Hi friends! I’m so thrilled to welcome back author Julie Cooper to Austenesque Reviews today! I’ve adore Julie’s novels – The Perfect Gentleman, Tempt Me, and Nameless – to name a few. And I know I’m not the only one who is a fan of Julie’s inventive premises, evocative prose, and stirring scenes! And guess what, she has a new book coming out next month that sound like another outstanding gem!! 💎
Julie is here to share the cover reveal of her upcoming novel, A Stronger Impulse! We hope you enjoy!
~ From the Author ~
A Stronger Impulse was conceived when I began reading the book, My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum, by Herman Charles Merivale. It was published in 1879, but Regency era inmates would likely have been treated similarly six decades earlier. If anything, asylums would have improved by then! Something important which had not changed was the laws governing who could be incarcerated. There were some caveats, but essentially one could be interred upon the testimony of only two reputable persons—not necessarily physicians. Obviously, errors could be made.
Of course, one’s family’s reputation conceivably guarded against excessive detentions, since insanity was thought to be ‘in the blood’ and few wished to risk imparting these illnesses to future generations. However, during the Regency, mental illness was looked upon similarly to physical illness; it often held no particular stigma—Hollywood managed that much later. In the Regency, causation and treatments for both mental or physical distress were a misunderstood, wildly inaccurate mystery.
What would happen, I wondered, if strong, capable, intelligent Darcy was thought—quite suddenly and quite, quite wrongly—to be mad? What if his family had no particular motivation for proving otherwise? What kind of a woman would rather instantly see through a physical symptom to see the real man beneath?
And in that pondering, A Stronger Impulse was born.
~ Book Description ~
“…and in his behaviour with me, there were stronger impulses even than pride”
FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS ENRAGED when, already reeling from Elizabeth Bennet’s disdain, he discovers his sister locked in a passionate embrace with George Wickham—and suffers an apoplexy at the sight. With proper speech locked uselessly inside his mind, his Fitzwilliam relations are quick to take advantage of the situation, calling his illness insanity, and scheming to keep both Darcys under their control.
ELIZABETH BENNET IS EXPELLED from Longbourn after she refuses Mr Collins’ serious proposal and Mr Darcy’s mocking one. Always the least favourite child, she is expected to deliver herself up to an unknown uncle in London, from there to be placed into service. A fortunate escape takes her to Ramsgate instead…but it is only a brief reprieve before she must find a new life for herself.
TWO AGAINST THE WORLD. How can two powerless individuals forge a defence against the formidable forces arrayed against them? Darcy cannot afford to indulge himself in a marriage that would prove his relations’ opinions of his sanity. Elizabeth must protect herself against a growing but impossible love…and yet, a stronger impulse urges them to stay. To fight. Together.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: August 6th)
This cover has me completely windswept! 💨
The beach scene is sublime – I love clouds, the vegetation, the cliffs, the billowing dress, and unbound hair! 🌊
Mr. Darcy’s thought insane, Elizabeth expelled from Longbourn – some fascinating new twists to explore! 😯
“Darcy cannot afford to indulge himself in a marriage that would prove his relations’ opinions of his sanity” – it seems like some steep challenges await ODC! I cannot wait to see them work through them together! 💞
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of A Stronger Impulse to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Julie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends July 13th.
~~~
You can preorder A Stronger Impulse Love now!
My sincere gratitude to Julie Cooper and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Love the way the stormy sky foreshadows the stormy situation among both Darcy and Elizabeth’s families!
Thank you Regina! They have a few storms to work through!
Agreed it gives way to the storm within
I LOVE the cover… can’t wait to read….. Congrats on the new book and yay for us who get to read it.
Thank you so much Maria!
That is a compelling cover! Their need for each other is very clearly portrayed.
Looking forward to reading and feeling the feels!!!
Oh, and I don’t need to be in the draw.
Much appreciated Sam!
Do not enter me as I already own an arc copy, but what a gorgeous cover.
Can not wait to read this book.
Thank you so much Elodie!
Loves the blues and stormy look of the cover. Can’t wait to read- interesting premise and congrats on the new release.
I’m so glad you want to read, thanks!
Wow, I love that cover. Can’t wait to read this book!
Thank you so much Cath E!
Wow, I can’t imagine how they will get to the HEA with an insanity “diagnosis”!
It wasn’t easy, Ginna…but absolutely they have one!!
I love the cover! The clouds in the background and the very handsome couple, although I’ve always imagined Elizabeth as a brunette or are ODC not the couple depicted? The cover is gorgeous.
And the story?! Can’t wait to read it! I’ve loved all your books I’ve read so far, looking forward for this one. Congratulations on your new book!
I usually also imagine a brunette Elizabeth; however, it was important to this particular story that her hair be different than usual! Thank you!
They present a very handsome couple. Csn’t wait to read it! Absolutely blown away with this premise.
Love the cover! Looking forward to reading.
Thank you so much Julie!
The 8th of August seems too far away!
