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Heather Moll
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Rising Courage: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Excessively Diverted) Kindle Edition

by Heather Moll (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 992 ratings
**An IPPY bronze medal winner for romance 2024!**
An insulting proposal. A band of criminals. Can they fight off their kidnappers and find their way to happily ever after?

Elizabeth Bennet is seething. Firmly refusing an offer of marriage from the man who ruined her beloved sister’s chance at happiness, the spirited young lady goes walking to clear her head. But her anger changes to fear when three strange men who believe she’s Anne de Bourgh throw her unceremoniously into a carriage and drive off.

Fitzwilliam Darcy regrets his offensive proposal. But when he chases down the object of his affection to set the story straight, he is horrified to witness her kidnapping. And after his gallant rescue endeavor merely gets him captured too, he worries revealing her true identity could get them both killed.

Bristling at her forced proximity to her spurned suitor, Elizabeth is pleasantly surprised at how well they work together. But even as they disagree on whether or not to risk an escape, Darcy suspects their survival may not lead to him winning her heart.

Can they fix their cascade of misunderstandings to find happily ever after?

contains mature content, mild violence
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  1. Print length
    264 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 2024
  5. File size
    3.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

mountains, blue sky, heather, Jane Austen, variations

Heather Moll writes romantic variations of Jane Austen’s classic novels. She is known for her historical details, unique plots, and characters true to the beloved originals. Whether you want a short read, a full-length novel, regency or something a little different, she has an Austenesque happy ever after for you.

An Affectionate Heart
An Appearance of Goodness
Rising Courage
Nine Ladies
His Choice of a Wife
Without Undue Pride: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
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Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,358
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,012
4.3 out of 5 stars 992
4.6 out of 5 stars 881
4.2 out of 5 stars 559
4.4 out of 5 stars 655
Price $4.99 $4.99 $5.99 $4.99 $4.99 $5.99
Post-Hunsford no data ✓ ✓ no data ✓ no data
Marriage of Convenience ✓ no data no data no data no data no data
Time Travel Romance no data no data no data ✓ no data no data
Forced Proximity no data no data ✓ no data no data no data
Altered Meeting ✓ no data no data ✓ no data ✓
widowed Darcy or Elizabeth no data no data no data no data no data ✓

Editorial Reviews

Review

**An IPPY bronze medal winner for romance 2024!**

Rescues, revelations, respect, and regard - Darcy and Elizabeth traverse an entirely unique route in this romantic adventure. Wonderfully exhilarating! Full of admirable courage, powerful emotions, and deep connection - I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CR4B4QHC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Excessively Diverted Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9798986612928
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8986612928
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #130,605 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 992 ratings

About the author

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Heather Moll

Heather Moll

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Heather Moll is an avid reader of mysteries and biographies with a masters in information science. She found Jane Austen later than she should have and made up for lost time by devouring her letters and unpublished works, joining JASNA, and spending too much time researching the Regency era. She is the author of An Appearance of Goodness, An Affectionate Heart, Nine Ladies, and A Hopeful Holiday among others. She lives with her husband and son, and struggles to balance all of the important things, like whether or not to buy groceries or stay home and write.

Connect with her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter for a free story. https://www.heathermollauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
992 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and enjoyable, with positive reactions to its romance elements, particularly the development between the lovers and the palpable tension at the start. The plot receives mixed feedback, with some praising its inventive story while others note too many plot blunders. Character development also gets mixed reviews, with some loving the characters while others find the villain's cruelty too awful.

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EnjoymentRomanceViolence levelWriting stylePlotCharacter development
15 customers mention "Enjoyment"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and well done, with one customer specifically praising it as a nice version of ODC.

"OK the villains in this tale are the cruelest I've ever read. Wonderful! An abduction tale with a completely different perspective...." Read more

"...It was one of those great books that when your family interrupts your reading, you get so annoyed!..." Read more

"Let me start off by saying I really enjoyed this book...." Read more

"...element in successful Pride&Prejudice variations; this one is exceptionally adept at that...." Read more

11 customers mention "Romance"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one review highlighting the palpable tension between the lovers at the start, while another notes the decent amount of angst.

