A Stronger Impulse

A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice

By: Julie Cooper

Narrated by: Joanna Lee

“[A]nd in his behavior 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 favorite 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 defense 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.

A Stronger Impulse is friends-to-lovers reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that will be enjoyed by fans of Regency romance.

©2022 Julie Cooper (P)2022 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Mediocre

The story was okay but I think the narration ruined my enjoyment. I particularly didn’t like the voice given for Elizabeth. It truly grated on me and since Elizabeth is the star of the book, that was a major flaw.

Great story, okay narrator

Right off the bat, the narrator is very high pitched and a little shrill, therefore unfortunately all the female characters come off sounding a little prissy. However, the writing itself is great. The plot is a very interesting one that made me alternately feel terrible for Darcy and yet at the same time be disappointed in his actions. His hardships were written so well. I'd definitely recommend the P&P variation. imIve read about 130 P&P variations now.

The characters personalities.

It was a little slow at the beginning, however it was a great read. I recomend!

Enjoyed!

Another great story by Julie Cooper. Terrific storyteller. Easy to recommend. Hours of entertainment while dog walking and doing chores.

Gripping!

The audio version of this book is just as intense as the printed version, if not more so. I also think with this second reading I also appreciated Elizabeth’s story more. Joanna Lee’s narration is very good. Her performance of Darcy with his speech difficulties was expertly done in my view. I found Elizabeth’s presentation not quite consistent. Hers was my least favourite voice—she sometimes sounded like Georgiana. I thought the other ladies voices were sometimes a bit overdone, but I did appreciate the acting aspect of those performances. Lady Catherine was spot on. Overall I still give this narrator and audiobook five stars. The book is one of the best variations in 2022.

Goodreads Book Review (July 7, 2022)
When I read the detailed description for this novel and learned Darcy would suffer an apoplexy, I literally gasped! I didn’t want to imagine a Darcy not in the best of health, possibly suffering from various disabilities such an incident can bring upon a person. No, my Mr. Darcy is young, healthy and virile! I was so anxious to begin the book, I made the mistake of starting at 11:00 at night, thinking “I’ll just read the Prologue”. Yeah, right. At 4:45 the next morning, I forced myself to stop reading and seek sleep.

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, the order of events is quite different than canon. Darcy goes to Ramsgate when he flees Netherfield and Elizabeth Bennet—she laughed at him when he declared his love to her. Elizabeth’s situation at Longbourn is difficult. She is the least favourite daughter of BOTH her parents, each with their own reasons. Now banished after refusing a proposal from Mr. Collins, she makes her way to Ramsgate not knowing Darcy is there until she accidentally encounters Georgiana and is told of his circumstances.

What dear Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana go through in this unputdownable story will make you weep. The angst factor is high, as Elizabeth and Georgie try to figure out ways to protect and rescue a completely powerless Darcy. He is saved from one quack doctor and set of family members, only to be placed in the hands of an even more monstrous doctor and family member—and brought to the edge of death. It’s nothing less than torture. My poor heart! Overcoming multiple obstacles, and as Elizabeth nurses Darcy back to health, their love will grow, but true happiness will take a while longer.

With a unique and unusual premise, I was caught up in this story from the beginning to end. This expertly-written nail biter, is a gripping and brilliantly-plotted book. It is a definite must read and goes into my best of 2022 stack. It’s no surprise that yet another Julie Cooper book becomes a favourite. I most highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the audiobook. Hint, hint! Oh, and that red-headed Elizabeth on the fabulous cover? It’s not a mistake.