Alone with Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation in Austen Variations

Apr 05, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved this story. But then I expected I would. Abigail Reynolds did not disappoint me. I (and a multitude of others) have been anticipating this book's release. I had read the first chapter on her blog and other snippets of the tale so knew the premise. I began reading it soon after its release at midnight last night. And I will purchase the paperback also to join all the others of hers on my bookshelf. Adore the beautiful cover.

Yes, Elizabeth finds and helps Mr. Darcy when coming upon him in I loved this story. But then I expected I would. Abigail Reynolds did not disappoint me. I (and a multitude of others) have been anticipating this book's release. I had read the first chapter on her blog and other snippets of the tale so knew the premise. I began reading it soon after its release at midnight last night. And I will purchase the paperback also to join all the others of hers on my bookshelf. Adore the beautiful cover.

Yes, Elizabeth finds and helps Mr. Darcy when coming upon him in his injured state following his spill from a half-tamed horse. Why was he coming back to Meryton? That is not revealed for some time in the book. It was certainly not for the wedding of Charlotte and Mr. Collins. And as ODC is stranded in a snow storm for several days in a small laborer’s cottage, many misconceptions in place about Mr. Darcy come to light. Our dear Fitzwilliam is such a romantic here, even with his injuries; he is a gentleman despite the sexual attraction he admits in his mind (the attraction he thought he was over). And Elizabeth, upon learning of the slandering of Darcy's character by our resident rogue - does she admits to changes or refuse to believe him over that other person-who-will-not-be-mentioned? And then we meet our first new character...a ball of white fur with sharp claws. How adorable!

The snow storm ceases and ODC have discussed how to handle keeping things quiet or what to do if that proves to be impossible…Or so they think. But gossips are busy with another scandal and it is not the young lady you may think of as in canon. So many misconceptions and misleading evidence: letters spoken of, a visit from or to an irate father, young ladies in disgrace or taking steps against their family wishes, another valet overstepping his role, "evil" stepmothers, half-siblings, (Has anyone met Mrs. Dawley?), a shell-shocked soldier, scheming friends and cousins. There are a lot of people here who think they know best for others. Additionally, there is a lot of suspense here. Misunderstanding not of our couple’s making give us angst enough. And we have a death with a Will blackmailing two persons of our acquaintance. A certain lady reaches out from the grave.

In this book, as in other variations, we have two fathers who are not the best of parents. I won’t reveal details (can’t spoil your reading pleasure) but Ms. Reynolds gives us some twists in more than one part of this story and they seem to intertwine…to tangle as do the ribbons in Elizabeth’s hair.

OH, do read this story. I can only say I enjoyed it and do believe you will also. ...more

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Apr 04, 2015 Barb rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-fan-fiction-read, books-i-own-e-book

A very lovely variation from the queen of variations, Abigail Reynolds. After leaving Netherfield, never to return, Mr. Darcy thinks better of leaving the people of Meryton without warning about George Wickham. He returns, alone, to discuss Wickham with Mr. Bennet, but during a snowstorm he is thrown by his horse and knocked out. Luckily, he is spotted by Elizabeth Bennet who realizes they are too far from help and Mr. Darcy is not able to walk to medical help. The two take shelter in a small te ...more

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Apr 22, 2015 Victoria Kincaid rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-variation, austenesque-reading-challenge

A lovely, emotional, what-if Pride and Prejudice variation. It kept me turning the pages and staying up late! I particularly loved the idea of having Darcy and Elizabeth trapped together by a snowstorm - and then seeing all the repercussions of that event.

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Apr 21, 2017 Laura rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, historical, austen, jaff-trope-compromise, regency

This was pretty good but, to be honest, I lost interest about half way through and didn't finish it. While it was fine, there was nothing about it that made me want to continue reading. ...more

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Sep 20, 2015 Jen rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 03, 2015 K-Heart-Books rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen-variations

Another Abigail Reynold's gem! This one is a little angsty - Mr. Bennet! - and I'm still not sure about the side story about Georgiana's mother. How did that fit in? I did enjoy all the dialogue, snow storm and of course Mr. Darcy! ...more

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