Pride & Prejudice Book Club Podcast

Longtime listeners may remember that we covered Seasons of Waiting years ago on the podcast, but after years of waiting (ha!), Sharon finally took the plunge and read it. Against all odds, this book actually made Sharon feel bad for Bingley! Together we unpack Christina Morland’s beautifully layered, nonlinear story as it weaves through 25 years of heartbreak, missed opportunities, fractured relationships, and second chances. We discuss the devastating estrangement between Darcy and Bingley, Georgiana’s heartbreaking marriage struggles, the emotional weight of caregiving and family responsibility, and why older, wiser versions of Darcy and Elizabeth are so enjoyable. Along the way, Sharon reflects on motherhood, friendship, vulnerability, and the surprising ways fiction can become a “safe mirror” for our own lives and relationships. We also talk about Will Darcy’s persistent attempts to connect with his uncle, Lizzy’s absolutely elite re-entrance scene at Netherfield, and why this book feels less like a simple romance and more like a tapestry of interconnected lives. Plus: We declare the beginning of Hot Regency Summer and tease our upcoming review of The Other Bennet Sister. So much to look forward to! Episode Credits: 🎙️ Hosted by Emilie Davis & Sharon Cortez 🎵 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! ✍️ Apply To Be a Co-Host Here: https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/nerd

Have you ever wondered what Pride and Prejudice would be like if you combined it with...The Parent Trap? No? Well, prepare to be surprised! Author Jayne Bamber returns to the podcast to celebrate the release of her newest novel, The Guardian Gambit, which just launched on April 29th and is now available on Kindle Unlimited. Inspired by The Parent Trap, this latest variation promises mistaken identities, long-lost connections, and plenty of romantic chaos, and we share just enough on the podcast to spark your curiosity (without giving too much away). We also spend time diving into her recent release, The Sisters' Holiday, a Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility remix inspired by the movie The Holiday. We explore Jayne’s love of bold reinterpretations, from unexpected pairings and “spoiled by choice” heroines to villain redemption arcs that add surprising depth to familiar characters. We also talk about how shifting the stakes (whether through money, social standing, or simply giving characters more agency) opens up entirely new possibilities for romance, and how modern relationship expectations are subtly reshaping the way these stories are told. Fair warning: this part of the conversation does include spoilers, so if that book is still on your TBR, you may want to circle back after reading! Along the way, Jayne shares behind-the-scenes insights into her writing process, the joy of weaving together large casts of beloved characters, and why rom-com energy and nostalgia continue to influence the JAFF world in such fun and creative ways.   Episode Credits: 🎙️ Hosted by Emilie Davis 🎵 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! ✍️ Apply To Be a Co-Host Here: https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/nerd  

The Cat Andrews author interview is here! If you've ever finished one of her modern Pride and Prejudice variations and immediately wanted more, this episode is for you! Cat sits down with Emilie to share her origin story: how a love for Colin Firth led her to Jane Austen, how fan fiction communities like A Happy Assembly and the Derbyshire Writers' Guild shaped her as a writer, and what finally pushed her to publish. She gives a behind-the-scenes view of creating her books (Dance the Tide, Sanctuary, An Unexpected Harvest, Against Every Objection, and the holiday novella An Old Acquaintance), including which story is her current favorite. Cat also opens up about the harder parts of being a modern variation author in a Regency-dominated space: the visibility struggles, the dismissive attitudes around moderns she's encountered, and what ultimately led her to take a break from publishing. And as a special treat for fans of An Unexpected Harvest, a hefty chunk of the conversation digs into that book specifically, from what inspired the concept to the creative choices that make it feel so different from a typical variation. Cat gets into all of it! Whether you're a longtime Cat Andrews fan or just discovering her work, this conversation is honest, warm, and full of great insight into a talented author!

