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Mark of Character: A Pride and Prejudice Soulmark Story
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a soulmarked couple must marry. They must, or they will die.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Meryton, he is already engaged to his soulmatch—Miss Caroline Bingley.
He may be the only person in history who detests the woman destined for him. But their soulmarks clearly match, and there is no denying that they must marry.
So why is he so inexorably drawn to the intriguing Miss Elizabeth Bennet?
Elizabeth Bennet always knew she was destined to marry. Her soulmark appeared at birth, meaning that someday she would meet the man who matched it. They would see each other, fall in love, realise their soulmarks matched, and live happily ever after.
Or so she was told.
The dark and handsome Mr. Darcy already has a soulmatch. Why can she not stop thinking about him?
Denying their growing affection for each other seems impossible . . . but they must. Two lives are at stake.
But whose?
When Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Meryton, he is already engaged to his soulmatch—Miss Caroline Bingley.
He may be the only person in history who detests the woman destined for him. But their soulmarks clearly match, and there is no denying that they must marry.
So why is he so inexorably drawn to the intriguing Miss Elizabeth Bennet?
Elizabeth Bennet always knew she was destined to marry. Her soulmark appeared at birth, meaning that someday she would meet the man who matched it. They would see each other, fall in love, realise their soulmarks matched, and live happily ever after.
Or so she was told.
The dark and handsome Mr. Darcy already has a soulmatch. Why can she not stop thinking about him?
Denying their growing affection for each other seems impossible . . . but they must. Two lives are at stake.
But whose?
220 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2023
100 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 7, 2023
5+ stars!
Excellent angst-y story wherein Mr. Darcy arrives at Netherfield unhappily betrothed to Caroline Bingley due to their matching soulmarks. He would suspect her of some trick, but even her brother was unaware of his soulmark pattern, which was a closely guarded secret. Also, both his mother (Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are still alive!) and his aunt (Lady Matlock, not Lady Catherine) have examined Caroline's mark themselves and confirmed that it is, indeed, a soulmark that exactly matches his. The two must marry or both will suffer from a wasting illness - known to begin in a couple's thirties but sometimes earlier - that will eventually kill them.
Darcy believes something must be wrong with him; soulmates are generally known to feel incandescently happy once they seal their bond with a kiss. Instead, his feelings for Miss Bingley have gone from indifference to dislike to loathing, and the supposedly magical kiss was a trial rather than a pleasure. Miss Bingley and his family are all pressuring him to set a wedding date, but it's been two months since the match was discovered and he continues to delay the inevitable.
Elizabeth is the only one of her sisters with a soulmark. In fact, she's the first Bennet to have one in several generations. (Jane and Mr. Bingley are free to marry where they choose, as neither carries a soulmark.) When Lizzy hears news of the Netherfield party, she hopes her own soulmate might be among them. Her father refuses to take her to London, where there would be a greater chance to come across him - whoever he is - so all she can do is wait at Longbourn for him to come to her. Fortunately, soulmates always find each other before the wasting illness begins.
It doesn't take long after Elizabeth and Darcy meet that they start feeling pulled toward each other (despite the fact that he delivers his usual overheard insult at the Meryton assembly). They both fight it and feel terribly guilty over it - it's immoral to mess with a soulmark pairing!
Such an intriguing conundrum! Every JAFF lover knows Elizabeth and Darcy are destined to be together, so what's the deal with Caroline?? In virtually every variation, she's an antagonist, and that's definitely true here. There are some clues, but it takes a while for our heroine to put them all together. The climactic scene is a nail biter!
Mr. Collins and a cat named Lady Cat (after Lady Catherine) provide welcome comic relief and also demonstrate that the Bennet sisters in this P&P universe work together quite nicely - and that includes Lydia. The human Lady Catherine does turn up, but she's a bit different from what we're led to expect. Although Mr. Wickham does not appear, he's integral to the backstory.
Ms. Courtney is an exceptionally talented author, and she delivers the goods again here. Her characters present the paranormal/soulmark elements in a natural, matter of fact manner, making them easy for the reader to wholeheartedly accept. There's a perfect balance between the ever-building angst, the romance, and the humor.
The electricity between Darcy and Elizabeth crackles despite the sexual content being limited to one very memorable kiss.
Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent angst-y story wherein Mr. Darcy arrives at Netherfield unhappily betrothed to Caroline Bingley due to their matching soulmarks. He would suspect her of some trick, but even her brother was unaware of his soulmark pattern, which was a closely guarded secret. Also, both his mother (Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are still alive!) and his aunt (Lady Matlock, not Lady Catherine) have examined Caroline's mark themselves and confirmed that it is, indeed, a soulmark that exactly matches his. The two must marry or both will suffer from a wasting illness - known to begin in a couple's thirties but sometimes earlier - that will eventually kill them.
Darcy believes something must be wrong with him; soulmates are generally known to feel incandescently happy once they seal their bond with a kiss. Instead, his feelings for Miss Bingley have gone from indifference to dislike to loathing, and the supposedly magical kiss was a trial rather than a pleasure. Miss Bingley and his family are all pressuring him to set a wedding date, but it's been two months since the match was discovered and he continues to delay the inevitable.
Elizabeth is the only one of her sisters with a soulmark. In fact, she's the first Bennet to have one in several generations. (Jane and Mr. Bingley are free to marry where they choose, as neither carries a soulmark.) When Lizzy hears news of the Netherfield party, she hopes her own soulmate might be among them. Her father refuses to take her to London, where there would be a greater chance to come across him - whoever he is - so all she can do is wait at Longbourn for him to come to her. Fortunately, soulmates always find each other before the wasting illness begins.
It doesn't take long after Elizabeth and Darcy meet that they start feeling pulled toward each other (despite the fact that he delivers his usual overheard insult at the Meryton assembly). They both fight it and feel terribly guilty over it - it's immoral to mess with a soulmark pairing!
