Today we’re kicking off a new kind of conversation on the podcast: Revisiting episodes, where Emilie chats with a book clubber about books we’ve already covered (or ones they’re especially passionate about). Because let’s be honest… one conversation is never enough. 😊

In this episode, Emilie is joined by Alexis, who volunteered to be our very first guest for this new format. We dive into a reread of Mistaken by Jessie Lewis, one of Alexis's favorites (and given Emilie's open admiration for it, are you really surprised that we started with that variation?)

We talk about what makes this story so compelling, including the focus on external conflicts to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, the emotional impact of Jane's storyline, and one of the most unsettling (and fascinating) portrayals of Bingley you’ll ever read. We also get into the treatment of side characters like Caroline and Mrs. Sinclair, and why this book continues to hold up on a reread.

And because we can never stay on just one book, we also wander into a conversation about Ardently by Caitlin Williams!

If you’ve ever wanted to revisit a favorite, or just talk about these books with someone who gets it, maybe you should consider volunteering, too!

Apply Here: https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/nerd

Episode Credits:

🎙️ Hosted by Emilie Davis and Guest Host Alexis Li

🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

-

🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Do you remember your first Pride & Prejudice variation?

This week on the Pride and Prejudice Book Club, we revisit one of Sharon's first loves (and a longtime favorite from her Scholastic Book Fair days): Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg.

As Emilie reads the book for the first time, we talk about how the scholarship storyline replaces Regency class divisions, how the Lydia/Wickham plot translates into a teenage setting, and why giving Elizabeth real musical brilliance adds an especially satisfying modern dimension to her character. We also examine the difference between reading the book when you're the target demo (aka, a teen) vs. reading it as a full-fledged adult.

We can't help but share a few prom stories of our own, too!

Whether Prom & Prejudice was your first variation—or you’re discovering it for the first time with us—this episode is a fun look back at a nostalgic modern retelling and how our experience of Pride & Prejudice variations changes as we grow.

When Darcy and Elizabeth are kidnapped by highwaymen, danger, tension, and forced proximity follow.

But one question quickly takes over the episode: Is the highwayman Nate Morgan a romantic rogue… or a distraction from the real love story?

And more importantly, why does Sharon seem to have developed a small crush on him?

This week we’re discussing The Journey by Jan Hahn, a Pride and Prejudice variation that throws Darcy and Elizabeth into a perilous adventure when their carriage is stopped by highwaymen and they are taken captive…while pretending to be husband and wife. While “Elizabeth and Darcy against the world” is a favorite trope for both of us, we debate whether Darcy ends up taking a back seat in his own romance thanks to the highwayman having a little too much romantic chemistry with Elizabeth.

This story is a bit of a blast from the past for Emilie, who first read it early in her Pride and Prejudice variation journey. Returning to it more than a decade later (after reading hundreds of variations ) led to an interesting conversation about how our tastes evolve and how a story can feel very different the second time around.

Along the way we discuss our feelings about this particular “obstinate, headstrong” version of Elizabeth, the difference between possessive jealousy and introspective jealousy, and the enduring sexiness of emotional security in a relationship.

So join us as we revisit an early favorite, and debate the wisdom of letting a charming side character steal the hero’s spotlight.

***

🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

🎙️Do you have thoughts on an episode that you can't wait to discuss? Geek out with Emilie by applying to be a mini podcast co-host! https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/geek

A moment of passion. A meddling Mr. Collins. And suddenly Elizabeth Bennet finds herself engaged to Mr Darcy.

On the podcast this week we’re reading So Little Endeavor at Civility by Kate Beauford, a Pride and Prejudice variation that begins with scandal at Hunsford and an engagement Elizabeth never wanted. But instead of rushing to the altar, this story gives Elizabeth and Darcy something we don’t often see in forced-marriage stories: time to actually court, talk, and discover who the other person really is.

This Darcy might be one of our favorites ever. He communicates. He asks clarifying questions. He openly admits he’s in love with Elizabeth and never pretends otherwise. Watching Elizabeth slowly rethink everything she thought she knew about him makes for a deeply satisfying courtship, and we had a lot to say about the moments that made this Darcy shine.

We loved watching Elizabeth gradually soften toward him. We also dive into favorite scenes, memorable quotes, and the beautiful moments between Elizabeth and Darcy that made this story especially satisfying.

If you're a fan of Unequal Affections, this is definitely a variation you'll want to add to your reading list!

-

🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Have you ever listened to an episode, and wished we would discuss something...but we didn't? Or did something we say spark a thought, and you wish you had someone to tell it to? Now is your chance!

We’re inviting listeners to apply for a chance to record a short mini-episode with Emilie and share their thoughts as part of a “second chance book-mance” discussion. If there’s a book we’ve already discussed that you absolutely adore (or have strong opinions about!), this is your chance to bring it back into the spotlight.

We may also be open to discussing a new variation we haven’t covered yet, though it may take a bit longer to schedule since we’ll need to fit it into our reading lineup.

If selected, you’ll receive an email to schedule a quick test conversation so we can get to know each other a bit.

To apply to be a mini-episode co-host, go to https://prideandprejudicebookclub.com/geek

We'll talk at you later!

Pride and Prejudice and a MAJOR conflict of interest...

This week we’re diving into The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy by Sarah Angelini, a modern, spicy Pride and Prejudice variation featuring Darcy as a judge, Elizabeth as a lawyer in his circuit, a Halloween party connection, and a professional boundary that quickly becomes personal.

Heads up: this conversation wanders. A LOT. But we end up (somehow) connecting all the dots! We talk about workplace power dynamics, early-2000s romance tropes, and how cultural expectations around love stories have shifted over time. We also examine where the line falls between romantic perseverance and respecting boundaries.

Plus: date auctions, Netflix adaptation feelings, and how — despite their shortcomings — society NEEDS to bring back RomComs.

Strap in! It’s going to be a fun ride.

🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Welcome to episode 150, book clubbers!

To celebrate this milestone, we're reading the original masterpiece upon which this entire podcast is built: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

The book that launched a thousand (and more!) variations.

Emilie is joined by both Alicia and Sharon as we revisit the novel that started it all and share what stood out to us this time around, including new takes on familiar characters and small details we somehow missed before.

We marvel (again) at Jane Austen’s genius, humor, and razor-sharp wit, and we absolutely fan-girl over the tiniest moments, because… well… it’s Pride and Prejudice!

Thank you to every single listener who has joined us on this journey. Whether you’ve been here from episode one or just found your people, we’re so glad you’re part of this wonderfully nerdy corner of the internet.

Here’s to 150 episodes, and many more to come!