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katiedru98's review against another edition
3.0
Very funny and easy to read. I finished it with no trouble at all.
vivivonne's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
To Conquer Mr. Darcy is another of Abigail Reynolds’ famous Pride and Prejudice variations books. Reynolds truly is THE master of the Austen variation novel. In this particular novel she poses the following questions: What if Mr. Darcy did not give up after Elizabeth rejected him? What if he pursued her and she fell in love with him? What if their love and passion would not allow them to wait until their wedding night?
Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives at Darcy’s London townhouse a few short weeks following the disastrous “Rosings proposal.” Fitzwilliam has no idea what’s been bothering Darcy, but after getting him drunk enough to admit he’s in love with Elizabeth Bennet, he convinces Darcy not to give up. Colonel Fitzwilliam convinces him to insert himself back into her life and make her see the man he really is. Accompanied by Georgiana, Darcy returns back to Netherfield and back into Elizabeth’s life. Once back in Elizabeth’s presence he convinces her to come back to Netherfield to be introduced to his sister. She readily agrees and after meeting Georgiana quickly establishes a friendship with promises for more afternoon visits together. Seeing Elizabeth ready to leave, Darcy asks if he can drive her home. Elizabeth’s visits to Georgiana continue thrusting her into Darcy’s company often. She begins seeing a new side of Darcy and quickly realizes that he is not going to give up on his dreams of having her as his wife. As they spend more time together Darcy begins taking more liberties with her. He tells her how he feels about her in a subdued manner, holds her hand, takes private walks with her, and at one point the two make-out. Elizabeth begins having feelings for Darcy on a passionate level but cannot forget both the things he said to her during his proposal and what he did to Jane and Bingley. She struggles with her feelings knowing that Darcy is indeed a good man. Will Elizabeth ever be able to reconcile her feelings and return the love that Darcy feels for her? Where will their “passion” take them?
I had read this book for the first time last year and wasn’t the biggest fan of it. As a huge fan of Abigail Reynolds I decided to give it a second chance; I’m really glad I did. Upon my first reading of the book I was really disappointed in how Darcy’s character was changed. I thought that he would NEVER sleep with Elizabeth prior to their wedding or be as forward as he was. On the other hand I also didn’t think that Elizabeth would have slept with him prior to their wedding knowing how badly she reacted to Lydia’s situation with Wickham. With my second reading I could see the gradual changes that each of the characters made, making the end result not wholly unexpected. I thought it was hysterical that Lizzie and Darcy told Bingley and Jane that they slept together prior to their wedding. To see the change that the news brought to Bingley and Jane’s relationship was really humorous.
The most enjoyable part of the entire book was reading about the “new Darcy”. Darcy became a man who was bold and knew he had to risk everything if he wanted Elizabeth as his wife. He held some of his feelings and thoughts back at first but realized there was no point. If Elizabeth would have him he wanted her to know all of him. I was also glad that Georgiana got bought out of the woodwork. She plays a key role in bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together in the beginning of the book, as she is basically their “chaperone” on outings. It was touching to see how much she came to care for Elizabeth once she knew she was the one Darcy loved.
This book is definitely for more mature readers. There are many sexual scenes not meant for young eyes. For those who wished they could read more about the sexual romps of Elizabeth and Darcy, then this is a must-read for you.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/17-a-review-of-to-conquer-mr-darcy-by-abigail-reynolds/
Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives at Darcy’s London townhouse a few short weeks following the disastrous “Rosings proposal.” Fitzwilliam has no idea what’s been bothering Darcy, but after getting him drunk enough to admit he’s in love with Elizabeth Bennet, he convinces Darcy not to give up. Colonel Fitzwilliam convinces him to insert himself back into her life and make her see the man he really is. Accompanied by Georgiana, Darcy returns back to Netherfield and back into Elizabeth’s life. Once back in Elizabeth’s presence he convinces her to come back to Netherfield to be introduced to his sister. She readily agrees and after meeting Georgiana quickly establishes a friendship with promises for more afternoon visits together. Seeing Elizabeth ready to leave, Darcy asks if he can drive her home. Elizabeth’s visits to Georgiana continue thrusting her into Darcy’s company often. She begins seeing a new side of Darcy and quickly realizes that he is not going to give up on his dreams of having her as his wife. As they spend more time together Darcy begins taking more liberties with her. He tells her how he feels about her in a subdued manner, holds her hand, takes private walks with her, and at one point the two make-out. Elizabeth begins having feelings for Darcy on a passionate level but cannot forget both the things he said to her during his proposal and what he did to Jane and Bingley. She struggles with her feelings knowing that Darcy is indeed a good man. Will Elizabeth ever be able to reconcile her feelings and return the love that Darcy feels for her? Where will their “passion” take them?
