgate with an acquaintance from Meryton.
In Ramsgate she meets a distressed Georgiana Darcy on the cliff edge. After persuading her back from the edge, they become friends.
Elizabeth is determined to help Georgiana and Fitzwilliam.
This is a stunningly good book. I couldn't put it down.
The author expresses the fear and panic of Darcy's sudden vulnerability.
The medical treatment is terrifying.
The characters of family members are appalling, from the venal self-serving Fitzwilliams and De Boughs, to the awful, cold Mr Bennet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/08/miss-bennets-swim-sweet-jaff-short-by.html
Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters have a secret. They love to swim, despite the rules of propriety, and find a way to continue in private.
During her visit to Hunsford, the combination of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's odious behaviour and Mr Collins idiocy, leave Elizabeth sorely vexed! At to that, the confusing, haughty Mr Darcy is staying with his Aunt Catherine at Rosings.
So she sneaks out, alone, at night to seek the solace of the lake!
Fitzwilliam Darcy is bewitched by Elizabeth but feels she is not of the correct status to be Mistress of Pemberley, his prosperous estate.
His conflicted feelings give him insomnia.
When he sees a light out by the lake, he goes to investigate. What he finds both entrances and shocks him to the core! Elizabeth Bennet, swimming, with not even a shift to cover her.
In the hour that follows, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam negotiate several obstacles, some embarrassing, some threatening as they find their way back to the safety of the Parsonage.
On the journey, they develop a greater understanding of each other and a closer relationship.
This is a really great novella. Romantic bickering is the perfect description!
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-season-of-magic-by-sarah-courtney.html
Elizabeth Carlisle and her twin sister Jane enjoyed a happy childhood, living at Netherfield Park with their loving parents.
Mr and Mrs Carlisle were elemental mages, in a world where many of the upper echelons of society had magical powers.
At the age of ten, Elizabeth and Jane's world collapsed. Their parents were revealed to be evil, having killed many people with their magic. They died in a magical explosion.
Elizabeth and Jane were sent to live with the Bennet family at Longbourn. They surrendered the name Carlisle, to become Bennets.
For the next ten years they were despised and misreated by those appointed to care for them.
For ten years, the twins kept their magical talent a secret. A fire at the Meryton assembly, forced them to reveal themselves.
They have long been watched by the Mage Council, fearful of them following in their parents' footsteps.
The Council steps in, separates the sisters and sends Elizabeth to the Season, a magical University. She is to be supervised and trained to control her power as a fire Mage.
At the Season, Elizabeth faces an uphill battle for acceptance and survival. (Imagine Harry Potter going to Hogwarts, but being hated because his father was Voldemort!)
Elizabeth has two hard years, honing her skills, working hard and slowly making some friends.
One of those friends is Fitzwilliam Darcy, who starts off suspicious but ends as Elizabeth's staunch defender and hopeful suitor.
As much an adventure, as a romance, this is really enjoyable
Shocking revelations at the end!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/07/mischief-matchmaking-pride-prejudice.html
When Lizzy Bennet visits her newly married friend Charlotte, at Huntsford Parsonage, she is introduced to the overbearing Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne.
Lizzy's first impression of Anne, is that she is sickly and cross.
However, first impressions are often wrong.
Anne de Bourgh pretends to be weak and cowed by her dreadful mother. In reality, she escapes the Rosings manor house in the mornings, to walk and read.
When Lizzy stumbles across her one day, Anne accidentally reveals her reading matter. She collects smutty romance novels, which she hides in a ramshackle cottage.
Lizzy and Charlotte soon start reading the collection and create a scandalous book society, with Anne.
The arrival of Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is a mixed blessing. Lizzy likes the Colonel and tries a little matchmaking between Richard and Anne. However, Mr Darcy is someone to be avoided, following his haughty and rude behaviour when they met the previous year.
Darcy is reluctantly in love with Lizzy, despite viewing her as beneath him. He is jealous of her friendship with Richard and accuses her of trying to capture him as a husband.