Confession time: Emilie almost missed out on one of her favorite variations because a little "pride" and "prejudice" against modern variations got in her way! This week we're gushing over An Unexpected Harvest by Cat Andrews, a book that Emilie initially started, set back down, and waited weeks to pick back up. But she's so glad she did! Much like Darcy, Emilie discovered that what she thought would be merely "tolerable" turned out to be very, very tempting indeed... Here's what blew us away: An Unexpected Harvest follows Pride and Prejudice almost beat for beat in the first half, and then Cat Andrews throws the playbook out and lets the story breathe. And honestly? That second half might be our favorite part! Add in a gender swap that works incredibly well, character name-shuffling that kept us genuinely guessing what would happen next, and a main couple with a relationship that felt real, and we had a lot to say. Some bigger themes snuck in too, like ideas around wanting to be independent individuals while still craving having a person to depend on, and why women giving up their dreams for love is somehow still a whole conversation we're having in 2026. Plus, a candid conversation about spice (no judgment here!) and how Cat Andrews brilliantly writes spice that feels character-driven and important to the narrative. If you've been on the fence about modern variations, this might be the episode — and the book — that changes your mind. We're also sharing what's on our Kindles right now, teasing our upcoming Live Book Club with Heather Moll's A Most Natural Consequence on April 25th, and dropping some very exciting news about an upcoming author interview with Cat Andrews herself.   Episode Credits: 🎙️ Hosted by Emilie Davis and Sharon Cortez 🎵 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!

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!

For Emilie, one of the biggest "perks" of hosting this podcast is getting to talk with authors who love these characters as much as she does ❤️ And Julie Cooper is no exception!   From "Tempt Me" to "Nameless" to "A Stronger Impulse," Julie has explored some truly imaginative corners of the Pride and Prejudice universe. In this episode, Emilie and Julie talk about where her plot ideas come from and how she strives to keep Elizabeth Bennet unmistakably herself, even when the circumstances around her change dramatically.   We also discuss her writing process (including her seemingly endless plot bunny document), her commitment to happily-ever-after endings, the unofficial rules she follows when writing Darcy and Elizabeth, and why Pride and Prejudice variations can feel like such a comforting place to land when the real world gets complicated.   And be warned: this episode definitely contains plot bunnies! - 🎵 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!

Can love survive when trust is shattered?  In this episode, we dive into A Wilful Misunderstanding by Amy D’Orazio, a Pride & Prejudice variation that cranks the angst up to 100 and then dares to ask: can a marriage survive betrayal born of pride and insecurity? We unpack Darcy’s catastrophic (and idiotic) choices, Elizabeth’s devastating heartbreak, and the long, messy road toward forgiveness. Is this a story about true love persevering, or about a man who didn’t deserve true love in the first place? (Our opinions may vary from day to day.) This book had us in our feelings from the first moment, and while it's often painful, it's that exquisitely delicious kind of angst that sometimes you just can't get enough of! From willful pride to hard-won healing, this book explores what it really means to believe in someone, and what it costs when you don’t. Bring tissues. And maybe a strong opinion. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave us a review, and come chat with us online. We love hearing your thoughts (even when you disagree with us)! 🎵 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!

Time for a fan-girl SQUEEEEEEEAL!   In this episode, Emilie gets to check another author off her dream guest list as she interviews Amy D'Orazio, a longtime favorite and a true force for good in the Pride and Prejudice variation world. Not only is Amy a talented and beloved author, she’s also the head of Quills and Quartos, an independent publisher that has helped dozens of authors find their footing and thrive in the JAFF publishing world.   In this conversation, we cover everything from Amy's origin story (the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice while traveling abroad) to the creation of fan-favorite original character Lord Saye, along with how her writing has evolved and what stories may be coming next.   Grab your hot cocoa and settle in, book clubbers! (Or, if you're driving, keep your eyes on the road...)   And after you listen to this episode, be sure to download Amy's newest release, Officious Interference, available NOW!   🎵 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!

[Big spoiler warning on this episode!] This week we venture into fantasy with Miss Bennet’s Dragon, a gaslamp Regency Pride & Prejudice variation that introduces dragons, mysterious powers, and life or death stakes to the story! Fantasy isn’t typically Sharon’s genre, but she adventurously dove right into the world-building and dragon lore and discovered it was a lot more fun than she thought it would be! We revel in the quieter, slow-burn romance of this variation, and geek out over Darcy's efforts to communicate to Elizabeth (quietly) how much he cares about her. The story packs some big surprises, leading to a discussion on how ambition and power reshape familiar characters, and force Elizabeth into morally complex decisions with far-reaching consequences . If you enjoy Pride & Prejudice variations that take risks, ask big questions, and aren’t afraid to explore darker themes, this episode has plenty to unpack!

This week we're diving head-first into On Equal Ground by Elizabeth Adams, and, surprisingly, we once again find ourselves on very different sides of the emotional fence. Sharon is fully swooning, Emilie is… decidedly not. To be clear, Elizabeth Adams is a phenomenal author, and has penned some of Emilie's favorite stories. This book just happens to combine two of her least favorite tropes 😆 But that's what's great about variations! There's something for everyone! With a premise that includes Elizabeth being married before meeting Darcy, and then finding herself of elevated status after her tragic loss, there’s plenty to discuss. Grief, second chances, blended families, and what it means to honor a great love while still allowing space for another. Expect some strong opinions on this one! And as always, we want to hear what you think 😁 🎵 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!

