Thursday, September 13, 2018

In Good Conscience...Cat Gardiner

Imagine my surprise when my request to interview the elusive Fitzwilliam Darcy was granted months after I had sent my June email to his new wife, Liz. I was expecting to be on the next flight to their estate in Virginia, but the ex-polo player, former Navy SEAL, and heir to the massive Darcy estate had other plans.  Of course, this is all on the q.t. and only this blog mistress was given his exclusive. How could I not grant his wish? As his secretary (a very hunky man named Higgins) later explained, Darcy was recuperating after a deadly summer and preferred to video chat from an undisclosed location.

Let me just state, dear readers, that the man was nothing that I expected and soooo handsome! His wife is one lucky lady! I have it on good authority that the blog mistress at Savvy Verse & Wit was summoned for an exclusive interview with Mrs. Darcy and that will post tomorrow.

Our Skype began at the precise minute scheduled and I was met with a smiling, clean-cut and shaved face. He wore a light blue T-shirt and … um … I could see his tribal band tattoo circling quite a bicep. Oh my!

Thank you, Mr. Darcy for taking the time to answer a few questions after what was described as an exhausting trip.
You’re welcome – and I appreciate your flexibility in doing a video chat versus an in-person interview. I’m sorry about all the mystery, but I’m sure you understand our need for secrecy and my obvious paranoia after what my wife and I survived. Once we settle in, we’ll relax, but for now

It was no problem, really! And I didn’t mind signing the non-disclosure. Word is that you’re quite the protector. So I understand that you’d go to extraordinary lengths to insulate those you love.
*Half-smile twitches on his lips* I guess I am, but don’t mistake Liz for needing my protection all the time. She’s fierce in her own right, quite brave in fact and has a mean south paw hook. *rubs his jaw*.

Oh? Is that among the things you’ve taught her since meeting her? I heard that you met under very dangerous circumstances, which haven’t let up over the last eighteen months.
You’re right. I did teach her a few things when she finally let me, but she’s mostly self-taught particularly in knife fighting. She’s an excellent student and a quick learner, and really, much more proficient with blades than I am. Like I said, she could be fierce when needed—or when mad as hell.

At you?
*Rubs jaw again.” Yeah. *Chuckles.*

I am sure you must have done something to deserve it, though. *Laughs lightly.*
Depends on your perspective. In her opinion, I deserved it … maybe I did, but I had the best intentions.

I’ve given some consideration to questions that my readers would particularly like answers to within the parameters of the NDA, of course. I thought, for starters, I’d just rapid fire a few and you can give me a one word answer if that’s okay.
Sure. That suits me fine.

What do you think of marriage to Mrs. Darcy?
A miracle
One word to describe how you feel about her?
It would take more than one, but at the moment, I’d say: Awestruck
Is there one word to describe your relationship?
Again, so many deep feelings there … I’d say: Perfect
How does she make you feel in the morning?
Renewed
In the afternoon?
Challenged
In the evening?
Lucky
At night?
*Laughs*  Exhausted
How many children would you like?
*Breaks into wide grin* Five

*Fans self* Oh dear! You will be exhausted!

Will you be returning to horse riding and breeding when you settle in?
Definitely
How about motorcycle riding? What kind of rider is Mrs. Darcy?
That’s two questions … Yes, we’ll continue riding … and she is quite the proficient biker.

And lastly, what is the plan for your future?
Serenity
No international travel, no wild edge of your seat adventures? Won’t that be hard for you?
Not at all. I have everything I need or want here and I’ve already seen the world – the good and the bad. I’ll leave those kind of adventures to someone else. This is a big, beautiful country; it’ll keep us busy for the rest of our lives.

And what country is that?
*Raises eyebrow* If I tell you … I’ll have to kill you. *Bursts out laughing.*

I must say, I’m surprised. Please don’t take offense, but I’ve heard so many reports about your severity, your chilly demeanor —and … and they’re quite wrong.

No, they were right, but I’m not that man anymore, and I’m definitely not that man around my wife. I’m just a guy filled with gratitude and optimism.  At my heart I’m just a simple man, in love with an amazing woman and have a beautiful—peaceful—tomorrow ahead of us.

And what has she done that makes her so amazing?
It’s not any one special thing, but a million seemingly small things that when put together make her such an amazing wife, friend, lover, and the perfect partner for me. She saved my soul and that, alone, was an amazing feat.