When Darcy sees Lizzy enter the ramshackle cottage, he suspects an illicit assignation. He is even more shocked when he discovers the book collection.
Shock turns rapidly to lust, when they are trapped inside the cottage.
A sensual novella that is quite pleasing. The interaction between Lizzy and Darcy is distinctly steamy but there is a light and teasing nature to their banter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They say that history is written by the victors and for much of time, men have been victorious.
Thus, history has concentrated on the actions and personalities of men.
In Femina, Janina Ramirez seeks to redress the balance by providing fascinating portraits of a range of exceptional Medieval women.
Femina shines with Ramirez's enthusiasm for sharing her Medieval favourites.
An enjoyable read for both, those already familiar with the Medieval period and the newly introduced.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/06/elizabeth-bennet-walks-out-one-morning.html
Elizabeth Bennet walks out one morning, still smarting from the insult thrown at her by a stranger, at the Meryton assembly.
That stranger is Fitzwilliam Darcy, rich, connected and incredibly haughty.
Although they were still not introduced, both of their lives were about to change forever
When a storm descends during her walk, Elizabeth starts to make her way home.
Darcy comes across her and insists that, as a gentleman he must escort her home. Despite her repeated objections, she finds herself on Darcy's horse, being firmly held by him.
A flash of lightning spooks the horse and the two land in an unconscious heap.
Unfortunately, a search party finds them, still lying together and thus, Elizabeth is compromised.
So Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry, for the sake of her and her family's reputation.
Poor Elizabeth never does get an introduction, nor does she get a proposal.
Darcy is cold and resentful at having to marry someone so far below his station.
We follow Elizabeth as she learns to be Mistress of Pemberley, whilst feeling lonely and miserable.
The story progresses as Darcy (very slowly) begins to thaw and Elizabeth begins to trust.
This has a pretty high angst level, but as this is ODC, a happy ending is assured.
Great book, which I read cover to cover in one sitting!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/07/mistaken-masquerade-by-abbey-north.html
Frustrated that George Wickham is easily distracted by an heiress, Lydia Bennet convinces him that her meagre £1000 dowry is actually £10,000.
George responds by arranging a midnight assignation, at the Netherfield maskerade ball, intending compromise and profitable marriage.
When his note to Lydia is mistakenly given to Elizabeth Bennet, she decides to confront Wickham.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth but views her as totally unsuitable to be his wife.
When Darcy learns of the assignation, he hides in the library to save Elizabeth from making a huge mistake with Wickham.
But who is going to save Elizabeth and Darcy from each other?
Very little story, no real romance and rather average sex.
Good to see Wickham get his comeuppance.
This is a short story, only 44 pages long and is rather overpriced at £3.30.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is worth a look for a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-luxury-of-silence-by-susan-adriani.html
A man at the end of his tether, after barely saving his young sister, Georgiana from ruination, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks peace and solace for them both in Hertfordshire.
There he meets Elizabeth Bennet. Accustomed to deference and flattery from the women of the ton, he is chagrined to be taken to task by Elizabeth for a moment of rudeness.
From this develops a friendship of frankness and warmth. A mutual love of nature, literature and debate deepens the relationship, which slowly becomes something more.
Elizabeth loses her heart to Darcy, but has no expectation of marriage to a man, so much above her in Society.
For Darcy, friendship and infatuation develop simultaneously but duty to family and status, force him to contain his feelings.
Will love and friendship triumph over the expectations of family and Society?
This is a delightful book. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are pleasing characters and the frissons of barely suppressed passion keep everything simmering nicely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can't quite believe that 40 years have passed, since the first edition was published.
Both the book and the series were hugely enjoyable. Michael Wood had such a captivating style and enthusiasm.
This fully updated and expanded edition shows that age has not diminished Michael's talent for presenting history in a fascinating and vibrant style.
I heartily recommend that you read this!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/05/elizabeth-bennet-is-well-known-for-her.html
Elizabeth Bennet, is well known for her love of rambling over the Hertfordshire countryside. A favourite spot to watch the dawn, is Oakham Mount.
One November morning, her peace is disturbed by a meeting between two men of her acquaintance.
