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The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1
Pulse and Prejudice
1st Place Winner in Category: Chatelaine Awards Romantic Fiction
Austenprose Readers’ Choice: Top 5 Books of the Year*
In this thrilling and sensual adaptation of the classic love story, Elizabeth Bennet and the citizens of Hertfordshire know Fitzwilliam Darcy to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man, but they never suspect the dark secret of his true nature. He is not a man at all – but a vampire.
When the haughty and wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in the rural county of Hertfordshire, he finds he cannot control his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet – a horrifying thought because, as she is too far below his social standing to ignite his heart, he fears she must appeal to the dark impulses he struggles to suppress.
Set against the vivid backdrop of historical Regency England, this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice follows the cursed Mr. Darcy as he endeavours to overcome both his love and his bloodlust for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Although Pulse and Prejudice adheres to the original plot and style of the Jane Austen classic, it is not a “mash-up” but an imaginative, thrilling variation told primarily from Mr. Darcy’s point of view as he descends into the seedier side of London and introduces Elizabeth to a world of passion and the paranormal she never knew existed.
Pulse and Prejudice has been meticulously researched for historical accuracy and remains faithful to nineteenth century literary conventions and Miss Austen’s narrative. The author spent fifteen months traveling to Britain and researching Regency England, as well as vampire lore and literature. In the few instances in which the plots overlap, excerpts from canon have been expertly woven in so that prior knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is not required for full enjoyment of this remarkable novel.
“What would Jane Austen have thought? I think she would have loved this book. She might even have written it herself had she lived in a less constrained age.” Books Are Cool
“Darcy’s demise and subsequent ‘rebirth’ are written to perfection. It has renewed my faith in the sub-genre.” Reflections of a Book Addict
“I cannot express enough how skeptical I was upon starting this book. Pride and Prejudice with a touch of vampires was enough to send me into fits of eye rolls. But, within only the first chapter, I found myself strangely drawn to the story. The vampire Darcy weaves his spell quickly.” Austenprose
*2012
Austenprose Readers’ Choice: Top 5 Books of the Year*
In this thrilling and sensual adaptation of the classic love story, Elizabeth Bennet and the citizens of Hertfordshire know Fitzwilliam Darcy to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man, but they never suspect the dark secret of his true nature. He is not a man at all – but a vampire.
When the haughty and wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in the rural county of Hertfordshire, he finds he cannot control his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet – a horrifying thought because, as she is too far below his social standing to ignite his heart, he fears she must appeal to the dark impulses he struggles to suppress.
Set against the vivid backdrop of historical Regency England, this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice follows the cursed Mr. Darcy as he endeavours to overcome both his love and his bloodlust for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Although Pulse and Prejudice adheres to the original plot and style of the Jane Austen classic, it is not a “mash-up” but an imaginative, thrilling variation told primarily from Mr. Darcy’s point of view as he descends into the seedier side of London and introduces Elizabeth to a world of passion and the paranormal she never knew existed.
Pulse and Prejudice has been meticulously researched for historical accuracy and remains faithful to nineteenth century literary conventions and Miss Austen’s narrative. The author spent fifteen months traveling to Britain and researching Regency England, as well as vampire lore and literature. In the few instances in which the plots overlap, excerpts from canon have been expertly woven in so that prior knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is not required for full enjoyment of this remarkable novel.
“What would Jane Austen have thought? I think she would have loved this book. She might even have written it herself had she lived in a less constrained age.” Books Are Cool
“Darcy’s demise and subsequent ‘rebirth’ are written to perfection. It has renewed my faith in the sub-genre.” Reflections of a Book Addict
“I cannot express enough how skeptical I was upon starting this book. Pride and Prejudice with a touch of vampires was enough to send me into fits of eye rolls. But, within only the first chapter, I found myself strangely drawn to the story. The vampire Darcy weaves his spell quickly.” Austenprose
*2012
387 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2012
128 people are currently reading
1704 people want to read
About the author
Colette L. Saucier
10 books96 followersSHORT BIO:
Colette L. Saucier is a bestselling and award-winning author in a variety of genres under multiple pseudonyms. Her novel Pulse and Prejudice, Book I: The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire; the highly-acclaimed paranormal adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, was the 2013 Chatelaine Awards 1st Place Winner in Category, Romantic Fiction. Elle Magazine named Pulse and Prejudice a "Most Inventive Adaptation" of Pride & Prejudice in their April 2016 edition. It was also selected the 2013 1st Place Winner in Category: Chatelaine Awards Romantic Fiction.
An abridged version of The Proud and the Prejudiced: A Modern Twist on Pride and Prejudice was selected a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Semi-finalist and Austensque Reviews’ Favorite Modern Adaptation under the title All My Tomorrows.
Colette’s latest release is the controversial erotic noir suspense, The Widow. She will be releasing Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth, Book II: The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire in eBook August, 2016, and print in October.
A writer, world-traveler, empty-nester, and a literature, history, wine & cheese lover; Colette lives in Southeast Louisiana with her historian husband and their dogs.
Colette L. Saucier is a bestselling and award-winning author in a variety of genres under multiple pseudonyms. Her novel Pulse and Prejudice, Book I: The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire; the highly-acclaimed paranormal adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, was the 2013 Chatelaine Awards 1st Place Winner in Category, Romantic Fiction. Elle Magazine named Pulse and Prejudice a "Most Inventive Adaptation" of Pride & Prejudice in their April 2016 edition. It was also selected the 2013 1st Place Winner in Category: Chatelaine Awards Romantic Fiction.
An abridged version of The Proud and the Prejudiced: A Modern Twist on Pride and Prejudice was selected a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Semi-finalist and Austensque Reviews’ Favorite Modern Adaptation under the title All My Tomorrows.
Colette’s latest release is the controversial erotic noir suspense, The Widow. She will be releasing Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth, Book II: The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire in eBook August, 2016, and print in October.
A writer, world-traveler, empty-nester, and a literature, history, wine & cheese lover; Colette lives in Southeast Louisiana with her historian husband and their dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 13, 2025
A legitimately and unironically fan(g)tastic Pride and Prejudice retelling that doesn’t replace any of the focus on class division, but simply adds onto it with the presence of an angsty vampire plot.
Darcy shouldn’t love Lizzie Bennet not just because of her social standing and family, but also because he’s an immortal beings that can’t fathom turning her into the same monster as him or eventually losing her to her very short, mortal lifespan.
Deeply romantic and endlessly creative in the approaches to the Wickham conflict and behind-the-scenes Darcy intervention, Pulse and Prejudice blew me away.
I’ll be honest…I really don’t care for the set up for the sequel that happens in the epilogue. It’s not very interesting to me and the story is no longer Pride and Prejudice in any capacity. It’s a whole new beast at that point so I’m leaving my experience with this book as a pleasant standalone.
CW: classism, misogyny, blood, brief sexual content, grooming, references to dead loved ones
Darcy shouldn’t love Lizzie Bennet not just because of her social standing and family, but also because he’s an immortal beings that can’t fathom turning her into the same monster as him or eventually losing her to her very short, mortal lifespan.
Deeply romantic and endlessly creative in the approaches to the Wickham conflict and behind-the-scenes Darcy intervention, Pulse and Prejudice blew me away.
I’ll be honest…I really don’t care for the set up for the sequel that happens in the epilogue. It’s not very interesting to me and the story is no longer Pride and Prejudice in any capacity. It’s a whole new beast at that point so I’m leaving my experience with this book as a pleasant standalone.
