Mr Darcy's Valentine

by Heather Moll

A Short and Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation

Will an exchange of secret valentines lead to love?

After her aunt notices her partiality for Mr Wickham, Elizabeth Bennet is invited to town for the winter along with her sister Jane, and February in London gives Elizabeth the chance to become better acquainted with the Gardiners' young and single friend.

When Mr Darcy and Elizabeth meet by chance at a concert, Darcy must account for how Bingley left Hertfordshire as he considers his deepening feelings for Elizabeth. Bingley is determined to renew his attentions to Jane, and an evening's diversion of writing valentines leads to disastrous results for Darcy. Darcy doubts he has a reason to hope but, as she comes to know Darcy better, Elizabeth has to consider who is best suited to make her happy.

When Valentine's Day arrives, who will Elizabeth want to receive a valentine from: the lively man she just met or the man whose proposal she already refused?
◆◆◆
This is a 50,000 word kisses only Pride and Prejudice variation

Genres: Romance, Novella, Fiction, Holiday

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Jane travel to London to stay with aunt and uncle Gardiner in the hopes of raising Jane's spirits after Bingley abandoned Netherfield. They happen upon Bingley and Darcy at a concert. Darcy comes to question his opinion about Jane's feelings for Bingley. Having met up Bingley accepts the invite to visit, having now learned that his sisters (and Darcy) kept secret that Jane has been in town and that his sisters have visited her in return for her visit.

Darcy soon finds fighting his attraction for Elizabeth quite useless. However Elizabeth has been told those lies by Wickham, over heard the insult at the Assembly and suspects Darcy's part in separating Bingley from Jane. Although he accompanies Bingley on his visits to Gracechurch Street, he cannot seem to find a way to communicate his feelings. Bingley and Fitzwilliam (Darcy's cousin) come up with a "game" in which each man writes an anonymous Valentine note which are "supposedly" randomly selected by Caroline Bingley, Jane and Elizabeth. Darcy puts all his feelings and his proposal in his note...disaster (think Hunsford).

However visits continue back and forth as Bingley courts Jane and Elizabeth befriends Georgiana. It is Georgiana who informs Elizabeth of the truth about Wickham. As Elizabeth realizes her own mistakes and Darcy attempts to make reforms to the criticisms Elizabeth threw in his face after receiving his Valentine note each is sure the other will not be reception to a "second chance". Darcy is sure that the Mr. Elgin, her uncle' friend, intends to propose to Elizabeth, while she is sure no man would propose a second time.

I enjoyed reading the thoughts each had about the other: their doubts and their realizations of the better qualities which made each a perfect match.

I received an ARC of this story. A review was requested but not demanded so I am voluntarily leaving such. I have read and enjoyed all of this author's stories. I highly recommend this story.

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, till my heart is red as February and purple as March. ~ Emily Dickinson

One truth is universally acknowledged in Jane Austen Fan Fiction: Fitzwilliam Darcy is more articulate on paper than he is verbally; especially if he is communicating with a female.

How, therefore, can the man make such a mess out of writing a Valentine?

When soul meets soul on lovers' lips... ~ Percy Bysshe Shelley

The story begins after the Netherfield Ball. The Netherfield party removed from Meryton as usual. Jane and Elizabeth Bennet both go to London with the Gardiners. A chance meeting brings Darcy and the Bingleys back into their lives. A dinner invitation results in after-dinner talk of various Valentine traditions.

Quote from the book: “We all know the tried-and-true method of knowing who shall be your valentine,” Elizabeth said to prevent the silence from becoming awkward. “Before Valentine’s Day, take five bay leaves, pin four to the corners of your pillow, and the fifth to the middle. If you dream of your sweetheart, you will be married before the year is over.”

Then, Bingley has an idea: “Mr. Gardiner, do you, by chance, remember a little more about the old custom of drawing lots on Valentine’s Eve?”

But, oh, how much a heart can hold. ~ Coventry Patmore

The gentlemen fix the game and write their Valentines. Darcy’s rhyme has elements of the Disastrous Hunsford Proposal. Elizabeth retaliates.

Darcy must try again. He even has competition for his lady’s attention. Fortunately for him, Georgiana and Elizabeth bond. Darcy finds unique sights and private tours to court his love.

Come live in my heart, and pay no rent... ~ Samuel Lover

I had fun imagining the author inventing these Valentine rhymes. Very clever and totally in keeping with the characters — both the original Valentines and the responses.

