What If Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s First Encounter Included Some Flirting?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Compelled to apologize for his ungenerous insult at the Meryton Assembly, Mr. Darcy ends up asking Elizabeth Bennet to dance. And after thoroughly enjoying a dance full of verbal swordplay and cheeky facetiousness, Mr. Darcy is delighted to continue flirting with Elizabeth throughout his stay in Meryton although the game he is playing poses some dangers…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Wit and Dialogue: I greatly enjoyed the rapid-fire quick-wit and playful exchanges displayed by both Darcy and Elizabeth – it was akin to the flaring tempers and fast banter of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in many of their movies. Grace Gibson brilliantly emulates the wonderful combination of intelligence, sharp humor, and silliness with the dialogue between these characters.

• Openness: With Darcy and Elizabeth engaging in more conversations and actively seeking each other out there was a refreshing level of openness between these characters. I loved how Mr. Darcy was always quick to notice Elizabeth’s feelings and often urged her to confide in him. And I heartily approve of his actions and all the times he listened or came to the rescue. I especially enjoyed how he interacted with and handled various members of Elizabeth’s and his own family.

• New Developments: Because of this slight change in Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s first impression of each other, it caused some new ripple effects that were so very diverting to explore. Grace Gibson found some interesting and plausible new avenues to travel in this story. I thought Jane’s storyline to be very inline with her character and I especially loved the evolution with Mary Bennet that was implemented. In addition, there were also some delightful new twists with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I wouldn’t have minded seeing some more page time devoted to his progression through these developments.

• Dual POVs: Not only does Grace Gibson masterfully write sharp and droll dialogue between her characters, she tells the story seamlessly from their individual perspectives. I greatly enjoyed seeing the alternating points-of-view and being privy to the inner thoughts, reflections, and reactions of both Darcy and Elizabeth during this tale.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Slight Quibbles: There was just a moment or two where I sort’ve felt Mr. Darcy’s outbursts and exclaiming “barks” felt out of character, but who is to say that this reserved man would not behave in such a way when provoked beyond reason. In addition, this Elizabeth felt a little overawed/concerned with money matters, but perhaps the author intentionally wanted to portray a more practical and pragmatic Elizabeth Bennet.

CONCLUSION: What a fantastic debut novel that adeptly captures Jane Austen’s satirical voice and demonstrates what happens when Darcy and Elizabeth begin with slightly better impressions! I loved seeing this depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth in a “they drive me crazy, but I love ’em” relationship! And I cannot wait to read Grace Gibson’s newest release Reckless, Headstrong Girl.

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