Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Challenge 2024 discussion

“He listened to her with silent attention, and on her ceasing to speak, rose directly from his seat, and after saying in a voice of emotion, 'To your sister I wish all imaginable happiness; to Willoughby, that he may endeavor to deserve her,' took leave, and went away.” Sense & Sensibility

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101 DNF at the free sample. I liked the idea that Darcy never insulted Elizabeth at the assembly, Caroline just said he did. But it is very headhoppy in very short vignettes for each POV and for some reason the author wanted to recap the same events through several people's eyes which makes it seem a bit repetitive https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

102 this was a freebie https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... some poems that are outtakes from a JAFF story that I have not read in which Darcy dabbles with the art.

103-106 rereads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Katja wrote: "101 DNF at the free sample. I liked the idea that Darcy never insulted Elizabeth at the assembly, Caroline just said he did. But it is very headhoppy in very short vignettes for each POV and for so..."

I struggle when a story gets retold multiple times from different points of views like that unless its just once for a specific effect.

yeah it was a bit much... the segments were so short, just a few paragraphs

Katja wrote: "101 DNF at the free sample. I liked the idea that Darcy never insulted Elizabeth at the assembly, Caroline just said he did. But it is very headhoppy in very short vignettes for each POV and for so..."

Wow!

oh my goodness Katja. You are racing through faster than road runner! Fantastic progress.

Katja wrote: "101 DNF at the free sample. I liked the idea that Darcy never insulted Elizabeth at the assembly, Caroline just said he did. But it is very headhoppy in very short vignettes for each POV and for so..."

Wow, you are just racing to Pemberley!

107 another DNF https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... not saying it is a bad book but I am saying that by the time chapter 4 starts Elizabeth has flirted with Wickham, hated on Darcy, flirted with Darcy... Darcy has decided to keep away from Elizabeth and also to flirt with her, while possibly being engaged to another. And Jane has heard Bingley say six sentences altogether, one of which was a broken promise to visit, yet she's "despondent" about failing to meet him again. Girl needs some boundaries.
108 this was OK https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

109-110 rereads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

111 fun little one-shot https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14269587...

Katja wrote: "107 another DNF https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... not saying it is a bad book but I am saying that by the time chapter 4 starts Elizabeth has flirted with Wickham, hated on Darcy, fl..."

I just DNF'd that book for the same reason. I read opening chapters, then read a few reviews (D&E in kissing games early on) and decided this was too far out-of-Regency and out-of-character for me.

Katja wrote: "107 another DNF https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... not saying it is a bad book but I am saying that by the time chapter 4 starts Elizabeth has flirted with Wickham, hated on Darcy, fl..."

Hmm, odd way to develop the early part of the story and show growth. Yes, Jane pining after a few brief words isn't good.

she was like one of those ducklings that get imprinted to a robot vacuum cleaner and follow it around if it's the first thing they see after they hatch

there's no evidence that it's any good for them but it's moving so it must be their mother

jane sees a man and it's smiling so it must be her beau

Katja wrote: "she was like one of those ducklings that get imprinted to a robot vacuum cleaner and follow it around if it's the first thing they see after they hatch

there's no evidence that it's any good for ..."

LOL! This is a perfect description of Jane!

Katja wrote: "she was like one of those ducklings that get imprinted to a robot vacuum cleaner and follow it around if it's the first thing they see after they hatch

there's no evidence that it's any good for ..."

Ha! too funny.

112 this was an accidental reread https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

113 these short stories are all part of a boxed set that is more like one book in terms of total page count but I have reviewed them separately because they are sold separately. Sue me.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

114 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I did not expect the unexpected: Darcy makes a sweet proposal at Hunsford, and Elizabeth wants to give him oral sex. (No she didn't, it was just a daydream.)

115 i enjoyed this but here and there I felt like i missed something. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Katja wrote: "112 this was an accidental reread https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

113 these short stories are all part of a boxed set that is more like one book in terms of total page count but ..."

Well the 114 remarks had my eyebrows hitting my hairline. LOL

I want to read 115 soon.

Katja wrote: "112 this was an accidental reread https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

113 these short stories are all part of a boxed set that is more like one book in terms of total page count but ..."

oh my! These country misses are not so innocent after all.

116 this is very long but satisfying https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...

