Find You in Paris

The Darcy Brothers #1

by Alix Nichols

This is an alternative cover edition for ASIN B01ERZFFSK.

True spite. Fake marriage. Real romance. 

If there’s one man that fledgling art photographer Diane Petit really, really, actively hates, it’s fragrance mogul Sebastian Darcy who stole her father’s company—and wrecked the man’s health in the process.
But the arrogant SOB had better brace himself because Diane has vowed revenge.
And revenge she will have.
- -
Find You in Paris is a standalone contemporary romance inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Lots of laughs and steamy scenes, a touch of cozy mystery and a healthy dose of alpha billionaire romance. No cliffhangers.

WARNING: Just like in Pride and Prejudice, expect to find one rich, brooding and handsome Mr. Darcy and one feisty small-town girl who can't stand him. Unlike Pride and Prejudice, this book also contains artful nude photos of said Mr. Darcy and nights of wild passion in Paris.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Ebooks, Mystery, Amazon

276 pages, ebook

Published September 28, 2016

About the author

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

Reviews

[Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young man in possession of a vast fortune must be an entitled SOB born into money.”

First Half:
4 stars

Second Half:
2.5 stars

This book called out to me, because not only was it inspired by Pride and Prejudice, it's a marriage of convenience story! I have never read an Alix Nichols novel, but nothing would/could stop me from reading this book.



Photographer Diane Petit has held a grudge against fragrance mogul Count Sebastian d’Arcy du Grand-Thouars de Saint-Maurice, a.k.a. Sebastian Darcy, ever since he stole her father’s business, and when a chance to humiliate him arrived, she took full advantage of it. How slamming cake on his face ended in receiving a fake marriage proposal a few months later is neither here nor there.

Who would willingly stay in a relationship—no matter how fake it is—with a nemesis? Definitely not Diane; especially since Sebastian wouldn’t even tell her why he needs a fake girlfriend-fiancee-wife for half a year. But as the saying goes, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”.

So, Diane spends the next six months with the insufferable Sebastian Darcy, and although the physical attraction is there, Sebastian reminds her time and time again why she hates the SOB.

How is this even related to Pride and Prejudice, you ask? Well, aside from our main guy’s last name, there are scenes similar to the classic—terrible first impressions, overheard insults, hate to love, the rich vs. the poor, misunderstood feelings, and the undeniable chemistry between the couple.

There are characters mentioned in the story that do not have proper introductions. I realize this is so because those characters have been introduced in the other Bistro La Bohème series. Find You in Paris is the 8th standalone story in the Bistro La Bohème series, and the 1st in the La Bohème- The Darcy Brothers series.

I know it's a standalone series, but I guess it would be better to read Alix Nichols' other stories to understand the other characters more.



I think it’s safe to say that when you think of France, you think of romance. Find You in Paris gave us exactly that, plus a hint of mystery here and there. Why did Darcy offer her money to be his fake wife? How did his father die? Is someone after his family?

I loved the first half. The pacing was just right, and we can see Sebastian and Diane's dynamic and how their physical attraction towards each other is affecting their arrangement.

I wish it was clarified whose point of view it was since it alternated between Sebastian's and Diane's.

By the time the end was near, I felt robbed. It was like it was rushed just to wrap up everything. I would have absolutely loved this book if it were longer and less rushed in the second half. That's why I gave the book two ratings. 4 stars for the first half, and 2.5 stars for the second.

Oh well.



I'll still try to read the other Bistro La Bohème to try it out. I really like Alix Nichols' voice and the humor in the book, but I really wish the book was longer.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane Petit is a part-time cashier with aspirations to become a professional photographer, she is the daughter of a famous fragrance maker. Count Sebastian Darcy is a wealthy Parisian who owns & runs Parfums d'Arcy. Diane's father was not a good business man & when his company was in dire straights Sebastian offered to buy the company for market value, but Mr. Petit refused. When he lost his company his health failed & his wife left him. Diane blames Sebastian for everything that went wrong in her father's life. She makes a decision to do something in public to humiliate Sebastian & make herself feel better. Three months later, Sebastian approaches Diane & makes a proposition that involves a fake marriage & a cash payment at the end. Diane believes the idea is crazy but she thinks it could be a way to find dirt on Sebastian to cause him the kind of down fall he caused her dad. Diane is after revenge & this may be her way to get it. But nothing goes as planned with their fake romance. The more time Diane & Sebastian spend together the more confused they each become about their feelings for the other. Will Sebastian find what he is looking for from his fake relationship with Diane? Will Diane find the material she needs to have her revenge? Will Diane & Sebastian admit they're true feelings to one another?