Great little story, filled with repartee and romance. Loved it!

Oh! if it be to choose and call thee mine,
Love, thou art every day my Valentine.
~ Thomas Hood

The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story! You'd never believe it is a shorter length novel. So well written, I really enjoyed reading it.

At the advice of Aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth joins Jane when they return to London. After a short while, when it appears Jane will be broken hearted, they chance upon Bingley and Darcy.
Add a valentine game, pepper it with pride and a dash of vanity and misinformation and you have a Darcy scrambling to redeem himself.

It all takes place in London, with a sidebar or two to Wickham. The main stage has our 2 couples. However, Elizabeth has another fella interested in her as well.

I loved the dialog between ODC, when they decide to be friends and also between Darcy and Col F. (So Good!!)
Bingley has a couple of really strong moments he gets to shine very unpuppy-like.
Special mention goes to the author, for all the clever poems, rhymes and valentine's.

Highly recommend!!

I received an advance copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Proposal
In this clever Valentine-themed departure from canon, Mr. Darcy has to eat a large piece of humble pie when Elizabeth refuses his proposal. I was delighted with how Ms. Moll wrote this part of Austen’s plot as she uniquely developed it around the Valentine trope, all with no Hunsford in sight.

Bingley comes up with a plan to write valentines to let Jane know exactly what his feelings are towards her. He drafts Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to assist him in the endeavour. What can possibly go wrong?

Darcy is especially haughty and proud until Elizabeth opens his eyes, and she is especially prejudiced until Georgiana opens hers. Meanwhile, there is a moderate bit of angst involving a possible rival for Darcy. (Any rival for either Elizabeth or Darcy always makes me anxious, thus my moderate angst rating.)

The writing is excellent, the dialogue flowing, and the banter between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy humourous. I loved it all.

Clean content, and as the author describes it, “kisses only”.

Highly recommend.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing a review.

[MichelleH H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, the angst of unrequited love. Such longing and pain. But my goodness did our dear heroic boy change over night after his awful refusal to his misguided attempt at a romantic Valentine. Elizabeth’s reflection was harsh. But Darcy hangs in there to show her he can be a better man than she thinks he is. This part of the plot was really interesting to read because it gave me a better sense of what courting couples were able to do together with chaperones that weren’t the typical Regency novels events, like Almaks and balls and the theatre. I’d read mention of Panoramas in many novels but never read just what they were actually like. The vivid descriptions here were fascinating and a unique setting for dialogue between the characters.

While we watch Darcy pining away for Elizabeth, she is gaining new opinions of him not just because of his intentions to change, but the ways he is naturally a good man without trying to impress.

I loved the slow burn. Elizabeth’s realization that he is the man best suited to her as her life’s partner, she has now saddened that she threw away his proposal.

There follows some jealousy and fears that all is lost, on both their parts. Then a couple of much nicer Valentines. Then a kiss, quite a few kisses, woo! Highly recommended. The author happily leaves us to imagine a very happy ever after.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cute cute.

[Lady Mercury]

DNF at 61%.

It took about 30% to finally get my real attention, only then I really enjoyed the pages I've read and yet the story got less interesting which finally made me decide to dnf instead of forcing myself.

I also did not understand Darcy's change. He suddenly changed over night (literally). It felt like 'Elizabeth, look would you consider me now?'
That did not made sense to me, the day prior he still was the prideful unreformed man and the next day he's this reformed Darcy. Maybe I'm the only one in thinking it doesn't make sense or is much too quick as to make it unbelievable.

Also, just too much Jane and Bingley in my opinion.. Title is Mr. Darcy's Valentine and yet so far full of both.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled so much through the end of this book my jaw ached a bit! It starts with some gentle sadness on Jane’s part and normal annoyance on Elizabeth’s part. She is sure that awful Mr Darcy and the wicked sisters have joined forces to break Jane’s heart. Both girls go to London. And there Darcy turns out to be a better man and Elizabeth learns who he is. I really like Darcy and the Colonel in this story. Both were well developed characters.
It’s short and sweet and very enjoyable. A perfect pick me up for a gloomy winter evening.

I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this one is a meeting in London after the Bingleys and Darcy leave Netherfield. Mrs Gardiner is concerned about Wickham giving attention to Elizabeth, so she's there too. They meet Darcy and Bingley by accident at a music hall and Darcy condescends to let his friend have Jane after all. Most of the book consists of meetings between the Darcys, Bingleys, Gardiners, and eldest Bennet sisters.