117-125 or something, by the same author
http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_2006...
http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/heathf5.htm
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
some shorter pieces found here
http://www.faulkes.co.uk/heather/mode...
http://www.faulkes.co.uk/heather/rege...

126 this does not feel entirely finished but managed to resolve some issues before drifting off
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11111151...

127-128 reread https://archiveofourown.org/works/518...
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11340466...

129 a sweet anthology for when you need a quick pickmeup https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

130 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
this book came out in 2013 and I was the first person to write a review on goodreads, and that only to say I DNFed at the free sample so take it FWIW. (FYI there are three one star reviews on Amazon, one four stars)

Well, Katja, I've had my hot flash for the day. Gracious. Great progress, even though you had a bit of mud to slog through. I nearly snorted my coffee when I read your notes on #114. Goodness, you need to issue a warning not to eat or drink while reading your notes.

Sorry :) nothing but very boring notes in this batch, I promise.
Again, most of these are pretty short

131 the absolute best part of this short story is the title I think https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/kent6.htm

132 this was an interesting premise but abandoned at a point that lacks any resolutions https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...

133 a fun dog point of view https://meryton.com/aha/index.php?/to...

134 vignettes and missing scenes https://austenvariations.com/category...

135 https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13414746... how the Fitzwilliams found out about Lizzy -oneshot

136 here's an interesting WIP https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14321501... Caroline sends Jane home on horseback while ill and everyone is mad at the Bingleys

137 one-shot about wishes coming true https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8433991/...

138 elizabeth gets caught in bad weather after The Letter https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13801152...

I am following your #136. Chapter 9 was most excellent. Darcy severed his friendship with Bingley. I think this is the most wishy-washy Bingley I've read in a while. Caroline is horrid and Bingley believes her over everyone. Caroline has stepped into it this time. I am curious as to how this will play out. Mr. Darcy is preparing for Damage Control. Thanks to Caroline's behavior, he now has his reputation to repair. This is going to get messy. Wickham nor Collins have arrived yet but that is not too far in the future.

yeah Jane may be better off without Bingley

I don't know he knows what hit him when Darcy slammed the door on the way out

I agree. Bingley does not know what just happened. He is clueless. Absolutely, clueless. Now, Mrs. Hurst has no excuse. She has an idea. They are not in London. This is a small community where everyone knows everyone. The two eldest Bennet ladies are well-liked and respected. I wonder what will happen to them when they return to London. Word has already spread and soon, Caroline's mail will be returned unopened or a scathing letter denouncing her and asking her to not importune them any longer. Oh, this is going to be fun following. There are so many possibilities. Poor Darcy will be staying at the Inn in Meryton. Hopefully, the town will see it as a step in the right direction and forgive him.

Katja wrote: "Sorry :) nothing but very boring notes in this batch, I promise.
Again, most of these are pretty short

131 the absolute best part of this short story is the title I think https://www.dwiggie.com..."

Great!!

thanks Kirk

re:136 chapter 10 is up and Mrs Nicholls put in a good word for Darcy so hopefully he will be able to redeem himself

That one sounds like an interesting twist - I might need to give it a whirl

It is Crafty. I look forward to seeing Darcy's reputation redeemed because he left Netherfield. That should send a message to the residence of Meryton that he could not tolerate what was happening at Netherfield. If Bingley or anyone related to him attempts to approach Darcy, he is prepared to give them the cut. He is fed up with their atrocious behavior and wants nothing to do with them. Go, Team Darcy! And, GO, Mrs. Nichols! What a woman.

I bet anything he shows up at Longbourn, pronto!

I hope so. Darcy was so concerned when he heard that Bingley's sisters had sent Miss Bennet home. Caroline knew that Jane was ill and offered no help and refused to allow a servant/groom to accompany her to ensure that she even made it home. That was beyond the pale. And Caroline thought she was appropriate to be the mistress of Pemberley or Darcy House in London. It will be a cold day [you-know-where] before that would ever happen.

Katja wrote: "Sorry :) nothing but very boring notes in this batch, I promise.
Again, most of these are pretty short

131 the absolute best part of this short story is the title I think https://www.dwiggie.com..."

I am also going to follow your #136

139 oneshot that explains the real reason that Darcy was cranky at the assembly https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6470523/...

140 a pretty good oldie. Bingley travels to Rosings with Darcy and the colonel and Lady C has a lot of misapprehensions https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...