When we started this podcast back in 2023, we never dreamed that we would one day get to meet one of our favorite authors, Jessie Lewis. So it was a huge shock when Jessie not only reached out to say she'd enjoyed the episodes we'd done on her books, but that she would be happy to answer questions about them, too! And thus, a new type of episode was born. The author interview has now become a bookclub staple (with more great episodes on the way), and our appreciation of authors grows with each and every one! In honor of Jessie's new book, Room for Improvement, which she co-authored with Amy D'Orazio, coming out on January 26th, 2026, we're re-releasing this episode to give some of our newer listeners a chance to discover it, and hopefuly bring joy to our long-time listeners who already know how fun an interview it was. [This re-release also mildly improves on the audio quality of the interview, something that has bugged Emilie for a long time....] We'll be back next week with some more book discussions, but for now, enjoy this throw-back episode of our interview with the amazingly talented Jessie Lewis.   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or check out our blog and more at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/!  

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down and video chat with beloved narrator Benny Fife, the voice behind hundreds of audiobooks, including many fan-favorite Jane Austen variations. Benny shares how he built a full-time narration career from reading aloud to his kids, how he approaches iconic characters like Mr Darcy, and why dragons, space operas, and alien retellings all have a place in his creative world. We also discuss networking at JaffCon, the struggles of voice acting with a cold, the evolution of his character choices, and even get a peek into the Pride and Prejudice–in–Klingon project he’s crafting as a true labor of love. If you enjoy behind-the-scenes storytelling, audiobook nerdery, or just want to hear from one of the most expressive voices in the JAFF universe, this episode will make your day. 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter

What happens when a Pride and Prejudice variation asks you to root for two genuinely good men vying for Elizabeth's heart?  This week on the Pride and Prejudice Book Club, we’re tackling The Unthinkable Triangle by Joanna Starnes, a high-angst variation that puts Elizabeth Bennet at the center of a true love triangle with Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. And while Sharon delighted in finally getting a triangle where both men are real contenders, Emilie… really struggled. We dig into why this trope is such a hard sell for Emilie, especially when Colonel Fitzwilliam is written as emotionally present, communicative, and deeply invested in Elizabeth, while Darcy spends much of the story yearning from a distance, holding himself back, and making choices that feel more like restraint than growth.  That tension fuels a lively debate about whether Elizabeth’s emotional “switch” feels earned, whether Darcy’s love is grounded in reality or fantasy, and why the deepest betrayal in this book may not be romantic at all, but the fracture between two cousins who were once as close as brothers. Along the way, we zoom out to talk about fantasy vs. real-life relationships, infatuation vs. love, and why — in the real world — the healthiest choice in a love triangle is often to walk away from everyone. If you love messy emotional questions, debates about tropes, and honest takes on romance in literature, this episode will give you a lot to chew on! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter

We’re closing out 2025 by looking back at every book we read and every interview we recorded this year… and, for the first time ever, we’re doing it with all three hosts together! Alicia, Emilie, and Sharon are all here to geek out about favorite moments, standout books, and (of course) enjoy a few side-tangent conversations along the way. If you’re new to the podcast, this episode is a great way to get quick summaries of the stories we covered and our reactions as we experienced them. And if you’re a longtime listener, we hope this feels like a fun jaunt down memory lane. As we head into 2026, we just want to say thank you. It’s been such a joy discovering fellow Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts through this podcast, and we’re so excited to step into a new season with you! Happy New Year, Book Clubbers! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