(Can’t wait!)
I’m so happy you’re looking forward to it! Thanks!
Wow! That cover is stunning! It really sounds like this premise could be angsty, but compelling idea nonetheless.
It’s not smooth sailing, but I promise that D&E share a LOT of page time together!
What a gorgeous cover! I love Julie’s books and can’t wait to read this.
Thank you so much Pam!
I can’t wait to read this! I love all Julie’s stories! Congratulations on your new book, Julie!
Thank you so much Daniela!! You are the best!
What a beautiful cover. Well done. Congratulations on the launch of this book. I have access to an ARC so don’t include me in the giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings on its success.
Your support is very appreciated!
Woohoo! I’m so glad your new book is out soon. Can’t wait to read it! Congrats, Julie.
Thank you so much Lucy! Cheers!!
The cover is inspired; I love it and so look forward to reading your new book. I have long been an admirer of your stories and look forward to each and every one. Thank you for sharing your talent.
How kind you are Sonya! Thanks!
I have enjoyed all of Julie’s stories, in particular Nameless. The cover has the perfect combination of colors that instantly draw one’s attention. Looking forward to reading this new story and congrats on publishing your hard work.
I am so happy you have enjoyed! Thanks Jeannette!
Lovely cover. Am more intrigued by the premise, tho. Where pride and control have been central to the character, having control taken away creates many areas for conflict and growth. Cannot wait!
It was very fun to write, balancing convention with the peculiar circumstances ODC find themselves in! Thank you.
Love the cover image — the couple has an intensity in their stance while the storm gathers around them. The premise also sound interesting.
Storm clouds gathering, indeed! ODC against the world, for sure!
Love the colors and the scene! The premise is intriguing, and I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you so much for your interest Robin!
I loved Nameless, Julie, and this one promises to be as tantalizing. Your writing is always so immersive. Congratulations on your release!
Susan!! How kind you are!!
I can’t wait to read a new book from Julie. It sounds like another winner with a complicated plot. Best wishes.
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you!
I agree with others that the stormy sky reflects the very stormy situation Darcy and Elizabeth seem to find themselves in.
I’m not exactly thrilled with the Fitzwilliams, who are taking advantage for their own benefit! I do hope he and Elizabeth can best them and be happy. They certainly look close on the cover and I love that!
Yes indeed, no heroes in the Fitzwilliam family this time! Although some are worse than others, heh heh
The cover is simply gorgeous! I can’t believe that his family would be so diabolical! However, where money is involved, I shouldn’t be surprised!
Nailed it in one! Thanks!
Beautiful cover.
I agree, she did a great job! Thank you!
I’m hooked. The sample has drawn me in and the cover is lovely. Can’t wait to read this.
I am so happy to hear this!
Oh my, what a brilliant cover. Having read the snippet, this is yet another of your wonderful stories to get swept away with. Can’t wait for August to see how this plays out
Thank you so very much Sarah!
I can’t wait to read your new book! I loved all your other ones.
You are very kind, I appreciate it!
Great cover, Julie. Can’t wait to read your next book.
What is the woman holding in her hand, I wonder? Could be flowers, could be seashells.
Herbs! Eagle eyes, Debbie!!
The cover is gorgeous and the book sounds amazing!
Thanks so much for commenting!
Fantastic cover and I can hardly wait to read this new story. Congratulations on another publication and thanks for featuring here.
Thank you Jen! Appreciate you!
Rough waters ahead! Gorgeous cover in all respects and can’t wait for the paperback to come out! The premise is again unique and can’t wait to be immersed in it! Is there a date for the paperback release? Please don’t enter me in the giveaway. Congratulations!
Release date for paperback should also be Aug 6th! Thank you so much Carole!!
I already put this on my Wish List on Amazon as I have a KU subscription. But, also, thanks for a chance to win a copy…sounds intriguing.
I appreciate it Sheila!
Oooooh! A new Julie Cooper book! But, but, you say I must wait until August 6? Let’s see… I can drum my fingers about 60 times per minute, so assuming I sleep for 8 hours per day and spend maybe 4 hours per day doing things other people think important (you know, stuff like cooking meals, doing laundry, cleaning house), that will leave 12 hours per day for some very impatient finger drumming. My fingers should be quite strong after all that exercise.
The cover looks beautiful, the premise sounds exciting, and I’m eagerly planning to read it as soon as it is available!
LOL! You’re awesome Jan!
I love the cover. The premise sounds very intriguing. Please enter me in the giveaway!
Your interest is much appreciated! Thanks!
I feel a very “strong impulse” to read this unique premise. Can’t wait!
Haha!! Keep those impulses going, Joy! Thanks!
Gorgeous cover, Julie – can’t wait to lose myself in this.
Good luck with this newest book and thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you so much!
Gorgeous cover, very interesting premise! I can’t wait to see how they can help each other!
Your interest is very appreciated!
