His Secret Betrothal

By: Renee McKenzie

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy is ill-equipped for the undertaking ahead of him. He is to woo Miss Elizabeth Bennet while disguising his purpose—for they are secretly betrothed! The marriage contract, signed 15 years ago, was conceived during the Bennets’ summer interlude at Pemberley. William and Lizzy became fast friends, and their shenanigans delighted the household. At summer’s end, the pair parted, an annual letter exchange the only communication between their families.

With only three months until they must wed, Darcy enlists his family and friends to win Elizabeth’s heart and favor. Hilarity and endearing moments abound as Darcy draws upon his remembrances of Lizzy the child to woo Elizabeth, the woman of his dreams.

Through reading their fathers’ letters, Darcy learns of Lizzy’s path to womanhood and his misapplication of pride. Even with this insight, he struggles to court his impertinent betrothed and reform his conceit. Just as Darcy is ready to reveal all, those who desire a different match for the master of Pemberley willfully cause madcap misunderstandings, threatening Elizabeth’s hard-won regard.

Enjoy this non-canon, clean Pride and Prejudice variation. This is the second book published by Renée McKenzie and follows her highly praised debut, Darcy’s Labours of Love.

©2023 Cathy Cobey (P)2023 Cathy Cobey

Excellent Arranged Marriage Trope

Authored by Renee McKenzie, who also wrote a very good debut novel with Mr. Darcy’s Labours of Love, this book doesn’t disappoint. I found it to be a well-written novel with a refreshing premise. I do love the arranged marriage trope. I’ve now tremendously enjoyed both of Ms. McKenzie’s books and can’t wait until the next. Well done and I’m adding it to my favourites stack—in my Kindle and Audible libraries.

Great story, great narration. Stevie Zimmerman is just so very good in every respect.

Delightful

Fast becoming one of my favorite variations. Humorous and clever. I especially loved the letters woven into the first half of the story from the elder Darcy and Bennet.

Low Angst - Much Enjoyment

Fun interesting and entertaining story - On his 28th birthday Darcy finds out that his father and Elizabeth's father secretly signed a contract that their son and daughter were to marry provided that Darcy and Elizabeth had not wed by the time Darcy turned 28. Darcy and Mr. Bennett decide not to tell Elizabeth until Darcy has a chance to woo her (knowing that she has a ferociously independent spirit). Darcy goes to Netherfield with Bingley in order to begin winning Elizabeth's heart. The fun begins. Even though the premise of the betrothal is rather preposterous, this book is well written and well narrated.

His Secret Betrothal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely story! The letters from Mr Bennet and the elder Mr Darcy are delightful, giving the reader a glimpse into Lizzy and William’s childhood years. Mrs Bennet’s sprained ankle was a stroke of genius, as it kept her out of the critical parts of Darcy’s “wooing” efforts.

Kudos to one of the most talented voices in the audiobook world, Stevie Zimmerman, as she brings to life our favorite characters with the perfect amount of drama and humor.

Enjoyable

Perfect light hearted variation with slow angst and any problems ODC encountered were handled swiftly.

New perspective

I enjoyed the story except I do not enjoy the hateful Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. I think they have been done to death. My favorite stories are the ones where Mrs. Bennet has already cashed in her chips which leaves a whole avenue of new situations. A couple of favorites are Silver Buckles and another very good one is Old Boots. I’m glad that this book doesn’t change the character’s personalities. I enjoyed the story and it was well written and well narrated.

Enjoyable #JAFF

I do recommend this book for fans of this genre.

I only wish ODC had more time together
considering the length of the book, more courtship time would have been nice.

I never got bored with the story, it stayed interesting.

This author writes well. I definitely will read other books from her.

3.5 rounded to 4 stars

A creative variation of P&P that may require the listener to suspend belief in several situations but is 99.99% clean with a few implied references to erotic dreams/thoughts. Wickham is mentioned but does not appear. The events surrounding Caroline Bingley are a bit over the top, although I found myself thinking "well, finally!" when all was said and done. Lady Catherine was, as expected, Lady Catherine. This is the second audiobook I've listened to by this author and, for the most part, I found it fun and creative. However, the epilogue result for Colonel Fitzwilliam, who remains one of my favorite JAFF characters and sometimes receives delightful HEAs in JAFF variations, was a bit unsatisfying. Stevie Zimmerman was excellent, as always.

Lovely

This is a fabulous book with almost no angst.
It’s such a satisfying read as you sat front row to a lively, lovely courtship.
I enjoyed the authors idea of each character’s personality.
Especially Georgina!
Enjoy!

Magnificent!

Renee McKenzie is now firmly fixed as one of my favorite authors of JAFF. I absolutely loved Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Richard in this novel. As always, Stevie Zimmerman’s narration, especially Mr. Darcy, was magnificent! Will definitely be listening to this story over and over again.