Without a Conscience

Conscience #2

by Cat Gardiner

2016 Best Modern Austen Variation - Diary of an Eccentric
Among 2016 Favorite Austen Adaptations - Margie Must Reads
2016 Favorite Modern Variation - More Agreeably Engaged
2016 Favorite JAFF Modern Story - Just Jane 1813

This is the exciting sequel to Denial of Conscience, a modern Darcy and Elizabeth adventure of international intrigue. Romance, Suspense, Passion, and Danger

Someone wants to kill The Iceman, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and will stop at nothing to lure him into the open. Out for retribution, the son of an assassinated South American drug lord is seeking payback. His diabolical objective puts Operation Macarena into play by dangling bait guaranteed to entice his enemy. Can Darcy's new bride, Liz, accept his decision to leave their tranquil life at Pemberley to resume the deadly profession he swore was behind them forever?

But are Darcy and Liz each fully satisfied with their simple, peaceful existence raising polo ponies and planning exotic vacations? Darcy set Liz's spirit free; how can she resist the urge to ride on the wild side? Perhaps coming out of retirement is just what her husband needs because The Iceman never truly melted.

Without a Conscience takes readers on an adventure from the dangerous Peruvian Amazon Basin to the salacious underbelly of Parisian nightlife, leading toward a perilous rescue in Moscow.

Conscience or no, but propelled by love, Liz and Darcy re-enter the realm of international intrigue for the one and only thing they know is truly worth fighting for: each other.

Authors Note: Jane Austen wrote such wonderful characters, I borrowed their names and some of their characteristics to tell my own tale of contemporary love. Without a Conscience is a sequel, and I recommend reading Denial of Conscience first. Further, it is an original story that follows the lives of the characters of Denial of Conscience and therefore, not meant to be a Pride and Prejudice variation. This novel contains explicit sexual content. So if you are looking for a clean, canon read, this book is not for you.

Genres: Romance

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2016

About the author

Cat Gardiner loves romance and happy endings, history, and comedy. A member of the esteemed National League of American Pen Women, she enjoys writing across the spectrum of the romance genre from Contemporary to Chick-Lit Romantic Comedy, 20th Century Historical Fiction, and Pride and Prejudice-inspired.

Apart from her husband, her greatest passion is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era. Her debut novel in this genre, A Moment Forever, was a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. "Flying with the Swallows" WWII Historical Fiction Romance released on April 2, 2024 into Kindle Unlimited. Readers can find the riveting duology on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and paperback.

Between writing and WWII home front re-enacting, Cat takes her readers on a swell 1940s journey at The 1940s Experience blog and gallery at cgardiner1940s.com

Connect with Cat here:
cgardiner1940s.com
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
facebook.com/DenialofConscience/
https://www.facebook.com/CatTGardiner...
amazon.com/author/catgardiner
https://payhip.com/CatGardinerBooks

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Dr. Seuss said in his “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” you just can't imagine where Cat is taking ODC now! (There is a novelette, Guilty Conscience, which sets the stage for this book. It may be overlooked in reading WaC but in it Tom Bertram's daughter's situation occurs so you may want the "full" story.) I spent most of yesterday reading this newly released novel. I loved every minute of it. It is better than a James Bond spy novel in that there is the additional romantic element which is fully twisted around the espionage premise. James Bond loved them and left them. Not so for our newlywed couple. There may be some time apart but each is fighting for the best of relationships and for the protection, the safety of the ones they love.

The Iceman has retired and with his new bride is enjoying a bucolic life on Pemberley while training a new polo pony, helping to birth a new foal, teaching his wife how to ride her own motorcycle and fighting with her to slow down, etc. But there is one thing which will pull him back into Obsidian – a threat to anyone he holds dear. A call from Caroline (The Viper) informs him that his cousin, Richard, is missing while on a mission in Peru. It seems that Operation Macarena was just a setup and two kidnappings have been perpetrated to lure Iceman to his death in retaliation for his assassination of the father of Juan Sanchez-Morales aka Diablo, the head of the drug cartel.