Okay, so one last question and then I’ll let you get back to your leading lady.  Will the world ever see Mr. Darcy again? What if your country needs you?
Lord! You make me sound like Batman. There won’t be any bat signal in the sky calling me out of retirement, but what I can tell you is that if my family needs me – I’ll sneak in like the night and do what I have to do. Once a protector … always a protector. I’ll leave the country-saving to the next generation of guys, and in time, the only thing I hope to be remembered for is being a loving husband, a great father, and a honorable friend, brother, uncle – even son-in-law. In fact, after this interview—and my wife’s tomorrow—we hope the name “Darcy” is never uttered again.

It sounds like a good plan.
It’s the only plan worth making.

Wow! What do you think of that interview, folks? *Fans self* I must admit to being a bit awe-struck! Darcy is quite a man! I'm betting he will be a great father. We already know he is a loving husband, loyal, and all the other attributes he wants to be remembered by. I think you will be, sir!



Revised Bio:
Cat Gardiner loves romance and happy endings, history, comedy, and Jane Austen. A member of the National League of American Pen Women and a PAN member of Romance Writers of America, she enjoys writing across the spectrum of Pride and Prejudice inspired romance novels. From the comedic Christmas, Chick Lits Lucky 13 and Villa Fortuna, to the bad boy biker Darcy in the sultry adventures Denial of Conscience, Guilty Conscience, and Without a Conscience, these contemporary novels will appeal to many Mr. Darcy lovers.

Cat's love of 20th Century Historical fiction merges in her first Pride & Prejudice "alternate era," set in a 1952 Noir, Undercover. Her most recent publications are the time-travel WWII P&P novelettes: A Vintage Valentine, A Vintage Victory, and A Vintage Halloween as part of the Memories of Old Antique Shop Series.

Her greatest love is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era Romance. Her debut novel, A Moment Forever was the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. She is currently working on her second novel in the Liberty Victory Series.

Connect with Cat here:
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
cgardiner1940s.com
cattgardiner.wixsite.com/homefrontpodcast
twitter.com/40sExperience
twitter.com/VPPressNovels

BOOK BLURB:
The third and final romantic adventure in The Conscience Series

No man has loved a woman as much as Fitzwilliam “Iceman” Darcy loves his wife Elizabeth. His love is indestructible, insatiable, and his Achilles’ heel.

Since the whirlwind and dangerous adventure in Paris and Moscow in Without a Conscience, life at Pemberley has been a combination of idyllic repose and focused preparation and defense. Darcy’s enemy is still out there—a hair’s breadth from delivering revenge for his father’s assassination.

When the enemy strikes first, Iceman’s world comes crashing down kick starting a firestorm. How far will the gelid warrior go to protect all his loved ones? Just how much is the former Navy SEAL willing to sacrifice? Is his attritional warfare blind rage?—or are his extreme actions in good conscience?

This emotional, wild ride will take you on a breathless, white-knuckle international journey from heartbreak and revenge to survival and enduring bliss because …
No woman has loved a man like Elizabeth Darcy loves her husband Fitzwilliam. Her love is invulnerable, unyielding, and her strength.

Author Note: Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell wrote such wonderful characters, I borrowed their names and some of their characteristics for inspiration to tell my own tale of contemporary love. In Good Conscience - The Final Adventure is a sequel, and I recommend reading Book 1 (Denial of Conscience,) and Book 2 (Without a Conscience) beforehand. Further, it is an original story that follows the lives of the characters of the aforementioned books and therefore, not meant to be a Pride and Prejudice variation. This novel contains explicit sexual content and occasionally salty language. So if you are looking for a clean, canon read, this book is not for you.

IN GOOD CONSCIENCE GIVEAWAY
2 e-books (int'l and/or USA), Swag (USA Only) - Paperback, exclusive series mug, bookmark, and travel journal 




Thank you, Cat Gardiner, for helping set up this interview! I have been so excited about it and it was everything and more than I ever dreamed it would be. Looking forward to the interview tomorrow with Mrs. Darcy over at Savvy Verse & Wit. By the way, it was pretty neat talking to Higgins, the secretary! I like that man, too.

I'm thrilled to be part of your blog tour, Cat. Thank you for including me. I can't wait to start reading In Good Conscience. I have loved these books and hate to see them come to an end. From what I am seeing, this one is every bit as good as the rest, if not better! Thank you for sharing this story with us. You are an amazingly talented writer!

Readers, be sure and leave your contact info, and if you are US or not, in the comments below. This is an awesome giveaway and I would hate for anyone to lose out because I couldn't reach them. Good luck to everyone. The giveaway will end at 11:59 P.M. on the 18th of September.

57 comments:

  1. Very clever and enlightening interview,Janet and Cat. Looking forward to reading this final book in the series, tough I hate to see it end!
    rcmsilvia@gmail.com

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the interview, Regina. I'm hating to see this series end too.

