Cause to Repine by E.M. Storm-Smith ~ Review

Title: Cause to Repine

Author: E.M. Storm-Smith

Genre: Pride and Prejudice variation

Publisher: Storm Haus Publishing, LLC

Release Date: May 1st, 2023

Number of Pages: 285

Blurb: Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy come from two different worlds. She loves her country estate existence. He was born for London’s high society. If his aunts have anything to say about it, and they always have plenty to say about it, Darcy’s happiness depends on finding a bride with connections to the nobility.

While Elizabeth deems a romantic connection obviously impossible, they develop an easy friendship based on mutual admiration and intelligent discourse. As Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship deepens, exposure to the larger world beyond Meryton provides a painful glimpse at how difficult a union between them might be. Can Darcy and Elizbeth overcome their fears and the constant berating of London’s gossipmongers to follow their hearts?

My Thoughts: So this story was a bit boring. A book that's less than 300 pages took me four days to read. That's a long time for me. I didn't have any interest in reading it a lot of the time. The most exciting thing that happened was when Wickham ran off with Lydia and abandoned her before they even reached London. That's understandable when he was arrested for desertion on the road. Lydia ends up married very quickly to a naval officer who is a widower and a friend to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy and Lizzy end up becoming friends in Meryton and events unfold from there. They do end up slowly falling in love but people, family members, and familial expectations get in the way. Our dear couple does eventually find their way to each other in the end.

There were some American expressions in there that detract from the story a bit. It's ok if you're looking for a slow-burn romance. I did enjoy the author's first book more than this one.

Rating: 3 stars

*I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.