Customer Reviews

To Conquer Mr. Darcy

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

To the previous writer, be thankful you only purchased two different titles of the same book. I, unfortunately, bought the same book 3 times under different names: Impulse and Initiative, Rule of Reason, and last but not least To Conquer Mr. Darcy. Don't get me wrong I do like the P&P variations that Ms. Reynolds writes. I am just at a loss as to why it is not noted that a work has been published under a previous title. I know that Rule of Reason is a toned down version of Impulse and Initiative. The sex scenes are more tame. Nowhere does it tell you this before you order.
There is another book being released in October, I believe and I am afraid that I will be cancelling my order until I am better able to ascertain if it is new or a regurgitation of a previous work.

(This review covers the 2010 mass-market paperback edition of TO CONQUER MR. DARCY by Abigail Reynolds through Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing house, NOT any earlier published version of this book. Because this book was previously released under other titles and may have been changed or edited slightly for the different editions, I want to make it clear that this review is for the 2010 edition only.)

When the book begins, Mr. Darcy is mired in depression after the debacle that occurred at Hunsford when he proposed in his high-handed manner and was refused so vehemently by Elizabeth. He has been morose and begun drinking more than was his habit, and Georgiana and the members of his household staff bring this concern to Colonel Fitzwilliam when he drops in for an unexpected visit at the London Darcy residence. After some initial resistance, he is able to get to the heart of the matter with Mr. Darcy, and things begin to right themselves in terms of getting Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley back to Netherfield and working towards their goals of re-ingratiating themselves in the hearts and minds of the two eldest Bennet sisters. One nice addition is that Georgiana, though still shy overall, has the boldness to request to join them on this visit to Hertfordshire. I enjoyed her as a character in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, so I was glad that we were able to see more of her in this variation while still keeping her character consistent with how Austen wrote her.

Speaking of that, in terms of characterization and dialogue, I felt that Reynolds did an excellent job of writing all the characters in such a way as to be consistent with P&P while still allowing for the changes in choices, events, and situations that are integral to a variation. Also, her writing style seemed very consistent to Austen's in P&P, in my opinion, and I didn't notice her dropping any inappropriate "period" terms intended to put us in mind of the Georgian era and how people spoke at that time. (I've read customer reviews concerning some P&P variations that succumb to that mistake and unintentionally irritate the readers with distracting phrases when they think they're being authentic to the period. Therefore, I wanted to state flat-out that this book flowed right along for me without such problems with flowery language.) Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are still the characters whom we love, and I feel that we get to enjoy a little more time with them in their evolved incarnations (the ones depicted close to the end of P&P) and see more of how their changed perspectives and growth helps them achieve happiness. Mr. Darcy is especially enjoyable in this book as he works to learn from his mistakes with Elizabeth and become a better man, though Elizabeth also improves a little bit, too. (I didn't feel that she has as much ground to make up as a character in P&P as he did.)

One thing to be aware of: Never forget that this is, at heart, a romance novel. Because of that, we always know the resolution that we are working towards, no matter what is currently going on in the story. (This is why I feel safe alluding to their happy ending in this review, since anyone reading this book would want, and even expect, them to end up together.) Also, because this is a ROMANCE NOVEL written about one of Jane Austen's novels (and NOT one of Austen's actual novels), Reynolds takes the dramatic license of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's "passion anticipat[ing] their wedding," as the back cover of the book puts it. So, if you can't tolerate the premise of Elizabeth and Darcy expressing their physical attraction and feelings for one another prior to their marriage because it's not appropriate to the time period or for any other reason, then you won't like this book. Because they really, really like each other in this book, let me tell you. If you don't like to read about "adult situations" and would prefer that they just cut to the next scene, rather than describe such activities, you will probably also have problems with this book. Personally, I had no problem with this aspect because I was prepared for it going in and chose to think of the book as a published, well-written form of fan-fiction about our favorite characters, rather than something that Austen herself had written (which would have precluded such steamy moments).

To those who compare their behavior to that of Wickham and Lydia, there is a big difference, people. Wickham did not love Lydia and had no plans to marry her and spend the rest of his life with her when they first got together. Lydia was also an unashamed flirt who was dazzled by Wickham's manners and military uniform and not truly in love with him. She was more pleased at the idea of being the first of her sisters to marry, rather than feeling as if he were her soulmate. In addition, neither of them felt any guilt or embarrassment over their scandalous actions, UNLIKE Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in this book, who DO feel guilt and shame over what they've done when alone together. Mr. Darcy also doesn't try to escape blame from Mr. Bennet and other such important figures in their lives; he owns up to what he feels to be his sins in this matter. So, those two situations are not the same, in my opinion.

