When Duty Calls

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Belén Paccagnella

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Netherfield ball brings about many changes for the population of Meryton, and more so for the female residents of Longbourn.

Mr. Bingley’s departure leaves the eldest Jane Bennet heartbroken, whilst Mr. Collins’s proposal induces Miss Elizabeth to make a hasty escape. During her flight, she happens upon Mr. Darcy, a gentleman she despises. A moment of solitude in the woods leads to rather improper behavior, and the couple departs with the promise they will tell no one about their minor indiscretion.

When their secret is finally uncovered, marriage becomes the only solution to saving Elizabeth from social disgrace. Her other grudges against Mr. Darcy are amplified by resentment and the prospect of spending her life with a man she can never respect.

Nonetheless, the marriage takes place, forcing the young couple to deal with their pride and prejudices as husband and wife. But will they succeed in overcoming lies, misunderstandings, and their own errors to finally find love?

Note: Originally posted online, almost 20 years ago, this regency tale of redemption narrates the struggles of two people, their differences, and their rocky start.

©2020 Belén Paccagnella (P)2020 Belén Paccagnella

Good story

I like forced marriage scenarios and it was a good one. It is well written and a plot is interesting. I felt sorry for both Darcy and Elizabeth that their marriage came about at the worst possible moment, with Elizabeth still disliking Mr. Darcy. I prefer Elizabeth being more mature and willing to use her intelligence in drawing conclusions about both Wickham and Darcy which prolonged their misunderstandings. But Darcy’s behavior didn’t help either. There’s a HEA at the end.
Stevie Zimmerman’s narration gave voice to all strong emotions which ODC felt. I always like her Mr. Darcy’s voice and supporting characters such as Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins.
Highly recommended

An insecure Elizabeth and a lot of angst

An Elizabeth without her wit and courage. Darcy is sweet. Zimmerman is amazing. As always.
A lot of angst of their own making. Not a favorite.

👍

Performance by Ms Stevie Zimmerman was as always quite engaging. Not jnowing the author, I actually bought this book because Ms Stevie Zimmerman is one of my favorite narrators. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed the book with one caveat. The tension between ODC was left going a little too long with neither wanting to speak out. I am glad both grew in character gradually and in their feelings for each other.
⭐⭐⭐ & 1/2

Not usually a fan of angst

I got a headache from all my crying. It's oftwn glossed over just how many bouts of horrible arguments might arise in a scenario such as this.

The way they learned to tiptoe around each other as they made their way from anger to misery to regret and self improvement with the barest hope for a better future was very well done.

Entertaining version of P&P

Stevie Zimmerman gave her usual excellent performance.
I would have given this book 5 stars except for three things. First I would have loved to see the heavy hand of justice and retribution fall on Wickham and Lydia, but alas they got off too easily. Second, Elizabeth's ill treatment of Darcy was just too much for me to finally forgive her. She was too blind and too cruel. If I had been Darcy I would have sent her packing back to Longbourne. Third, Carolina Bingley was allowed to disparage Elizabeth and her family without suitable retribution. Otherwise I enjoyed listening to this book. The plot was centered around Darcy and Elizabeth trying to build a life together despite deep hurt and resentment. Collins, the Bingleys, Lady Katherine and even the Bennetts did not feature too much in the story, but played only small supporting roles. The Gardeners were delightful and Georgianna was sweet and likable. I really was disappointed in Elizabeth's character. She was a weak and unlikable, in my opinion.

Wonderful Variation

I, frankly, was surprised to find that I had never reviewed this title, considering I have listened to it repeatedly.

Every now and then I need a JAFF “binge” and it usually means sorting my library for Stevie Zimmerman as the Narrator and picking a few extra favorites to listen to for a few days (no kidding). That says a lot about Ms. Zimmerman’s talents. She has the ability of embodying each and every character with their own voice and personality, from a Footman or Scullery Maid to a Lord or Lady, or even a French Dressmaker or Dance Instructor. She brings each one to vivid life.

This story follows canon from the time after Mr. Collins proposes, causing Lizzie to run from the house. What If Mr. Darcy sees her in distress and comes to her aide, ultimately making him come to terms with his attraction to Lizzie. The scene is witnessed and the events that follow are well worth the credit.

Stevie Zimmerman stans only!

Love love love love compromise variations of pride and prejudice. Do I think this it could’ve been more spicy? Yes! Did I love it nonetheless? Yes! Is me hearing Steve Zimmerman as Mr. Darcy and Lizzie the only thing keeping me alive right now? Possibly. If you are a crazy P & P variation person, just search up Steve Zimmerman and get her books each month. It’s the only thing that Soothes that itch besides binge reading on kindle unlimited

Loved it. Reread it.

Great to go back to old favourites. This one I read many years ago. Still as goof as then. Great narrating. Great Jaff.

struggled to finish

I REALLY struggled to finish this book and debated several times whether to simply return it as it was incredibly frustrating and I wanted to throttle both Darcy and Elizabeth's lack of communication. It wasn't until the last 45 minutes of the book that they FINALLY started to talk about all the misconceptions. I guess I should congratulate the author on causing such a stir of emotions but I prefer less angst in my JAFFs. Hours of listening in torture could have been spared (and MONTHS of unwedded bliss for ODC) had they SIMPLY SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER!!!!!! The most satisfying moment was Darcy punching Wickham in the face (sorry for the minor spoiler) but perhaps it has more to do with how irritated I was at that point that ODC couldn't find the courage to address one another. Where was all the witty banter?? I definitely will NOT be listening to this one again.

Probably the only reason I actually was able to finish is due to the lovely as ever narration by Stevie Zimmerman. Other than that, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't have bothered.