If you’ve been around the JAFF world for more than five minutes, chances are you’ve already read a forced proximity book that takes place in a cottage during a snowstorm. You've also probably read a book by Abigail Reynolds. But have you read them both together? Alone with Mr. Darcy is one of those books that everyone seems to have read, and has quietly set the standard for snowstorms, forced proximity, and Darcy doing his very best while being deeply attracted to Elizabeth (and more than a little confused). In this episode, we talk about what Abigail Reynolds does so well as an author: creating deep emotional intimacy without leaning too hard on the tropes that drive us all a little crazy. The forced proximity, miscommunication, and snowstorm are all there, but they’re used to build tension without turning Darcy or Elizabeth into people you want to yell at. At the heart of it all is a Darcy who is deeply honorable, quietly persistent, and determined to do the right thing—even when he has no idea what went wrong. Whether this was one of your first JAFF reads or the first time you've been snowed in with Mr Darcy, this is a cozy, nostalgic conversation about a book that has clearly earned its place on the OG JAFF bookshelf. 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Bookclubbers, this one’s a treat! A fun conversation with Harry Frost, the narrator whose voice has become synonymous with Mr. Darcy for countless Jane Austen fan fiction readers and listeners.  Harry shares how The Darcy Monologues launched his narration career, the techniques he uses to differentiate an ever-expanding cast of characters, and some of the nitty-gritty details of the narration business. If you love Darcy, audiobooks, or just hearing people geek out about how breath and emotion impact the voice, you’re going to feel right at home in this conversation!   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What happens when Darcy wishes he’d never been born…and Elizabeth accidentally gets dragged into the fallout? In this episode, we dive into The Difference of a Darcy by Tiffany Thomas, an engrossing Pride and Prejudice variation that surprised us in all the best ways. What begins as an It’s a Wonderful Life–style premise turns into a rich exploration of partnership, forgiveness, identity, and the road not travelled. We're giddy over all the Darcy and Elizabeth time (it's amazing!), devastated by Georgiana’s alternate-universe life, and stunned by a particularly shocking Bingley twist. Grab some hot cocoa and settle in. This is going to be fun!   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!  

Strap in, book friends, we’re heading to the stars! Longbourn Crater, to be precise. This week we unpack Pride and Prejudice and Planets, the wildly imaginative sci-fi variation that turns Elizabeth into a spaceship mechanic, Darcy into a tightly wound captain, and Bingley into the galaxy’s most affable (and capable)  diplomat. We explore the rich world-building, the political layers we didn’t expect, and the fun character interpretations that made this book stand out. We also talk about Caroline’s radicalization, Wickham as a ship thief, and why this story deserves mad respect (even if we wish it had a little more romance!) If you've been waiting for us to read a sci-fi Pride and Prejudice variation, this one's for you! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at: https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter

What makes us come back to Pride and Prejudice again and again? That's a very important question, and one that Emilie explores this week with Emilia Stratford, the author of Such Persuasions as These and Some Particular Evil. The result is a delightful deep-dive into all things Darcy, Elizabeth, and the creative world of Pride and Prejudice variations! Together we unpack Darcy’s (slow!) decision-making process, the challenge of writing a believable Elizabeth, favorite tropes and hard passes, the joys of AO3, and Emilia’s deliciously angsty new WIP.  We honestly can't wait to see what she comes up with next!   --- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!    

Picture this: two friends on a long car trip across a (seemingly) endless desert, with nothing but some Red Vines and a JAFF Audiobook to keep us going... This week, we listed to More Than a Pretty Face by Francis Reynolds (as narrated by Stevie Zimmerman), and we're here to tell you allll about it! We recap our road-trip audiobook experience, dig into the book's expanded characterization of Jane, swoon over Lord Lyfford's charm and emotional depth, and explore the nuances of how male POV is written in JAFF. We also indulge in the pure joy of being surrounded by fellow Austen fans, because this episode was recorded live at JaffCon! Please note, there’s a little more background noise than usual this week, but a whole lot more fun, too!

Recorded in front of a LIVE audience...it's the Pride and Prejudice Book Club Podcast at JAFF Con 2025! Over the weekend we had the amazing opportunity to participate in JAFF Con, an annual get together of writers and readers who love and all adore all things Austenesque! We were invited to record an episode live in front of the conference attendees, and it was electrifying to be able to not only talk about what we love and adore (Pride and Prejudice Variations), but also get validation from fellow junkies about our thoughts and opinions in real time. Since some attendees were unfamiliar with the podcast, we give a bit of backstory, and then dive right into what we love to read, where we find our books, and which books live rent free in our heads. We also uncovered the root of some of Emilie and Sharon's differences of opinion when it comes to JAFF, and tried to name-drop as many authors as possible without sounding crazy... 10/10, A+, 5 stars, definitely recommend JAFF Con to anyone who loves Jane Austen Fan Fiction, and loves our amazing, talented, and generous authors! As always: Thank you for writing!!!     🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Have you ever wondered what the editing process is like for indie authors? Look no further! In this episode, Emilie sits down with longtime editor—and newly published author—Jo Abbott, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of the most beloved stories in the JAFF community. From editing for authors like Lory Lilian, Jennifer Altman, and Laura Moretti, to navigating the intricacies of historical accuracy (goodbye, Americanisms!), Jo shares what it really takes to bring a Pride and Prejudice variation to life. We talk about the different types of edits, how budget impacts the process, and what it's like working in a genre where readers know almost every line of the original text. Jo also shares what pushed her to finally publish her own debut novel, Disarmed, and how it feels to see her name on the front of a book after years of editing from behind the scenes. Other topics we cover: Why forced marriage is her favorite trope The impact of AI in the editing world (and beyond) A few hints at what she might publish next 👀 Whether you’re a JAFF fan, an aspiring author, or just love hearing how your favorite books come together, this episode is a must-listen. 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