The handsome soldier, George Wickham, struggling manfully, having had his prospects blighted by the proud, disdainful Mr Darcy.
While Elizabeth is shielded from view behind a tree. She listens to Mr Darcy and Wickham talking, then arguing.
She discovers that Wickham is in fact a scoundrel and a liar, while Darcy is all that is good.
She sees both men leave and watches Wickham ride into Meryton.
Next evening at the Netherfield ball, the shocking news of George Wickham's murder is announced.
As the last person to meet with Wickham, Darcy is a suspect.
Elizabeth risks her reputation by revealing her presence at Oakham Mount, in order to clear Darcy.
There are of course consequences to this revelation. Darcy feels duty bound to offer for Elizabeth.
Most of the book is the progress of their courtship, which is sweet.
An enjoyable variation and a well narrated audiobook.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/06/kissed-by-mc-frank.html
Lady Adelina Halifax, heiress, wild child and scandal, hides a great deal of pain behind her bad behaviour. In turns, neglected by her aristocratic parents, abused by the regime at her dreadful boarding school and then orphaned.
Never believing herself worthy of love, she settles for getting attention in any way possible.
She wants a suitor, but definitely not Lord Burns!
He is a close friend of her guardian, always there, always gentlemanly, seemingly always present when Adelina embarrasses herself. Like a boring elder brother.
Will Adelina learn to appreciate him? And if she does, will he want her?
I have to say that I struggled with this. Adelina is probably a very accurate portrait of the sort of self destructive behaviour, damaged people can display, but wow, was she hard work!
Lord Burns expression of unrequited love was so dramatic! Too much torment, inability to breath and bursting into tears!
That said, the book has many redeeming features and well drawn characters. An honourable mention for Malificent the corgi, who is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-most-excellent-understanding-by-wade-h.html
In most Pride and prejudice variations, when Elizabeth Bennet discovers that Fitzwilliam Darcy separated her beloved sister from his friend Bingley, the result is usually fury and fireworks.
Here, Elizabeth decides that Darcy has done this because he despises her.
Her response is to remove herself from his presence.
Given that Darcy is actually in love with her, this baffles him.
When he follows Elizabeth to London, Darcy finds himself having a very awkward conversation with both Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, explaining himself and giving heartfelt apologies.
After this, Darcy works hard to make amends and prove himself worthy of Elizabeth.
This is an enjoyable read and is very funny in places. It is interesting to see canon characters presented in a different way. Jane with a temper and steely resolve is great. Lady Catherine has a unique role at Longbourn.
Colonel Fitzwilliam does some blunt speaking and Wickham joins the Navy!
I especially appreciated the Bingley's getting a massive set down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/06/snowed-in-with-darcy-steamy-pride-and.html
A short and steamy novella.
Darcy returns to Netherfield on an errand for Bingley. On the way he comes across Elizabeth Bennet and they are both waylayed by snow and ice.
A day and a night spent in Mr Bennet's hunting cabin gives Darcy the opportunity to improve Elizabeth's opinion of him.
So effective is he, that Elizabeth welcomes both his suit and his ardour.
But will their tryst be discovered? Will Mr Bennet agree to the match?
Given the length of the story, one has to forgive the lightning speed change in Elizabeth's sentiments.
The story is tender and passionate with a piquant hint of angst.
Very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This review is for Her Hidden Beauty
by Rose Pearson
Miss Mary Huntsford, daughter of an aristocratic family, has always been told that she is plain.
Her mother finds no value in her, preferring to spend her time, money and affection on Bettina and Sarah, her beautiful (self-centred) twins.
When the London Season starts, the family attend with hopes of splendid matches for the twins.
Unfortunately, neglect and distain have beaten Mary's spirits down, so that she has no hope of any kind of match, splendid or otherwise.
Viscount Benedict Northwick loses a bet to his friend. The consequence is to court the plainest woman in London Society, namely Mary Huntsford. The goal being to induce her to declare her love for him. Then he can leave her!