Such an intriguing conundrum! Every JAFF lover knows Elizabeth and Darcy are destined to be together, so what's the deal with Caroline?? In virtually every variation, she's an antagonist, and that's definitely true here. There are some clues, but it takes a while for our heroine to put them all together. The climactic scene is a nail biter!
Mr. Collins and a cat named Lady Cat (after Lady Catherine) provide welcome comic relief and also demonstrate that the Bennet sisters in this P&P universe work together quite nicely - and that includes Lydia. The human Lady Catherine does turn up, but she's a bit different from what we're led to expect. Although Mr. Wickham does not appear, he's integral to the backstory.
Ms. Courtney is an exceptionally talented author, and she delivers the goods again here. Her characters present the paranormal/soulmark elements in a natural, matter of fact manner, making them easy for the reader to wholeheartedly accept. There's a perfect balance between the ever-building angst, the romance, and the humor.
The electricity between Darcy and Elizabeth crackles despite the sexual content being limited to one very memorable kiss.
Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
Elizabeth Bennet finds herself drawn to an engaged Fitzwilliam Darcy at the Meryton assembly. Elizabeth is the only sister in her family to have a soul mark, indicating that she has a perfect matching mate somewhere. Darcy is engaged to Caroline Bingley who has his matching mark, but he can’t stand her.
Caroline is pushing her wedding, Collins is his usual self, there are 2 Lady Cats, and quite a few humorous scenes. I really enjoyed this story as Our dear couple finds their way.
Caroline is pushing her wedding, Collins is his usual self, there are 2 Lady Cats, and quite a few humorous scenes. I really enjoyed this story as Our dear couple finds their way.
May 4, 2023
Have you ever felt really close to someone? So close that you can’t understand why you and the other person have two separate bodies? Two separate skins? ~ Nancy Garden
“Mark of Character” is a study in soulmarks — who has one — who wants one.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has a soulmark. Hear his thoughts about his betrothed:
It was not so much that he did not trust his betrothed — well, no, it was. He did not trust his betrothed.
It was an awful sensation to realise that the woman you were intended to marry, the woman who had been intended for you from the day of her birth, who bore your mark on her skin and would be your partner throughout life, was not trustworthy. If Miss Bingley knew about Georgiana’s indiscretion this summer ... well, he did not trust that she would not use it against him if there was something she wanted.
And there was always something she wanted.
Yet, his mother and his aunt had checked Miss Bingley’s mark and confirmed it was a legitimate match.
Your soulmate is someone who marks a before and after in your life. ~ Author Unknown
Elizabeth Bennet also has a soulmark. She has yet to find her soulmatch; probably because her father refuses to give her a season in town and few single men visit Meryton. So few opportunities to find the right man for her — the one who shares her blood; shares her skin.
Quote from the book: Miss Bingley’s eyes were sharp. “And may I ask what your soulmark depicts?”
“Certainly not.” Elizabeth’s answer was a little more abrupt than she had intended, but she was that shocked. Had Miss Bingley’s school taught her no manners at all?
In this world, soulmarks are on a person’s back, thus not visible. It is important to conceal the mark from all but the closest family, to avoid forgeries.
During the time Elizabeth nursed her sister at Netherfield, she noticed the coldness between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Caroline Bingley:
Quote from the book: People spoke of soulmatches as having a great love, the soulmark indicating somehow the perfection of their match, the adoration they would share. Marks only appeared on those of an honourable character, people who had a special affinity for the land — but they were, beyond that, meant to fall in love. The land had chosen the right match for them. She had long thrilled at the idea of her soulmark and the gentleman it would lead her to, her perfect mate.
But this? This was a soulmatch?
I cannot remember exactly the first time your soul whispered to mine, but I know you woke it. And it hasn’t slept since. ~ JmStorm
Soulmarks also pose a danger to their possessor: “We know some people die of the soul weakening, but is it because they never met their mate, or because they somehow missed the signs and did not realise they had met them?”
Soul weakening may begin in the mid to late twenties. Many who don’t find their soulmatch will die by thirty-five. Deterioration may accelerate in the presence of a soulmatch if the parties don’t discover they are soulmarked.
I believe punishment should fit the crime and I was a little disappointed. Maybe I’m just bloodthirsty.
Still, I loved this story.
right now
the love of your life
is searching for you,
without knowing
your name,
but already knowing
your heart.
~ Mark Anthony
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Mark of Character” is a study in soulmarks — who has one — who wants one.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has a soulmark. Hear his thoughts about his betrothed:
It was not so much that he did not trust his betrothed — well, no, it was. He did not trust his betrothed.
It was an awful sensation to realise that the woman you were intended to marry, the woman who had been intended for you from the day of her birth, who bore your mark on her skin and would be your partner throughout life, was not trustworthy. If Miss Bingley knew about Georgiana’s indiscretion this summer ... well, he did not trust that she would not use it against him if there was something she wanted.
And there was always something she wanted.
Yet, his mother and his aunt had checked Miss Bingley’s mark and confirmed it was a legitimate match.
Your soulmate is someone who marks a before and after in your life. ~ Author Unknown
Elizabeth Bennet also has a soulmark. She has yet to find her soulmatch; probably because her father refuses to give her a season in town and few single men visit Meryton. So few opportunities to find the right man for her — the one who shares her blood; shares her skin.
Quote from the book: Miss Bingley’s eyes were sharp. “And may I ask what your soulmark depicts?”
“Certainly not.” Elizabeth’s answer was a little more abrupt than she had intended, but she was that shocked. Had Miss Bingley’s school taught her no manners at all?
In this world, soulmarks are on a person’s back, thus not visible. It is important to conceal the mark from all but the closest family, to avoid forgeries.
During the time Elizabeth nursed her sister at Netherfield, she noticed the coldness between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Caroline Bingley:
Quote from the book: People spoke of soulmatches as having a great love, the soulmark indicating somehow the perfection of their match, the adoration they would share. Marks only appeared on those of an honourable character, people who had a special affinity for the land — but they were, beyond that, meant to fall in love. The land had chosen the right match for them. She had long thrilled at the idea of her soulmark and the gentleman it would lead her to, her perfect mate.