I had read this book for the first time last year and wasn’t the biggest fan of it. As a huge fan of Abigail Reynolds I decided to give it a second chance; I’m really glad I did. Upon my first reading of the book I was really disappointed in how Darcy’s character was changed. I thought that he would NEVER sleep with Elizabeth prior to their wedding or be as forward as he was. On the other hand I also didn’t think that Elizabeth would have slept with him prior to their wedding knowing how badly she reacted to Lydia’s situation with Wickham. With my second reading I could see the gradual changes that each of the characters made, making the end result not wholly unexpected. I thought it was hysterical that Lizzie and Darcy told Bingley and Jane that they slept together prior to their wedding. To see the change that the news brought to Bingley and Jane’s relationship was really humorous.
The most enjoyable part of the entire book was reading about the “new Darcy”. Darcy became a man who was bold and knew he had to risk everything if he wanted Elizabeth as his wife. He held some of his feelings and thoughts back at first but realized there was no point. If Elizabeth would have him he wanted her to know all of him. I was also glad that Georgiana got bought out of the woodwork. She plays a key role in bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together in the beginning of the book, as she is basically their “chaperone” on outings. It was touching to see how much she came to care for Elizabeth once she knew she was the one Darcy loved.
This book is definitely for more mature readers. There are many sexual scenes not meant for young eyes. For those who wished they could read more about the sexual romps of Elizabeth and Darcy, then this is a must-read for you.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/17-a-review-of-to-conquer-mr-darcy-by-abigail-reynolds/
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
I have been wanting to read this book for some time, not just because I like all sorts of Jane Austen sequels and variations, but because I like the what if question. Also this book is more the To conquer Miss Bennet kind of book. Darcy is a force to be reckoned with.
This book takes another route, after Lizzy has returned from that awful proposal Mr Darcy shows up with Mr Bingley. This time he will not take no for an answer and decided to court her, gain her friendship and all of her. And that he sure gets too.
I am weird when it comes to HR sometimes, and I end up thinking "no one buys the cow if the milk is free". Here it worked, because in the end, who wouldn't be seduced by Mr Darcy. Stolen kisses, embraces and I am seduced by it all too. But I guess the point here is that he wants her, and he is not going to tire of her just because something happened. Mr Darcy is the true gentleman. if I wasn't already in love with him I would fall for him in this book. He makes an effort to be a better man, a man she deserves, he pursues her, makes her laugh, makes her want him. And all while I am delighted and grinning. Jane Austen would be shocked for sure.
The romance is lovely to watch, she melts, and like I already wrote, Mr Darcy is worth reading this book for. I have never seen him like this, and I am loving it. We also meet Bingley and Jane of course and they get their HEA, and do not forgot Lydia's mistake. The book follows the general storyline and that is here too.
But I did miss one thing, and it had to to with Lady de Burgh, but then again who needs her.
This book takes another route, after Lizzy has returned from that awful proposal Mr Darcy shows up with Mr Bingley. This time he will not take no for an answer and decided to court her, gain her friendship and all of her. And that he sure gets too.
I am weird when it comes to HR sometimes, and I end up thinking "no one buys the cow if the milk is free". Here it worked, because in the end, who wouldn't be seduced by Mr Darcy. Stolen kisses, embraces and I am seduced by it all too. But I guess the point here is that he wants her, and he is not going to tire of her just because something happened. Mr Darcy is the true gentleman. if I wasn't already in love with him I would fall for him in this book. He makes an effort to be a better man, a man she deserves, he pursues her, makes her laugh, makes her want him. And all while I am delighted and grinning. Jane Austen would be shocked for sure.
