Bingley blinked in astonishment. “I can hardly believe it. This is not like you, Darcy.”
“No, I have been a boring stick in the mud for years. But I have been reborn. I am a lover now.” He laughed at his own foolishness.
(from A Valentine for Darcy)
Jane Grix’s A Valentine for Darcy is a novella variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that I couldn’t resist reading for Valentine’s Day. In London after the Netherfield Ball, Mr. Darcy receives a valentine that he is sure is from Elizabeth Bennet. In all of his excitement to return to Hertfordshire to ask for Elizabeth’s hand, he doesn’t realize the valentine is from Caroline Bingley, who isn’t about to give up her quest to become Mrs. Darcy so easily.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is shocked when Mr. Darcy arrives with a besotted Mr. Bingley, and even more so when he asks to speak to her father. But she has seen a change in his manner, so she is willing to hear him out. However, when her sister Lydia goes missing just before Jane and Bingley’s wedding, Elizabeth and Darcy are forced apart just as her feelings toward him are softening.
A Valentine for Darcy is a sweet tale featuring a more romantic Darcy who is willing to go after his heart’s desire. There’s still a bit of arrogance and pride in him, but he doesn’t have as many sharp edges. I enjoyed the romance and the humor, and Grix even manages to insert some drama and tension with Caroline, Lady Catherine, and Wickham. Despite the quick resolution, I felt completely satisfied at the end, though I would’ve loved a full-length novel that developed the Caroline and Wickham aspects of the story a bit more. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Grix!
Disclosure: A Valentine for Darcy is from my personal library.
I do like the idea of Darcy becoming a lover! Hopefully he will be able to fend off Caroline long enough to concentrate on Elizabeth ❤ . I will definitely have to read this soon. Thanks for your review Anna.
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! It was a very sweet Valentine’s story.
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Sounds like a very fun Valentine’s book!
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Definitely! And the quote I include had me giggling.
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That sounds perfect for Valentine’s!
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Indeed!
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Looks like a story perfect for Valentine Day.
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Yes! I hope you get a chance to read it. 🙂
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I have yet to read anything from this author! This may be just the thing!
Thank you!
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My pleasure! Hope you enjoy it!
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Sounds like a good one for the upcoming holiday!
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Definitely! I was glad to have read it in time.
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Sounds good!
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I think you’d enjoy it!
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What a perfect story for pre-Valentine’s Day! I’m glad you enjoyed this sweet Darcy story, with a more romantic Darcy. Lovely review.
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Thanks, Suko! I’ve really enjoyed finding these sweet holiday stories.
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What a lovely review, Anna! Thanks, I can’t wait to read this sweet and romantic story!
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Thanks, Joana! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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