Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2023 discussion

I'm trying to make it to Colonel Brandon level this year. Books will be listed below, hopefully reviewed on Goodreads, and logged on my spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

My Star Scale:
5 - Great, will read again
4 - Good, probably won't read again
3 - Alright, not too bad but nothing to get excited about
2 - Struggled to finish, not great
1 - Didn't like at all, struggled to finish/did not finish

Cover Displays - https://www.canva.com/design/DAFiKEba...

Charlotte Heywood: Books 1-5

1. Rain and Retribution by L.L. Diamond (4 stars)
2. Three Brides for Three Cousins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christine Combe (5 stars)
3. A Trifling Cold: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lory Lillian (5 stars)
4. Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer by Amanda Kai (3 stars)
5. Gallant Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)

Marianne Dashwood: Books 6-10

6. Spies of Our Acquaintance: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Brigid Huey (4 stars)
7. On Equal Ground: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Elizabeth Adams (5 stars)
8. Agony and Hope by L. L. Diamond (4 stars)
9. Those Bennet Sisters: Pride and Prejudice Varation by Jadie Brooks (5 stars)
10. Fitzwilliam Darcy: An Honourable Man by Brenda Webb (3 stars)

Anne Elliot: Books 11-20

11. Elizabeth D'Arcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold (2 stars)
12. It Started at Pemberley by Jennifer Lang (4 stars)
13. It Continued at Pemberley by Jennifer Lang (3 books)
14. Very Much Like Her Brother: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by J.T. Hunt (4 stars)
15. The Last House in Lambton: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Grace Gibson (4 stars)
16. From Another Perspective: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by M. J. Stratton (4 stars)
17. Mr. Darcy and the Enchanted Library by the Magical Austen Blog Authors (4 stars) - https://magicalausten.com/mr-darcy-an...
18. Mr Darcy's Valentine by Heather Moll (4 stars)
19. Mr Darcy's New Neighbour: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Marie Green (4 stars)
20. Infamous Relations: A Pride And Prejudice "What If?" Tale by Catherine Bilson (4 stars)

Catherine Morland: Books 21-50

21. The Watsons by Jane Austen (3 stars - see review in my section on group reads)
22. Every Possible Amends by Jann Rowland (4 stars)
23. London Holiday by Nicole Clarkston (who I think is also Alix James?) (5 stars)
24. Such Happy Manners: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Clarissa Joy Thomas (5 stars) (A Wickham is good story! Love these)
25. Two Days in November: A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown (4 stars)
26. From Tolerable to Lovely: A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown (4 stars)
27. Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown (4 stars)
28. Midnight with Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown (5 stars)
29. Arguing With Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown (3 stars)
30. From Land and Legacy ... To Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Jefferis-Zimmerman (5 stars)
31. Remembrances: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Leigh (4 stars)
32. Not In Want of a Wife by Amanda Kai (4 stars)
33. Just Deserts: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Gruinard (5 stars)
34. For Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Christie Capps (3 stars)
35. A Forever Kind of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Christie Capps (4 stars)
36. A Tapestry of Lives Book 1 by Jean Sims (5 stars)
37. A Tapestry of Lives Book 2 by Jean Sims (5 stars)
38. A Tapestry of Lives Book 3 by Jean Sims (5 stars)
39. A Famous Good Marrying Scheme: A Humorous Friends to Lovers Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jan Ashton (3 stars)
40. Mistaken Premise : A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cherith Boardman (5 stars) (One of my favorites of the year so far)
41. Mr. Bingley Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by A.L. Ward (4 stars)
42. Turnabout: A Regency Romance inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier (5 stars - funny)
43. More Discerning - Volume I: A Pride and Prejudice variation novel by Kinga Brady (5 stars)
44. More Discerning - Volume II: A Pride and Prejudice variation novel by Kinga Brady (4 stars)
45. The Netherfield Murder by Melanie Shertz (3 stars)
46. Letters from the Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation by Rose Fairbanks (4 stars)
47. Oxford Cottage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Leenie Brown (5 stars)
48. A Curative Touch by Elizabeth Adams (4 stars)
49. Mr. Darcy Steals a Kiss (and Some Other Stuff): A Pride and Prejudice Romantic Comedy by Alix James (3 stars)
50. A Longbourn Entanglement by Monica Fairview (3 stars)

