Bargain with the Devil - Enid Wilson

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy learns of the debacle involving Elizabeth Bennet's sister several months after he was rejected by Elizabeth, and volunteers to help find her sister, of his own accord. But what if Miss Elizabeth had requested Mr. Darcy's aid in just a few days after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford, and he was still very angry with her refusal? What if he decided to be ungentlemanly, and demanded a very particular reward from her in exchange for his assistance? This steamy, funny Pride and Prejudice what-if short story explores that scenario with wit, emotion and intriguing plot twists that take this perennial favorite to another direction. "An engrossing story that will grab the reader and take them on a wild ride that will last until the very last sentence" - 5 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance, Ultra Rare Extraordinary Read

This was a very sweet short story...Nothing untoward happens and for the most part Darcy is a perfect gentleman. It is very sweet to watch Lizzy's feelings change in this version. Definitely one I am glad that I bought as I will read over and over again. And poor poor Caroline!! ;D

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I read this again after telling my mother about it...and decided I loved it even more the second time around. There is a moment when Mr. Darcy is speaking with a little boy about crabs that is so very very sweet, and when he gets drunk and decides to educate Lizzy on not being a milksop still has me laughing! Again, though she is one of my least favorite characters, poor Caroline. *snickers*

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

It’s difficult to tell if critics’ reactions to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies should be characterized as praise or astonishment. Some reviewers treated the book as a delightful gimmick. Others found that, beneath the surface, the book actually constituted an interesting way of looking at Austen’s novel. Zombies answer certain puzzling questions: Why were those troops stationed near Hertfordshire? Why did Charlotte Lucas actually marry Mr. Collins? (She had recently been bitten by zombies and wanted a husband who could be counted on to behead her—of course!) But critics also pointed out that this parody shows that Austen’s novel has remained so powerful over time that even the undead can’t spoil it.

Oh what to say, what to say!?!? This is colossal cheese that I so very much totally enjoyed! I enjoyed the bad jokes, the images, the actual fist fight between Darcy and Lizzie...I could have done without certain bits such as Lizzie walking on her fingertips rather than playing the piano at Rosings but overall I truly enjoyed the book for the fluffed version it is!

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Zombie in possesion of brains must be in want of more brains!"

Persuading Annie

Annie Markham is trapped in a fairy tale existence complete with a narcissistic family and a godmother, but her prince turns out to be a toad. At 19, Jake Mead was her true love until her godmother Susannah stepped in and Jake ran away. Now, seven years later, Annie's wealthy family is heading toward bankruptcy, and Susannah brings in the best consultant in England to rescue their London public relations agency. The wunderkind turns out to be Jake, who is out for revenge. Annie spends her time working, something unheard of in her family, and doing good deeds while trying to avoid Jake. Both Annie and Jake are actively seeking relationships, but their thoughts keep turning back to each other. Fun and interesting multidimensional characters populate this very charming story that proves that a prince cum toad can eventually turn back into a prince and rescue the princess from her relatives.

Of the now two modern persuasion variations that I have read (the other being Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason) I have to say that I liked this one the best. Now in this version Annie is a bit like Bridget as she is unable to fully admit her feelings for Jake (ie Cpt. Wentworth) for quite some time. The remaining characters are played to a T...and for the first time I really really like Mary who is now Victoria in this book as opposed to just being oddly fond of her ;p

The reunion at the end is very very sweet and the reason for the initial parting is so totally "oh if only you'd talked to each other" it was all in all a very sweet book and I am very glad that I bought it! I do so recommend it!

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy

A sexy, bold adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that re-paints favorite characters in twenty-first century colors
Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman—until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge.
Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy's courtroom— and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause—as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction. When they meet up in England at an international law conference, they embark on a hot, heavy affair. Back in the States, though, ethical considerations intrude, and each is subjected to a torturous period of soul-searching before they can find their way back to each other...

Oh where to begin, first off I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am so very glad that I went out and bought it as punishment to Captain Useless for not informing me of his family coming over until he started cleaning forcing me to ask...it was a fast read and I couldn't put it down. I will admit there are some dry parts but overall I have to give this book an honest 4/5. So good I even feel compelled to email the author and rave about it to her.