Darcy explains the need to return to service and Elizabeth accepts such. But when he returns from phase one of the mission and sets up a “secure and fortified room” in the mansion and arranges for defense training with Caroline and with his old buddy, Dave Wentworth, Elizabeth, has questions.

Caroline plays a big role in this story. On her the way to Pemberley she makes a detour to Longbourn and we find Mr. Bennet, under house arrest but not idle, has been crafting some very interesting tools.

Phase two: Darcy and Obsidian agent John Knightley have to attempt to rescue CIA director, Bertram’s daughter, and their destination is Paris. Arriving there they learn of the involvement of Nadya Karakurt/Valentia/the spider woman, an expert in the art of poisoning and Diablo’s lover. Darcy calls for Caroline’s help. Bingley warns him that she has not given up on drawing Darcy, her former lover, back into her bed…and this is a secret Darcy thinks Elizabeth does not need to know.

But when Elizabeth overhears the one-sided phone conversation as Darcy recruits Caroline’s help, Elizabeth learns 1.) That they are ex-lovers and 2.) That they plan to meet at L’Enclave, a club catering to BDSM! Elizabeth makes her own plans and she is not too bad at deceit and seduction as she follows the man she is determined to hold on to.

So from Pemberley, to Peru, to Paris and to Moscow and a romantic getaway in Greece…the places we go with our dear couple.

The action is riveting and full of close calls; you will love the pole dance Darcy is entranced by and how the spider woman finds a certain someone to be a woman who appeals to her deviant tastes…a little bondage, please. And those tools Mr. B. designed, falling into the “wrong” hands or onto the “right” body…laughing here!!! And as this book closes there are some events which bring a deep sigh in reading of our dear lovers, husband and wife, having a rational talk about what they want, what they hold dear and how they both need open communication even about very heavy subjects.

While we have a satisfactory close we do know that this is not the end. I do hope I have not related too much here but, know this…there is so much I am not telling and the details of all the scenes are so well written, so enticing and even, so salacious, that I am no where near spilling the beans in this short review. I highly recommend this delicious story. It is MA only to be sure.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite the thrill ride. It's James Bond meets meets True Lies meets Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1980's TV show in the U.S.) with just a whiff of 50 Shades of Gray. There's a lot of hanging on the edge-of-your-seat danger with a tongue-in-cheek quality to the plot. How else can we believe that Liz is able to plant some “atomic” baby poop to encumber a perceived enemy without anyone noticing? Or that she can enter an exclusive BDSM club by herself and arrange to do a seductive pole dance? Or that she can accidentally use some high-tech secret agent toys (provided by her father in a “Q”-type role) at crucial moments during this dangerous mission to help save the day?

But I'm getting ahead of myself. As the book starts, Liz and Fitzwilliam Darcy are happily married, but each worries whether the other is REALLY happy or if their apparently idyllic life on the Pemberley Farm in Northern Virginia might be too dull. Then Obsidian calls with a mission that pulls the Iceman out of retirement. Rick Fitzwilliam has gone missing during a dangerous mission in Peru, and his cousin is determined to rescue him. But things get more complicated once it becomes apparent that Rick is just bait to get to the Iceman. The leader of a South American drug cartel, Juan Sanchez-Morales (a.k.a. Diablo), wants revenge against the man who assassinated his father. Darcy plans to get to Diablo through his mistress, Nadya Karakurt, a Russian femme fatale whose specialty is venomous poison; she's the Spider in contrast to Caroline Bingley's Viper persona.

With the operation about to move to Paris, Iceman hides this information from Liz, who's stuck back at Pemberley. Dave Wentworth (as a sexy cowboy-type agent) is there to protect Pemberley, while Bingley and his sister Caroline are teaching her and Jane to protect themselves if the need should arise. But when Liz overhears Caroline’s side of a phone conversation with her husband and interprets what she hears as the two planning an elicit liaison in Paris, she refuses to sit home at Pemberley and allow her marriage to be destroyed by that Viper bitch.