We're continuing our recent trend of forced marriage scenarios with Jenetta James' delightful story, Suddenly Mrs. Darcy (one of Sharon's all-time favorite books!) We get into: Why this trope is such a fan favorite (and why it sometimes makes people deeply uncomfortable) Whether this version of Elizabeth is being true to character (or just stupidly stubborn) The depiction of Georgiana (and what is or isn't cannon!) Plus: Which Austen heroine are YOU most like? (Sharon says she's a Jane Bennet — what about you?) If you’re in the mood for a softer Darcy, good banter, and some disagreements over cannon, this one’s for you! 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know what you thought of the book! 👇 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

This week we’re joined by a true gem in the JAFF world: J. Dawn King herself (also known as Joy D. King and Christie Capps)! Throughout the episode, Joy reflects on the vibrant JAFF community, the unexpected joys of becoming a writer, and the incredible story of how a doctor’s advice after a stroke led to a whole new life as a beloved author with over 30 books to her name. We also get a tease for Joy’s most ambitious project yet: a sweeping Mediterranean treasure hunt that brings together Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bennet in a globe-trotting, clue-solving adventure inspired by movies like National Treasure and Indiana Jones. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, you’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the heart behind these beloved variations, and maybe a little bit of inspiration to write your own! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

How do you build a relationship when the past won’t leave you alone? This week on The Pride and Prejudice Book Club, Emilie and Sharon discuss Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins’s Widow by Timothy Underwood, a variation that explores Elizabeth Bennet’s emotional healing after a traumatic early marriage to an awful Mr. Collins. When she becomes a widow and takes over Longbourn, Elizabeth isn’t looking for love… but a surprising friendship with Mr. Darcy begins to change everything. One co-host is ready to be buried with this book, while the other wrestles with why this variation didn’t quite click for her. Their conversation dives into how personal taste shapes reading experiences, and why there’s room for every kind of reader (and variation) in the P&P universe! We don’t always agree on enjoyment of books we read, but that’s half the fun. Whether you’re Team “Bury Me With This Book” or Team “I'm Not Mad At It,” we hope you’ll enjoy the ride. 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!  

What if a single rumor about a duel that never happened was enough to upend Elizabeth Bennet’s life and tie her fate to Mr. Darcy? In this episode, we dive into Betrothed to Mr. Darcy by Lin Mei Wei, a variation that begins with a scandal and unfolds into a surprisingly tender (and occasionally bonkers) love story. With a marriage rooted in obligation, Elizabeth’s feelings build slowly but hit hard. And as for Darcy, he’s already quietly smitten...but definitely feeling insecure! We explore the novel’s unique blend of romantic tension, high society intrigue, and emotional depth, including covert letters, generational trauma, and one very memorable library scene. Plus, we reflect on the sprawling (and messy) Darcy family, the burden of guardianship, and how sheltered both Elizabeth and Georgiana really are. Also: fanfic tangents, spicy scenes, and Sharon’s head-canon Lizzy in all her confident glory. 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What made Lady Catherine into the formidable force we meet in Pride and Prejudice? This week, we're diving into Paige Badgett’s novel The Making of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and guess what? Alicia's baaaaack! After her summer break, she’s rejoining us to unpack this villain origin story and all the surprising tenderness inside it. Together, we explore the dynamics of sisters, the long shadows cast by grief, and the very Rhett-Butler-esque qualities of Sir Lewis de Bourgh. It’s a fascinating reminder that a woman we love to hate might just be more complicated than we ever gave her credit for.   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

