The Red Chrysanthemum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

It was very good book that was a unique retelling of pride and prejudice. I felt like Darcy and Elizabeth stayed true to their characters.

I loved this story. It's sexy, it's sweet, it's funny. There were a few times in the story that I was cheering characters on. There was witty banter and funny inner dialogue. This is my new favorite P&P variation.

I read this book twice. And read all the reviews also in an attempt to sort out my own thoughts. Finally, I have mixed feelings. First, since the book is entitled "The Red Chrysanthemum" I was disappointed that the flower theme was only explored in the first half of the book. Why would Georgiana put these flowers on the grave sites if that messaging was not carried on through out the marriage. And he never sent flowers while she was at Longbourn. I expected rose or lavender petals to be spread on their bed, at the least.Furthermore: Both Elizabeth and Darcy cannot seem to trust what they are hearing from others or what is communicated by the flowers along with the notes. Why? Even Mr. Bennet seems to get it before Elizabeth. It was reassuring to read that Darcy was determined as he pictured Elizabeth as the Mistress of Pemberley, in his words to Col. Fitzwilliam, etc. Having him learn of her attentions to the tenants at Longbourn was a nice touch to the story. Lizzy hugging Mrs. Reynolds - very warm thoughts.Charles, Georgina and Anne were more developed and stronger in this tale. Good for Bingley to send his sisters off! I don't know that I like Fitzwilliam calling his sister "Georgie" or even "Gosling" but that is a minor detail.Wickham ending up with a broken nose and the loss of 2 teeth was well done by Col. Fitzwilliam and Darcy...all as he "resisted arrest"! I wanted to slap him as he crudely described lusting after Elizabeth. Too bad Lydia didn't hear that.I think, even though it certainly was not in character for any of the persons involved, that Darcy's letter to Mrs. Bennet and her subsequently bursting in on Jane (with Charles under the table pleasuring her), Mrs. B. telling Jane/them how Darcy is training Lizzy to be a "Columbine", "ouch", "damn", and then Mrs. B. peeking under the table to then view Charles' naked butt is just so hilarious! Again, not in character for anyone but oh, so funny! And Darcy's follow up letter put the exclamation point on that! How rude Mrs. Bennet was to scold Lizzy for not becoming pregnant immediately...(speaking as one who doctored for years to become pregnant.) Hope that shut her up about that subject for ever and ever....with all her daughters.Sexual content: OK, very detailed, but I often wonder at all these authors who have their heroine having multiple climaxes during their first experience. Rather like the Barbie dolls all being so well developed, in my opinion. I did appreciate the narrative showing Darcy's problem controlling his physical responses and how Elizabeth was naive in how she could affect him.

I've enjoyed several P&P what if? variations, and, of course, just endured some disappointing ones, too, but who can ever get too much Darcy and Lizzy? I had not heard much regarding this P&P what if?, but I adore flowers and so the idea of Lizzy and Darcy using the centuries old language of floral meanings to communicate struck a chord of curiosity within me. While that particular aspect was just a fascinating recurring theme, not a major plot in this story, I have to say this is now my absolute favorite Pride and Prejudice variation!I found myself just as frustrated as some of the other characters with both Darcy’s and Lizzy's inability to discern each other’s true feelings, which is not dissimilar to how I always feel during my frequent re-readings of the original. Yet, like the original, the portrayal of the major and minor characters drew me on. This author has kept true Austen’s visions of their personalities and behaviors, but she has tweaked the timeline slightly, with interesting results that allow for a longer period of time with several major individuals (Lizzy, Darcy, Georgiana, Bingley and the Gardiners) to interact more before the fateful letter comes announcing Lydia’s elopement that disrupts their time at Pemberley. This deviation was pleasant for me as I enjoy reading more about these very people.While the unspoken, underlying lust that draws the main protagonists toward each other is just as evident here as in the original, things do not get steamy until the final few chapters when Lizzy and Darcy are respectable wed. Then the author lets loose with some scenes that Ms. Austen probably never could have imagined! While erotic, the writing is not at all vulgar, and in fact contains some of the most romantic and witty dialog I have experienced in any P&P variation. When Darcy whispers to Lizzy “It has always been you…” I felt I had been rewarded with a glimpse into what he had been feeling during all those smoldering, intense stares from Meryton onward. I enjoyed it immensely and I am recommending this book to all my Austen addicted friends.

I was reading another review of a book by another author when I saw this book mentioned. To say it is amazing read is an understatement. I am not a very accomplished wordsmith to describe how enjoyable this book is . . . . I've read nearly 500 P&P variations so I at least believe I know when I read something truly worthwhile. Thank you Ms. Beutler for a most enjoyable time spent with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I'm off to find more of your books.

I loved this initially gentle book. It was well written and the premise of communicating through the language of flowers led to the normal misunderstandings. I was hopeful that the Wickham /Lydia elopement would be missed altogether, as having read many of these variations, I find the whole episode rather tedious but it is merely delayed. Towards the latter part of the book things get delightfully amorous which as a non purist I also enjoy reading how much the Darcy’s love is demonstrated in the bedroom. It’s fairly graphic, so if you’re of a more sensitive disposition, I would echo a previous review and skip to the epilogue.

I liked the characterisation, especially Elizabeth and Georgiana, and I loved the epilogue with all the amusing and touching detail about the next generation of Darcys and of Georgiana's life.

I would have gladly given this variation a 5 star rating if not for the finishing chapters, which follow the marriage of E & D. The sexual descriptions went on and on and on, in such a detailed and unnecessary way that it spoilt the ending of the book in my opinion. I skipped through the final chapters, surely we don't need to know in such an explicit way what happened their wedding night?

I really enjoyed this book, because it tried to do something a little different from the usual P&P variations. It worked the language of flowers into the storyline really well and made an interesting read. Self-published variations are what they are - fan fiction that offers a diversion, but this book had a nice plot with recognisable characters.

I enjoy this authors variations, they are light and fun although Darcy was more open than would be expected. However, I do think she does labour the conjugal scenes somewhat.