Geri’s Comments

Geri’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Note: Geri is not currently a member of this group.

The Rumor August

(view spoiler)[The book ended well. Everything was tied up nicely. I am glad Madeline and Grace were friends again. And I thought Grace not chasing Benton was the best ending. I wasn't as in love with Benton as everyone in Nantucket was.LOL (hide spoiler)]

I found some time and power read the July section. Interested to read what everyone thought of this section.

Laura
(view spoiler)[I am not sure I believe that Benton really loved Grace. I had some scathing remarks about his quick retreat when Eddie discovered them. I didn't quite buy the whole scared of scandal excuse. But yes, I agree Grace loved the attention Benton gave her. (hide spoiler)]

The Rumor July

Ch 25 - 43

Grace to Eddie

(view spoiler)[I do feel for Grace. She settled with Eddie. I am starting to think she may leave Eddie in the end.

I did find it funny how Eddie thought Benton was a bit of a pansy and did not consider him a threat.

I was surprised when Hope texted Brick and told him he should forgive Hope. I thought, REALLY? Why should he forgive her?

Eddie finding out Grace was cheating on hm was a little ant climactic to me. Not sure what I expected, but a locked shed door wasn't it!

Was not surprised at all at Benton's reaction to being found out by Eddie. He may have been charming and refined, but he definitely wasn't much of a man! Poor Grace!

When Eddie was talking to "Bugsy", an alarm went off. And I guess I was right. It was a set up.

Friendship wins out. I was happy when Madeline decided to not publish B/G.

I cheered when Eddie told Grace that he told Benton he'd kill him if he saw Grace again. Finally Eddie is standing up for what is his! What a cliffhanger, though. What is Grace going to do??? (hide spoiler)]

Erin
(view spoiler)[ I totally agree the Grace and Benton are so reckless. Are they really that hot and heavy that they have to do it outside? I am not that sort of person who could do that outside.LOL

I am farther along than you are and I don't think the author will give us much more on Trevor. Probably more than enough with all the other drama. (hide spoiler)]

Brooke

(view spoiler)[So agree with you about Rachel! I would not have the nerve to just pick someone else's notepad up and read it.

This is a little far fetched for me too. How many writers write on a notepad these days? Most use computers now. Much better than a notepad! (hide spoiler)]

The Rumor

Ch 21-24 June

Sections Hope - Madeline

(view spoiler)[More teenage drama. I get the feeling Hope is developing a little crush on Benton now.

I don't get Grace's parenting style. She's afraid Allegra is the one in the red sports car kissing a boy. But she doesn't plan to at least talk to Allegra about it. That I had a problem with.

When the chief accused Eddie of having an affair with Madeline, I laughed. The author did a good job here. I could feel Eddie sweating and thinking it was about his criminal activity. LOL

It was also funny how things keep getting away from Madeline and her new book. B/G? LOL (hide spoiler)]

Erin wrote: "Brooke- Karin Slaughter's books can be pretty intense, deals with violence against women. But they're really well written, and the characters are really great. The only one of hers that I had troub..."

Will Trent is a great character! I agree about Pretty Girls. I had to skim to avoid all the violence.

Will you be reading The Good Daughter? It just came out today. I already bought it. It's a start of a new series.

Finished May! June is only 4 chapters so will definitely finish that today.

Laura
(view spoiler)[ it just seems like Grace has accepted being a doormat for her husband and children for so long. Of course, she fell for Benton. I wonder if the fact he is not always there is one of the things she likes.

Benton is actually a little too smooth for me. I guess I like the men in my books a little more rugged. LOL (hide spoiler)]

Romina
(view spoiler)[ I did not see Madeline's book being about Grace. Pretty good that you saw that!

I agree Grace is with Eddie for financial reasons. And maybe for her daughters too. I have never read Hilderbrand before and don't know if she will have Grace leave or try to work it out with Eddie.

It's hard for me to like Allegra right now! (hide spoiler)]

The Rumor

Ch 13-16 Eddie - Grace

(view spoiler)[I loved all the rationalizing by Eddie. The whole, "It's legal in Vegas." This is going to go wrong somehow.

I felt for poor Hope and her encounter with Calgary. (Not sure if this is how they spell it.). This did seem realistic. I can see a teenage boy not knowing what to do. And obviously learning everything from porn. UGH!

And Hope's life just gets worse! Allegra was so out of line slapping her own sister and accusing Hope of fooling around with Brick.

It was definitely honorable of Benton to try to cool things down between Grace and himself. But that didn't last long! LOL (hide spoiler)]

The Rumor

Ch 17-20 Madeline - Nantucket

(view spoiler)[They do say to writers to write what you know! LOL Madeline's new book sounded super hot! Interesting how Madeline may be the one to betray Grace.

Poor Eddie is a mess! Financially and now a little paranoid about the chief of police. (hide spoiler)]

Yesterday was a bit busy. I couldn't get any reading in. I read some more today. I did not get through May. A little ambitious for me! I read 8 chapters. I'll try to get through May next time. Another 9 chapters!