"...adorable... Her books are usually dependable, well written and heart warming... So I, too, counted down the days to the release of this book... Boy..." Read more

"...The tension between the lovers at the start is palpable, while the romantic exchanges alone make this novel worthwhile the read...." Read more

"...This book is not for the faint of heart and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat...." Read more

"...The romance was incredible though. Moll seems to keep besting herself with every new book. She’s a treasure to JAFF readers...." Read more

8 customers mention "Violence level"6 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the level of violence in the book, with one customer noting it's more dangerous than typical Pride and Prejudice stories.

"This is an unusual variation, with more adventure and danger than the typical P&P story...." Read more

"...It had everything I love: forced proximity, danger, memorable characters, and swoon-worthy moments between Darcy & Elizabeth...." Read more

"I don't know how this book got more than 4 stars. There was too much violence along with surprise steamy sex scenes which i did not expect or..." Read more

"...Danger, family, and of course the romance all developed and rolled out beautifully...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book.

"...Nine Ladies, adorable... Her books are usually dependable, well written and heart warming... So I, too, counted down the days to the release of..." Read more

"...I found the writing style addictive, and I did not want to put the book down!..." Read more

"...Ms. Moll has a lovely writing style and her books are usually very low on errors and mistakes which greatly increases my enjoyment...." Read more

"...is palpable, while the romantic exchanges alone make this novel worthwhile the read...." Read more

34 customers mention "Plot"23 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot of the book, with some praising its inventive storyline while others criticize it for having too many plot blunders.

"Yes, an interesting story but I want romance and loving not raw sexual scenes. I am not into female porn." Read more

"...There are so many wonderful elements of the book. First, Elizabeth Bennet is kidnapped at Rosings Park, in the case of a mistaken identity...." Read more

"This story has a very unusual twist. Darcy has proposed to Elizabeth at Rosings. She refuses his with sharp comments. Then the twist comes...." Read more

"This is an unusual variation, with more adventure and danger than the typical P&P story...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some loving the characters and finding Kirby wonderful, while others find the villain's cruelty too awful.

"...I loved the characters, especially a little guy named Kirby. I found the writing style addictive, and I did not want to put the book down!..." Read more

"...Again, this was so out of character for Elizabeth and Darcy, and so stupid of them when they should have been watching for the potential arrival of..." Read more

"...It had everything I love: forced proximity, danger, memorable characters, and swoon-worthy moments between Darcy & Elizabeth...." Read more

"...the drama and violence, but this was well written and the characters were developed fully. I liked the addition of Kirby, but he was predictable." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jean S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kidnapped!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love angsty books, and this one delivered! I enjoyed everything about this book, except for one element. I would have taken a half point here because of it, but with the rating system, I rounded up. There are so many wonderful elements of the book. First, Elizabeth Bennet is kidnapped at Rosings Park, in the case of a mistaken identity. Fitzwilliam Darcy attempts to save her, and overtaken by kidnappers, he is taken along with Elizabeth. This makes for a wonderful plot...who and why and how to survive. I loved the characters, especially a little guy named Kirby. I found the writing style addictive, and I did not want to put the book down! It was one of those great books that when your family interrupts your reading, you get so annoyed!
    The one element that bothered me is a key point in the story, so I don't want to give anything away; but I will say that my idea of Fitzwilliam Darcy would never allow this to happen.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Teresa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concept
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was an interesting variation, with Elizabeth and Darcy being kidnapped together the morning after the botched proposal. And I loved that Lady Catherine actually was held somewhat accountable for her actions.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars very good and unusual variation of Pride and Prejudice
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This story has a very unusual twist. Darcy has proposed to Elizabeth at Rosings. She refuses his with sharp comments. Then the twist comes. Elizabeth is kidnapped in mistake for Ann de Bourg. Darcy comes along to protect her.
    Now she learns who he really is and of course they fall in love.
    more twists and turns later.. the happy ending. I won’t spoil it for you.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • CMB
    3.0 out of 5 stars Oh Heather, what happened?!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am so disappointed by this book... I, too, love Heather Moll's books... An Affectionate Heart is one of my all time favorite variations... Nine Ladies, adorable... Her books are usually dependable, well written and heart warming... So I, too, counted down the days to the release of this book... Boy, was I disappointed... This book is a mess... There were so many problems... The plot is unbelievable... The characters of Lizzy and Darcy are boring because they keep repeating themselves... I mean we all expect a rehash of the Wickham episode, but my gosh, Ms Moll spends pages and pages going over the angst of this one occurrence... There were parts of paragraphs that repeated themselves... I would read a paragraph and two paragraphs later, the same thing would be repeated... Almost verbatim... I don't know if the editor is the problem, but someone somewhere should have caught that... It was like she was trying to pad a term paper in high school...
    I'm stunned that so many people love this book... This plot was so ridiculous... And it's not the type of plot I object to... I was looking forward to reading an adventure story... And even Lizzy and Darcy can shine in such instances, but this attempt so misses the mark... What a shame, because I know Ms Moll can do better... She says in the dedication that she escaped to her Mom's house to write this... Next time, stay home... Your books are much better from there.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • KayCrain
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Let me start off by saying I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Moll has a lovely writing style and her books are usually very low on errors and mistakes which greatly increases my enjoyment. In this story Darcy and Elizabeth are kidnapped after she is mistaken for Anne. I won’t give away the reason for them taking “Anne” but they are moved around and ransoms demanded. They are able to eventually escape with the help of a young boy. Of course everything doesn’t end well here and there’s a second (but planned) abduction and the bad guys are brought to justice and we get our happy ending.