But this? This was a soulmatch?
I cannot remember exactly the first time your soul whispered to mine, but I know you woke it. And it hasn’t slept since. ~ JmStorm
Soulmarks also pose a danger to their possessor: “We know some people die of the soul weakening, but is it because they never met their mate, or because they somehow missed the signs and did not realise they had met them?”
Soul weakening may begin in the mid to late twenties. Many who don’t find their soulmatch will die by thirty-five. Deterioration may accelerate in the presence of a soulmatch if the parties don’t discover they are soulmarked.
I believe punishment should fit the crime and I was a little disappointed. Maybe I’m just bloodthirsty.
Still, I loved this story.
right now
the love of your life
is searching for you,
without knowing
your name,
but already knowing
your heart.
~ Mark Anthony
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2024
For fans of both JAFF and Sci-fantasy, this book is a treat and a half! It grabbed me from the beginning and I read it straight through.
Elizabeth is soul-marked and at 20 is still waiting to meet her soul-match. There is excitement when Netherfield is let, but in the end only for Jane because she and Bingley hit it off. Darcy, the other eligible male is not so eligible as he is both soul marked and matched! Yet, he does not portray any of the symptoms of having met the One, he is dour and bitter.
Despite their rough beginning, ODC are drawn to each other, sometimes literally and that brings negative attention to Elizabeth, specifically from Miss Bingley, his supposed One.
SC creates a sweet little world, with descriptions of what should transpire between the soul-matched and the consequences of never meeting them as well.
The Bennets are all within their canon personalities, but the relationship between the sisters is a lot better and offers poignant scenes and cute one too – Lydia is a hoot! Mrs. Bennet is nominally better, but Mr. Bennet is still as disappointing as ever.
Collins makes his visit and there are a few funny scenes triggered by a cat that suddenly appears. (I thought for sure there was going to be something more regards to the feline, but maybe it was a fake-out).
We see the ‘smoking gun’ fairly early on, but the pieces don’t fall together till near the end. Not too angst filled, but the fallout of Miss Bingley’s choices and actions are potentially fairly serious and this brings her from merely shrewish and self-centered to vicious in the extreme.
I had a lot of fun reading it I and will definitely reread. Personally, I liked this second book in the series a lot more than the first.
I received an advance copy for my honest review.
Elizabeth is soul-marked and at 20 is still waiting to meet her soul-match. There is excitement when Netherfield is let, but in the end only for Jane because she and Bingley hit it off. Darcy, the other eligible male is not so eligible as he is both soul marked and matched! Yet, he does not portray any of the symptoms of having met the One, he is dour and bitter.
Despite their rough beginning, ODC are drawn to each other, sometimes literally and that brings negative attention to Elizabeth, specifically from Miss Bingley, his supposed One.
SC creates a sweet little world, with descriptions of what should transpire between the soul-matched and the consequences of never meeting them as well.
The Bennets are all within their canon personalities, but the relationship between the sisters is a lot better and offers poignant scenes and cute one too – Lydia is a hoot! Mrs. Bennet is nominally better, but Mr. Bennet is still as disappointing as ever.
Collins makes his visit and there are a few funny scenes triggered by a cat that suddenly appears. (I thought for sure there was going to be something more regards to the feline, but maybe it was a fake-out).
We see the ‘smoking gun’ fairly early on, but the pieces don’t fall together till near the end. Not too angst filled, but the fallout of Miss Bingley’s choices and actions are potentially fairly serious and this brings her from merely shrewish and self-centered to vicious in the extreme.
I had a lot of fun reading it I and will definitely reread. Personally, I liked this second book in the series a lot more than the first.
I received an advance copy for my honest review.
May 13, 2023
This is so good... it is obvious what's going on but it's still suspenseful trying to figure out if Our Dear Couple can work it out before it's too late.
The villains get away with it a little too easily for my bloodthirsty tastes.
The villains get away with it a little too easily for my bloodthirsty tastes.
June 28, 2023
Such a delightful book. 5+
May 2, 2023
As it states in the title, this book involves soul marks, and I loved it! I did become quite anxious at times, which made the book very difficult to put down. I thought the conflict was resolved very well, and while the story contained some elements from canon, a lot was different enough to keep me interested. For example, Darcy's parents were alive, and I didn't wish to shake Lydia mercilessly. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes a little fantasy mixed with our favorite P&P characters.
I was given a free copy as an ARC, with the expectation of an honest review, whether positive or negative.
I was given a free copy as an ARC, with the expectation of an honest review, whether positive or negative.
December 16, 2023
5++ stars. Un-put-downable! How can you take even a breath when Darcy comes into Meryton engaged to Caroline? The horror! The twisting in your stomach just increases as you realise he is Elizabeth's soulmate and if they are seperated, both will eventually die. Ph! Caroline was wily, I have to give that to her. And in the epilogue, I have to agree with Bennet, both Caroline and Wickham got away pretty easy, they really should have been drawn and quartered or at least married to each other.
May 14, 2023
A page turner
Very original concept, very well written. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining tale with a most interesting twist. Sit on your hands for the last chapter!
Very original concept, very well written. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining tale with a most interesting twist. Sit on your hands for the last chapter!
May 12, 2023
I love those soul mark books so much. Next to "not a Bennet" these may be my favorite.
July 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, however I did figure out what had happened to Darcy before I was a quarter of the way through the book. It was interesting to see how it was all revealed. The writing is excellent, and I did enjoy the ending. Note: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2023
Great Book
Loved Lizzy and Darcy. Lydia was a great addition to the comedy in this story, miss Bingley was at her worse. Wickham running a close second. Liked having both Darcy's still alive and loved the epilogue.
Loved Lizzy and Darcy. Lydia was a great addition to the comedy in this story, miss Bingley was at her worse. Wickham running a close second. Liked having both Darcy's still alive and loved the epilogue.
