Double O Darcy!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Mature Audiences
SETTING: Modern-day – Virginia, Monte Carlo, and Morocco
SYNOPSIS: Fitzwilliam Darcy, an ex-SEAL working as an assassin for a secret organization contracted by the CIA, is on his next mission to take out a man in Virginia who is creating a very harmful technology that, once sold to our enemies could cripple the U.S. and send us back to the Dark Ages. The target Darcy is sent to eliminate is an unassuming and depressed man and when Darcy sees the tender kiss placed on the man’s temple by whom he assumes to be his daughter, Darcy gets a gut-feeling about this bad-luck mission that his conscience doesn’t allow him to ignore…
MAIN CHARACTERS: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Liz Bennet, Thomas Bennet, Henry Crawford, Jane Bennet, Bill Collins, Rick Fitzwilliam, Charlie Bingley, Caroline Bingley
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Name is Bond…Jane Bond: This has to be the first time I’ve read an Austenesque spy-thriller and I loved it! I’m not that big into James Bond, but I do love a good story with plenty of intrigue and adventure. And this premise with its secret missions, clever covers and ops, and travel to distant locations is one exhilarating ride!
- Wonderfully Constructed: I cannot help but be impressed with this novel! The premise is so well-thought out, the characters are engaging and have depth, and the author’s knowledge of how to write about espionage, terrorism, and technological warfare is most deserving of praise. I’m sure there were hours and hours of research and planning involved, and I applaud Ms. Gardiner for her efforts to make this story plausible, accessible, and real.
- A Different Take on Lizzy: We all have seen Mr. Bennet have a close relationship with his favorite daughter, Elizabeth – well, what if that relationship was a little more dependent and damaging. In this tale Mr. Bennet is a broken man suffering from depression and obsessive behaviors. Lizzy is all he has left and he manipulates her concern and compassion for him into compelling her to stay with him and live her life on his terms. I thought this was an interesting portrayal of Elizabeth and a pretty believable slant for her relationship with her father. On the outside she is demure and dutiful, but she keeps her inner desires for adventure, freedom, and escape to herself.
- A Damaged, Dark, and Dangerous to Know Darcy: First of all…Darcy as a badass assassin who drives a Harley? (C’mon…can he BE any hotter?!?) Smoldering sexiness aside there is a lot of depth and development with this Darcy. Not only do readers learn all about why Darcy has a heart of ice, chosen such a dangerous profession, and holds firm to the belief that all women are lying poisonous vipers, but they understand how his past experiences and emotional baggage shaped him into the man he is today. I love a complex Darcy, and I found it captivating to witness him overcome his past, hist pain, and his vulnerability in this premise.
- It’s The Little Things: The reoccurring theme of serpents and snakes, Darcy’s interest in horses, Lizzy’s passion for orchids – such unique touches. I loved the nicknames everyone had for each other – Lakmé, Rambo, Medusa, Iceman. And I thought the Spotify list was awesome (see my favorite tracks below). These little touches and motifs infuse the story with personality and clever connections.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Na-Da! Couldn’t think of anything if I tried…
WARNING: Recommended for Mature Audiences because of the use of profanity and intimate content.
CONCLUSION:
I’m completely enamored with this author’s style and the ingenious stories she skillfully crafts! I’m a big fan of creativity and I feel that Ms. Gardiner’s works just ooze with buckets of creativity! Sure, at times it is a bit of a departure from the Jane Austen and her world, but what a thrilling ride! I definitely recommend this searing hot read for fans of modern adaptations who count Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star and The Muse as amongst their favorite Austenesque reads.
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Had such a blast listening to the Spotify list for this book (while reading and working on my review). Thought it would be fun to share my top 5 favorite tracks.
- “The Flower Duet” from Lakmé (always been one of my favorites!)
- “Clair de Lune” from Suite Bergamasque (played it, love it!)
- “Toxic” by Britney Spears (I’m not ashamed to say I love Britney!)
- “Shoot to Thrill” by Ironman (loved how this one tied in to the story so well!)
- “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Gianni Schicchi (always makes me think of Italy which is very nice to think of!)
Hi Meredith, sounds wonderful but it is a modern version!!! But a Darcy who drives a Harley..!!! Could be tempted to put on the TBR list.
LOL! It might be just the thing to tempt you over to the “modern” side! 😉 I’ve known several readers who for awhile didn’t read moderns but then eventually gave them a try. You could always look at the amazon sample and see if it is your cup of tea.
I have just bought this and can’t wait to read it especially after such a great review. Thank you
Awesome! Happy reading! I’m sure you won’t be able to put it down!
You must watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As0QHcUSGYY Assassin’s Tango as it was shared with me by Cat. The tango is their first introduction to each other…and then he turns and walks off and mounts his Harley.
I loved this story and now reading your review I must read it again and put on that music AGAIN.
I agree whole heartedly with your review – Great as ever and always.
That was awesome. Lizzy is so lucky she got to tango with Darcy twice! 😉
LOL! I straight-up reread half the story while writing my review, couldn’t help myself! Definitely an enjoyable story to reread over and over again.
Thanks Sheila, just watched it and it was fabulous. Have you see Easy Virtue when Colin Firth tangos with Jessica Biel, how I wish it was me!
No, I will have to see if I can find it on Netflix or on HULU.
Oh me too! Thanks for sharing. I did see Colin Firth dance in Mamma Mia and it was adorable! 😉 There he seemed a much better singer than dancer.
This looks sooooo good! I have it on my kindle, I just have to find more reading time. I didn’t know that part of it was in Morocco – I’ve wanted to go there for a really long time! I’m glad you loved this book so much; I’m confident I will too. And how cool is having a Spotify playlist – great idea.
You will love it, Monica! Should definitely make it your next read. 😉 The spotify list was such a great blend of classical music, love songs, sexy rock songs, and one that sound very spy-assassin like!
I’m reading it now so I’ll have to come back and catch your review thoughts. Glad you really enjoyed it!
Awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you think of it!
I loved reading this book and particularly with all of the music references as I am a music teacher. Thanks for sharing Cat Gardiner with your readers.
Yes! The music references were brilliant. Loved how Darcy was educating Lizzy in rock music at the end. So adorable! Thanks for stopping by and reading my review!
Music references nice. I’m not sure if I could adapt to a modern Jane Austen/bond. Great review.
Thanks for the kind words! I know some people that share your feelings about moderns.
Double O Darcy!! Love it!! Thank you Meredith for such a generous review. I’m truly blown away by your compliments and have been smiling all day. Mom has emailed it to all her friends and it’s now on her refrigerator! Thank you for making my day and hers. 🙂 I am thrilled that you enjoyed it so much and loved those little details that I enjoyed smattering about. Hugs until next time. Vroom-vroom.
LOL! Had to insert a punny James Bond reference in there somewhere. 😉 I’m so pleased you like my review! It was easy to write because I had so much to say, but also hard because I didn’t want to give away any spoilers and I wanted to keep it under 700 words! You are so sweet to share the review with your mom! I’m honored you think it worthy. Looking forward with such eager anticipation for your next work, my friend! Thank you so much for writing this story and sharing it with us!
Great review! And such an original premise!
Indeed! I like the whole spy-thriller Darcy and Elizabeth scenario!
Hmm… Darcy as an assassin!? Sounds like a very original premise! I’m not fond of thrillers but I’m glad this was a winner for you! 😉 Great review!