Lucky 13: Matchmaking and Misunderstandings

by Cat Gardiner

2014 Among Favorite Romance Reads - Margie Must Reads
2014 Favorite Modern Adaptation - Austenesque Reviews
2016 Favorite Holiday Novel - Diary of an Eccentric
Top 10 Modern Jane Austen Variations - Obsessed With Mr. Darcy

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 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.*

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2014

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

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

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice-Inspired, Modern-day Adaptation, Mature Audiences Only

TIME FRAME: Thanksgiving Day 2013 – New Years Eve 2013

MAIN CHARACTERS: Liz Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Will Darcy, Georgie Darcy, John Lucas, Caroline Bingley, Charlie Bingley, Jane Bennet, Rick Fitzwilliam

WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:

One of my dearest friends with impeccable taste in literature was over-the-moon-in-love with this book.
It looked like a book filled with all my most favorite things: A Darcy and Elizabeth romance, Christmas, NYC, blind dates, misadventures, matchmaking, and of course…misunderstandings!

WHAT I LOVED:

- A Modern-day Elizabeth and Darcy Original Story: While the formula is basically there and the characters have the same personalities, this story has its own original storyline, which made it full of surprises and not at all predictable! I greatly enjoyed being surrounded by familiar friends, but having no clue where things were heading.

- Christmas + NYC: NYC has got to be one of the best places in the world to be for Christmas, IMO! :) I loved visiting all the famous holiday sites such as Rockefeller Plaza, FAO Schwartz, Madison Square Garden, and Central Park! Mr. Bingley and I went to NYC last year for the Christmas season and were hoping to go this year too, but thanks to Ms. Gardiner, I feel like I really was in NYC for Christmas!

- A Band of True Friends: Loved Liz and Will’s friends in this novel! It was great to see them all participate in the matchmaking and manipulation schemes ;) I also loved the brotherhood of firefighters and seeing how they have such strong care and consideration for each other. Very moving.

- Immerse and Experience: Cat Gardiner cleverly and imaginatively gives readers many ways to connect to the story and her characters. You can follow, read, and comment on Liz’s blog, All I Want For Christmas…, listen to her themed playlist on Spotify, and view her Pinterest inspiration board. I loved seeing the blog posts with comments made by various characters from the book, what a terrific idea!

- Liz Bennet: I adored this character! She is our dear, witty, and teasing Lizzy, but she also has some baggage and scars that have to heal from her first love and serious relationship. I thought her insecurities and lasting hurt from John Lucas and conviction that she is unlucky believable and endearing (first loves and mothers can definitely do a number on you!) Loved that she made lists, got into embarrassing situations, into kick-boxing and had an awesome alter-ego named Black Widow. And I am completely envious of her wardrobe, girl’s got style and taste!

- Will Darcy: Oh my…readers be prepared with fans and chill blasts, because this Darcy is scorchingly hot! ;) Besides being a gorgeous Adonis, this Darcy is a hard-working, compassionate, and considerate man who carries his own baggage and unwarranted guilt for his parents’ death. Darcy is usually in a dark place during the holidays, but when he meets Liz, he falls for her real hard and becomes an adorable mush-pot! I loved seeing him try to continuously wear down her defenses and open her eyes to his real self. I also loved that he was a part-time firefighter, and the date he took Elizabeth on was…just oh-so-perfect!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

Pfft! Are you kidding me? Not. A. Thing

WARNING: Recommended for Mature Audiences because of the use of profanity and intimate content.

CONCLUSION:

Lucky 13: Matchmaking and Misunderstandings is a most sensational and enthralling read! I’m amazed by all the many facets and dimensions Cat Gardiner gives not only her characters but her story as well. I greatly appreciated all that went into creating this fabulous story, there was so much that I loved that I didn’t even get to say it all in this review! Truly phenomenal!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, breezy, feel-good Christmas Pride and Prejudice variation set in modern New York City. Our two protagonists have issues-- Oy! Do they ever have issues! --especially when it comes to relationships. Both have a habit of looking for the smallest flaws to find fault with and keep romance at arm's length. But their friends and the magic of New York at Christmastime conspire to bring them together to help heal each other.

Will Darcy is a psychologically tortured soul, especially around Christmas. His parents tragically died in a fire during the holiday season, and all his wealth and good looks don't fill the void he feels inside. He has founded the FD Burn Foundation in their honor, which provides fire prevention education and helps pay for treatment of burn victims who have no medical insurance. He also devotes hours upon hours as a volunteer fireman in New York City's Upper West Side.

Elizabeth Bennet works for the New York City advertising company hired to run the Foundation's annual fundraising campaign. Despite being a kickboxing legend at her gym and successful at her job, she also carries emotional baggage. Her ex-boyfriend, John Lucas, was a master manipulator whose huge ego made her feel inferior, and her mother constantly finds fault with her, particularly for letting such a great catch get away.