George Knightley: Books 51-75

51. Happier Than We Deserve: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Melissa Halcomb (4 stars)
52. River of Dreams: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King (5 stars)
53. Confounding Caroline: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Leenie Brown (4 stars)
54. An Excellent Walker: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lyndsay Constable (4 stars)
55. Death of a Clergyman by Riana Everly (5 stars)
56. An Inn-cidental Compromise by Dee Kay (5 stars) (a steamier variation but funny)
57. A Certain Practical Understanding by Jadie Brooks (4 stars)
58. Mr Darcy's Fight for Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold (4 stars)
59. Longbourn's Angels by Sue Barr (4 stars)
60. The Fire at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)
61. Oh Brother: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Iris Lim (4 stars)
62. Heir Apparent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Clarissa Joy Thomas (4 stars)
63. Four Proposals of Marriage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laura Moretti (5 stars)
64. The Longbourn Heir: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold (4 stars)
65. A Splendidly (Un)suitable Match by Jennifer Joy (5 stars)
66. Live, Love, Longbourn by Jennifer Becton (5 stars)
67. The Bennets: Providence & Perception by K. C. Cowan (4 stars)
68. Intertwined: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorena DiChiara (5 stars)
69. Irresistibly Alone: A novella length variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Julie Cooper (5 stars)
70. Fair Stands the Wind: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Catherine Lodge (5 stars)
71. Overheard: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Marley Fulton (4 stars)
72. The Talented Daughters of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (5 stars)
73. Elegant Female: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh (3 stars)
74. Letters from the Heart by Kay Bea (5 stars)
75. Found in the Snow: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jaeza Rayleigh (5 stars)

Fanny Price: Books 76-100

76. Love Letters from Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by J. Dawn King (5 stars)
77. The Perfect Match: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Lory Lillian (4 stars)
78. The Accidental Letter: A novella based on Pride and Prejudice by Melissa Anne (3 stars)
79. Letter from Ramsgate by Suzan Lauder (4 stars)
80. Through Each Other's Eyes] by Aleena Ashe (4 stars)
81. The Derbyshire Mystery Stone by Melanie Schertz (4 stars)
82. The Dalmatian Heist: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Juliana Abbott (4 stars)
83. The Longbourn Will: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Carolyn Whyte (3 stars)
84. Unmasked: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Roy Neville (3 stars)
85. Think of Me: A Highly Irregular Pride & Prejudice Variation by Elizabeth Adams (4 stars)
86. An Unexpected Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary + Love, Thomas (the free epilogue) by Melanie Rachel (5 stars)
87. The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds (4 stars)
88. The Reintroduction of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christine Combe (4 stars)
89. Nine Ladies: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Heather Moll (5 stars)
90. Until My Last Breath: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rose Lorimer (4 stars)
91. Darcy's Gallant Gambit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jaime Marie Lang (4 stars)
92. From the Hedgerows to Windsor: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Eselle Teays (4 stars)
93. To Save Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton (4 stars)
94. Wild Goose Chase: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Lynbrook (5 stars) *Re-read from a couple of years ago
95. Mr. Darcy Dances: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Lynbrook (4 stars)
96. The Journey by Jan Hahn (4 stars)
97. A Devoted Sister by Jann Rowland (4 stars)
98. If Only In His Dreams by Melanie Schertz (4 stars)
99. Discretion and Daring by Amelia Westerly (4 stars)
100. Interwoven by Melanie Rachel (5 stars)

