I've grown to really appreciate this author's unusual writing style. It's perfect for a modern Pride and Prejudice that begins with Elizabeth tentatively reaching out to Darcy via text message months after his insulting declaration of love at the Hunsford Pub.

The narrative is intentionally jumpy and disjointed, a perfect reflection of Elizabeth's state of mind. She's hurt and angry at him for making it clear that she and her family are beneath him, but she can't help wondering whether she judged him too harshly. She sends and receives sporadic texts with him, not sure exactly what she's hoping for. She knows she's toying with his emotions, but she doesn't stop and doesn't seem to know why she's doing this.

The majority of the book is told from Elizabeth's POV in a stream-of-consciousness style with a small section near the middle showing Darcy's. The closer they get to being a couple, the more the narrative smooths out. It's painful to read at times - they must learn how to communicate without their text conversations dissolving into arguments, and they negotiate, agreeing to one text message for each per day.

The storyline is recognizably P&P (the Bennet family, Jane and Bingley, Wickham and Georgiana - all with plots and personalities similar to JA's characters); nevertheless, the book is unpredictable throughout. The unconventional narrative style may be off-putting to some readers (sentence fragments galore!), but I think it's rather brilliant, though I doubt I would care for it in a Regency story.

Really well-done modern variation of Pride and Prejudice.

Content makes it clear that characters are engaging in sex without providing any descriptions. jaff kindle-unlimited17 s mikaela (spinebreaker)1,221 39

It was great on AO3 and it's great on my kindle. Forever faithful to Laure0014 s Faustine838 10

Love it! favourite-modern-jaff jaff re-read-and-still-great4 s Anna Fitzwilliam218 24

Love it!3 s Madenna U1,952 1 follower

While poetry is not my favorite form of literature, this story reads more a poem and it was just what I needed. I loved it. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy slowly find their way back to each other after a big drunk fight/proposal. It is a modern post Hunsford story.2024-austenesque-challenge genre-jaff genre-romance ...more2 s Christine56 1 follower

The writing style was very different and made the book feel more a modern story. I enjoyed the characterization of Lizzy and Darcy. 2 s Kim PowerAuthor 5 books7

Unique

another reviewer, I generally don’t modern variations, but this came highly recommended. It’s not long, written in a terse style, almost texting, which is so central to the novel. But compelling. I pass on that recommendation. 1 Melanie92 8

Elizabeth hasn't heard from Darcy since she rejected his hurtful proposal. But one evening she is simply bored and begins to text him ... And he texts back. She simply enjoys this game, she has no serious intentions but Darcy is hoping for a second chance and that he can convince her that he is not as awful as she thinks.
In the course of many messages and some personal meetings they get to know each other better and Darcy secretly and unstoppably becomes a part of Elizabeth's life. Will Darcy get his second chance? Will Elizabeth admit to herself that she becomes attached to Darcy? Will they find happiness together?

This modern story is very well written by the author Laura Moretti. She has developed her own style but it fits perfectly to this modern story and the many text messages between Darcy and Elizabeth. The book captivated me, I nearly read it in one turn. Though the story is set in modern times you can definitely recognise the structure, the events and the main characters of Pride and prejudice. It was transferred in a very good way.

In this story Elizabeth is, at the beginning, only toying with Darcy after she rejected him. I feel sorry for Darcy because of the rejection and that Elizabeth, on the top, uses him for her amusement. But he nevertheless grabs the chance to change her opinion of him. And change it he did. He also changes his behaviour towards others and his point of view about others who are not his equal, things Elizabeth pointed out in her rejection.

Elizabeth on her part is a bit cruel to Darcy. It is ok to reject someone but then to toy with him and his obvious affection for her is not ok. But she is "punished" for this with the uncertainty concerning the feelings she developed for Darcy. She only very late figures out that she is in love with him.

I the slow progress of the love story and that Darcy, unbeknownst to Elizabeth and little by little, becomes an important part of her life and that she starts missing him when he is not present. She is very stubborn and needs long to recognise this but in the end she finally sees that Darcy is the one she wants to live her life with.