After yet another dismal Thanksgiving family gathering, Liz decides she is going to find someone to bring back home for Christmas and for her sister's wedding on New Year's so she won't be the odd man out yet again. She's not looking for love- just someone that she can enjoy dating. Being the driven, organized type, she meticulously plans her strategy with the help of her bestie, Charlotte Lucas (John's sister). Although Will's attraction to Lizzy is instantaneous when he sees her in a kickboxing match at his new gym, he mistakenly thinks she snubbed him, and her first impression of him is spoiled when she overhears him making negative assumptions about her.

There are numerous supporting players here in addition to Charlotte, with Liz's sister Jane (a supermodel), Jane's fiance Charles, Will's cousin Rick Fitzwilliam, Will's sister Georgiana, and a delightful Yenta named Sadie all working as matchmakers to get the pair together. Naturally, there are obstacles- Charles' sister Caroline wants Will for herself, and John shows up, turning on the charm to win back his old girlfriend.

Will and Liz start out by denying any attraction for the other, but sizzling scenes between them include auditions for a beefcake firefighter calendar where he pointedly dances for her attention and a photo shoot where Liz spreads oils on Will's chest to give him extra shine for the camera. The book is laced with similar romantic foreplay. When they finally go out on a date, it's the stuff of every woman's fantasy. Will has been assisted by Liz's blog (which is accessible through the links provided in the story) so he knows exactly what will hit all the right buttons, but things are spoiled when she comes to the conclusion that he's been playing her.

There's really no doubt, right from the beginning, how this book is going to end. Liz and Will are revealed to have an impossible number of connections in common although they live and work in the most populous city in the world. But I really don't care. This is a funny, satisfying, happily-ever-after, I-Love-NY kind of romance, and I just ate it all up.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“… 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 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 with 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 is hot, descriptive, suggestive and explicit.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear reader,

If you are looking for a spicier, fun filled festive P&P modern variation,then this is the book for you!

Darcy is now a hunky,muscled firefighter, voluntarily devoted to extinguishing fires of the physical kind,as he knows only too well that a psychological kinda fire can burn no longer in his heart for any woman.......

His task,when meeting any female is to find fault and deem them undeserving of his time,effort and inclusion as a partner in a long term relationship.

He is lonely and the festive period only serves to make him more maudlin,as his parents' anniversary draws near.

Enter stage right one Elizabeth Bennet, whose task is to fundraise for the FD Burn Foundation and who coincidentally ignites a fire in one firefighter's heart with unforeseen circumstances!!!!


'Let the games commence', I hear you say..! And commence,they certainly do and what follows is a series of woeful misunderstandings amid an atmosphere of long,meaningful stares,matchmaking schemes that induce laughter,speed dating fiascos,dances,first kisses,kick boxing fights ,past loves and some very romantic gestures......the warm jacket,the thirteenth rose............sigh!!

This book will bring a smile to your face as you witness the love and support of ODC's friends and their determined efforts to give their mutual friends a future filled with happiness and love in the arms of the other.

I loved this modern tale and highly recommend it!

Ms Gardiner you are amazing!!

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What an hilarious, steamy and extremely engaging novel. Loved the Christmas theme as I was decorating my house while reading this gem.

Elizabeth, badly burnt by her high school sweetheart and her mother, hides behind a professional appearance. Underneath, however, lures a tempting black widow.

Darcy, halftime firefighter - halftime President of Pem Tech and charity worker, suffers from guilt and mourning after his parents perished in a fire 8 years ago. Drowning his sorrows in drink and women, especially around Christmas.

Elizabeth, Born on Friday the 13. and number 13 at her mother's dinner table are fed up with her mother's snide remarks on her single status. To add to the insult, she is the only single of the 5 sisters and Jane is getting married on New year's eve. She commits to the mission of getting herself a date for Christmas dinner and the following wedding. Throwing herself into the dating market, she tries everything from speed dating to a Jewish matchmaker. Amidst it all, she is working on a calender with half-dressed, well formed fire fighters.
Darcy first lays his eyes on her as she graduates for her green belt in kickboxing under the nickname black widow. The next meeting doesn't turn out so well though... Add to the mix the return of the high school sweetheart and Caroline Bingley, not to mention an entourage of meddling relatives, the stage is set for a series of misunderstandings and misconceptions.
There were a couple of big "oh no!" moments and I had a slight problem with them due to plausibility. If badly "burnt", to greet the object with a bear hug and civilty I thought rather unlikely. The runaway after a deliciously romantic date also made my eyebrows hit the roof...
All is well that ends well... and Christmas was saved in an utterly delightful and romantic way.

I laughed my way through it though. Heartily recommend this novel!!!

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm where there is a giveaway of an e-book of Lucky 13, open until 29 October! http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....

Lucky 13 is a contemporary romance by debut author Cat Gardiner influenced by Pride & Prejudice. 26 year old Liz Bennet, despite having a successful career in advertising, has always considered herself unlucky. Her mother has always told her so at any rate. She was born on Friday 13th, a girl instead of a boy and has been told her whole life how she never measures up to expectations. Sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with her parents, 4 sisters and their respective significant others and her aunt and uncle Liz has a realisation:

“There I was sitting down for our annual, calorie-laden, typically traditional, turkey dinner when all of a sudden, it hit me – once again, I was the unlucky number 13. It was the story of my birth and now my life. I was the odd person out. The only single at the table.”

