What's worse than being trapped, alone, in the middle of a blizzard? Being trapped with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy! After Mr. Bingley's ball at Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet makes sure that she and her family are the last guests to leave. But when an early winter storm descends, the Bennets are trapped at Netherfield for the foreseeable future. Elizabeth is in despair. Not only will she be forced into close proximity with Caroline Bingley, the odious Mr. Collins, and her ridiculous mother and younger sisters… Now she'll has to contend with the proud Mr. Darcy, as well. But the weather is not the only unnatural occurrence, of late. Mr. Darcy is showing an interest in Elizabeth. Agreeing to be her partner. Revealing secrets about his history, only to her. If she didn't know better, she might think the taciturn man with the burning blue eyes and slow, secretive smile was beginning to like her. And even she might be starting to like him back. Is Mr. Darcy really cold as ice - or will being snowbound with Elizabeth cause him to melt? Dear reader, is it cold outside? This wintry tale is guaranteed to warm you up! Please note that my earlier works are intimate, sensual Pride and Prejudice variations. Snowbound with Darcy is NOT! It's as sweet as a cup of hot chocolate, and while the emotions between our dear couple are hotter than a roaring fire, they do not anticipate their vows and there are no sensual scenes. (At all!) What am I doing? Having fun…spending a weekend snowbound with my very sweet Darcy and Elizabeth!
By day, Caitlin Marie Carrington juggles motherhood, her editing job, one surly cat and all the adorable drama that life with small children (and one giant husband) entails.
By night, she imagines new adventures for our dear couple, Elizabeth and Darcy.
“Nothing is as sensual as the first kiss of snow in the winter.” –Anthony T. Hincks
Rating: Clean: This author is known for intimate, sensual P&P variations. However, this one was not. It is incredible how the author can write a clean story with words so descriptive that it could melt the snow trapping them at Netherfield. Sigh, it was swoon-worthy. Only a few errors pulled me from the text.
“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” –Vesta M. Kelly
For Mr. Darcy, the situation at Netherfield had gone from bad to worse and then it turned unbearable. As stated in canon, the Bennet family was last to call for their carriage after the ball. Just as they prepared to leave, a winter storm slammed into Hertfordshire and it quickly became too treacherous for them to travel. They would now have to spend the night… all the Bennets and Mr. Collins.
Darcy began to wonder what sweet-hell he had fallen into. His plans to leave with Bingley the next morning were now for naught. He was stuck for an indeterminate period in a house with Miss Elizabeth, all the Bennet family, Mr. Collins and Caroline Bingley. Could it get any worse? An then it did.
“The snow was endless, a heavy blanket on the outdoors; it had a way about it. A beauty. But I knew that, like many things, beauty could be deceiving.” –Cambria Hebert, Whiteout
Danger: angst that scared me senseless. As I read the harrowing experience, I found myself leaning into my reading device as Darcy became the hero we know and love. I nearly cried as he anguished over a situation in which his wealth, prestige, and connections had no sway. This was something he could not control or manage. He was devastated and I thought all was lost. My heart was breaking and I held my breath as the scene played out. I CNPID [could-not-put-it-down]. I can’t even mention it as it would be a spoiler. I loved this part. I recommend this book for anyone that loves a good Darcy and those tender, tender moments with ODC [our-dear-couple]. That alone was worth an extra star.
“All Heaven and Earth Flowered white obliterate… Snow… unceasing snow” —Hashin, Japanese Haiku
Well, we know the Bennets are the last family to depart at the end of the Netherfield ball. This "what if" postulates the consequences of a sudden heavy snowstorm that prevents the Bennet carriage from leaving.
Interestingly, there are some changes even before the snow hits. Because of her dislike for him, Elizabeth refuses Darcy's request to dance, claiming her ankle is injured. Instead of moving away, he sits and engages her in conversation, as well as responding courteously to ladies also sitting nearby. Elizabeth starts to sense another, more sensitive side to the haughty Mr. Darcy. She also feels the first stirrings of a strong physical attraction for the handsome man.