In this story are many sweet moments between Darcy and Elizabeth, especially when Elizabeth finally allows Darcy to be part of her life and they begin to see each other again.

I also the messages exchanged between Darcy and Elizabeth about everything and nothing, sometimes with depth sometimes only about their surroundings. These messages give me the feeling that they are right from the middle of life. That this story could have taken place a week ago in my neighborhood. I really d that.

If you a modern version in which Elizabeth texts Darcy out of boredom after she rejects him and nevertheless slowly forms a relationship with him you should definitely read this book.

I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.101-200-p arc closed-door ...more1 Craftyhj810

A bold writing style but the plot was not really bold enough to sustain it

This author is to be commended for their use of a very different writing style. This was generally successfully used but at times it slipped badly. I did not particularly enjoy this writing style in all honesty but for me the biggest problem was the complete lack of plot variation. The only new thing for the reader to grab onto was the writing style itself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.2024jaff arc mod-non-regency ...more1 Judit 4

When I read Laura Moretti, I feel a deep emotional and sensory connection to her work. It might sound absurd, but my brain always links the experience to those times when I've been able to gaze in awe at a Monet painting. Or perhaps, more than absurd, it might come off as a bit of an obvious comparison, after all, impressionist art seeks to capture the essence of a moment through juxtaposed brushstrokes, while Moretti vividly conveys feelings and experiences through her distinctive fragmented narrative. The point is, it grabs me, stirs me, and makes me live.

Undoubtedly, she's one of my favorite JAFF authors. Whether staying within the Regency or transporting the characters to the present or even a dystopian future, she always manages to make her Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley, etc., etc., truly hers, yet true to canon. They are always wonderfully human, imperfect, and their evolution always feels natural.

"Heartbroken" is another example of all this, in this case in the modern JAFF category, which, for me, is a bonus (finding good adaptations of the characters to a different era is such a challenge!).
If I have to nitpick, it would be that it's a short read, but I'd be lying; its length is just right. It's just that sometimes greed gets the better of me, and I would have d to immerse myself in that world for hours.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. PH54 2

Healing the broken hearts.

The Stream of Consciousness is what that’s fascinating about this story, and what I about the author’s style of delivery. If you have been there, you would know it when the author gives you a word, ‘stew ’, and you feel confined… instead of hungry…

I realized that I was always holding my breath when reading the conversations (the texts also). I cringed for Darcy and I squeaked for Elizabeth. The awkwardness, the tension and the bursting feeling forced to be suppressed are so surreal and so real. You know, you know.

In a background of the modern world, Darcy and Elizabeth discover each other by phone text. Darcy admitted he’s shy while I am more for that he is reserved. Elizabeth is cruel and can be even b_chy sometimes but that’s why we can always see oneself or one of our friends in her, right? The author provides us with the voices in their heads which adds more to the humour of the controversies and builds up the density of the anticipation and excitement.

Couldn’t put it down. Suitable for a raining autumn day that is almost winter. (or anytime in the year of course.) Linda Franklin268 3

Enchanting Modern Variation

In Heartbroken, Laura Moretti has used an ultra-modern style that perfectly reflects the ultra-modern setting of this P&P variation. Relying a great deal on short sentences and sentence fragments, and quite a bit of (very important and delightful, this) texting, she has beautifully paralleled the most important Darcy and Elizabeth conflicts and plot points: the Bennet family's (lack of) status; the villainous Wickham and his attempts at teenaged Georgiana and Lydia; the separation and reuniting (thank you for both, Darcy) of Jane and Bingley); jealous, venomous Caroline; the surprise meeting of the Gardiners and Elizabeth at Pemberley (now not an estate, exactly); and even the ever-so-helpful Mrs. Reynolds, so proud of Pemberley, so proud of Darcy.
Even if you aren't generally a fan of modern variations, try this one. Its spirit is so true to the original, and yet it presents a unique and utterly satisfying story and a moving reading experience. Kelly1,608 70

This romance novella is a modern retelling of the classic, Pride and Prejudice.

