On Equal Ground: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (The Dramas) in Austen Variations

Sep 21, 2017 Joana Starnes rated it it was amazing

Ah, sweet retribution! In the original novel and most of the variations Darcy has the luxury of knowing he has the upper hand. But what if he hasn’t? What if Elizabeth is his superior in everything – station in life, wealth, connections? What if he is forced to approach the relationship with humility, knowing that he is less powerful than her and the family she now belongs to? What if their circumstances are so wholly reversed that he, not Elizabeth, has nothing but his charm to recommend him? D ...more

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Sep 15, 2017 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

First, know that this book, as stated in the story description, has Elizabeth marrying and loving deeply another man before she ever meets William Darcy. The man has had two marriages both of which ended in not only the death of his spouse but also the deaths of children from both marriages. His relationship with both women was not a love relationship. He has over 20 years on Elizabeth and that might seem a little off putting but he in no way has a father/daughter relati 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

First, know that this book, as stated in the story description, has Elizabeth marrying and loving deeply another man before she ever meets William Darcy. The man has had two marriages both of which ended in not only the death of his spouse but also the deaths of children from both marriages. His relationship with both women was not a love relationship. He has over 20 years on Elizabeth and that might seem a little off putting but he in no way has a father/daughter relationship with Elizabeth. They are well matched intellectually and he has learned through the years how to pick his fights and how or when to give in. Plus they have a passionate and fulfilling love life. (No graphic details.)

Being very wealthy Robert Talbot (Earl of Asheland) does much to not only to provide generously for his wife but also sets Mr. Bennet the example of what a father should be doing by adding to the Bennet sisters' financial futures but then also seeking proper education and monitoring by governesses where needed.

Darcy is one of many haute ton acquaintances and/or friends and as he is in company with them over several years he observes (in his staring, stand-offish way) much about Elizabeth and also about the relationship she has with Robert. He wants a woman such as that and he wants that type of close, at times playful and passionate relationship. He wants a mother like she is for his own offspring.

In what is essentially a second volume/part II to this book, Elizabeth is a widow. Her husband has exhorted her to love again upon his death bed. She has no intention of doing so. And although he has guaranteed that her and her children's legal rights and wealth can never be touched or affected by any man she might marry, she shows no inclination towards another relationship, not even an affair.

Darcy makes all the same mistakes, even referring to her original background as a Bennet from Hertfordshire. Oh, he has now decided that since his original "perfect wife" is available why should he search for a copy. But he does have a lot of ground to make up and he decides that time and effort are well worth the prize in the end. He also has to prove that he will be a good "step-father" to her three children by Asheland.

This book does not contain much of canon. The author has many of the same people but their history and the relationships are all her own. I enjoyed this story and recommend it to others. ...more

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Feb 18, 2018 Dung rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-inspried, favorite-austen-inspired, books-owned-kindle-ibook, books-to-purchase

Gosh, I have never been so torn between having a HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth and wanting her to stay married to someone else!! I truly loved her relationship with her first husband and didn’t want anything bad to happen to them.

Elizabeth Adam is a talented writer. You can feel the emotions coming off the pages. The other reviews are great with recapping the story.

I would recommend reading this for JAFF fans but also those who have lost a spouse. It gives you hope for a second opportunity in lo ...more

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Oct 05, 2017 Barb rated it it was amazing

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

Even though Elizabeth loves another...

I don't usually enjoy stories where Elizabeth or Darcy are married before they get together, but this one is an exception.

Lizzy's first marriage is a love match to a man quite different from Darcy as a young man, but as I expect he became after years of marriage. Her first husband is an Earl and Elizabeth becomes a fabulously wealthy and happy Countess. I enjoyed this portion of the book far more than I anticipated. This was a good life for Elizabeth and I ...more

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Mar 26, 2024 Linda added it

Shelves: jaff-2025, jaff

I think this might be one of my favorite JAFF books, by one of my favorite JAFF authors. Elizabeth Adams writes Elizabeth so well. None of the usual villains are present, but it doesn't make the story worse. ...more

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Jul 13, 2021 Liliya rated it it was amazing

Truly one of the best P&P variations out there!

One Elizabeth, two different love stories. First with a wealthy Earl who brings her into higher society, and then with Mr. Darcy who is her inferior now. How will Mr. Darcy behave?! First the opportunity finds him where he offends a mother, a fiercely loved wife and a countess. Then he falls in love with her and must fight to allow a broken heart to love again.
There’s no Wickham, passing mention of Lady Catherine, and Caroline Bingley even tho she ...more

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Jul 15, 2021 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: period-romance, 2021, audible

This was like no other JAFF I have ever read. Knowing the summary of this book I should have expected the plot a little more but somehow I was still surprised. I absolutely loved this book, but it was also very emotional.

Elizabeth is nearly 18 and riding to London with the Gardiners when they come upon a man whose carriage has had a mishap. Thus she meets her husband. Ms. Adams writes this so well that even though Elizabeth and Darcy are the OTP, I was rooting for Elizabeth and her Robert to hav ...more

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