With Darcy, the Bingleys, Hursts, Bennets and Mr. Collins all sharing a residence through the long-lasting storm, some Pride and Prejudice plot developments unfold much sooner. The tone of the story is intensely sensual without becoming sexual. The point of view goes back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth, describing all the delicious heat and yearning they feel for each other.
Darcy fights against his feelings but can't resist protecting Elizabeth from Wickham's lies, which means opening more of himself to her. She barely understands her physical response to Darcy, but she is fully aware that his social position puts him out of her reach.
In the meantime, of course, Mrs. Bennet is doing everything in her power to promote a match between Elizabeth and Mr. Collins. His marriage proposal and Mrs. Bennet's reaction lead Elizabeth to make a catastrophic decision. It makes for a thrilling climax.
The writing is emotionally evocative and generally good, although there are many phrases and terms that are too modern for a Regency story. There are also passages lifted directly from Jane Austen's classic. Unfortunately, there are a few editing-type errors, too.
If you like a romance with all the "feels"- scorching stares, electricity from the lightest touches, chest tightness- this is right up your alley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The angst is low as the only real obstacle is Darcy and Lizzie's thoughts and (wickham) has of course poisoned her view. The plot makes sense if you are willing to suspend some things that are not really plausible (why are they the only ones trapped after the ball?). But i truly enjoyed reading about the unfolding relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy charming the old Meryoton ladies was soo swoon-worthy (sigh!). I enjoyed how we would switch perspective each chapter between the two. Some things were not resolved (what happened with Collins) but I didn't mind. I loved the epilogue. A perfect end. This truly is a great romantic read. I'll be reading this again.
I will say there were a few errors (words that were wrong like she/he) but it wasn't too distracting. My favorite book from this author. Also, this work is NOT MA.
I am all choked up, what an utterly spellbinding, romantic and deliciously emotional ending!
Entering at the Netherfield ball, it deviated from canon instantly when a blizzard snowbound the Bennet's at Netherfield. The result was lovely banter, delightful sexual tension, a cacophony of Bennet's and a lot of romance in the air. It ended in a fabulously well written, dramatic event that was tugging severely on my heart strings (sniff).
I absolutely loved it!!!
Heartily recommend this book, if I could I would give it 10*...
One kind word can warm three winter months. ~ Japanese Proverb
To Elizabeth Bennet’s knowledge, Fitzwilliam Darcy is incapable of any kind words – until the Netherfield Ball, that is. Elizabeth refuses Darcy’s request for a dance, claiming an injury caused by her clumsy first partner, Mr. Collins. She expects him to withdraw to the other side of the room but he helps her to a chair and sits beside her and – shock of all shocks – talks to her. A suspicion builds that Wickham’s story may not be entirely truthful; especially when she witnesses Darcy’s kindness to two older ladies sitting near them.
Mrs. Bennet’s efforts to increase Jane/Bingley exposure time bears fruit – the Bennets and Mr. Collins are forced to remain at Netherfield to avoid a snowstorm.
Winter bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~ Montenegrin Proverb
At a break in the storm, Elizabeth escapes into the snow and sunshine, forgetting the dangers of snow and ice.
This is a clean, well-written story that would be enjoyed by anyone who likes JAFF.
The color of springtime is in the flowers; the color of winter is in the imagination. ~ Terri Guillemets
Ok... Let me explain. I liked how this book was written! The story was cute and for the Mort part the characters were authentic. I just had 2 issues that others may think I'm crazy for having. Issue #1 "but goodness, she had never noticed how very blue his eyes were. They were so, so…blue." I know. Silly thing to get annoyed about, I'm sure. But, blue? I just never pictured Darcy with his dark looks to have blue eyes! (ok, maybe Colin Firth also have a LITTLE to do with that.) Issue #2:" Elizabeth was trying to ignore Mr. Darcy, but at the sound of his laughter—she looked. Yes, he was laughing. And—smiling." "Mr. Darcy smiled gently." "Darcy realized that despite his nerves, he was smiling." "as soon as their eyes met and they grinned at each other" Again, I know. My issue here is so much smiling and grinning! Lol! I did like the story though, it was well written and dramatic.