Darcy is an asshole longer than usual in this one and confesses via a valentine card like a coward, then all the misunderstandings get revealed, and he does a 180 after like 12 hours. This story exposes a major issue with changing the relationship to make events happen sooner. Darcy and Elizabeth change their minds and actions on a dime. Most damningly, Darcy's about-face in his treatment of the Gardiners seems so insincere because the timeline is a few days rather than months to contemplate and decide to do better. If I rejected someone and called them a jerk and then they sucked up the next day to my family, I would be a fool to think "wow, they're so changed" - no, they changed in the hopes of benefits of the "look, look, I can act better if I put my mind to it, so like me now" variety. I found this Darcy to be more unlikable than most in these variations.

Overall, this was fine but not one that really kept my interest until the end.

[Toni NB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars partly earned by Colonel Fitzwilliam alone.
Sweet angst for our couple.

Favorite parts:
Darcy’s absolutely insulting Valentine

Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Valentine, any convo between Darcy and Fitzwilliam, and just Colonel Fitzwilliam in general. He can steal whole scenes in many JAFF and I LOVE it. I’m trying to figure out what actor i would choose to play him if ever there was a JAFF on a BBC production.

This story actually compelled me to pen a little billet-doux for my sweetie for this coming Valentine’s Day. ♥️

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Warned: Mr. Darcy May Steal Your Heart!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Mrs. Gardiner is a little anxious that Elizabeth’s affections might become engaged imprudently by Mr. Wickham, so she extends the invitation of a London stay to both Jane and Elizabeth. In London the sisters encounter Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley sets out to court Jane in earnest, while his good friend comes to realize that his own feelings for Elizabeth Bennet continue to grow. Does the approaching celebration of St. Valentine’s Day assist theses men in their romantic ambitions, or do their forays into wooing fair lady loves with poems fall short of expectations…

MY THOUGHTS: Even though I’ve never been one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I was elated by the prospect of an Austenesque book centered around our beloved Pride and Prejudice characters celebrating Valentine’s Day with classic Regency traditions.

In addition to enjoying the uniqueness of a Pride and Prejudice variation (at least for me) featuring Valentine’s Day, I enjoyed that this novella solely took place in London. London feels like a whole new arena for our couples, there is the subtraction of some characters – such as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Wickham, and the addition of some as well – such as Georgiana Darcy, more time with the Gardiners, and possible new suitors. I love how these alterations and the advantages of Mr. Darcy being in his own element produce some new twists and situations.

I loved all I learned about traditional Regency Valentine’s Day celebrations. From the “ancient” practices and methods of divining who you true love is to the fine art of composing a Valentine rhyme, this story shared charming displays of Valentine’s Day pastimes. I especially loved being privy to all the valentines exchanged. They were a wonderful combination of swoony declarations, playful wit, and earnest wishes. I was equally impressed with each characters’ poetic prowess (and by that extent Ms. Moll’s!) I’m sure it would be days to come up with some romantic verses that rhymes.

And now a word about what I loved MOST in this variation – Mr. Darcy. After being devastated by Elizabeth’s rejection, he set about to prove to her that he can be a gentleman. And while precious wishes creep into his heart for something more, Mr. Darcy is doubtful that they will ever be realized. Oh to see Mr. Darcy so vulnerable and gentle with his affections was incredibly endearing! I loved all the ways he declared his steadfast devotion quietly – with his concern about sharing chaperone duties, the private tour at Cleveland House, his growing amiability towards her family, and his heartbreaking decision to step back when he thinks she may love another. He completely stole my heart. And like Elizabeth, I found him to be completely irresistible – especially at the panorama. 😍 Speaking of, I really loved the development of Elizabeth’s journey from dislike to love. Oftentimes novellas move at such a brisk pace that some developments feel abrupt or rushed, but I didn’t feel that with Elizabeth’s emotions.

Like cupid’s arrow, Mr. Darcy’s Valentine is a direct hit for those hopelessly devoted romantics who are eager to witness sweet expressions of love this Valentine season. A beautiful novella full blossoming regard and romantic interludes. I highly recommend!

Austenesque Reviews

[Rita Deodato · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...

In this Pride & Prejudice novella Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are invited by the Gardiners to spend a few months in London during the winter, and this creates the perfect opportunity for them to reconnect with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. With valentine activities occurring in London soirees, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves in the middle of a valentines display that demonstrates Darcy’s romantic and passionate feelings, and Elizabeth’s strong convictions and will.