141 another free sample that I rated a maybe https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

142 the Abominable Free Sample Monster strikes again. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
i just complained about "navigate" but honestly i think navigating family dynamics would work better than passing through them

Moving on, Katja. Almost out of here.

Well done again Katja - I always admire your bravery in delving into the ones I am far too scared to try!

Brave or foolhardy :)
luckily it costs nothing to read the free sample

Katja wrote: "139 oneshot that explains the real reason that Darcy was cranky at the assembly https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6470523/...

140 a pretty good oldie. Bingley travels to Rosings with ..."

Cruising right along, Katja!

After reading through this thread, I think I really must delve into your #136 to see this wishy-washy Bingley disaster.

It seems to be a good one Sophia. And the author has already stated she has it all mapped out. I doubt it will end up abandoned.

Sam wrote: "It seems to be a good one Sophia. And the author has already stated she has it all mapped out. I doubt it will end up abandoned."

Good, that is always in the back of one's mind when reading a serial story.

oldies , mostly pretty short
143 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
144 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
145 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
146 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/sandyw1...
147 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...

148 https://meryton.com/aha/index.php?/to...

149 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
this gets a little spanky there in the end

150 and I have read an actual entire book:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
this was my Somebody Else Pick

And we wave goodbye to Kata. 🙋‍♀️👋👋
See you on the next level.

Katja wrote: "112 this was an accidental reread https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

113 these short stories are all part of a boxed set that is more like one book in terms of total page count but ..."

That’s so weird about the different names on the Dixon book.

I thought the oral sex daydream was Darcy’s and I could totally see that. Also I think I read that.

Pamela Aidan’s trilogy from Darcy’s POV is good. I also read Stanley Hurd’s trilogy from Darcy’s POV and liked it better.

Katja wrote: "oldies , mostly pretty short
143 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
144 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
145 https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
146 ..."

Great!!!

Anne wrote: " I thought the oral sex daydream was Darcy’s and I could totally see that. Also I think I read that.

I think the author has published another, longer version of this story. Maybe it's different? In the box set that I have, (Forever, for always, for love) it is stated pretty clearly that it's Elizabeth dreaming about the oral. This is what follows the scene:

"Recalling herself to the present, Elizabeth swallowed hard. Will I never cease suffering such dreams? Lowering her eyes, Elizabeth colored in remembrance. She might have covered her face if she thought her guest had an idea of where her thoughts had just tended. She made a mental note never to read a romantic novel ever again. Not so long as reading them gave rise to such scandalous dreams of the gentleman standing before her—"

101. The Troubles at Austen House by by Joan I. Wendland 4.5* that was fun. Austenland meets Isaac Asimov (sorta). Or maybe it should have met IA, but then we wouldn't have this bit of fun.
102 Killing Colonel Brandon by Kate Raven 4* I never did like Marianne
103 Winsome Little Liars (FFN/AO3] by LemonTheCat 4* macabre! And its not halloween
104 Meryton (alternate title: Widows and Spinsters) (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14334818) by maembe13 4*, no HEA for ODC, no Darcy at all in fact, but surprisingly uplifting
105 A Summons from Longbourn (when it was a one-shot) (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14335405) by mellyanne25 aka Melissa Anne 4* - YAY she is expanding it. Can't wait to see what happens in Meryton (I'm sure I'll know by the time I've finished this list)
106 The Propriety Fiction (Propriety/Manners/Etiquette – 1) (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13323306) by Wade H Mann 4.5* well... wasn't that clever and witty? Well done Mr Darcy. Well done Lizzy for seeing that you were a dunce and humble enough to roll with it.
107 The Sweetest Ingredient by Sherry Sinclair [ARC] 3.75* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
108 None But You by Franky A. Brown 4.25* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
109 The States by Norah Woodsey [ARC] 5* Modern Persuasion https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
110 Elizabeth Bennet: Sweet Sentiments Collection: When the Sun Sleeps by Alix James 4.5*This book just breaks your heart for Darcy. It made me cry. Not just a tear, but cry.
111 Elizabeth Bennet: Sweet Sentiments Collection: Queen of Winter by Alix James 4* reread (from the stand alone)
112 Elizabeth Bennet: Sweet Sentiments Collection: A Fine Mind by Alix James 4* reread (from the stand alone) Georgiana on the spectrum with Darcy doing his damnedest to protect her and to win Elizabeth in an altered Pembeley meeting.
113 Saved By Mr Darcy: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Claudia Lomond [ARC] 5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
114 The Spiritualist's Romance by Ellianna Ruiz 1* DNF. I have no words. Others than just don't. Find something else.
115 A Treatise on Domestic Harmony (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12327342...) by FeliceB 4.5* this is priceless. Worth the risk of having your eyes turn into shriveled up raisins. (read the intro and you'll understand)
116 None But You by Franky A. Brown 4* Modern Persuasion variation https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
117 Reflections: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda Gonschior 4.5* reread from MRR I think https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
118 A Selfish Being (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13838515...) by Nerdanel14 4* reread. oh lizzy,,, for the love of mike – talk to him!!!! he is not a mind reader. I know that there is a power imbalance, but sheesh. You complain (internally only of course) that he tries but he can't make you happy because he doesn't know you...but you acknowledge that he loves you... well you lie to him - Every. Single. Day. for years.
119 To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P.O. Dixon 3.5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
120 an ace darcys fic (https://archiveofourown.org/works/545...) bye_arrow 4* this just made me laugh.
121 Brother Dearest: A Pride and Prejudice variation by Elin Eriksen 3.5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
122 Mr Darcy's Discovery by Katy Green 3* meh
123 Surprises at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kimberly McBride 3.5*
124 Passion and Persistence: What if Mr Darcy does not give Elizabeth up after Hunsford? by Kinga Brady 4.5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
125 Darcy and Elizabeth's Dreams of Redemption by Melissa Anne [Beta] 4.5*
126 Missing : A book based on the characters of Pride and Prejudice by Miranda Flan 4* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