I’ve read several snowbound theme books and this is the first where Darcy and Elizabeth are snowbound with her family as well as Bingley and his family.
I enjoyed the plot and how Darcy and Elizabeth got to know each other better. The last 20% was a bit rushed and left many unanswered questions.
There were also many spelling/grammatical errors. Overall it’s a low angst, short, fun read.
It is the night of the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth is eager to spend an agreeable evening but then she finds herself and her family trapped at Netherfield due to a snowstorm. She has no chance to escape both Mr Collins as well as Mr Darcy. Her mother pushes the former in her direction and the latter is strangely changed and shows an interest in being near her. He even reveals secrets to her. Elizabeth is confused, not only about Darcy but also about her own feelings because she realizes that she might be able to like this man. But what about Darcy? What are his feelings for Elizabeth? Do they share a mutual affection?
The book of the author Caitlin Marie Carrington is very well written and a sweet story. The tension and attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth is very well described in the book. Darcy especially searches for Elizabeth's nearness and he tells her things he has not told another person. He opens his heart to her and makes himself vulnerable. At the beginning he tries to fight his feelings but he is not able to do this while being near Elizabeth because he acts with his heart and not with his head. I like this emotional Darcy very much. Developing a relationship with Elizabeth is much easier when he admits his feelings.
With Darcy opening up to her, Elizabeth is able to see his real self and discover that she likes this side of Darcy. At the beginning her head tells her that she dislikes that man but she nevertheless is feeling strong emotions at the same time. But with time she is also able to act with her heart like Darcy.
The story is not all the time only sweet, the Bennet family and Bingley's sisters are naturally causing some trouble and discomfort. But that keeps the story interesting 😉
The only point I have to complain about (it is meant as a joke, I honestly don't have points to complain about 😉): after Darcy and Elizabeth have reached an understanding Elizabeth is calling Darcy Darcy and not Fitzwilliam or William 😕. Not my idea of a loving and passionate relationship. But fortunately that does not decrease the pleasure I had while reading the story 😉
If you like a story in which the sparks between Darcy and Elizabeth fly, both are searching for each other's nearness and there are not many misunderstandings between them you should definitely read this sweet story.
The Bingley family, the Bennet family, Darcy snowed in at Netherfield. Not a terribly interesting story. SO MUCH of the story is about how bad the Bennet family acted. It was overpowering at times. And Lizzy is mortified and treated poorly by her family over and over again.
After almost being forced to marry Collins by her mother Lizzy is really agitated and rushes outside in the deep snow to be by herself. She walks on a snow covered river and falls through the ice. Given how well she knows the geography of the land within walking distance of Longbourn, that shouldn’t have happened. Darcy gets her out but she isn’t breathing for like a minute and snaps out of it, unrealistically, for no good reason.
Darcy and she live happily ever after. After finishing the story I was grateful to not being with the Bennet family. I think if I had been Darcy, in the proposal I might have demanded we not spend much time with the family, especially her mother.
Well written except it wasn’t very compelling, even the near drowning. I barely recommend this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely Pride and Prejudice variation. The story was different. I enjoyed reading how Elizabeth Bennet fall hopelessly in love with Darcy. A sweet tale!
Snowbound with Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Well, I can't think of anything more exciting than to be stuck with Fitzwilliam Darcy at Netherfield once he began to act tolerable. We still had the haughty, stiff, and formal Fitzwilliam Darcy at the Meryton Assembly complete with his infamous remark about Elizabeth Bennet, but by the Netherfield Ball Darcy's stately demeanor was beginning to crumble ever so slightly that occasionally a smile was seen or laugh was heard. For some unexplainable reason, the Bennets were stranded by a blizzard at Netherfield. So during the next several days Darcy and Elizabeth got to discuss the misunderstandings and misjudgments developed during the months prior to the ball. Unfortunately having the less desirable members of the Bennet family around caused continued embarrassment to others. Mr. Collins didn't add to Elizabeth's composure at all and when he decides to offer for Elizabeth at her mother's insistence, Elizabeth leaves to go for a walk. Darcy catches sight of her and realizes that she is upset. When he finds out that she has left Netherfield for a walk, he forms a search party since it has begun to snow. Desperately searching the snow covered landscape, he finds that she has fallen in the stream and is sinking below the surface. When she disappears, he dives in after her. When Bingley and the footmen two them to shore with ropes, Elizabeth is not breathing. At this point Darcy is not about to let her go without a fight and it is the actions of this desperate man that causes Elizabeth to start sputtering water from her lungs. Those watching his desperation realize that he loves this young woman deeply. Facing death was probably less of a harrowing experience than recovering and facing her mother's nerves. HEA comes for both couples while Snowbound at Netherfield.