RoxDawn, you won the cover reveal contest for this round! To get your free ebook from Quills & Quartos, please email Promotions Manager Abigail Caress at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com. Congratulations!
Sounds wonderful. Reminds me of an all-time favorite, desert island read…Laure Kinsale’s, ‘Flowers From the Storm’… a yummy old school regency story of a damaged hero, rescued by a stubborn, head-strong girl. I can’t wait to read ‘Stronger Impulse,’ just in time for my beach vacation.
Oh, to be as clever as Kinsale! So happy to hear we will vacation together!!
I can’t wait for this and I hope I’m entered
Thank you Wendy!!
Congratulations on your new book!
Such a captivating cover, I can feel the power of uncertainty in the weather and the surroundings, as well as the strength of their attraction. Eager to read the story. thank you for the chance to win a copy
Thank you for your interest!
Fabulous cover! I love the motion from the wind. Wondering if the white cliffs of Dover are a location revealed in the book. Really looking forward to reading this! The book blurb made me gasp!
It’s the chalk cliffs near Brighton, actually, but definitely there is definitely a seaside romance. Thank you so much for gasping! What a compliment!
Ah, ok. Duly noted!
I transported myself to the beach looking at that cover. Wonderful! And the plot is a promising one!
Thank you so much–I’m a beach girl myself!
Beautiful cover, but even more, I love your beautiful prose! All your stories are highly entertaining, but this appears to be another one where D & E join forces to fight the world and I cannot wait to read it.!
Aww, thanks so much Cheryl, I appreciate your kind words!
Beautiful stormy beach scene and intriguing premise.
Thank you TC!
Gorgeous cover! I have loved all your books so I’m supremely confident I will love this. But I must say it sounds quite angsty!
There are challenges, to be sure, but lots of D&E page time together. Thanks so much for reading!
The cover is lovely. The premise is very intriguing. It should make great reading.
Thank you so much for commenting!
Judy, you won the cover reveal contest for this round! To get your free ebook from Quills & Quartos, please email Promotions Manager Abigail Caress at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com. Congratulations!
Love the cover & can’t wait to read the story. Do you plan to make it into an audiobook too?
Yes, this will be an audiobook as well! I don’t have the release date on Audible, but it is definitely in the works. Thank you!
Congratulations on your new book! I really like the stormy sky on your cover. The story sounds intriguing and I would love to read it! Maybe it will be my next holiday-book!
Thank you so much Audny! I hope we can vacay together, metaphorically!
Elizabeth and Darcy are definitely standing near the beach in Ramsgate. But Elizabeth’s hair is down and Darcy is not properly dressed! Oh my I need my salts. Thank you for the giveaway. The premise of Julia’s new novel is intriguing.
Thank you Eva! Much appreciated.
Have preordered A Stronger Impulse. I always LOVE Julie’s stories.
You are soooo kind Fairlie! Those preorders mean a ton!! Thank you thank you thank you!
Fairlie, you won the cover reveal contest for this round! To get your free ebook from Quills & Quartos, please email Promotions Manager Abigail Caress at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com. Congratulations!
Love the cover!! Love the premise of the novel! Can’t wait to read it!!!
I’m so happy you’re willing to read! Thanks!
Omg I can’t wait the cover us gorgious
Thank you so much Wendy!!
Congrats, Julie! I look forward to reading it.
Thank you Paige, I appreciate it!
This looks like a fun book! Thanks for the offer.
Thanks for commenting Erna!
Such an interesting premise and the cover is mesmerizing.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on your new story, it will hit the top place of my “must read” books. I hate it when people take advantage of Darcy and/or Elizabeth and get away with it without retribution so I dearly hope those relatives are made to pay… Darcy even without the ability to speak with Elizabeth at his side is a formidable enemy as least I hope so! The cover is beautiful
I’m on your TBR list! Yay!! Thank you Satu!
I love Julie’s strong portrayals of a Darcy and Elizabeth who can overcome anything when they trust and join together. Both of their families so against each of them is a dire place to begin! The cover sets a intriguing mood with the darkening clouds closing in – or are they parting with the sun? Looking forward to another unique and exciting story!
Thank you so much Deborah!
Beautiful cover and a very interesting premise. I like stories with D&E fighting together again odds. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on the release of your new book.
Me too, Kate! Thank you!
Absolutely lovely!
I look forward to reading this very much and will also be purchasing it in paperback!!
I appreciate this so much Sam!
Those scheming Fitzwilliams! How dare they?! Hehe, I have to add this to my TBR hoard.
So happy to hear it!
Oh, I’m so excited for this release. I bought Tempt Me and Nameless and have reread them several times, and this one’s premise looks great!
Thank you so much Anna! I appreciate it.
Sorry for coming late to the party, Julie. It’s a beautiful cover of Elizabeth and Darcy on a windy day by the beach. The blurb had me curious as I think this P&P is quite unique. I wouldn’t dream that Darcy’s relatives would take advantage of his illness and control his wealth and well-being. I look forward to the official release day!