Although the first book in this series was a more straight-up variation of Pride and Prejudice (set in the adventurous world of assassins and spies), we are way out of Jane Austen territory in this sequel despite characters with names from her books showing up. In addition to the Bennets, the Bingleys, Darcy and Wentworth, we have John Knightley as another Obsidian agent, Thomas Bertram as the head of the CIA, and his daughter Julia Bertram as a kidnap victim. A new character, a reporter named Sarah Caulfield, is also held captive by the drug cartel along with Rick.

While this isn’t what I’d call a short book, I just flew through it because the plot moves so quickly and makes it hard to put down. There’s a bit of sexual content, since Darcy and Liz just can’t keep their hands (and tongues and other body parts) off of each other. Along with the dangerous thrills, there are several humorous episodes. You’ll never doubt that the Good Guys will prevail no matter how hopeless a situation looks, but reading how it’s accomplished is a whole lot of fun. I’m already looking forward to the next in this entertaining series.

[Anna]

Cat Gardiner has done it again! She knocks it out of the park with her latest release, Without a Conscience, which is book two in the Conscience series that began with Denial of Conscience. Elements of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice emerge again in this newest installment, as Fitzwilliam and Liz Darcy — six months into their marriage and living peacefully at their Virginia estate, Pemberley, training horses and riding their Harleys — seem destined to misunderstand one another. But in Gardiner’s world of drug lords out for revenge, CIA corruption, and contract killers, these misunderstandings can be deadly.

Darcy has retired as the stone-cold assassin Iceman, settling into a quiet and blissful existence with his new wife. Or so he thinks, until he receives a call that forces him back into Obsidian to extract his cousin from the jungles of Peru. He has no choice but to go and see Operation Macarena through to the end or the people he loves the most will be in danger. Meanwhile, back at Pemberley, Liz and her sister Jane are being taught self-defense skills — Liz because Darcy deems it necessary and thinks she has some serious skills that need only be teased out, while Jane dreams of being a Bond girl and joining Obsidian alongside her lover, Charlie Bingley.

Liz’s world is thrown into chaos with the arrival of Caroline Bingley to teach the sisters some of her ninja skills. Caroline is jealous of Liz and determined to steal back Darcy, and when Liz overhears a conversation that sends Caroline off to Paris and into her husband’s arms, Liz isn’t just going to sit idle. Already worried that Darcy has grown bored in the new life they have created, Liz is determined to fight for him — and leaves on what she doesn’t realize is a dangerous adventure.

Like Denial of Conscience, Without a Conscience is sexy (definitely for mature audiences only) and exciting from the very first page. Gardiner is a fantastic storyteller who weaves clever plots and navigates Darcy and Liz through the twists and turns while further evolving their relationship. In the midst of the danger and excitement, Gardiner provides plenty of humor, and the obvious rivalry between Liz and Caroline had me laughing out loud several times. The novel is perfectly paced, and there’s just something about Gardiner’s writing style that has me hanging on every word.

Cat Gardiner has quickly become one of my favorite authors, not just among Austen-inspired fiction. I’ve read several of her novels this year — Undercover, A Moment Forever, and Denial of Conscience — and all were 5-star reads for me. I’m sure one or more of these books will make my Best of 2016 list!

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

I received a free copy of this book for review.

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, baby! Get your spy gear ready, because it’s 007 meets “Pride and Prejudice” once again, and in this action-packed romance, Cat Gardiner pulls out all the stops as she takes her readers across the globe after Darcy and Elizabeth are lured back into the world of Obsidian and all of its impending dangers.