Liz doesn’t envy her sisters their boyfriends – supermodel Jane is due to marry sweet millionaire Charlie Bingley on New Year’s Eve, Mary has settled for the unfortunate Billy Collins, Kitty has just become engaged to penniless Ashton and Lydia’s boyfriend is the lecherous George Wickham, who gropes her sisters under the table when given half a chance. However, she is sick of being singled out by her mother for being the only single Bennet daughter:

“I decided I would no longer sit idly by waiting for a good man to find me. I would have to go out and find him myself.”

Liz isn’t looking for Mr Right, just somebody she can bring as her date to the next Bennet family gathering, Christmas dinner and perhaps to Jane’s wedding. She sets about finding a date, trying personal ads (with unexpectedly amusing results!), speed dating, considers a blind date and even pays for the service of a Jewish matchmaker, despite not being of the Jewish faith herself.

Liz’s search is hampered by a few things. Firstly she doesn’t really believe that a decent man exists, judging from her unlucky dating history, and she’s had a real number pulled on her in the past, being manipulated and having her heart broken by her best friend Charlotte’s brother, John Lucas. She is scared to let anybody close to her.

“Unfortunately, now she’s become this self-fulfilling prophecy – dating and continually faultfinding, pessimistic about every man, and looking for a reason not to find love. She hides it well, but she’s immobilized by the fear of rejection and hurt.”

So if she meets somebody she’s very attracted to she’s likely to find excuses to fight it...

Enter Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, President of Pem Tech, founder of the charitable FD Burns Foundation, part time fire-fighter and generally gorgeous hunky man. Darcy’s parents died a few years ago, not long before Christmas, in a house fire while he was out being a party boy and since then he’s been carrying a huge burden of guilt around with him that he wasn’t there. He assuages the guilt through his fire-fighting work but the period in the run-up to Christmas is very hard for him and he works too hard, drinks too much, and is generally a real grump.

Liz’s ad company has been hired to spearhead the FD Burns fundraising campaign by the Chairman of the foundation, Darcy’s cousin Richard Fitzwilliam. He wants Liz’s company to create a fundraising calendar featuring semi-clad firemen and he is determined that his cousin the Grinch will feature as Mr December. Between a grouch and a girl with a chip on her shoulder, what could possibly go wrong?! Luckily for Liz and Will there are plenty of potential matchmakers in each of their corners helping them direct the spark between them towards something more constructive than fighting, if only they will let it happen.

I really enjoyed this romance. The chemistry between Liz and Darcy was fantastic, and I loved the humour, there are a few laugh out loud moments, including a very amusing rendition of Caroline Bingley, as a pooch matchmaker with a very unfortunately misnamed designer dog. This isn’t a modern re-telling of Pride & Prejudice, but there were some nods back to the original, such as some of the wording:

“It’s important to emphasize that a single woman, living alone in Manhattan, who is somewhat in want of a man, need to protect herself.”

Though the central theme of the story is the same as Pride & Prejudice, first impressions can’t always be relied on, there were other themes that I liked, such as overcoming the labels that have been applied to you. Mrs Bennet had spent years putting Lizzy down and this lack of self-worth she felt was exploited by a manipulative ex-boyfriend, ‘John the Jerk’ who was there for Lizzy just enough to make her rely on him while simultaneously using her and holding her back. I’m sure we all know people who have settled for a partner who doesn’t treat them as they deserve because they don’t believe anybody else would want them. Seeing her overcome her hurdles and realise that her attitude and prejudices were causing some of her own bad luck was wonderful. Darcy grows too, from a man who is scared to commit to a relationship because of his fear of loss to somebody who is willing to take a chance on love.

Mrs Bennet in this story is a character you can simultaneously love and hate, which is an impressive achievement! On the one hand, the way she treats her daughter is deeply unkind, but on the other hand she has some wonderful, funny lines that I couldn’t help but giggle at. She is convinced, incorrectly, that Charlotte is a lesbian and is trying to make Lizzy gay! I also loved the characters of Charlotte and Rick, a.k.a. Punky and Preppy, who were wonderful friends to Liz and Darcy.

The story is told mostly in the third person, but Liz has set up a blog 'All I want for Christmas...' to document her progress in finding a date for Christmas which has extra information from her perspective, with guest posts from Charlotte. There are links at the end of most of the chapters to the blog posts. The blog adds not only differing perspectives on events but also progresses the story and I would strongly recommend reading the blog posts along with the story. I would have preferred the blog post text and comments within the book because they are such an integral part of the story that it would be a shame to miss them if you’re reading outside a wifi zone. My kindle also couldn’t cope with accessing the website but it’s worth the extra effort to access them on another device as you’re reading. The blog also has posts that give an insight into what happens to Liz and Darcy after the book finishes. I’d recommend this book in the run up to Christmas, it has a lovely slice of Christmas feel-good to it!