127-150 to go...

Yay, Jen, moving right along.

Jen wrote: "101. The Troubles at Austen House by by Joan I. Wendland 4.5* that was fun. Austenland meets Isaac Asimov (sorta). Or maybe it should have met IA, but then we wouldn't have this bit..."

Fantastic!!!

Well done Jen. It looks like you had lots of fun!

Jen wrote: "101. The Troubles at Austen House by by Joan I. Wendland 4.5* that was fun. Austenland meets Isaac Asimov (sorta). Or maybe it should have met IA, but then we wouldn't have this bit..."

When the sun sleeps is precious.
Great progress.

Books 101-150:

101 Brother Dearest (Beta) 4.2.24

102 Deception and retribution - FF, WIP

103 Drawn To Love: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation - KU 2.5
big holes in the story, strange wording here and there. Some sweet scenes for ODC

104 Darcy's Blunder: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - KU 2.5
like the one above a few cute scenes, but there were a few blunders in the writing. For one, Lady Matlock introduces the Col to E and her cousin, but they had just met at the theater the other night.

105 Miss Darcy's Companion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, AB 4
The best thing, is that after things blow up, they get resolved fairly quickly!

106 Murdered on a Wednesday: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery - KU, Feb. challenge 4.5
A whodunnit, that was fairly obvious, but I really liked the writing. I hope she does more.

107 With Love, Mr Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Valentine Short Story Collection - K 4.5
Loved 2, one I didn't like, and the others were really enjoyable!

108 Power and Prestige: A Fantasy Austen Retelling - KU
Very strange. My brain had to work too hard keep all the completely new names straight. Mostly follows canon. We never get a good explanation on why Bennet keeps his girls in the dark about magic.

109 Elizabeth Bennet, Heiress to Rosings Park: A Pride and Prejudice Caprice - reread, KU
I didn't enjoy it. The behavior felt like those of bon ton, not country gentle folk. I skimmed just to finish and see how the deBourghs and Matlocks were stopped.

110 Mrs. Darcy and the Well of Wishes: An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure #11 3.5
bit of a mystery with murder and thievery happening at Lambton, Pemberley and the surrounding area.

111 Darcy Overhears: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation - reread, PB 4
darcy comes to the rescue several times over after hearing Wickham talk about ruining Elizabeth

112 Darcy's Secret Garden: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, PB 4
10 years later. Darcy is nearly blind. Elizabeth widowed, married under tragic circumstances. Not a fan of meeting again later in life, but this more mature relationship really was well written. (and you can't tell me deep down, Darcy did NOT know)

113 Mr. Darcy: The Key to Her Heart: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation - reread, PB 4
Love this ZB. ODC meet YOUNG! 21/22 and 15/16, Wowza!

