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Laura's Big Break
Group Challenges and Buddy Reads
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"Buddy Read" of Laura's Big Break, by Janet Elizabeth Henderson (Start Date: July 16, 2013)
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Lisa Kay, Tinker Bell
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rated it 4 stars
Jul 15, 2013 03:57PM
I've got the first set of DQs done. Should I post them?
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Unless you want to wait for everyone to catch up. I'm only about chapter two myself.
Alright. I'll post them later tonight, before I go to bed.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter 4
1. Alright, what did you think of that prologue? Laura Prentice is a feisty little thing, isn’t she? Did you laugh? Admire her for calling Charlie on his reaction?
2. Well, needless to say, I’m not liking Laura’s boss at Francine, Claire. Are there really editors like that: the story is all? Could you be a journalist? Do you think Laura’s going to get her interview?
3. Were you surprised Charlie became a doctor? And a hero! What did you think of his fall from grace in the eyes of his co-workers? Did anything strike you as particularly funny in that ER scene?
4. Ah! No nightmares for Charlie. What do you think of his blackmail bargain with Laura? Or that she refers to him as “the Neanderthal” and he calls her “the Iron Maiden”?
5. Whoa. I wasn’t expecting Charlie to abandon Laura on their first day together. What a little poop. Appears he’s still running a bit. Nevertheless, I thought the scene upon his return to camp was funny, did you? (I’m always getting a book about something I know nothing about, hoping it will help me save face.)
6. Oh! She sabotaged his bike! Did she go too far? Or not far enough? What about her tricking him into swimming so she could take pictures? (BTW, are those lost after her fall in the canal? Or will she still have to make the decision whether to submit them for publication or not?) Comments.
7. Well, there are two sides to every story. What did you think when Charlie told Laura his side - as he held her in the river? What about telling her that she was “fine” in bed?
8. Are you finding Charlie and Laura’s dialogue funny? This writer posts that her influences are: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Sandra Brown, and Janet Evanovich. Can you see that in her writing, especially the dialogues?
9. What about Laura fondling Charlie when she was riding double on his bike? And that kiss to his spine that brought things to a screeching halt? Is she playing with fire?
10. Laura gets two interview questions answered! Alas, they are at the expense of her underwear and her choice of attire. Were they worth it?
11. Uh oh! They are sharing a tent. Considering what happened after their close proximity on the bike… is this a good idea?
12. Will sensible Laura loosen up and do something courageous by the end of the book?
Charlie's tent? Sorry, I couldn't find one that was all black.
This is a good picture to show how the bikes are loaded/packed.
biking in Holland, canal
You can see how flat Holland is; that's why Laura chose it! LOL!
Photo by Ton le Jeune taken in Drente, Holland.
Delft blue plates
Giethoorn, Holland The town with no roads... everything is walking or biking paths, or waterways.
Holland Bike Shop
Typical Dutch 'grandma-bike' which is still the most popular bike for women in Holland.
Amsterdam is full of imprints like this...Could go on a bike ride with the kids, following a "map" of symbols, or making our own adventure!
Wooden shoes on a bike lane in Holland.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter 4 1. Yes, I admire her for her actions. For the story's sake it was the right way to go. In real life I'd imagine her doing more damage.
2. I hate her too. I think there could be a few jerks like that but I'd like to believe that most bosses would follow a set of ethics and not be quite so demanding.
3. yes, I was surprised. Charlie's actions from the prologue didn't yell Doctor Material to me. I sort of felt sorry for him. Sure the prologue didn't endear me to him but I hate for anyone to suffer humiliation like that.
4. Well, it makes for an interesting story and relationship.
5. Yeah, it was funny! lol. Poor Laura. Might have been good for her. hehe
6. I'm iffy on that one. In real life, no I would hate for someone to sabotage someone's stuff but for the sake of the story it was perhaps necessary to get them together for a short time.
7. I can't imagine a good excuse for what he did. It wasn't like they were kids. He was 23 years old. I'm sure he'd had sex before and knew the rules.
8. Yes, I do.
9. Yes, playing with fire! Laura is suppose to be hating the guy and that throws a wrench into the situation. But I liked it! hehe
10. They are just clothes and it's not like she is at home with people she knows watching her. I hated that she lost all her stuff. That is one thing that bugs me about some books. Everyone seems to be made of money and can afford to buy everything they want or need. While I agree they are both working good paying jobs, if Laura had the money why didn't she just quit the job and find something else since she can apparently afford to?
11. Probably not but we got to get the party started some way...
12. She has to.
Thanks for the visuals, LK!
I love the pics, Lisa K! Especially the tent since I was having trouble picturing that one, lol!Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter 4
1. I did laugh, but from the prologue I imagined they were both younger, older teens maybe. Not a guy who is 23. Running away at that age sounded really immature.
