Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2023 discussion

Hello, everyone. Good luck with your own lists. I'm here again.

Sheila wrote: "Hello, everyone. Good luck with your own lists. I'm here again."
Me too and I hope we have just as much fun this year! Glad to know you will be amongst those in the challenge!

1.) Frosted Window Panes (a reread) 4 stars
2.) Mr Darcy's Valentine 5 stars
3.) Every Possible Amends 4 stars
4.) Her Very Own Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
5.) Mr. Darcy Falls on His Feet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
6.) Master of Puppets: A Pride and Prejudice variation 5 stars
7.) The Truth About Family: A friends to lovers variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4 stars
8.) Not In Want of a Wife 4 stars
9.) Brother of the Bride: Part of the Jane Austen Fighting Men Series 5 stars
10.) Entrancing Mr. Darcy: a Pride and Prejudice variation 3 stars
11.) Mr. Darcy's Tender Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
12.) Never Inconstant: a Sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion 4.5 stars
13.) The Bewitchment of Mr. Darcy: a Pride and Prejudice variation 2 stars
14.) Cindereliza: A Pride and Prejudice Variation .5 stars
15.) From Land and Legacy ... To Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
16.) Meet Me at Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Holiday TaleMeet 4 stars
17.) Beauty’s Mirror (Non JAFF) 55 pages - by Rose Fairbanks – (I received a copy of this story but then could not find a link on Goodreads.) It is a variation of Beauty and the Beast. Leonard Sundridge, third duke of Erroll, has an unfaithful wife and now a child whom he knows is not his own. A fire kills his wife, Celia, but her ghost remains along with a curse that he will die on the child’s, Rosie’s, sixth birthday. He arranges for a governess, Bella, to take care of Rosie due to the debts her brother, George, owes him. Leo is scarred from the fire but has a magic mirror which allows him to view people as they really are not as others might see them plus what they are doing as he gazes on. Knowing his death approaches Leo arranges a marriage for Bella. However, events take a different turn. 3.5 stars
18.) The Woollen Olive Branch Non-JAFF 4 stars
19.) A Sheepish Encounter at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
20.) Brighton Rescue: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars

21.) Snowbound: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
22.) Just Deserts: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 2.5 stars
23.) Drawing Mr. Darcy Bonus Scene – by Melanie Rachel: Since this does not have a link on Goodreads nor on Amazon, I could not rate it. (I downloaded it from her blog.) 24 pages long: Moving to Russell House in Kensington, four children and now two grandchildren. Son, William, has Weymouth House, as a second son, while Phillip, the heir, would, under normal circumstances, have to await his father’s death to take over management of Pemberley. However, Darcy has decided to step down and give over Pemberley to Phillip. And as they are about to leave he retrieves and looks through the book of drawings Elizabeth and their daughter, Olivia, have drawn over the years and which he had a bookbinder make into a bound book. They will be taking the train to their destination and there is some discussion about that. As the author pointed out you do not have to have read the two books in the Drawing Mr. Darcy series to enjoy this snippet.
24.) The Warmth of Her Affection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
25.) When Darcy Met Bingley from the blog, Jane Austen Variations: “They shook, and Darcy wondered if his young friend would ever realize how badly he had been swindled in this deal of theirs. To give a man social standing was nothing; to teach a man to laugh—that was a real gift.”
26.) The Banished Uncle: Expanded Edition: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
27.) Mr. Darcy, the Heir of Pemberley 4 stars
28.) An Eventful Morning by Joana Starnes https://austenvariations.com/an-event... This vignette was posted March 25, 2019, as part of a WIP but then never published. Caroline Bingley is discussing Charles’ attraction to Jane with her sister, Louisa. They both agree it could have been worse if he was attracted to Elizabeth instead. Later, while visiting Georgiana Caroline overhears Lady Catherine exhorting Darcy to do his duty and marry SOON. And we end this piece with Caroline thinking that as Darcy will obey his aunt, she is in line to receive his attentions.
29.) Two Components: A modern Pride & Prejudice action-adventure 4.5 stars
30.) All Cupid's Fault A P&P Short Story by Sarah Courtney: I could not find this on GRS nor on Amazon, yet I found it on my Kindle. This story is more or less a scene taken from a longer story and you must really know canon to understand some of the references in the story. Valentine’s Day: Three soldiers show up at Longbourn as do Bingley and Darcy. We quickly learn that Lydia has sent Valentine’s cards to her favorite (and most handsome) soldiers. As Lydia flirts with Wickham she throws her latest bonnet creation across the room for him to inspect. However, her aim is off and as it knocks Mr. Bennet’s statuette of cupid off a high shelf, Wickham jumps back to avoid being hit while Darcy springs into action to knock Elizabeth out of the way. The two land on the floor with Darcy on top of her. Darcy has ripped his trousers and must borrow a pair from Mr. Bennet. Before he leaves, however, Wickham walks up to him as he is about to mount his horse and they walk off along the side of the house. Curious, Elizabeth exits via the garden door where she is then hidden by a trellis and can hear the men talking. She learns the truth of Wickham’s claims. And so, as Elizabeth thinks about what she overheard her opinion about Darcy changes. 4 stars
31.) Darcy & Elizabeth: Mischief and Misunderstanding 3.5 stars
32.) Shades of Pemberley 4.5 stars
33.) Mrs Darcy's Dilemma 3.5 stars
34.) Fake Bride for Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
35.) Dangerous When Wet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
36.) Lady Darcy's Bluestocking Club: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars

