To Conquer Mr. Darcy (A Pride & Prejudice Variation Book 7)

Another reviewer said it well--Elizabeth is strident and overly concerned with her own feelings in this story. And Mr. Darcy is a little off too. What I love about this author, and the reason I read so many of her books, is because she is better than all other JAFF authors I've read at contriving new situations in which the characters behave like their original selves. Generally, that makes them a delight to read.This book was a little on the melodramatic side and a lot depended on constant misunderstandings between them. It did get old, and I agree Elizabeth was strident. Mr Darcy was overly broodish.Read this one because it's sexy, if you're into that, but don't expect all that much from the plot. It's a bit weak.

For fans of romance, here is your book. Very little of the severe and aloof Darcy appears in this story, rather a very determined and persistent lover is evident early on. Elizabeth doesn't stand a chance against his efforts to change her perception of his character, and seems to almost reluctantly cave in to his onslaught. But once she does give in, they can't keep their hands off each other. The frequency and intensity of their romantic interludes did get a little tiresome, but you just have to accept that as a work of fan fiction the personalities of the characters changes from the original. The behavior of Darcy and Elizabeth is out of character but fun to consider. I was pleased that it was acknowledged that their behavior put them more on a par with Lydia and Wickham, and that there was a measure of remorse for gross impropriety.This author never disappoints with a well written and interesting story. The editing is well done with a minimum of errors.

Every emotion in the human experience is exhibited excellently, whether it is despair, fear, anger or love, each is profoundly displayed with passion.After being convinced of the benefits of pursuing Miss Elizabeth Bennet instead of forsaking the idea of ever having her as his wife, Mr Darcy returns to Hertfordshire with one thought only: persuade Elizabeth to become his wife. He even inadvertently conveys this thought when, in answer to he query about the length of his stay in the area, he replies, "As long as it takes."He is persuasive and demanding by turns and you so fall in love with Darcy all over as you read this well written variation.

It's taken me years to be able to articulate my feelings on this one. I enjoy Ms. Reynolds' style. I love a passionate romance. I didn't enjoy the nuances of this hero and heroine's relationship.Elizabeth got on my nerves. She was so focused on her own emotions. Darcy was always second guessing himself trying to be what she needed. There was no reciprocation. What about his feelings and needs ? I didn't like her, which made it difficult since the story takes us into her head so much. Her character reminded me of Bella Swan from the Twilight series. Jerks we're supposed to support simply because they are the heroine.Other than this, it was fine. Lots of sex but that's typical of the author.

I bought this book as "Impulse & Initiative" on September 15, 2007 and over the years have read it many times. I own all of Abigail Reynolds' books and have not had a problem with discerning when it is being published under a new title. So I have not read "To Conquer Mr. Darcy" - seems to be the same according to reviews.I absolutely love how Abigail takes us for a journey inside the minds of ODC. Darcy is persuaded to go to Hertfordshire to attempt to win Elizabeth's heart. "How long do you plan to stay at Netherfield?" "As long as necessary." The little hints that he is making progress are so tantalizing...the look in her eyes or on her face make him realize that she is not indifferent. And she tells him right out she will only work towards friendship. Then he comes to realize that he does best by not forcing the issue, as she does respond to a touch, a kiss, even if reluctantly. Caroline Bingley forces the issue to a head, which actually explodes in her face, by trying to taint Elizabeth's reputation when she spies on Darcy and sees him kiss Lizzy. But, here, too, we see growth in the relationship as Elizabeth confronts Darcy with the fact that he asked her father for Lizzy's hand without discussing the situation with her first.I so enjoy all the angst and sexual tension Ms. Reynolds brings to her writings. The scene which leads to the anticipation of the marriage vows is so well handled. Elizabeth goes to look for a book late at night (after a long talk with Georgiana), thinking all in the house are asleep, and then meets Darcy in the library. She is in her night gown: she says, "Good night, William" when he sends her off to bed and sparks fly. AND contrary to how Lydia and Wickham act during their elopement, Darcy and Elizabeth feel guilt. Darcy faces his responsibility and goes to Mr. Gardiner to ask to set the wedding up a.s.a.p. and admits why he is asking to do so.There are other issues which are handled but the ending is very sweet. Upon learning Elizabeth is pregnant and fearing what he witnessed his own mother go through with her pregnancies, Darcy, again has to open up and talk to Elizabeth about his experience.Don't know which of Abigail's variations is my favorite but highly recommend them all...even the modern take-offs!February, 2016: In now reading this edition as To Conquer Mr. Darcy I have realized that there are some scenes omitted in this revised version of Impulse and Initiative. Especially of note is the whole bit about how rumors concerning Darcy's and Elizabeth's began the area of Meryton and as to how that source was handled by Bingley and Darcy. It doesn't change my rating but in now re-reading the second edition under this title I wanted to make note of it.

