The Measure of Love

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Alix James

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 13 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Bound by duty; saved by love.

When tragedy leaves Fitzwilliam Darcy clinging to life, Elizabeth Bennet sacrifices her dreams to repay the debt owed to her family's damaged savior. But can her compassion penetrate his bitter heart and spark hope again?

Beneath Darcy’s aloof bitterness smolders a broken, vulnerable man stripped of his mobility and purpose. While Elizabeth grapples with this unexpected fate—a marriage of convenience that is proving to be decidedly inconvenient—they discover that they might just be more alike than they are different. As mutual dependence awakens a deep, trusting affection between two defiant hearts, can their blossoming care withstand not only Darcy’s demons, but pressure from a society still expecting them to produce an heir?

What fates decree as a marriage of cold duty has the power to transform two contrary souls and lead them to discover the truest liberation—of laughter and joy; partnership and understanding. And above all, the freedom found when true minds and hearts decide to throw off their armor for one another.

©2024 Alix James (P)2024 Alix James

Wonderful Austen fan fiction

I loved this book from start to finish. I wish it had a sequel (hint). Low angst but not totally problem free. The connection between Darcy and Elizabeth was endearing. I hate when they are written as extra proud or prejudiced. This was a great plot and the happily ever after ending was worth the story. Recommend to real Austen fans.

Darcy and Elizabeth Shine

Stevie Zimmerman outdid herself!

Darcy and Elizabeth shine in this romantic dramedy. There is an early marriage of convenience, which is mutually beneficial to ODC due to the extenuating circumstances that drive the plot and set the tone for the book. While this book sits firmly in the drama category, the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy keeps it just light enough to see glimpses of a romantic comedy. The Darcy and Elizabeth of this book are both committed to making their marriage as fulfilling as possible. We are gifted with a lot of time in their presence as they work together, while still having heated disagrees.

Another hit!

Things you learn right away: Bingley doesn’t lease Netherfield until later than canon thus Darcy hasn’t met Elizabeth. Lydia still runs away with Wickham and Darcy finds them as he’s trying to deal with Wickham after Ramsgate. An accident happens and it leaves Darcy vulnerable. Col Fitzwilliam comes up with a plan that involves Elizabeth (he met her when escorting Lydia home). This is a marriage of convenience story that blooms with two strong willed individuals who need each other but sparks will fly.

The audiobook being narrated by Stevie Zimmerman brought the book to life with the emotion pouring from the characters. You can just feel the grief especially from Darcy as he is learning to deal with his new situation. This is a story that I will re-read and listen to again!

devotion & determination

no need to have read original P&P. I always like this author's unique storyline, character development, and writing style. This one makes me wonder if society built more relationships this way instead of going straight to intimacy, how much stronger/lasting they would be? Couple of things ...seemed Richard's choice in the beginning was unrealistic after so short an encounter. Jane was portrayed as very weak/fragile in the beginning. I never like or believe a weak Jane. She is the oldest 9f 5 afterall so should be made of sterner stuff. Even though this variation had little of her in it, the author developed depth and strength of her character. Very little of the rest of the Bennets. Georgiana was rarely heard from even though her behavior was the story's catalyst.

The focus throughout is on Darcy and Elizabeth with plenty of dialogue between them!

I loved EVERYTHING! I loved the low angst but still enough of disagreement to make the story plausible. No rushed ending, which is such a treat! The story never got mundane and had enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing throughout.

I'm not one to give 5 star reviews, but this author has earned all 5 with no rounding up! I loved the mixture of happy and sad parts mixed throughout. The character development is superb and so believable. I'm ending my review now to search for more books written by this amazing author. Having Stevie Zimmerman as the narrator was an added bonus!!!

Wonderful story, wonderful writing.

If you haven’t already read this book you are in for an emotional ride with this book. I have to say that with every new work this author brings out I am amazed by how she can top herself again and again. What an imagination. This book is no exception to this belief. Astounding story.

From the blurb you can read that Darcy is dreadfully injured in the beginning of the story. And that Elizabeth marries him in this condition with no hope of his ever recovering. If I start telling any details about the story now it will spoil the discovery of the beautiful writing. There are many dramatic ups and downs throughout. It’s heart wrenching and traumatic but also heartwarming and triumphant.

This is one I will listen to over and over. Highly recommended. Kudos to the narrator we all love, Stevie Zimmerman.

Drama, raw emotion and heartbreaking twists.

A brilliant narration by Stevie Zimmerman for a brilliantly-written book. Alix James’ story is even more poignant with Stevie’s narration.

If you haven’t had the chance to dive into Alix James’ latest novel, ‘The Measure of Love’, it is a definite must-read/listen. The opening chapter begins in full drama and action mode, as Darcy discovers George Wickham and Lydia Bennet in London. A confrontation leads to a physical altercation, resulting in a devastating injury for Darcy, leaving him paralysed.

The Bennet family is ruined because of Lydia’s elopement, and Georgiana has a secret that must remain hidden. Darcy is in no condition at present to do anything except pray that his body heals. In the early days of Darcy struggling to come to terms with these life-changing circumstances, Colonel Fitzwilliam steps in and presents him with a plan to unite him with Elizabeth Bennet—a woman he has never met before—in a marriage of convenience. His well-intentioned goal is to preserve not only Georgiana’s reputation, but the entire Darcy legacy, threatened by an entail, should there never be a Darcy heir. Now the colonel just has to convince them both.

The writing is brilliant, as Alix James takes the reader on the emotional and tumultuous journey of Darcy and Elizabeth, strangers who must come to know each other while Darcy faces the very personal issues that a paralysed man must deal with. Elizabeth is far removed from her family and struggles with the distance and secrets she must keep from them. Despite the weight of their circumstances, they still find humour, which is magnified by the author’s sharp dialogue and dry wit, injecting a semblance of joy into their beleaguered lives.

The book is entirely gripping from start to finish—filled with drama, raw emotion, and heart-breaking twists. It is one that will stay with me for a while.

Highly recommend.

Elizabeth is patient and kind

And it paid off for her in the end. Elizabeth lovingly nursed Darcy after he was injured in a fight with Wickham. My favorite part was the second confrontation between Wickham and Darcy.

Plot has a Modern lense

Spoiler alert this review discusses the plot settings and character descriptions that may reveal storyline items.

It didn’t seem in character or even plausible that the Darcys would remove to a remote castle without a slew of servants. Yes Darcy wanted to hide his sister’s condition but he would have a set of trusted servants. Also Wickham would have hung for assaulting an upper class gentleman. Darcy’s uncle was an Earl, which would increase the consequences of the assault and not requiring him to be in court.

Lastly, the huge deviation on P&P plot having Wickham in line to inherit Pemberly. That was hard to accept. What ???