CW: classism, misogyny, blood, brief sexual content, grooming, references to dead loved ones
October 21, 2016
4.5 stars
First allow me to recognize the generosity of Claudine, Blogmistress of https://justjane1813.com/ and friend, in loaning to me a copy of this and many other JAFF books.
About a year ago I would not have consented to read a paranormal variation of any Jane Austen novel but you can teach an old dog new interests and I now am much more open to such. Having read and reviewed the 3 books, P&P& Z (prequel and sequel included), I found some comparisons. While both include a large amount taken from canon in wording and events, this one did it so much more seamlessly, IMO. As with P&P, there are divisions marked as volumes and the last one is totally separate from canon: it notes it is Beyond Pride and Prejudice and goes into the announcement of an engagement, a ball, and some MA scenes, etc. I found this last “volume” to also include some hints as to more going on than just the romance for ODC. From about 92% on the kindle version is are “Samples” of the next and other books.
In this tale Darcy is already a vampire and we don’t find out how this change occurred until late in the book. He does (as with Edward in Twilight) attempt to only drink the blood of animals and later, blood collected during surgical procedures. Only his valet, Colonel Fitzwilliam & Wickham know of this and the two latter men serve to support and protect his condition and its needs. (An aside: amusing to read but Colonel Fitzwilliam can’t figure out why an elderly aunt wants to call him “Richard”.) So when Darcy meets Elizabeth and his “desires” become very difficult to keep under control, time and distance are used, unsuccessfully, to tamp down this new temptation.
We again (remember this follows canon) have the Hunsford proposal but here, in that letter, while writing explanations about his actions re: Jane and Bingley & Wickham, his last line is an admission as to his state. Elizabeth, at first, believes him mad, but he also states that she can go to the Colonel for verification of all he avers. So she begins to look for studies, for science’s view point and for tales to verify or deny the existence of such.
I truly enjoyed reading of Darcy’s viewpoint and how Elizabeth’s witticisms, her retorts and her blood call to him. And even when she is the one pushing the limits of their pre-marital relationship, Darcy struggles to maintain priorities, to protect her name and her physical condition. And Mrs. Bennet keeps pushing Lizzy to take Mr. Darcy off so that Jane and Bingley can have time alone – yes, that it all here but oh, so delightful to read of again.
Each chapter gives us a quote from other literature as a heading. One of my favorites being from Song of Solomon 8: 6- “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Then there are Darcy and Elizabeth quoting Shakespeare and/or Lord Byron, finishing the quote for the other, etc. Sigh!
This was lovely and I am ready to read on as the next book, the sequel, is available. BUT this is a standalone novel so do not hesitate to pick this up if it calls to you.
First allow me to recognize the generosity of Claudine, Blogmistress of https://justjane1813.com/ and friend, in loaning to me a copy of this and many other JAFF books.
About a year ago I would not have consented to read a paranormal variation of any Jane Austen novel but you can teach an old dog new interests and I now am much more open to such. Having read and reviewed the 3 books, P&P& Z (prequel and sequel included), I found some comparisons. While both include a large amount taken from canon in wording and events, this one did it so much more seamlessly, IMO. As with P&P, there are divisions marked as volumes and the last one is totally separate from canon: it notes it is Beyond Pride and Prejudice and goes into the announcement of an engagement, a ball, and some MA scenes, etc. I found this last “volume” to also include some hints as to more going on than just the romance for ODC. From about 92% on the kindle version is are “Samples” of the next and other books.
In this tale Darcy is already a vampire and we don’t find out how this change occurred until late in the book. He does (as with Edward in Twilight) attempt to only drink the blood of animals and later, blood collected during surgical procedures. Only his valet, Colonel Fitzwilliam & Wickham know of this and the two latter men serve to support and protect his condition and its needs. (An aside: amusing to read but Colonel Fitzwilliam can’t figure out why an elderly aunt wants to call him “Richard”.) So when Darcy meets Elizabeth and his “desires” become very difficult to keep under control, time and distance are used, unsuccessfully, to tamp down this new temptation.
We again (remember this follows canon) have the Hunsford proposal but here, in that letter, while writing explanations about his actions re: Jane and Bingley & Wickham, his last line is an admission as to his state. Elizabeth, at first, believes him mad, but he also states that she can go to the Colonel for verification of all he avers. So she begins to look for studies, for science’s view point and for tales to verify or deny the existence of such.
I truly enjoyed reading of Darcy’s viewpoint and how Elizabeth’s witticisms, her retorts and her blood call to him. And even when she is the one pushing the limits of their pre-marital relationship, Darcy struggles to maintain priorities, to protect her name and her physical condition. And Mrs. Bennet keeps pushing Lizzy to take Mr. Darcy off so that Jane and Bingley can have time alone – yes, that it all here but oh, so delightful to read of again.
Each chapter gives us a quote from other literature as a heading. One of my favorites being from Song of Solomon 8: 6- “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Then there are Darcy and Elizabeth quoting Shakespeare and/or Lord Byron, finishing the quote for the other, etc. Sigh!
This was lovely and I am ready to read on as the next book, the sequel, is available. BUT this is a standalone novel so do not hesitate to pick this up if it calls to you.
April 5, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
About a year ago I would not have consented to read a paranormal variation of any Jane Austen novel but you can teach an old dog new interests and I now am much more open to such. Having read and reviewed the 3 books, P&P& Z (prequel and sequel included), I found some comparisons. While both include a large amount taken from canon in wording and events, this one did it so much more seamlessly, IMO. As with P&P, there are divisions marked as volumes and the last one is totally separate from canon: it notes it is Beyond Pride and Prejudice and goes into the announcement of an engagement, a ball, and some MA scenes, etc. I found this last “volume” to also include some hints as to more going on than just the romance for ODC. From about 92% on the kindle version are “Samples” of the next and other books.
In this tale Darcy is already a vampire and we don’t find out how this change occurred until late in the book. He does (as with Edward in Twilight) attempt to only drink the blood of animals and later, blood collected during surgical procedures. Only his valet, Colonel Fitzwilliam & Wickham know of this and the two latter men serve to support and protect his condition and its needs. (An aside: amusing to read but Colonel Fitzwilliam can’t figure out why an elderly aunt wants to call him “Richard”.) So when Darcy meets Elizabeth and his “desires” become very difficult to keep under control, time and distance are used, unsuccessfully, to tamp down this new temptation.
We again (remember this follows canon) have the Hunsford proposal but here, in that letter, while writing explanations about his actions re: Jane and Bingley & Wickham, his last line is an admission as to his state. Elizabeth, at first, believes him mad, but he also states that she can go to the Colonel for verification of all he avers. So she begins to look for studies, for science’s view point and for tales to verify or deny the existence of such.
I truly enjoyed reading of Darcy’s viewpoint and how Elizabeth’s witticisms, her retorts and her blood call to him. And even when she is the one pushing the limits of their pre-marital relationship, Darcy struggles to maintain priorities, to protect her name and her physical condition. And Mrs. Bennet keeps pushing Lizzy to take Mr. Darcy off so that Jane and Bingley can have time alone – yes, that it all here but oh, so delightful to read of again.
Each chapter gives us a quote from other literature as a heading. One of my favorites being from Song of Solomon 8: 6- “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Then there are Darcy and Elizabeth quoting Shakespeare and/or Lord Byron, finishing the quote for the other, etc. Sigh!