For those who seek/avoid such things there are no sex scenes in this book, though there are some flashbacks!

*I received an e-ARC of this book from the author for my honest review

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

She made a list and checked it twice, but even Unlucky 13 Liz Bennet couldn't have predicted what would happen when she made her Thanksgiving resolution not to come to the family Christmas dinner without a date. The hijinks ensue and the fire between her and a certain broody firefighter refuses to be extinguished. Pride & Prejudice sizzles in this modern retelling that includes quirky matchmaking schemes, thirteen hottie firefighters modeling for a charity calendar, interfering family, an old flame or two, designer dogs, and a snarky pair of potential lovers set against NYC for the holidays.

Liz Bennet is an intelligent NYC career girl with a comfortable income, and a bright future at the job of her dreams. But back in her little hometown of Long Island and with her family, she is still Unlucky Lizzy the girl who has bad things happened and let a promising relationship get away. Her sisters are all in relationships and she's the odd girl out. Tired of her mom's incessant nagging and put downs, Liz determines to have a date the next time she returns for Christmas. Thirty days...no problem. That is until her personal ad includes a glaring typo and her best friend takes over the matchmaking job. Not that she has much time to worry about her sad social prospects. Liz has just landed the perfect campaign to get her a promotion. She has the task of marketing a charity foundation to help increase donations. Her contact with the foundation already has a launch idea that she agrees will bring wild success- a beefcake firefighter calendar.

Will Darcy, wealthy businessman and founder of his own foundation to support burn victims and their families, moonlights as a part-time firefighter. The holidays are a tough time for him because that's when he lost his beloved parents in a fire. He is distant, morose and drinks too much. This year, he allows his cousin to talk him into a needed life change. He will let Rick set him up on dates and very reluctantly he is dragged into the firefighter calendar scheme. His bad temper unfortunately leads him to accidentally provoke Liz Bennet who gives as good as she gets and then some leading to a nearly hostile environment with each fresh encounter. And he makes sure there are plenty of those- encounters that is. Neither are indifferent, but their emotional walls are thick so it takes the help of friends, family, and a mischievous matchmaker to set them on the right path.

This romantic comedy with the engaging holiday setting was a fun read. I had all the appropriate reactions. Liz and Will were difficult characters in the beginning and drove me nuts the way they sabotaged their own chances so often. I had a soft spot for them between all the emotional abuse she took growing up and his personal losses and their combined loneliness. There were a ton of laugh out loud moments, some sweet times, and some sensual 'need a cold drink' moments.

The elements of matchmaking activities, the beefcake calendar scenes, zany family, and holiday fun were an inspired blend. The interactive inclusion of the blog posts at the end of the chapters, nods to cultural icons, and the mild connection to a classic story were just icing on the cake.

The characters are colorful and come on strong. Liz is opinionated and judgmental when she gets defensive or her insecurities act up. Will tends to come across as arrogant and standoffish when he gets emotional. Rick and Charlotte are a riot the way they just dive right in and don't care. The side story of Liz's sister Jane and Will's best friend Charlie was fun with her having her secrets and him worried that she was turning into her crazy mother. But the big comic relief was Charlie's sister, Caroline. She is a cliche with her botox, snooty, social climbing ways, but what a hoot! The rival for Liz, John Lucas, just begged to be smacked.

As to the romance, its painful, hard fought, and poignant. They are attracted, but in denial. Will gets honest first and really works hard to make it happen. They were quite the pair and I enjoyed seeing the barriers come down. He is so swoonworthy that I just wanted to bop Liz for her blindness. That last fourth of the book had me riveted and I loved the way their romance resolved.

All in all, I had a blast with this fun holiday romance and would recommend it to those who enjoy slightly spicy Contemporary Romance.

My thanks to the author who provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book about a year ago and just never got around to reading it. To tell you the truth I subconciously avoided it because I just love regency Darcy. Don't get me wrong I do love a modern Darcy but those books I read sparingly. I admit the only reason I decided to read this book is because the first anniversary party is rolling around on facebook tomorrow and I want to attend.

However I wasn't ready for this book to awesome. Now I wonder why I waited so long to read it. I love how this book to me was more an experience and less a chore than some books. It was also very cool that there is a blog that you can follow while reading this book with posts from Lizzy, Charlotte and towards the end Darcy himself. I also love how the blog continues past the book and into this year. There is a spotify playlist you can list to as well but since I don't have spotify I didn't listen to it. I really recommend reading this book even if you aren't a Pride and Prejudice fan.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was the most interactive novel I've ever read! The blog posts with almost every chapter, the blog comments section, the YouTube videos, the music playlist ... it was a lot of fun! I dare anyone to read this book and not end up wanting to spend Christmas in New York!
With the way this book was written I felt like I got to know the characters really well. I'm feeling a little lost now that I've finished and I won't know the rest of their story!

Outtakes - http://www.catgardiner.blogspot.co.nz...