2. I’m sure there are many people like this. No, I couldn’t take that crap from a boss.
3. The entire scene was funny. I wasn’t surprised he became a doctor; I’m waiting to see why he became one, though.
4. The nicknames are cute! I’m not too sure why the nightmares disappear when she’s around, guess we’ll find out!
5. I felt bad that everyone was laughing at her. I was thinking at this point why does he really want her around if he’s going to go off by himself. He should just do the interview if she annoys him so much – or maybe he’s not really that annoyed :).
6. The bike incident made sense if it was the only thing she could do to take a biking break, he wasn’t playing fair either. I also wondered what happened to the pics. Were they lost? Did she ever send them, did he find out?
7. I think he was talking like a guy, “fine” in bed was obviously a good thing in his eyes.
8. Yes, definitely.
9. That was very funny, you go girl!!
10. Well, she’s obviously attracted to him, so sure it’s worth it! I agree with Pam that it's too bad she lost all this stuff after she spent so much money, I'd be really upset.
11. It’s a great idea!
12. I hope so!
@ Pamela#1 – I thought it was pretty funny. Water was the way to go.
#2 – Yeah, I’d like to think most had ethics, but I don’t know.
#4 – Yes, it doesn’t bother me. There doesn’t seem to be any real maliciousness behind the nicknames.
#5 – Yeah, I gasped. I would never think to sabotage my ex’s bike (it was so expensive!). It was, like, sacred to him. LOL!
#7 – I was very, very surprised at his age. You’re right – he knew the rules.
#8 – Yes, I’m getting a strong SEP vibe. Which is a good thing. LOL!
#9 – **hee hee** I liked it, too.
#10 – I was shocked when he earlier threw away some of her stuff. I don’t blame her for be angry.
#11 – True.
#12 – ☺
@ Kari#1 – Me, too. I was very surprised at Charlie’s age. Though, I remember meeting some immature 23 year-olds who eventually grew up.
#3 & 4 – Yes, I’m interested in that.
#5 – Yes, I didn’t like that people were laughing at her, even if one of them was me. Yes, I’m thinking he’s not that annoyed. ☺
#6 – Oh! I didn’t think about her sending them “wirelessly.”
#7 – Very true. Men!
#10 – Yes, I would be also!
#11 – FOFLMBO!
I'm glad you like the pics. I had fun finding them. I had no idea Holland was “the” place to go for a bike holiday, or that all the citizens were so bike crazy. I was thrilled to find the pic of the Dutch 'grandma-bike' - as I wasn't quite sure what it looked like.
I "ll answer the questions tonight Heading into work now Read the book over the weekend and loved it
Wonderful, Jenny & Susan!
I didn't know Holland was biking-country either. It does sound like fun, the descriptions are really cool. Loved the tulips pic too!
Kari wrote: "I didn't know Holland was biking-country either. It does sound like fun, the descriptions are really cool. Loved the tulips pic too!"I know! I want to go. **hee hee**
I'm in - I'll start after work today - try to catch up.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Yay!"
Is that sort of a 'nanny nanny nah nah'?
1. Yes, I chuckled that she chased him down, and then blasted him with the water hose, but honestly, I thought they were both much younger than they were. Based on their antics and Charlie’s reaction, I was really placing them both in their teens somewhere (15 – 17?). What threw me was the comment that it was her “last chance before heading off to college”. I was very surprised (and disappointed) to learn he was 23. 2. That boss is a D-R-A-G-O-N L-A-D-Y for sure. A bit extreme for me to even imagine. I understand that the editor might really push for a particular story, but resorting to pure blackmail and threat of losing the job? I can only hope that in this day and age, it is pure fiction and that a boss like this does not exist. (Oh, and of course Laura will get the story . . . eventually!)
3. Truthfully, I had no basis for Charlie at all. I don’t feel that he was given any personality or background, until we actually met him in the ER and even then his personality was not fleshed out for me. So the fact that he “became a doctor” really had no impact on me.
4. So – the “no nightmares” seemed a bit of a stretch for me. He runs into her in the daytime, in the ER, and that night has no nightmares and automatically he attributes it to having Laura distract him? Sorry, but that is so much of a stretch for me. Now, if they had actually spent a night together (even platonically) and he woke with no nightmares, I might be able to make the connection. As for him “blackmailing” her into taking the bike holiday to get the interview – makes perfect sense to me. And I like the nicknames. It actually made them both more personable to me.
5. I was surprised that Charlie abandoned her, as I had kind of expected him to sit back and watch her struggle to set-up camp. The scene when he returned was funny. I was anticipating a different direction (that Charlie would become jealous at the attention Laura was getting from the young guys).