This book was loaned to me by a friend.
About a year ago I would not have consented to read a paranormal variation of any Jane Austen novel but you can teach an old dog new interests and I now am much more open to such. Having read and reviewed the 3 books, P&P& Z (prequel and sequel included), I found some comparisons. While both include a large amount taken from canon in wording and events, this one did it so much more seamlessly, IMO. As with P&P, there are divisions marked as volumes and the last one is totally separate from canon: it notes it is Beyond Pride and Prejudice and goes into the announcement of an engagement, a ball, and some MA scenes, etc. I found this last “volume” to also include some hints as to more going on than just the romance for ODC. From about 92% on the kindle version are “Samples” of the next and other books.
In this tale Darcy is already a vampire and we don’t find out how this change occurred until late in the book. He does (as with Edward in Twilight) attempt to only drink the blood of animals and later, blood collected during surgical procedures. Only his valet, Colonel Fitzwilliam & Wickham know of this and the two latter men serve to support and protect his condition and its needs. (An aside: amusing to read but Colonel Fitzwilliam can’t figure out why an elderly aunt wants to call him “Richard”.) So when Darcy meets Elizabeth and his “desires” become very difficult to keep under control, time and distance are used, unsuccessfully, to tamp down this new temptation.
We again (remember this follows canon) have the Hunsford proposal but here, in that letter, while writing explanations about his actions re: Jane and Bingley & Wickham, his last line is an admission as to his state. Elizabeth, at first, believes him mad, but he also states that she can go to the Colonel for verification of all he avers. So she begins to look for studies, for science’s view point and for tales to verify or deny the existence of such.
I truly enjoyed reading of Darcy’s viewpoint and how Elizabeth’s witticisms, her retorts and her blood call to him. And even when she is the one pushing the limits of their pre-marital relationship, Darcy struggles to maintain priorities, to protect her name and her physical condition. And Mrs. Bennet keeps pushing Lizzy to take Mr. Darcy off so that Jane and Bingley can have time alone – yes, that it all here but oh, so delightful to read of again.
Each chapter gives us a quote from other literature as a heading. One of my favorites being from Song of Solomon 8: 6- “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Then there are Darcy and Elizabeth quoting Shakespeare and/or Lord Byron, finishing the quote for the other, etc. Sigh!
This book was loaned to me by a friend.
December 28, 2015
Anyone who passes over this expansion of our well-loved "Pride and Prejudice" story because it depicts Mr. Darcy as a vampire is missing out on a gem. This is NOT another "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," which I've always considered sacrilege. In this case, the supernatural twist on the plot works surprisingly well, and Ms. Saucier's prose goes way beyond proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, which is flawless. You won't find another piece of JAFF that copies Jane Austen's exquisite writing style more exactly. There are passages from the original interspersed, but there is no jarring shift from Regency English to contemporary English (a common fault in the variations I've read). Each of the 4 volumes and many of the chapters are preceded by an appropriate literary quote from such notables as Lord Byron, Wordsworth and Shakespeare and, in the story itself, Elizabeth and Darcy often quote from "Much Ado About Nothing." I also enjoyed the challenge this writer presented to expanding my vocabulary.
The first half of the book is told from Darcy's point of view. His secretive, brooding character is explained by the fact that he is an unwilling vampire who does not embrace his condition. Mr. Wickham, on the other hand, immediately coveted the power it would give him and actively pursued the opportunity to become one prior to the point where the book begins. At Hunsford, the point of view shifts from Darcy to Elizabeth when she receives Darcy's letter, which includes his shameful secret. Naturally, she thinks he's out of his mind. From there, the story alternately follows both Darcy and Elizabeth. All the other characters and the basic events in the book remain mostly in synch with Jane Austen's, with some additions including Lady Calmet, who becomes a love interest for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The vampire angle of the story does have its gothic elements, but you'll find a lot of humor here, too. One amusing scene in particular describes how Lydia is too empty-headed to be mesmerized by either Wickham or Darcy; she thinks they're playing some kind of a staring game with her.
There is sensual content in Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth, since he mistakes it for human lust and/or a worsening of his vampire thirst for blood, and then finally he recognizes that it's undeniably love. Elizabeth is certainly more wanton than a typical Regency era lady. I did not find their physical interactions objectionable or gratuitous, but those who prefer more chaste interactions between the two would likely disagree.
I first read this back in 2012, but it has been unavailable for a while. I just re-read it when I learned it was being re-released. The ending paves the way for its sequel, which I look forward to reading!
The first half of the book is told from Darcy's point of view. His secretive, brooding character is explained by the fact that he is an unwilling vampire who does not embrace his condition. Mr. Wickham, on the other hand, immediately coveted the power it would give him and actively pursued the opportunity to become one prior to the point where the book begins. At Hunsford, the point of view shifts from Darcy to Elizabeth when she receives Darcy's letter, which includes his shameful secret. Naturally, she thinks he's out of his mind. From there, the story alternately follows both Darcy and Elizabeth. All the other characters and the basic events in the book remain mostly in synch with Jane Austen's, with some additions including Lady Calmet, who becomes a love interest for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The vampire angle of the story does have its gothic elements, but you'll find a lot of humor here, too. One amusing scene in particular describes how Lydia is too empty-headed to be mesmerized by either Wickham or Darcy; she thinks they're playing some kind of a staring game with her.
There is sensual content in Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth, since he mistakes it for human lust and/or a worsening of his vampire thirst for blood, and then finally he recognizes that it's undeniably love. Elizabeth is certainly more wanton than a typical Regency era lady. I did not find their physical interactions objectionable or gratuitous, but those who prefer more chaste interactions between the two would likely disagree.
I first read this back in 2012, but it has been unavailable for a while. I just re-read it when I learned it was being re-released. The ending paves the way for its sequel, which I look forward to reading!
April 6, 2013
I picked up this book because I love Austenesque stories and I was enthralled at the idea of Austen paired with paranormal. I've always been one to believe that out of all Jane Austen's characters aside from the villains; Darcy is the easiest to believe as a paranormal creature. I anticipated and then enjoyed the author's transformation of Darcy from just brooding hero to brooding vampire hero.
The majority of the story follows true to the original Pride and Prejudice plot with large chunks of it being actual quotes so I won't re-cap the story line other than to point out the differences.
In this one, we get most of the storyline from Darcy's point of view (which is always a good thing in my opinion). We get his thoughts has he fights his growing need for Elizabeth that at first he thinks is entirely due to the curse of vampirism. This plot filled in the gaps of the original when Darcy is not part of the scenes. I loved the extra scenes with Georgiana and Col. Fitz. There was also a few new characters in the person of Darcy's enigmatic valet and the Colonel's love interest the Countess. Wickham was also a vampire and it was interesting how he was portrayed. He is still his selfish and self-absorbed self who doesn't mind the opportunity to do Darcy a bad turn, but considering he is a vampire I feel that he could have been much worse.
I was tracking along merrily with the plot, tone and pace of the story until we got to the moments near the end of the original Pride and Prejudice. I have to say that I felt like suddenly I had been dropped into a different book when it came to Lizzy. She went a little wishy-washy to me when she started to get mishish about what other people thought and started the hot and cold treatment with Darcy. Where did the woman who stood up to Lady Catherine go to when she is suddenly worried about her mother and Aunt Phillips' opinions? Where did the woman who accepted and loved everything about Darcy disappear to? She said she accepted him completely and then suddenly she goes back on this and refuses to countenance a relationship without full disclosure even if it is about things that hurt and trouble him.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind when an author tweaks a character's personality a little to show us a different facet of the story, but I guess I wasn't fond of it happening after the character has long been established within the same story.