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Today the ever-generous Cat T. Gardiner​​ is offering an autographed copy of "Lucky 13" to one lucky Just Jane 1813 with my review of her book today.

https://justjane1813.com/2016/12/10/l...

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best modern P&P Variations
What can one say, but Cat Gardiner is a genius!!! Absolutely loved this book!!! RL made getting into this hard to do, but once I sat down to read it, there was no stopping, exempt to sleep!!! I'm not always into the modern versions, it's hard to explain, but I loved this version. The heated attraction, the steamy glances, the oil rubbing...... oh I'm sorry I zoned out there, what was I saying? Wow did it get hot in here or what!! (Fanning myself!) I thought is was an awesome idea about the blogging, felt more personal more intimate like Elizabeth and Charlotte and even Darcy were talking to you versus just reading a story. I look forward to reading anything that Cat Gardiner has to write. I would recommend this of course to all JAFF readers, but I would also recommend it to anyone wanting a great read!!!!

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by my new favorite author. Beefcake calendars? It was hilarious. I loved it. Another hit! If you are looking for a light read, this was great!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this in its entirity yesterday (November 30 to December 1, 2016.) to today & had no problem with links this time. Again the sexual tension, the suspense as to when, where and how this couple was going to hook up was so well written. I have to add that I enjoy listening to the songs on Spotify and drooling over the photos on Pinterest and reading the subsequence posts re: their anniversary & their baby. All of Cat's stories have been 5 star reviews from me. Looking forward to more from her.

12/7/16: and now having met this author in person yesterday in NYC I must add that she is the loveliest and most generous of people you would ever wish to encounter...no this is not a paid commercial.

Mar. 20 to 21, 2015: First read. (This author was so very helpful when I, in my first review, wrote of some problems with links to blogs, etc. as she contacted me and helped solve this problem.)

Also, I do not usually like modern adaptations or spin-offs of P&P but first of all this story was recommended by a friend and then became a page turner all the way through. It took me a whole day to read it but I love long and well developed stories. Although the story line has similarities to canon and most of the characters from canon are present it is very modern and creative. There are a lot of innuendos about sex, genitalia, and some sex scenes, the latter of which are not detailed as is done by some authors. I only mention this as one should be aware that it is MA.

The author mentions haute couture in shoes, in ladies' and in men's fashions. And then there is the world of American Kennel breeding and cross breeding. I mention this as I, personally, do not reside in that socio-economic class but the author seems to have a good knowledge of such or did research on such. When she dropped designer names I was reminded of Carrie's shoe obsession in Sex and the City. The author mentioned and/or described many of NYC's famous tourist sites and cultural meccas. It added to the flavor.

I loved this Darcy even though he misunderstood what happened the first time he "bumped into" Liz. I really liked that early on he recognized that he loved her and that he would do anything to try to win her. And his purchasing of a Christmas gift was so sweet as it showed his faith and determination to win her even though things looked bleak at that point.

Georgiana, Char and Rick (Charlotte and Richard), Jane and Bingley are all there and play significant parts in the matchmaking scenario. Even Caroline, Anne and her mother, C. DeBourgh, have their parts to play. I loved the episode in which Catherine DeBourgh asks Elizabeth, "Are you married?" and proceeds to praise all the many good attributes Liz has as a professional woman and, seemingly, as her personal goals. An ironic touch!

I laughed as I read the personal ad Liz was placing...thinking the author made a typo...only to realize it was part of the story...very funny. This story has a lot to offer. And it touched my heart that the author chose NYC's firemen to honor in this book as part of the story line. A nod made to 9/11 and to those firemen who put their lives on the line daily for others. And the mention of fire burn victims was only one of several very worthy charities to which the author drew our attention.

The whole dating scene was explored in detail. Charlotte's hiring a Yenta was hilarious and, here, too, the author did her research (or has personal experience). The Yiddish words are explained in the Index, fortunately...but this is a drawback for kindle users as it is very difficult to go to the index and back to the page which you are reading every time a new word is used.

I would love to be able to read the blogs but I can still recommend this book as an excellent read.

PS: I did make a link, thanks to the author to the blogs, to Pinterest and to Spotify - loved all those extras.

[Anna]

Cat Gardiner’s Lucky 13 is a modern-day Pride and Prejudice that follows confident NYC advertising executive and kickass kickboxer Elizabeth Bennet as she embarks on a quest to find a date for Christmas dinner at her parents’ house in Meryton, Long Island, and for her sister Jane’s wedding on New Year’s Eve. Lizzy has long considered herself Unlucky 13 — from the day of her birth when she should have been a boy to Thanksgiving Day 2013 when she’s the only single at the table, much to her mother’s disappointment.

As part of her quest, she enlists the help of her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, who persuades Lizzy to start a blog about her adventures — beginning with a disastrous personal ad — and even convinces her to try everything from speed dating to a Jewish matchmaker. Meanwhile, Lizzy is working on a fundraiser for the FD Burn Foundation, which involves putting together a calendar of the smokin’ hot men of the NYFD. Her job puts her in the sights of firefighter and Pem Tech executive Fitzwilliam Darcy, who is still smarting from his perceived snub by “The Black Widow” at the gym.