March 10, 2025
Riletto. Una favola deliziosa
March 9, 2024
Very well written and highly enjoyable 5*+
This is an excellent book in the soulmark/fantasy genre. The author tells us in the precis that Darcy and Elizabeth are both marked but that Darcy has been matched with Caroline Bingley! When you have picked your chin up off the floor do read on - it is very much worth doing.
The author really brings out the desperation Darcy feels at his matching with Caroline and the shame he feels for not caring for her. This only becomes worse with time as he find himself increasingly drawn to Elizabeth. Caroline is triumphant but quickly realises that Elizabeth may present a problem to her. But how can she? It is Caroline who bears the matching soul mark after all...
Elizabeth is herself increasingly troubled at her attraction to a betrothed man, exacerbated by the concerns that she should feel this feelings for her as-yet-unknown soulmatch rather than for a man who is betrothed to another.
The angst and torment that Elizabeth and Darcy are feeling is beautifully crafted by the author.
This is not relentless doom and gloom however and there is some delightful humour especially around a cat! There are some delicious one-liners which made me laugh out loud. The character of Lydia is also charming, which is not a word often applied to that young hoyden. She can often be portrayed as something a a pantomime villain which is not how Austen wrote Lydia. This author has negotiated the character well and sh captures all of the youth and exuberance without falling into the pettiness trap.
This is a must read for 2023. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my unbiased review.
This is an excellent book in the soulmark/fantasy genre. The author tells us in the precis that Darcy and Elizabeth are both marked but that Darcy has been matched with Caroline Bingley! When you have picked your chin up off the floor do read on - it is very much worth doing.
The author really brings out the desperation Darcy feels at his matching with Caroline and the shame he feels for not caring for her. This only becomes worse with time as he find himself increasingly drawn to Elizabeth. Caroline is triumphant but quickly realises that Elizabeth may present a problem to her. But how can she? It is Caroline who bears the matching soul mark after all...
Elizabeth is herself increasingly troubled at her attraction to a betrothed man, exacerbated by the concerns that she should feel this feelings for her as-yet-unknown soulmatch rather than for a man who is betrothed to another.
The angst and torment that Elizabeth and Darcy are feeling is beautifully crafted by the author.
This is not relentless doom and gloom however and there is some delightful humour especially around a cat! There are some delicious one-liners which made me laugh out loud. The character of Lydia is also charming, which is not a word often applied to that young hoyden. She can often be portrayed as something a a pantomime villain which is not how Austen wrote Lydia. This author has negotiated the character well and sh captures all of the youth and exuberance without falling into the pettiness trap.
This is a must read for 2023. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my unbiased review.
February 4, 2025
I enjoyed it but it dragged on a little to the point that it got almost boring and I desperately waited for something to happen. 70% without any real angst but a lot of Mr. Collins complaining about cats, scenes with cats, the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy building and yet long winded.
And honestly, the characters with Soulmarks seemed to me like they lack cleverness maybe except Elizabeth. Imagine God creating humans but the soulmarked ones were too late when god distributed cleverness.
Also no real punishment for the villains. What they tried to do was a kind of attempted murder, and the punishment they received was laughable. But okay, that's always one of my pet peeves.
I still have one question unanswered, what happened to the money the owner of Netherfield did not receive from the lease?
Otherwise, it was a well thought story, and I loved the development between our dear couple. Especially that Darcy was a bit out of character and a little tease. Loved it. And it was also well written with several really good quotes.
One I really liked from Mr. Collins to Miss Bingley. (marked as Spoiler) :
And honestly, the characters with Soulmarks seemed to me like they lack cleverness maybe except Elizabeth. Imagine God creating humans but the soulmarked ones were too late when god distributed cleverness.
Also no real punishment for the villains. What they tried to do was a kind of attempted murder, and the punishment they received was laughable. But okay, that's always one of my pet peeves.
I still have one question unanswered, what happened to the money the owner of Netherfield did not receive from the lease?
Otherwise, it was a well thought story, and I loved the development between our dear couple. Especially that Darcy was a bit out of character and a little tease. Loved it. And it was also well written with several really good quotes.
One I really liked from Mr. Collins to Miss Bingley. (marked as Spoiler) :
May 15, 2023
Entertaining, but.....
Another JAFF variation in which people have soulmarks, indelible marks on their back which will match that of the person they're destined to marry. In this version the mark is related to stewardship of the land, so when Caroline Bingley claims to have a soulmark that matches Darcy's, it's immediately suspicious because it's no secret that she doesn't enjoy life in the country. Besides that, Darcy can't stand her, and you're supposed to have a natural affinity for your soulmatch. Obviously, there's something sinister going on here.
This author is an automatic purchase for me. I've loved all of her past creations. Unfortunately, this one fell flat and I started skimming over portions, and that's never a good sign. Part of the problem was how predictable the plot became. The clues were all laid out quite clearly, and it was no stretch of the imagination to guess the solution to the puzzle. Another problem was the amount of repetition about the concept of soulmarks, and what happens to those who are prevented from connecting with their match. These ideas were gone over again and again, ad nauseum. The result was a lot of skimming.
However, the book is well written and well edited. For that alone I'll give it a half-hearted recommendation.
Another JAFF variation in which people have soulmarks, indelible marks on their back which will match that of the person they're destined to marry. In this version the mark is related to stewardship of the land, so when Caroline Bingley claims to have a soulmark that matches Darcy's, it's immediately suspicious because it's no secret that she doesn't enjoy life in the country. Besides that, Darcy can't stand her, and you're supposed to have a natural affinity for your soulmatch. Obviously, there's something sinister going on here.
This author is an automatic purchase for me. I've loved all of her past creations. Unfortunately, this one fell flat and I started skimming over portions, and that's never a good sign. Part of the problem was how predictable the plot became. The clues were all laid out quite clearly, and it was no stretch of the imagination to guess the solution to the puzzle. Another problem was the amount of repetition about the concept of soulmarks, and what happens to those who are prevented from connecting with their match. These ideas were gone over again and again, ad nauseum. The result was a lot of skimming.
