Not an Heiress: A Sequel to Discovering Mr. Darcy (Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection Book 5)

A sweet and intriguing story where by two of P&P’s characters with uncertain futures find happiness with the help of an odd sort of fairy godmother. Everyone else is true to canon but Lady Catherine is definitely the one we see at the end of the 1940 film. A lovely alternative to the way she is usually depicted in fan fic. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to know more of the Bennet sisters after Elizabeth’s wedding.

This story centres on an unrecognisable Lady Catherine and includes references many others but never seems to get off the ground. The word dull comes to mind.

I find I love a slightly naughty Mary, and Fitzwilliam is very close to canon with a lovely touch of mischief added. Again I really adore this LCdB, she has become my favourite out of all the variations I’ve read.

I've read numerous books of P & P variations by Leenie Brown and this short story is a new favorite. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book. In this variation, Ms. Brown picks up the stories of Col. Fitzwilliam and the middle Bennett daughter, Mary, several years after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett as well as Charles Bingley and Jane Bennett have married. The war is over and it is time for Col. Fitzwilliam to look to the future and settle down. However, as a second son, only an heiress can help him achieve his goal to be an active member in government...unfortunately, none of them is as engaging as his cousin's, Fitzwilliam Darcy, sister-in-law, Mary Bennett.Mary has long known that the one man she admires must marry an heiress in order to achieve his dream and she is determined not to stand in his way. But Col. Fitzwilliam's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, takes delight in playing matchmaker.This is a pleasant read for lovers of P & P with a satisfying ending for those of us who have rooted for a happy ending for Mary. This is a clean, sweet read book and I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of "Not An Heiress" and was asked, but not required to submit a review.

As the title states, this is a sequel to 'Discovering Mr. Darcy' and it is strongly recommended you read it first to truly enjoy the machinations of Lady Catherine de Bourgh!Now that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are happily married, Lady Catherine has set her sights on Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet! Surprisingly, she has a co-conspirator, but one who hates to leave his own library...Mr. Bennet."A sparkle of amusement shone in Mr. Bennet's eyes. She had hoped his wish to be amused by the folly of others might assist her in her scheme, and it appeared it would." (quote from the book)This is a short but sweet story about Mary and Richard fighting against their own inclinations. I found the pace of the story just a bit too fast, but it is a novella."In her opinion, poetry did nothing to secure the mind in the realities of propriety. In fact, lately, it had done the exact opposite." (quote from the book)We definitely get to see a new side to Mary that doesn't involve sermons! And we get to see a softer side to the Colonel.

Who would believe that Lady Catherine can be scheming? In a truly unique style Leenie Brown regale us a really enjoyable tale that is romantic and entertaining.

I gave the story a three because there was a part that I didn't agree with. To me it was out of character for the Colonel and Mary when they slept together on the sofa and Mr. Collins nearly walk upon them on the ground. This is something Lydia would have done.