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    2. Hi Regina! I'm going to miss our dear couple, too, but I'm so happy they're going to be starting a new life. :) Good luck in the giveaway

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  2. What an exciting interview! Mr. Darcy sounds like an amazing man. I can’t wait to read more about his adventures. Thank you for sharing him with us Cat Gardiner!
    US ctaylorbears(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Christina. I'm so glad happy you stopped by and enjoyed the interview. Yes, he does sound like quite an amazing man. Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. *Le sigh* he is so amazing. LOL I love him and I'm sorry that he and I will have to part ways but Liz deserves him all to herself now. I hope you enjoy the time you spend with them! Thank you for commenting and good luck in the giveaway, Christina <3

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  3. Phew! Talk about hot! I love this interview and can’t believe how lucky you are to chat to him in person.
    What great questions and answers. I particular like his one word answers to his feelings during the day. What a passionate, romantic man he is when it comes to his Liz <3
    Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I’m in the UK and already have the fabulous ebook which I read after re reading the others. As I said, phew!!

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    1. Hi Glynis! I must agree. You notice how often I kept fanning myself! :) Quite an exciting opportunity, I must confess. He does love his Liz. She is one lucky woman.

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts. I'm hoping to start reading the book soon so glad to hear you loved it! Your "phew!!" says it all! :)

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    2. He sure has changed hasn't he, Glynis? LOL He's a bit more chatty but loves those one word answers. Very little grunting or hand flexing. I think they're good to go now. :) ((hug)) Thanks for joining in all the fun! <3

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  4. What a fun interview! Looking forward to reading this book.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Deborah Ann! I'm looking forward to reading this one, too!

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    2. Any time spent with Darcy is fun time! *waggles eyebrows* Thank you, Deborah Ann. I hope you enjoy the book. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  5. Lucky you, Janet, to get that scoop of an interview. How could you keep your composure. :)

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    1. It was tough, I tell ya! Whew! He is quite a man! This interview certainly made my year and then some! lol

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    2. Personally ... I would have licked the computer screen. :) Thanks for stopping by, Sophia!

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    3. Oh, Cat! You make me laugh! Tempting idea though!

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  6. Lucky you to get to see him even if it is by video chat!!! I'm surprised you weren't stuttering through the whole interview! I guess you had those questions written down because after your description of him, I would have lost every thought in my head! Liz is one lucky girl!

    p.s. I will let you in on a little secret...I know where they are...but I wouldn't dare tell.

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    1. Oh yes! It was difficult to not be stuttering, believe me! I had a problem with staring, too! Yes, Liz is one lucky girl!

      Ah, you know where they are, huh? Now, I'm curious. Must read the book or will that not tell me either? Lucky you.

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    2. Oh goodness, that tattoo! How did that not keep her from reaching out to touch him? Lucky lady!

      Ha! You're a good secret keeper, Carole, but I think that secret will out with Mrs. Darcy's interview today. Stealth Serena snuck a camera in and took a piccie of their new digs. ;)

      Thanks for joining in the fun, honey!

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  7. Fun interview! Why didn't you share it with us as a video? I'm sure we all would have enjoyed that! ;-)
    Hmmm, how does Carole know where they are?
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Are we supposed to indicate a preference?

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    1. I'm wondering the same thing about Carole's knowledge! Well, I wasn't allowed to share the video! Sorry about that, but that was part of the nondisclosure agreement.

      Cat will answer about the preference. For some crazy reason, her comments have not posted. I think she is finally getting them post this morning. She would comment, but they wouldn't show up. Crazy glitches but it is working now.

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    2. Hi Ginna! I think Janet is keeping that video for herself. LOL I know I would have loved to see it, too! Thanks so much for commenting. Janet will pick at random the winners. :) Good Luck

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  8. Now that was some interview! Got to love that Darcy and his undying devotion to his wife. Thanks so much for featuring Cat and her new release! Great fun, as always. Jen Red

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    1. It was my pleasure to feature Cat and this release. It was a fantastic interview! Thanks for stopping by, Jen.

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    2. Hi Jen! Thanks for stopping in to join the fun. Yes, that's why we love Darcy - his devotion to Lizzy! Hugs and good luck in the giveaway! <3

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  9. Oh, what a great interview! Liz is a very lucky woman!!! :D ;) I already have the ebook so don't enter me on the giveaway! Congratulations, Cat!!!

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    1. Isn't Liz a lucky woman! I'm glad they will now have some peaceful time.

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    2. Hi Daniela! I want to be Lizzy!!! She is so darned lucky. Thank you, sweetie <3

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  10. What an interview! I was even fanning myself. Thank you for the giveaway of the final book in the series. evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm glad to hear someone else needed to fan themselves! lol

      Thanks for stopping by, Eva.