Just when Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Leesburg, Virginia appear as though they couldn’t be happier as newlyweds, Darcy receives some intelligence that becomes a real game-changer for both of them; his cousin Rick is lost in the jungle, and is serving as bait to lure Darcy into a trap set by drug kingpin, Diablo, who is looking to exact his own brand of revenge on the elusive Iceman.

But has love and marriage thawed the Iceman enough to take him off his A-game? Or is this just the opportunity he’s been looking for since settling into his domesticated lifestyle with Liz at Pemberley? Once it becomes clear that he must go into the jungle to save his cousin, Liz must also face the insecurities that have been plaguing her throughout her new marriage. Are her and Darcy truly happy in their new roles or is it time to get in touch with their own consciences for the sake of their future?

Cat Gardiner’s adventures take us through the dangers of the Amazon jungle, to the steamier side of Paris, and eventually to the playground of the nouveau riche in Moscow, as Darcy works with Obsidian crew members to try to put a kingpin to rest, once and for all. Back at Pemberley, Elizabeth is safe and sound with her sister Jane, Charles Bingley, and the smoking hot Dave Wentworth, who are all charged with the responsibility of helping Liz learn her own set of special skills, in an effort to keep her safe from any possible dangerous enemies looking to also hunt her down.

Yet it’s hard to keep a woman down for long, and once Caroline comes by for a visit, Liz determines there’s more going on than she has been informed of by her husband. After some scheming to get her across the globe, Liz finds herself ill-prepared for what she must face. Can she learn the special skills necessary to survive as a globe-trotting assistant? Will Darcy completely blow her cover and put both of their lives in peril before they can figure out a plan to get them both safely home, or is home the place Darcy is really running from?

This book read like an action-packed thriller with lots of steam infused throughout the storyline. I had no doubt that Cat Gardiner would find ways to make this sequel as intriguing and as scorching hot as “Denial of Conscience,” and for me, she hit all the right marks in all of the right places in this sequel.

The plot is gripping and moves at a steady and even pace throughout the story. The main characters are given lots of screen time and the relationship between them was a pleasure to experience. The supporting characters are great fun and lend nice touches of humor and heat as the plot unfolds. And what can I say about the settings that you haven’t imagined for yourself? Traveling from tranquil Virginia, through the perils of the Amazon, and over to Paris and Moscow where the rich know how to play hard, Cat Gardiner creates an intense energy within this story that makes it a page-turner from one end of the globe to another! I hope Cat has a third book planned for this series.

I highly recommend this series to JAFF lovers who enjoy modern stories filled with action, intrigue, and a bit of sizzle! Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iceman ups the ante on the adrenaline and the passion in the return to the shadowy Conscience world. Without A Conscience is a solid sequel that pursues the ongoing story of a man trying to walk away from his past to embrace the love of a woman also trying to build something new in the present.

Without a Conscience is book two in the Conscience series. It is best if it is read in order behind Denial of Conscience. In fact, if the reader plans to read the series, I'd suggest not reading the rest of my review so you don't encounter any incidental spoilers. Also, I'd suggest not neglecting the Guilty Conscience collection of vignettes that falls between the two books giving insight into what comes in this book.

The story opens with retired Obsidian assassin, Fitzwilliam 'Iceman' Darcy enjoyed married bliss with his Liz at his family's estate, Pemberley. Raising and training horses and polo ponies while Liz putters around with her orchids in the Conservatory keeps them busy and content, yet both of them hope that they can hold onto the peace and happiness they fought so hard to obtain. Liz is convinced that she is not enough to hold her husband's attention and that he will eventually leave her to go back to his high-octane life and the fast women. At the same time, Darcy worries that some evil from his past will show up and snatch away his happiness with Liz.

Far away, an enemy plots to draw Iceman out in the open where revenge can finally be had for a past Iceman kill shot. He meticulously sets his trap involving a dangerous black widow lover who specializes in poisons, human traffickers, and deals with dirty government operatives. The trap is baited with the capture of Richard Fitzwilliam, head of Obsidian, but more importantly, the Iceman's cousin. Darcy is torn between honoring his promise to Liz to never go back to Obsidian and his need to rescue his cousin. Liz has to decide if she really trusts in her husband or if her fears will rule her as he goes back into action once again.