Another wonderful story by one of my favorite authors! The plot follows canon in many respects but deviates in fascinating directions. The thoughts and struggles of both Darcy and Elizabeth are described in greater depth than P&P included. Secondary characters (e.g. Charlotte, Collins, Lady C, Caroline B) are mentioned only in passing so the focus remains on the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth. Integrating the physical temptations into the storyline adds complexity without unnecessary details.Well-written as always. Highly recommended.

Having enjoyed Abigail Reynolds novels before, I was really disappointed with this one.The plot lasted about a quarter of the book before devolving into a long boring series of sex scene after sex scene. I ended up flicking through the last 40% of the novel to see if any sort of plot happened - alas, it did not. I like a bit of smut from time to time but this felt extremely out of character for both Lizzy and Darcy, whose minds were solely focused on their next passionate embrace. I refuse to accept that the Darcy of Pride and Prejudice - the man who despises Wickham's debauchery, disrespect to women, and proclivity for seductions- could do the things he does in this novel. Yes, he's passionate, but a large facet of Darcy's personality is his rigid self-control and and adherence to propriety and I think there's no way he would cast this aside - particularly for Elizabeth, who he respects above all others.However, on the positive side, it's well written and an easy read, if you're looking for something steamy.

This is a Pride and Prejudice variation that I read under the title 'To Conquer Mr Darcy' but it has also been published as 'Impulse and Initiative'. Having read the book I think the I&I title is better, Mr Darcy is Conquered before the book even begins! It's more like To Capture Miss Bennet! The story picks up P&P after the rejected proposal at Hunsford. Darcy has gone back to London and is in the depths of despair; he believes that he has no hope of ever winning Lizzy over and doesn't expect to ever see her again. Colonel Fitzwilliam gives him a good talking to for giving up so easily and berates him for not telling Bingley the truth about Jane's feelings for him. Darcy takes the Colonel's advice, and he and Bingley set off for Hertfordshire.At this point Lizzy knows how she's misjudged Darcy so she no longer actively dislikes him but she'd be quite happy never to see him again. She has to be polite to him to help further the match between Jane and Bingley though and he makes it clear that he'd like to start again with the final aim of winning Lizzy's hand in marriage. She is somewhat resentful of this disregarding of her feelings but she goes along with getting to know him better, finding to her confusion that her feelings begin to change towards him even against her will. Mr Darcy is very slightly manipulative in this version, realising that she responds to him physically, he takes more and more liberties with her which she responds to even though he's moving things along faster than she'd like. However, things do end happily.At this point I must put in a warning, that this book has pre-marital sex and sex scenes (hot ones!) so if either of these is a big no-no for you then you should avoid. However, if you look on Ms Reynolds' website you will find reference to a story called 'Rule of Reason' which is similar to this in many ways except I think there aren't either anticipation of vows or sex scenes, but it's been a while since I've read it so not 100% sure.EDIT: I checked 'Rule of Reason' and there is no premarital sex, although they come close on one occasion. Also, there are no sex scenes in detail.

I was captured by this book within pages and couldn't put it down until I finished it and even then I wanted to know more. The book looks at what might of happened had Mr Darcy not accepted Elizabeth's refusal at Hunsford and instead decided to go after her and win her love. The book is very clever in that certain plot points from the original Pride and Prejudice still occur (such as Wickham and Lydia eloping), but these have a different effect on Darcy and Lizzie as they have taken different paths than those told in the original novel. The attention to detail in this book is fantastic, especially in the more 'sensual' scenes. A fantastic novel for open minded Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts.

Abigail Reynolds was my first introduction to the world of Austen fan fiction and this book - Impulse and Initiative under a different title - was the second story I read. This has remained one of my favourite P&P variations.I was sorry to see that some scenes had been cut from this version, particularly the list of names Darcy discusses with Elizabeth on the night of their engagement.Also, I was disappointed that this was not a new story but a new publication of a story I had already bought. Nonetheless, Darcy's persistence entranced me once again and I enjoyed the slow crumbling of Elizabeth's defences.

A low angst story exploring the deepening of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth as they come to understand each other better.