Well done Sheila. I always know I will find good things in your list.

Thank you for the compliment, Craftyhj.

And to update:

37.) Enduring Connexions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
38.) Mr. Darcy Unmasked: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
39.) Mr. Darcy’s Mysterious Baby: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
40.) Happier Than We Deserve: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 4 stars
41.) Capturing Mr Darcy: a Pride and Prejudice short story 3 stars
42.) Turnabout: A Regency Romance inspired by P&P 4 stars
43.) Why I Kissed You: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
44.) Mr. Darcy’s Ward: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
45.) Mistaken Premise : A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
46.) Of Memories and Men: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
47.) His Secret Betrothal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
48.) River of Dreams: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 5 stars
49.) Of Whispers and Wisdom: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars

And some more:
50.) The Sailor's Rest 4 stars
51.) Unfounded 5 stars
52.) Heirs and Graces: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
53.) Mr. Darcy and the Island: a Pride and Prejudice variation 3.5 stars
54.) The Fire at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
55.) Allow Me to Tell You 4.5 stars
56.) Handsome, Clever, and Rich 3.5 stars
57.) Irresistibly Alone: A novella length variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4.5 stars
58.) Amending the Shades of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary 4.5 stars

And moving on up....

59.) Wistfully Beautiful : A Pride & Prejudice variation 4 stars
60.) A Favorable Impression 4 stars
61.) Mark of Character: A Pride and Prejudice Soulmark Story 5 stars
62.) A Folly of Youth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
63.) Fate's Intervention 4 stars
64.) First Impressions: an anthology which I received for free from a blog to which I subscribe. 4 stars
a.) Fool Me Once by Elizabeth Adams: Darcy and Elizabeth meet while each has a young relation they are to be watching. Reggie gets away from Darcy and joins in a tussle on the lawns. Darcy comes upon them and yells at E. to take her hands off. She in turn calls him an ogre. He also accuses her of being a neglectful governess. Then they meet at a ball; he offers an apology after overhearing her talk to her aunt while he hides behind a pillar.
b.) An Introduction by Post by Sarah Courtney: Both Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves to Meryton traveling by post for reasons explained in the story. However, each looks at the luggage and thinks the other is someone else: J. Bennet and a Mr. Bingley. Darcy does express his disdain of traveling with the unwashed populace but then offers his coat to an elderly woman whose head hits into the window as a rut bounces the coach. Runaway horses soon cause ODC to be ejected from the carriage and finding themselves walking towards Meryton. Mistaken identities to be sorted.
c.) Hidden Treasures by Leigh Dreyer: Her love of the gardens at Netherfield finds her falling out of one tree as she retrieves a treat from the cook. Fortunately, a man (Darcy) catches her. They introduce themselves. Then as they discuss why she was up the tree she finds she must share the toffee…of can she offer some other “treasure”?
d.) The Wedding Guest by Heather Moll: Jane’s wedding to Bingley is tomorrow and the groomsman has waited until this evening to plan his arrival. Elizabeth has a list of errands to do in Meryton and Bingley has promised her his valet to help her. Mistaken identity again: when Darcy shows up several hours earlier than expected E. believes he is her promised assistant. And he thinks she is Jane Bennet. As they arrive in Meryton to complete their errands Wickham is on the scene. This Darcy does not allow Wickham’s character to remain hidden for which he is thanked. Then on the wedding day Darcy and Elizabeth have a very open conversation with apologies for mistaking the other’s identity.