Christmas is a difficult time for Darcy, as the anniversary of his parents’ tragic death approaches, but since meeting Elizabeth, he thinks it just might be possible to embrace the Christmas spirit and live again. However, Elizabeth is dead set against “Mr. December” and resists his every attempt to show her that he really isn’t the arrogant and cranky man she thinks he is. Lizzy and Darcy’s friends and family see what the pair keep trying to deny, but can they succeed in bringing together two strong-willed people determined to misunderstand each other?

Oh, how I loved this novel! Gardiner is a master at bringing Jane Austen’s characters into the present day and turning up the heat (and the laughs). From their heated arguments to their heated encounters at the jaw-dropping calendar audition and the chest-oiling photo shoot, I couldn’t get enough of this Lizzy and Darcy. The secondary characters are equally entertaining, from Jane, the supermodel with a secret, to Caroline, the matchmaking poochie mama, and especially Charlotte (aka “Punky) and Darcy’s cousin, Rick (aka “Preppy”), who are the most obnoxious of the numerous matchmakers. In a fun addition, Gardiner offers readers the chance to read Lizzy’s and Charlotte’s blog posts, which are linked at the end of every chapter in the Kindle edition. (Check out these extras as well: Lucky 13 Pinterest Board, Lucky 13 Audition Pinterest Board, Lucky 13 Spotify List, Lucky 13 Audition Spotify List)

Lucky 13 takes readers on a romantic journey as Elizabeth and Darcy put their past hurts behind them, and Gardiner even takes readers on a tour of NYC during the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Another winner by Gardiner, and a book I could easily re-read every year during the holidays.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

STILL LOVE IT! This is just the best romance novel hands down. I love the intergration of the blog, spotify playlist and pinterest board. It really makes the book come to life. Cat has got to be the most gifted romance writer. Everything feels authentic. If you have not read this, then hurry up and go grab a copy and be prepared to be sucked into her world. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

I LOVED this modern take. And the best part is that the book doesn't have to end. I highly enjoyed the blog and pinterest page to help facilitate the world of these characters. This was beautifully done. Fantastic tension, the most delicious depiction of Darcy (yes please!). Others have done a much better job that I can do in recounting the plot but I will just say that this is an absolute favorite and I cannot wait to read it again. Very well done!

If you want a refreshing take on our most beloved couple, pick up this book. WORTH EVERY PENNY!

[Brenda Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when it was posted on darcyandlizzy.com and found it very entertaining. It is just right for the Christmas season too!

If you love modern tales of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, as well as New York and firefighters, you are set for a treat. It is written for adults but if you can "stand the heat" you will find yourself smiling through most of this book.

I bought a copy to have it available whenever I wish to read it again!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

That was a GREAT book. Cat Gardiner's modern P&P twist leads the reader down the amazing path of relationship woes, joys, and downright FUN. I won't spoil, just highly recommend!

[Deb Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC read

Cat Gardiner.... After reading this book for the second time...I still think this is one of your best. This time I read the blogs and absolutely loved those. You are so imaginative and fun!! Will there be a continuation of this book? The big surprise was Charlotte and Richard... Loved that part!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, romantic, and emotive.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

My down and dirty summary is that I enjoyed it and I recommend it!

I was a lucky winner at Austenesque Reviews and that is how I received this e-book. I very much think this format is perfect for this particular book. This is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice, and the Elizabeth character starts a blog, which is accessible through links at the end of each chapter. The blog is an important and enjoyable component to the story, I believe. Other characters make appearances and posts on the blog.

The two most important things that made this book so enjoyable for me were the delightful characters, especially the amazingly swoon-worthy yet believable Darcy, and the fresh but natural updated storyline. Things were changed enough so as to be recognizable, yet also enough so that it was not the exact same P &P storyline just with modern clothes. There are some adult scene references that might make some readers uncomfortable, yet might make other readers disappointed based upon the level of explicitness desired. In either case, there is definitely adult content in this book.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and funny story based on Pride and Prejudice, but centered around the making of a very sexy calendar being prepared for charitable purposes. The stars of the calendar are fire fighters. Elizabeth is responsible for producing the calendar. Darcy is a volunteer fire fighter, who, of course, insults her and makes her life difficult. What adds to the fun are Lizzy's blogs discussing her problem with this particular man. The story is set around Christmas and New Years and will really brighten up your holiday!

[Sabin Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

I don't usually read the contemporary P and P variations, but this one was great. I loved the blog and the comments. Light, fresh and fun!

