Once Upon a Compromise

A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella (A Merry Match for Mr. Darcy, Book 2)

By: Jennifer Joy

Narrated by: Harry Frost

COMPROMISED... OR NOT?

Fitzwilliam Darcy has always prided himself on his impeccable propriety. So when he finds himself repeatedly trapped in compromising situations with the spirited Elizabeth Bennet, he braces himself for the inevitable: a forced marriage to a woman from a family he deems beneath him.

Except... the demands never come.

With each new scandalous circumstance, Darcy finds himself increasingly bewildered—and increasingly captivated by the one woman in England whose family seems determined not to secure him as a son-in-law. As misunderstandings clear and truths emerge about Elizabeth and her family, Darcy makes a startling discovery: he wishes they would insist on a match.

Now the man who avoided being trapped must attempt something far more daunting: winning Elizabeth's heart on merit alone. But after initially dismissing her, can his awkward attempts at courtship convince her his feelings are genuine?

In this charming twist on Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Darcy must overcome his pride to win the heart of the one woman who won't be caught by anything less than true love.

©2025 Jennifer Joy Ramirez (P)2025 Jennifer Joy Ramirez

Short Sweet & Fun Variation - Great Narrator

Very Amusing story - well-written and read. This author has a wonderful ability with dialogue. Harry Frost is excellent and makes Darcy even more attractive than on the page.

Delightful!

Harry Frost is perfect for this Darcy 1st-person-pov. He also provides his listeners with an especially memorable serenade that had me grinning from ear to ear.

This light-hearted novella has Darcy sharing multiple endearing and unintentional compromising situations with Elizabeth: a locked door at Netherfield, caught in the hedgerows, stranded during a storm…With each encounter, his admiration for her only deepens, and offers a chance to clarify past misunderstandings. But when he fully expects Mrs Bennet to demand a wedding, she does not. He knows he would not mind marrying her in the least. In fact, he would be delighted. What is a misjudged man to do? Why, change everyone’s first impressions of him, of course! Let the wooing begin!

Jennifer Joy has penned another little gem to add to her delightful collection of novellas—and my own library. Her stories never fail to leave me smiling and feeling glad for having spent the time. Readers are sure to fall in love with this wooing, kind-hearted, and swoon-worthy portrayal of Darcy.

Highly recommend.

All things we love about and cringe about

Mrs Bennett ugh and Elizabeth in her hard headless ugh but oh Mr. Darcy what a dream

Great read

As usual Jennifer Joy has written a beautiful story. And Harry Frost have added som glitter to it by his voice. I laughed out loud many times while listening. The voice does so much. Loved it.

Darcy does not know what to think

4 1/2 stars rounded up
I first borrowed this book on KU and then bought the audiobook as soon as it became available. As always, Harry Frost makes books even better. His narrated books as well as Jennifer Joy’s books are an automatic read/purchase.

It was enjoyable to have a book from Darcy‘s point of view that he is repeatedly in compromising situations with Elizabeth and yet he is dumbstruck and floored when her parents don’t claim compromise to try and force a marriage. This behavior and attitude from her parents causes him to reevaluate his preconceived notions and prejudice.

I enjoyed when he started to court Elizabeth and ended up with Colonel F’s help bringing Mr. and Mrs. Bennet together to repair their own relationship.

This is a story that I will gladly read or again better yet listen to again.