Find You in Paris is a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Unlike the original story this version is full of spite & sexual tension & a few nude photos. Both the main characters have an agenda & find that just because you want something doesn't always mean things are going to turn out the way you plan. This is a fun story with lots of sass & antagonism that ends with HEA. There are more Darcy Brothers to read about when you're done with this one. This book is meant for mature readers

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Stars.

A sweet and entertaining reading. A little slow rhythm and went a little weird towards the end, though it wrapped up in a very sweet way.
Overall, a sweet book and a good beginning of a series that I'll will keep following.



Rating: 3,5 Stars
Steam: Some heated moments.
Sensible Subjects: Well, there's kidnapping at some point, but that's pretty much it.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't really remember why I wanted to read this book. I don't see a review by friends whose reviews usually steer me to read the books they have but since I borrowed this one from Kindle Unlimited it was not a worry as to investment of money and in the end also of time. It was a fairly quick read.

The book is, as said by others, a modern take-off of P&P, although that is somewhat of a stretch. You have to be very familiar with P&P to pick up on similarities. Although there is one direct reference as Sebastian's chateau comes into view, Diane relates knowing how Elizabeth must have felt when she first viewed Pemberley.

Diane is so much more snarky with her comments. Indeed, she is out for revenge...everlasting and crippling revenge. The man has ruined and almost killed her dear papa. And then he seems to give her the gift of making that a reality when he contracts with her to gain his own revenge on some anonymous person who has wreaked some havoc in Sebastian's life and who seems to be waiting to deliver the next blow. It becomes a mystery even as Diane finds what she needs to "sink" his world.

So if you love stories about marriages of convenience, get to it. If you love reading sarcastic comments, or how opposites attract, of views or prejudices about the differences in class levels or how about the hot nude photo shoots Diane has one opportunity to take of Sebastian Darcy while struggling NOT to fall into bed with him, well, you might just enjoy this book. It is a stand alone but there will be more coming as the second Darcy brother is written about.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enemies-to-lovers plot with some Pride and Prejudice influence and a bit of mystery thrown in, set primarily in modern Paris. Great opening line: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young man in possession of a vast fortune must be an entitled SOB born into money. Either that or a rags-to-riches a-hole who bulldozed his way to said fortune, leaving maimed bodies in his wake. Along with the obvious homage to Jane Austen, it perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the book and the relationship between Diane Petit and Sebastian Darcy.

She absolutely hates him. As the story opens, Diane has never even had a conversation with Sebastian, but she cannot stand that he destroyed her father's business and, by extension, their family. By the second chapter, Sebastian has done his research on Diane and decided she's the perfect candidate to pretend to date and marry. Okay, I know that part of the storyline (the whole fake wife thing) has been done to death, but there were enough unique elements here to make it interesting. His goal is for his supposed relationship with Diane to draw an opponent out into the open. Sebastian makes her an offer she can't afford to refuse, fully knowing she despises him. Her attitude about him suits him perfectly; he doesn't want to get stuck with a woman who falls in love with him (or his money) and tries to hang onto him. Diane accepts because she needs the money, and she also has a secret plan of digging up dirt to prove his underhanded business practices and ruin him.

Naturally, the problem turns out to be that they become undeniably attracted to each other. It's only physical, of course. No way could it be love. Could it?

The nemesis eventually does make a move. You'll probably never guess who it is. I sure didn't. This is close to the end of the book and leads to a satisfying turning point between Sebastian and Diane.

The story's structure is worth noting. It's told in first person with chapters alternating between Diane and Sebastian. Happily, the flow is excellent, with each chapter just continuing where the previous chapter left off. You don't have to wonder what one or the other is thinking, although neither can figure out the other for quite a while.