By no means did the above issue cause me to dislike the story or not enjoy it because I had a good time with the paranormal elements infused into the plot or how the romance progressed. I suppose that I should mention that the romance gets steamy in those end chapters so that those who prefer not to read Austenesque of that nature are warned. I'm very eager to read the sequel after reading that dangling thread left in the epilogue.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy Austenesque stories or to those who enjoy historical paranormal romance.
Update on original review
I would like to share a quote from the author explaining something about the story which I brought out in my review. I'd paraphrase, but her explanation is much nicer than mine would be.
"I wanted to take a moment to clarify something that you mentioned, since apparently it didn't come across as I intended. I hope my publisher will allow me to tweak it a bit in a future edition so it is clear.
Near the end, when Elizabeth doesn't want anyone to know she and Mr. Darcy have an understanding, it isn't because she is worried about the opinion of her mother or Mrs. Phillips. It's because she worries about how Mr. Darcy will react to their lack of decorum.
I was attempting to expand on what Miss Austen wrote: "Mrs. Phillips's vulgarity was another, and perhaps a greater, tax on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as well as her sister, stood in too much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's good humour encouraged, yet, whenever she did speak, she must be vulgar. Nor was her respect for him, though it made her more quiet, at all likely to make her more elegant. Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from the frequent notice of either, and was ever anxious to keep him to herself, and to those of her family with whom he might converse without mortification..."
In Pulse, I attempted to explain this when Mr. Darcy asks why she doesn't want anyone to know they are engaged, and she admits, “I am sensible to how their manners offend you. Their behaviour before you humiliates me at every turn. I fear how they will react when they learn of our courtship, but I know it will be vulgar.” Then he reassures her that wild horses couldn't drag him away."
Colette Saucier
Author of Pulse and Prejudice
The majority of the story follows true to the original Pride and Prejudice plot with large chunks of it being actual quotes so I won't re-cap the story line other than to point out the differences.
In this one, we get most of the storyline from Darcy's point of view (which is always a good thing in my opinion). We get his thoughts has he fights his growing need for Elizabeth that at first he thinks is entirely due to the curse of vampirism. This plot filled in the gaps of the original when Darcy is not part of the scenes. I loved the extra scenes with Georgiana and Col. Fitz. There was also a few new characters in the person of Darcy's enigmatic valet and the Colonel's love interest the Countess. Wickham was also a vampire and it was interesting how he was portrayed. He is still his selfish and self-absorbed self who doesn't mind the opportunity to do Darcy a bad turn, but considering he is a vampire I feel that he could have been much worse.
I was tracking along merrily with the plot, tone and pace of the story until we got to the moments near the end of the original Pride and Prejudice. I have to say that I felt like suddenly I had been dropped into a different book when it came to Lizzy. She went a little wishy-washy to me when she started to get mishish about what other people thought and started the hot and cold treatment with Darcy. Where did the woman who stood up to Lady Catherine go to when she is suddenly worried about her mother and Aunt Phillips' opinions? Where did the woman who accepted and loved everything about Darcy disappear to? She said she accepted him completely and then suddenly she goes back on this and refuses to countenance a relationship without full disclosure even if it is about things that hurt and trouble him.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind when an author tweaks a character's personality a little to show us a different facet of the story, but I guess I wasn't fond of it happening after the character has long been established within the same story.
By no means did the above issue cause me to dislike the story or not enjoy it because I had a good time with the paranormal elements infused into the plot or how the romance progressed. I suppose that I should mention that the romance gets steamy in those end chapters so that those who prefer not to read Austenesque of that nature are warned. I'm very eager to read the sequel after reading that dangling thread left in the epilogue.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy Austenesque stories or to those who enjoy historical paranormal romance.
Update on original review
I would like to share a quote from the author explaining something about the story which I brought out in my review. I'd paraphrase, but her explanation is much nicer than mine would be.
"I wanted to take a moment to clarify something that you mentioned, since apparently it didn't come across as I intended. I hope my publisher will allow me to tweak it a bit in a future edition so it is clear.
Near the end, when Elizabeth doesn't want anyone to know she and Mr. Darcy have an understanding, it isn't because she is worried about the opinion of her mother or Mrs. Phillips. It's because she worries about how Mr. Darcy will react to their lack of decorum.
I was attempting to expand on what Miss Austen wrote: "Mrs. Phillips's vulgarity was another, and perhaps a greater, tax on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as well as her sister, stood in too much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's good humour encouraged, yet, whenever she did speak, she must be vulgar. Nor was her respect for him, though it made her more quiet, at all likely to make her more elegant. Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from the frequent notice of either, and was ever anxious to keep him to herself, and to those of her family with whom he might converse without mortification..."
In Pulse, I attempted to explain this when Mr. Darcy asks why she doesn't want anyone to know they are engaged, and she admits, “I am sensible to how their manners offend you. Their behaviour before you humiliates me at every turn. I fear how they will react when they learn of our courtship, but I know it will be vulgar.” Then he reassures her that wild horses couldn't drag him away."
Colette Saucier
Author of Pulse and Prejudice
November 2, 2024
*4.5 stars
May 6, 2021
A 2 for 1: P&P from Darcy’s perspective and some vampire sprinkled about to sweeten the pot.
Synopsis:
This work, while well written in terms of prose and syntax, offers very little in way of variation for the story, surprising considering you'd assume any timeline would be impacted by vampires being juggled about. Chiefly this acts as a companion guide to P&P; it copies and pastes pretty much all the scenes verbatim and fills in between the lines what Darcy might have been thinking, and spoiler alert none of it was endearing.
Darcy’s perspective just reminds you what a dick he was, i.e. here he really manipulates a heartbroken Bingley to the extent that you acquit Bingley of any blame- which in my book he should bare the brunt of the fault for a weakness in character- as Darcy really did a number on him- poor thing! He also insists he can't marry anyone because he is a vampire,
but then also ruminates on how embarrassing it would be for him to marry into the Bennet family,
Like, dude, you are literally undead! What have you to blush at- when you can't even make your own blood to blush- pale face!
To appropriate a HIMYM quote,
I really disliked this Darcy, and I do not like to be at odds with one of my dearest romantic heroes.
Do not suppose for a second I forget that Darcy was indeed proud before his Hunsford rejection vibe check, I do know and I love it when the author does not shy from that; a well done example that comes to mind is in Darcy's Denial: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, where I still could appreciate his proud person and find his narrative charming. Here he is very simply a grade A douche and I don't like keeping him company in his perspective.
This book low key ruined Darcy for me- at least while I read. I would complain that the author did not create new scenes with ODC being thrown into each others paths- at least before they reached an understanding- as I usually want ODC thrown together as much as possible, but honestly I started actively rooting against this scrub running into Lizzy, he did not merit our dear girl.
The first original scenes and vampire lifestyle adjustments appear when Darcy quits Hertfordshire for London, a period which I found super long and boring. Darcy spends it insatiable and we are introduced to new characters- a Comtesse, her son, and her dog- whom after enduring the trouble to get to know I hoped to be rewarded with their relevance to the story, which I was not. It would have been nice if these characters were also vampires, or provided an insight into an underbelly of a secret London coven to flesh out this vampire tale, but no, there is none of that.
