Three Dates with Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Anthology

by Elizabeth Ann West

2 Books + 1 Exclusive Story from Elizabeth Ann West!

Three Dates with Mr. Darcy is a bundle An exclusive story, Much to Conceal, a novella that imagines what if Elizabeth confessed to Jane in London that Mr. Darcy proposed in Kent?

A Winter Wrong, the first novella in the Seasons of Serendipity series that imagines what if Mr. Bennet died at the very beginning of Pride and Prejudice?

By Consequence of Marriage, the first novel in the Moralities of Marriage series that wonders what if Mr. Darcy never saved his sister Georgiana from Wickham’s clutches?

Elizabeth Ann West’s Pride and Prejudice variations have enthralled more than 100,000 readers in over 90 countries! A proud member of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction community since the mid-2000s, she hopes you will join her in being happily Darcy addicted!

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency, Historical Romance, Retellings, Historical

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2017

About the author

A Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none! Elizabeth Ann West is the author of 7 novels and 9 novellas, 15 of which are story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Her books have won reader conference awards and hit the Historical Bestseller lists on Amazon, Kobo, and the iBooks stores multiple times. A lover of all things geeky, Elizabeth codes websites, dabbles in graphic design, and is always looking for new technology to learn and master. A Navy wife and mother of two, her family has lived all over the United States, currently residing in upstate New York. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, you can keep up with Elizabeth on Twitter @Eawwrites and on her website, http://elizabethannwest.com where she posts new fiction as she writes it!

Reviews

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had previously read the two books in the compilation but the short story was new and fabulous
Much to Conceal 4 stars
Much to Conceal imagines what happens during Lizzy and Maria's stop over in London on their way home from Rosings to Meryton. I would say as compared to the books the story is mostly low angst. In this version Lizzy sees Darcy and a woman she supposes to be his sister at a museum. When they return home she ends up confiding in Jane about everything that happened in Kent. EVERYTHING. Jane in turn confides in Mrs. Gardiner who agrees to help Jane, help Lizzy to apologize to Mr. Darcy. Much of this I liked but what I didn't like was Darcy for some reason thinking the Earl & Countess would help charm Lizzy and her family. [Are ye dense man?] It was annoying and fake angst. The story wraps up quickly with 2 engagements.

A Winter Wrong (Seasons of Serendipity #1) is the first book in the many book Seasons of Serendipity series which sets the stage for all the angst to follow. I recently read the final book in the series or the 1st book in a new series so I reread the entire SoS series you can read my review here. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

By Consequence of Marriage (The Moralities of Marriage #1) Is the first book in another super angsty series. I had read this a while ago and decided to reread and I still loved it as much as at the first. This is super angsty from Georgiana not being recovered, Lizzy being seriously injured, to Mr. Darcy missing Bingley's wedding to Lizzy being thrown from Longbourn by her evil parents to the Gardiners being inclined to jump to conclusions you can read my review here https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

1% to 18%: Much to conceal – back in London with her sister, Elizabeth finally relates all about Darcy’s proposal and his letter. Jane decides to play matchmaker and along with their Aunt Gardiner drop in unexpectedly at the Darcy town house. Although he wants no visitors when his housekeeper relates that a Miss Elizabeth Bennet, her sister and aunt have stopped in and want to speak to him he asks Georgiana to entertain while he addresses the need for some neglected grooming. An invite to dinner and with Richard’s help in getting Lord and Lady Matlock. In the midst of dinner and the Matlock’s rebukes about the unsuitability of Elizabeth for Darcy’s wife, she stands and has her say including how wrong she was about his character and about turning him down in the manner used. Darcy drags her to his study and sets things right. “Now just how will Mr. Bennet react” is our parting thought.

18% to 43%: A Winter Wrong – I read this before as a standalone book and reviewed it.
43% to 100%: By Consequence of Marriage - I read this before as a standalone book and reviewed it.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The perfect date is the one where anything and everything goes wrong, but at the end of it, all you want is to see them again.” Dylan O’Brien

This was a free offering through Amazon. It contains a collection of 2 books + an exclusive story. Even though I had already read and reviewed the two books, which were books one in their respective series, I chose this collection due to the fact it was the only way to read the short story. This collection was divided into volumes.

