Like I've been saying with most Austen spinoffs, I always proceed with caution. I don't like being disappointed and I certainly don't like it when my beloved classic have been ripped to shreds, and especially when it's done horribly. Fortunately! this book has passed and I don't regret reading this book. I actually quite liked it and I found myself laughing over parts of the book which were cleverly written and provided a lot of good humor. It was certainly nice seeing Mr Darcy's daily life in more detail besides just hearing his thoughts and his behavior. I actually liked how this book put in little bits and pieces added to the main Pride and Prejudice plot to add more color and life to Mr Darcy. We usually see him as a brooding solitary figure which immediately we think of how boring he might be. In reality, well, Mr Darcy just doesn't like gatherings and parties period. That's just his nature and what's even better, he's a bookworm! this is one of the main reasons why I liked reading this book. Mr Darcy isn't seen as boring, silent in his corner with his stormy thoughts. Although yes, it's romantic but seeing a different side of him, where he's able to show a sense of humor towards Mr Bingley (even having a moment where Bingley throws a cube of sugar at
him) makes Mr Darcy seem much more real and twice as likable. (We Darcy fanatics can all sigh in relief here!).

I'd have to say though, the plot was a little too slow to come to action and if you're one who needs to have their attention captured right away, this might be a deterrent. I would suggest, stick with it. Especially if you're a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. Patience is well rewarded later in the book with comical scenes and even scenes which will make you want to yank Caroline Bingley's hair for being such a vain and vicious witch. (Yes, Miss Bingley is quite the snake in this one). Another criticism I'd have to add, not much Elizabeth in this one! you can't feel the love between them yet. It's understandable considering the book doesn't even cover half of the main plot and you do feel Mr Darcy's true feelings towards Elizabeth. It's still growing so the romance factor in this book is rather cold which may be disappointing. As with a few previous spinoff novels I've read, Mr Bingley still stays the same, cheerful and so friendly but always needing someone to advise or look after him. More has been added to his character as well and his relationship with Darcy is seen in more detail. I actually liked it. It seemed as if he brought out the comical side of Mr Darcy which was nice to see.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this read. It was entertaining and although slow to start, I was glad I stayed with it until the end. I will definitely be getting the second one after this. I recommend this to all Jane Austen fans. ( )

Moved a little slow at first, but a delightful read. In this case, Pride and Prejudice is told from Mr. Darcy's point of view. This installment takes us through the first 1/3 of the novel. ( )

While parts of this re-telling were very enjoyable, the essential characterization of Darcy was at too great odds with the picture I got from Austen. I liked seeing Bingley more fully developed and especially liked that he found his sisters annoying. In Austen's version I often thought he must be oblivious, but Ms. Aidan suggests that Bingley is like most brothers who find sisters obnoxious - avoid whenever possible, but don't actually say anything derogatory out of family loyalty. Darcy, however, comes across as a lovelorn puppy - and that just didn't work for me. All the lingering glances and the maneuverings to see Elizabeth - I just didn't buy it. My reading of Austen was more along the lines of Darcy being forced to notice Elizabeth - not seeking her out. Darcy struck me as what a teen girl would like a boy to be like - all obsessed about her. Disappointing. ( )

A friend who belongs to the Austen Society highly recommended this trilogy by Pamela Aiden. It's Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's point of view and the author has not changed the beloved story but, using the same language and tone beloved by Austen fans, lets us in on Darcy's hopes and fears during those lengthy periods when he is not present in P&P. Okay - it's not the real thing, but no Austen fan will be outraged and it's just plain fun to read. ( )

I was severely disappointed with this book - after reading many good reviews of it, I was sorry to discover that it was insipid and drab from page one. I felt the author's portrayal of Darcy was completely untrue to Austin's novels, and her use of language was awkward, confounding and improper.

*sigh* ( )