I loved the valentines they exchanged and the wittiness with which these characters were able to convey their messages. They are both interesting and intelligent characters in this novel and their valentines demonstrate exactly how well suited they are for each other. The valentines they wrote were a perfect and fun way to portray both the Hunsford marriage proposal and its refusal and are definitely one of the highlights of this book.

Despite the fact that Mr. Darcy’s Valentine is a novella, and therefore only has 166 pages, the author was able to add everything most P&P stories have without ever rushing events or character developments. Ms. Moll gave all these characters time to deal with all their feelings, allowed the plot to flow in a balanced yet exciting manner, and permitted Darcy and Elizabeth to have plenty of interactions and dialogues with one another, which was a feature I particularly liked.

I absolutely loved the story construction in Mr. Darcy’s Valentines which I believe demonstrated the authors talent to tell a story and immerse the reader in the pages of her books.

I also liked the little jealousy that was present in the book, the fact that Mr. Darcy had a rival, and the friendship Elizabeth and Georgiana developed. It is truly incredible how the author was able to add all these elements to the story without ever rushing it.

In short, Mr. Darcy’s Valentine is a beautiful and lovely seasonal novella that all P&P fans will adore! It is full of Darcy and Elizabeth scenes and I highly recommend it to readers.

[Gill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, all the action takes place in London.

When Mr Bingley arrived in Hertfordshire, he quickly became enamoured of local beauty, Jane Bennet. His attentions gave rise to widespread expectations of an imminent betrothal.

Jane is equally in love with Mr Bingley. However, Jane is shy and reticent. She has learnt from bitter experience, that she must hide her feelings from her marriage-obsessed, matchmaking Mama.

Unfortunately, outside influences, such as his friend Mr Darcy, persuade Bingley that they can see no evidence that Jane loves him.

He goes back to London and does not return. Jane faces the scorn of the neighbourhood and the endless lamentations of her mother.

Elizabeth Bennet dislikes Mr Darcy and suspects his influence over Bingley.

Elizabeth’s animus towards Darcy has been stoked by the lies of the charming, handsome, deceitful Lieutenant George Wickham, Darcy’s enemy.

What she does not know is that Darcy is falling in love with her.

Jane is invited to stay with family in London and Elizabeth is encouraged to accompany her.

Elizabeth meets, Mr Elgin, a charming man who seeks to court her.

When Jane and Elizabeth are thrown into the company of Bingley and Darcy, both men decide to follow their hearts and win their ladies.

A carefully contrived parlour game, allows each gentleman to give a Valentine’s message to his lady.

Unfortunately, Darcy’s message is similar to the notorious Hunsford proposal. This is, unsurprisingly, not well received.

Many misunderstandings are corrected and Darcy tries to woo Elizabeth.

Elizabeth must decide if her future lies with Mr Elgin or Mr Darcy.


Darcy is so sweet when wooing Elizabeth, but so sad because he can’t believe she will choose him.

A very enjoyable variation and a sweet resolution.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Melissa Halcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth is invited to London with Jane and the Gardiners after Christmas. There, they meet with Darcy and Bingley once more. Bingley is as besotted w Jane as ever but D continues to fight his attraction to E. Feeling remorseful for his part in separating his friend from the woman he loves, D invites J, E, and their family to dinner at DHouse.

There, B suggests a valentines game where each single gentleman draws the name of a single lady to write them a valentines poem. It's rigged, of course, to give B the chance to see if J returns his affections.

D draws E (by design). It's at this moment he decides he's in love with her and uses the opportunity to confess his true feelings. Unfortunately, he's still a pompous ass and his valentines poem is very much along the lines of his Hunsford proposal, boasting his higher status and insulting her family.

I thought this was a very cute, light-hearted story. More than once, I found myself laughing aloud. I loved that D is made to see his errors without being overly humiliated, as happens far too often in these books. I also loved that E was equally flawed; it also happens too often that E is perfect and D is the only one who must work to make their match possible. The poetry Ms Moll created was adorable and not cheesy.

If there is anything I did not love, it was that their realizations came about too quickly. D proposes, E rejects him. Two minutes later they're both realizing how wrong they've been. While they don't fall madly in love immediately (thankfully), it was still too soon for me.