In addition to all the word for word original P&P dialogue the author also relied heavily on the characters quoting a ton of poems in the few instances of original dialogue.
For someone who is new to JAFF, or reads one every blue moon, this would not be an issue, since they likely aren't familiar enough with the work to recognize the extent of it's repetition, but for serial JAFF readers this is tedious; it does not feature enough variation or creativity, tis P&P repackaged. The vampire stuff is like a subplot of a subplot, there are mentions of blood lust, just enough of it sprinkled about to count, but not enough developed to be relevant to the story.
Indeed, the vampirism does not factor in any noticeable way the plot as the story adheres perfectly to the original timeline. The last 20% is after P&P events but it is a protracted epilogue with 2 gratuitous at those heights premarital sex scenes, which had no bearing on the plot.
In my teen years- I blush to recall- I participated in the vampire mania and read many YA series on the theme- far too many- and recently I enjoyed the Grand Daddy of the genre, ‘Dracula’, so I am very much 'Down with the Trope'.
Therefore, I posit that the issue with this work is not as many in the reviews voiced ‘Just not that into vampires’, because that is nonsense; Vampires done right are awesome, centuries of folklore attest to it. It is the story itself that can't decide what it wants to be: Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's POV; or a Pride and Prejudice Vampire Variation. The result is a overly long winded- copy and pasted reliant- messy half ass amalgamation of both.
Tis a shame, as on paper I love Vampires, I love Austen; by all rights this should have been a match made in heaven- had the work the courage to write original scenes, allow the intruding variables to impact the events, and thus create a true variation.
P.S. Darcy for being a vampire wasn't even at the least sexy, IMO this was fairly pulseless- much like Vampires are.
Synopsis:
This work, while well written in terms of prose and syntax, offers very little in way of variation for the story, surprising considering you'd assume any timeline would be impacted by vampires being juggled about. Chiefly this acts as a companion guide to P&P; it copies and pastes pretty much all the scenes verbatim and fills in between the lines what Darcy might have been thinking, and spoiler alert none of it was endearing.
Darcy’s perspective just reminds you what a dick he was, i.e. here he really manipulates a heartbroken Bingley to the extent that you acquit Bingley of any blame- which in my book he should bare the brunt of the fault for a weakness in character- as Darcy really did a number on him- poor thing! He also insists he can't marry anyone because he is a vampire,
but then also ruminates on how embarrassing it would be for him to marry into the Bennet family,
Like, dude, you are literally undead! What have you to blush at- when you can't even make your own blood to blush- pale face!
To appropriate a HIMYM quote,
"Hi leg warehouse ? Yeah! My friend Darcy needs something to stand on. So, nothing for him to stand on? Ok, and thanks so much!"
I really disliked this Darcy, and I do not like to be at odds with one of my dearest romantic heroes.
Do not suppose for a second I forget that Darcy was indeed proud before his Hunsford rejection vibe check, I do know and I love it when the author does not shy from that; a well done example that comes to mind is in Darcy's Denial: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, where I still could appreciate his proud person and find his narrative charming. Here he is very simply a grade A douche and I don't like keeping him company in his perspective.
This book low key ruined Darcy for me- at least while I read. I would complain that the author did not create new scenes with ODC being thrown into each others paths- at least before they reached an understanding- as I usually want ODC thrown together as much as possible, but honestly I started actively rooting against this scrub running into Lizzy, he did not merit our dear girl.
The first original scenes and vampire lifestyle adjustments appear when Darcy quits Hertfordshire for London, a period which I found super long and boring. Darcy spends it insatiable and we are introduced to new characters- a Comtesse, her son, and her dog- whom after enduring the trouble to get to know I hoped to be rewarded with their relevance to the story, which I was not. It would have been nice if these characters were also vampires, or provided an insight into an underbelly of a secret London coven to flesh out this vampire tale, but no, there is none of that.
In addition to all the word for word original P&P dialogue the author also relied heavily on the characters quoting a ton of poems in the few instances of original dialogue.
For someone who is new to JAFF, or reads one every blue moon, this would not be an issue, since they likely aren't familiar enough with the work to recognize the extent of it's repetition, but for serial JAFF readers this is tedious; it does not feature enough variation or creativity, tis P&P repackaged. The vampire stuff is like a subplot of a subplot, there are mentions of blood lust, just enough of it sprinkled about to count, but not enough developed to be relevant to the story.
Indeed, the vampirism does not factor in any noticeable way the plot as the story adheres perfectly to the original timeline. The last 20% is after P&P events but it is a protracted epilogue with 2 gratuitous at those heights premarital sex scenes, which had no bearing on the plot.
In my teen years- I blush to recall- I participated in the vampire mania and read many YA series on the theme- far too many- and recently I enjoyed the Grand Daddy of the genre, ‘Dracula’, so I am very much 'Down with the Trope'.
Therefore, I posit that the issue with this work is not as many in the reviews voiced ‘Just not that into vampires’, because that is nonsense; Vampires done right are awesome, centuries of folklore attest to it. It is the story itself that can't decide what it wants to be: Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's POV; or a Pride and Prejudice Vampire Variation. The result is a overly long winded- copy and pasted reliant- messy half ass amalgamation of both.
Tis a shame, as on paper I love Vampires, I love Austen; by all rights this should have been a match made in heaven- had the work the courage to write original scenes, allow the intruding variables to impact the events, and thus create a true variation.
P.S. Darcy for being a vampire wasn't even at the least sexy, IMO this was fairly pulseless- much like Vampires are.
June 4, 2012
This was a really wonderful version of P&P! It was perfectly done. I loved reading my favorite story and this author weaved the Vampire story in incrediable perfect. Her way of turning this story into Darcy being a vampire was done with such finesse that I never cringed in the story telling. The characters were the same but the author delicately kept the same story line without ruining Jane Austen's beloved story. This author was also creative in her introduction of the mash-up. The way she created this story made me feel that she was not also plagerising the story either. About a year ago I read a similar attempt on making a Darcy vampire story and was so angry because the author just threw in vampire this and that without being creative in her own right. I felt this story was wonderful and Jane Austen herself would of been very diverted reading it. Definitely worth reading. Also for those who enjoy this story I loved Regina Jeffers mash-up. Also worth reading!!
July 4, 2015
Fascinating. I love paranormal and I love P&P, so it was great to combine them! This book re-tells P&P from the perspective of Mr. D. being a vampire and it's amazing how well the conceit fits into the existing story. I loved to see him struggle with his vampiric nature and the proper Regency rules for a gentleman.
October 24, 2012
Halloween is not my favorite holiday, but I needed to read a paranormal for the Jane Austen Spinoff Challenge, and I thought this would be the perfect time of the year to do that! And Wow! Colette Saucier’s Pulse and Prejudice was just the right book! This is the second book of Saucier’s that I’ve read, and I’ve loved both of them!
Pulse and Prejudice is not only a paranormal, but it’s also a Pride and Prejudice retelling. It is told mostly from Darcy’s point-of-view in the beginning but does switch back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth towards the end.
In this story, Mr. Darcy is a vampire, but he is ashamed of his affliction. I love that he is still a good and honorable man. (I’m not so fond of a dark/evil Darcy.) He tries to resist his need to feed on human blood and feeds on animal blood instead. Because of his curse, he vows never to marry, but when he meets Elizabeth he is drawn to her in a way he has never experienced before. At first, he confuses his feelings for her as an intense bloodlust and tries to sedate himself with more blood, even human blood, but that can’t fill his desire for her.