I agree with everyone a lot going on for everyone! I can't believe what Eddie is doing! I'll definitely finish. Since I got to know what happens.

The Rumor

Ch 5-8 Eddie to Grace

(view spoiler)[I have a question for everyone. What do you think about Grace and Benton's flirtation so far? Would you find Benton attractive, given what you know about him? He definitely seems very cultured and handsome.

Did not expect Eddie's indescent proposal to the maids. This is a disaster waiting to happen!

Madeline's story is getting more interesting. I did not agree that getting an apartment just to write was a good idea. Couldn't she just devote a room to writing? Problems for the rich, I guess. LOL I know this is fiction and it just adds to the drama of the story.

It was funny how the rumor about Madeline's apartment got started. I could definitely see that happening! (hide spoiler)]

The Rumor

Ch 9-12 Madeline to Nantucket

(view spoiler)[This section was definitely the dinner party from hell! A lot of tension. I hate Calgary from what Hope told us, and I haven't met him! LOL

What did everyone think about the seance? Is Grace just looking for an excuse to have an affair with Benton? (hide spoiler)]

Brooke wrote: "Erin wrote: "Got a late start on this one- I was finishing up , and didn't really think this would mix well with a grimy crime novel. Just finished up the April s..."

I'd be interested in your thoughts too, Erin. I love Karin Slaughter. The Kept Woman is on my TBR list.

Brooke wrote: "I started reading this after unpacking and cleaning the sand out of my suitcase. I like the way Hildebrand writes this book, with the POV changes and short sections.

April
[spoilers removed]

I'l..."

I agree with you Brooke. I do like multiple POV. I can really understand the characters that way.

Laura wrote: "Ha that sounds like my usual operational mode of business Geri, unfortunately no time for that today!! Without giving anything away are you enjoying it so far?"

Thank goodness I can comment about the book now! LOL

I am listening to the audiobook. For me the book is separated by names. I think the first 5 chapters is April? I read the first 4 chapters and will post my thoughts on that section.

The Rumor

Ch 1-4 Nantucket - Hope

(view spoiler)[I definitely want to read Madeline's book, Islandia. Post apocalyptic is my type of book. LOL I love reading books about writers.

Grace and Benton, a scandal waiting to happen! A real attraction is developing. Of course, I was thinking about how nice it would be to be Benton. Traveling all over the world like that. And Grace is so under appreciated. This will make her even more vulnerable to Benton.

So there will also be teen drama here too. I found it interesting how Hope and Allegra were so different. I usually think of twins as being carbon copies of each other. I am interested enough to want to see where this goes. (hide spoiler)]

So far, this is starting off well. A light, summer read.

Just checking in. Glad to see so many of us will be reading this. I was a bit excited and started the book already, but won't post anything until tomorrow.

Romina wrote: "Brooke I am super jealous! Freezing my butt off here haha
And Geri we would be happy to have you join in on the discussion!"

Thank you!

Hi All...Do you mind if I join in? I have never read Hilderbrand before. Looks like a good summer read. Yes, it's summer here. 80's and beautiful. :) But I am very jealous of your time at the beach, Brooke!

16. Mariko's eyes are opened when she sees how the people in the town under his protection live and how little they have to eat. Do you think her father is evil or is he following instructions from the emperor? How about her brother, is he evil? What do you think of him?

Interesting question. Mariko's father is definitely ambitious and will do what the Emperor says to gain favor. But I would not say he is evil. I don't think Mariko's brother is fully aware of his father's deeds. At least not yet.

17. Did you expect Mariko became a member of the Black Clan or did this surprise you? Why do you think the Clan and especially Okami accept her back so easily? When Okami left her he told her he would kill her if he saw her again. Do you think it was all a test?

I do think he was angry when he discovered who sh really was. When Mariko went back to the Black Clan, he likely had time to cool down and think.

No, it did not surprise me that she was accepted. Especially after we learn Ranmaru has always known Who Mariko was.

18. Why did Tsunekio take Okami's place? Okami says there is more going on that Tsunekio told him.

I want to know! LOL But will have to wait for book 2.

19. What do you think is the goal of Kanaro? She seems to have captured Asano Naganori and is using him. Why do you think she captured him? Do you think Asano can turn himself in a fox, the one that leads Mariko's brother to the camp of the Black Clan?

Her ultimate goal is to get Ranmaru. She obviously sees him as the biggest obstacle to her son's gaining power.

20. Kanaro is looking through the bark of the tree and sees a woman with a half burned face. Who is it and where is she? Is she someone else who Kanaro captured?

I don't know. This may be answered in the next book.

21. Why do you think Okami and Mariko let themselves be captured by Mariko's brother? Was it a thing Okami and Mariko decided to do in the spur of the moment or was it the plan all along?

Okami let himself be captured because he did not want his friend, who has protected him, pay for impersonating him. Mariko wanted to keep the Black Clan from being slaughtered. They did not willingly give in.