    I couldn’t give this book five stars because I felt some of the plot points weren’t very original. The whole time I was reading after a certain point just felt like deja vu even though this was a new release. Obviously others have done the kidnapping plot but the part of Elizabeth having to go back to the kidnapper so they could catch him for murder was one I have read before. Also the Darcy’s ending up with a young ward who they had to take under their wings after similar events. I felt like I could see the ending a mile off so it took some of the expectation out of it for me. It was still a very enjoyable book though.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Maria Isabel Escarda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure and romance abound
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Heavily-ladened with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet from start to finish is an essential element in successful Pride&Prejudice variations; this one is exceptionally adept at that. The tension between the lovers at the start is palpable, while the romantic exchanges alone make this novel worthwhile the read.

    When Elizabeth Bennet fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy during their kidnapping ordeal, she fell hard and deep. The scenes show both the beloved couple’s passionate natures and the magnitude of their feelings for each other. Amidst the backdrop of violence and misunderstanding, they found each other as their courage rose every moment they are tested. As they realized their feelings for one another, they discovered there would be no way to live the rest of their lives without the other by their side; a realization worthy enough to be elevated as one of the monumental love stories of all time.

    This variation, this reader feels, truly embodies what Jane Austen may have intended without the restrictions of proprietary and Puritanism; not much in terms of society’s views on Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s stations in life and their relationship (although smudges of that were thrown in the story), but more on how they viewed each other and how they navigated their feelings for each other.

    This reader will purchase a copy to keep despite it being available on Kindle Unlimited. She is compelled to do it because of how the author wrote this one so excellently.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rising Courage
    Reviewed in Germany on March 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The morning after his disastrous proposal Darcy is about to deliver his letter to Elizabeth when he witnesses her abduction. He tries to intervene but is abducted, too. The kidnappers believe they have captured Anne de Bourgh. The kidnappers are merciless and brutal, thus Darcy and Elizabeth keep the appearance that Elizabeth is Anne. Forced in closed proximity Darcy and Elizabeth have nothing to occupy their time with than to talk. Elizabeth is pleasantly surprised by Darcy's kindness and how well they work together to distract the kidnappers. Will they now be able to sort things out and come to a better understanding of one another? Will they even survive this ordeal? And what about future happiness?

    Wow, this book leaves me speechless. If I were able to give more than five stars, this book will get them! Maybe this is already my book of the year 2024! As always when I read a book from Heather Moll I am sure to be blessed with an entertaining and very well written story that will captivate me a great deal. This story is no exception. I was hardly able to put the book down. The story is very thrilling and has some angst in it, but I found it was not too much or unbearable. It was captivating and makes the story a unique one. I also like that the story is not predictable and has some unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

    Stories where Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to spend time in closed proximity are amongst my favourites. They can't avoid each other and therefore need to talk and solve their misunderstandings if they don't want to be literally alone. Normally this speeds up things between them and hopefully they discover that they like/love each other. This is also the case here. They talk a great deal to solve some misunderstandings/issues that came up in the rejection of his proposal and come to understand one another better. Due to the abduction and the closed proximity Elizabeth also gets the chance to observe Darcy's real character and the picture she now forms is totally different from the picture she formed earlier.