6. The bike sabotage seemed extreme to me. I can only imagine the cost of a bike sturdy enough to “tour Holland” on. But this is one of the incidents that hints to the reader that Laura has hidden depths, and may not be so “sensible and responsible” after all - the water hose incident, the bike sabotage, and then the “let’s go swimming” trick that she plays on him just to get her stealth photos. What about her tricking him into swimming so she could take pictures? And on that note – yes, I thought for sure the pictures were lost once she biked into the canal, and was surprised to learn that she was able to send them to her editor.
7. Yes, two sides to every story – for me, it was good to finally learn why Charlie reacted the way that he did so many years earlier.
8. Yes, some similarities for sure!
9. Laura deciding to tease Charlie while riding double on his bike was a nice tease . . . for all of us!
10. Yes. Worth it. Underwear is overrated, right?
11. Necessary for the plot! So yes, a good idea.
12. We can only hope so!
Chris wrote: "Is that sort of a 'nanny nanny nah nah'?"**gigglesnort**
@ Toni#2 – I would hope so, too.
#4 – It could have been expanded or tweaked a bit before he came to this realization. It was okay for the fast read that it is.
#6 – Good point about Laura’s hidden depths.
#9 – LMBO! Yes, for us all.
#10 – **hee hee** Going commando in a gauzy mu-mu? Okay.
Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter 4 1. Alright, what did you think of that prologue? Laura Prentice is a feisty little thing, isn’t she? Did you laugh? Admire her for calling Charlie on his reaction?
I thought the epilogue was really funny , specially Charlie's mother's comment about missing Laura ! I love what she did to him . loving Laura so far
2. Well, needless to say, I’m not liking Laura’s boss at Francine, Claire. Are there really editors like that: the story is all? Could you be a journalist? Do you think Laura’s going to get her interview?
I'm thinking yes she'll get her interview but she will quit her job! nah I'm too socially inept to be a journalist ! I guess some bosses can be like that!
3. Were you surprised Charlie became a doctor? And a hero! What did you think of his fall from grace in the eyes of his co-workers? Did anything strike you as particularly funny in that ER scene?
Yes I was surprised that he was a doctor ,I thought he'd be a handyman or someone who does manual jobs. I loved the nurses and their comment before and after Laura's visit
4. Ah! No nightmares for Charlie. What do you think of his blackmail bargain with Laura? Or that she refers to him as “the Neanderthal” and he calls her “the Iron Maiden”?
He seemed like a neanderthal but I don't see her as the iron maiden ! I don't know why he calls her that!
5. Whoa. I wasn’t expecting Charlie to abandon Laura on their first day together. What a little poop. Appears he’s still running a bit. Nevertheless, I thought the scene upon his return to camp was funny, did you? (I’m always getting a book about something I know nothing about, hoping it will help me save face.)
It's been really funny so far all the scenes ! I wasn't expecting him to abandon her the first day but loved the scene he saw on his return
6. Oh! She sabotaged his bike! Did she go too far? Or not far enough? What about her tricking him into swimming so she could take pictures? (BTW, are those lost after her fall in the canal? Or will she still have to make the decision whether to submit them for publication or not?) Comments.
I vote for not far enough! I think she already posted them , didn't she? I wondered why she didn't think about her camera even once after that incident! If she has sent them , the pictures are going to create tension between them. I'm looking forward to the moment he finds about them
7. Well, there are two sides to every story. What did you think when Charlie told Laura his side - as he held her in the river? What about telling her that she was “fine” in bed?
MEN! they never use the right words! he was doing a real good job of explaining and then he ruined it by saying the F word!
8. Are you finding Charlie and Laura’s dialogue funny? This writer posts that her influences are: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Sandra Brown, and Janet Evanovich. Can you see that in her writing, especially the dialogues?
I'm a big fan of SEP's dialogues and books and yes I can see that in this book.
9. What about Laura fondling Charlie when she was riding double on his bike? And that kiss to his spine that brought things to a screeching halt? Is she playing with fire?
oooh yes , she is my favorite kind H, as long as she doesn't do anything stupid. this is going really good so far
10. Laura gets two interview questions answered! Alas, they are at the expense of her underwear and her choice of attire. Were they worth it?
she didn't seem to mind it ! I think it worth it! I wonder what he was expecting her question to be !
11. Uh oh! They are sharing a tent. Considering what happened after their close proximity on the bike… is this a good idea?
Of course it is :D , they needed some progress in in the intimacy department !
12. Will sensible Laura loosen up and do something courageous by the end of the book?
About that ,is she really sensible? I'm not sure but yes I think she will and I think she will quit her job and put that B*tch boss in her place
@ Pamela 10.Huh exactly my thoughts ! If she can afford to lose all these stuff and money , then why does she needs this job , she can quit and get another job!
1 Admired her spunk for chasing after Charlie2 I have worked with several people who want to get the job done, no matter what the cost
3 yes, I was surprised
4 The Nightmare scenes intrigue me-- more to this part of the story I don't really like Charlie Maybe when the reason for the nightmares is revealed I will change my mind.