Another complaint that I've read of this book is that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy act as though they think they will die if forced to be separated for any period of time. Well, I've seen many fairly-new couples act that way, and I remember my husband and I acting just as "lovey-dovey" when our relationship first began. We were always holding hands or sitting curled up together on a sofa. Young people do this in their first year or two together; it's not out of character for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to want to be together at every possible moment, too. Couples often hate to be apart when in the "courting" phase; it's normal.

Also, to people who question whether Reynolds or other such writers of variations have the right to do so or how Austen would feel about it, this is all beside the point. Novels are written to provide enjoyment to readers. If reading TO CONQUER MR. DARCY makes me happy, then there is nothing wrong with that. If a friend of mine prefers to stick to only Austen's work and never venture into such variations, that's okay, too. There's a reason we have so many choices of things to read: there's something for everyone. Also, one has to give this author (and any editors she might have had) credit for excellent proof-reading; you won't find typos and misspellings (which is more than can be said for some variations). That's a wonderful thing in my book; I hate it when I'm distracted from a story by such problems. Finally, whether Austen would approve of variations or fan-fiction is a moot point; she's not here to ask, so please just live and let live. And enjoy an entertaining book whenever possible.

This book really disappointed me. The concept for the book, "what if Darcy didn't take no for an answer", was excellent. I was excited to see where the author would take her variations books. But now I find myself wishing the task had been in more capable hands. I know this review will get me a slew of "hate" ratings, but I feel that the failings of this book need to be printed.

For one, the main characters deviate so much from the original book, as to make the story unbelievable. Elizabeth's behavior, i.e. allowing Darcy liberties against her better judgement, makes her more like a harlequin hero, than our dear Eliza. Darcy becomes a love-sick puppy, unable to act the gentleman, due to his "passion." The characters lack the moral fiber of the originals, instead stooping to the level of Wickham and Lydia, by giving in to their passion for one another, before being married. This puts them in a compromised position, forcing a wedding, rather than allowing for the wedding they "should" have had. But were these fouls against the characters not enough, Reynolds goes so far as to tarnish Jane. To the point where she has swollen lips, due to all the kissing going on. Compromising Jane in such a way, goes way beyond the line of believability.

The sex scenes in this book are straight out of an F rated harlequin romance. Perhaps (and that is a BIG perhaps) it wouldn't have been quite so distasteful, had they been more realistic. And after the sex happened, the book went downhill fast. Our hero and heroin become so "attached" to one another, that one starts to feel that they might die if they have to spend an hour away from one another. Heaven forbid that they be able to function outside of one another's company. The way they behave (like high school "lovers"), I would expect that a year or two after their marriage (via Reynolds), Darcy and Elizabeth would hate one another.

To add to character flaws, we are also left with a very thrown together ending. We are told that Elizabeth and Darcy will be attending Bingly and Jane's wedding, but are completely left out of the loop on that score. I just felt like the author just ran out of room, and decided to end things abruptly. In fact, very little is said about Jane and Bingly towards the end of the book...not even a mention of a visit to see their nephew.

This is not to say there were not some good things about this book. Reynolds is a decent writer. The book is not filled with typos and other grammatical errors. And the concept for it is excellent.

But at the end of the day, I am left wishing that someone else would have written it....someone who would have left the characters in tact, and not taken such liberties with this beloved story. If Darcy/Elizabeth premarital sex and harlequin romance novels are your cup of tea, I imagine you might like this book. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, and don't like authors changing the character of Austen's originals, this book will likely annoy you.

As the first reviewer stated, this is a republish of Impulse and Initiative. I feel cheated out of a book. Nowhere in the description, book title or anywhere else does it states thatImpulse & Initiative: What if Mr. Darcy had set out to win Elizabeth's heart? (Pride & Prejudice Variation) it's the same book. I've enjoyed Abigail Reynolds' work so much in the past that I bought this title to go along with the others not realizing I had already read it. The book itself is 4.5 star worthy. The reprint without mentioning that it's the same book is 1 star worthy - hence 3 stars. Do not buy this if you've already purchased Impulse and Initative. In future, I'll have to wait for reviews to come out before I purchase so that I know it truly is a new book.