Volume One: the short story: Much to Conceal: ends at 17%

This short story was really cute. It was post Hunsford proposal, with Elizabeth and Jane still in London, where Lizzy shared Darcy’s letter with Jane. To help love along, Jane and Aunt Gardiner made arrangements for Lizzy and Darcy to be in company together. This allowed our dear couple [ODC] that page time where they could apologize and make kissy face with each other. Richard was a hoot and I dearly loved dear Georgiana as they combined forces to bring the Fitzwilliam family [Lord and Lady Matlock] together with Elizabeth’s family from trade. As the sparks few, they reached new heights when Caroline Bingley crashed the dinner party. The dinner invitation had been for Charles alone. Does that woman have no shame? I would have liked for her to receive something from that faux pas… shameless hussy.

Volume Two: A Winter Wrong: ends at 42%

[Year One] in the Season of Serendipity Series: I’m listing all the books in the series along with my review:

Book One: A Winter Wrong: 3-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Two: A Spring Sentiment: 4-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Three: A Summer Shame: 5-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Four: An Autumn Accord: 3-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Year Two]

Book Five: A Winter Wonder: 3-stars… last one I read… I simply didn’t care what happened next. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Novella: A January for Jane: It was called a bonus story to the previous five books. [The cover listed this as the Seasons of Serendipity Bride, book one]. Not sure what that means.

I’ve noticed that the prices have come down on the older books. I have reviewed each book individually and they can be accessed on both Amazon and GoodReads.

Volume Three: By Consequence of Marriage: ends at 99%

The Moralities of Marriage Series

Book One: By Consequence of Marriage: 3-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Two: A Virtue of Marriage: 3-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Three: The Blessing of Marriage: 3-stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Four: The Trappings of Marriage: launched August 2017, I simply refused to read any further or continue in the series.

We were then given a glimpse of the covers and titles of the next two books.

Book Five: The Miracles of Marriage:

Book Six: The Heart of Marriage.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title itself is WRONG. WRONG genre and most definitely WRONG timeline. Words matter, syntax matter because it sets the tone for the period. The word "date" (used in the present day context) is not for this genre and timeline. I was so sorry and so disappointed to ever have downloaded this TRASH. Even if I know the title is not appropriate for the Regency (post and extended period), I still thought I would give this a try. I was able to finish Volume 1 and it was fine but forgettable. I think I have already given a review for Volume 2, as I read it before as a separate work; by this time, I have developed a dislike for this author's variations of P&P by Volume 3 (the worst, by the way). I do not recommend this for true blue Regency readers and Jane Austen fans you will only feel violated. Enough obscene mangling of a beloved classic from this irreverent author!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really get into the first two in this collection. They didn't grab me at all. I was more interested in the third one, By Consequence of Marriage. Some of it I struggled with because people's behavior was so out of character. Georgiana turned spoiled ingrate brat, Mr. Bennett turned mean toward Lizzy and generally unlikable, Jane turned non caring toward Lizzy, and Lizzy prone to crying fits... I was kind of to the point of preferring Kitty and Mary to the other sisters. But when it is a variation book I try to suspend my own thoughts and believe what the author wants me to believe. Doing that I could be interested in the story and how it will resolve and then suddenly it was over. The book I mean, not the story. No resolve. Cliffhanger... I hate cliffhangers. So then suddenly I didn't like the book at all because the cliffhanger ending was so annoying to me. I like the story to resolve by the end of the book. Then you can pick up some element from that story and make it into the next book. But the cliffhanger just makes it feel like someone ripped the ending out of the book so you never know how it resolves. And because I was so annoyed by it, I have no desire to spend money to read the rest of the story. I assume the second will be a cliffhanger as well so that would mean buying two more books. Nope. I'm done.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this only to read the first story as I've already read the other two separately. But for $.99 I thought it worth it to read the first story. I enjoyed the tale. The dinner scene was fascinating. Really loved the interaction between the characters.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I had read one of these stories before, all three were memorable tales of Darcy and Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice fame. The second story (novel-length), A Winter Wrong, I had purchased separately, but I had not before read the short story "Much to Conceal" or the novel-length By Consequence of Marriage. This last is the first of a trilogy, and I have been so engrossed in it that I think I need to obtain the other two novels in "The Moralities of Marriage" series.

Wonderful stories, and especially wonderful portraits of Darcy. A lovely collection!

[Maria Valderrama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first two stories, but hated the last one. It was so disappointing to find the characters switch personalities: Georgiana becomes Lydia, Mr Collins becomes a potential wife beater, Mr & Mrs Bennet try to sell off Elizabeth so they can keep Longbourn, Mr Gardiner uses Darcy to advance his business, Kitty is thoughtful and generous, and even Darcy is portrayed as being familiar and personable instead of aloof and socially awkward.