But I thoroughly enjoyed the story and heartily recommend it as a quick, low-angst read full of all the feels and a satisfying ending.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

Darcy's first valentine to Elizabeth left her cold, and her response left him dumbfounded, hurt, and humiliated. Shortly, thereafter, Georgina's confession of her almost elopement with Wickham marked a turning point in their relationship, especially after Bingley and Jane became engaged. The inclusion of Mr. Elgin seemed to confuse Darcy and Elizabeth since they finally realized after Darcy's major transformations that they could be happy together.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful story will not disappoint! From a rocky start, to a Valentine entertainment, to the satisfying conclusion, this book will put a smile on your face. Highly recommend.

[Barbara K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shorter Pride and Prejudice variation that takes place nearly all in London, where both Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane have come to stay with their aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. Jane is there to escape her mother's lamentations over Mr. Bingley's defection and to either get over Mr. Bingley or have a chance of seeing him again. Elizabeth goes to London as well, because her aunt fears she's in danger of falling for Mr. Wickham, though Lizzy insists her heart has not been touched. While in London, Lizzy is introduced to a clergyman from Surrey, Mr. Elgin, who seems like a nice man, and has decent prospects. He seems to want to spend more time with her. The children in the house are obsessed with St. Valentine's Day, which is fast approaching, and they're busy making valentines to give to everyone they know.

Mr. Darcy meanwhile realizes that his friend Bingley has not gotten over his attraction to Jane Bennet as quickly as expected, and Darcy begins to wonder if he was wrong to interfere.

Then they come across the two eldest Bennet sisters at a concert hall, and Bingley zeros in on Jane again at once, leaving Darcy to converse with Miss Elizabeth.

This story goes quickly, as it's a shorter length novel, and there is both humor and romance. It makes for a nice read for early February. If you don't have a current valentine, just let Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth be your proxy and enjoy.

https://msv.gaiastream.com/wp/2023/02...

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clever and fun story set entirely in London. The Hunsford proposal does not take place. Instead, Darcy bungles it with an ill-worded valentine, insulting Elizabeth in rhyme as the Colonel points out.

[Daniela Quadros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a short, sweet and very enjoyable Valentine's story. Darcy and Elizabeth have their relationship develop in London, when Elizabeth travels with Jane to stay with the Gardiners after the Netherfield party leaves Hertfordshire.

Elizabeth already suspects that Darcy and Bingley's sisters were the ones responsible for Bingley leaving Jane. So when the Bennet sisters unexpectedly meet Bingley and Darcy at the theater, the story begins to unfold. The Colonel is there too, adding a lot of humour to the story and I have to say that I just loved the Valentine game they play one evening, which is also used as the Hunsford moment. Very creative! Darcy manages to tell Elizabeth he loves her in a very insulting way through a Valentine note! After all is revealed, our dear couple starts to finally understand each other better and their happily ever after is guaranteed. A great story!

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding work from Heather Moll; I adored it.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite cute.

[Doris Studer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Mr. Darcy…..
This book is very well written with many minutiae besides the main line. I even learned new things like a special exhibition and the Panorama in London, which I never heard before in any other book. And yet, as diligently the characters were described, I could not connect with them, I didn’t feel any warmth for them, Mr. Darcy was a small exception.
But you, who is reading this review, are a different person and might enjoy this carefully written story on all levels. Give it a chance.
I got a copy in advance.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is what it says on the label--short and sweet. The turn around from hating each other to being in love is a week, maybe two, which I think weakens the novel. I get that it's supposed to be a Valentines Day story, but part of what makes Darcy's and Lizzy's transformations convincing and satisfying is that they have time to let their anger cool and reflect on how wrong they've been. They have time to change their ways and mannerisms. Anyone can be nice to new people or be less judgy for a week, but to believe that change is permanent, we need to see it take place over more time.

Still, the story is fun and sweet and Bigley is a bit less wavering in this version. We also get lots of the Gardiners and their charming children

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you exchange Valentine’s Day Cards? Have you ever written a rhyme or verse for anyone? I love exchanging Valentine’s Day Cards. I send them to my family and friends as well as my husband and kids. I really love old fashioned Valentine’s Day Cards. My mother has some of my Great Grandparents cards from the early twentieth century and they are so cute! I am terrible at writing poetry so I have never tried my hand at that.