One thing I really liked about the story is how Saucier slowly gave us information about Darcy’s affliction, for example, we are told much later in the story about when Darcy became a vampire. I also liked how Darcy would contemplate eternity, with all the pain he has suffered in his twenty-eight years, to him eternity is daunting.
Although we are told when and why, we are not told how Darcy became a vampire (unless I missed something, which is entirely possible). Apparently it is not from a vampire bite, because we see a couple of people bitten that don’t become cursed. Maybe we will learn more about that in the sequel!
I liked finding out why Mr. Gardiner is more of a gentleman, and a person of fashion, when his two sisters are so vulgar, and how Jane and Elizabeth are genteel compared to their younger sisters.
Pulse and Prejudice held me mesmerized! I enjoy Saucier’s writing, and I’m looking forward to the sequel to Pulse and Prejudice, Dearest, Bloodiest Elizabeth, where Darcy and Elizabeth will be traveling to New Orleans to look for Wickham! Sounds exciting!
I would give this a mature rating for some sexual scenes.
Pulse and Prejudice is not only a paranormal, but it’s also a Pride and Prejudice retelling. It is told mostly from Darcy’s point-of-view in the beginning but does switch back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth towards the end.
In this story, Mr. Darcy is a vampire, but he is ashamed of his affliction. I love that he is still a good and honorable man. (I’m not so fond of a dark/evil Darcy.) He tries to resist his need to feed on human blood and feeds on animal blood instead. Because of his curse, he vows never to marry, but when he meets Elizabeth he is drawn to her in a way he has never experienced before. At first, he confuses his feelings for her as an intense bloodlust and tries to sedate himself with more blood, even human blood, but that can’t fill his desire for her.
One thing I really liked about the story is how Saucier slowly gave us information about Darcy’s affliction, for example, we are told much later in the story about when Darcy became a vampire. I also liked how Darcy would contemplate eternity, with all the pain he has suffered in his twenty-eight years, to him eternity is daunting.
Although we are told when and why, we are not told how Darcy became a vampire (unless I missed something, which is entirely possible). Apparently it is not from a vampire bite, because we see a couple of people bitten that don’t become cursed. Maybe we will learn more about that in the sequel!
I liked finding out why Mr. Gardiner is more of a gentleman, and a person of fashion, when his two sisters are so vulgar, and how Jane and Elizabeth are genteel compared to their younger sisters.
Pulse and Prejudice held me mesmerized! I enjoy Saucier’s writing, and I’m looking forward to the sequel to Pulse and Prejudice, Dearest, Bloodiest Elizabeth, where Darcy and Elizabeth will be traveling to New Orleans to look for Wickham! Sounds exciting!
I would give this a mature rating for some sexual scenes.
October 9, 2016
I was eager to read this book not only because it is a variation of Pride a Prejudice but because it involves vampires.
I have to confess that I like the “Twilight Saga”, I read the books before watching the films and I liked Edward Cullen from the first page. However, I have always preferred the “proper” vampires that people discover with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and in my case, also watching the film adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the vampire.
I was pretty sure, without reading anything about Pulse and Prejudice, that our Mr Darcy was going to be a “real vampire”. I was more than happy to discover that I was right.
We can experience a different approach to this love story, where the passions are stronger and where the pain is sharper. Mr Darcy does not only fight the social status, he fights his own condition. He suffers more than Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy because he thinks himself to be a sort of a monster. However, Colette L. Saucier is showing all the time the man that he is, the human side of this vampire without heart, physical heart I mean.
Although with pain, I have liked to see the story from his eyes and his feelings. Not only towards Elizabeth but towards all the characters. I always enjoy Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well as Mr Bingley, the annoying Miss Bingley, Jane Bennet, Georgiana (we listen to her more in this variation) or the baddy Wickham, among others. However, I need to mention Rivens, Darcy’s valet. He is a very important character working in the shade (I am very fond of him).
SPOILER ALERT!!!
I cannot consider this an spoiler but just in case you do not want to know, stop reading immediately!
Love will find its way through paths where wolves would fear to prey. (“The Giaour” by Lord Byron)
The spoiler is that Elizabeth and Darcy end up together
I have to confess that I like the “Twilight Saga”, I read the books before watching the films and I liked Edward Cullen from the first page. However, I have always preferred the “proper” vampires that people discover with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and in my case, also watching the film adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the vampire.
I was pretty sure, without reading anything about Pulse and Prejudice, that our Mr Darcy was going to be a “real vampire”. I was more than happy to discover that I was right.
We can experience a different approach to this love story, where the passions are stronger and where the pain is sharper. Mr Darcy does not only fight the social status, he fights his own condition. He suffers more than Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy because he thinks himself to be a sort of a monster. However, Colette L. Saucier is showing all the time the man that he is, the human side of this vampire without heart, physical heart I mean.
Although with pain, I have liked to see the story from his eyes and his feelings. Not only towards Elizabeth but towards all the characters. I always enjoy Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well as Mr Bingley, the annoying Miss Bingley, Jane Bennet, Georgiana (we listen to her more in this variation) or the baddy Wickham, among others. However, I need to mention Rivens, Darcy’s valet. He is a very important character working in the shade (I am very fond of him).
SPOILER ALERT!!!
I cannot consider this an spoiler but just in case you do not want to know, stop reading immediately!
Love will find its way through paths where wolves would fear to prey. (“The Giaour” by Lord Byron)
The spoiler is that Elizabeth and Darcy end up together
April 3, 2015
WELL THEN
wow ok
This was... surprisingly really good. To be honest, I didn't know what I was expecting when I purchased an e-copy of this, but I'm come away from finishing it extremely satisfied. Saucier has managed to capture elements of Austen's style perfectly, and the fact that this is written from Darcy's point of view has made it unique in ways that other supernatural retellings of Pride and Prejudice haven't done. I feel like I've gained a further understanding of his as a character, and have fallen in love with him just that little bit more.
The novel has also taken brave steps to introduce new characters and expand on lesser ones, and yet they all managed to fit in perfectly! I'm just in general really impressed by this book.
I have, though, dropped it down from five stars to four. And this reason is this: the erotic scenes at the end. To me, these felt extrememly unecessary, and I was disappointed when they were included. Especially since I have a strong view of that fact that a relationship is not defined by sex, and there are few and far between true sexual mentions in the original novel. I felt that Saucier was trying too hard to push this for fear of the audience, but if you're trying to win readers over by chucking in sudden sex scenes at the end like some of the more amateur fanfiction in this world... just nah. In the period that they lived, Elizabeth would have hardly known what was happening in terms of how to have a sexual relationship. Someone like her would have adamantly refused Darcy until after marriage; in other words, I really wasn't impressed with this part, and it almost spoiled the ending for me. But, nonetheless, the other 90% was amazing, so I can't really drop the rating down any further.
wow ok
This was... surprisingly really good. To be honest, I didn't know what I was expecting when I purchased an e-copy of this, but I'm come away from finishing it extremely satisfied. Saucier has managed to capture elements of Austen's style perfectly, and the fact that this is written from Darcy's point of view has made it unique in ways that other supernatural retellings of Pride and Prejudice haven't done. I feel like I've gained a further understanding of his as a character, and have fallen in love with him just that little bit more.
The novel has also taken brave steps to introduce new characters and expand on lesser ones, and yet they all managed to fit in perfectly! I'm just in general really impressed by this book.
