“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 … 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?
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I rarely review JAFF novels but I’m making an exception for A Lady’s Reputation because it’s just such an interesting premise with such sparkling, wonderful writing. Darcy deciding to consult with his uncle to eliminate any potential resistance to his choice of a wife before he offers for Elizabeth is entirely plausible, but such a juicy bit of gossip cannot be contained and before he knows it, events have spiralled out of control and half London is discussing his engagement – before he’s actually got around to proposing.
Elizabeth’s reaction is about what you might expect, considering how poorly she thinks of Darcy at the time, but due to the fragile nature of a lady’s reputation, dismissing him out of hand isn’t a possibility, much though she would like to. What follows is a fantastic exploration of not only both characters (who read very much in character as according to canon) but also the strictures respectable young ladies of the day were bound by. There are some wonderful moments in it, many of them down to the scene-stealing Viscount Saye, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s older brother, who I admit I have a very soft spot for. Here’s hoping Amy D’Orazio does eventually decide to write that story where he recognizes what a jewel Jane Bennet is and steals her right out from under Bingley’s nose.
Talking of Bingley, I have to admit I do love Bingley as the ‘adorable labrador puppy’ character he’s often seen as in Austen variations, so I didn’t particularly care from the Bingley of this story who suffers from serious character flaws played up to the max. It isn’t implausible at all, just not the version of this character I personally prefer, and honestly I think his storyline didn’t really add to the principal Darcy/Lizzy one and could probably have been dispensed with altogether. Wickham, who’s one of my preferred protagonists in these stories, is basically dispensed with altogether by circumstances, which is rather a shame.
These things notwithstanding, this is a genuinely wonderful example of an Austen variation, with a uniquely plausible premise I haven’t seen played out in any form before. It would be a sparkling addition to a library of variations or a fantastic introduction to the genre. Five stars.
When you are rich and powerful, no one will challenge you to your face or give you a chance to explain yourself. All the whispers are behind your back. You are left with no means of clearing your own name. And after a while, you realize there is no point in even attempting to do so. No one wants the truth. All anyone wants is the chance to add more fuel to the fires of gossip. The whispers become so loud that sometimes you think you will drown in them.” ― Amanda Quick, Ravished
Rating: MA: adult themes: Nothing explicit, but discussions of those in society that lean toward licentious living and debauchery. ODC became a bit steamy in their progressing courtship.
I first read this as a WIP [work-in-progress] on a fanfiction site back in 2018. I had always hoped it would be published and gratefully received an ARC prior to publication. I must say, I loved this story, and the deeper I got into it the better I liked it. OMG! I loved the interactions between Jane and Lizzy. They were so cute in their sisterly bond. Man… that was good. It seemed that Lizzy was more stubborn and angry than even in canon. She lambasted Darcy from morning until dark and Darcy was a bit more controlling and unthinking that usual. Everything he put his hands to fell apart and there was nothing he could say or do that would assuage his mistakes in the eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. To her, he was the worst of men.
Darcy: “A true gentleman is one that apologizes anyways, even though he has not offended a lady intentionally. He is in a class all of his own because he knows the value of a woman’s heart.” Shannon L. Adler
Our author was so creative and just when I wanted to shake our dear girl, things changed. That, for me, was when the story really picked up. Because then… we had Lizzy and Darcy working together toward a goal. Oh, that was delicious. I love them together and it became a bit steamy and sensual as their relationship progressed.
“Always remember… Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.” Ziad K. Abdelnour, Economic Warfare: Secrets of Wealth Creation in the Age of Welfare Politics
I loved Lord & Lady Matlock and Darcy’s two cousins… the Fitzwilliam brothers, Lord Saye, and our dear Colonel. I simply adored these guys. Their banter reminded me so much of my own brothers. I loved their camaraderie and their love and concern for Darcy. They simply made this story happen. Lord Saye was also a big influence in quelling the rampant gossip that was circulating in London. He was such a scream. I would not want him on my bad side. I loved him as much as I did our dear Colonel. Didn’t expect that to happen. However, in the end, only he could get away with some of the things he did. I mean… seriously… he was magnificent. Don’t let him hear that. He is a vane one, our Lord Saye.
Caroline Bingley: “Gossip is just a tool to distract people who have nothing better to do from feeling jealous of those few of us still remaining with noble hearts.” Anna Godbersen, Splendor
Nothing new in her department… same old same old; however, I would like to know for sure what happened to her.
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” Aristotle
Bingley: OMG! You know… this was so believable that it actually rang true. I mean… seriously, this spineless twit was such a jerk. He did whatever he jolly well pleased, with whom he pleased, whenever and where ever he pleased. When Darcy tried to talk some sense into him, Bingley talked smack to Darcy and, in his own way, told him to mind his own business. Then when things went horribly wrong and fell in the dirt [as Darcy predicted], Bingley turned and betrayed his dearest friend in a way that still has me reeling from the shock and disappointment. He totally threw Darcy under the bus [carriage if you will] and didn’t give it a second thought. Well, maybe a moment of regret but it soon faded.
IMHO [in-my-honest-opinion], what Bingley did was unforgivable and more importantly… ungentlemanly. But then Bingley wasn’t a gentleman… now was he? He was acting as the tradesman’s son that he always was. He didn’t even consider that Darcy had a gentleman’s code of honor to uphold. To Bingley, an inconvenience or a bit of trouble could always be taken care of by throwing money at it. And he figured that Darcy had a boatload of money and a family with a lot of influence that could quell any gossip/scandal. He just knew that Darcy could afford to silence the wolf at the door. Our author brought out several thoughts regarding Bingley that I had not thought of or considered before. I was really amazed at the psychological makeup of Bingley.