"Darcy tried to focus his attention on her kisses, tasting the passion that was clearly sweeping between them, but the rest of his body remained all too aware of how little stood between them, and as he finally pulled Elizabeth to him, the sensation of her softness molding itself to him stole away any remaining rational thought." Chapter 7

In this retelling of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, author Abigail Reynolds re-imagines the famous plot and asks these burning questions. What if after Elizabeth Bennet's refusal of Mr. Darcy's first proposal at Hunsford, he does not disappear from her life, but arrives at her home at Longbourn determined to change her mind? What if Elizabeth seduced by his ardent attentions sets aside all propriety giving way to her base impulses? What if their mutual passion can not be abated, anticipating their wedding night? Ms. Reynolds then proceeds to creatively answer each of these questions with her spin on the retelling of Pride and Prejudice that might require some readers to suspend their disbelief and burning objections of altering one of the most cherished works in English literature, and just let go and let it happen.

The story opens with the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam at the Darcy townhouse in London. It is the summer of 1803 and two months have passed since he and his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy had visited their aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings in Kent. He is immediately informed by concerned servants and Georgina Darcy that Mr. Darcy is not quite himself, sullen and short tempered to the point of alarm. Darcy shortly reveals to him the cause of his misery; - the rejection of his marriage proposal by the woman that he loves, Elizabeth Bennet, and the reasons why she so flatly refused him. Colonel Fitzwilliam is not surprised by his attraction to the lovely Miss Bennet, only that she would refuse such an advantageous offer and Darcy's reasons for separating his friend Charles Bingley from Elizabeth's sister Jane. Inspired by Colonel Fitzwilliam's advice he convinces Charles Bingley to return to his estate at Netherfield Park to renew his attentions to Jane Bennet with the ulterior motive of seeing Elizabeth and winning her heart and hand.

Readers of Pride and Prejudice will remember that after Elizabeth refuses Mr. Darcy's first proposal that she returns home to her family at Longbourn and Mr. Darcy disappears from her life only to be re-introduced by a chance meeting at his estate of Pemberley when she is touring Derbyshire on holiday with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. In this scenario, instead of leaving their meeting to chance, Mr. Darcy has become the aggressor, taking the initiative to reconnect with Elizabeth and pursue her affections by ingratiating himself to her family, her friends and herself, first by gentlemanly means with little results, then by the Wickham school of charm and seduction which eventually breaks Elizabeth's resolve, giving way to her passionate desires.

Impulse & Initiative offers Pride and Prejudice fans the opportunity to explore yet another avenue of a story that we all just can not seem to get enough of as evidenced by the many prequels, sequels, retellings and pastiches available. It is creative and clever in theory, but do the `what if' questions really need to be asked and answered? Possibly, but at times while reading Impulse & Initiative I felt like I was privy to a creative writing assignment where students were asked to take a story from classic literature and believably alter the plot and characters to the opposite intention of the original author. In this case, the results can at times be both believable and baffling, but unfortunately not at the same time leaving the reader in a bit of a quandary.

Abigail Reynolds has taken a huge risk in her choice of changing a classic story that is quite delightful to begin with, and whose hero and heroine Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy may be the most iconic romantic couple in popular culture short of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. She might have succeeded if she had allowed the characters integrity to continue from Austen's original concept. Instead we are asked to suspend our disbelief beyond equal measure and accept well known characters acting in a manner that does not constitute their happiness or ours. Reynold's Mr. Darcy has changed from the honorable Regency gentleman that many expect into George Wickham, a plotting seducer and the type of man that Austen's Darcy despises, and Elizabeth Bennet into a caricature of her younger sister Lydia, willing to throw off propriety for the pleasures of passion.

I am reminded of one on my favorite quotes by Elizabeth Bennet from the original novel. "One may be continually abusive without saying anything just; but one cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty." Ms. Reynolds is a talented writer who shows flashes of wit and charm in her style. She has creatively blended a classic love story with a saucy romance novel, and if knowing that Darcy and Elizabeth are quite passionate about their love for one another before the marriage does not set off any decorum alarms, then this one deserves a slot in the queue on your bedside table. If you wonder why the "what if" questions needed to be asked in the first place, then try stumbling upon something else more witty.

Beware that this is the same book that is called "Impulse & Initiative" that was previously published.

