Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70431 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 204 pages

Customer Reviews

Interesting Twist and a Lovely Tale
Taken as just a romantic tale, Without Reserve is a very satisfying read.
But, readers of Pride and Prejudice will find this to be a very original and satisfying variation. The idea of Darcy faced with another suitor for Elizabeth's hand makes an excellent story, and provides a look at some of the social customs of the time. It also provides some heart-wrenching moments as well as some beautifully romantic scenes. The interactions between the main characters, Darcy and Elizabeth are beautifully evocative. The use of Blake's poetry serves to complement the story and helps to frame the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth.

I love this story - I've read it over and over again. It keeps your interest throughout, and should appeal to a wide range of readers.

Abigail Reynolds is a masterful storyteller!
Without Reserve is a beautiful story full of glorious angst and emotion. This is one of my favorite Abigail Reynold's Pemberley Variations, exploring the roads not taken in Pride and Prejudice. Here Darcy is faced with Elizabeth's engagement to a childhood acquaintence, a very likeable Mr. Covington. As with all her stories, her characters are honest, believable and even LOL amusing... for instance, when Darcy volunteered himself as "chaperone" for Elizabeth and her other suitor!

And I swear my heart skipped a beat when Darcy first kissed Elizabeth, before escaping to Europe. "Their eyes met again for a long moment, and she looked away at first. He moved towards the door, then stopped again just at the edge of the vestibule. 'Before I go, though, Miss Bennet, I must beg your forgiveness.' 'My forgiveness? For what?' she asked. 'For this," he said. Before she realized what he intended, he leaned towards her and kissed her, a brief, tender touch of his lips to hers."

This is a book I delight in re-reading anytime--anywhere. One doesn't have to have read Pride and Prejudice to follow this story. Most enthusiastically recommended!

Another Classic Story from Abigail
I am a huge fan of all of Abigail's 'variations' on the original Pride & Prejudice, but also have to agree with another reviewer here. Here is a story that works beautifully whether you know/understand/love P&P or not. (Actually, I would say that of all Abigail's works, with hindsight).

This is a lovely 'what if' - I love the sheer romance of it all, that Darcy loves Elizabeth so much that he pursues her, then leaves her in peace because he believes she has made a choice that she is happy about, and wants what is best for her; then he finds his purpose again in such a wonderful way... the second part of the book, with his renewed determination to win her to his point of view is just so rewarding, romantic and superbly written that you almost don't want the story to end!

Another great read, I highly recommend it.