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky 13: Matchmaking and Misunderstandings

What a delightful story! Once I starts reading, I couldn't stop. The banter between characters was quite humorous, the laugh out loud kind. Both main characters were scarred for different reasons that directed their lives. Darcy: rich, successful, and handsome is fighting his own demons, because of a fire that killed his parents; Elizabeth: successful, pretty, and energetic is stuck in a family where other than the sisters, one above and one below her in age, treat her poorly. Her mother and an ex-boyfriend, have convinced her that she is nothing of importance and have demeaned her to where she's built walls around her. Her best friend, Charlotte (Punky) has been like a fifth sister to her since fourth grade and sticks by her thick and thin. Her older sister, Jane, is an international model and so loves Lizzy but even her protection is not enough to help the hurt caused by their parents. John Lucas, Charlotte's older brother who really did a number on her throughout their dating life and ended badly for Lizzy. Charlotte convinces her to enter into finding a date for the holidays. Rick tries getting Darcy to stop drinking and get a life outside his foundation and volunteer firefighters' job. Rick takes him to his gym and when leaving, stop to watch what a collected crowd is watching. It is Lizzy's kick boxing qualification for her green belt. Known as the Black Widow, nobody has beaten her in a match including, Alex, her trainer. Both men are glued to the window. Rick watches Darcy and can tell he's interested. He cannot take this eyes off of her, his mouth is slacked jawed and hung open, and a little drooling is occurring around his mouth. When she walks out, she walks right past him so he thinks she's a snob. Misconception number one. Enter into her life, a client who needs a successful campaign to raise money for the FD Burn Foundation. Rick, Darcy's cousin and chairman of FDBD, is handling the meeting with Lizzy, who was recommended for this campaign by her boss and owner of Big Apple Design Company, Stan Reynolds. He thinks he's met her, but he cannot place where. After presenting her ideas, which Rick liked, but wanted something that would grab attention, proposes his idea. Lizzy loves the idea and before he even finishes his presentation has many ideas floating around in her head. When she starts reeling them off, he is impressed. When she takes after glasses at the end of the meeting, Rick remembers where he knows her from. Oh, is he looking forward to their next meeting and bringing Darcy along. They make a date to meet for the Christmas tree lighting in Rockefeller Center the next evening to discuss the campaign. Lizzy gets Charlotte to go with her because she is a freelance photographer that works with Lizzy. Exiting the chocolate shop, Lizzy overhears the discussion between Rick and Darcy which was unflattering towards Lizzy. When approaching them, Rick introduces Darcy as a firefighter from the West End Cave’s Ladder 13. Lizzy explains to Rick all that was setup for the campaign. Darcy and Lizzy bicker back and forth pushing each other's buttons until Darcy's had it. Rick apologizes and tells her that Darcy has a difficult time between Thanksgiving and Christmas plus he just buried a friend killed in action two days ago. She apologizes, but Rick tells her, he'll be there for the judging and auction. Charlotte and Rick hit had felt sparks fly between them right off, and can see their two friends are meant for each other. So the games begin. Both our star struck would be lovers are encouraged to go to a speed dating night. When Lizzy shows up, she looks like a librarian. Charlotte takes her into the bathroom an completely changes her appearance. Hair is let down, makeup added, and the dress is shortened, neckline lowered, a sleeves removed. Now she looks sexy. Darcy sees her and cannot believe what he sees. He is besotted. She is along the front wall, so to be her last "date", he starts from the beginning. Neither are having any luck with their three minute date so by the end, the two put on their oil and water routine. By the day of the judging and auction, Darcy was in the line-up. Catherine de Bourgh tells Lizzy her nephew will not be one of the finalists. Down on the floor are hundreds of ladies all paying for the privilege to see these fine stud muffins do their thing. Georgiana and Anne are at the event all already see the shared looks and stares between the two. When the real part of the program starts, by the time Mr. December (Darcy) gets on stage, he not only dances, but also sings to Lizzy pointing and winking to her. Nobody misses his performance is for her. Also, Charlotte and Jane will the auction for the date with Mr. December and when asked for her name, shouts out Elizabeth Bennet. Flustered, she heads for the bar for a drink. Following along is Georgiana. She knows her brother and what he I'd was so out of character for him that she knows she must help him. Strikes up a friendship with Lizzy, but doesn't reveal who she is. Three are now in this matching scheme. Charlotte has also convinced Lizzy to blog her events. Also in the scheme I Sadie, a Jewish shadchan who purpose is to match Lizzy with Darcy. This meeting with Sadie is hysterical. Jane and Bingley get involved and invite the maid of honor and best man to dinner to meet before the wedding. Unfortunately, Caroline invades the dinner uninvited and the three drinking spiked eggnog attack her for her job of raising tiny hybrid dogs. Uninvited Caroline finally gets the message and leaves her brother's home. Darcy and Elizabeth finally have a date. She has two dates that she writes up as failures, but blogs that Mr. December was there to "save". Finally Mr. December gets his date. He takes her to the play she wanted to see as they eat in their box seats, then a carriage ride in Central Park in the snow. They return to his penthouse where they have a wonderful wild night of sex. At some point he asks her to be his date at the Gala. She explains that she'd had already asked John. In the morning, wanting to make a call, she steps into what is his office. While talking to Charlotte, she sees her blog's name on a sheet of paper listing her likes/dislikes. Now over reacting, she's mad, feels used, and betrayed. Learning from Rick, obviously from what Charlotte told him, he sets about apologizing again. The night of the Gala, she is sitting at table 13. Her so unlucky number. Born on Friday the 13th, 13 always at her mother's dinner table. Being late, because of John, she cannot keep her eyes off Darcy. He's with a blond, and she figures he's moved on. While dancing with the snuck she came with, Darcy cuts in. She apologizes, an says something that gives him hope. Finally, with the help of Sadie and all their friends, they are reunited. There are a lot of things that go on before the happy ever after, but all add to this great and cleverly written gem.