e.) A Pig in a Poke by Melanie Rachel: Lydia “steals” Mary’s new bonnet and then it is revealed she left it at Mrs. Clutterbuck’s house. When Elizabeth goes there to retract the bonnet, she finds Mrs. C. all in a dither as her pet pig, Francis, has escaped her. As Elizabeth chases down the pig Darcy comes upon her. However, the pig dressed in a bonnet espies a mud puddle across a small pond. Adventure, muck and mire beset the couple and they don’t escape without some on their clothing. At the assembly the next night they are properly introduced, share a few laughs and facts about their adventure and come to the proper conclusion.
65.) The Travelers by Amy D’Orazio: This is a time travel story with Fitzwilliam Darcy of 1812, already engaged to Elizabeth Bennet, finding shelter in an abandoned cabin when a snowstorm sends his carriage careening. He finds himself alone as he takes shelter. Meanwhile in 2022 Elizabeth Bennet finds her car battery and her cell phone dead. She also finds herself taking shelter in a “rough little house”. Of course, neither knows that each is from another century, although they each do find some things mentioned rather odd, i.e., car, phone, carriage. As they wait out the storm and get to know each other, in the end he has some advice for Elizabeth. That is to give this “Van Darcy” another chance as she tells him of this man’s background, their initial date and his relationship to her brother-in-law, Bingley. What I liked most about this story was the deeper look into what makes relationships work, how love accepts differences, etc. And how Darcy falls in love with M&M’s. There is an epilogue. I received a copy of this story from a blog to which I subscribe.
66.) Four Proposals of Marriage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
67.) A Curate's Daughter: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 3 stars
68.) Think of Me: A Highly Irregular Pride & Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
69.) A Curative Touch 4.5 stars
70.) Longbourn's Angels 4 stars
71.) Escaping Shadows: an Elizabeth and Darcy Story 4 stars
72.) The Darcy Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
73.) The Talented Daughters of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
74.) Prevailed Upon to Marry: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
75.) An Inducement into Matrimony: A Collection of Romantic Short Stories Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 5 stars
76.) A Lover's Fine Eye: A Pride and Prejudice variation novella 4 stars
77.) The Hunsford Curse: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel 3 stars
78.) To Marry Without Affection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars

Another lovely list Sheila. I do hope life is less fraught for you now.

Yes, a relief not to have to go to the hospital every day plus having my husband home, the house is not so lonely.

I'm glad to hear your husband is home with you again!
Good news!

Thank you, Rose.

Happy to hear that your husband is home!!

I'm so glad to hear he is hime again with you.

Thank you, Shelley and Craftyhj.

And as I leave this level:
79.) Of Adoption and Acceptance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
80.) A Chance Eavesdropping: A Pride & Prejudice Variation3.5 stars
81.) A Mother's Touch: Inspired by Pride and Prejudice 3.5 stars
82.) An Accidental Scandal: A Pride and Prejudice Novella 4 stars
83.) A Different Impression: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
84.) Rising from the Ashes: A Regency Romance about second chances and changing fate, inspired by P&P 4 stars
85.) The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy 4.5 stars
86.) The Illegitimate Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
87.) Interwoven 4 stars
88.) In Sickness and in Health: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4.5 stars
89.) Doubt Not, Cousin: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 4 stars
90.) I Dreamt of Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
91.) Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
92.) Pemberley Heat: A Pride & Prejudice Novella 3.5 stars
93.) Mr. Darcy's Matchmaker: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
94.) The Surprising Mr. Darcy (No link)
95.) A Devoted Sister 3.5 stars
96.) Prisoner of Longbourn 3.5 stars
97.) An Accomplished Lady (of the Best Sort): A Teatime Tales Novelette 3.5 stars
98.) Elizabeth’s Rush to the Altar: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
99.) To the Advantage of Both: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
100.) A Matter of Prudence: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4.5 stars

Another interesting mix Sheila - well done. I wish you a happy August with just the right amount of reading.

