Review: First impressions - Alexa Adams

A tale of less Pride and Prejudice
Genre: Historical/Fiction/Pride and Prejudice Variation
Pages: 190
Published: 2010

In Pride and Prejudice Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet with the words: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present togive consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had never spoken so disdainfully? First Impressions explores how the events of Jane Austen's beloved novel would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley's relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton. Austen's witty style is authentically invoked in this playful romp from Longbourn to Pemberley.

My thoughts:

Now this was a fun one. I think this is how PP was supposed to be, but then Austen decided to bring in some drama and Pride and Prejudice.

This one changes right at the start. Darcy holds his tongue and dances with Lizzy, and finds her rather witty. So he never tells Bingley to walk away from Jane, and he tells Mr Bennet that his younger daughters are making fools of themselves. I like this Mr Darcy with less pride because it all makes sense. It begins with little things and then the rest falls into place.

How about the rest then. Oh more fun, I promise you. There is a match I always wanted, a match that made me laugh, and we hear about all the rest too. I liked that.

She is also writing in a style very similar to Austen, it feels old, and that does make it feel real. It turns out to be a good variation with less drama, and the characters are on their best behaviour..well most of them. What could you really expect from Wickham? ;)

Recommendation and final thoughts:

This was a short variation, but I enjoyed it. She kept it authentic, and it truly felt like a way the story could have played out. 

Reason for reading:

I like Austen variations, that is hardly a surprise any more

Cover:

Hm, but I guess it fits.

Review: Mr Darcy presents his bride - Helen Halstead

Genre: Historical romance, regency
Pages: 320
Published: 2007

When Elizabeth Bennett marries the brooding, passionate Mr. Darcy, she is thrown into the exciting world of London society. She makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury but the jealousy among her ladyship's circle threatens to destroy Elizabeth's happiness. Elizabeth is drawn into a powerful clique for whom intrigue is the stuff of life and rivalry the motive, and her success, it seems, can only come at the expense of good relations with her husband. This novel also continues the stories of other favorite Pride and Prejudice characters including Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett, each of whom have amusing adventures of their own.

I truly can't get enough of these it seems. This book takes place after the wedding, Lizzy is to be introduced to society, Lady Catherine is furious, Kitty wants a man, Georgiana is to be presented, and all the rest are there too.

First I must mention that this book had some sadness, and that was sure unexpected, but it was a part of the story. Still made me sad.

Lizzy and Darcy is as loving as always, but I must confess that this book showed a side of him that I didn't like. He was jealous, got all grumpy, and I even thought he was a bit whiny. She still loved him, but this was not the Mr Darcy one meets at the end of the book. Sure the book showed an epilogue of 12 years later, but if it was like thsi in the beginning so how did they suddenly got really happy and content?

To the rest, oh my, this book wanted matches for all, I shall not say who actually married but in play were: Kitty Bennet, Georgiana Darcy, Anne de Burgh, Colonel Fitzilliam and Caroline Bingley. I must confess I enjoyed that, I wanted a HEA for all of them (ok not all, but it worked out ok.) I am sure if she had continued Mary had gotten a man too, but yes, Mary, she was rude and really unpleasant in this book.

An ok Austen sequel, but I just feel now afterwards that I didn't love Darcy as I should have.

For fans this could be a book to read, since I liked the fact that she went all matchmaker on the whole bunch. But I would have liked a happier Darcy and not that sadness part.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Fitting

Reason for reading: Ok, you see I went to visit a friend and I went to her library and omg, omg! Big city library, in awe! I wish I could have stayed for 2 weeks and read and read. But I still managed to grab a few books,and will continue to read like crazy. Some cool books coming up this weekend. 

Final thoughts: An ok sequel.