5 Was surprised that he left her and ignored her
6 she feels pressure to get the story-- but the photos and the wet phone??
7 I started to like Charlie when he explained what happened. 8 Dialogue ok
9 Loved this part!
10 I think it was worth it to her
11 sure!
12 we'll see. :)
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter 4 1. Alright, what did you think of that prologue? Laura Prentice is a feisty little thing, isn’t she? Did you laugh? Admire her for calling Charlie on his reaction? I thought it was sort of silly, the punishment didn't quite fit the crime.
2. Well, needless to say, I’m not liking Laura’s boss at Francine, Claire. Are there really editors like that: the story is all? Could you be a journalist? Do you think Laura’s going to get her interview? I would love being a foreign correspondent, but nobody would enjoy working for Claire. She's an HR nightmare!
3. Were you surprised Charlie became a doctor? And a hero! What did you think of his fall from grace in the eyes of his co-workers? Did anything strike you as particularly funny in that ER scene? I was most shocked by the lack of privacy.
4. Ah! No nightmares for Charlie. What do you think of his blackmail bargain with Laura? Or that she refers to him as “the Neanderthal” and he calls her “the Iron Maiden”? Interesting way to introduce their characters.
5. Whoa. I wasn’t expecting Charlie to abandon Laura on their first day together. What a little poop. Appears he’s still running a bit. Nevertheless, I thought the scene upon his return to camp was funny, did you? (I’m always getting a book about something I know nothing about, hoping it will help me save face.)I was a little surprised about him spending the evening with the blonde - I expected more of a reaction from Laura.
6. Oh! She sabotaged his bike! Did she go too far? Or not far enough? What about her tricking him into swimming so she could take pictures? (BTW, are those lost after her fall in the canal? Or will she still have to make the decision whether to submit them for publication or not?) Comments. She's resourceful and a girl's gotta eat.
7. Well, there are two sides to every story. What did you think when Charlie told Laura his side - as he held her in the river? What about telling her that she was “fine” in bed? I thought his side of the story was fair - she ignores his promiscuity and flips when he says she was fine.
8. Are you finding Charlie and Laura’s dialogue funny? This writer posts that her influences are: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Sandra Brown, and Janet Evanovich. Can you see that in her writing, especially the dialogues? Nah.
9. What about Laura fondling Charlie when she was riding double on his bike? And that kiss to his spine that brought things to a screeching halt? Is she playing with fire? No, I think she's realizing what she wants.
10. Laura gets two interview questions answered! Alas, they are at the expense of her underwear and her choice of attire. Were they worth it? We see a new side of Charlie. It was worth it to the reader :-)
11. Uh oh! They are sharing a tent. Considering what happened after their close proximity on the bike… is this a good idea? Why would anyone want to pass up that possibility? The plot thickens.
12. Will sensible Laura loosen up and do something courageous by the end of the book? She's moving in that direction - they seem to compliment each other.
@ ShoSho#1 – Yes, I’m quite fond of Laura.
#3 – Yes, I thought the nurses gave him a little insight – or reminder – that he needed. Love the patient who hit on him and then changed her mind. LOL!
#4 – I think it is the word “Teflon” – nothing penetrates her; it bounces right off. Or so he thinks.
#5 – Yes, I had a good visual of his return to camp that first day. LOL!
#6 – LOL! Okay. She did post them? I missed that.
#7 – Ditto!
#10 – Oh, good question.
#11 – **chuckles**
@ Jenny#1 – Oh, I turned the hose of a few men in my life. It has shocked them into realizing their chauvinism.
#3 – True; we didn’t know enough about him.
#5 – Yes, I still chuckle over her hyperventilating.
#6 – True.
#7 – Again, true. It was a long time ago and, yes, I think they both still matter to each other.
#10 – LMBO! Okay, a lot of people are going ‘commando’ around here.
@ Susan#1 – I admire her spunk, too.
#4 – Yes, I’d like to know more about the nightmares, too.
#10 – I’m sure it was. ☺
@ Chris#1 – Ah! I loved it. (See my comment on this one to Jenny, above.)
#2 – Interesting!
#3 – Believe me, that is the way a lot of ERs are set up. As if a flimsy curtain can block out sound three feet away.
#6 – LOL! Okay.
#11 – True.
From Wiki: A dacquoise is a dessert cake made with layers of almond and hazelnut meringue and whipped cream or buttercream. It takes its name from the feminine form of the French word dacquois, meaning 'of Dax', a town in southwestern France. It is usually served chilled and accompanied by fruit. A particular form of the dacquoise is the marjolaine, which is long and rectangular and combines almond and hazelnut meringue layers with chocolate buttercream.
The term dacquoise can also refer to the nut meringue layer itself.