In this Regency retelling of Cinderella, will Mary find her hope again and will Benedict turn out to be a “Prince” or a “Toad”?
Delightful short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mechanisation of battle during World War 1, lead to both more and worse injuries than had been seen before.
Facial injuries damaged both the body and the psyche, with men ostracised for being too disturbing to look at.
The possibility of successful reconstructive surgery attracted a disparate group of professionals, including ENT surgeons, general surgeons and dentists.
This book is a fascinating account of both the patients and the healthcare professionals.
The focus is on Harold Gillies and his pioneering work in establishing the beginnings of modern plastic surgery.
There are many other honourable mentions of international contributors to the work. Many of whom were self funded.
With each patient comes a vignette of the grim circumstances surrounding their injuries, together with pretty gory clinical details.
A very interesting read, which makes one very grateful for modern anaesthesia, asepsis and analgesia.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/05/field-of-dreams-pride-and-prejudice.html
When Thomas Bennet is confined to his bed with a lingering but terminal illness, the Longbourn estate is left without management. He has no son to assist him, but a wife and five daughters to fret over. Due to an entail, Longbourn will belong to a distant cousin upon Bennet's death and the Bennet women will be homeless.
Fortunately, his second eldest daughter, Elizabeth is smart, determined and resilient.
At only twenty, with no education in land management, Elizabeth takes on the care of Longbourn, with not only very little support but having to actively repel the many circling vultures. Family, friends and neighbors all prove themselves faithless, greedy and venal.
Mr Darcy of Pemberley is known to be a trustworthy and capable landowner, who took on the responsibility at a young age.
Elizabeth writes to him as E.R. Bennet, explaining the difficulties being faced and requesting advice. Darcy is happy to assist the young “man” and correspondence follows.
Elizabeth moves forward with more confidence and does well with the estate.
She has always loved the countryside but managing Longbourn, gives her a deep love for the land itself.
Darcy visits Herefordshire with a friend and looks forward to meeting E.R. Bennet in person. When he discovers E.R. is short for Elizabeth Rose, he is furious. He assumes that he has been hoodwinked into corresponding with an unmarried lady, as a way to force a marriage.
Elizabeth is disappointed that the pleasant man who wrote to her, is arrogant and haughty in person.
They find common ground in their mutual love for the land and Darcy proves to be a sterling friend to Elizabeth and her family as Mr Bennet's end draws near.
This is a wonderful book with strong characters, deep emotions, both love and grief, together with a lyrical appreciation of farming.
I heartily recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/05/more-than-pretty-face-variation-of-jane.html
The essence of this story is that the main protagonists all achieve insight into their own characters. Each develops a different view of the world and their place in it.
The story begins when Elizabeth Bennet returns from Hunsford, following Fitzwilliam Darcy's dreadful proposal and their subsequent argument.
She joins her sister Jane, at the Gracechurch Street house of their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
Elizabeth has had her eyes opened, following her interactions with Darcy. She had thought him wicked and Mr Wickham to be all that was good.
His revelations that Wickham is a rake and a scoundrel shatter her belief in her skills as a judge of character.
Jane has been slowly recovering from her heartbreak over Charles Bingley's abandonment. She has put aside her rose tinted view of the world, to recognise that the Bingley sisters are harpies and Charles Bingley is a weak character.
This revelation has made her feel a great deal better about herself.
When the newly minted Lord Lyfford meets Mr Gardiner for a business meeting, he explains that he thinks his steward is embezzling from his estate. When they look at the books, Gardiner asks Jane to assist. Thus, it is revealed that Jane has prodigious skill with numbers. Lyfford is impressed with both her mind and her beauty.
And so, begins a relationship of respect, esteem and love.
When Darcy meets his old friend Lyfford, he is encouraged to court Elizabeth and show that he can be a better man than she has believed him to be.
In a parallel story, Elizabeth tries to ensure that her family and the town of Meryton are protected from the predations of Mr Wickham.
It takes some time to motivate her apathetic father but progress is made. All the family but Lydia accepts that Wickham is bad.