Colonel Brandon: Books 101-150

101. The Keeper: Mary Bennet's Extraordinary Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson (5 stars)
102. Henry Fitzwilliam's War by Don Jacobson (3 stars)
103. The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson (4 stars)
104. Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson (3 stars)
105. The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson
106. Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Melanie Rachel (5 stars)
107. Mr. Darcy's Fair Trade by Alix James (5 stars)
108. To Wake the Sleeping Dragon: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Selene L Garou
109. The Earl’s Granddaughter by Ola Wegner (4 stars)
110. Elizabeth Bennet’s Inheritance : A Pride and Prejudice Variation Christian Regency Romance by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)
111. These Dreams: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Alix James (3 stars)
112. A Sheepish Encounter at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Bella Breen (4 stars)
113. The Riches of a Life Well-Lived: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Elizabeth Frerichs (4 stars)
114. Lover's Knot: A Mysterious Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jenetta James (4 stars)
115. Transforming Mr. Darcy: A Magical Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melanie Rachel (4 stars)
116. Colonel Fitzwilliam Takes Charge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson (5 stars)
117. Longbourn Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)
118. Only Exceedingly Shy by Jann Rowland (4 stars)
119. Lonely in London: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Variation by Jae George (4 stars)
120. The Blind Will See: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (5 stars) (Re-Read from years ago)
121. Meet Me at Pemberley by Rose Fairbanks (4 stars)
122. Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks (4 stars)
123. Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon by Maria Grace (4 stars)
124. Longbourn: Dragon Entail by Maria Grace (4 stars)
125. Netherfield: Rogue Dragon by Maria Grace (4 stars)
126. Dear Nameless Stranger: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jeannie Peneaux (5 stars)
127. Four Days in April by Maria Grace (4 stars)

Group Reads

January (Jane Austen Book) - The Watsons (I'll review this here since there isn't an individual book I read, it was part of an anthology)

Review - It's a good beginning to a story but I can't say that the characters were drawing me in. I also had a problem with the names because they felt like they had all been reused (or I guess this would be where they were originally used). So many of the names reminded me of different characters that I had trouble giving the new character an individual identity. I thought Lord Osbourne would end up being another Mr. Darcy but the notes about the book say that is not the main character's love interest. It had an interesting premise and I saw somewhere that some had written an ending to it. I may go find it and read that one as I'm curious enough to see how others thought the characters would develop.

February (Someone Pick for Me) - Mr Darcy's New Neighbour: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Marie Green (4 stars)

March (Dusty Shelves - One Word Title) - Remembrances: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Leigh (4 stars)

April (Mysterious Austenesque - Jane as a Character) - Mr. Bingley Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by A.L. Ward (4 stars) - Main Character: Jane Bennett

May (Someone Pick for Me) - The Fire at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)

June (Dusty Shelves - Red, Yellow, or Blue Cover) - Live, Love, Longbourn by Jennifer Becton (5 stars)

July (Six Degrees of Separation) -
1. The Talented Daughters of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig (5 stars)
2. Letters from the Heart by Kay Bea (5 stars)
3. Love Letters from Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by J. Dawn King (5 stars)

August (Someone Pick for Me) - The Dalmatian Heist: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Juliana Abbott (4 stars)

September (Dusty Shelves - On the Flip Side with Jane) -
1. Nine Ladies: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Heather Moll (5 stars) (Time Travel - Elizabeth from the Future)
2. The Reintroduction of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christine Combe (4 stars) (Darcy is poor and Jane is wealthy)

October (Word Association) -
Jane - A Devoted Sister (4 stars)
Dance - Mr. Darcy Dances: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (4 stars)
Spooky - Interwoven (5 stars)
Minor Character - The Keeper: Mary Bennet's Extraordinary Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson (5 stars)

November (Someone Pick for Me) - Elizabeth Bennet’s Inheritance : A Pride and Prejudice Variation Christian Regency Romance by Laraba Kendig (4 stars)

December
Mini-Sprint - Lover's Knot: A Mysterious Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jenetta James (4 stars)
Austen Gold
Transforming Mr. Darcy: A Magical Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melanie Rachel, suggested by abmom (4 stars)
Dear Nameless Stranger: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jeannie Peneaux, suggested by Anji (5 stars)
Jane Austen's Dragon series, suggested by Anji (4 stars for books 1-3)

Love the spreadsheet format. I do something similar in google sheets

Agree that the spreadsheet is great. I've been thinking I need to do something like this because I read so many books (over 400 last year) that I struggle to remember details/keep them all straight. I may use this as a model.