Upstart Pretensions



Title and Author: Upstart Pretensions by Jann Rowland
Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen-esque
Recommended: yes, 2 stars (the first in the series was best)
Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited

Summary: Following the events in the book Scandalous Falsehoods (second in the No Cause to Repine tetralogy), Elizabeth leaves home because of the rumors in Meryton, joining a supportive Lady Catherine and Anne de Bough. Darcy, of course, follows, staying with the Mr. Collins. After Elizabeth settles in, the couple finally becomes engaged. But when his uncle is still unsupportive, Darcy is forced to truly make things official, traveling to Hertfordshire to speak with Elizabeth's father. There he discovers the source of the rumors.

Pros:
* The friendship between Anne and Elizabeth is delightful.
* It is fun to have Lady Catherine in Elizabeth's corner.
* It is nice to see a less ridiculous Mr Collins.

Cons:
* This is slow and the plot is not really moved forward much.
* The habit of starting the new story slightly behind the ending of the old one is disjointed. It doesn't mean you wouldn't need to read the previous book.
* The idea that all of Elizabeth's family would coming to Rosings (along with Bingley) borders on ridiculous.


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