UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish’s Comments (group member since Feb 24, 2010)

UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish’s comments from the Happily Ever After Cafe group.

Cherry

@LisaKay - like I keep saying; I lived through my own NA drama, I lived through my kids living through thier NA drama, and I don't go looking for it my escapism reading.

That said, I believe it fills an important niche, but a niche I don't fit into.

1. Did you like the way the author opened the story with a little bit of flashback upon flashback? It was good to get a bit of the backstory.

2. Did you like Rebecca Anderson? If you could only use one adjective for Becca, what would it be? Naive

4. Was it conceivable that Becca would have “those feelings” for Ethan that first night after what happened with Jay? Was she seeking a feeling of closeness? I have mixed feelings about this. One one had I want to say she wasn't raped, but she kinda was. There wasn't the level of violence there is in some rapes, but still...

5. Did you like Ethan Montgomery? If you could only use one adjective for Ethan, what would it be? Yes, I like Ethan, but he seemed almost... too goody goody for a modern (non religious) CR/NA story. I think I'd have liked to see more of the turmoil he felt regarding his emotional and physical feelings for Becca.

6. Did you like that Ethan took it slow with Becca, or should he have spoken up sooner about his feelings? I wish he had spoken up sooner because then there would have been a LOT less Lindsay drama.

7. Would you have been mad at Ethan, if you found out he was the sponsor of your $150,000 scholarship? Not sure, to be honest.

8. Ugh. Wasn't Lindsay a piece of work? Was she a necessary evil in the story line? Did you like what Becca told her in the epilogue? Lindsay was an evil, but not as necessary as the author made her. Meaning... I could have done with a lot less of her interference, but I guess that's part and parcel with NA.

9. Did you like Ethan’s brother and sister, Nathan and Alexis? Would you want to read their stories? Yes and Yes, and Yes and Yes.

10. What of the neighbor, Edna? Did you like her and her input, even her small story line - and HEA ending? Edna was a sweetheart. I liked her.

11. What did you think of the trip to Las Vegas? Did you guess Ethan had a wedding planned? Did you like the detail telling of the plans for the wedding? I liked this part.

12. There weren’t a lot of sexually explicit scenes until towards the end. Did you mind this? What did you think of Ethan wanting to wait until they were married? This is part of what I meant about him seeming so unrealistically moral, but I'm glad he was. I'd be okay with more of this in my reading.

13. What did you think about a seduction scene happening on the anniversary of the “incident”? What about their dialogue about it then? I thought it was very steamy, but too much talking... well, too much 'not dirty' talking. :)

14. Did you enjoy the epilogue? Yes

15. What did you rate this book? Would you recommend it? Would you read another by this author? I gave it 3 stars because I really got tired of the Lindsay drama, then when she shows up years later and starts again... too much.

I think Ms. Douglas did a great job with her debut novel and I'd definitely read more!

Done! I'll share my thoughts shortly.

I'm about 15% in. Review books and real life tend to get in the way!

So far I'm enjoying it. I'm loving their friendship and the way they're both afraid to speak up about their feelings, but I hope that doesn't how on too long. I like drama, but not a lot of it.

Kristiiina wrote: "I'm about to start reading, but wont get in my groove until my little one goes to bed. Thanks, gf!."

You're welcome!!

Kristiiina wrote: "Thank you!"

PM'd you with the info you need.

I just PMd you, Kristiina. The code he expired but I've asked the author if she can provide another. I'll let you know what I find out.

Awwwww!!!

I'll be starting next week. I'm not good with leading the discussions, so if anyone wants to rake over, go gorgeous it!

Has anyone begun reading yet?

Married By Morning

Word - moonlight

Did john decide Hercules sucks

Hmosc

Welcome, Dianne!

Glad to have you, Jodi!

Ah heck. Should I have spelled too, two?

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "looking forward to reading this!"

Me too!!!

The Happily Ever After Cafe will be hosting a Buddy Read of His Heart's Desire by Julianna Douglas, beginning on July 15th, ending on July 31st. The author has generously offered to provide a Smashwords code to anyone who wants to participate. This code is strictly for those participating and neither the code nor the book is to be distributed.

Once we're finished with our read, the author will be invited to join us to answer questions.

Description: Rebecca Anderson always dreamed of happily-ever-afters, but those dreams were shaken when she had to leave vet school to nurse her dying mother. They were completely shattered when her boyfriend betrayed her in the cruelest possible way. Crushed and lonely, Becca seeks out the one person she knows she can trust–her best friend, Ethan.

Successful CEO Ethan Montgomery has loved Becca since the day he met her while volunteering at a local animal shelter. Seeing her emotionally broken on his doorstep stirs his protective instincts. He tenderly cares for her, but knows that Becca will need time and space to heal her battered heart.

When Becca realizes that the white knight of her fantasies has been right in front of her this whole time, she begins to dream again of her future–one that includes Ethan. But their undeclared love is put to the test when Ethan's wealth and power, as well as a woman from his past, threaten to tear them apart. Will a surprise invitation from Ethan finally fulfill all of Becca's romantic fantasies and prove that only she is...His Heart's Desire?

Again, this free book is intended for members of the Happily Ever After Cafe who are participating in this Buddy Read and is not for distribution!

If you're interested in participating, please sign up below and then contact one of the moderators; Lisa Kay, Pamela, or Moiself, who will provide you with the code.

The best replies I've seen to bad reviews are the "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it, but thank you for taking a chance on my story." comments. That said, some reviewers don't like comments of any kind from the authors.

Hazel,

Was it a negative review of a book you wrote? If so, authors have to have thick skin. If you start taking reviewers to task because they share their honest opinion, you'll lose a lot of readers.

When I see authors bitching and complaining about reviewers, I cross those authors off my read list.

Just my own humble opinion.