Alright, this was an explosive story on so many levels. There is always the fear that a sophomore book in the series won't live up to the foundation laid in the first book. However, from the beginning, this one blew away those doubts. The complexity and layers of character and romance development over action and suspense plot easily pulled me in and kept me reading on. I was lost in the world of this tribute to the old-style spy story with it's daring black ops team members, hi-tech gadgetries, exotic locations, and super villains. And beyond that, it is the ongoing love story of a pair who are past the first blush of love and must learn how to make an ongoing relationship work built on trust, respect, and sigh...communication.

There are multiple viewpoints used to tell the story and I loved hopping heads to get to know many of the players in this large and colorful cast of characters that surround Iceman and Liz. I was tickled that the ladies were actually more big and bad than the gents in this one much of the time. Though, I did feel Liz was more lucky than good and a few times I wasn't sure she got what was really going down around her. She led with her emotions. She and Darcy both made some mistakes, but I enjoyed seeing them want what they had together so badly that they fought for it and overcame their barriers.

The story is not the end of the series. It finished at a good place leaving the reader with a sense of the main plot finished in a mission accomplished way, but there is also the set up for what is to come in the next story segment for Iceman, Liz, and the gang. Those who enjoy the old-style spy thrillers and a sultry love story should give this series a look-see.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Macarena! Hang on and hold tight, this is one incredibly wild ride full of passion, intrigue, and espionage. The Richter scale is off the charts when it comes to 'Iceman' Darcy and his sexy wife, Liz. Harleys, horses and evil villains abound as the rush of adrenaline courses through your veins. I could just feel the tension rising as I flew through the pages. Have a cool drink on hand...you are going to need it.

Darcy and Liz are enjoying their life together as a married couple at Pemberley. However each are wondering if the other is as happy as they claim. Liz worries that Darcy is missing his days as the 'Iceman', and he is worried that his past will catch up with him.

"He loathed that his past would impinge on this new life he and Liz were building." (quote from the book)

So when an operation goes south, literally, Iceman Darcy returns. When he fails to tell Liz everything, and Caroline, the viper, shows her talons, Liz sees red. With advice from Jane, who I absolutely loved in this book, the action ratchets up as does the temperature. Think James Bond meets Navy Seal shaken, stirred and sizzling hot!!

As this is Book 2 in the series, I highly recommend you read the first book 'Denial of Conscience' and then the short novelette, 'Guilty Conscience' to be fully up to speed. The third book in this series should be out sometime this year and I can't wait!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,

If you are looking for an enthralling,spice filled,adventurous,chemistry laden read then look no further than this fantastic tale penned by Cat Gardiner!

Darcy,retired from Obsidian,is now living a life of quite domesticity with Liz. Six months married,both fearing that this new laid back reality is proving tedious to the other,their insecurities grow and burst forth at the worst possible time.

Darcy,lured as bait to rescue Rick,dons the apparel of the spy and engages in physical and psychological combat with those determined to seek revenge.

Into this mix we have none other than Lizzy, who's fiendishly proficient in the use of espionage based toys,subterfuge and in the art of seduction!!!

But who exactly is she seducing,where,why and what of the circumstances that see her performing a striptease for a most receptive audience in a particular club in Europe's most romantic capital city? And what of her beloved Darcy?

This was a captivating and fast paced read, displaying Darcy,Lizzy and their inner cohort as Bondish characters,while also revealing their inner complexities,frailties and insecurities. A deeply satisfying and thrilling read,I'm eagerly anticipating the next instalment!!! Highly recommended!! 😊

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Suspicions, and Set-Ups

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!