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    2. Thank you so much for commenting Eva. Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway! :)

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  11. "Fans self" Man... that was one exciting interview. Whew... help me!! I loved it. I already own the ebook... I couldn't wait for the blog tour and hope to win one. I had to have it and grabbed it as soon as it launched. I've read all the books, even the prequel and loved them all. Oh-my-goodness. This was such an exciting series and I'm glad it will end so they can have a life and live out of harms way. Thanks for hosting today, thanks to Cat for the generous giveaway and I look forward to Liz's interview next. Blessing to everyone in harms way due to the storm. Please don't take chances... be safe.

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    1. I'm so happy that you liked the interview, but then, how could anyone not like it? It was Mr. Darcy, Iceman, himself! Whew! Hasn't this been an exciting series! Yes, it's good that Darcy and Liz will have some time to themselves and be out of harms way. They need that peace.

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    2. Hi J.W., I'm so excited to hear how excited you are! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you love IGC just as much as the others! I can guarantee you that Iceman is just as hot. Sizzling. LOL Thank you so much for joining in the fun! Hugs, C

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  12. I loved this book and the whole series. Congratulations on its release.

    Pattyedmisson@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Patty. Glad to hear you loved this book. (and the whole series)

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    2. Thank you, Patty! And thank you for your review! It meant so much ((hug))

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  13. what a fun interview! utterly delightful!

    denise

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    1. It was such a fun interview, Denise. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. He is utterly adorable! Thank you, Denise. Good Luck in the giveaway! :)

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  14. I loved the interview! It was enchanting!

    And this is an amazing book by an amazing author!

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    1. I agree with all of the above. Thanks for stopping by, Teresita!

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    2. You are the sweetest, Tere! Thank you and thank you for your wonderful review <3 I'm so happy you enjoyed the book. Glad you stopped by for a some Darcy. :)

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  15. Is there anyone here who WASN'T fanning herself during that interview? I,m lucky enough to have won a copy of IGC recently and it's everything one would hope for as the final installment in this amazing series. Btw, I re-read the first three, followed by IGC, back-to-back and it's a wild, wonderful ride. I have to admit to readhing for the tissues at least a couple of times during IGC.

    Like Glynis, I'm in the UK and already have an ebook copy, so no need to out my name in the hat. Just wanted to share my love for this series 🏍🏍🏍

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    1. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your head must have been spinning after reading all 3.5 back to back. Wowza. I'm tickled that you went all in for the last adventure. He sure has grown and changed hasn't he? I like to think that Darcy is now the man he was always meant to be - just more skilled. LOL So happy you stopped by, Anji! <3

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    2. HaHa! I don't think there were many not fanning themselves! It was a great interview and looking at him, was...well, awesome! :) So glad to hear how much you loved this latest one. I have yet to read it but will start it soon. Thanks for stopping by. Anji.

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  16. Oops, typos! Too many of them. Have to put it down to being Friday night here and being in recovery from an unseasonable bout of flu.

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  17. What a fun interview! Can’t wait to hear from the Mrs.
    I loved this series and this final book was awesome! I could not put it down. Thank you Cat for your amazing books!!
    Cynthia

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    1. Hi Cynthia! Thank you very much for joining in the fun here and for your wonderful Amazon review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the ride so much!! <3 :)

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  18. Wasn't this a fun interview? I hope you've had a chance to read the interview with Mrs. Darcy. It was excellent. They are such a good couple. Glad to hear you loved this last book too! Thanks for stopping by.

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  19. Such an enjoyable teaser! Thank you.

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    1. You are welcome! Thank you for commenting, Betty, and good luck! :)

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  20. Higgins... wasn't he in Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South? I would fan myself too if Darcy resembles Richard Armitage. It's great to know that the Iceman is taking a well deserved break from saving his country to be with his wife and loved ones. The interview was fun and enjoyable.

    Thank you for offering these amazing gifts, Cat. Too bad I'm not a US reader or else I could win the bundle. Janet, please enter me for the international giveaway. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Luthien! You are very astute regarding Higgins. ;) Yes, Darcy, in The Conscience Series has always been modeled after Richard Armitage. I've had a crush on his since the N&S Adaptation. Thank you so much for joining in the interview fun. Good luck in the e-book giveaway! <3

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    2. I will make sure you are entered in the international giveaway, Sylvia. Yes, Richard Armitage as Iceman, Darcy, is enough to make anyone fan themselves! Wow! His is the image I picture when reading this series! :) Cat picked well!

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