There are stretches of credibility, especially with the villain. The writing can be a little uneven but is generally pretty good. I liked the lead characters and their friends and families. There was more information than necessary about some tertiary characters, but since this is the first part of a series, I expect these characters will have prominent roles in succeeding books.

Be aware there is some sexual content.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/6/2019)! 🎁

[A little birdie told me... · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I decided to pick up because it was advertised everywhere. However, when reading it, I found myself easily distracted because, although the writing wasn't bad, I just wasn't glued to it. It wasn't bad enough to abandon, but there were problems with the story.

I won't go into detail, but the Pride and Prejudice connection was not really that strong, other than the hero's last name and a few other details... I mean, if you are going to connect to a classic, it should be able to hold more attention than this does.

The setting and nationalities of the characters were confusing details as well. We're they American? Were they French? What did the French Consulate in Miami have to do with their marriage being legal? Authors need to realize that readers may not be informed on these facts. More explanation would have been appreciated.

The first half of the novel was better than the second. It was building nicely, but then time jumps and omitted details made it seem as though maybe deadlines were more important than details. It seemed herky-jerky and forced to finish quicker than it should have. I'm still not sure from where the HEA came other than absolute left field.

The steam that was promised was more like just barely humid. Only partial details from the beginnings of two sexual encounters does not make for a "steamy read."

The alternating viewpoints were nice, except that I had to read a page into the chapter to figure out who was speaking. There were no obvious indicators as to whom "I" was from the start. Switching gears like that was a bit disconcerting and off-putting.

So, sadly, I will not be reading more from this author.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weak start, but improves. I didn't see the twist at the end coming.

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

סבסטיאן דרסי הוא נצר לשושלת אצולה צרפתית ויורש של אימפריית בשמים. הוא מציע עיסקה לדיאן, צלמת חובבת וביתו של יצרן בשמים עצמאי - שדרסי גרם לעסק שלו למות, ובעקבות זאת הוריה נפרדו ואביה חטף שבץ. העסקה היא שהיא תשמש כארוסתו ואשתו לכמה חודשים - קשר מזויף - והוא ישלם לה בתמורה. היא שונאת אותו אבל מסכימה גם בשביל הכסף וגם כי היא חושבת שכך אולי תוכל לגלות עליו כל מיני סודות ולהשתמש בהם כדי לנקום בו.
הספר אמור להיות גרסה מודרנית של "גאווה ודיעה קדומה", וחוץ משם הגיבור, אכן יש כמה סצנות שמחקות סצנות מפורסמות מהספר, אבל האמת היא שהדמיון קצת קלוש. החצי הראשון באמת מוצלח, חמוד וחביב, וסבסטיאן ודיאן הם דמויות מוצלחות, אבל החצי השני כבר ממש מופרך וגם הקצב שלו מהיר מידי. צ'יק צ'אק הכל מתגלה והסיפור נסגר, בלי שמספיקים ליהנות מהדרך. זה היה די מאכזב. גם תוך כדי קיבלתי את ההרגשה שפספסתי כל מיני דברים שהייתי אמורה לדעת ולא מצוינים בספר, כמו מה קרה בעבר לאחיה ואחותה של דיאן (איכשהו דרסי יודע, למרות שבספר היא לא מספרת לו...). כנראה שהם מופיעים בסדרה אחרת של הסופרת הזו שלא קראתי. בכל מקרה זה הרגיש ממש מוזר.
בסך הכל ספר חביב, אבל לא ממצה את הפוטנציאל שלו וחבל.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Disclaimer:
I purchased this ebook at full price. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

My Review: ✭✭✭✭
Is this a P&P cousin or just a wannabe? That’s the question. Well, it’s been many years since I read P&P, but I will fix that just as soon as I can. However, that doesn’t assist me right now. I will tell you that Diane Petit is very protective of her family and especially close to her father, as Elizabeth Bennett was. She also believed every bad rumor about Count D’Arcy as Miss Bennett did about Mr. Darcy. The use of the name Darcy certainly adds weight to the feeling of P&P.

Count D’Arcy also was overheard in his opinion of Diane as was Mr. Darcy in his opinion of Miss Bennett. But the Count was heard to say “she was lower in the societal food chain than most every person in my employ” and that “falling in love with her unpalatable” as she was a “radical leftist, undereducated have-not”. Words I believe Jane Austen might have written had she been born in the proper time to use such terms.

While Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett made every attempt to avoid each other’s company, Count Darcy and Diane Petit were involved in a contract that brought them into almost constant contact. And, as with Elizabeth Bennett, with each bit of the truth that is revealed and the more she gets to know the real Sebastian Darcy she falls deeper and deeper in love with him.

These two characters are very well written and their love story is sweet and hot. Truly, it steams! Certainly a modern day descendant of P&P, I think.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a revision of my original review. I recently reread this book after buying this new boxed set called the Darcy Brothers. I really enjoyed my experience. Nichols draws her inspiration from pride and prejudice and says as much. This is much more modern and definitely not the innocent characters you expect in Austens version. The book opens with a prejudiced Diane who believes all rich men are crooks and low life forms. One in particular.

d'Arcy is the family name currently altered by the previous count Sebastian Darcy. He is a serious man who does not allow himself to feel. I really wish the author would have spent more time in his thoughts as to why he felt as he did. As previously stated the book jumps between chapters. So while one chapter ends with Diane planning on crashing an important reception for Sebastian. The next chapter skips 3 months ahead from the cake filled puss that belonged to Darcy after Diane confronts him. This to me was a missed opportunity. First impressions and glances are important to me so to have it recapped by Darcy (vaguely) was a bit of a disappointment for me and it did effect my overall rating.

There are other reviews that explain the jest of the relationship between Sebastian and Diane so you can rely on them for a better understanding but just say I enjoyed the slow build up between the two. I just craved more detailing between them. Intimate scenes were hot but I wanted more of an inside take on their thoughts. There are some but it just needed a bit more. She almost had it and it honestly still was good but Sebastian insults Diane by saying he wants to alter their previous contract by continuing seeing her. It's not the exact wording but when Diane asks if he meant to continue dating her his words were, I don't want to get your hopes up." He made it clear he wasn't ready for it to end but further says she's not his type.

In the next chapter he's confessing his undying love. While I see where the author was going with
it, I just feel a little bit of inner dialog from Sebastian or some other moments would have made it flow more natural. I know the author was trying to show it was almost losing her that made him realize how he felt, but even that was not there. It was all recapped. We do not see those fearful days Darcy experienced thinking Diane had left him or worse. I also wish there had been an epilogue but I think that will fix itself in the next 2 books in the boxed set. The other very big question is what happened with the letter Diane found from Sabastian's Mom to his "dad" ? Even with some of the issues I loved the couple and feel with time and more experience the author can get a 5 star review.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Cocktails

I'm always up for a modern day Pride and Prejudice, but this retelling fell short for me. The characters should have been likable, but weren't. The storyline way too choppy for my liking and hardly any setup of the brother for the subsequent books. I'm glad this was a KU find.

[Mysti]

I was bored out of my mind. DNF'd at around 30%. Plus the audio was atrocious.

[Nikki Jefford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mega fan of "Pride and Prejudice", Mr. Darcy, France, and Frenchmen, I had to check out The Darcy Brothers series from Alix Nichols. (Not to mention being married to my own Sebastien - a treasure I picked up while working as an English teaching assistant in Amiens back in 2000.)

"Find You in Paris" was a total hoot! Romantic comedy at its finest. And I appreciate that the author really knows the country and customs. It was no surprise to learn in her bio she lives there.

I can't wait to read about the next Darcy brother, Raphael.

Mais oui! ;)

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find You in Paris by Alix Nichols is similar to Pride and Prejudice, which is one of my favorite all-time classics. Romance is definitely happening within this book. A woman who has nothing versus a man who has it all. Everything about Sebastian Darcy irritates the hell out of Diane Petit. He has done something...so terrible that he's going to pay the price. Diane is determined to see him ruined. Imagine going into a relationship whether fake or not, and end up feeling more than hatred for the other person...well, that's exactly what happens.

Sebastian Darcy is rich and arrogant in ways. A true alpha male. It would be hard to resist the attraction to such a man. Powerful, enticing, and bold. A good man under the rough edge exterior. He offers Diane money to engage as his fake fiancé. However, the more time they're together the more he's unsure of his real feelings...