The Cake of Love.
From Wiki: Dutch apple pie (appeltaart or appelgebak ) recipes are distinct in that they typically call for flavourings such as cinnamon and lemon juice to be added. Dutch apple pies are usually decorated in a lattice style. Dutch apple pies may include ingredients such as raisins and icing, in addition to ingredients such as apples and sugar, which they have in common with other recipes.
Recipes for Dutch apple pie go back centuries. There exists a painting from the Dutch Golden Age, dated 1626, featuring such a pie. A recipe in a late medieval Dutch cook book 'Een notabel boecxken van cokeryen' (from around 1514) is almost identical to modern recipes.
The basis of Dutch apple pie is a crust on the bottom and around the edges. This is then filled with pieces or slices of apple, usually a crisp and mildly tart variety such as Goudreinet or Elstar. Cinnamon and sugar are generally mixed in with the apple filling. Atop the filling, strands of dough cover the pie in a lattice, holding the filling in place but keeping it visible. It can be eaten warm or cold, sometimes with a dash of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
In the US, "Dutch apple pie" refers to an apple pie with a Streusel topping.
@ Lisa KayI'm not sure about the pictures, I assume that she did!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Chapter 5 – Chapter 8
13. What a way to wake up. I had to laugh when she asked what he was doing, yet she was astride him. Loved that he proved his point. Drat! Interrupted. What about her explanation about his awakening her libido? Comments.
14. Thoughts on Laura’s relationship with her mother and father? And Charlie telling her she didn’t have to get in the middle of that mess? Her sticking by her old habits and her family? Then later (during the cooking class), his spelling that love meant a magnanimous relationship? Comments.
15. What did you think of Charlie arranging the cooking class? How about that kiss while they made the appelgebak? Do you feel comfortable about public displays of affection?
16. No protection! No satisfaction. And then they go right to sleep? Uh. I see good points and frustrating ones here. I did like the laughter, though. Comments?
17. What do you think of Charlie’s reasons for not wanting to marry? Do you think he’ll change his mind, or will this book have one of those “happy for now” endings?
18. BOOK QUOTE: “I joined for the excitement, then it bit me in the backside.” So, we learn a little more about Afghanistan. Is Charlie a coward?
19. We also learn why Charlie became a doctor and how Laura influenced him. Did you like this touch to the story?
20. Uh oh! I thought the two young English guys (who sabotaged Charlie’s bike) were going to let the cat out of the bag. Instead, Claire calls! Eep! The pictures are on the Web. Do you blame him for being as mad as he was?
21. What did you think about the timing of Laura’s epiphany regarding her love for Charlie? Realistic?
22. How did you feel about the confrontation scene with the blond present? And Laura starts with, “You knew why I came on this trip.” Did you agree? Or see her side?
23. Then Charlie makes some strong points, don’t you agree?
24. Then he went too far, didn’t he? (Boring, cowardly, and – worst of all – convenient!) Reactions?
25. Did I say he went too far? Man-oh-man! Laura flipped out! Do you blame her for setting fire to Charlie’s tent?
26. I don’t know about you, but I’m liking the English teenagers.
27. Did you like the ending of Chapter 8, in the emergency room? And Charlie’s worry over ‘breaking’ Laura?
Crooked houses of Holland.
*\O/*Thanks LK for doing the next set Q's too,I would have done it if it was a normal week for me!
Yes, you've had a really exciting week, ShoSho. Congrats on the promotion. *\O/*
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Chapter 5 – Chapter 8 13. What a way to wake up. I had to laugh when she asked what he was doing, yet she was astride him. Loved that he proved his point. Drat! Interrupted. What about her explanation about his awakening her libido? Comments. The entire scene was funny and sexy. I think her libido –as far as where he is concerned – has always been awake (maybe temporarily dormant)!
14. Thoughts on Laura’s relationship with her mother and father? And Charlie telling her she didn’t have to get in the middle of that mess? Her sticking by her old habits and her family? Then later (during the cooking class), his spelling that love meant a magnanimous relationship? Comments. Her parents are dysfunctional and horrible. He’s trying to be a friend to her and giving advice is good. His comment about love gives us a small insight on how he really is.
15. What did you think of Charlie arranging the cooking class? How about that kiss while they made the appelgebak? Do you feel comfortable about public displays of affection? I think the entire scene was sweet and romantic. Public displays of this sort are great, public hanky panky, uhm no.
16. No protection! No satisfaction. And then they go right to sleep? Uh. I see good points and frustrating ones here. I did like the laughter, though. Comments? It showed they are both responsible and the sexual tension increases, which is good. Also shows they can be good together when they’re not fighting.
17. What do you think of Charlie’s reasons for not wanting to marry? Do you think he’ll change his mind, or will this book have one of those “happy for now” endings? His reasons sounded a bit like excuses. He’s no longer in the army, so I don’t see how that’s relevant. He sounds a lot younger than 35. I’m hoping for a HEA with marriage!