However, the book is well written and well edited. For that alone I'll give it a half-hearted recommendation.
May 14, 2023
A bit predictable, for me at least
I detest story spoilers, so I will not relate what I figured out almost immediately after starting to read, and I hope no one else does either🤞🏻. Furthermore, it might be just me. If you don’t figure out what I mean quickly, you’ll enjoy this different ‘take’ on the classic narrative.
I detest story spoilers, so I will not relate what I figured out almost immediately after starting to read, and I hope no one else does either🤞🏻. Furthermore, it might be just me. If you don’t figure out what I mean quickly, you’ll enjoy this different ‘take’ on the classic narrative.
June 25, 2023
2.5/5
May 16, 2023
Soulmark stories are quickly becoming a popular trope, but I can't complain; a deceptively straight-forward plot device, it opens the door to a surprising amount of possibilities. P&P is the original enemies to lovers story, but a simple little sweet william flower drawing has turned this tale into one of mutual pining, and I am here for it.
In this version of Regency England, a large percentage of the landed gentry are gifted with soulmarks, drawings on their backs that are sometimes meaningless until they find someone else with the same little drawing. That person is your soulmatch, your perfect compliment that you are destined to spend the rest of your days hopelessly in love with. That is, as long as you find your soul match - if you don't, you will suffer from the soulweakening, and die a terrible, painful, lonely death. At the age of twenty, Elizabeth Bennet feels she has plenty of time to find her soulmatch - as long as her father stirs himself to make an effort and bring his only soulmarked daughter out into the world to see and be seen.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had his soul mark appear at the age of eight, and believes that he has now found his soulmatch after twenty long years. He has at last become engaged to one Caroline Bingley. Unfortunately, he feels none of the incandescent happiness he was told to expect once he'd found his soulmate. Rather, Darcy walks into the Meryton Assembly with an unending sense of dread.
What follows is much of the same beats as the original P&P - insults, time spent together at Netherfield Park, the annoying (and sneezing) Mr. Collins trailing poor Elizabeth - but rather than being colored by disagreements and distaste, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves surprisingly drawn to each other. They share secret jokes, playful conversation, and companionable silence in equal measure. The fuming shadow of Caroline Bingley, and Elizabeth's unknown soulmatch loom ominously over each of their charged interactions, which keep happening, no matter how much they each try to avoid the other.
It all comes to a head at the Netherfield Ball, which I won't spoil for you. I only mention it because it shows how quickly the entire story runs down, just a few months. I never feel rushed or confused, though; everything is neatly laid out and wonderfully entertaining. Sarah Courtney does humor amazingly well, and her Mr. Collins is the recipient of her wit in this novel. I loved his little side plot. Other characters are mentioned, like extended Darcy family members, but due to the brevity of the book we don't actually get to meet them. The book is so tightly and concisely edited, though, that this doesn't bother me as it usually would; you don't have time to miss people you haven't met.
This book is listed as the second in a series of standalone novels. The first is "Disguise of the Worst Sort", which is also a great book. The two feel very similar to each other, which is more than I can say for some other standalone series I've read. If you're going to group books together, they should feel like sisters, or at least cousins. I finished this and immediately wanted to reread "Disguise".
I was gifted a copy by the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this version of Regency England, a large percentage of the landed gentry are gifted with soulmarks, drawings on their backs that are sometimes meaningless until they find someone else with the same little drawing. That person is your soulmatch, your perfect compliment that you are destined to spend the rest of your days hopelessly in love with. That is, as long as you find your soul match - if you don't, you will suffer from the soulweakening, and die a terrible, painful, lonely death. At the age of twenty, Elizabeth Bennet feels she has plenty of time to find her soulmatch - as long as her father stirs himself to make an effort and bring his only soulmarked daughter out into the world to see and be seen.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had his soul mark appear at the age of eight, and believes that he has now found his soulmatch after twenty long years. He has at last become engaged to one Caroline Bingley. Unfortunately, he feels none of the incandescent happiness he was told to expect once he'd found his soulmate. Rather, Darcy walks into the Meryton Assembly with an unending sense of dread.
What follows is much of the same beats as the original P&P - insults, time spent together at Netherfield Park, the annoying (and sneezing) Mr. Collins trailing poor Elizabeth - but rather than being colored by disagreements and distaste, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves surprisingly drawn to each other. They share secret jokes, playful conversation, and companionable silence in equal measure. The fuming shadow of Caroline Bingley, and Elizabeth's unknown soulmatch loom ominously over each of their charged interactions, which keep happening, no matter how much they each try to avoid the other.
It all comes to a head at the Netherfield Ball, which I won't spoil for you. I only mention it because it shows how quickly the entire story runs down, just a few months. I never feel rushed or confused, though; everything is neatly laid out and wonderfully entertaining. Sarah Courtney does humor amazingly well, and her Mr. Collins is the recipient of her wit in this novel. I loved his little side plot. Other characters are mentioned, like extended Darcy family members, but due to the brevity of the book we don't actually get to meet them. The book is so tightly and concisely edited, though, that this doesn't bother me as it usually would; you don't have time to miss people you haven't met.
This book is listed as the second in a series of standalone novels. The first is "Disguise of the Worst Sort", which is also a great book. The two feel very similar to each other, which is more than I can say for some other standalone series I've read. If you're going to group books together, they should feel like sisters, or at least cousins. I finished this and immediately wanted to reread "Disguise".
I was gifted a copy by the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this book despite seeing some flaws upon reflection. I don't typically read much in fantasy type stories and this is just barely fantasy I think. It is just the soulmark part of the story that is. But the rest of their world is set in normal England. They just believe in the soulmark matching couples and all that goes with that. I've only read a couple other stories with the idea of soulmates but they were matched through their feet instead of back.