Honestly the book follows the story of P&P fairly well with specific deviations. Jane and Charles are not separated by Darcy. Wickham NEVER comes into the picture (which is refreshing). The characters that are in the book are very well developed and the story is oh so very good.

I highly recommend purchasing this book!!!! Loved it! *giddily clapping hands and boucing up and down* Loved it!!!

Abigail Reynolds

Abigail Reynolds has done a series of Pride and Prejudice variations and I have had the fortune to read several. Of the variations that I have read these are the ones that I have enjoyed and would definately buy...

By Force of Instinct - In Jane Austen's classic Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet never expects to see Mr. Darcy again after his disastrous proposal in Hunsford. But what if family business required him to stay at Rosings after giving her his letter? Coming face to face with Mr. Darcy only days later could give Elizabeth a new chance to understand him... or a chance for even more misunderstandings. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- In this variation you watch as Elizabeth begins to understand Darcy more and he begins to understand her and her reasons for turning him down.

The Last Man in the World - "I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." Elizabeth Bennet's furious response to Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice has resonated for generations of readers. But what if she never had a chance to say it? Would she learn to recognize Mr. Darcy's admirable qualities on her own? The Last Man in the World follows Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find their way through the maze of their prejudices after Elizabeth, against her better judgment, agrees to marry Darcy instead of saying those famous words. Two of the most beloved characters in English literature explore the meaning of true love on a tumultuous journey to make a success of their marriage. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- In this version you watch as Elizabeth and Darcy go through the traditional changes from the book only as a married couple. How they handle the Wickham incident and the ending is my favorite!

Without Reserve - What would have happened if Fitzwilliam Darcy faced a true rival for Elizabeth Bennet's affections? In a return to the world of Jane Austen, the plot of Pride & Prejudice takes a different turn when Elizabeth accepts the proposal of a childhood friend before she meets Darcy again. When their paths finally cross, Darcy must decide what he is willing to do to win the woman he loves. A heartwarming conclusion to this lively tale brings satisfaction to all of Austen's beloved characters. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- This is not one of my favorites but it is still sweet.

The next two I want to read and will probably end up buying to do so will be From Lambton to Longbourn and Impulse and Initiative. She has a new version coming out in the near future that I am looking forward to as well.

She is definately on my list of regency authors that I enjoy!

White Lies and other Half Truths

Barbara Tiller Cole shines a comedic, sexy light on the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, turning it into a delightful romp. Open the pages and take a look at maiden fears, the consequences of white lies, and the hope for redemption. If Fitzwilliam Darcy were alive today he would say, "If Jane Austen had written a Regency Sex Manual, this would be it!" Elizabeth Bennet would have said, "A fun, light, sexy yarn! What I would give to be taught by Professor Darcy!" Take a delightful journey with your beloved characters as you read this delightful farce!

Ok this was another random ass find on Amazon and as soon as I read the preview I knew I had to own it. Thus far of everyone I know who has attempted this piece of fiction I am the only one to actually finish it. It is complete and utter cheese. Funny as hell in places but cheese all the same.

It is a self pulbished book so it is utterly unpolished but oddly not detracting. The gist is that Lizzy opt's to tell Darcy a little white lie to escape him at the Netherfield ball by claiming a sprained ankle...all concerns are discussed and confessions made kisses exchanged and discovered by Mr. Bennet.

I am not going to go into great detail about the book but there are some very good things about it. Caroline is a nut who is obsessed with Orange. Mr. Collins meets a VERY amusing end. Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet work to improve their marriage. Mary is an author friends with Lady Caroline and Lord Byron. Col Fitzwilliam's father and Mr. Darcy's father were best friends with Mr. Bennet. Even Mr. Elton (from Emma) and Mr. Bertrum (from Mansfield) make an appearance.

Bottom line this is a relatively racy book in degrees but I knew I HAD to own it when I read the line Darcy had not been so embarassed since he got caught at 14 "pleasuring" himself...that mental image alone was worth it to me. Still cracks me up!

Just because I can!

Pemberly

*squee* Oh my Firthness!!! *purrrrr*

The one and only TRUE Mr. Darcy!

My own Captain Wentworth!

I am fully aware that all thoughts on the above heroes are not going to be agreed upon, but since this is MY blog I can mush out over them all I want!!!

Eventually I am sure I will post the remaining leading men in Austen's novels, but as these are my favorites and the ones I have the most variations on...they come first!