18. BOOK QUOTE: “I joined for the excitement, then it bit me in the backside.” So, we learn a little more about Afghanistan. Is Charlie a coward? Definitely not a coward. Just a soldier who saw and went through too much. His personality is hard to decipher, he comes off as very immature and then he acts very mature.
19. We also learn why Charlie became a doctor and how Laura influenced him. Did you like this touch to the story? I’m surprised by this. I didn’t think they had much of a friendship, I thought Laura was mainly Maddie’s friend and she just happened to have a crush on the brother. I don’t honestly see how she could’ve influenced him with such a big decision, unless… he also had a huge secret crush on her.
20. Uh oh! I thought the two young English guys (who sabotaged Charlie’s bike) were going to let the cat out of the bag. Instead, Claire calls! Eep! The pictures are on the Web. Do you blame him for being as mad as he was? I would’ve been mad because she didn’t say she was going to do it. On the other hand, she’s on that trip with him for the interview. She’s been very clear about that all the time, so he doesn’t have to go bonkers on her either. Mad is ok, but he overreacted and was hurtful. I wanted to slap him!
21. What did you think about the timing of Laura’s epiphany regarding her love for Charlie? Realistic? I’m not sure if she is confusing “physical attraction” with love, or if she’s always been in love with him.
22. How did you feel about the confrontation scene with the blond present? And Laura starts with, “You knew why I came on this trip.” Did you agree? Or see her side? The scene with the blond was funny. I definitely see Laura’s side.
23. Then Charlie makes some strong points, don’t you agree? Yes, concerning her relationship with her parents and her job. With the other stuff I’m not too sure. He keeps saying she’s too sensible, too responsible, but her actions don’t match that. She goes on this crazy trip with him, sabotages his bike, goes on the bike without underwear, burns down his tent…I don’t see how she is all that responsible. He makes it sound like she’s all prim and proper, uptight, and she’s completely the opposite. I see she is responsible with her job (which is a good thing really, except she’s hanging on to the wrong job) and sensible in trying to handle her parents the best way she can (although I think this might change soon).
24. Then he went too far, didn’t he? (Boring, cowardly, and – worst of all – convenient!) Reactions? I think both went too far. I don’t think Laura is boring at all!
25. Did I say he went too far? Man-oh-man! Laura flipped out! Do you blame her for setting fire to Charlie’s tent? That was too much. She had no reason to go loony on him, and someone could’ve gotten seriously hurt.
26. I don’t know about you, but I’m liking the English teenagers. “Dumb” and “Dumber”, they are too funny!
27. Did you like the ending of Chapter 8, in the emergency room? And Charlie’s worry over ‘breaking’ Laura? I don’t understand how he reaches that conclusion. It sounds like that was his goal, to break her. Is this trip some sort of punishment for her? This was not clear to me.
I LOVE the food pics, I'd kill for some Dutch apple pie right now!! The crooked houses are amazing, they look like something out of a storybook!
Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Chapter 5 – Chapter 8 13. What a way to wake up. I had to laugh when she asked what he was doing, yet she was astride him. Loved that he proved his point. Drat! Interrupted. What about her explanation about his awakening her libido? Comments.
lol I didn't expect them to go this far in their sleep .They'll say anything just not to say they are attracted to each other
14. Thoughts on Laura’s relationship with her mother and father? And Charlie telling her she didn’t have to get in the middle of that mess? Her sticking by her old habits and her family? Then later (during the cooking class), his spelling that love meant a magnanimous relationship? Comments.
I have never seen a relationship like that in real life , are there any parents that are children and children that are the adult? he is looking at her family from outside , he can see that she shouldn't get in the middle but she can't see it
15. What did you think of Charlie arranging the cooking class? How about that kiss while they made the appelgebak? Do you feel comfortable about public displays of affection?
I thought "aha, this sound suspicious" , and he was flirting during the whole class but I wasn't expecting him to be frank about it and say it.
Hmm I do kiss my husband in public but not in a way that we get the" get a room " comment. a bit longer that a peck
16. No protection! No satisfaction. And then they go right to sleep? Uh. I see good points and frustrating ones here. I did like the laughter, though. Comments?
I thought they were experienced enough to know that's not the only way to do it :D heeheee! but maybe they didn't want to go there for their first time afte such a long time
17. What do you think of Charlie’s reasons for not wanting to marry? Do you think he’ll change his mind, or will this book have one of those “happy for now” endings?