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” Leonardo da Vinci

First things first… Rating: PG-21: MA: Mature Audience: I-am-not-kidding, this is not for the faint of heart or those sensitive to triggers… any trigger. This story is no holds barred, graphic, explicit, and with detailed… I repeat… detailed descriptions. It is a P&P, James Bond, True Lies, and Fifty-Shades [BDSM] mash-up. I am just stating the warning/caveat up front before someone stumbles into this unaware. With all the warnings, there shouldn’t be any complaints they didn’t know what type of book this was.

The writing was magnificent and the research necessary for this story must have been exhaustive. The descriptions, of such exotic locations, makes the reader want to grab a passport and head for the nearest airport. Our author paints a beautiful picture with the descriptions of foreign sites, customs, and of course… what our dear girl was wearing or not wearing. The descriptions of military actions made my skin crawl as I began to see what our men and women in uniform have to do in order to keep us safe from our enemies. I also saw how easy it was for corruption to undermine the safety of our country as well as those men and women in the field. It was sobering to read of deceit, corruption, treachery, betrayal, kidnappings, and assassinations.

Gardiner skillfully broke up the angst and tension of our heroes in battle with the use of comedy as Jane and Lizzy learned self-defense. It was hilarious as we watched Lizzy grow into her new adventurous self. The scenes where she [while in various disguises] followed Caroline to Paris were hilarious. Poor Caroline never knew what hit her.

In her marriage of less than a year, Lizzy was learning to live with the softer side of Darcy’s Iceman persona. He was still James Bond-ish. I mean… I am so serious… this guy was breath-taking. Cat Gardiner sure can describe a man down to his skivvies… or without… yep… in detail… yahoo.

Mr. Bennet couldn’t seem to keep his hands clean and continued to dabble with techno gear on the side. Thank goodness it was for our side this time. His techno toys sure came in handy when D&E were in a tight place. Little did he know that his toys just may have saved the life of his favorite… and her husband.

Thank goodness, the angst, though amazing, didn’t drag too much as our dear couple [ODC] traveled the world to exotic places in search of our villains. And villains there were aplenty. The son, of a hit the Iceman eliminated in book one, has it out for Darcy and that story line will continue on in the next book. The other villains in the story gave ODC a mighty chase. Lizzy turned out to be a valuable asset to Darcy in this story and it was amazing to watch her become the well-honed weapon needed to save her husband’s life. On the one hand, she would do something completely stupid, and then she’d do something totally smart and actually made the capture of one villain possible.

Caroline was an unusual character in this series. She was perfect in this role. I loved reading about her actions. Yeah, she was still a b-witch where Darcy and Lizzy were concerned, but when she was working… there wasn’t a stone-cold assassin that could rival her. She was magnificent. I know… I hate saying it… but she was. Her skills were par none. She was a weapon unto herself and was amazing when in the field. Man… what a scary witch. There was comedic relief when she messed with Lizzy’s head regarding Darcy. Yep, that was a big mistake and one I doubt she’ll make again. Caro quickly discovered a whole new side to Lizzy when she crossed the line where Darcy was concerned.

We still have Jane and Charles learning to live, love and work together. I look forward to her growth within Obsidian and think she will be an asset in future stories. Rick [Richard Fitzwilliam] has an interesting story along with the new character that will be interesting to watch. I like them together. I also like the other characters [all with Austen character names]. They were so surprising to run across, what fun.

I imagine Mr. Bennet will become like Q [Quartermaster] in the Bond movies. Q ran the MI6 research and development department and supplied Bond with the toys that we loved so much. What Mr. Bennet developed for Obsidian was freaking awesome and saved Lizzy and Darcy when they were stuck in a tight situation. However, I was concerned about the purse that Lizzy dropped. I didn’t like that part. She said it contained her passport and nothing more was ever said about it. That freaked me out leaving behind something that important. Perhaps I missed that it was a fake name. Yeah, that was probably it… now I can sleep better.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't resist...