This story is about Darcy coming back to woo Elizabeth after she refused his first proposal, Colonel Fitzwilliam encouraged Darcy not to give up. He stays at Netherfield and brings Georgiana with him. Meanwhile, Bingley also courts Jane. Elizabeth becomes friends with Georgiana and they visit at Netherfield, and Darcy keeps trying to get Elizabeth to accept his proposal. She becomes phsically attracted to him, and after a while, she does accept his proposal. She goes on the trip with Gardiners to Derbyshire, and they all stay at Pemberly. Darcy seduces Elizabeth at Pemberly before they are married, and it forces them to have a wedding quickly there. After they are married, Lydia elopes with Wickham. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth end up doing the negotiating. Bingleys get married after that. Darcys have a son, Richard.

TO CONQUER MR. DARCY is the latest in Abigail Reynolds's series of Pride and Prejudice sequels that ask "What if?" In this case, what if, after Elizabeth Bennet refuses his badly bungled marriage proposal, Mr. Darcy returns to Merryton and courts her?

The story opens as a despondent Darcy comes to his senses and determines to win Elizabeth. In a subtle campaign of tolerance of her family, more sociability towards those he formerly considered his inferiors, and tender escalating attentions toward Elizabeth, he overcomes her doubts.

Since she read his letter explaining the situation with Wickham, Elizabeth's low opinion of Darcy has undergone a radical change. Her feelings toward him, while still unsure, have softened. While she tells herself and him that they can only be friends, his efforts lead to much more than friendship.

Ms. Reynolds does a stunning job of chronicling their growing emotional attachment as their passions flare higher and higher. Suffice it to say that in this version, they marry much sooner than in Pride and Prejudice.

I love Ms. Reynolds's portrayal of the always-certain-of-herself Elizabeth confused and unsure, as logic tells her to maintain her distance from Darcy, while her feelings draw her nearer.

But the best part of the book is Mr. Darcy. Jane Austen created a hero for the ages in Mr. Darcy, but Abigail Reynolds has made him even better. He's breathtaking in his emotional journey to win Elizabeth's love--determined, tender, vulnerable, willing to change and madly in love. May we all find a hero like him.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

In Impulse & Initiative, Darcy refuses to give up trying to win Elizabeth's love; after receiving the harsh dismissal of his proposal at Hunsford, he soon follows her back to Hertfordshire... He woos her in the most romantic manner: the looks he gives her, she can no longer misinterpret; the whispers of sweet confessions; the secret hand holding... Many lines made my heart skip a beat. Or two! For example, my favorite all time "Pemberley Variations" Darcy line is in Chapter 4: "Regardless of whether you choose to come to Pemberley or not, Pemberley already belongs to you, and has for many months now... Elizabeth Darcy has been gracing the halls and rooms of Pemberley since my first stay at Netherfield. While I have been passionately admiring Miss Elizabeth Bennett, every night in my dreams she has been walking by my side at Pemberley..." Big sigh... Abigail Reynolds builds incredible, yet delightful tension between the characters and masterfully tells her story of how Darcy captures Elizabeth's heart, body and soul. Like Elizabeth Berdoll's sequel "Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife", I anticipate many Jane Austen purist to decry this book as blasphemy on the original Pride&Prejudice. Yet, this reader however, loved, loved, loved it -- and totally enjoyed reading this "what if?" Not a careless word written; well worth your time and money. Mature eyes only.

Since this is a republish of 'Impulse and Initiative,' I will republish my review for that book here. (I do prefer the cover on 'Impulse and Initiative.')


Of all the P&P variations I have read - and there have been a lot of them - for some reason, this is my favorite. For one thing, Reynolds actually has Darcy and Elizabeth develop a relationship. Austenites will stone me for saying this, but that's more than we get in P&P. Yes, we see Darcy becoming infatuated with Elizabeth; but how many times do the two of them even speak to one another? After Elizabeth refuses Darcy at the Parsonage, they see each other five times; and they barely say a word during some of these encounters. Yet somehow Elizabeth has fallen madly in love with him. Why - because he took her uncle out fishing? Well, OK. I love the book, so I won't quibble over such minor details. In this novel, though, the reader actually sees Elizabeth grow to love Darcy.

Another problem I have with many of the P&P variations is that they completely remove the pride and the prejudice. Reynolds does not do this. This novel opens after the disastrous proposal, so Darcy has already recognized how his pride led to his fall. After having read Darcy's letter in Kent, Elizabeth is inclined to overcome her own pride and prejudices; and Reynolds allows the reader to see this come to fruition.