Later, Bingley wanted to act like nothing had happened and asked Darcy what he should do regarding his future. Really?? Are you freaking serious? I would be more than happy to tell that back-stabbing-twit just what he could do with his future. But he didn’t ask me. He then attempted to go back to Longbourn, find his angel, and make nice. If I had been Jane, I would have kicked him from here all the way back to London. However, Jane is nicer than I am and she had her own way of dealing with Mr. Bingley. Jane, you go girl!! She was magnificent. What a conclusion for her. I approve completely.
At 32-chapters, there were still a few questions left dangling. I was glad to hear about what happened with Anne de Bourgh… that was a hoot. I certainly didn’t see that coming. Who knew??? I did wonder about the future of the other Bennet sisters. Nor was anything mentioned about our dear Colonel, or Georgiana and I was left bereft for knowledge regarding their futures. What about Caroline? I sort of have an idea about her, but still, it would have been nice to know for sure. Thanks to the author and her publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing for the ARC. The views expressed are my own. I purchase this to add to my personal library. It is worthy of rereading. I loved this story and can highly recommend it.
A Lady’s Reputation (ALR) is a hilarious, angst-filled romance. The book is remarkably fast-paced, but so fun. It seems as though everything that could go wrong, does. But, somehow, it all works out in the end.
Georgiana is the glue in ALR between Darcy and Elizabeth. Her enthusiasm for the match and her eagerness to make friends with Elizabeth seems to provide a focal point for both Elizabeth and Darcy to keep trying.
The Fitwilliams are a large part of ALR, offering a look at fringe characters and balancing out the silly family scales between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Just read ALR. It’s fabulous. You’ll likely laugh; you’ll almost certainly find something to enjoy and relate to.
What happens when a smitten Darcy considers his future with the delightful Miss Elizabeth Bennet—and thinks that before he asks her for her hand, it might be beneficial to address any objections to her lack of fortune or connection with his illustrious relations…? And then when that obstacle is overcome, decides he should ask her father for his blessing as well? With so many informed of Darcy’s intentions, loose lips are sure to sink ships, and before even Elizabeth knows of his desires, half the ton is buzzing about Darcy’s betrothal. Of course when Elizabeth hears she is attached to the last man in the world she would ever want to marry, she assumes there must be some misunderstanding that can be easily remedied. After more such intelligence reaches her, she realizes that if she denies the betrothal, not only her reputation would be jeopardized but also Darcy’s. When Darcy finally realizes his clumsy mistake, and they are thrown together more, might she begin to see him as the gentleman he truly is?
“A Lady’s Reputation”, Amy D’Orazio’s third novel, is as delicious as we expect with characters from canon who we know and love as well as a few new faces. D’Orazio’s invention of Darcy’s cousin, the handsome and charming Viscount Saye, reappears, playfully poking and prodding as Darcy discovers how to woo Elizabeth as she deserves. Saye, an unrepentant gossip, though one of Darcy’s closest confidantes, must be vigorously warned to not add to the London gossips’ verve but Saye will do as he likes—and is always quick with a witty response, no matter Darcy’s mien: “If you do not lean back in the next four seconds,” said Saye calmly, “I am going to kiss you, and then you will be plagued by the sorrowful realization that the last lips on your own were not hers but mine.”
Fortunately Darcy does learn how to properly woo the woman he loves with beautiful, even madcap, moments at Pemberley. “Every day, I fall in love with you, and every night, I sleep, certain that my attachment to you cannot grow further—until a new day dawns, and I am love’s Fool once more.” How could Elizabeth resist such a man? #Swoon
If you are looking for an engaging book that will leave you with a happy heart, make sure to add “A Lady’s Reputation” to your summer reading. Romantic, inventive, and amusing—everything an Austenesque novel should be!
“Where do I begin – To tell the story of how great a love can be…”(Love Story by Andy Williams)
Oh my goodness, where do I begin to describe the feelings that coursed through me while reading this angst-filled, laugh-out-load, want to smack someone up the side of the head (or take them out at the knees), absolutely heart melting starry-eyed novel? I don’t think I will be able to do it justice, but I will try.
First, cue the music. You know the kind that slowly builds the tension when you know it is not going to end well. But then a sliver of light and laughter appears to break that tension…Lord Saye. Have I mentioned how much I love this man? But I digress.
“Fitzwilliam Family Furore…I challenge you to say it twenty times fast.” (quote from the book)
Darcy, as we know from the book description, has taken advice from Colonel Fitzwilliam to first discuss his plan to propose to Elizabeth Bennet with his family. However, in doing so, a snowball rolling downhill is the end result, especially when it hits a roadblock…Elizabeth Bennet herself! Now, I had to keep putting the book down after each chapter as this was all happening…like a suspenseful movie, I was peeking through my fingers. Once I got past the disaster, I could not put the book down. Have I mentioned how much I love the book cover?
Second, how much I loved Mr. Darcy and his road to redemption. Oh, the poignancy of those scenes! His willingness to improve and humble himself along with his absolute determination to make things right for Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley. Don’t get me started on Bingley though.
“I cannot deny that I have lost my heart, my mind, and my soul to her, and deuced if it is not the most splendid thing I have ever done.” (quote from the book)
But Mr. Darcy is not the only one who must look deep inside himself. Elizabeth, and to some degree Jane, both have their own journeys to go through. Elizabeth has much to learn, not only about Darcy, but herself.
“His opinion of her suddenly mattered a great deal.” (quote from the book)
Needless to say, but I will anyway, I loved this story! The twists and turns sprinkled throughout added a whole new perspective as Elizabeth and Darcy climb to new heights!