114 Dearly Beloved by Lewis Whelchel - reread, KU 3
love the first half, didn't like the second half. Bingley falls back in love way too quick. Both he and Georgianna should grow up more before they marry

115 Compromise: An Elizabeth and Darcy Comedy 3.5
Cute, if not much different aside from Darcy falling for Elizabeth and being ok with it while he is still at netherfield. col F and Caro, meh

116 Steady to His Purpose: A Variation of Pride and Prejudice - KU DNF
As I finally feel I am making inroads into all the JAFF, my taste for compromise or FMS becomes non-existent

117 Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer - KU 3
A collection of short stories.

118 As a Moth to the Flame: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, PB 4
This really is a sweet read, once we get past Darcy's issues. OF which there are many, even if for good reason.

119 Bridget Jones's Diary - reread, AB, March challenge 4
Read this decades ago. As an older person, I feel bad there was a whole genre of chick lit based on women feeling bad about themselves due to not being accepted bby men or society.

120 The Trouble with Friends: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, AB 4.5
Love the story, read it last year, this is for the audiobook. I haven't heard this narrator before and I am not sure she is a keeper for me.

121 Mark of Character: A Pride and Prejudice Soulmark Story - reread, PB 4.5
who doesn't like a good soulmark story.

122 A Fortuitous Fall: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - PB 3.75
Collins, abused as a child by his father had developed an alternate personality, which is finally let free after a hard rap on the noggin.

123 The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - ARC 5+
O. My. Gosh!!! (and there seem to 2 more -standalones- in the series)

124 Compromised: A book based on the characters of Pride and Prejudice. - reread, KU 3.5
I forgot how harsh this gets. It really does take too long for Darcy to get with the program.

125 Dreams of redemption - FF, WIP 3.5
Her stuff is sweet, I am finding a few of them are quite similar to each other.

126 Mr. Darcy's Poetry of the Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - ARC 3.5
Sweet, bit I missed real interaction between ODC

127 Mr. Darcy's Cinderella - KU 3.5
Jane and E are orphans, living with gardiners. jane in town working in store meets Bingley, Elizabeth works as companion in lambton. meets Darcy.

128 A Bennet of Royal Blood: A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining - KU 3.5
These are enjoyable in their own way.

129 Mr. Darcy's Stitch In Time: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - KU 3.5
cute, quick read. Matching up at the supper dance using hand sewn kerchiefs by the ladies. Collins is borderline, gross to never

130 In a dream: A book based on the characters of Pride and Prejudice - KU 3.5

131 Trust and Honesty: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation - ARC 4
starts slow, but ends great!

132 Much Ado About I Do: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - K 3.75
I sort of liked this, but there are holes in the story.

133 Elizabeth's Choice - KU 3

134 Darcy vs Bingley (Darcy Versus #1) - KU 3

135 Mr Darcy's Scandal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - KU 3
lies, misunderstandings, and unnecessary angst

136 The Golden Daffodil: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
A secret organization working to help women escape dangerous situations, or stop the men from continuing to commit atrocities on them.

137 Mr. Darcy Entrapped: the Scheming at Rosings Park 3.5
Lady C at her finest and she drags a bunch of people along in her path

138 As Fate Would Have It: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella - reread, KU 3.5

139 Darcy's Cinderella: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - KU 3.5

140 Banished: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, KU 3

141 Pursuit of Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - KU 4

142 Mr. Darcy's Phoenix: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, PB 4

143 Forgotten Betrothal: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - reread, PB 5

144 When We Are Married: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - reread, PB 5

145 Mr Darcy's Lost Past: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - KU 3.5

146 Shadows Upon Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 2.5
Some strange inconsistencies.

147 Mine mine mine WadeH 4
a roller coaster of a ride

148 Beloved sister - FF, WIP 4
Will be taken down soon for publishing

149 A Match Made at Matlock - reread, AB 5

150 The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy - KU 4
they meet, they marry, Darcy goes missing. Finding him again after all the nasty rumors are thrown around, is almost anticlimactic.

Boom! Why a blast you have had reading. Your #108 has sat on my TBR for a long time. I must give it a whirl.

Racing ahead, Sam. Excellent. I need to post soon. I am behind.

Craftyhj wrote: "Boom! Why a blast you have had reading. Your #108 has sat on my TBR for a long time. I must give it a whirl."

I hope you enjoy it more than I did. I couldn't even rate it.