Impulse & Initiative: What If Mr. Darcy Didn't Take No for an Answer?

This is one of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I've read to date! It's hard to find a good one so it was refreshing to find this one. I'm in love with this story and Mr. Darcy! I'll definitely be reading this one again!

Abigail Reynolds is one of my favorite Jane Austen writers. I have followed her career since 2005 when I first discovered her website, Austen Interlude. No, Ms. Reynolds doesn't write like Jane Austen, but what she does do is tale a very compelling story and it very apparent she loves her characters. Of all her works, Impulsive and Initiative is my all time favorite. Next it would be The Last man in the world. I suppose that is because I like dark stories with plenty of conflict, and that story certainly offers that. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those two are my favorite, but I own and love them all, and as they become available through Sourcebooks, I am repurchasing them. Both sets will enjoy a time honored place upon my book shelf. About the only negative thing I can say about this book is that I don't like the cover. Her original covers were very attractive. It's too bad Sourcebooks did not keep them. MKBaxley

Abigail Reynolds's masterful retelling of Pride and Prejudice infuses Impulse and Initiative with familiarity with the known but with also the beauty of originality. The characters leap off the page in the lush writing. In this altered state, Darcy doesn't give up after Elizabeth's first refusal of his hand, but follows her home in order to prove his love and to win hers. A fervent and magnificent love story. I highly recommend this, for Austen enthusiasts or for people who are in search of a complete and wonderful love story. Impulse and Initiative fills the bill admirably. Ms. Reynolds is truly talented.

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.

Thank God I am not stuck in the "must stay true to form" set! I thought this book was a wonderful sequel. To think that these characters would "never" have behaved in this way is quite a narrow view. Men and women have succumbed to carnal pleasures since the dawn of man. Why not Darcy and Elizabeth? I was very pleased to have some steam released for these two passionate ones.

I think of all Abigail Reynold's wonderful P & P variations, this will always be my favourite. In Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen's Darcy confesses to feeling the 'utmost force of passion' for Elizabeth Bennet, and in this story you well believe it! Darcy's attempts to change himself to become worthy of Elizabeth are very human, being both erratic at times as he struggles to change his ingrained behaviour and highly entertaining! There is plenty of humour in this lovely and imaginative story, as well as angst, emotion and romance. It's a must for anyone who enjoys variations of P & P. Abigail always crafts a beautiful story. She is a superb story teller and sweeps you along with her characters on a wonderful ride through Jane Austen's world. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.