This week, we're still recovering emotionally after devouring The Winter of Our Discontent by Grace Gibson (confession: we both read it in a single night!) From the forced marriage premise to the “delicious angst” that had some of us (*cough* Sharon) crying at 1 a.m., this episode dives deep into what worked, what had us giggling, and what made us certain that we needed at least 200 more pages of this story! We explore Darcy’s resentment arc, Elizabeth’s unflappable dedication to being the best mistress of Pemberley she could be, and a beautifully written sisterhood with Georgiana that gave us all the feels.  Plus: an impromptu fanfic brainstorm session!  Let us know your favorite angsty JAFF picks: we're always ready to cry (happily) over fictional heartbreak ❤️ 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What do you get when you cross Pride and Prejudice with Sarah, Plain and Tall? You're about to find out! This week, we dive into Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride by J. Dawn King, a variation that moves our favorite couple from Hertfordshire to post–Civil War Oregon and swaps empire-waist dresses and tea rooms for sturdy walking boots and logging camps. We chat about the charm (and chaos) of the mail-order bride trope, what it takes to fall in love after "I do," and how far a variation can stray while still keeping Austen's heart.  We also go off on a big tangent about the upcoming Netflix Pride & Prejudice adaptation, and lay out our "wish list" items for what we hope is included. (Spoiler: Emilie reeeeeally wants a Darcy that smiles and more walks at Rosings!) So grab your bonnet and join us for a fun, thoughtful ride through this Oregon-flavored variation and beyond! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Have you ever wished you could step into the world of Pride and Prejudice, if only for a day? In Heather Moll’s Nine Ladies, that fantasy comes true... with a time-travel twist that had us completely hooked. Co-hosts Emilie and Sharon are absolutely swooning over this Pride and Prejudice variation with a deliciously Outlander-esque twist! When modern-day Elizabeth finds herself flung back to Regency-era Pemberley, she must navigate corsets, strange customs, and a very compelling Mr. Darcy. But things take an unexpected turn when he follows her back to the 21st century. Now what? Because while they’ve fallen in love across time, reality isn't so easily rewritten. Elizabeth can’t see herself giving up her independence to live in the 1800s, and Darcy, a literal man out of time, can’t just forge a new life in the modern world without consequences. So how can they possibly make it work? We dig into all the juicy details, from time-travel ethics to Darcy’s hilarious discomfort with shorts and spicy food. Heather Moll does an amazing job balancing fantasy with thoughtful realism, especially in crafting an ending that actually earns its happily ever after. Also on the table? Corsets, heartbreak, and whether you’d choose plumbing or a cravat-wearing Darcy. You know, the important things. 📣 Book Clubbers, weigh in: Would you stay in 1812 for love, or convince Darcy to make a new life in your world? 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter

There are JAFF stories, and then there are JAFF rollercoasters, and Amy D’Orazio's An Offer of Marriage is definitely the latter! Emilie Davis is joined this week by co-host Sharon Cortes to unpack the bonkers-in-the-best-way moments of this wildly entertaining Pride and Prejudice variation, from Anne de Bourgh going full villain mode (with the tantrums, poison, and assassins to prove it) to Darcy’s very public meltdown outside White’s. We dive into the dynamics of Elizabeth and Darcy's enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc, their emotional role reversals, and the highlight of Lord Saye being hilariously terrifying at the opera. It’s chaotic, it’s cathartic, and it might just be your new favorite forced marriage variation!   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter

Before there’s love, there’s friendship, and in Such Persuasions as These by Emilia Stratford, that friendship is genuine, unexpected, and exactly what Mr. Darcy didn’t know he needed. In this week’s episode, Emilie Davis is joined by guest co-host Sharon Cortez to discuss a variation where Elizabeth leads with kindness, not combat, and finds herself at the center of Darcy’s slow, sweet transformation. When Elizabeth claims to be engaged to a certain Captain Wentworth (yes, that Captain Wentworth), she unintentionally clears the emotional runway for something rare in Pride and Prejudice retellings: a sincere and supportive friendship between our beloved leads. Emilie and Sharon dive into why this works so well, what makes this Darcy especially lovable, and how friendship-first stories offer something different than slow-burn romance alone. They also swap personal stories about “fake engagements,” adult friendship struggles, and the sitcom-style friend groups they’ve longed for or found along the way.  If you’ve ever wished for more time with Darcy and Elizabeth simply getting to know one another, this one’s for you!   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