Diane Petit is a match made for Mr. Darcy. She doesn't back down...and she's stronger than one thinks. Smart, determined, and caring. She wants to take down a man who's responsible for her father's failure. But the answers she finds may not be what she's looking for...

Find You in Paris is the first novel I have read by Alix Nichols. It's no wonder this writer is a bestseller. Brilliant plots with plenty of twists, suspense, and intrigue to keep me interested. I was hooked. A romance novel to die for...I will definitely recommend this read to all. I can't wait to read the next adventure.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding You in Paris
Alix Nichols

Sebastian Darcy and Diane Petit's story

A story of a fake romance agreement between two people who kinda hate to love each other. Its funny and comical about what goes on between the two. Until they relize they may just love each other... or is that fake too.

Diane Petit is the bane of Sebastian Darcy's existence. Ever since that stunt she pulled at a lavish party he attended. But now he has a plan to expose a nemesis that he believes is after him. But to do so he needs Diane to come into the picture and play the dutiful loving girlfriend, then his wife all of which will be fake but necessary in making people believe it's true. He wants to find out who is trying to destroy the Darcy name? Diane Petit has plans of her own. She wants to destroy Sebastian Darcy and his company for what they have done to her father. And the only way she can see getting anything done is to play along with Sebastian's plan... who will win with this game of cat and mouse?

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

3.6 stars

I admit I rounded up on this review. The story was exciting it wasn't brand-new it was patchy at best. I would've loved the author to finish out her thoughts a lot more and not have Sebastian jump over spot in the book.

I guess what I was looking for was more and I didn't get more I got less but regardless of that this is a good fast read and is it sexy not in the slightest the author seems to skip over those parts she gives us bits and pieces but not enough at least for this for this reviewer.

Happy Sexy Reading

[Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

New-to-me author

Strengths: Charming premise and setting. Author shows promise

Weaknesses: Choppy storytelling. Weak development. Sloppy resolution.

I neither loved it nor hated it.

[Deea (Andreea) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok for me...

The premise was good, the setting was amazing (hello, France Chateaux!), the trope was a winner, but the story overall... meh. It fell flat. I felt no connection to the characters and it moved too fasy (shocker, I know lol!) Like, it breezed through or passed right by what felt like important plot points (ie: how they first met, their "fake" dinners, the freaking wedding - hello, it's a fake marriage trope book, you can't skip the actual wedding!) and some other big parts by the end that I will not mention to avoid big spoilers.

Plus, I didn't really like the hero and how he talked or thought about our heroine. Their principles, life values or thought process didn't align, which they never shied from mentioning, so I didn't really see what they did love about each other. It was never really developped ob that front, so their falling in love was not believable.
The banter was fun and the writing enganging, I'll give it that, but... overall, I wasn't convinced by this romance.

2 stars for the story and 3 for the setting and writing. I am tempted to read the other books too, on another day when I'm so tired, that I can't deal with complicated plots or intense emotions, just something light to read in one sitting...

[Mayra Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, Pride and prejudice inspired characters, some bits and pieces are pretty similar to the original by Austen. But the story line is completely original, it’s set in France for the most part and the characters are funny and can see how their story develops over time.
There’s lots of events that are skipped through the book that I found a little annoying and it made the story feel somewhat incomplete.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Romance

I really enjoyed this book! Diane wants payback and Sebastian has his own agenda. The fake marriage between these two, with a sexual attraction that sizzles between them and leads them down the road to love! I loved their interactions and I must say, I've found a new author to read!

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

w er lesh

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was a great story. I love the concept of going from enemies to lovers. With the character development, the plot was very believable. I truly enjoyed this book. I will have to go and read the others in the series. I also look forward to reading the brothers books as well!!!

Highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Erin OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Nichols does a great job of turning Diane's absolute hate for Sebastian into a scintillating story. A perfect blend of intrigue, absolute loathing, humor and steaminess. Can't wait for more!! 5 stars!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For honest review. Sebastian is a business owner makes a agreement with Diane to make up for a wrong he did to her father . This story is very good .

