“Even with everything,” he said, “I cannot regret loving her. My only regret is that I did not love her more.

P&P published (aka edited) fanfic??? Count me in!! I know there is no shortage of these out there, but I loved this semi-AU where Elizabeth does accept Darcy's first proposal despite not reciprocating his feelings and we get to see them slowly grow together and resolve some of their many issues during their engagement. It was such a fun idea to explore and I thought it was done really well - Ormiston kept the pacing and style close enough to Austen that it doesn't seem totally unreasonable that this could have been another outcome for Elizabeth & Darcy, but it still has a fresh, readable tone for those who struggle with Austen's writing style. 

I knew I didn't like Jane Austen fan fiction, so I should not have read this. But sometimes I think the right book just hasn't come along yet (the premise of this one was interesting!). But now I'm sure it's not the book, it's me.

That being said, this was really long, drawn out, so much talking (especially from the supposedly quiet Mr. Darcy)—and I seemed to be able to focus only on the discrepancies between the original characters (same thing happened when I tried to read Death Comes to Pemberley). I skimmed the last 25% rather than abandon it bc I couldn't take all of the long boring speeches anymore.

Happy to find a JAFF with audio ... this was even included in AudiblePlus, with the Kindle copy available from the (x)library. This was absolutely enjoyable, a very traditional addition (same time/setting/style) as the original. 3rd person/past tense, although we get more than just Lizzie's POV (more insight into Darcy).

It starts with a prologue, a scene between Bingley and Darcy - one that very well could have come from the original. If you'd wanted more of an idea of what Darcy might have discussed to dissuade Bingley, this is it. This sets up the irony of this book ... where Elizabeth accepts Darcy's hand before she's had a complete change of feelings, when their affections are unequal (the title, and what Darcy warns Bingley against). 

This was just a very comfortable read ... so easy to fall back into the traditional story, with a slight shift, and get MORE. Additional scenes, what Darcy is thinking, some alternate struggles ... 

I always appreciate having the Kindle copy for reference, and to have on hand to look over while writing reviews. Here, I caught a forward and preface, not included in the audio, which gave some good insight. 


This was the best re-telling of Pride and Prejudice I've ever read. The characters were spot on, but what absolutely made the novel was how Darcy and Elizabeth's understanding of each other was gradually built in a realistic (and, yes, swoon-worthy) way. I loved reading this book and was only disappointed that it had to end. A perfect P&P variation!

the characters are so in character it’s astounding given this is a retelling. I truly believed the plot points.

A few points felt a little too modern with their actions but still wholly enjoyable and recommend for any p&p fan

Very enjoyable.

Didnt finish.
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I think I could reread this over and over. 
adventurous lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Bored to rears.