A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Engaged to Mr Darcy Series)

I found myself in tears throughout this book. Never before have I been so moved by a P &P variation. An excellent story with a few surprises.

Usually I avoid retellings of any of Austen's works featuring the main protagonists; but because of the strong reviews and recommendations, I gave this one a go.It was definitely worth it, and kept me glued, even though I had the horrible luck to have read just the title of a review in which there was a major spoiler, revealing the basic thrust of the story. How differently my experience would have been, save for that spoiler!!But the writing was great. It was an emotion-driven tale. Lizzy meets Darcy at Pemberley, as per the original story, and they become engaged. There is no doubt it is an exquisitely happy circumstance, but then mysteriously Lizzy calls it off, not only breaking Darcy's heart , but making something of an enemy of him and his sister Georgiana. Who can blame her, when in her eyes her brother is the best of the best?Their paths do cross again, and what follows was for me extremely satisfying because it was honest, romantic and heart-rending. Other readers might not like the intense inner examination of feelings and outward expression of love, which was basically a peeling back of months and years of events impacting our H/h's inner life.If you are like me and enjoy what I described, and don't mind that there is a long period of "peeling back," followed by not only an HEA, but an extended epilogue, then this is the P&P retelling for you. I am glad I read it, and recommend it as a top-tier example of the JAFF genre.

"Not at all." Three simple words that have such a profound impact.There is absolutely nothing simple about this heartbreaking, anguish-filled story that has your heart begging for release from the vise grip around it. Each chapter slowly builds unto the next with a tension, that not only affects Darcy and Elizabeth, but also you, the reader. The tightness around your heart begins, slowly squeezing, your throat constricts as tears hover on your lashes before sliding down your cheeks. The exquisite torture of their time apart and together is like a wave receding and then crashing upon the shore. It is relentless and unending. What forces have been brought to bear upon our beloved characters? Why have they been ripped from each other's arms and for what purpose?"Elizabeth Bennet, his betrothed for a hallowed and gossamer week and two days, was his no more." (quote from the book)As the story unfolds, you are gasping at what is slowly revealed. This can't be! Why? Both Darcy and Elizabeth are so lost in their anger, doubts and regrets. Their friends and family worry for them and try to help. But is it help or hindrance? It is not for me to reveal. This is a journey well worth experiencing on your own.This is not your sweet variation to happily-ever-after. This is a story of a love that will not be crushed or beaten. It will endure to rise again...but at what price? But don't think this is all dark anguish. There are delightful moments within as you see Elizabeth's spirit rise at every attempt to intimidate her. She is glorious! Your heart will melt for Darcy even when he is being told lies and believes them. Just be prepared to let your heart and mind be consumed by this novel. It is beautifully written by an author who lays bare the human heart with such power of emotion.

Lately I have been re-reading a lot of past favorites on my kindle in the Jane Austen fanfiction genre because the last few buys were "good, just not great". I read all day in my day job and so I expect much from my pleasure reading. When I heard a favorite Austenesque author, A D'Orazio, was releasing this new novel, I was primed to buy. Last night my plan was to read until I got tired and finish it tonight (because it is about 300+ pages.) Well... "A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity" is my very favorite kind of "Pride & Prejudice" reimagining... The kind where Mr Darcy is absolutely and painfully in-love with Miss Elizabeth, and she loves him but has no hope of his love being returned. And lots of wonderful twists and turns until they finally make it to their happily-ever-after that we expect and they deserve. Oh! Delicious angst from page one. And it did not let up. His devotion to her, even through his anger and hurt, was poignant and almost palatable off the page. All the canon characters are familiar and the new characters are fresh and equally strong. I think this is the one novel that I didnot like the colonel but then Miss Austen gave us so few clues about him, not even his first name, that I found this spin on his character interesting.And my alarm went off at 6am with still 10% left on the kindle so... Today I will be walking around like a zombie and suffering from an acute book hangover -- but well worth it. This book is one I will surely re-read. I ordered the paperback copy too so I can add it to my shelves. It's that good! Warning: block out time to read. You won't want to put it down once you start.

I enjoy P and P variations. At the beginning I thought this is a bit different, but a good storyline that was overstretched. All of the original characters were in the book . What I didn’t like was the procrastination of the main characters. However the twist towards the end was original.

What a wonderful story.Stayed up all night to finish it..too old for such nonsense!But this book required that of me!! More please

If you like misunderstanding and angst, this is for you. Some reviewers have said it's too long, but I found it to be a detailed, and a slowly evolving story, beautifully written, with unexpected twists.

This is a book in which Colonel Fitzwilliam plays a major rôle and does not shine. True to the genre, Darcy and Elizabeth remain in character, keep true to their sentiments and love conquers all eventually. A series of glimpses of events after what would be the normal end of the novel, gives a wealth of surprises worthy of the author of Lady Susan.

The worst part about this book was that it ended. I just couldn't put it down and five stars is not nearly enough. I might recommend this book as it is the best book I have read this year. Just one note: sticking plasters were not invented until 1920!