I wasn't sure how well this would work, but I thought it looked and sounded interesting, and I enjoyed it. I know some fellow readers who adore the original so much that they probably wouldn't take any interest in this, but with all retellings, I think it's important to keep an open mind and try not to compare with the original. I did think that it was interesting to see a classic this retold in a modern setting.

For me, the writing had a kind of sincerity and simplicity that made it very readable. It was sophisticated, and still had that classic feel about it. The romance and passion were there, I felt them. I would be interested to read a longer book by this author, perhaps.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Barb36

Beautifully written, very poetic and moody. Feels a realistic if quirky love affair, all the uncertainty, and unspoken, and not yet realised. The author has transplanted many of the places and incidents of the original into a modern setting, in a very amusing way, not too literal and thus clunky.

“Lizzy, you’re making this more difficult than it has to be” - Jane. And she is, and it’s funny and romantic and lovely. A short read, set in what feels a modern northern town in the U.K. and leaves you wanting to have, or revel in having, someone who loves you as much as Darcy loves Elizabeth. I’m not usually a fan of modern day P&P variations, but greatly enjoyed this one for all the above reasons.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy via Bookfunnel with no strings attached. The review is my own opinion. Denise Logan3

I have read all of Laura Moretti’s P&P variations except one. So I was so excited when I got the opportunity to read and review this one before it was released. I just knew I would love it! Then I started reading. The story seemed SO familiar. The further I got into it, I realized that was because it overlapped significantly with Ms. Moretti’s “Games of Love and Cruelty,” one of the books I loved. I finished “Heartbroken” because I committed to reading and reviewing it, but I couldn’t really enjoy it. It pales in comparison to “GOLAC”. It seems more an outline of that book than a story which stands on its own. My best recommendation is, if you are new to Laura Moretti’s books, read this one before “Games of Love and Cruelty.” You might find it a sweet story and enjoy it more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Patty1,826 10

Watching Darcy and Lizzy interact via text, meeting at coffee shops and other social settings really brought this story to life in the modern day. I enjoyed watching their story unfold, yet came to see just how much more disjointed and untrusting relationships can be today based on perceptions. This is the first novel I have read by this author. It took me a while to get used to her writing style as it felt more halting in nature - telling the story with chunks of statements than revealing it through interaction between the characters. Perhaps this is just an interpretation of the modern day mindset. Overall, it was a different yet enjoyable variation to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Lisa184

I d the story overall.

I had one major issue that stuck out. Jane & Elizabeth using their downstairs tenants' apartment to throw a party (with alcohol) and allowing their underage sisters and underage friends to attend.

I don't understand why Bingley, Caroline or Darcy would show up at these parties.

I don't understand why Elizabeth would tell Darcy that she thought it was sweet that people came over, got drunk, and made out or even more in dark corners. She's basically promoting underage orgies and proud of it. Ick!

[It would have made more sense if the Philips (the downstairs neighbors) were present for these parties. And the Philips along with their neighbors (maybe the Longs and Gouldings) gave a monthly potluck for the tenants in the building. I could definitely see Bingley, Caroline and Darcy attending a grown-up potluck as oppose to an underage orgy!] Julia19

I enjoyed the modern setting of this story, and how much of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth was conducted through text messages. The key events of the original novel were cleverly adapted to modern settings.
I do think a reader would have to be familiar with Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice to follow this book, as a lot of the details are quite vague, such as Darcy’s first proposal and Wickham’s background.
I found the writing style a little disjointed, sometimes distracting from the flow of the story. But the storytelling itself kept me interested.

I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel, and am making a voluntary review. T1,084

Similar background to the author’s book Games of Love and Cruelty, but a different storyline. I d this version best, though both are good.

A modern Elizabeth who is just cruel enough to taunt Darcy but also be a little afraid of her emotions was enjoyable to read. I loved her dedication to impressing him via text. I d the layers of what wasn’t said as much as what was. Darcy knowing what she is doing and accepting it anyway was a little heartbreaking (as the title!) but there is a determination in both to be better that is very uplifting.