I love holiday books and I love Pride and Prejudice variations. Mr. Darcy’s Valentine is a great combination of them both! In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet is invited to town by her Aunt Gardiner to join Jane in her visit. Mrs. Gardiner is trying to put distance between Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham. After Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley meet the Bennet sisters by chance at a concert, Mr. Darcy can’t help but notice that Mr. Bingley has feelings for Jane Bennet. He apologizes to his friend and helps him to pursue Jane Bennet. As he spends more time with Elizabeth Bennet, his feelings for her grow. After an evening’s entertainment of writing valentine’s verses to each other, Mr. Darcy accidentally offends Elizabeth and her family. How can he put things to right? What will he do when a rival suitor enters the picture?

Mr. Darcy’s Valentine was a quick and a very enjoyable read. I loved getting to read a new story with some of my favorite characters. I loved the new twists and turns. I also loved that Heather Moll really knows the characters well and that they acted true to the original Pride and Prejudice story. The story was told from both Elizabeth and Darcy’s perspectives, and I enjoyed getting to know the thoughts of both characters. I also enjoyed the friendship between Miss Georgiana Darcy and Elizabeth. It was also fun to get to see more the courtship between Mr. Bingley and Jane play out in this story.

I enjoyed all of the Valentine’s Day verse that author Heather Moll wrote for this novel as well. Especially since I am so bad that the verse! I felt like Colonel Fitzwilliam who was not that good at it. Colonel Fitzwilliam provided many lighthearted moments in this novel from his valentine to his discussions with Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy’s Valentine is a clean read with a very passionate kiss at the end. I felt like I really wanted this to be a movie.

Favorite Quote:
“She escaped from the worst and most irremediable of all evils a woman can suffer: a marriage to an unprincipled man.”

Review Copy from author Heather Moll as part of the Book Tour. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...

[Deborah (Silverlumos) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be mine!?

The story takes place entirely in London as both Jane and Elizabeth return with the Gardiners after the Christmas season spent at Longbourn. It took me some time to warm to either Elizabeth or Darcy at the beginning of this tale. Darcy confesses early to Bingley of his interference with Jane and now promotes the match, but his continued snobbery and Elizabeth’s frequent inner and vocal disapproval of Darcy was dispiriting.
Then came the clever upheaval - when a game of exchanging anonymously composed valentines set in motion a near equivalent of the Hunsford proposal, some of the answering letter’s revelations and the ill-timed mention of Wickham in one fell swoop. Nicely done!
I took note that the entertaining and witty Colonel Fitzwilliam is simply a must have addition to any successful dinner party! His close relationship with Darcy is laced with humor - from book: “Do you need a word that rhymes with ‘love’? ‘Shove’? ‘Sick of’?”

Our couple’s riled up feelings and understanding begin to improve as they form a tentative friendship while acting as escorts for the newly engaged Jane and Bingley. Propriety is relaxed somewhat during the excursions that Darcy arranges (in hopes to please Elizabeth) but as a shorter story I thought it all fit nicely. I enjoyed the softer relationship and dialog that developed between them. Interesting valentine traditions and various sights and entertainments of the times were woven throughout. A panorama must have been quite something to behold.

The HEA was sweet and heartfelt with a tiny wisp of steam. I couldn’t help a chuckle thinking that their eventual return to Longbourn may ruffle more than just Mr. Darcy’s hair!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Mr. Bingley and his party left Netherfield, Elizabeth and Jane travel to their aunt and uncle Gardiner in London. By chance, Elizabeth encounters Mr. Darcy in a theater. The gentleman now confesses his interference in Bingley’s love affairs to his friend and Jane and Bingley met again. Eger to renew his acquaintance, Bingley hosts a party at Darcy house and invites the ladies and their relatives. During the party the unattached members of the party exchange valentines as a game. Both Bingley and Darcy confess their love to their Bennet lady by means of a valentine, the first receives a favorable reply, the latter is thoroughly refused because he unintentionally insults his love. But with Bingley and Jane engaged not long after the party, Darcy is not able to avoid Elizabeth’s company. Will he find a way to convince Elizabeth that he really cares for her and will he be able to make her love him? Or has she already lost her heart to her uncle’s young friend? With valentine’s day in approach, will Elizabeth receive another declaration of love and from whom?

As always the author Heather Moll has created a very nice, well written book you absolutely want to finish without interruption. I love her stories very much and I always feel like becoming part of it and standing next to Darcy and Elizabeth. One of my most loved scenes was the visit of the panorama. I really felt like standing there for myself, it was wonderful.