If you’ve ever found yourself lingering in the car just to finish an audiobook chapter, there’s a good chance Stevie Zimmerman had something to do with it. In this special episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Stevie Zimmerman, an audiobook narrator with over 340 titles on Audible and a voice many of our Book Clubbers will instantly recognize. Stevie shares how she found her way into narration, what it’s really like behind the mic, and which kinds of stories she loves to bring to life. (Spoiler: Jane Austen may come up once or twice…) From home recording setups to character accents and everything in between, this is a fascinating peek into a world most of us only hear (but rarely see).   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What happens when you drop Elizabeth Bennet into a Cinderella-style nightmare, including an evil stepmother, scheming stepsisters, and a slipper clue that changes everything? And more importantly, if you were in Elizabeth's shoes, would you stand your ground like her or keep the peace like Jane? This week, Sharon and Emilie explore why this variation’s fairy-tale nods work without feeling like a Disney remake, and how the slow build of trust between Darcy and Elizabeth might be even more satisfying than the classic enemies-to-lovers arc. We dig into the book’s take on Mr. Bennet’s willful ignorance and how it hit a little too close to home in our own reflections on fathers and family. And of course, we reveal our final verdict: is this “Fun While It Lasted” or officially “Our Jam”? 📢 Trigger warning: this one gets more intense than most Austen variations—tread carefully if depictions of abuse are difficult for you.   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What a treat this week, Book Clubbers! 🎉 We're joined by the incredibly talented Tiffany Thomas, author of Fine Eyes and Beastly Pride and one of Sharon's absolute favorites! Whether you've devoured her books already or if they're still on your TBR list, this conversation is a can't-miss! Tiffany shares how she found her way into the world of JAFF, what inspired her unique take on Darcy and Elizabeth, and why kindness from internet strangers may just be the secret weapon to writing that next draft. We were so honored that she answered our random Tik Tok message, and that we can share this interview with you! Who should we interview next?? -- Author Website: https://authortiffanythomas.com/ 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

This week, guest co-host Sharon joins Emilie to dive into Fine Eyes and Beastly Pride by Tiffany Thomas, an imaginative Pride and Prejudice variation inspired by the classic Disney Beauty and the Beast animated movie.  Sharon especially loved the way Darcy’s transformation into the “Beast” was reimagined through a laudanum addiction: dark, dramatic, and surprisingly effective. Both she and Emilie appreciated Elizabeth’s steady presence as a source of support, and how that relationship gave emotional weight to Darcy’s recovery arc. Do you have your own "head canon" for characters? It turns out that we (Emilie and Sharon) have very different versions of Wickham in our heads! We also had strong opinions about the use of direct quotes from the Disney movie. For one of us, it was a fun nod; for the other, it was a bit jarring. You’ll have to tune in to hear who felt what! (and we’d love to know where you land, Book Clubbers!) --- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What happens when Elizabeth Bennet is kidnapped, locked in a tower, and forced to marry Mr. Darcy by a completely unhinged Lady Catherine de Bourgh? This book is what happens! This week, Emilie Davis and guest host Sharon Cortez (filling in for Alicia) dive into In the Tower With Mr. Darcy by Valerie Lennox, a bold, fairy tale–tinged Pride and Prejudice variation that had us texting "What is HAPPENING?!" practically every other chapter. We’re unpacking: The Rapunzel-meets-Regency plot that *somehow* works What "Primal Darcy" looks like Whether trauma bonding counts as romance The surprisingly touching moment Darcy (not Elizabeth) laments their stolen "wedding" night A strange pattern we've noticed with twins... If you love fairy tale retellings, forced proximity, or just need something unpredictable to distract you from reality, this book’s for you!   🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Just when you thought you'd seen every twist Pride and Prejudice fanfiction could offer, along comes Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be, a book so wild, we had to call in backup. Emilie is joined by returning guest co-host Sharon Cortez for a deep dive into a version of Bingley that moonlights as an assassin on a righteous mission. Yes, you read that right. Together, we unpack the ethical gymnastics of vigilante justice, the surprisingly delightful voice performance by the “Pride and Prejudice TikTok Guy” Ben Fensome, and whether Jane Bennet would really say “I do” after hearing her fiancé has a body count.  Turns out, Bingley’s sunshine disposition pairs unexpectedly well with a secret life of crime. Who knew?    🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Is love a fancy or a feeling...or fate? In Julie Cooper’s Only Mr. Darcy, a young Elizabeth Bennet asks her beloved grandmother who she’ll marry, and receives a cryptic answer just moments before the woman passes away. The name? Charles. The result? Absolute certainty that her fate is intertwined with her new neighbor, a handsome man named Charles Bingley…even as he clearly falls for Jane. This week, we're joined by guest host and longtime Book Clubber Sharon Cortez (Alicia is off on a well-earned summer break!) and we had the best time giggling, blushing, and swooning over this surprisingly tender and low-angst variation. We get into fate vs. free will, the charm of quiet fishing scenes, and why we love a Mr. Darcy who is good husband material. Plus, we debate Bingley’s character and swap stories of how our own Austen obsessions started. An enjoyable and satisfying read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a smart twist on canon, delicious one-on-one time with Darcy and Elizabeth, and sweet yet swoon-worthy kisses! 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Tik Tok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

