Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Darcy Files by Cat Gardiner on August 3, 2023
Genres: Romance
Pages: 168
Format: Hardcover
Source: Author
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Four captivating short stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice journey through time and romance in one summer collection. This compilation combines the magic of the modern era with the allure of bygone eras, taking readers on an enchanting adventure.
With each tale, The Darcy Files captures the essence of summer romance, blending the modern era with the allure of historical eras. It is an irresistible collection that will captivate fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and anyone who craves a delightful escape into the realms of love and imagination. Immerse yourself in these heartwarming romantic stories and prepare to be swept away on four journeys of love that span across time.
Do you like your Darcy in a military uniform? A doctor’s coat? A former spy? Maybe a writer? From nostalgic past to present, Cat Gardiner weaves four short stories to tickle a romance lover’s fancy.
Ten Cents a Dance is a Pride and Prejudice/WWII love story that starts at a Queens, New York dance hall in 1940. Darcy comes from uptown Manhattan with Bingley on his birthday and gets a comeuppance when a gorgeous singer and dancer at the dance hall isn’t impressed with his attitude or bank account. Brief poignant moments through the war years keep them both going until it’s time for a war-weary Darcy to see if the pretty singer would give him a chance.
Darcy’s Mermaid moves the setting to 1960’s Florida. A historical that started out with a contemporary middle-aged Darcy looking back on how their love story came about. A young medical student encounters his beautiful wife when Elizabeth and her sisters were Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids, a tourist attraction. Darcy saw past the class difference to the vivacious, talented woman who was nothing like the society gals of his acquaintance.
Mr. Nice Guy, an Epilogue to contemporary spy thriller Conscience series. Darcy/the Iceman is in a bind. Literally. The suspense was cutting edge from the opening lines and then there was a hilarious moment of truth for Iceman and his lovely lady years after their espionage days were past.
Writer’s Block has Darcy in a contemporary setting as a bestselling thriller author who can’t make his last book in a series flow from the pen. Drastic measures has him pretending to be his character when he gets word that a family near his sisters digs are murderers and the one who catches his eye is a classy prostitute. Perfect fodder for his book until he gets to know Liz and sees the danger his sister is courting. How will she react when she learns the truth of his assumptions and secrets?
All four were brilliant jewels that showed the clever and engaging story worlds that Cat Gardiner can create. Three of the four are clear standalones with Mr. Nice Guy being a follow up to a series that is well-worth getting from the beginning. I loved seeing her versatility of setting and situation, arrangement of Jane Austen’s characters, and the well-developed, heart-felt sexy romance in these shorter pieces. Whether readers are unfamiliar with the original P&P or long-time Austen lovers, this does not matter to wholly appreciate this collection.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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Oooo! I want to read this! How fun
You really, really do, Carole. 🙂
Sounds like well-done short stories! Wonderful review, Sophia!
Oh yeah, these were a real treat, Rachel. Thanks!
What a fun anthology, especially for PP fans like you! I like that they are all so different and take place in different times.
Yes, it was a high treat, Jen. I loved how she set a timeless story in various eras and situations. 🙂
It’s a fabulous book isn’t it? I especially loved the Iceman and Liz follow on. This is a confirmed reread!
You said it, Glynnis. I agree that this will be a re-read. 🙂
Pride and Prejudice is a favorite for me. I must read these. They sound exciting!
Yay! Glad to hook you in, Laura. I do enjoy seeing the P&P story in new settings.