Pride and Passion by Vivienne Hartwell is a seductive and thrilling reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, set against the backdrop of London’s elite society.
Discover the untold passion between literature’s most beloved couple in this daring reimagining of Jane Austen’s timeless romance.
The Story
In this bold variation, the familiar tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy takes a decidedly more passionate turn. From their first crackling encounter at the Meryton assembly, where Darcy’s dismissal of Elizabeth as “merely tolerable” masks an instant physical attraction, to their heated verbal sparring in Netherfield’s library, every interaction burns with underlying desire.
As Elizabeth navigates the familiar challenges of her family’s precarious social position and Mr. Collins’s unwanted proposal, she finds herself drawn into an increasingly complex web of attraction with the proud Mr. Darcy. Their clandestine encounters in moonlit gardens and hidden alcoves reveal a side of Regency society that Austen could only hint at, while maintaining the wit and social commentary that made the original a masterpiece.
New depths of Pride and Prejudice characters
This variation delves deeper into the characters’ hidden desires and motivations, revealing the passion that simmers beneath their proper exterior. Elizabeth emerges as a woman ahead of her time, aware of her own desires and unafraid to challenge society’s strict constraints on female sexuality. Darcy struggles with his own fierce passions, his legendary pride warring with his growing need for Elizabeth.
The story introduces new dramatic elements that raise the stakes for our favorite couple:
- Secret encounters in the Netherfield library
- A more dangerous and seductive George Wickham
- Intimate moments at Rosings Park
- Blackmail attempts that threaten to destroy reputations
- A mysterious woman claiming to be Darcy’s first wife
- Complex relationships that challenge both Elizabeth and Darcy’s notions of propriety
Re-exploring regency society
Through Elizabeth and Darcy’s story, readers gain insight into the hypocrisy of Regency society, where public propriety often masked private passion. The novel examines how women of the period navigated their desires within the strict confines of social expectations, and how even the wealthy and powerful were constrained by society’s rules.
Key Relationships
- Elizabeth & Darcy: Their journey from antagonism to erotic passion to deep love forms the heart of the story
- Elizabeth & Caroline Bingley: A complicated relationship that challenges both women’s understanding of themselves
- Elizabeth & Charlotte: A friendship that deepens as they share their most intimate secrets
- Jane & Bingley: Their sweet courtship provides a counterpoint to Elizabeth and Darcy’s passionate affair
Praise for this work of historical romantic fiction
“A steamy yet sophisticated take on Austen’s classic” – Historical Romance Weekly
“Hartwell maintains the spirit of the original while turning up the heat considerably” – Romance Reviews Today
“Finally, the Pride and Prejudice that shows what was really happening in those private moments at Pemberley” – The Romance Reader
What sets this variation of Pride and Prejudice apart
- Maintains the beloved characters’ essential nature while exploring their hidden depths
- Combines Austen’s witty social commentary with sensual romance
- Introduces new plot elements that feel organic to the original story
- Features strong character development and emotional growth
- Examines themes of desire, propriety, and freedom within historical constraints
Perfect for romance readers who enjoy
- Steamy historical romance
- Creative Pride & Prejudice variations
- Strong female protagonists
- Complex relationship dynamics
- Forbidden romance
- Historical accuracy with spice
- Enemies-to-lovers storylines
THE AUTHOR Vivienne Hartwell brings her passion for both Regency history and romance to this daring variation. Her extensive research into the period adds authenticity to the novel’s exploration of desire in the age of propriety.
PUBLICATION DETAILS Format: Available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook
Content Note: This novel contains mature themes and sensual scenes suitable for adult readers only. It explores the passionate side of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship while maintaining the integrity of Austen’s beloved characters.
Experience Pride and Prejudice as you’ve never seen it before – where passion meets propriety, and desire wars with duty in the drawing rooms and secret gardens of Regency England.