Darcy's Labours of Love

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Renee McKenzie

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

A Pride and Prejudice variation.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy immediately regrets his insult to Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly, and takes the opportunity during a chance meeting on Oakham Mount to apologize. Reticent to so easily forgive Darcy's boorish behavior, Elizabeth announces that she will consider Darcy's request after further studying his actions. Darcy impulsively offers to complete six labors chosen by Elizabeth, in the tradition of the 12 labors of Hercules, to demonstrate that he can be a better man. In exchange, Darcy will not only receive Elizabeth's friendship but also a token, of his choosing, at the completion of each labor.

Join the traditional Pride and Prejudice characters, and some new ones, as Elizabeth designs labors to test the boundaries of Darcy's social faults. The outcomes surprise both Elizabeth and Darcy as the completion of Darcy's labors and the collection of his tokens deepens their friendship. However, just as their friendship blossoms into something more their future is threatened by an act of revenge. Will Darcy's labors lead to a deep, abiding love?

Author's note: Listeners should be aware that there is an event in the audiobook of a violent physical attack which is described explicitly, both as it happens and in its re-telling. There are some descriptions of kissing that demonstrate the ardent love of our dear couple, but the situations are written in good taste. For Regency-period enthusiasts, there are some liberties taken with the behavior of a courting couple.

©2021 Cathy Cobey (P)2022 Cathy Cobey

Starts out sweet but gets serious before the romantic end.

This was fun and clean. I loved how Darcy accomplished the tasks Elizabeth set out for him in order to win her friendship. Of course he was able to throw money into the situation which not only helped complete the task but ended up going beyond what requested and enhanced his own life.

This was great. The serious part involved that old snake in the grass Wickham. He deserved what he got.

I recommend this one. I’ll enjoy re-listening this a great deal.

A clever variation

Darcy is a bit too good in this variation, having little more than initial trepidation at each task, but the story is enjoyable and well read. Wickham is a bad guy, but Lydia doesn't elope. Aunt Catherine is herself, but doesn't actually show up on page. Darcy's POV is most common, and enjoyable.

Great story

This is a wonderful story of Elizabeth and Darcy. It begins with the meeting and insult at the Meryton Assembly. Darcy apologizes to Elizabeth the next day but she makes him earn her forgiveness by performing six "assignments". The assignments are not extremely difficult, but their performance provide both Elizabeth and Darcy some important information about one another.

I love the Mr. Bennett in this story. No one, except George Wickham, behaves too much beyond the pale. Elizabeth's sisters are much better behaved. This book is most certainly worth a credit and the time listening to it.

Excellent

So nice to hear our characters portrayed as they are meant to be with one or two exceptions. I loved this variation and thought it very cleverly done. The characters involved grew into better people without horrendous consequences or over the top personalities. I’m glad this wasn’t another hatchet job of Jane and Bingley who have been exploited by other authors as to be unrecognizable. Narrator performance top notch. I would not hesitate to recommend this one.

Excellent

Great debut novel I read when it was first published and now accompanied by a perfect narration and performance by Stevie Zimmerman.

When Darcy apologizes to Elizabeth for his insult at the Meryton Assembly, he also asks for her forgiveness and friendship. She agrees, but only on the condition that he fulfill six assigned labours. He agrees but, on more consideration, he requests a token for each labour he completes. Elizabeth agrees. I thought this premise, based on The Twelve Labours of Hercules, was a great idea and, to my knowledge after reading hundreds and hundreds of variations, one not previously used.

As Darcy undertakes his labours, his usual reticent personality begins to open up, not just with Elizabeth, but also with others he must encounter to accomplish his tasks. Throughout, he and Elizabeth are falling in love. Aside from his initial insult, this Darcy is very likeable, and this Elizabeth more open to forgiveness.

Of course, Wickham the snake has to rear his head and cause grief. I didn’t quite see the relevance in adding him to the story. For me, a villain isn’t always necessary. At least he doesn’t take up too much space. However, he does commit a violent act against Elizabeth (not sexual).

Highly recommend both the book and audiobook.

Very Enjoyable!

This was a book by a new Author, to me, that I choose because Stevie Zimmerman was performing it ( Fan Girl here🤣 ). I was not disappointed!

I will be watching for more JAFF by Ms. McKenzie.

Not a labor to listen to...

This is a mostly happy version, with the exception of the violent scene, where most all the usual P&P problems are figured out quickly and has a nice tone throughout.
I enjoyed it and of course Stevie Zimmerman made it a pleasure to hear.

A low angst story!

I loved the “open book” of Fitzwilliam Darcy! There was enough scariness to keep the suspense rolling, but on the whole it was a sunny story!

Great story

In this book Darcy realised that Elizabeth was someone to really hold on to. Just after he said what he said at the assembly. He tries to get back into Elizabeth’s good graces, but she challenges him. Great Jaff

Loved this story

Little angst. Loved how ODC worked together to fall in love with each other.