In this story, Darcy insults Elizabeth not only at the Meryton Assembly, but he even insults her by writing a valentine – in rhymes. After he is refused he is able to recognize that he had not been the gentleman he wants to be and that he had treated Elizabeth and her relations like they were beneath him. I like his realization very much and I also like that he is able to change his behavior not only to win her love but also to show her the man he truly is (this means not the man he has shown to Elizabeth and the others).

Throughout the hole book you can feel the friendship between Darcy, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I like this feeling very much. Especially the relation between Darcy and his cousin is a very special and deep one. I like the way the Colonel teases poor Mr. Darcy. But on the other hand – if Darcy needs someone to talk to and help him with his struggles – the Colonel is there to listen and help with advice.

If you like a sweet story (not only for valentine’s day) with Mr. Darcy proposing in rhymes and the Colonel teasing him (not only for this purpose) - you need to read this book. I absolutely recommend it.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Will an exchange of secret valentines lead to love? After her aunt notices her partiality for Mr Wickham, Elizabeth Bennet is invited to town for the winter along with her sister Jane, and February in London gives Elizabeth the chance to become better acquainted with the Gardiners’ young and single friend. When Mr Darcy and Elizabeth meet by chance, Darcy must account for how Bingley left Hertfordshire as he considers his deepening feelings for Elizabeth. Bingley is determined to renew his attentions to Jane, and an evening’s diversion of writing valentines leads to disastrous results for Darcy. Darcy doubts he has a reason to hope but, as she comes to know Darcy better, Elizabeth has to consider who is best suited to make her happy. When Valentine’s Day arrives, who will Elizabeth want to receive a valentine from, the lively man she just met or the man whose proposal she already refused? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Vem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually going to rate it 3 stars, but then at the halfway point the first proposal came, and everything after that was honestly such a joy to read, that i couldn't stop smiling. The scenes of Elizabeth and Darcy at art exhibition, the panorama etc were so good. Felt like a proper romance.

Also, loved the interaction with other characters. Any scenes with Darcy/Bingley or Colonel Fitzwilliam/Darcy were too good and adorable too. And so was Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana. The humor was also on point. Elizabeth's feelings changed quite fast, but this Darcy was intense, charming etc so it's not that unrealistic she fell for him that fast.

I wish author had wrote the first half better. Both E and D were too much. Elizabeth blames Darcy for everything, even after seeing him being the one to reunite Jane/Bingley. And, Darcy's manner towards Mr and Mrs G was so bad. He basically ignored everything they said, even though he knew they were well mannered. He cannot be polite to the guests in his own house?? These things made me dislike both of them. But, after the proposal and the misunderstandings were resolved, it was too good.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: After Mr. Bingley doesn’t return to Netherfield, Jane is going to go to London to spend time with the Gardiners. Mrs. Gardiner, seeing Lizzie’s ill conceived attraction to Wickham, suggest she come with her sister. While in London, the ladies run into Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley.
Review: The conceit of the Valentine game was a fun twist in this story. I like how it moves up Mr. Darcy’s disastrous proposal. And even though he proposes in verse, he still manages to be condescending and insulting, eliciting the same reaction as the OG proposal. Moll does a great job of keeping all of the characters true to their original counterparts despite the different situations. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s relationship with Georgiana as well. It is believable that they could bond over having both been duped by Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth’s new suitor worked well as an added obstacle for ODC, making Darcy fear the didn’t have a chance, and giving Lizzie someone she might reasonably fall for to be a foil for Darcy. I liked that Mr Elgin wasn’t a villain at all.
Overall, this Valentine’s Day themed story is a sweet twist on my favorite story.

[Maria Escarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally affecting and satisfying

What a cleverly and wonderfully written variation.l! Many circumstances of Canon are changed to have the effect of having the beloved couple reach ab earlier realization and resolution of their love for each other. A more open and trusting Georgiana makes all the difference, as well as Mr. Darcy’s immediate desire to change to become a better man worthy of Elizabeth Bennet’s admiration and regard.

The exchanges after the initial Valentines are heartfelt and, at times, one can feel the struggles and heartaches that the lovers feel. This reader appreciates how the author paints Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet as characters true to themselves, and as human as possible, adding new dimensions of the characters the world already loves. Their admission of failings and faults are commendable, which makes them all the more lovable personalities that readers can definitely root for.

Highly recommended to lovers of JAFF and this reader shall get a copy to keep.