London Holiday in Austen Variations

May 05, 2018 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

I received an ARC of this book only yesterday and could not put it down. It is not a short book but it is an enthralling one. It is well written and the author, IMO, "nails" the cant of that period. I loved the conversations, the humor and the descriptions of both William and Miss Bennet coming to discover bit by bit more of the other's character without pre-knowledge of or introduction to each other. It amusing to read of their ignorance of even each other's name and how they proceed in their r I received an ARC of this book only yesterday and could not put it down. It is not a short book but it is an enthralling one. It is well written and the author, IMO, "nails" the cant of that period. I loved the conversations, the humor and the descriptions of both William and Miss Bennet coming to discover bit by bit more of the other's character without pre-knowledge of or introduction to each other. It amusing to read of their ignorance of even each other's name and how they proceed in their relationship from there.

I found it quite a curious change in this variation that Darcy's London staff seems to have been enticed to forge loyalties to another. Most JAFF tales have the servants highly loyal to the Darcys. Their reasons are explained...and dealt with but it makes the necessity of a "London Holiday" NOT spent from the meeting place of Darcy's home an understandable reality.

Elizabeth's situation and how severe it might be is not explained at first. Knowing canon one would assume it is just any contact with the loathed suitor BUT was we read there is a matter of disgrace and/or taint from an event in Hertfortshire that is actually a new slant. So that matter has more weight but it only is revealed later in the story.

The author deals with the prejudices about having relations in trade, not having any wealth or connections in a different manner here. Darcy knows nothing much except that this family has picked him up off the street and sheltered him overnight. And that is simply due to Elizabeth's tender heart. The parties expect that he will sleep it off and go on his way the next day. Darcy has literally been painted into a corner and thus minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, he seeks to find a way to not have to return home. It is all so amusing as the most eligible bachelor tries to hide his well-known face from family, friend and "foe".

I urge all to read this. I will, at some time, re-read it. I am waiting to see what the cover looks like as I am sure that will be most interesting what with the intrigue within this book. ...more

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May 23, 2018 wosedwew rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, owned-books, book-reviews, 2018, 2023

Take-it-easy and Live-long are brothers. ~ German proverb

Lady Catherine and her daughter force Darcy from his home to avoid a planned compromise and unwanted marriage. The de Bourghs’ planning has been at work for months (if not years) and includes handsome bribes to servants at Darcy’s London home. The longtime butler, housekeeper and upper servants are willing to swear that Anne spent the night in Darcy’s bed chamber.

Darcy, drugged by a footman, manages to escape the house with help from his ...more

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May 25, 2018 Elin Eriksen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: thrilling, favourite, unique-premises, 2024-jaff

Unputdownable!

Hilariously funny and excruciatingly thrilling book.
Loved the imaginative and unique plot.

Lady Catherine was a piece of work in this story and her attempt of compromising him, sends a drugged Darcy onto the streets of London by night, dressed as a footman. Luckily, he was rescued by Elizabeth and her relations as he went unconscious.
A game of cat and mouse ensue, that takes ODC all over London. ODC is searching for mr Gardiner, lady Cathrine and the earl of Matlock are searching ...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Joana Starnes rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen

A cheerful and heart-warming story that will put a smile on your face
What a fun romp that was! So lovely to see Elizabeth and Mr Darcy having such a novel opportunity to become acquainted and truly discover each other. Just like Audrey Hepburn in ‘Roman Holiday’, Mr Darcy escapes the trappings of his daily life in town, and is free to roam without imposition, detection or censure. Not that he feels free, the poor man, with such a threat hanging over his head, but I loved how the footman disguise A cheerful and heart-warming story that will put a smile on your face
What a fun romp that was! So lovely to see Elizabeth and Mr Darcy having such a novel opportunity to become acquainted and truly discover each other. Just like Audrey Hepburn in ‘Roman Holiday’, Mr Darcy escapes the trappings of his daily life in town, and is free to roam without imposition, detection or censure. Not that he feels free, the poor man, with such a threat hanging over his head, but I loved how the footman disguise allows him to spend so much more time alone with Elizabeth than he would have been allowed as a gentleman, and their association has no reason to raise eyebrows. What is more natural than a young lady being escorted hither and thither by ‘her uncle’s footman,’ and what better chance for them to get to know each other? I loved how Darcy is taken down a peg (or several) as he struggles with the indignity of being relegated to the servants’ quarters or forced to travel at the back of a carriage, and it was so nice to see how he learns to bring his pride under control. The instinctive outbursts of the prideful gentleman are hilarious, as is the need to keep his head down, put up with the indignities, and try very hard indeed not to offend the young lady who seems to be one of his very few allies. The ways he comes to discover her true worth are a lovely read, and their gradual falling in love is exquisite. The Vauxhall scenes are a delight, the latter ones in particular, much as Mr Darcy could really do with learning how to express himself clearly in order to avoid a series of complications. But complications seem to spring into his path thanks to unhelpful or downright ill-intentioned characters who keep interfering until we are left to wonder how he is to ever find his ‘happily ever after.’ The secondary characters are skilfully fleshed out, and they do their worst. Lady Catherine is insufferable, Mr Collins as much of a nuisance as ever, and Col Fitzwilliam is mercilessly amusing himself at his cousin’s expense. Others show true kindness and a great deal of common sense. Mr and Mrs Gardiner are adorable, and I found it very reassuring to see that Mr Gardiner responded to a particularly explosive situation as a sensible, protective and affectionate uncle, with no overreaction, but with more gentility than his ‘betters.’
I could have wished for no better conclusion to Elizabeth’s and Mr Darcy’s troubles than the ever so rewarding one Nicole Clarkston offers us – such a lovely reversal of canon events! – and the glimpse into the future is ever so heart-warming. A feel-good book to curl up with, that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. ...more

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Jul 30, 2018 Barb rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-book-listened, austen-fan-fiction-read, books-i-own-audio, audible-jaff

Delightful. I didn’t want it to end.

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Jun 08, 2018 Dung rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-inspried

4.5⭐️ What a fun and unique premise of P&P. The author has a creative way of infusing Austen’s word from cannon into the story.

I enjoyed Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s interactions; however, it did seem improbable at times and defies proper Regency behavior. Their extended London Holiday at times seemed far fetched as they continued to encounter obstacles. The Hunford Style misunderstanding was creative and believable.

I did find it a bit unclear on the Bennet’s situation especially since you didn’t f ...more

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Sep 15, 2019 Dawn rated it really liked it

This was a really enjoyable read! I loved the unique twist and the adventures our dear couple shared. In my opinion, the only thing that would have made it better was if it were a little shorter. I did feel like the story dragged out a bit and would have been just as enjoyable being a little condensed, but this is an absolutely delightful book that I highly recommend!!!

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Apr 20, 2020 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical, austen, kindle-unlimited, jaff-trope-survival, jaff-trope-compromise, jaff-trope-undercover, regency

A great, romantic adventure. I loved the characterisation of Darcy and Elizabeth and how despicable the villains were - I was outraged at the behaviour of certain characters for most of the story!

Very romantic and the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth was well developed, and somehow believable as happening in the course of a single day.

Would read again.

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Jul 17, 2022 Kimbelle Pease rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff-read, 2022-jaff-challenge

It is unquestionably a fun twist on the meeting and betrothal of Darcy and Elizabeth. Those who are villains exceed in their roles, those who are to aid them exceed in theirs. I doubt I have enjoyed more a moment where Uncle Gardiner made his effort, nor more the moment Darcy spoke with Charlotte. It was a truly well told tale!

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