It is a short read but there is so much detail packed in. My favourite of this author’s works so far. Sheila Majczan2,474 172

I d the writing style in this modern variation. Most is from Elizabeth's POV, a stream of consciousness. And a good part is in the form of texts back and forth between her and Darcy. In this story he has again made that awful proposal, putting down her family while doing so.

The thoughts are often one or a few words and/or incomplete sentences. As in modern times the couple texts in the same manner. Sometimes they reply asap and other times it is days between texts.

The Bennet family lives in a large building where they rent out apartments: Mr. Bennet not raising the rent to balance his lack of upkeep of the residence. Darcy does own Pemberley so we read of Elizabeth touring that.

With only 97 pages this, obviously, is a very short story. We do have parts which hint at the couple sleeping together but no details are given.

There is one an incident between underage Lydia and Wickham and Bennet threatens to bring charges. Again, no details.

Jane and Bingley have their thing going on and the two sisters are good friends as in canon.

The writing style fit this story perfectly for me but others may be put off by the unique style. I enjoyed this story.8 s Katie291 27

A modern take

This actually read a poem. Lots of short broken sentences. A lot of imagery and emotions. It was easy to follow but I can't say it was a smooth read. It is told from Elizabeth's point of view and you don't really get any information on Jane and Bingley's relationship other than in passing. For a decent portion of the book Elizabeth is a jerk...and she knows she's being a jerk which is annoying. I also wasn't a fan of how the Gardiners were portrayed. I did end up liking the story but probably won't read it again. 2024 ja-2024 kindle-unlimited ...more Katja2,577 37

This one was a reread, I read the unpublished draft on FF earlier. Darcy and Elizabeth had a drunken fight at a pub named Hunsford. Later she texts him and they start an awkward exchange of texts and quick meetings. There is a Wickham subplot in which he apparently has an interest in very young girls but it's pretty vague what happened. It is written in an impressionistic style, lots of broken sentences. Sometimes effective, sometimes choppy. A few jokes or turns of phrase that I absolutely adore.

Steam level: They did something they d but no anatomic details are given. jaff4 s Luanne Chittenden42

Excellent with very minor technical difficulties

This is a really fun read yet also has great depth of emotion. Much is left to the reader to imagine. You won't find a lengthy story in which everything is resolved by the end including the full names of future children and grandchildren in an epilogue. Yet it's satisfying and feels complete. I enjoyed this afternoon read thoroughly and found only a few punctuation errors that didn't slow things down at all. Highly recommend! Barbara17.8k 8

The first story in the "What If?" Modern Darcy and Elizabeth Series. A modern Pride and Prejudice Variation, Elizabeth and Darcy's second chance in this well written story. There is a good storyline that held my interest. I found the story to be well worth reading. This is a new author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Princess_jime163 14

Lovely, a mood, smart in an understated sort of way, I particularly loved the text messaging and wish there was more of it shown. A cup of hot coffee on a chilly morning. All I missed, and this is just a personal taste of mine, is more of his internal desperation, but that's just my evil side showing her face. Linda K Goodwin331 3

A fun little modern romance and an inner fight against the romance. A very patient and persistent AND wealthy Darcy. A lol Elizabeth family and a very romantically involved Jane.
This would be best directed at a younger crowd but an old woman me can still enjoy a quick fight for love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. JULIE63 2

Great short story

Writing style is a bit different, sort of stream of consciousness. But well done and a quick read. Picks up a bit after Hunsford, Elizabeth and Darcy working through their feelings about each other slowly. Helen Homer126 2

A very different book. More a collection of fleeting thoughts and disjointed moments giving parts of the story. The language was quite beautiful and poetic at times and it was a really interesting style of story telling, but overall I prefer a more detailed cohesive narrative.pandp-variation Cynthia7 1 follower

Laura Moretti is one of my favorite authors. If you want to read something original but still keeping faithful to our favorite characters, this is for you. It’s a quick and low angst read. Loved it! Dori Hayashi58 1 follower

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