A Lady's Reputation

A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Unabridged)

By: Amy D'Orazio

Narrated by: Lillian Rachel

“Mr Darcy, I am eager to hear your explanation for the fact that quite a few people believe we are engaged.”

It starts with a bit of well-meant advice. Colonel Fitzwilliam suggests to his cousin Darcy that, before he proposes to Elizabeth Bennet in Kent, perhaps he ought to discuss his plans with their families first.

What neither man could have predicted however was that Lord Matlock would write the news to his sister, or that Viscount Saye would overhear and tell his friends, or that his friends might slip a little and let their friends know as well. The news spreads just as quickly through Hertfordshire once Mrs Bennet opens the express Mr Bennet receives from Mr Darcy, and in a matter of days, it seems like everyone knows that Mr Darcy has proposed marriage to Elizabeth Bennet.

Everyone, that is, except Elizabeth herself.

Her refusal is quick and definite - until matters of reputation, hers as well as Jane’s, are considered. Then Mr Darcy makes another offer: summer at Pemberley so that Jane can be reunited with Mr Bingley and so that he can prove to Elizabeth he is not what she thinks of him. Falling in love with him is naturally impossible...but once she knows the man he truly is, will she be able to help herself?

©2019 Amy D'Orazio (P)2019 Amy D'Orazio

Excellent Story and Audio Narration

Excellent: This is a wonderful story and narration of Pride and Prejudice Variations. The audio was beautifully performed; and, I particularly loved Lillian Rachel’s voice. To me she’s sounds a lot like Mary Talbot, that portrayed Lady Mary in the PBS Series “Downton Abbey.

Darcy’s Family Take Center Stage

The Bennet Family, after the first chapter or so, play a much smaller role in this telling. The Matlock branch of Darcy’s family do a great deal of meddling and Lord Saye, the elder son, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s brother, steals the stage in every scene he is in with hilarious results. Occasionally, he even drags Darcy and Richard into his off beat brand of wit although usually they scold him. One particularly funny episode is somewhere in the middle of the book when Lord Saye drags Darcy into a discussion as to whether or not Lizzy may have noticed Darcy’s derrière, a la Rob Reiner and Tom Hanks on the sidewalk in “Sleepless in Seattle”. And when Lord Saye and Mrs. Bennet are together…….oh my!

Highly enjoyable version with some interesting twists and turns. Be prepared to not like Mr. Bingley in this one.

Not G rated not but PG-13 either, somewhere in between with some very vague references.

So good!

Absolutely loved the book! Elizabeth and Darcy have a rough beginning, but it is a wonderful love story. I love a story where Jane doesn't end up with Bingley. Saye is another wonderful character of Mrs. D'Orazio's creation! He is so mischievous but not in a bad way, well, at least not at the expense of ODC. The only thing I wish was a longer epilogue or maybe Mrs. D'Orazio can just write another book, part 2! I also listened to the audible, and Lillian Rachel did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life!

Good Darcy & Elizabeth Scenes and then there is Lord Saye

Very good variation - Lord Saye has much to do with this. Good idea for a new way to put Elizabeth and Darcy at loggerheads, but I think this story would have been better if cut back some. Along with quite a few excellent dialogue scenes, there is a lot of unnecessary verbiage. Lillian Rachel does a very good job for both females and males.

My favorite variation!

I’ve read this variation multiple times and I can honestly say the audible version did not disappoint. The portrayal of Saye and the Colonel and their interaction with Darcy is also my favorite. I would LOVE to see a sequel to this version and I would absolutely read a novel that focused on Saye’s character. The Colonel has always been my fav from the original P&P but the way these brothers are written by this author is genius and so enjoyable. Saye gets more exposure in this version but I love the way it blends all my favorite characters together. Seriously tho, this version needs its own sequel. I’m dying to find out what happens to Caroline and Anne!

A. D'Orazio is the BEST P&P variation writer!

I continue to be impressed with Ms. D'Orazio's imaginative retelling of the P&P original. The plot changes are really good, the alterations believable, with changes that enhance her new telling. Ms. D is no hack, and she infuses intelligence and delight into her "inventions". I'm already listening to another of her re-plottings, and I hope she keeps writing more.

And best new character award … Lord Saye!!!!

Absolutely love the story! First time I’ve ever listened to any story by this narrator as well and she was amazing! E and D couldn’t be better written and oh Lord Saye!!!!
Cannot get enough of him!
I recommend this story to anyone!

one of the best!

this is one of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I have listened to! Great!

Well written, very different

As much as I loved the concept of Darcy assuming Lizzy would say yes and just telling everyone before she did, I found that the whole Bingley plot was a bit much. While interesting and well written and made to be believable, it felt like there were two books happening at once. I really love this author’s other works, just this one was not for me. So without spoiling too much, be aware that Bingley goes down a dark path and it is quite odd.

Really good story.

Some angst. Bad Bingley. No Wickham. Interesting tale by Amy D’Orazio and well narrated by Lillian Rachel. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction lover.