A Holiday, Austen-Inspired, Pride and Prejudice, Romantic Comedy New York City advertising executive, Elizabeth Bennet is determined to find a respectable date to take to Christmas dinner with her insane family. So, what’s a girl to do with only 26 days remaining? She and her best friend embark on a mad-cap dating blitz. Speed dating and blind dates become a source of frustration when one man … frustration when one man continually shows up, hell-bent on either annoying her or capturing her heart. Fitzwilliam Darcy, wealthy, hunky, part time New York City firefighter is Elizabeth’s new client, one of thirteen men chosen for a fundraising, beefcake calendar.
Sparks fly and ignite as misunderstandings abound. Sit back and laugh as friends and family play matchmaker, conspiring to bring these two together for an unforgettable, hot, holiday season in New York City.
Lucky 13 is a fresh and fun Pride and Prejudice inspired, steamy, holiday romance. Imagine “You’ve Got Mail” meets “Sex in the City” in a sexy tale where the secondary characters are as lovable as our hero and heroine. Let the holiday season come to life with romance, comedy and a ton of feel good moments that’ll leave you smiling and dancing.
Authors Note: This novel has a companion blog that Elizabeth writes and all our characters comment in. You can follow along through page links at the bottom of each e-book chapter and table of contents. Paperback purchaser will find the blog address at the beginning of the book, along with the story’s Spotify soundtrack and Pinterest inspiration.
This novel contains adult language, adult themes, and sexual situations.
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“… you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?” The line made famous by Clint Eastwood in the‘Dirty Harry’ movie.
Cat Gardiner is a genius. There are so many nuances to this story it is impossible to list them all. The blog entries, at the end of each chapter, written by Lizzy and Charlotte… and occasionally by others later… were a scream. I especially enjoyed the people that commented on the blog post. I was tickled to discover that I recognized several of them. What fun!! Brilliant! One thing I liked in particular… although sensitive subjects were discussed, especially after that ad typo, Cat was so gentle with the subject matter, and she handled it so well, I don’t think anyone could or would be offend. Bless you Cat… that was so cool.
Well, let me just say, be sure you are wearing your fireproof protective gear when you are reading this story. I am surprised that my e-reader didn’t burst into flames or simply meltdown on several occasions. I don’t think I’ve ever been drawn into intimate dialogue so deeply that I simply forgot where I was until something happened to snap me, and our dear couple, out of the sexual stupor. They weren’t even doing anything, well… hardly… much. Cat’s descriptions, of the hot firemen and the interactions between ODC [our dear couple], were so profound that I found myself [even at my age] drawn into the mesmerizing fog. Wow!
Villains: Oh, yea, we have a few: John Lucas… manipulating-scum-bag-rat-bastard. I caught myself constantly hoping someone would kicked his arse and sent him back under the rock he crawled out from under.
“Luck is believing you’re lucky” Tennessee Williams
Mrs. Bennet is someone with eyes, but refuses to see; has ears, but refuses to hear, and has understanding, but refuses to understand. Lawd! That woman was a wrecking machine all on her own. She called Lizzy every name under the sun and gave her such a complex that I’m surprised Lizzy can even exist in polite society. Damage Control!!
Don’t even get me started on Mr. Bennet. He rates right up there with Mrs. B in his indolence and neglect in protecting his daughters from their own mother… all for the sake of his peace and quiet. He should get a room over the garage and never leave it.
Caroline Bingley: this modern version is so hilarious and so apropos. I can’t… I simply can’t describe her. You need to experience that for yourself. What she does… I simply cannot say without giving a spoiler.
What I loved: everyone else. Georgie, Anne, Jane, Bingley, Charlotte, and Rick. Then, there is, of course, ODC, Lizzy and Darcy. OMG!! I love this guy… if I were forty years younger… just saying. Man… he is written so well. The descriptions of Christmas in New York sound wonderful. I know a group of authors, bloggers, and GoodReads friends that met Cat Gardiner in NYC and hit a few of the hot spots mentioned in this book. What fun!!
Oh, and I don’t want to forget Sadie. I loved her!!! I cannot read Yiddish without thinking of Mrs. Wolowitz [Howard’s mother] on The Big Bang Theory. When Sadie was giving Darcy the old Jewish mother’s guilt trip… yep, I was hearing the voice of Carol Ann Susi [1952-2014], who did the voice of Mrs. Wolowitz until her death.
“I’m lucky in having found the perfect partner to spend my life with.” Sara Paretsky
Although this was a fun read, I had to fight the urge to kick Lizzy’s arse a few times. Since she had earned her green-belt, that might not be a good idea on my part. Her journey to her HEA was a long and hard road. You have to understand where she was emotionally and psychologically. Her mother [the nut job] and, former high school love interest, John Lucas [the rat-bastard] did a number on her heart, soul and mind. Those feelings and emotions had to be acknowledged and addressed before she could begin to heal. That was Lizzy’s journey in this book. Unless you have been there, it will be hard to understand her journey. As we walk with her on this emotional path, we watch her finally grasp and understand where she was mentally and then we begin to see her journey toward her healing. We, as the reader, want fast and quick results; however, true love doesn’t always happen like that.
The ending [HEA] was magical. Thanks Cat for this fun read. Also, the shout out to other Austen character names made this story especially sweet.
Rating: PG->17: Yep, this was hot, descriptive, suggestive and explicit.