What a thrilling and spellbinding story! If it was only an espionage tale it would be great; that it portrays my favorite characters of all times makes it marvelous!
I really enjoyed the plot, the development is masterfully done. Take care not to start reading this book if you have something pressing to do (like working) or you'll end up, like me, not sleeping to catch up.

Get it and enjoy it, it's wonderful!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every penny. Thoroughly enjoyable. I'm disappointed there is still some lose ends but I'm so in love with these characters and this world that I don't want the story to end. Now, I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment (hopefully it will be the last). BRAVO to my favorite JAFF modern author. You have done it again.

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argh I need that sequel now!!

Cat Gardiner KNOWS how to write high stakes action, tummy fluttering sex, and tear jerking tender moments like no other author I have read. Make sure you read the first book before this one!!

[Gristalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! So excited that there will be a third in this series! Can't wait to read it!

[Nicole Barton Sasser]

Status: unread
*** Gift from author/giveaway winner - provided with no expectation of, or promise of a review (favourable or otherwise). ***

Rating:

Review:

My Library Notes:

Without a Conscience (Conscience #2)
by Cat Gardiner
Paperback, First Edition, 298 pages
Published November 22nd 2016 by Vanity & Pride Press
ISBN: 0997313021 (ISBN13: 978-0997313024)

Someone wants to kill The Iceman, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and will stop at nothing to lure him into the open. Out for retribution, the son of an assassinated South American drug lord is seeking payback. His diabolical objective puts Operation Macarena into play by dangling bait guaranteed to entice his enemy. Can Darcy’s new bride, Liz, accept his decision to leave their tranquil life at Pemberley to resume the deadly profession he swore was behind them forever?

But are Darcy and Liz each fully satisfied with their simple, peaceful existence raising polo ponies and planning exotic vacations? Darcy set Liz’s spirit free; how can she resist the urge to ride on the wild side? Perhaps coming out of retirement is just what her husband needs because The Iceman never truly melted.

Without a Conscience takes readers on an adventure from the dangerous Peruvian Amazon Basin to the salacious underbelly of Parisian nightlife, leading toward a perilous rescue in Moscow.

Conscience or no, but propelled by love, Liz and Darcy re-enter the realm of international intrigue for the one and only thing they know is truly worth fighting for: each other.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!
When I didn't think it could get any better it does... The follow up on Denial of conscience is even more angst-filled than the previous, spiced with romance and passion.

Elizabeth and Darcy has settled on Pemberley, breeding horses. Their happy but insecure if the other misses the adrenaline rush of the past. When Rick is abducted on a job the iceman resurface. A detour to one of Paris kinky clubs with Caroline set the alarm of jealously in Elizabeth and the real fun begins..

Will be eagerly awaiting the third book in this series In Good Conscience.
Heartily recommend this book it's awesome!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel is hot and steamy!

Even with the cloak-and-dagger, Liz and Darcy find their ways back to one another, and communication is a key component of that — just like in any marriage. Without a Conscience by Cat Gardiner hugs the corners close, throbs in your ears, sends your nerves over the edge, and brings you in for a smooth, romantic landing.

Full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2016/11/w...

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Continuation
I am loving this story! Cat Gardiner writes well and definitely makes the pages turn, as this modern-day Pride and Prejudice-inspired book continues the Darcys’ love story with a great plot, lots of action and intrigue, romance (sometimes sizzling!), and interesting character portrayals. It’s a modern take, but Cat Gardiner never loses sight of the wonderful love story that is Darcy and Elizabeth, a must for me in any P&P Variation—modern or otherwise. I look forward to the final book and conclusion to this story. Highly recommend for those who do not mind mature content. I also highly recommend all books by this favourite author.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continues as Rick Fitzwilliam is captured and used as bait to trap the Iceman. Will he response, with Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth in the mix what can go wrong and who saves the day.
An interesting story which just about kept my interest as I am not really a thriller reader.