I have, though, dropped it down from five stars to four. And this reason is this: the erotic scenes at the end. To me, these felt extrememly unecessary, and I was disappointed when they were included. Especially since I have a strong view of that fact that a relationship is not defined by sex, and there are few and far between true sexual mentions in the original novel. I felt that Saucier was trying too hard to push this for fear of the audience, but if you're trying to win readers over by chucking in sudden sex scenes at the end like some of the more amateur fanfiction in this world... just nah. In the period that they lived, Elizabeth would have hardly known what was happening in terms of how to have a sexual relationship. Someone like her would have adamantly refused Darcy until after marriage; in other words, I really wasn't impressed with this part, and it almost spoiled the ending for me. But, nonetheless, the other 90% was amazing, so I can't really drop the rating down any further.
May 26, 2012
As a Jane Austen enthusiaist, I am always curious about adaptations of her works. I was very pleased with the retelling of her most famous work through the eyes of Darcy as one of the damned. Upon reflection, Darcy's temperment is a perfect fit for the brooding vampire.
I was pleased to see that Saucier kept to Austen's tale, while adding her own scenes and interludes that easily could've been missed in Austen's original. I also appreciated the fact that Saucier's vampire followed the classic rules of vampirism (no sparkling mind-readers here).
Saucier's language follows the style of 19th century literature, while adding the necessary imagery to engage the 21st century reader. She also appeals to the modern reader with a more satisfying conclusion in the final section that is all her own--Beyond Pride and Prejudice.
If you are in any way a fan of Mr. Darcy, this is a must-read.
I was pleased to see that Saucier kept to Austen's tale, while adding her own scenes and interludes that easily could've been missed in Austen's original. I also appreciated the fact that Saucier's vampire followed the classic rules of vampirism (no sparkling mind-readers here).
Saucier's language follows the style of 19th century literature, while adding the necessary imagery to engage the 21st century reader. She also appeals to the modern reader with a more satisfying conclusion in the final section that is all her own--Beyond Pride and Prejudice.
If you are in any way a fan of Mr. Darcy, this is a must-read.
May 29, 2013
I am a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice and Colette L. Saucier offers a refreshing twist on it by doing the story through Mr. Darcy's eyes. But Mr. Darcy is a vampire! What I loved about this is that the vampire is not overdone. It is there with light traces. He is not shiny or too dark. He is Mr. Darcy. I loved them sitting around talking about life and music getting more into their past that wasn't touched on. I think I caught a few pop references in there as well that made me smile. But what really caught me off guard was the after Pride & Prejudice. The passion and how it played out. Still well done. I have read a few others, and of course Pride & Prejudice and Zombies and I loved this one sooo much it actually will be a reread again.
October 1, 2015
Holy mary mother of god... Need I say more than Mr Darcy the vampire?
I was prepared to be disappointed, I'm not going to lie, so many P&P fan fiction has disappointed me before but this book... It was amazing!!!!
I honestly can't tell you how much I loved it!!!!
Set from Mr Darcy's point of view this book brings a whole new light to the well known tail!!! I loved it!!!! Just trust me on this one, if you love Pride and Prejudice and you love vampires... Just read it!!!! For me, please!!!
I was prepared to be disappointed, I'm not going to lie, so many P&P fan fiction has disappointed me before but this book... It was amazing!!!!
I honestly can't tell you how much I loved it!!!!
Set from Mr Darcy's point of view this book brings a whole new light to the well known tail!!! I loved it!!!! Just trust me on this one, if you love Pride and Prejudice and you love vampires... Just read it!!!! For me, please!!!
May 17, 2012
For anyone who might be thinking, "Pride and Prejudice with vampires?? WTF??" Can I just say, I was blown away with how good this is. I was prepared for it to be awful and was dreading the thought of wading through a mangled adaptation of my beloved Austen. BUT it is really really good. Colette tells it mainly from Darcy's tortured POV and so many things make so much more sense when it's revealed some of the characters are vampires, it makes you think "Oh, so THAT's why such and such a person did that!" We get a lot of back story and Colette ties everything together so well. I was truly impressed, and it takes a lot to impress me. If you like P&P, you'll like this!
November 14, 2012
I loved this book! It was so great! I loved that it was from Darcy's vampiric point of view, genius. AND, it still read like a Jane Austen (somewhat.. there were a few scenes near the end Jane WISHED she could have written!!). I also loved reading it on my kindle so I could look up about 100 words I didn't know. Seriously! I now know the meaning of 100 archaic english words. Not really, I have already forgotten the definitions. But, I enjoyed looking them up. Seriously, I finished this 2 days ago and can't stop thinking about it. I can't wait for the sequel.
March 22, 2013
Woohoo, I'm finished!!! This book just was not for me. The writing itself was fine; I just like more romance and sex in the books that I read.. In this story, there wasnt' any intimate moments until 93%, and though quite well written; it came way too late (for my taste) in the book.
So, I gave a low rating but it is more because this book just didn't fit MY style, not because the author did a poor job. I actually thought her writing was quite impressive..
So, I gave a low rating but it is more because this book just didn't fit MY style, not because the author did a poor job. I actually thought her writing was quite impressive..
July 19, 2014
How great is it to find two of my favorite subjects to read in one book? I loved it. Seeing and feeling the struggles of Darcy but a le to do so of vampire fitzwilliam is éventuellement better. Had ont enjoied reading à book like this in a long time.
The passions, the hunger, the love...where can i get one like him?
The passions, the hunger, the love...where can i get one like him?
November 8, 2012
I LOVED this version of one of my all-time favorites. I love seeing things from Darcy's POV, it fills in some of the gaps left in the original. The vampire element adds just the right touch of drama and tension. It is evident the author labored to get this right and it is exceedingly well done.
November 29, 2014
Absolutely loved this version of P&P mixed with vampires! Added some unexpected sexiness, just the right amount! Well almost, I have to be honest, I found myself wanting a little more sexiness! It was just done so well. The whole book was great! A must read!
December 24, 2014
A nice little paranormal twist to Pride and Prejudice! I was thoroughly entertained by this one. I loved getting a lot more of Darcy, too!
I'd recommend this to any fans of Vamps and classic literature! :)
I'd recommend this to any fans of Vamps and classic literature! :)
Read
March 12, 2025You know, I am a sucker for any Austen adaptation, retelling, what have you. This was fun, but it reminded me of the video essay Lindsay Ellis put out about the movie Bright. The main argument from that video is you have an alternate history of America that started 2000 years prior to the film starting and the Alamo—still—happens? It would not. The diversion point of history happens so early, so much would be different. The world of Bright would be completely different than the America we know today.
That's how I feel about this book. Mr. Darcy is a vampire, and we still get copy and paste scenes direct from Pride and Prejudice. I think the author does herself a disservice by doing that because of the contrast between her writing and Austen’s. It's not even because I think Austen's writing is superior, it's just two different styles going on. Commit to your writing and commit to your story taking a new direction. The author changed something fundamental about Mr. Darcy therefore the stakes should be different.
Maybe Mr. Darcy thinks vampires are superior. Maybe part of the misunderstanding is that Elizabeth thinks Mr. Darcy cares about her relations in trade when really he's a vampire. Maybe vampires are much more embedded in society at that time, and that's where the societal clash comes in. I liked that this author made Wickham a vampire as well, and there is a part where Darcy feels he is no better than Wickham. That's good. I think that should've been amped up more.
I honestly might read the sequel to this book because it would be more of the author's imgination and story.