    When Elizabeth finally admits that Darcy is a better person than she thought him to be you can feel the attraction between them growing. Darcy is in love with her the whole book but Elizabeth's attraction grows significantly in the course of the book. I think that is very well written by the author. I also like that great love that develops between them. And that they are, because of their love, immensely afraid for the other when there is danger from the brutal and scrupouls abductors.

    Elizabeth is very brave in this story, the quote that her courage is rising with every attempt to intimidate her is really true here. I like her in the role of a brave heroine. But she could not have been so brave if she didn't have Darcy in the background and his love to support her and give her strength.

    Darcy on his part is, due to circumstances, somewhat in a role where it is not possible for him to act and the only thing he can do is to observe. That's really hard for the Master of Pemberley who is accustomed to giving orders and having his way and who is, first of all, a man of action. This leaves him somewhat vulnerable, especially when it comes to his love for Elizabeth. I like this version of Darcy very much because you think you get to know the "real" Darcy in every possible way, even in difficult and bad times.

    This book is definitely amongst my favourites for 2024! An excellent book!

    If you like a thrilling story where Darcy and Elizabeth are in closed proximity and, while fighting together against their abductors, get to understand and know each other better, you should definitely read this brilliant, captivating and very well written book.

    I highly recommend it. This book contains some violence and scenes for a mature audience.

    I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
    Report
  • CFra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great characters and believable plot: lots of E & D
    Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Another incredible book from Heather Moll! This story was well written and the plot was interesting and executed in a believable way. Kidnapping stories often err in the comeuppance part, when the question of getting the criminals comes into play. But not this one! Every part of it was clear in my mind and flowed really well. Even the PTSD was acknowledged and handled well.

    The angst was confined to the circumstances and not to Elizabeth and Darcy, which is exactly what I like in a P&P variation book. There was a lot of dialogue and love throughout. Even if the timeline for Elizabeth to fall in love was quick, because of all the discussions and sound resolution of misunderstandings (RE: Jane and Bingley, Wickham, and Meryton Assembly), it made sense. I love when E&D are forced together to solve a problem in books!

    I also love how Heather Moll writes her Elizabeths to have their say, act intelligently, and take matters into their hands if necessary. It is a very good pattern in her books. I think Jane Austen would appreciate.

    The book was well edited and all the characters felt true. Sure, some actions felt too forward for the period, but this is a variation after all (and a great one!)

    SPOILERS!!!
    (I like to read summaries before reading the books, so will write one here.)

    Elizabeth is mistaken for Anne deB. and kidnapped, and Darcy is taken at the same time while trying to prevent it (he was going to deliver his letter). They are taken to a house where they meet their captor. He explained why he wanted to take her while making her write a letter for Lady Catherine to send money. Elizabeth was beaten up then and saw their blind violence, and even though she at first wanted to comply, she then agreed to escape. They hatched a plan and escaped while being moved to another house. This was facilitated because the captor’s nephew (a 12-year-old child) was driving the coach and didn’t tell on them. He was a quiet and innocent boy, and Darcy had promised earlier to help him if he needed. They get away and go to London and the boy does seek Darcy out there right away. Before Darcy can call on Elizabeth, he gets threatened if he doesn’t deliver the captor’s missing nephew. Elizabeth gets tired of waiting for Darcy to call, visits him, and then finds out all about it. She comes up with a new plan: get kidnapped again, pretend to trade herself for the boy, and ambush the captor. It worked in the end, even if the criminals actually had more nefarious plans. Then there was lovely ending: the boy becomes their ward, they marry, and we glimpse their lives together in the future.

    Lovely story!
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  • Osselet Nathalie
    5.0 out of 5 stars For
    Reviewed in France on July 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Well written variation very well described, one of the best .While taking about the Times of Jane Austen.
    To encourage Heather Moll to continue writing again.🤩
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  • HW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well plotted, great characterizarion
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This fast paced retelling has dastardly villains, including from canon, and a very affecting version of pride and prejudice to lovers against the background of a rollicking tale of kidnap, jeopardy and daring do. There is some definite, nay, explicit steam between our dear protagonists alongside a convincing journey for Elizabeth's feelings as she warms to Darcy, and all, or mostly, set in a mere week's timescale from Hunsford. Great stuff, off to purchase and add to my to be read again list
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  • Vipra Jena
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on July 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a good read with a harrowing kidnapping written with just enough blood chilling scenes and a side serving of endearing warmth between the ODC that I finished it quite fast, something I haven't done with a book for a while.
    Report

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