Expectations

A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Obstinate, Headstrong Girl Series)

By: Julie Cooper

Narrated by: Mare MacBeth

Elizabeth Bennet was informed by an unimpeachable source—on her sister Jane’s wedding day—that Mr Darcy has committed a breach of gentlemanly honour so sordid, so unforgivable, that it makes Mr Wickham’s ruthless accusations seem innocuous. Fortunately, she never has to see him again…or so she thinks.

Just before proposing marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers shocking news that causes him to leave her, and everyone else in Hertfordshire, behind him forever. Elizabeth in particularly he hopes he never has to see again.

Years later, Darcy is named the guardian to the children of Jane and Charles Bingley. When Darcy arrives to take custody of the children, Elizabeth will stop at nothing to prevent it.

Lies and misunderstandings have kept Darcy and Elizabeth apart for years; can they see through them to the future they were always meant to have?

©2025 Julie Cooper (P)2025 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Another winner from Julie Cooper

This story had some depth to it. I was in tears multiple times. And it was difficult to put down.

The two new characters; the Bingley’s son and daughter stole the show quite often, were the source of the tears but also the source of some extremely endearing moments.

The romance between ODC was delayed and had to overcome some serious misunderstandings both held about the other. Once overcome though, it hummed along very nicely.

I highly recommend this one. And I know I’ll want to re-listen to this in the future.

Love uncontrollable.

Love uncontrollable.
He thought the worst had happened to her but could not see her fall. He made arrangement for her to save her from ruin yet could not walked away free. He seized the chance to finally get her even knowing she did not love him.
She thought the worst of him but could not look away. She thought him devoid of proper empathy yet was proved wrong. She agreed to spend her life with him when knowing him as almost a villain in the past.
And all these were misunderstanding!!
A devoting Darcy and a competent Elizabeth, a match of perfection!

Delightful off canon variation

I have read the book and liked it very much. I got a somewhat different perspective listening to the story. I am not a fan of a self-righteous Elizabeth who doesn’t care to be confused by the facts. She is that way in the original and Ms Cooper is faithful to the original characterization, but that doesn’t mean I like it. I think she tends to be immature so I like it when variations tweak her personality to a stronger, more self-aware person. Alas, she isn’t in this variation. Darcy, on the other hand, is presented differently and I really liked it. I think that while reading, I tend to skip over bits that I don’t like, so I didn’t pick up on how irritating Elizabeth was in the book.
The children were very funny and added much to the story.
The narrator did an outstanding job.

Great Story

I love this story and have read all the author’s variations. However, the narration was very monotone and a bit unpleasant to listen to.

I would listen to this again

The narrator did a good job and the story was engaging without the silliness that some P&P variations contain. I especially enjoyed a different Lydia. I definitely recommend this one.