Anyway, there were a couple parts that seemed to be setting up something really interesting that didn't come to fruition. I fully expected Lady C to play a big role in resolving the soulmatch based on her conversation with Darcy but she just kind of disappeared. And there was the missing rent payment that didn't ever have anything else about it. I would have loved to see more from those two situations. I guess I can see that it is a way for the author to point out things to the reader without more explanation but I wanted the characters to see it as well. I would have loved to see Lady C standing with Elizabeth in the resolve, perhaps holding her namesake. :) My other moment of not fully understanding is that late in the book there is talk of one of the villains being sent to live with relatives instead of calling in the authorities but in the epilogue the villain suffered transportation. How did that change come about? Transportation is a much better punishment.
But like I said earlier, despite these things I really enjoyed the book. The whole cat storyline cracked me up. And it was fun to imagine those scenes playing out. It may have taken a bit long to resolve the soulmatch situation since neither Darcy or Elizabeth would act against propriety when it was most needed. Well, they almost did but...
I thought the story was fun. There were some higher angst moments but it all ends beautifully. I loved that all the sisters were involved in the story and helped each other when they could. Lydia was great and that is not a character that I care much for usually. And I loved that Darcy showed he cared about Elizabeth's friends as well as her sisters.
Anyway, there were a couple parts that seemed to be setting up something really interesting that didn't come to fruition. I fully expected Lady C to play a big role in resolving the soulmatch based on her conversation with Darcy but she just kind of disappeared. And there was the missing rent payment that didn't ever have anything else about it. I would have loved to see more from those two situations. I guess I can see that it is a way for the author to point out things to the reader without more explanation but I wanted the characters to see it as well. I would have loved to see Lady C standing with Elizabeth in the resolve, perhaps holding her namesake. :) My other moment of not fully understanding is that late in the book there is talk of one of the villains being sent to live with relatives instead of calling in the authorities but in the epilogue the villain suffered transportation. How did that change come about? Transportation is a much better punishment.
But like I said earlier, despite these things I really enjoyed the book. The whole cat storyline cracked me up. And it was fun to imagine those scenes playing out. It may have taken a bit long to resolve the soulmatch situation since neither Darcy or Elizabeth would act against propriety when it was most needed. Well, they almost did but...
I thought the story was fun. There were some higher angst moments but it all ends beautifully. I loved that all the sisters were involved in the story and helped each other when they could. Lydia was great and that is not a character that I care much for usually. And I loved that Darcy showed he cared about Elizabeth's friends as well as her sisters.
May 14, 2023
I enjoyed this one, but it was a bit unpolished. A few copyedit mistakes slipped through. The big scheme was predictable and then explained in detail multiple times Scooby-Doo style at the end. Characters didn't react to things when they should have, or were inconsistent. My favorite style of tension, wanting but can't having, should have been baked into this premise, but because the deception was obvious, D and E felt inevitable rather than starcrossed.
But it was a fun read. I loved the sisterhood of the Bennett girls and wish we could have seen more of that. It's rare that the younger girls get to shine, and I really liked that Lydia's boisterous laughter is deployed strategically, not out of carelessness. And the whole Lady Cat sequence was very fun.
We get a very supportive Darcy family. Even Lady Catherine, who I wish we could have seen more of. Bingley had a spine. Mrs. Bennett had a bit of sense. In fact, aside from our two villains and Mr. Bennett's lack of care, the universe and everyone in it seemed to be conspiring to get our couple together.. Maybe that's why there didn't seem to be much tension. It felt almost as if the author didn't want anything too terrible to happen to them.
I liked the soul mark mechanic, but I think it needed to be explored a bit deeper. If connection to the land is the deciding factor, it seems there should be a lot fewer fancy folk and a lot more people who actually work the land. And more soulmates that cross class lines. Where are the duke's daughter to farmer matches? How does that possibly affect your prospects as you await your partner? What are the implications for British society?
I enjoyed the story, but I did want some more depth.
But it was a fun read. I loved the sisterhood of the Bennett girls and wish we could have seen more of that. It's rare that the younger girls get to shine, and I really liked that Lydia's boisterous laughter is deployed strategically, not out of carelessness. And the whole Lady Cat sequence was very fun.
We get a very supportive Darcy family. Even Lady Catherine, who I wish we could have seen more of. Bingley had a spine. Mrs. Bennett had a bit of sense. In fact, aside from our two villains and Mr. Bennett's lack of care, the universe and everyone in it seemed to be conspiring to get our couple together.. Maybe that's why there didn't seem to be much tension. It felt almost as if the author didn't want anything too terrible to happen to them.
I liked the soul mark mechanic, but I think it needed to be explored a bit deeper. If connection to the land is the deciding factor, it seems there should be a lot fewer fancy folk and a lot more people who actually work the land. And more soulmates that cross class lines. Where are the duke's daughter to farmer matches? How does that possibly affect your prospects as you await your partner? What are the implications for British society?
I enjoyed the story, but I did want some more depth.
May 21, 2023
In between some of my heavier fantasy or epic world reads, I will often turn to my love of all things Austen for a light and quick reading palette cleanser. I find that Pride and Prejudice variations provide just the right amount romance, tension and fun to intersperse amongst my ever growing TBR list.
I have not read many of Sarah Courtney's books but I was drawn to this P&P variation that has a bit of magical tough to it because of the concept of soulmates who are destined for each other and soulmarked as a way to find one another. I always love the idea of fated mates so I thought this book blended the best of two things I loved.
Of course, it is Darcy and Elizabeth and so their path to finding and binding their soulmatch is not an easy one. Especially because upon their first meeting it is revealed that Darcy is engaged to his supposed soulmatch, Caroline Bingley. We Austen lovers know that there is no universe in which Darcy and Caroline could be endgame but it's fun to follow the characters as Darcy and Elizabeth fight their inexplicable pull to each other while trying to figure out how it could be if Darcy was truly meant for another. If you've read the original P&P, you know that Caroline is grasping, conniving and extremely focused on what she wants. She is the same in this book.
No spoilers here but this is a period piece romance that comes to a happy conclusion. It's a quick read that I got through in an afternoon via eBook.