22. Genmei must have had the opportunity to kill the emperor before, why do you think she choose to kill him now? Do you think she is aware of what her rival Kanako is planning?

They had not been alone together in years. So I think this was the first opportune moment. No, I don't think she knows what Kanako is planning.

23. What did you think of this book? Will you be reading the next book in the series?

I will definitely read the next book!

Abi wrote: "Can I join in? I don't really understand all of the team stuff, but I own the book and would like to read it."

Sure, you can join in! You don't have to be part of a team.

5. Regarding the description of Okami’s powers, it's a bit cryptic imo. The author mentions he blurs/vibrates. Any speculation about Okami’s powers? Also what do you think about the Black Clan’s reaction after Mariko saved Ranmaru (they drugged and kidnapped her)?

I liked the description of Okami's powers in that scene. Especially since Mariko at first thought of him as just a lazy boy, and thought the Black Clan was crazy to have him fight.

The Black Clan kidnapped her because they heard she had been asking questions. So they didn't trust her. Boy, I really worried about her and how they treated her in the beginning.

6. A love interest(s) showed up in these last couple of chapters? Do you think there will be a love triangle?

Yes, a romance is beginning. I always have trouble with this when the heroine is disguised as a boy. This has to be so confusing for the guy, who does not understand an attraction to a boy, when they are normally attracted to women. LOL

7. When the ashigaru (foot soldiers) are singing about home, Kenshin kicks the boy who started the song in the face. Did you think it was unexpected? What does it say about Kenshin’s character so far?

Yes, this shocked me. It seemed to come out of nowhere. I suppose he was upset about his sister. And he cannot follow his heart, so he is unhappy in multiple ways. But I don't say this to excuse his behavior. I do think it speaks to his character.

8. At one point Mariko and Okami are having a conversation about their names/nicknames. Why that mysterious name Okami (= Wolf)? Is he hiding something? Or maybe he’s a shapeshifter?

I did laugh about Mariko's nicknames and the clan's refusal to call her by the name she gave them.

9. Any thoughts about Ranmaru’s childhood friends’ story at the Jubokko tree? What are Ranmaru’s and Okami’s role in this story? (Btw that tree was creepy)

What a terrible thing to make Mariko witness! I do think they made their point.

Ranmaru and Okami were the sons of the men that were wronged by the man with ambition.


10. How are you liking it so far?

I enjoyed the story a lot.

Lusie wrote: "I finished the book and gave it 4 stars. I really liked it and am looking forward to the next book!

I have written down my questions for the last day, and will post them on the 27th."

I have finished the book too, and liked it more than I expected.

1. Have you read any other books by Renee Ahdieh? If so, is there one you would recommend?

My first time reading this author.

2. This whole section seems to be the synopsis in one! What do you think of Mariko's character? Do you agree with her reasoning to pretend to be a boy and find out the truth?

This was very far fetched. I have trouble with this storyline no matter what genre, romance, YA. I just try to go with it and suspend my belief! lol

3. While on her way to Helan Castle, Mariko muses
"She should care that she was being exchanged like property in order to curry favour. But Mariko did not.
Not anymore."
What do you think of the last sentence? Did she have a falling out with her father before she left?

She is definitely resigned to her fate. But I do think she expressed her feelings to her father. She has a rebellious streak just waiting to come out.

4. Do you think the boy in the prologue (who watches his father die) is Ranmaru? Or perhaps the boy is "the lazy comrade...fast asleep on the bench" in the Black Clan?

I have read ahead so I can't say more.

Danisha wrote: "Hi Everyone,



Been here a for about a week or so now and I wanted to give Buddy Reads a try. I've had this book laying around on my currently reading shelf sin..."

I'd be interested in doing an informal buddy read with you. The book is available for free on Amazon kindle, so I bought it already. How does mid to late August work for you?

DQs Chapter 53-67

25. Did you guess the truth about Lazlo? What does this mean for the other hundreds of children that the Gods had and "disappeared"?

Surprisingly, I actually did figure out Lazlo's heritage. This must mean that there are more children like Lazlo out there.

26. Lazlo and Sarai wanted Minya to catch her without even thinking of the consequences. Is it a "life" if you have no body and your will is not your own?

I think they were a bit panicked and did not have much time to think about consequences. Being controlled by another isn't much of a life. I hope this is only temporary and our heros will get through this just fine.

27. Any guesses for the next book? What would you like to see happen?

I'd like to know more about Lazlo's heritage. And I hope Sarai figures out how to get out of Minya's control.

28. Final thoughts on the book? Will you read the next one? Will you read more of Liani's work (if you haven't already?

I really enjoyed the way Taylor wrote. The story was creative and kept my interest. The ending was exciting and surprising for me. I do want to find out what happens next. I had fun reading the book and answering the questions. The DQs helped me to focus more and get more out of the book.

--big thanks to all our DQ volunteers and everyone who participated in this read!!--