Thank you, Craftyhj.

101.) A Very Austen Romance 4 stars
102.) The Second Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
103.) If It So Happened 4 stars
104.) Where Love Resides: A Pride and Prejudice variation 4 stars
105.) Elizabeth Bennet Is Not a Shrew: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 2.5

Incredible list thank you so much!

Here are my latest reads:

106.) Bess and the Highwayman: A Sweet Regency Romance (Not JAFF) 5 stars

107.) Lady Anne's Son: A Pride And Prejudice Variation 4 stars

108.) Hope & Chance: Three Pride and Prejudice Novellas 4 stars

109.) The Wallflower 5 stars
110.) Darcy's Gallant Gambit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
111.) Mr Darcy's Runaway: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars

112.) The Twelfth of December: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella 3.5 stars

113.) Traces of Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation 5 stars
114.) No Indignity So Abhorrent 3.5 stars
115.) Mr Darcy's Reluctant Wife: A Pride & Prejudice Story 3 stars

116.) A Pair of Sparkling Eyes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars

117.) The Ruin of Lord Aston's Daughter 3 stars (Not JAFF, not yet published, book is only a preview)
118.) Trouble at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars

119.) For the enjoyment of reading: (This is one of those books that one receives if one is a subscriber to a certain blog or at the end of some books.) 2% - all the fortune of mischance by Amy D’Orazio: A dispirited Darcy plans to take his own life. We are not given all the details, but Georgiana is gone. He goes to Gunther’s to enjoy one of his sister’s favorite treats and there he meets a stranger who insists on giving him the treat as she has bought the last of that favorite. They part but when he goes to the park and nearly chokes as he eats, Saye comes upon him. Saye has met Elizabeth and soon she is in conversation with them. As her uncle meets them and is to take her home, she tells Darcy she would be happy to have him call on her there. 13% - and never a cross word by Jan Aston: As Mrs. Reynolds lies on her deathbed, Darcy tells Elizabeth tales of the housekeeper’s place in his developing years. It ends with this, “Mrs. Reynolds was always kind. She was always here. And she was always right.” 25% - more than fine eyes by Londa Gonschior: Rosings - Here we are reading Darcy’s lustful thoughts about Elizabeth, especially as she entertains at the pianoforte after one dinner. 31% - elizabeth elliot seeks a husband by Lucy Marin: Anne Elliot has married her Captain. Now Elizabeth feels the matter of soon becoming a spinster on a shelf and so devises a plan to find a husband. Her list of requirements leads her on a merry chase with no success…all the while noticing one man (an unacceptable man) always seeming to be nearby and staring at her. Does her list need revising or can she make do with just any man who fulfills the requirements on that list? 52% - a slice of love by Mary Smythe: Modern setting with a film in production with our characters acting, producing, directing, taking the role of gofer, etc. Will Darcy, famous leading male actor, asks Elizabeth out on a date in much the same manner as Fitzwilliam Darcy proposed to Elizabeth in canon; offering to help her in becoming a successful actress. Elizabeth responds angrily, as she does not want to be an actress and is angry that he has not noticed her efforts in production. Then there is Caroline who goes berserk upon seeing a cake replica of Will’s head in a freezer! 85% - a mistaken light by Julie Cooper: At Netherfield, after nursing Jane for three days, Elizabeth retires to her bed but thinks of the legend of The Wick Maiden connected with the haunting of that estate. Then Darcy comes upon her, dancing in the ballroom with a lit wick in her hands. She is startled and drops the taper which he rushes to catch…needing the light. Elizabeth then tells him of the legend. Darcy sees the omen differently than did Mr. Bennet in his encounter with the same specter years ago.

Haven't posted in awhile: here's an update.

