How to Get Caught Under the Mistletoe: A Lady’s Guide

A Pride & Prejudice Christmas Novella (Christmas with Darcy and Elizabeth)

By: Alix James

Narrated by: Adrian Blythe

When plotting mistletoe mischief, always check for lurking gentlemen—especially the tall, dark, and brooding kind.

It was supposed to be a simple holiday mission: whisk away heartbroken Jane and ailing Charlotte to London's glittering festivities for some much-needed Christmas cheer. But as I, Elizabeth Bennet, quickly learned, nothing's ever simple when a certain gentleman is involved.

For starters, there is Mr. Darcy, always appearing at the most inopportune moments—like under the very mistletoe branch I had my sights on! Between plum pudding, party mishaps, and an uncanny ability to be exactly where I don't want him, Mr. Darcy might just be the biggest holiday hurdle. It is just my luck that he happens to be a dazzling kisser.

Will we find joy, love, and a few stolen kisses amidst the yuletide chaos? Or will I have to pen another guide titled, 'How to Keep Stubborn Gentlemen from Stealing Your Heart'?

Join me in a festive frolic where hearts, hopes, and mistletoe hang in the balance.

©2023, 2024 Alix James (P)2025 Alix James

Amazing narration

This was a perfect Christmas listen. The narrator painted a beautiful picture of 1800s London, and I was swept away into the story.

Mistletoe

Nice Christmas season story featuring a matchmaking Elizabeth visiting the Gardiners in London after the Netherfield ball. In this variation Charlotte does not “catch” Mr Collins due to her poor health, and accompanies the sisters to London. Our dear couple takes a while to admit their feelings, but they spend lots of page time together. Light, entertaining story with a narrator I was not familiar with.

Enjoyable Story

I’m a big fan of JAFF author Alix James. I’ve read and listened to almost all of their work and will continue to do so. I enjoyed the story an I loved the dialogue between E and D. I found that aspect to be better than many other variations.
The only negative I have is the narrator. He did a great job on the male characters but this book was from Lizzy’s POV and it just didn’t work for me. I had trouble distinguishing when E was the one speaking.
Other than that, It’s a lovely Christmas read and I do recommend. 🎄

Sweet and Fun

Very lighthearted and sweet. Lizzy, Jane and Charlotte enjoy Christmas season in London. No aggravating scenes with Wickham, Lydia, Mrs. Bennet or Caroline. Adrian Blythe does a very good job narrating.

A Light, Festive Romp Despite the Odd Narrator Choice

What if Charlotte didn’t marry Mr. Collins? A fun, post Netherfield ball, seasonal story (listen) which has Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte—who is in bad health—going to London to stay with the Gardiners for the season. Elizabeth is determined to have Charlotte enjoy a kiss under the mistletoe, but making it happen for her proves more difficult than she expected. Along the way, they encounter Darcy and Mr Bingley at almost every event and activity they attend, of course, as well as a new business acquaintance of Mr Gardiner.

I love the tone of Adrian Blythe’s voice, but since this is a first-person Elizabeth POV, and the other main characters are ladies, the choice of male narrator seems misplaced. Often, it is hard distinguish just who is speaking. He would be perfect for a Darcy first-person read though.