Too much heavy breathing and swooning! The romance was just too heavy-handed. Yes, I get that they are attracted to each other, but it has more impact when dialed back. When Elizabeth is still meant to hate him, it just doesn't make sense.
The one section I really liked was the incident on the ice. Very dramatic, well written and even a little romantic. That section alone would have earned it another star, had it not been for what follows.
This book starts along the usual story lines of P and P, with Darcy cold and remote and Elizabeth ready to challenge his every word. But a snow storm traps the Bennet family at Netherfield, as the last to leave the ball. The weather has turned for the worst, and so they must stay. Thus begins an opportunity for our couple to learn about each other. Mr. Collins' proposal sets disaster in motion. So if you must take quite break do so then, cause you won't want to put it down then.
Readers familiar with Carrington's other P and P variation s know they can be, well, very naughty. This book is not but does capture just enough heart racing looks and shy touches to feel the underlying tension.
A lovely little book, and a goodread. But I have some issues with it. The ending was a bit rushed. And while I hate Mrs Bennet in the canon, in this fanfiction she is worse in my opinion. Another thing is that Darcy is not very much like his canon self. Not that it is bad or anything, I just wanted to warn people who don't like this sort of things.
What a nice way to spend the week between Christmas and the New Year!
This author was new to me, and I will read her again.
It was hard for me not to compare this one to 'Alone with Mr Darcy' by Abigail Reynolds, and where the book kind of bummed me out a bit was that the entire Bennet clan was in this one..versus being 'snowbound' alone with Mr Darcy..
But, it was good...and would have most likely been given 4 stars had not the grammatical errors irritated me as much as they did.
A nice, solid Austen fan fiction to curl up with this winter!
This was a very enjoyable book and I enjoyed reading about Elizabeth and Darcy as they interacted while trapped at Netherfield and seeing them have their private conversations that helped lead to them better understanding one another. While I did really enjoy the book as a whole the scenes were he feared he lost her were really emotional and a bit much for me as it hit close to home due to some of my family. The epilogue at the end was also really cute.
I enjoyed the witty banter between Darcy and Elizabeth. The character development was excellent and did not feel rushed as it so often does in other variations. My only critique is that it needs more editing. Missing words and incorrect pronouns can be easily fixed. Great story though. This is one that I will certainly be rereading.
This book was very sweet. I enjoyed the dynamic between Darcy and Elizabeth a lot. Was the ending on the melodramatic side? Yes, yes it was. But I let that slide. I still enjoyed watching Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love with each other. Some of the dialogue and more romantic scenes were very well written with a great sense of humor. I will be reading her other books.
This was a short & pleasant story and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had a little more substance than I expected! D &E’s understanding of each other & the blossoming of their romance was accelerated when, after the Netherfield Ball, a surprise snow storm forces the Bennet’s to stay at Netherfield.
This was fine. If I were reading it on AO3, I would definitely have left kudos, but I wouldn't have bookmarked it as something I'd want to return to at a later date.
Captivating and riveting! I love the "what if" scenario, and I devoured the story. I could not put it down - especially the dramatic ending! My heart was in my throat! If you like P&P variations, and don't mind a bit of change in the characterizations then you have to read this story!
This was a fun adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth are stuck at Bingley’s estate together because of a snow storm after the ball. So the whole book happens in the estate. Darcy is still intense and brooding. Love it. And Elizabeth’s still blunt and will tell Darcy exactly what she thinks. It was a great read. I read it in a day so it was a quick story.