I have not read many of Sarah Courtney's books but I was drawn to this P&P variation that has a bit of magical tough to it because of the concept of soulmates who are destined for each other and soulmarked as a way to find one another. I always love the idea of fated mates so I thought this book blended the best of two things I loved.
Of course, it is Darcy and Elizabeth and so their path to finding and binding their soulmatch is not an easy one. Especially because upon their first meeting it is revealed that Darcy is engaged to his supposed soulmatch, Caroline Bingley. We Austen lovers know that there is no universe in which Darcy and Caroline could be endgame but it's fun to follow the characters as Darcy and Elizabeth fight their inexplicable pull to each other while trying to figure out how it could be if Darcy was truly meant for another. If you've read the original P&P, you know that Caroline is grasping, conniving and extremely focused on what she wants. She is the same in this book.
No spoilers here but this is a period piece romance that comes to a happy conclusion. It's a quick read that I got through in an afternoon via eBook.
May 13, 2023
soul marked, star crossed, and hoodwinked
I’ve read many soul marked stories and this one is a unique twist and was very well done.
This story is based upon / inspired by this author’s previous short story (There Can Be No Doubt which is in the “Vexed a Little in Love collection). That is where the concept of soul sickness leading to death comes from as well as the idea of Caroline trying to fake a mark to match Darcy’s. But the difference here is that Caroline’s attempt at subterfuge was actually successful. This Caroline is truly despicable!
It takes a good long while for ODC to figure out that Darcy was hoodwinked, there was a fair bit of angst and stress for both D and E along the way. I really thought after Lady C’s visit Darcy would have clued in but the man is just so blinded by duty sometimes. Gah! So frustrating! It’s Elizabeth who actually figures it out … with a little bit of inadvertent help from Bingley and the Colonel. ;).
The ending was very dramatic and angsty… Elizabeth was blocked from seeing Darcy at nearly ever turn, Caroline was especially shrewd and I really thought for a moment that she was going to get her way in that!! Such a muddle! Thank goodness for good friends and a spirited sister!
I loved the parts with the cat and Mr Collins. Sooo funny!
Very enjoyable read. An excellent addition to the P&P soul mark trope.
I’ve read many soul marked stories and this one is a unique twist and was very well done.
This story is based upon / inspired by this author’s previous short story (There Can Be No Doubt which is in the “Vexed a Little in Love collection). That is where the concept of soul sickness leading to death comes from as well as the idea of Caroline trying to fake a mark to match Darcy’s. But the difference here is that Caroline’s attempt at subterfuge was actually successful. This Caroline is truly despicable!
It takes a good long while for ODC to figure out that Darcy was hoodwinked, there was a fair bit of angst and stress for both D and E along the way. I really thought after Lady C’s visit Darcy would have clued in but the man is just so blinded by duty sometimes. Gah! So frustrating! It’s Elizabeth who actually figures it out … with a little bit of inadvertent help from Bingley and the Colonel. ;).
The ending was very dramatic and angsty… Elizabeth was blocked from seeing Darcy at nearly ever turn, Caroline was especially shrewd and I really thought for a moment that she was going to get her way in that!! Such a muddle! Thank goodness for good friends and a spirited sister!
I loved the parts with the cat and Mr Collins. Sooo funny!
Very enjoyable read. An excellent addition to the P&P soul mark trope.
March 15, 2025
I did not quite buy into the premise that Mr. Darcy was willing to marry Caroline, a woman he dislikes, just because of a matching soulmark.
Here's why:
1 - He has his favorite cousin & his cousin's wife as an example
of a soulmarked couple.
2 - He knows that Wickham and Caroline are friends.
3 - He knows that Wickham and Caroline are manipulative.
4 - He meets Elizabeth and feels an attraction towards her (an
attraction he does not feel towards Caroline) and yet he never
asks a single question about her soulmark.
5 - He has Caroline feeding him lies about Elizabeth, but he
never seeks to confirm the information with Elizabeth
despite the fact that they are friends.
I also found it odd that Elizabeth, despite her curious nature, never asks Darcy about his soulmark.
Lady Catherine notices the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Col. Fitzwilliam notices the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy is also miserable and is experiencing physical symptoms from the soulmark.
Here's why:
1 - He has his favorite cousin & his cousin's wife as an example
of a soulmarked couple.
2 - He knows that Wickham and Caroline are friends.
3 - He knows that Wickham and Caroline are manipulative.
4 - He meets Elizabeth and feels an attraction towards her (an
attraction he does not feel towards Caroline) and yet he never
asks a single question about her soulmark.
5 - He has Caroline feeding him lies about Elizabeth, but he
never seeks to confirm the information with Elizabeth
despite the fact that they are friends.
I also found it odd that Elizabeth, despite her curious nature, never asks Darcy about his soulmark.
Lady Catherine notices the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Col. Fitzwilliam notices the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy is also miserable and is experiencing physical symptoms from the soulmark.
November 1, 2023
It took me a little longer to warm up to this one - things felt a little uneven, I guess, at the beginning. But somewhere along the way I got entirely absorbed and just wanted to keep reading to see how it would all turn out. And I really had no idea how it was going to resolve, so that was fun. I think the unpredictability was a nice factor since it's a romance and it's a given how a romance will turn out, and it's a P&P inspired story, so the characters and some of their interactions and relationships are a given. So to have a magic system that is entirely original, where even the characters aren't quite sure how to navigate discussing, finding and proving soul matches because of the manners and mores of the time period lent it this fresh and new feeling that I really enjoyed. There's limited magic and the "system" is really simple. But add in customs and manners along with a bit of jealousy and greed, and it really made for an interesting story.