The romance is lovely to watch, she melts, and like I already wrote, Mr Darcy is worth reading this book for. I have never seen him like this, and I am loving it. We also meet Bingley and Jane of course and they get their HEA, and do not forgot Lydia's mistake. The book follows the general storyline and that is here too.
But I did miss one thing, and it had to to with Lady de Burgh, but then again who needs her.
literary_heather's review against another edition
3.0
Nice variation of the classic story and gives a good impression of what might have happened differently. Enjoyed it, but it lacked any unexpected drama, so I found it lacking excitement and a bit bland.
maria_pulver's review against another edition
3.0
This is obviously a light reading for Jane Austen fans. Which means, that if you're not such a fan you probably shouldn't read this book at all.
I liked the idea of "what if" explorations, and this is true for the five books of the series I've read so far. However, since these are professionally written and edited books, I would have expected a higher level of language (mainly a bigger vocabulary diversity) and in-character consistency for protagonists.
Reynolds uses various pieces of Austen's original text, but almost always it's a good fit and doesn't feel like a gross violation of the sacred.
Mind that one of the "what if's" Reynolds looks at is a sexual tension between Elizabeth and Darcy. If you have any reservations on the subject you should probably skip the series all together.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and probably will come back for more when the appropriate mood strikes.
I liked the idea of "what if" explorations, and this is true for the five books of the series I've read so far. However, since these are professionally written and edited books, I would have expected a higher level of language (mainly a bigger vocabulary diversity) and in-character consistency for protagonists.
Reynolds uses various pieces of Austen's original text, but almost always it's a good fit and doesn't feel like a gross violation of the sacred.
Mind that one of the "what if's" Reynolds looks at is a sexual tension between Elizabeth and Darcy. If you have any reservations on the subject you should probably skip the series all together.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and probably will come back for more when the appropriate mood strikes.
alanahcw's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this 10 stars I would!!
This is hands down the BEST Pride & Prejudice adaptation I have ever read. Incredibly true to Austen and her characters, this story adds to the world she created immensely. I realized with the release of the movie Pride & Prejudice and Zombies that I am a bit of an Austen purest, and this book made my heart soar! There are changes to the story but none that take away or alter the story in a way that would be disappointing or upsetting to Austen fans. (And if you are looking for a little more of Mr. Darcy than just the kiss added to the U.S. version of the 2005 film adaptation, this is the book for you! Seriously, WHOA.) The scenes of Elizabeth and Darcy together are not in the least bit smutty or offensive to their character - they are beautifully written and will definitely have you swooning while reading.
I also need to mention this...
I am usually hesitant to read adaptations, and I wasn't sure I would enjoy another as much as Darcy's Diary, but this one is an instant favourite. Thank you Mrs. Reynolds for writing this version!
I am even more in love with the world of Pride & Prejudice! My heart is full.
This is hands down the BEST Pride & Prejudice adaptation I have ever read. Incredibly true to Austen and her characters, this story adds to the world she created immensely. I realized with the release of the movie Pride & Prejudice and Zombies that I am a bit of an Austen purest, and this book made my heart soar! There are changes to the story but none that take away or alter the story in a way that would be disappointing or upsetting to Austen fans. (And if you are looking for a little more of Mr. Darcy than just the kiss added to the U.S. version of the 2005 film adaptation, this is the book for you! Seriously, WHOA.) The scenes of Elizabeth and Darcy together are not in the least bit smutty or offensive to their character - they are beautifully written and will definitely have you swooning while reading.
I also need to mention this...
Spoiler
I am SO GLAD that Darcy stays in the room while Elizabeth had their baby. Extra swoon for that partI am usually hesitant to read adaptations, and I wasn't sure I would enjoy another as much as Darcy's Diary, but this one is an instant favourite. Thank you Mrs. Reynolds for writing this version!
I am even more in love with the world of Pride & Prejudice! My heart is full.
amykastigar's review against another edition
2.0
Note to self: attempting a spicier romance novel in the language of Austen doesn't work. In fact, it's rather tedious.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
1.0
I tried about fifty times to get into this book but I couldn't. This one is just not for me