This week on the Pride and Prejudice Book Club, we’re thrilled to welcome our new co-host Sharon Cortez as she joins the podcast for an interview with author Summer Hanford! If you’ve devoured The Bennett Gang Duology and Mr. Darcy’s Bookshop, you already know Summer’s work is delightfully creative and full of heart. We chat about everything from her writing origins (in a surprise twist, she did NOT always love Jane Austen!) to her development process with longtime collaborator Renata McMann. Summer also teases three wildly different upcoming projects: one swashbuckling, one magical, and one including unexpected guests at Longbourn. Plus, we get a behind-the-scenes look at JAFFCon, the Jane Austen Fanfiction conference being held in November, and hear what it's like having her words brought to life by legendary narrators Stevie Zimmerman and Benjamin Fife. It’s a discussion that reminds us why we keep returning to this world, and offers a rare peek behind the curtain at how JAFF authors like Summer build the stories we love to share as a community. Enjoy! Links 🔗:  JAFFCon: https://jaffwriterreadergettogether.org/ Books by Summer Hanford: https://amzn.to/4kjBJRE 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

We’re diving back into the world of Summer Hanford’s Bennet Gang Duology with Gentleman of Honor, the second and final installment in this imaginative Pride and Prejudice variation.  The overall feel of this book was different from the first, with a greater emphasis on Lydia's perspective and some mustache-twirling villains causing mayhem for our band of bandits. But it also wrestled with some difficult questions, such as "What do you do if the one you love is living a lie? A BIG LIE?"  This book may not have captivated us quite like book one, but it still brought intrigue, action, and character development that kept us turning pages. Aaaaand...some swoon-worthy moments with Darcy and Elizabeth (and that's really what we're here for, right?) 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

We are absolutely buzzing after diving into Dishonorable Gentlemen, the electrifying opener to Summer Hanford’s Bennett Gang Duology, and we can't wait to bring you along! Without giving too much away, we’ll admit: we were hooked early. The story kicks off with highway robbery (literally) as Hanford reimagines the Bennett sisters as Robin Hood-like figures with some surprising talents and a desire to bring justice to the people of Hertfordshire. With simmering tension between Darcy and Elizabeth, and a Mr. Collins more fun to despise than ever, this story goes full-throttle from beginning to end!  If you’re drawn to Austen retellings that balance adventure with character depth, and you love seeing how familiar faces respond to fresh challenges, this is one you’ll want to experience for yourself. Tune in for our full take on Book 1, then join us next week when we dive into Gentleman of Honor! -- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

What if Pride and Prejudice had a touch of magic…and a lot fewer pages? This week, we dive into Her Charms To Recommend Her by Mary Smythe—a delightfully short reimagining where women wield magic in the form of charms, and men help amplify them. Elizabeth’s ability to grow flowers in her hair seems laughable…until it’s not. And Caroline Bingley? Let’s just say her magically produced perfume smells suspicious. We unpack the charm-based society, explore the romantic and magical chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, and reflect on how partnership can amplify our strengths—both magically and in real life. We also share some (unsurprising) empathy for Caroline and the outsized consequences she faces for simply doing what society told her she should do. If you're looking for a quick, clever read to kick off your summer, this episode is for you! --- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Set sail with us, Book Clubbers! This week we’re talking Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise, a swashbuckling Austen variation that is exactly as bonkers as the title suggests. We’ve got Darcy going full emo post-rejection, Elizabeth getting stranded on an island, a wildly convoluted pirate impersonation plot, and yes…plenty of over-the-top swashbuckling pirate antics! We had a lot of fun unpacking this intentionally silly, trope-heavy adventure, even if the only thing really Austen about it is the names. Along the way, we chat about the limits of leadership (does being a good landowner qualify you to captain a ship?), the question of whether men and women can be “just friends,” and the difference between regret and curiosity when we look back at our life choices. This book might not be packed with depth, but it gave us plenty to talk about! So grab your eyepatch and suspend your disbelief—this is going to be fun! --- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason. 📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com! ➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!