When Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy barges half-dressed into the room where Miss Elizabeth Bennet is staying at Netherfield, apparently on the run from Miss Caroline Bingley's attempt to engineer a compromise and trap him in a marriage, he claims to have compromised Elizabeth instead.

Elizabeth is not pleased at this turn of events, considering that Mr. Darcy is the most arrogant and altogether worst man she has ever met. She's particularly displeased at having her choices taken away and being obliged to become this man's wife.

Mr. Darcy's ardent admiration of her is some consolation, however, and there is something to be said for the way he seems to be able to reduce her shivers with a look. They have a connection, something powerful, physical, and undeniable.

If only Miss Bingley weren't determined to work her revenge on the newlyweds, and if only Mr. Darcy's past with a certain Mr. Wickham weren't lurking in the shadows, ready to rear its ugly head.

Dear reader, this is a quintessential Valerie Lennox JAFF—winking irreverence, a dollop of angst, and enough steam to choke on. It returns to some of my favorite tropes and situations (forced marriage, a scheming Caroline, a darker Mr. Darcy) and gives them a little bit of a different spin. I sincerely hope you enjoy!