Just Between Us

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Jayne Bamber

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

When Charlotte Lucas’s twin brother returns to Meryton after four years in the navy, he rivals even Mrs. Bennet as a meddling matchmaker. Captain Oliver Lucas introduces his two dearest friends, Elizabeth Bennet and Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy, and their discreet courtship begins on the very same night that Elizabeth discovers her childhood friend harbors a secret which will later alter the course of their lives.

As Elizabeth’s romance blooms, Jane faces an ultimatum from her mother, and takes drastic measures to secure her engagement to Mr. Bingley. Jane’s collusion with Caroline Bingley estranges her from her sisters when she causes a calamitous chain reaction that jeopardizes the happiness of more than one of her sisters, and has even more disastrous results for the Darcy family.

In the two years that Elizabeth and Captain Darcy are separated, their lives are consumed by tragedy and despair, though neither can let go of their memories of the love they once shared. Meanwhile, the Bingley marriage flounders when both Jane and Charles Bingley are haunted by the mistakes of their past, led afoul by a cruel and conniving Caroline.

When Elizabeth & Captain Darcy are finally reunited, they must confront their painful history before they can begin anew together, and in doing so give hope to those they love. The long-suffering Bingleys attempt their own reconciliation with help from an older and wiser Lydia Bennet, as well as the charming and mischievous Colonel Fitzwilliam. A house party full of familiar faces and new characters alike sets the scene for romance, and amidst the revelry and reminiscing, more than one couple finds their happily ever after, proving that time does heal all wounds.

©2024 Jayne Bamber (P)2025 Jayne Bamber

Great as ever

I have listened to Jayne Bamber’s audiobooks before. This one was as great as the others. Very detailed and there are twists and turns. Loved it. Great Jaff.

So many things and missed chances for ODC

Wonderful story but OMG angsty to keep ODC apart so much. This might be the most conniving version of Caroline Bingley ever and that witch deserved what she got.

Fully-packed Pride and Prejudice variation

Stepping away from her usual mashup/crossover Austen variation, Jayne Bamber’s Just Between Us is a full-on and fully packed Pride and Prejudice variation—one that will have you raising a brow more than once.

The story begins with Captains Oliver Lucas and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a second son, both returning to their respective families after years of serving in the navy. Captain Darcy’s older brother, Marcus, more like Bingley in personality, is heir to Pemberley. Both their parents are living, although Mr. Darcy is in ill health after suffering a stroke.

Charles Bingley is close friends with both Darcy brothers and Colonel Fitzwilliam too. Marcus agrees to help Bingley learn how to manage an estate, which is how everyone initially comes together.

The plot embraces a diverse range of personal relationships, offering a more inclusive view of love and connection than was typically accepted in the Regency-era. This was a two-tissue read for me—but despite everything, there’s hope and redemption by the end, not just for ODC but for several characters.

I always enjoy this author’s in-depth variations, which often include elements of matchmaking and angst, as well as the romances and happy endings. This one is no exception.

Very good narration by Benjamin Fife.

This might be my favorite of hers now.

I’ve come to expect the unique and original from this author so saying as much about this tale isn’t a surprise to anyone. But boy, is it ever. I love the way Bamber changes our favorite and not-so-favorite characters from canon either to the better or often to the worst. This story has got to have the worst Caroline I’ve read in years. Conversely it has one of the best Mr Collins.

ODC’s coming together takes a long angsty sad road. It’s heartbreaking and twisted, and jaw dropping at times. There’s a part towards the end that had me thinking ‘oh no, she didn’t!!!’

This was great storytelling and I’m afraid to say anything about the plot that might spoil it for others. Highly recommended.

Oi, too long!

It was so overly dramatic that I only finished it because it was too late to get a refund at this point. The sheer amount of duplicity and random soap opera stuff that occurred was ridiculous and beyond the pale. The only thing I truly enjoyed was Collins turning out to be a pretty nice guy and great husband.