Impulse & Initiative: What If Mr. Darcy Had Set Out to Win Elizabeth's Heart? [Paperback]

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 is a Pride and Prejudice possiblity. It is not in the style of Jane Austen. Abigail Reynolds has a style all of her own. It does have some scenes that are not suitable for younger people to read and might be a little awkward if you buy this for your grandmother. So be carfeul who you buy this for.

That aside, it is such a wonderful story. I love the story Pride and Prejudice and what could be better than to have that story retold and taking a different path than the original?

This story starts with Colonel Fitzwilliam trying to find out why his cousin is so out of spirits. After finding out that it concerns Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire and that Darcy after two months is still loving her. He scolds him for not attempting to win her a second time. He also berates him for not setting things right with Charles Bingley.

Elizabeth is at home, thinking often about Mr. Darcy's letter and when she least expects it, the man himself returns, with Charles Bingley! Of course she feels agitated and unsure of how to act.

I will not divulge any more of this wonderful plot for you. You will have to read it yourself. Just a couple of teasers though:

Can Darcy and Elizabeth(who never have a conversation without arguing) converse civily, hide their true feelings, or even become friends?

How does Darcy keep his attentions for Elizabeth secret from Mrs. Bennet or the very jealous Caroline Bingley?

I do however, recommend being familiar with Pride and Prejudice before reading this book as you can only really appreciate this story by knowing the orignal course it is suppose to take.

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