Her behaviour finally triggers Mr Bennet to act and shockingly Mrs Bennet agrees.
A stunned Lydia finds herself relegated to the nursery. Further stubborn and reckless behaviour leads to her windows being boarded up and Mr Bennet searching for an appropriate school!
Overall, this is an enjoyable, low angst story.
I liked seeing Jane portrayed as intelligent.
A chastened Darcy makes good, after courting Elizabeth rather than assuming she will have him and Lyfford is lovely from the beginning.
It was also good to see Lydia finally “getting it”!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/08/words-unspoken-pride-and-prejudice.html
When Fitzwilliam Darcy offers to assist his friend Bingley, with his first efforts at estate management, he forgets just how trying Bingley's sister Caroline can be.
She is desperate to be Mistress of his estate Pemberley and spends all her time trying to impress Darcy.
All he wants is peace and quiet.
While exploring the estate, Darcy stumbles across a delightful young woman. She smiles, offers stones to skip on the lake but is seems unwilling to talk to him.
Darcy finds himself drawn to her sweet nature and searches for her every day.
He soon discovers that she has been mute since birth but communicates using a slate.
Elizabeth and Darcy spend time exchanging ideas and he realises how smart she is.
Elizabeth is the second daughter of a gentleman, but has been kept from Society due to her disability. Prejudice against the disabled, could blight her four sisters chances of marriage
Darcy and Elizabeth forge a friendship, which becomes so much more, as Darcy tries to persuade her family to stop hiding her from the world.
This is such a lovely story. Really enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/04/dragon-keepers-cotillion-by-maria-grace.html
Set in a Regency England with a large population of dragons.
This is book eight of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series and follows directly on from book seven Dragons Beyond the Pale.
If you choose to read the entire series, the order should be; book four, A Proper Introduction to Dragons, then books one, two, three, five, six and seven.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are senior officers of the Blue Order. Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy, knight of the Pendragon Order, has sworn to “protect and serve the interests of the Blue Order and dragonkind”.
Elizabeth is the Dragon Sage, respected by dragons and keepers for her skills and insight into dragon health, culture and psychology.
In book seven, Elizabeth was kidnapped and although safely recovered, life is not back to normal. The threat to her still remains. Traitors in the Blue Order are still at large.
Infant dragon, Pemberley is to be introduced to Blue Order Society at the Dragon Keepers' Cotillion, together with some of Elizabeth's family and friends.
Unfortunately, the Cotillion board seems to contain the worst examples of Regency Society and they don't like Elizabeth.
At the same time, a major threat is made against Pemberley's territory. Darcy, as her keeper, faces the prospect of battling several adult dragons, as Pemberley is perceived as too young to fight for herself.
This latest chapter in the series combines intrigue, suspense and the power of loyal friends in overcoming adversity. I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy.
This whole series is narrated by Benjamin Fife. His narration is very good, his voice warm and pleasing to listen to. His female voices are convincing and his dragon voices are excellent.
I look forward to more from Maria Grace. I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-happiest-couple-in-world-sequel-to.html
After a stormy courtship of misunderstandings and conflict, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy find married bliss.
Unfortunately, life starts to get in the way.
While friends and family fill their nurseries, Elizabeth and Darcy still have no family after five years of marriage.
Darcy needs an heir, but the loss of Georgiana in childbirth and Elizabeth's near fatal miscarriage haunt him.
Elizabeth feels that she is failing him and desperately wants a baby.
The distress changes Elizabeth's sunny disposition and Darcy often feels he can never say the right thing.
As a result, they become more and more distant from each other, with Darcy retreating behind his mask of haughtiness.
They reach a point where desperate measures seem to be the only way to save their marriage.
Elizabeth's solution is shocking, but Darcy reluctantly agrees, whilst still hoping for an alternative. And so they depart for Italy, where they hope an answer awaits them.
The distance between Darcy and Elizabeth is painful to see, especially after such a hopeful start.
Infertility is hard enough now but with the need for an heir it must have been overwhelming.
Amy D'Orazio has a talent for creating stories that combine exquisite angst, with a sweet happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.