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The object of Diane Petit's revenge is Sebastian Darcy. She feels Sebastian severely wronged her father in business dealings. Sebastian makes her a proposition. If she agrees, she will make a sum of money and then is free to go on her way. He wants her to act as his girlfriend for a time and then pretend to get married. He keeps his reasons to himself. At first, she says no but after thinking about it, it may be the perfect opportunity to find dirt that could destroy him. Neither of them is looking forward to spending so much time together. What they don't count on is developing romantic feelings for each other. Is it possible Sebastian is not as bad as Diane thought? A great start to a series of standalone books. I think I will enjoy future stories.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and a half stars. I really enjoyed this novel which continues Alix Nichols’ series of romance novels loosely centered around a Paris bistro, La Boheme. In this story, we have a switch on the common trope of a fake marriage between an exceptionally wealthy man and an impoverished soman. Billionaire Sebastian Darcy asks Diane Petit to pose as his girlfriend and then as his wife for six months. She hates him already for destroying her father’s business so she agrees to the masquerade so that she can find some dirt on Darcy. Well, we know how this going to end up, especially because of the explicits parallels to Pride and Prejudice, in the hero’s name and the opening line of the novel.

Even though there is no surprise in how this ends up, the fun is how Nichols takes us there. The dialog is witty and the Parisian environment is fun.

My one complaint is how quickly the novel wraps up. We have a rather leisurely and enjoyable set-up for the plot and then it quickly ends. There is a bit of suspense and danger to the heroine, but that all is cleared up and we’re ready for the HEA. It is a sign of how much I enjoyed the book that I ended up wishing that it went on for longer since I was enjoying spending time with these characters.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book i have read by Alix Nichols, and i am pleased to see this is the first installment of The Darcy Brothers series.
In book 1 we meet Sebastian Darcy, Billionaire and proud CEO of a perfume company. For months now, he has been secretly investigated by Diane Petit, after ruining her dad's fragrance business, she is hell bent on finding some dirt on him and getting her revenge for her family. Diane Petit is a grocery assistant and amateur photographer. She hates Sebastian with a passion, so imagine her surprise when he comes to her with a proposition!. Thinking there is someone is out there trying to destroy him, he decides to ask her if she will help him by becoming his fake girlfriend, fiancee and then his wife all in 6 months. With the promise of a large sum of money that will help get her dad's business up and running again, she agrees. There is no way on earth they will ever fall in love with each other so it seems the perfect solution for all parties. Loosely based on the famous Pride and Prejudice romance, there is some mystery and suspence. I grew to like Sebastian in the end and i really enjoyed how these characters interacted with each other. Their romance that grew felt real and it was great going along for the ride. It will keep you guessing until the end.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its this a modern P&P variation? I am not sure. Yes there are Darcys or D'arcys. Yes they are rich and snobbish and there is a young lady not of their sphere who Sebastian Darcy will fake marry. However the young lady's name is Denise and her fault with Darcy is that he drove her father out of business and caused her family to crumble.

Denise is a cashier at a Parisian grocery and a wanna be professional photographer. After being denied a meeting with Darcy she sneaks into a reception and smashes a cream cake in his face. A few months later he approaches her with a proposition to pretend to be his girlfriend for a set period of time in return for a large sum of money.

During the fake relationship both Darcy & Denise begin to discover more about themselves and each other. Can they deny their growing attraction?

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride & Prejudice fans will enjoy this one!

As a fan of Pride & Prejudice, I knew I had to read this book, and I wasn't disappointed. Diane Petit is out for revenge against the man that destroyed her fathers company, resulting in the eventual divorce of her parents after her father didn't handle it well.
Sebastian Darcy knows that Diane detests him after what he did to her father, so what better person to propose the deal of a fake marriage to. He knows someone is out to sabotage his company, and he needs someone by his side to lure the culprit out of hiding.
They both detest each other, but Diane want the money to help her Dad get back on his feet...and if she can use the opportunity to get dirt enough to bring Darcy down while she's at it, so be it.
This was a great read, and I loved the chemistry between the two characters. The story keeps you on your toes, trying to guess who is the person behind Darcy's troubles. It leaves you with a HEA and closure (which I appreciate). I'll definitely be reading the others in this series, and I highly recommend it for any P&P fans as well!