That's how I feel about this book. Mr. Darcy is a vampire, and we still get copy and paste scenes direct from Pride and Prejudice. I think the author does herself a disservice by doing that because of the contrast between her writing and Austen’s. It's not even because I think Austen's writing is superior, it's just two different styles going on. Commit to your writing and commit to your story taking a new direction. The author changed something fundamental about Mr. Darcy therefore the stakes should be different.
Maybe Mr. Darcy thinks vampires are superior. Maybe part of the misunderstanding is that Elizabeth thinks Mr. Darcy cares about her relations in trade when really he's a vampire. Maybe vampires are much more embedded in society at that time, and that's where the societal clash comes in. I liked that this author made Wickham a vampire as well, and there is a part where Darcy feels he is no better than Wickham. That's good. I think that should've been amped up more.
I honestly might read the sequel to this book because it would be more of the author's imgination and story.
November 17, 2012
We all know that Mr. Darcy is fastidious, aloof, and private, but according to Colette Saucier, he has every reason to exhibit these traits. In Pulse and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is...a vampire. That's right, he is no longer human – he is immortal and cursed! Mr. Darcy needs to be fastidious because with his blood cravings, extremely cold skin, and abhorrence of human food – Darcy fears others may become suspicious of his unusual habits. Mr. Darcy has to remain aloof because he firmly believes that, due to his condition, marriage, family, love are no longer in his future. Mr. Darcy must guard his privacy because his secret nature, if discovered, would ruin his reputation and his sister's future...
In Colette Saucier's vampiric retelling of Pride and Prejudice, readers are able to witness how much stronger Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth is and how much harder he tries to resist her...
While this isn't the first vampire Darcy to appear on the scene (Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange, Vampire Darcy's Desires by Regina Jeffers, Blood and Prejudice by Susan Krinard in Bespelling Jane Austen), it is one written almost entirely from Mr. Darcy's perspective. So here's your chance to get into vampire Darcy's head!
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
In Colette Saucier's vampiric retelling of Pride and Prejudice, readers are able to witness how much stronger Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth is and how much harder he tries to resist her...
While this isn't the first vampire Darcy to appear on the scene (Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange, Vampire Darcy's Desires by Regina Jeffers, Blood and Prejudice by Susan Krinard in Bespelling Jane Austen), it is one written almost entirely from Mr. Darcy's perspective. So here's your chance to get into vampire Darcy's head!
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
January 26, 2018
If the vampire variation is not your thing, this book will not sway you. Although it is well written and the author is clearly knowledgeable.
This is my second attempt to a vampire variation and my last...
The issues I have ranges from little trifles like why he need to breathe when his heart doesn't beat... Why she can marry him when he is already dead (until death do as part ). To bigger issues like their love seems more like lust then a soulmates kind of love that I imagine they share.
Lacking in honesty and deeper connection between ODC.
I also found the first 30-40 % a bit slow. A lot of the dialog from Canon is seamlessly interwoven but I know it by heart so it's just unnecessary and compels me to speed read through...
I have also read the following book because the reviews I read made me think it was better than the first. But from a view of a person who don't like this genre, it was not...
ODC are a lot at odds which I don't particularly appreciate and the connection doesn't deepen as I had hoped. Although beautifully written as well, with a lot of action, it is just not my cup of tea...
This is my second attempt to a vampire variation and my last...
The issues I have ranges from little trifles like why he need to breathe when his heart doesn't beat... Why she can marry him when he is already dead (until death do as part ). To bigger issues like their love seems more like lust then a soulmates kind of love that I imagine they share.
Lacking in honesty and deeper connection between ODC.
I also found the first 30-40 % a bit slow. A lot of the dialog from Canon is seamlessly interwoven but I know it by heart so it's just unnecessary and compels me to speed read through...
I have also read the following book because the reviews I read made me think it was better than the first. But from a view of a person who don't like this genre, it was not...
ODC are a lot at odds which I don't particularly appreciate and the connection doesn't deepen as I had hoped. Although beautifully written as well, with a lot of action, it is just not my cup of tea...
May 18, 2015
First off I don't know why I didn't read the first edition that I bought years ago. I feel so dumb for not doing so. That being said I loved this book. It sticks to the story of the original Pride and Prejudice very well. But it does add scenes of Darcy's daily life as the story mainly revolves around him. We do get to read some of the book from Lizzy's perspective but not a lot of it. Which is fine because this book is supposed to be mainly about Darcy anyways. Getting to see Darcy struggle with his vampire nature while still trying to be a gentleman is very engaging. I love how Ms. Saucier made it that vampires can produce children in this series. I love dhampirs, the most notable dhampirs that I know about are Blade (Blade series) and D (Vampire Hunter D). I love how Anne by the end of the book is a vampire. I sort of got the vibe that Anne was a lesbian because she lived at Rosings with a group of friends with one young lady being her particular 'favorite'. Though I could be wrong.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm eagerly looking forward to the release of book two.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm eagerly looking forward to the release of book two.
June 30, 2012
Okay, I'm not one for all the fancy-pants stuff in most chick books, but Pulse rocks.
Actually, I liked Pride and Prejudice when I was forced to read it in college. I had a blast going through this version.
There's something fun about the story as told through Darcy's eyes. The fact that he's a vampire, and has to fight to keep up appearances adds a whole different conflict to the story without getting in the way of character development.
Saucier stays true to all the characters in this adaptation while giving hidden nods to pop-culture. (You really have to pay attention to catch them.) And more importantly, she stays true to Austen's style. It's almost as if the old girl decided it was time to get with the whole vampire craze and ripped off one of her best stories to do it.
Austen lovers will love it. Chicks will dig it. And crusty old farts like me will find one of the coolest gentleman vampires to haunt their dreams.
Actually, I liked Pride and Prejudice when I was forced to read it in college. I had a blast going through this version.
There's something fun about the story as told through Darcy's eyes. The fact that he's a vampire, and has to fight to keep up appearances adds a whole different conflict to the story without getting in the way of character development.
Saucier stays true to all the characters in this adaptation while giving hidden nods to pop-culture. (You really have to pay attention to catch them.) And more importantly, she stays true to Austen's style. It's almost as if the old girl decided it was time to get with the whole vampire craze and ripped off one of her best stories to do it.
Austen lovers will love it. Chicks will dig it. And crusty old farts like me will find one of the coolest gentleman vampires to haunt their dreams.
May 13, 2012
Many Austen purists draw back in horror at the thought of a paranormal Pride & Prejudice adaptation. This is the novel that will change their minds. Mrs. Saucier's clever re-working of the classic love story give us the glimpse into the mind of Mr. Darcy we always longed for, with a dark twist we secretly yearned for, all while staying true to Austen's style and language.
April 25, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice story has just that bit of extra to the plot which provides yet another thing for Darcy to think about and Elizabeth to accept in their misunderstandings leading to romance.
November 10, 2022
This is simply the original Pride and Prejudice story sprinkled with a vampire Darcy along with his perspective (who isn’t even likable here), an annoying Colonel Fitzwilliam that judges Darcy negatively too quickly, and premarital sex for ODC. Literally ALL the same scenes and conversations (verbatim). Nothing really changes in the storyline. Made for a boring read with nothing new to excite you.
I know Darcy in the original P&P is proud but in essentials he was still be an admirable and likable character. Not so much in this story though. I wasn’t really rooting for him :(
I know Darcy in the original P&P is proud but in essentials he was still be an admirable and likable character. Not so much in this story though. I wasn’t really rooting for him :(
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