Secrets, Suspicions, and Set-Ups

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Sequel to a Modern Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Mature Audiences

SETTING: Eight months after Denial of Conscience – Virginia, Peru, Paris, and Moscow

MAIN CHARACTERS: Fitzwilliam and Liz Darcy, Jane Bennet, Charlie Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Rick Fitzwilliam, Sarah Caulfield, John Knightley, Dave Wentworth

NOTE: This books is a sequel to Denial of Conscience and while it is stand-alone, it is recommended to read the first book in this series prior to this one.

SERIES: Conscience Series #2

SYNOPSIS:

Even though The Iceman, Fitzwilliam Darcy, has retired from Obsidian and his career as a government-sanctioned assassin, someone is calling him out for revenge. And it is a call he can’t ignore. Liz understands Darcy’s need to return to Obsidian, but at the same time she questions if he has any additional motives…does he find their peaceful and domesticated life too boring? Is being The Iceman in his blood? Is she enough to keep him happy?

WHAT I LOVED:

• A Thrilling and Passion-Fueled Ride: Do you think that since this book is a sequel it has less exhilarating action and combustable heat? You are wrong. The danger, action, and steam are ramped up and full-throttle in this international adventure! With new tech-gadgets to implement and vengeful villains, there is plenty of spy-thrilling action that will keep you turning pages with bated breath. And with both Darcy and Liz facing the emotional struggles of harboring secrets and overcoming their insecurities and fears, this story is without a doubt just as consuming and compelling as its predecessor!

• My Growing Travel List: Be prepared, readers, Cat Gardiner’s stories transport you to thrilling and foreign places. From Peru to Paris, France and from Moscow to Santorini, Greece – oh my, how I want to travel to all these destinations! I love how Ms. Gardiner gives such detailed and dynamic descriptions of each setting, it makes reading these stories such a visually stimulating experience. It is so easy to picture each landmark, locale, and scenery. Ms. Gardiner makes you feel like you are truly there.

• Darcy and Friends: I love learning more about the rest of The Obsidian gang, and in this story we are introduced to some new characters, Dave Wentworth and Sarah Caulfield. All the characters have distinct personalities and I greatly enjoyed discovering more about their pasts. I loved seeing Jane work towards her goal of becoming a Bond girl! She is so adorable! And Sarah with her sharp mind and caring nature was immediately likable. 🙂 Also, I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing more of John Knightley and Dave Wentworth… just like with Darcy, it looks like their characters may have many layers and complexities.

• The Promise of More: Pick my jaw up off the floor because I didn’t know there was going to be more!!! WOOT WOOT! Yes! According to the last page of the epilogue, there is to be a third book in this series! And if my guess is correct not only will we see more of Liz and Darcy, but the other secondary characters as well!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

The only complaint I can make is that I was left wanting more! Perhaps even more so than with Denial of Conscience. Not sure if that is because these stories are becoming more and more engrossing or because this one left a few more loose strings hanging. Either way I cannot wait for the return of these characters!

WARNING: Recommended for Mature Audiences because of the use of profanity and intimate content (including descriptions from a BDSM club).

CONCLUSION:

Without a Conscience is another suspenseful and sizzling romantic adventure from the talented pen of Cat Gardiner. For readers who are looking for a searing hot and adrenaline-fueled escape combined with skillful and dynamic character development, this series is a must-read!

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