His Secret Betrothal

De: Renee McKenzie

Narrado por: Stevie Zimmerman

Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy is ill-equipped for the undertaking ahead of him. He is to woo Miss Elizabeth Bennet while disguising his purpose—for they are secretly betrothed! The marriage contract, signed 15 years ago, was conceived during the Bennets’ summer interlude at Pemberley. William and Lizzy became fast friends, and their shenanigans delighted the household. At summer’s end, the pair parted, an annual letter exchange the only communication between their families.

With only three months until they must wed, Darcy enlists his family and friends to win Elizabeth’s heart and favor. Hilarity and endearing moments abound as Darcy draws upon his remembrances of Lizzy the child to woo Elizabeth, the woman of his dreams.

Through reading their fathers’ letters, Darcy learns of Lizzy’s path to womanhood and his misapplication of pride. Even with this insight, he struggles to court his impertinent betrothed and reform his conceit. Just as Darcy is ready to reveal all, those who desire a different match for the master of Pemberley willfully cause madcap misunderstandings, threatening Elizabeth’s hard-won regard.

Enjoy this non-canon, clean Pride and Prejudice variation. This is the second book published by Renée McKenzie and follows her highly praised debut, Darcy’s Labours of Love.

©2023 Cathy Cobey (P)2023 Cathy Cobey

Delightful

Fast becoming one of my favorite variations. Humorous and clever. I especially loved the letters woven into the first half of the story from the elder Darcy and Bennet.

Low Angst - Much Enjoyment

Fun interesting and entertaining story - On his 28th birthday Darcy finds out that his father and Elizabeth's father secretly signed a contract that their son and daughter were to marry provided that Darcy and Elizabeth had not wed by the time Darcy turned 28. Darcy and Mr. Bennett decide not to tell Elizabeth until Darcy has a chance to woo her (knowing that she has a ferociously independent spirit). Darcy goes to Netherfield with Bingley in order to begin winning Elizabeth's heart. The fun begins. Even though the premise of the betrothal is rather preposterous, this book is well written and well narrated.

Excellent Arranged Marriage Trope

Authored by Renee McKenzie, who also wrote a very good debut novel with Mr. Darcy’s Labours of Love, this book doesn’t disappoint. I found it to be a well-written novel with a refreshing premise. I do love the arranged marriage trope. I’ve now tremendously enjoyed both of Ms. McKenzie’s books and can’t wait until the next. Well done and I’m adding it to my favourites stack—in my Kindle and Audible libraries.

Great story, great narration. Stevie Zimmerman is just so very good in every respect.

Endearing and funny

I loved the letters and the collaboration of so many characters. Lady Matlock’s part had me laughing more than once and Charlottes end was awesome! Please do a book on Charlotte and Mary from this Epilogue!

Beginning When Lizzy 5 and Darcy 13 !!

Very Cute variation. Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy write a Betrothal agreement for their children if they are still unmarried when they reach the age of 20 (Lizzy) and 28 (Darcy). The fathers wrote to each other for 15 years, relating the doings of their respective children and we get to hear some of those letters. Very interesting twist and well-developed story. Love how Col Fitzwilliam, Georgiana and Bingley (and to a lesser extent Darcy’s Uncle Darcy and his Aunt Matlock) all try to Help Darcy in his courtship. This isn’t an exciting or dramatic story - except for Miss Bingley’s assault of Darcy - but if you don’t need angst and melodrama, this may be for you. I enjoyed it very much. And then there is the fabulous Stevie Z to narrate.

His Secret Betrothal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely story! The letters from Mr Bennet and the elder Mr Darcy are delightful, giving the reader a glimpse into Lizzy and William’s childhood years. Mrs Bennet’s sprained ankle was a stroke of genius, as it kept her out of the critical parts of Darcy’s “wooing” efforts.

Kudos to one of the most talented voices in the audiobook world, Stevie Zimmerman, as she brings to life our favorite characters with the perfect amount of drama and humor.

Enjoyable

Perfect light hearted variation with slow angst and any problems ODC encountered were handled swiftly.

New perspective

I enjoyed the story except I do not enjoy the hateful Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. I think they have been done to death. My favorite stories are the ones where Mrs. Bennet has already cashed in her chips which leaves a whole avenue of new situations. A couple of favorites are Silver Buckles and another very good one is Old Boots. I’m glad that this book doesn’t change the character’s personalities. I enjoyed the story and it was well written and well narrated.

Enjoyable #JAFF

I do recommend this book for fans of this genre.

I only wish ODC had more time together
considering the length of the book, more courtship time would have been nice.

I never got bored with the story, it stayed interesting.

This author writes well. I definitely will read other books from her.

A fun twist to the classic tale

I loved this one, Sweet and some laugh out loud moments. Great Narrator, and a new twist to my favorite tale.