DUELING
WIPs w/ MJ STRATTON
Help decide my next story!
Dear Reader,
I need your help deciding which book should be published next!
I’m currently working on two Pride and Prejudice variations that are very close to my heart—but I can only release one first. I thought: who better to make that choice than the readers who inspire and encourage me every day?
Yours,
MJ Stratton
MJ Stratton
The Field of Honor
Look on the Heart
This idea was born from a reader suggestion (thank you again!), and it quickly became something truly special. In this variation, Mr. Darcy bears a port-wine stain birthmark—a visible mark that has shaped how society sees him… and how he sees himself. When he meets Elizabeth Bennet, he’s struck not only by her wit and liveliness but by her refusal to judge him by appearances. Look on the Heart is a story of inner beauty, quiet strength, and love that sees past the surface.
A Debt to Be Paid
In this emotionally rich, forced-marriage variation, Elizabeth Bennet is faced with a terrible choice: marry a man to settle her father’s debts or risk her family’s ruin. With her usual courage, she agrees—but not without consequence. This story explores what it means to love after loss, and how second chances can blossom in the most unexpected places. The Bennets’ fortunes improve later in the novel, but Elizabeth’s heart remains tied to the past… until a certain Mr. Darcy reenters her life.
Both stories are medium-angst, clean romances, filled with emotional depth, tender moments, and—of course—a swoon-worthy Darcy. But now I want to know…
Which one do you want to read first?
Comment for a A CHANCE TO WIN the Thwarted audiobook.
They both sound good!
I’d like the first one! Both sound great though.
I’d like to see look on the heart! I love a vulnerable Darcy!
Wow both stories are great but I love the first a blemished Darcy is a wonderful story
Look on the Heart! They both sound amazing, of course, but that one draws me the most.
I don’t like forced marriage stories so definitely Look on the Heart.
Look on the Heart
My vote gets Look on the Heart. (I have Thwarted, so don’t include me in the draw)
Look on the Heart!♥️
“Look on the heart” The idea sounds interesting!
Wow! This is hard. They both sound wonderful, and I know I’ll get to read the second eventually, but it is hard. I will go for Look on the Heart.
A look on the heart mainly because I don’t see this troupe a lot. I really like both story ideas. I suppose publishing them both in one book would not do xx
Look on the Heart.
It’s got a premise we don’t see very often
Look On the Heart, I think. But, tbh, I’ll read anything you publish!
Such a hard choice. I love both premises and already know I’ll read both of them when they will be published, but I would first choose Look on the Heart. ♥️
I’m leaning towards Look on the Heart too. I’ll be looking forward to getting to read both of these as they get released.
So hard to choose! Of course I will NEED them both but how about A Debt to be Paid first.
I love both premises but I think I would first choose Look on the Heart.♥️
Look on the heart.
It sounds like a wonderful story
I’m not a fan of forced marriages and the first story had me hooked right from the start so go with that one please.
Look on the Heart for sure
I really love the sound of the second one. Second chance is a favorite trope of mine, though the first one sounds good too. Does the losing WIP have a chance at a later publication?
Look on the heart! That’s a variation I’ve never read before – if he’s had a birthmark it’s been covered up. Love a vulnerable Darcy who is different to canon due to his previous experience.
Both sound intriguing, but I think I’d like Look on the Heart first.
Look on the Heart has my vote!
Look on the Heart
Look on the Heart sounds exceptional.
I vote for Look on the heart
Both sound interesting but Look on the Heart has my vote for first! Please don’t include me for the audiobook drawing as I already have Thwarted (love it!)
Look on the Heart has my vote for you to finish first because a Darcy who isn’t pursued for his looks might be less prideful and more aware of others’ feelings. Plus, I’m not sure who Elizabeth is forced to marry in your second WIP, and I hate the Collins as her husband trope.
Look on the Heart! ❤️
I will go with a debut to be paid 😊