Hi friends! I’m delighted to start my week with a visit from Cat Andrews! 😊
As you may remember from her cover reveal not too long ago – she was getting ready to release a new Pride and Prejudice contemporary romance. And guess what it is now available! 🎉
Coastal New England, Jane Austen, an artist and an attorney, legal dilemmas – it sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? 👩🏻🎨 ⚖️ 🌊
Cat is here to share an enticing excerpt from Against Every Objection (brilliant title, right?). 👏🏼
We hope you enjoy! 🤗
Thank you, Meredith, for welcoming me back to Austenesque Reviews to share a glimpse of my latest modern Pride and Prejudice variation, Against Every Objection. While the story is very much about the love that slowly develops between artist Elizabeth Bennet and attorney Fitzwilliam Darcy, it’s also centered around Elizabeth’s home in Provincetown, on Cape Cod. She lives in a dune shack—Benny’s—which is part of a historic art colony. Unfortunately, she and the other residents of the colony are in danger of losing their homes. It’s a bleak situation, and this particular scene—a sweet moment between Will and Elizabeth—takes place after a significant setback in Elizabeth’s fight to hold on to the home she loves.
A note: Although this story is fictional, the Provincetown dune shacks, and the decades-long struggle over the rights to them, are real.
***
~ Excerpt from Against Every Objection ~
A few hours later, after eating the best pizza he’d ever had and taking Bowie for a long walk, they were
stretched out on a blanket in the backyard, shoulder to shoulder and holding hands, staring up at the stars that were slowly emerging as the sky turned from pastels to deep purple.
“Is there anything you want to talk about?” he ventured.
“Yes. Do you know about the dog days of summer?”
He turned to her. “The fact that you’re asking me makes me think I probably don’t.” And you’re avoiding my question.
“They start July third and continue through August eleventh. Everyone thinks they’re called dog days because they’re really hot and humid, but the name actually comes from Sirius, the dog star. The Greeks and Romans noticed the appearance of Sirius always coincided with extreme heat and drought conditions, so they believed the earth’s proximity to the star was responsible. And that’s why those thirty-nine days are called the dog days.”
She fell silent, and when she turned to meet his gaze, he grinned. “You have the sexiest brain of anyone I know.”
She laughed. “It’s filled with a lot of useless bits of trivia. But anytime someone mentions the dog days of summer, you’ll remember this moment.”
Her eyes went back to the sky, while his traveled over her profile. Yes, he would remember this moment, but not because of that.
“Will you go to yoga with me in the morning?” she asked.
He groaned. “I’m not really a yoga guy.”
“This is a special class that will make you a yoga guy. Please?”
“Okay. Yoga it is.”
“You won’t be sorry.”
She kissed him, which became a pleasant distraction for a few minutes—but he wanted to know why she’d looked so sad today.
“What happened at lunch?” he asked. “Is everything okay?”
She sighed. “Yes. My uncle told me I had more commission requests, which I thought was kind of odd, and he explained that some people are thinking I’m going to disappear if I lose Benny’s. I was upset at first, thinking people were just writing me off, and it lingered for a little while. But then I realized they’re really just trying to find a way to support me. It’s touching, and so…unexpected. I’m sure each person asking for a commission probably voted to support the tenants.” She paused. “Mathieu said it was their way of holding on to a little piece of me.”
“That’s a nice way to look at it.”
“I think so. Glass half full, right? So, I was sad, but I’m not anymore. I just needed to see it through a different lens.” She rolled to her stomach and hovered over him. “And how can I be sad when I’m here with you, under the stars?”
He traced her lips with his finger. “And full of good pizza.”
She smiled. “And full of good pizza.”
She bent to give him an ardent kiss, one that left him wanting more, and then curled up next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. It was perfect, laying here with her and stargazing, but he thought about what Mathieu had told her, and couldn’t help wondering what he would have of Elizabeth when everything was said and done. He didn’t want a painting, or a little piece of her.
He wanted all of her.
Sigh… I love this. Such a peaceful scene. But it sounds like conflict is swirling around them. I’m so excited to read this one soon! 📖
And I love the new fact I learned about the dog days of summer – didn’t know that! 🐶
***
~ Book Description ~
She was unlike anyone he’d ever met—equal parts intelligence, beauty, wit, and compassion—and he was drawn to her. It was as simple—and as complicated—as that.
Attorney Will Darcy is a rising star in his family’s legal empire. He’s set his sights on a partnership at The Darcy Group, earning him a place at his father’s side, and no distractions—not even love—will alter his course.
Elizabeth Bennet is a successful artist living in a dune shack at the tip of Cape Cod, the place she’s called home for most of her life. She values her independence, and has no desire to change her ways—not for anyone.
But the best-laid plans are thrown into turmoil when Elizabeth stands to lose the only home she’s ever loved. When she reaches out for legal assistance, Will is dismayed to learn he’ll be the one to handle her case—one that seems impossible to win.
Despite early misunderstandings, Will realizes his first impressions of Elizabeth are unjustified—indeed, she’s captivating. And once she gets beyond Will’s arrogance and verbal missteps, Elizabeth discovers a man of character and compassion—who also happens to be quite charming.
Elizabeth and Will are drawn to one another and find themselves in an ethical and emotional dilemma, caught between duty and desire. But what will happen if their hearts refuse to follow the rules?
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with Cat’s lovely visit, she is giving away 2️⃣ ebook copies of Against Every Objection to 2️⃣ lucky winners!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Cat below!