[Lisa Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this book deserves more than a 3, but not a 4.
I read this "anthology" as three separate volumes.
Volume 1 "Much to Conceal" begins after Elizabeth returns to Cheapside after leaving Rosings Park/Hunsford. Elizabeth attempts to hide from Darcy at an exhibit she and Jane attend in London. It ends with Darcy's second proposal. There is a promise of an HEA, but the story feels unfinished. (Now, I know many authors write their stories as such, keeping the reader hanging on for the next volume. I just felt shortchanged as Volume 1 is only 7 chapters and leaves off when Darcy goes off to Longbourn to earn Mr. Bennet's permission to marry Elizabeth.)
This short volume contains multiple split infinitives: to now be, to finally enter, to forever color, to fully feel, to finally arrive, to soon become, etc.

Volume 2 "A Winter Wrong" begins with an epidemic. The Meryton neighborhood believe the Bingleys and Darcy have brought on a contagion. In this "date," Darcy has second thoughts of marrying Elizabeth after Mr. Bennet dies and Mr. Collins succeeds to the estate. [Again, there is the promise of a happily ever after, but things are left in the air with Wickham's abandonment of Lydia.]
The author uses "Sir Lucas." Both a knight and a baronet are addressed as "Sir (first name)." The man is "Sir William."
Ashtrays were placed into use earlier, but did not become popular until the mid 1800s. The word "ashtray" did not become popular until 1926.
Uses split infinitives: to not ride, to instantly inherit, to respectfully mourn, to truly weigh, etc.
Uses "Mr. Collin's book" (should be "Mr. Collins's book).
The author often switches point of view from Darcy and Elizabeth to Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet, Kitty Bennet, and Mrs. Gardiner.

Volume 3 "By Consequence of Marriage" has 50 chapters. This book begins with Georgiana eloping with Mr. Wickham. Darcy and the colonel search for her for three weeks. Lady Matlock says he must give the impression that Georgiana is with her tutors by leaving London. He joins Bingley at Netherfield.
The author switches point of view from either of the two main characters in chapters 2, 3, 5, 12, 13, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 44, 47, and 48.
There are historical errors such as continuing to call "Sir William" "Sir Lucas," as well as having the engagement announced in the newspapers. Occasionally a wedding would be announced after the fact, but not engagements.
Darcy's will cannot take funds away from the real property, meaning the estate.
A "bastard" cannot inherit an estate in England.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I generally enjoyed the first two stories, none of these are truly stand alone stories. They are merely introductions to a series, ending on actions that demand completion. The third story had Mr. Bennet and Jane act completely against character. Mr. Bennet willingly “sells” Elizabeth to Collins. Never! Followed by Elizabeth and Darcy also acting somewhat against type. It’s one thing to change the story, but when you change the nature of characters you lose the connection. Not what P&P Fans want.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three worthy stories

I really enjoyed this book and the takes it contains. Elizabeth Ann West is an excellent writer that grasped my interest and that ensured my willingness to read further into her stories.
Two of the three books of this compilation are the beginning of series that I intend to read.

[Alicia Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning!

Each of these three books are incredible. Such wonderful renditions of Pride and Prejudice. I would recommend this author to any Jane Austen fans. I was quite pleasantly surprised to enjoy these books so very much.

[Tracey Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. .. these were very cute.

[Kimberleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never mind spending time with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. This was a quick, fun read.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the different ways to approach the ending

[Bibliongirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute stories for fans of pride and prejudice

[Lyndee DeBolt]

An enjoyable read of what ifs

This was a fun read of what ifs on Pride and Prejudice. The author wrote in keeping with Jane Austen and threw in quotes to different scene.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Three very different dates with Mr Darcy, which you will enjoy the different scenarios. The different drama, evilness, or chivalry is truly a!axing and will keep you reading. I highly recommend reading this, but to move on to the next books of the series from the second and third book in here.

[lielabell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The level of the writing in this is juvenile at best. I know it's published fanfiction, but there is A LOT BETTER published Jane Austen fanfiction out there.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old characters, new adventures

These are exceptional variations in that the characters do not adhere to form. Why bother writing a variation that follows so closely to the original plot? Save your money and re-read Pride and Prejudice.

I was really enjoying the twists and surprises to be found in By Consequence of Marriage and held high expectations of a HEA. Alas, on the last page, those expectations plummeted like a lead balloon when I discovered I was expected to purchase five additional books if I wanted to continue the story.

So I've deducted one star for the cliffhanger ending and one star for more than ten errors. I have no plans to continue the series.