120.) Pride, Prejudice, & Permutations: A Collection of Pride & Prejudice Variations 3.5 stars
121.) The Seven Sins of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 Stars 122.) A Love That Lingers On 4 stars 123.) Mr. Darcy and the Governess: A Pride and Prejudice Romantic Comedy 5 stars
125.) Of Youth and Yearning: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
126.) The Shadows of Absence 5 stars
127.) Mrs Bennet Makes a Match: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
128.) The First Mrs. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 4 stars
129.) Mr. Knightley in His Own Words 5 stars
130.) His Choice of a Wife: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 5 stars
131.) The Companion 4 stars
132.) A Murder at Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
133.) Responsibility and Resentment: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
134.) A Case of Some Urgency: A Novella Length Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4 stars
135.) But For Loving Her Still: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
136.) Properly Humbled: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
137.) Cursed 4 stars
138.) Discretion and Daring 3 stars
139.) A Plethora of Peers: A Regency Romp inspired by P&P 4 stars
140.) Contemptible Celibacy: A Pride and Prejudice variation 3 stars
141.) Love Potion, Darcy's Mine: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
142.) Outnumbered: I received a copy of this 28-page short story free from Book Funnel. I could not find a link on which to post a review. The setting is the Lambton area where we find the Bingleys, the Gardiners, the Bennets and Darcys spending time together. The two Bingley sisters attempt over and again to put themselves in Darcy’s way. Frantic, he turns to Elizabeth for help when Caroline and Louisa pursue him.

Updating:

143.) The Trouble with Friends: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
144.) Elizabeth Bennet and The Wicked Widower: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5
145.) A Wound Deeper Than Pride 4 stars
146.) Darcy's Pursuit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
147.) Mr. Darcy and the Designing Woman: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary 4 stars
148.) If Not For the Entail: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
149.) Christmas at Hunsford Parsonage: A Pride and Prejudice short story 4 stars
150.) Yuletide Promise - A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars

And as we end this year:

151.) Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters: A Pride and Prejudice Novella 5 stars
152.) Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Letters: Bonus Epilogue: This 9-page epilogue has us in Caroline’s mind as she goes over how “wrong” everything turned out and finally as she listens to Mr. Bennet give her a piece of advice about love. (This was available through a link at the end of the previous story.)
153.) The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet, Volume One: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4.5 stars
154.) A New Mamma for Miss Darcy 3 stars
155.) Elizabeth Bennet’s Inheritance : A Pride and Prejudice Variation Christian Regency Romance 4 stars
156.) Lonely in London: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Variation 4 stars
157.) Mr Darcy's Lost Past: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 4 stars
158.) Wits & Wagers: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5 stars
159.) Hearts Entwined: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary 4 stars
160.) Holiday Machinations: A Pride & Prejudice Novelette 3.5 stars
161.) Once Upon a Time in Millsbury Not JAFF 4 stars
162.) Prologue to Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
163.) Spellbound at Pemberley 5 stars
164.) A More Agreeable Man: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 4 stars
165.) To Have and to Hold 4 stars
166.) A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3 stars
167.) A Pig in a Poke: This 31-page story was sent to me by BookFunnel. I could not find a link on which to post a review. We find Elizabeth searching for a pig upon which Lydia has tied Mary’s bonnet. While searching for the pig, which has run off from her owner, Darcy comes upon her. (They had not yet met.) After both muddied themselves trying to capture the pig and untie the bonnet, they part. But at the Meryton Assembly they meet again and are properly introduced.
168.) Catching Lizzy 4 stars
169.) Longbourn Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
170.) Christmas in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars
171.) The Darcy Letters, Volume 1 by Zoe Burton: 4 stars: Ending at 94% on my Kindle this is the first of a series and although the title names the letters as Darcy Letters, this variation gives us many people writing back and forth. This includes not only Darcy, but also Elizabeth, M/M Bennet, Richard Fitzwilliam, Mary, Jane, Kitty, Matlock, etc. Darcy and Elizabeth are married, and we read in many of the letters of their passion for each other.
172.) Charlotte’s Christmas Crown A P&P Christmas Mini, 4 stars, (22 pages) Part of her 12 days of Christmas “gifts” on her blog. Charlotte Lucas, age 16, attempts to elope with Randolph Edwards, a man she has admired for many years. Her parents put an end to that, and Randolph goes off to sea, in an attempt to make his fortune. For 11 years Charlotte does not hear from him. Her mother tries to force C. to accept Mr. Collins but she refuses. Then she learns from her father that Randolph has written faithfully. A happy ending.
173.) Sweethearts and Snowflakes: A Christmas Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
174.) A Most Alarming Report: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars
175.) Mr. Darcy's Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5 stars

And sneaking in one last story:

An Old Acquaintance: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Novella 5 stars