May 13, 2023
Wonderful clean raid
Courtney Takes the idea of the soul mark and expands it into an intriguing and comedic story. Lady cat and Mr Collins steal part of the show providing a welcome relief. The book is relatively low angst, it's clear who the villains are, the real story is in how to stop them. This is a clean read which I greatly enjoyed. Darcy and Elizabeth are well done together and it is not instant love and the book has an excellent epilogue. I do agree with another reviewer that would like to have seen greater consequences for the villians, but I do understand that the author may not have gone that route in order to prevent scandal from occurring to any of our beloved characters. It was a very satisfying read and I definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves p&p variations With A Touch of Magic. Happy reading.
Courtney Takes the idea of the soul mark and expands it into an intriguing and comedic story. Lady cat and Mr Collins steal part of the show providing a welcome relief. The book is relatively low angst, it's clear who the villains are, the real story is in how to stop them. This is a clean read which I greatly enjoyed. Darcy and Elizabeth are well done together and it is not instant love and the book has an excellent epilogue. I do agree with another reviewer that would like to have seen greater consequences for the villians, but I do understand that the author may not have gone that route in order to prevent scandal from occurring to any of our beloved characters. It was a very satisfying read and I definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves p&p variations With A Touch of Magic. Happy reading.
May 17, 2023
Excellent story. It has a bit of fantasy/sci-fi and some angst. However, as I always count on a HEA for ODC I found myself trying instead to figure out how Caroline had a true soulmark which matched Darcy's. Both his mother (His parents are alive.) and his aunt, Lady Matlock, have examined Caroline's mark and tried to erase it to prove it false but the mark held.
Elizabeth also has a soulmark and despite few single men in Meryton hopes to find her match. Only her family knows her mark. Strangely as they get to know one another, Elizabeth and Darcy find the chemistry between them putting them at odds with what a soulmark should be. Darcy and Caroline are engaged and he has "sealed" the match with a kiss...which left him feeling cold. He is dragging his feet about setting a wedding date.
There are several events in this story which give us clues as to how this all came about. I won't reveal any of those.
Elizabeth is the only one in her family for several generations who has a soulmark so that makes for some interesting conversations. Jane and Bingley are free of any such mark so things proceed there much as in canon.
Love the feline, Lady Cat. She adds some humor for us as she is hidden away at Longbourn but her dander severely affects Mr. Collins when he shows up. Mrs. Bennet doesn't know about the cat so she is adamant that Collins' claims are ridiculous.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it highly. I won a copy of this story in a blog raffle.
Elizabeth also has a soulmark and despite few single men in Meryton hopes to find her match. Only her family knows her mark. Strangely as they get to know one another, Elizabeth and Darcy find the chemistry between them putting them at odds with what a soulmark should be. Darcy and Caroline are engaged and he has "sealed" the match with a kiss...which left him feeling cold. He is dragging his feet about setting a wedding date.
There are several events in this story which give us clues as to how this all came about. I won't reveal any of those.
Elizabeth is the only one in her family for several generations who has a soulmark so that makes for some interesting conversations. Jane and Bingley are free of any such mark so things proceed there much as in canon.
Love the feline, Lady Cat. She adds some humor for us as she is hidden away at Longbourn but her dander severely affects Mr. Collins when he shows up. Mrs. Bennet doesn't know about the cat so she is adamant that Collins' claims are ridiculous.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it highly. I won a copy of this story in a blog raffle.
August 16, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
It was too angsty (without real cause) for my personal taste. There was an undercurrent as if Miss Bingley was doing magic or something supernatural which would have been interesting, but she turns out to be simply a garden variety manipulator who no one ever questions no matter how obviously ridiculous she is. I disliked how often a conversation might have resolved everything and yet the characters refuse to speak at every opportunity and ignore every clue even while they are seeking them, and when there is an undeniable big reveal they just walk away all mopey, oblivious to every red flag!
It was too angsty (without real cause) for my personal taste. There was an undercurrent as if Miss Bingley was doing magic or something supernatural which would have been interesting, but she turns out to be simply a garden variety manipulator who no one ever questions no matter how obviously ridiculous she is. I disliked how often a conversation might have resolved everything and yet the characters refuse to speak at every opportunity and ignore every clue even while they are seeking them, and when there is an undeniable big reveal they just walk away all mopey, oblivious to every red flag!
August 4, 2023
Quite interesting story
I knew nothing about the soul mark theme in fan fiction so this was totally new for me. Its extremely depressing to find Darcy's mark is identical to MISS BINGLEY! How very odd! Add in the fact that he doesn't even like her a jot then its a confusing mess. I also learned a great deal about tattoos and the entire history as I wasn't certain it existed in those days but I researched into it and was pleasantly surprised that tattoos have been around since forever! I enjoy reading stories that both entertain me and also educate me!
I knew nothing about the soul mark theme in fan fiction so this was totally new for me. Its extremely depressing to find Darcy's mark is identical to MISS BINGLEY! How very odd! Add in the fact that he doesn't even like her a jot then its a confusing mess. I also learned a great deal about tattoos and the entire history as I wasn't certain it existed in those days but I researched into it and was pleasantly surprised that tattoos have been around since forever! I enjoy reading stories that both entertain me and also educate me!
February 10, 2024
4.5/5 - Angsty and heartfelt
The angst was so good! Darcy was already engaged and soulmatched to Miss Bingley when he met Lizzy, putting our two favorite characters through the emotional wringer.
I enjoyed the mystery of what was happening with the soulmarks and how Miss Bingley pulled it off. It was very suspenseful, and despite knowing it was a HEA, there were times I was really afraid they wouldn't get together.
There were lighter moments too, like the shenanigans with the cat, that were funny.
I would've liked a bit more romance in the denouement, but at least there was an epilogue.
The angst was so good! Darcy was already engaged and soulmatched to Miss Bingley when he met Lizzy, putting our two favorite characters through the emotional wringer.
I enjoyed the mystery of what was happening with the soulmarks and how Miss Bingley pulled it off. It was very suspenseful, and despite knowing it was a HEA, there were times I was really afraid they wouldn't get together.
There were lighter moments too, like the shenanigans with the cat, that were funny.
I would've liked a bit more romance in the denouement, but at least there was an epilogue.
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