I hope not , I'm hoping for HEA even if they don't get married
18. BOOK QUOTE: “I joined for the excitement, then it bit me in the backside.” So, we learn a little more about Afghanistan. Is Charlie a coward?
no I think he is humble , can't find a better word
19. We also learn why Charlie became a doctor and how Laura influenced him. Did you like this touch to the story?
yes very much
20. Uh oh! I thought the two young English guys (who sabotaged Charlie’s bike) were going to let the cat out of the bag. Instead, Claire calls! Eep! The pictures are on the Web. Do you blame him for being as mad as he was?
not the least bit , I think he forgave her too easily
21. What did you think about the timing of Laura’s epiphany regarding her love for Charlie? Realistic?
it was a good time story wise , not sure about being realistic
22. How did you feel about the confrontation scene with the blond present? And Laura starts with, “You knew why I came on this trip.” Did you agree? Or see her side?
i thought acting as his wife was something that has been used too many times still funny! no she was in the wrong ,she shouldn't have taken those photos and posted them. but I can see she is under pressure
23. Then Charlie makes some strong points, don’t you agree?
I'm with Charlie on this one
24. Then he went too far, didn’t he? (Boring, cowardly, and – worst of all – convenient!) Reactions?
i was ok with it
25. Did I say he went too far? Man-oh-man! Laura flipped out! Do you blame her for setting fire to Charlie’s tent?
no i loved her idea , i probably would have done the same
26. I don’t know about you, but I’m liking the English teenagers.
mee too , i hope they show up again
27. Did you like the ending of Chapter 8, in the emergency room? And Charlie’s worry over ‘breaking’ Laura?
Aaawwww loved that , he is not completely Neanderthal
Lisa Kay wrote: "Crooked houses of Holland."
I love Amsterdam!
13. well, it added a bit of spice to the situation ☺14. We can't choose who our parents are. Might have been better for her to cut the apron strings and let her parents deal on their own.
15. Well, it's a story so I'm okay with it but in real life I'd feel awkward if it was me. If I saw it I'd wish they had the sense to "get a room". Mild displays don't bother me but when it gets too far then I'm not comfortable.
16. I don't think that a couple has to have sex to be connected. Should be able to just be with the other and be comfortable.
17. Lame. Okay it just a story and the author had to come up with something, I guess. I'm expecting a HEA or I'll be angry!
18. No, I don't think he is a coward. I think he may have a skewed outlook at times and maybe just a bit modest but no coward.
19. That Laura could influence him is amazing. Given their love/hate relationship.
20. I don't blame him for being angry but I'm not sure that his actions were justified. Charlie knows that Laura's boss is a b**** and he should have let her explain more.
21. Surprised me.
22. Interesting how she could come up with her lines so quickly.
23. I see Charlie's point to a degree but I don't think he needed to be as angry as he was. He was the one who made her go with him.
24. Too far? Maybe. Maybe not.
25. I think Laura's actions were uncalled for. I think it borders on psychotic behavior.
26. Yeah, they were cool.
27. Not really. But the book couldn't end there so I guess the author had to do something to keep the story going for a bit longer.
@ Kari#13 – I totally agree. LOL!
#16 – Good point about them together when they aren’t fighting. That’s important – that it isn’t just the bickering that keeps the relationship connected.
#18 – I do think at times Charlie is slightly less mature than I would imagine. I think Laura brings out his immaturity, probably due to his being drawn back to their growing up together. Hard to get out of that mode.
#19 – I was pleasantly surprised. Those were his formative years, thing resonate then, and she made him think.
#21 – I think she’s always been in love with him.
#23 – We find out later why she is acting differently on this trip…
#24 – I don’t think she is, either! LOL!
#25 – Yes, I was gasping.
#27 – There might have been a little “punishment” behind his motives, but really, I think he wanted some good sleep and to be with her.
Yes!! Dutch apple pie is one of my favorites.
@ ShoSho#13 – **chuckles** Very true. And go to any lengths.
#14 – Yes. We had friends of friends where the child was the “adult.” Everyone of our friends commented on it. Very strange to watch.
#16 – **hee hee** I guess that tent was waaaaay too small.
#20 – I do, too. Pictures, especially of that type, are just way too invasive.
#22 – Yes, I’ve read that type of scene before, but it was still funny.
#25 – Eep! ShoSho!
@ Pamela#16 – I think it is essential that they be comfortable during the silences.
#25 – Yes, she got a little too far out there.
I hope you're feeling better today, Pamela!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Laura’s Big Break “Buddy Read”: Chapter 5 – Chapter 8 13. What a way to wake up. I had to laugh when she asked what he was doing, yet she was astride him. Loved that he proved his point. Drat! Interrupted. What about her explanation about his awakening her libido? Comments. It appears he's doing just that.