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such shallow characters, dumb plot and, worst of all, an Elizabeth that I couldn't respect.

[Rose Fairbanks]

I really enjoyed this story. I am picky on moderns because I think a lot of people don't adapt things well. To me what's necessary to Pride and Prejudice adaptations is misunderstandings and misconceptions. And I believe both Darcy and Elizabeth fulfill the title of having pride and prejudice, it’s not one or the other.

In Lucky 13, both Darcy and Elizabeth immediately judge one another. Elizabeth does not know of Darcy's wealth- instead she believes he is a firefighter. She's not exactly set against blue collar workers, but she is an advertising executive and it would make more sense for her to like a man with similar experiences. More than that, he can't be intimidated by her success. The bigger issue with her prejudice here is that she was really hurt as a young adult in a romantic relationship and now has impossibly high standards for them. She has a list, not only for romantic entanglements but for pretty much everything in life. She must maintain control. Darcy immediately doesn't make her list. But is her snap judgment actually representative of who he really is?

Darcy isn't innocent either. He too judges Elizabeth too quickly. He realizes that fact earlier than Elizabeth does, just like in the original. And, like the original, he makes some well intentioned blunders. What I love most about him though is that he fights hard for Elizabeth to see the real him. He knows she's worth it.

Another big thing that I liked about this book is that Darcy and Elizabeth both have emotional scars from their past. These traumas hold them back and while meeting each other is the catalyst to work on it, it's still an individual journey. This emotional journey really helps me feel the love between Darcy and Elizabeth.

There were some things that didn’t I didn’t care for as much. Elizabeth seemed too stubbornly blind at times. The other issue is the drunken sex and the high from one moment of them confessing their feelings to entirely breaking up immediately afterwards. It still does something positive for them, but I would have preferred the major conflict to not happen after the sex/because of the sex.

The use of the blog posts was a unique touch but not necessary to understand the story in case people could not get them to load (I read on a Kindle app and had no problems).

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not been reading many good variations lately. I love variations, but I guess I hit a variation rut...until Lucky 13. Ha!

I love this book. It's a current day P&P, but as the author mentions in the forward, it really just borrows the character, and the storyline is pretty independent.

Let's start with the things I didn't like: I did not care for the amount of detail she puts into how fit Elizabeth is. It's okay to talk about it once or twice, but I was done hearing about how skinny, and strong, and amazingly toned muscles and flat stomach she has about half way through the book. We got it - the girls fit. Yes I realize I'm probably just deflecting because of my own poor self-body image - so I still gave this five stars.
Also, I hate that she makes her dress like a school marm for most of it. It's like she's either dressed like a old school marm, or a hot model, and nothing in between. Again - it's no reason to take a star away. I just didn't like it for some reason.
I do not understand why New Yorkers are saying words like "Shag" and "Arse"... it's not very New York.

But that's it! That's all I can find to nitpick.

What I love: I LOVE THE BLOG! She intersperses pieces of an actual blog within the book she created with blogger. That is so adorable. I loved reading it.
I love how sweet Darcy is trying to win her. I think the misunderstandings are completely believable. Even at the end, when she overreacts, I can see that as being an actual overreaction someone would have based on their past experiences. I like that Caroline was crazy, and they introduced some new characters as well.
I like her relationship with Charlotte, and I like her relationship with Rick.

I think I will read this over Christmas next year (if I can remember). I'll read it day by day, and it will by my advent calendar! lol. Such a cute book! Highly recommend.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so FUN!!! I loved the blog posts, the secondary characters and Elizabeth and Darcy :)

MORE, MORE, MORE!!!!!!

[Tlotem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and intense modern Pride and Prejudice in New York.

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky 13 is a fun, modern take on Pride and Prejudice, where Elizabeth "Liz" Bennett is a publicist hired to run a charity fundraiser for philanthropist/firefighter Fitzwilliam "Will" Darcy. It's a good mix of the traditional elements of Pride and Prejudice (family drama and matchmaking) and present day updates (the original Lizzy Bennett wasn't known as the "Black Widow" for her martial arts prowess). Though for a book set at Christmas, I was hoping for something more Christmassy. The holiday is more a backdrop than anything else. Still, it's quite a good book, despite that.

[Liz Treacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A lovely read: romantic, charming and funny. I loved the blogs and the comments - such fun and witty additions to the story. The whole thing is buzzing with life and originality. I couldn't put it down.