- This giveaway is open to worldwide. Thank you, Cat!
- This giveaway ends November 18th
I love your other stories and can’t wait to read this one. Congrats!
Thank you so much, Michelle! I hope you enjoy it.
This story sounds lovely. The cover is so peaceful, but it seems the story is quite troublesome…
This one has a bit of angst, but not too much. I hope you give it a shot! Thanks Audny!
Obviously I already won this one so don’t enter me. This is yet another fabulous book from Cat. She writes such great descriptions, even though I’ve never been to America I can picture the scenes, I even checked out these beach huts. She also writes such a great Darcy, ok so he starts out a little full of himself ……. but then he meets Elizabeth! 🙂 She tends to be her usual stubborn self but thankfully has good friends and a sister who put her straight! Absolutely unputdownable! Loved it 🙂
A Darcy who’s full of himself? An Elizabeth who’s stubborn? I’ve never heard of such a thing! *wink wink* I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Glynis! Thanks for your support!
Stuffy lawyer and surfer artist? How perfect! Congratulations on another amazing book!
Thank you so very much, my friend!
I already borrowed this from KU and look forward to reading it. Love this author’s stories.
I’m happy to be a part of your TBR pile, Sheila! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks!
Congratulations Cat! Read it! Loved it! Of course I loved Lizzy & Darcy’s story, but I also loved the other stories that meander along with theirs. A great read, enjoyed it. Again Congratulations!
Elizabeth and Darcy are always the focus, but I enjoy creating other stories for those side characters as well – to meander along with theirs, as you so perfectly phrased it! Happy to hear that you loved it. Thanks Char!
This is an amazing author, always a joy to read! And the cover is spectacular, as well!
Thank you so much! And isn’t that cover a beauty? Thanks EV T!
Such a sweet scene! I look forward to reading the rest.
I love to write those sweet, meaningful moments, especially when Elizabeth and Darcy are feeling those first stirrings of emotion. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story! Thanks, Amanda!
I loved the scene! I can’t wait to read the book complete. I hope I get lucky and win one of these.
I’m glad you enjoyed the scene, it was fun to write. Thank you tgruy!
Wonderful excerpt and best wishes!
Thank you so much, Jen!
I have started the book on KU and this excerpt, along with that fabulous cover, give me hope that Elizabeth and Darcy will move on from their initial misunderstandings. Both characters seem true to their canon counterparts. Your writing is always flawless, and your stories never fail to hold my attention–well except for Saturday night when I gave my full attention to the Penn State football game! Congratulations on publishing another phenomenal tale.
Such kind words, Jeannette! I hope the Penn State game went in your favor. Thanks so much!
Congratulations on the new book & love the cover
I love the cover too. All those lovely, beachy colors! Thanks Glory!
I look forward to reading it. Thank you for the offer and excerpt.
I hope you enjoy it when you do! Thanks Meg!
Great excerpt!
Just a little peek at a sweet, quiet moment. I love to write those. Thanks DarcyBennett!
This is a unique and beautifully written story by a favorite author. Cat paints lovely pictures with her words that pull you right into the story and stay with you long after you’re tthrough. And if you like some heat, you won’t be disappointed – the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy sizzles!
I love the heat, as you know! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Gail!
Looking forward to reading it!
I hope you enjoy it. Thanks SAF!
I don’t believe I’ve ever read one of your books, so this will be almost completely new for me. It sounds like it has the opportunity to be a tear jerker from this snippet. Congratulations! I’m excited to read it!
I think there are some emotional scenes, for sure, and I hope they give you all the feels. Just as an aside – this book does contain some steamy scenes, as the Amazon listing states. I don’t shy away from those! And since you’ve never read one of my books, I’d love to know what you think when you’re finished reading. Thanks Taswmom!
Two things – I am so glad that this is a contemporary novel with our dear characters, and I truly have loved Cat Andrews’ books. I cannot wait to read this! I was assuming that Will was trying to take away the shack rather than representing Elizabeth. They will be, hopefully, an unbeatable team. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to reading! Will and Elizabeth do make a pretty great team, if I do say so myself. Thanks for stopping by, Eva!
The cover art is beautiful and perfectly Cape Cod. The premise and the excerpt definitely have me wanting to read more. Congratulations on this latest novel. –Leslie
I just love the cover. My designer knocked it out of the park once again! Thanks, Leslie!
I just love the cover. My designer knocked it out of the park once again! Thanks, Leslie!
The cover is beautiful. I love the colors!
Thanks so much, Lois! My cover designer perfectly captured what I had in mind.
I have read all modern Pride and Prejudice Variations from you and I regularly read them again and again! I usually wasn’t a fan of modern variations, but you are one of the authors who convinced that this genre is worth a chance. I will buy this one too!
Thank you so much, Alexandra! I’m so glad you gave my moderns a chance and that you’ve enjoyed them! I appreciate it so much.
Wow, this sounds like a great story. I love that artist/executive interaction and obstacle premise. I love the setting as I fell in love with Cape Cod years ago. Best luck!
They definitely aren’t two peas in a pod, but come to appreciate each other’s differences. And Cape Cod is easy to fall in love with! Thanks Michelle!
I always loved your books! They are the few modern versions that I like. Looking forward to this one too!
Once again, I must tell you how earnestly I appreciate what you create with ODC in a contemporary setting. I generally ignore the non-Recency stories, but after binging on you initial offerings, I never miss them.
I thank you, Cat.