14. Thoughts on Laura’s relationship with her mother and father? And Charlie telling her she didn’t have to get in the middle of that mess? Her sticking by her old habits and her family? Then later (during the cooking class), his spelling that love meant a magnanimous relationship? Comments. One might get the impression that's she's her father and he's her mother
15. What did you think of Charlie arranging the cooking class? How about that kiss while they made the appelgebak? Do you feel comfortable about public displays of affection? Heck yah! What good is affection if you can't share it with those around you :-)
16. No protection! No satisfaction. And then they go right to sleep? Uh. I see good points and frustrating ones here. I did like the laughter, though. Comments? Amazing self-control
17. What do you think of Charlie’s reasons for not wanting to marry? Do you think he’ll change his mind, or will this book have one of those “happy for now” endings? I'd vote for the HEA.
18. BOOK QUOTE: “I joined for the excitement, then it bit me in the backside.” So, we learn a little more about Afghanistan. Is Charlie a coward? No.
19. We also learn why Charlie became a doctor and how Laura influenced him. Did you like this touch to the story? No. It made him seem more shallow.
20. Uh oh! I thought the two young English guys (who sabotaged Charlie’s bike) were going to let the cat out of the bag. Instead, Claire calls! Eep! The pictures are on the Web. Do you blame him for being as mad as he was? I think he was more angry that she sold him out than about the actual photos
21. What did you think about the timing of Laura’s epiphany regarding her love for Charlie? Realistic? Doesn't everyone have crying jags in public restrooms and realize they love the person that made them cry? I've seen it all over bathroom walls :-)
22. How did you feel about the confrontation scene with the blond present? And Laura starts with, “You knew why I came on this trip.” Did you agree? Or see her side? Go, Laura! Go, Laura!
23. Then Charlie makes some strong points, don’t you agree? Yes.
24. Then he went too far, didn’t he? (Boring, cowardly, and – worst of all – convenient!) Reactions? Charlie's a TUNA.
25. Did I say he went too far? Man-oh-man! Laura flipped out! Do you blame her for setting fire to Charlie’s tent?I think Laura is a tad repressed. It was an unlikely scene.
26. I don’t know about you, but I’m liking the English teenagers. I thought they were funny, too. They saved the scene.
27. Did you like the ending of Chapter 8, in the emergency room? And Charlie’s worry over ‘breaking’ Laura? He called her his "girlfriend". A chink in the armor?
@ Chris#13 – **gigglesnort**
#14 – Oh, drat! I just noticed: I meant monogamous , not magnanimous. LOL!
#15 – LOL!
#19 – Really? Interesting.
#20 – Ah! Great point.
#21 – FOFLMBO! **snortsnort**
#24 – As in the commercial, or does this stand for something I know nothing about?
#25 – I think she freaked she more like her parents than she wanted to admit.
#27 – Ah, you caught that, did you? ☺
13. So, was that “sleep sex”? Is there such a thing? Now that is something I might want to experience! 14. Obviously Laura’s family is truly dysfunctional. And apparently Charlie has a pretty good idea of what her home life was like growing up. I like that he points out to her that what her parents have is NOT NORMAL. And certainly NOT LOVE!!
15. I thought it was sweet that he arranged the class and showed that he was looking for ways to make Laura happy. As for the kiss ~ hey, when the moment strikes, run with it. Okay, I am kind of kidding. A little affection is one thing, but when you hear a “get a room comment”, it might have gone a bit too far!
16. Hmmm – “and they go right to sleep”? I seem to recall the next morning that Charlie said he needed extra caffeine, because (and I quote),
“Someone kept waking me up last night with her wandering hands.”Which makes me believe that they may have had some fun in the sheets – or I guess that would be in the sleeping bag?
17. Lame reasons. Especially for a 35 year old.
18. I don’t think Charlie is a coward at all. I believe that many people join the armed forces for a sense of excitement, and too often they learn some harsh realities. I think the service probably matured Charlie.
19. This part didn’t really resonate with me. I never got the sense that Laura and Charlie were that close when they were younger, and only that he was her BFF’s older brother.
20. I don’t blame him at all. He has avoided publicity and truly only agreed to the interview – I don’t seem to recall him ever agreeing to photos! And especially because the photos and captions were "sensationalized".
21. Eh. Didn’t really think much of it. I have come to realize that in romance stories, love magically appears when it serves the writers purpose.
22. The confrontation with the blonde was funny and I liked that Laura found a way to get Charlie to listen. And yes, the whole point of her joining him on the trip was for her to get her interview.
23. Agreed.
24. Did he go too far? Hard to say. I don’t think so. I thought his reaction was about right for the circumstances.
25. Oh my. Yikes. And I thought sabotaging the bike was underhanded. Setting fire to his things?? Really? What was she thinking? Um, yeah, I think that is a bit too far. Borderline psycho.
26. They add some character, that’s for sure!
27. No. I did not like that ending scene in the ER. Seemed to me that they were both giving up and things were just starting to get interesting.
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Books mentioned in this topic
Lingerie Wars (other topics)Laura's Big Break (other topics)