Unlike many P&P variations that merely use the same names but lose the essence of the characters, here Reynolds remains relatively faithful to their personalities. They do, however, flaunt decorum, which Elizabeth and Darcy would never do. There is plenty of touching and kissing, and they do "anticipate their vows" with some rather explicit sex. Personally, I am perfectly OK with that. This is a P&P variation/retelling for a modern audience, and Reynolds writes sex scenes very well and doesn't overdo it (unlike some variations that are all sex and no plot). If that's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of chaste variations out there. Don't read this one if it bothers you, but let the rest of us have our "porn for girls."

My other favorite P&P variations, which also happen to be by Reynolds, are 'From Lambton to Longbourne' and 'By Force of Instinct.' Alas, Reynolds's most recent contribution to the genre - 'Mr. Darcy's Obsession' - is a terrible disappointment.

To Conquer Mr. Darcy, originally published as Impulse and Initiative in 2008, is another brilliant and impassioned novel in Abigail Reynold's stellar Pemberley Variations series. The Pemberley Variations series is a collection of Pride and Prejudice re-tellings that asks the question "what if?" In these variations we see how one small change in the plot can alter the course of Pride and Prejudice.

To Conquer Mr. Darcy opens with Colonel Fitzwilliam visiting his cousin, Mr. Darcy, who has been in a withdrawn and black mood ever since he left Rosings. When Colonel Fitzwilliam conceives that Darcy's taciturn temperament and low spirits are the results of Elizabeth Bennet rejecting his marriage proposal, he scolds him for giving up so easily and urges him to do what ever it takes to win Elizabeth's heart! Darcy soon receives the opportunity to pursue Elizabeth again when Charles Bingley, newly acquainted with the truth about Jane Bennet, decides to return to Netherfield Park. Surprised that Bingley still wants to remain friends with him after what he has done, Darcy accepts the invitation and brings with him his sister, Georgiana.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself perplexed about her feelings regarding Mr. Darcy. Sometimes she loathes him, sometimes she loathes herself. At times she feels compassion towards his disappointed hopes, while at other times she feels no regret for refusing him. Nonetheless, on one thing Elizabeth is certain... she will most likely never see him again. (Think again, Elizabeth!)

As an avid reader and admirer of Ms. Reynolds's novels there are a few things I have come to expect when I crack open a novel of hers: First and foremost is that she will deliver a plausible, well-thought, and synchronized variation of Pride and Prejudice; Ms. Reynolds has proven again and again that she knows and loves her Pride and Prejudice! Secondly, I can always expect a lot of tension, emotion, and angst to be infused into her plot. Thirdly, Ms. Reynolds is very adroit in giving great dimension and depth to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Whether she depicts them as playful and passionate or insecure and obstinate, the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy Ms. Reynolds illustrates are always well-drawn! Lastly, I know to be prepared for a few romantic and passionate scenes. Some readers may be deterred by such scenes appearing in an Austenesque novel, but I have always found them to be more sensual than explicit and not overly abundant.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the emotional journey I took with Elizabeth and Darcy. I love being privy to all their thoughts and reactions. Ms. Reynolds always provides plenty of detail and spends an equal amount showing Elizabeth's perspective as well as Mr. Darcy's. In To Conquer Mr. Darcy, I took great pleasure in witnessing Darcy strive to improve Elizabeth's perception of him, while she inadvertently kept jumping to the wrong conclusion. Moreover, I loved observing Elizabeth's battle between her heart and her mind. Even though she is learning to understand Mr. Darcy's character, Elizabeth just can't let go of her former prejudices!

**SPOILER ALERT**
The reason I am giving this book 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because of Darcy and Elizabeth anticipating their marriage and having premarital relations with each other. While some may feel this incident is very uncharacteristic of these characters in their time period, my main issue with it is that I felt it brought about the climax of the story too early. Having Darcy and Elizabeth marry so early in the story released a lot of the tension that was built up a little too soon.
Regardless, To Conquer Mr. Darcy (Impulse and Initiative) remains one of my favorite variations of Pride and Prejudice and will be one I reread countless times!

THE PEMBERLEY VARIATION SERIES: self-published titles in ( )
- Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World (Pride & Prejudice Continues) (The Last Man in the World)
- To Conquer Mr. Darcy (Impulse and Initiative)
- (By Force of Instinct: A Pride & Prejudice Variation)
- (Without Reserve: A Pride & Prejudice Variation)
- (From Lambton to Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation)
- Mr. Darcy's Obsession (Pride & Prejudice Continues) (BRAND NEW VARIATION coming out OCTOBER 2010)