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If I Had You
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If I Had You (De Piaget #2) by Lynn Kurland (Start Date: February 10, 2014) [Kurland's Two Series Combo: De Piaget & The MacLeods]
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@ Susan#16 – That’s right, he did.
@ ~Leslie~#16 – Good point.
#17 – Yes, Anne did a bit of growing up then. LOL – over the nice family wedding.
#18 – Well, better to work it off that way. They sure didn’t turn to carbs or chocolate back then. LOL!
Shall I just combine the last two days into one set of DQs?
Looks like everyone has finished but me.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Shall I just combine the last two days into one set of DQs?"Works for me :)
Works for me, too! I'm about to have my 2nd wedding in the family in a year. So these wedding fiascoes make me very nervous! I think Anne's wedding was the worst. Can't handle throw up!
Lisa Kay wrote: "Looks like everyone has finished but me."I still plan on getting to this. In the next day or so, even. I've been a really good girl and have not peeked. Well only a little teeny bit, once or twice :) I'm rewarding myself with ice cream, lol.
So I'll be chiming in soon. I hope that's okay.
That's great, Nichole! Not too many spoilers on here. Chime in whenever you feel like it!
~Leslie~ wrote: "I'm about to have my 2nd wedding in the family in a year. So these wedding fiascoes make me very nervous! I think Anne's wedding was the worst. Can't handle throw up!"Oh, lord. Well, they can't be this bad... I hope! **crosses fingers**
Nichole wrote: "I'm rewarding myself with ice cream, lol."That's a nice reward! Sure, chime in when you are able, Nichole.
Hey, ~Leslie~! We both used the word "chime". Owe me a coke. LMBO!
We are special, LK!! Here you go - Enjoy!!
LOL! Thanks, ~Leslie~! Looks delish.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 30 - Epilogue
20. We see a bit more of Joanna in this book. What did you think of Robin’s grandmère trying to “civilize” him? I had to laugh at Anne being behind the curtain during the lute practice. LOL! If I remember correctly, I do believe those pointy shoes come in to play in Amanda’s book. What about Joanne making Robin wait until Anne is properly wooed? Comments.
21. Did you enjoy Robin’s stories about Peter of Canfield and Roland of Berkhamshire? Revenge is a dish best served cold.
22. Robin finally told Anne. What did you think about Robin and Anne’s talk about him shunning her all those years – and his reason why?
23. And he finally gives her the ring – and managed to bring her eyes into it. LOL! So something rubbed off... although, I do think he thought of that before he was “civilized.” Comments.
24. What did you think of their choosing the sandy shore to consummate their wedding vows? (Ugh. Sand gets everywhere.)
25. Egads! Robin didn’t believe Anne about Edith. But, he gets points for later saying he should have listened. Comments.
26. What did you think of the final confrontation with Baldwin of Sedgwick? With Edith? Do you buy her falling onto Robin’s sword? Does this sound plausible to you, since she was used to swords and knives? Could she be so clumsy, and with enough force to drive it home? I have my doubts; however, I do buy Anne using her knife on Baldwin. Yay, Anne! You?
27. Sooooo… We finally know Robin’s paternity. What did you think? What of his reaction? What of his confronting his parents? Should Anne have discussed with Robin her suspicions? And is all this fair to John Ayre? Comments.
28. How did you feel about confirmation that Nicolas really was Rhys’? Did you like Nicolas’ remarks about Robin being a bastard too?
29. Did you like the epilogue? Will you continue the series?
Sorry. Edited the questions to squeeze in one more.
Leslie's answers20. I love the grandmother. It gave them some time and some laughter, which is always good. And it helped Anne see that Robin did care for her.
21.I must be slightly bloodthirsty. I loved hearing that her tormentors came to a bad end.
22. I think it showed his immaturity at the time, and how strong his feelings are. He's not like Nick. Everything he feels is larger than life. I'm glad he finally told her. Because then he realizes he can share and she will understand and love him.
23.I love how he gave her the ring. His feelings run so deep.
24. Sand is not my favorite, but the beach is a beautiful romantic place. I don't think they actually have sand where they are - it would be more rocky.
25. He was pretty dense. But it's easy to see why they would discount Edith as the bad guy. She was so mild mannered. And men often miss it when the female is the evil one.
26.And yeah, a little convenient! But happy to be rid of her.
27. I always wanted Rhys to be Robin's father, so I'm happy it's finally out. I think the parent's were a little embarrassed how it happened and so kept it quiet. Being a bastard had such a stigma and inheritance was so important back then, they thought they were doing the right thing.
28. I'm glad that Nicholas and Robin know they are brothers. And I'm glad that Nicholas knows who his father is. But he's so easy going, that it's all good to him.
29. Love the series and can't wait to read the next one!
@ Judy#21 – They were just two buffoons who hurt Anne in her childhood – and who Robin got sweet revenge with in later years.
#25 – LOL! True, he was dense.
#27 – I was just surprised he said he was going to “kill” his father for taking advantage of his mother. Kind of thing a contemporary – or potential suitor – would do, not a son, IMHO. Also, it had resulted in him being born.
#28 – Yeah, what Nicolas said did make me laugh.
@ ~Leslie~#21 – You and me both, ~Leslie~. LOL!
#22 – True.
#24 – I was wondering the same.
#25 – Okay, I’ll give him that, based on your reasoning. LOL!
#28 – Yes, it is nice for them to know they are brothers.
Okay, I finished ch. 22 but only had time to answer the first set of questions this morning. I'll be back later with more Q/A and comments. I've also been really good at not peeking at this thread. Which is miraculous in itself. Toodles!Lisa Kay’s Questions for If I Had You “Buddy Read”: Prologue – Chapter Six
1. I was worried at the start of the Prologue – as I had a lump in my throat for little Anne of Fenwyck. (All but non-existent medical care back then – ugh! Makes me want to take a time-machine back and fit her leg and her pain.) Luckily, I’ve gotten over it – mostly – and I’m enjoying this one more than the first. You?
Well this is definitely a lighter story than the first one. It doesn’t have the gut-wrenching heartbreak, at least not yet.
2. Robin of Artane seems set to – sometimes – deny and struggle with his feelings for Anne. Alas, they can’t all be written as Rhys. **sigh** Loved Robin’s interactions with his brother, Nicholas, though. Especially with regards to Anne. LOL! I guess the real question is, “Will we discovery his true paternity in this book?”
Yes, Rhys was something else. I can tell that the brothers are close and that warms my heart. I’m glad to see that they are so accepting of Nicholas as a true brother. Especially since I’ve always believed they were! And yes, I believe we will finally get confirmation and I’m so looking forward to it.
3. What do you think of Anne’s relationship with her father, Geoffrey? My heart ached for Anne overhearing her father and Rhys talking in Rhys’ solar. Rhys is certainly more of a father-figure. Comments.
That was sad. I guess in those times you learn to be accepting of things more easily than we would now. As much as I like HR I’m glad I live in modern society with modern amenities and medical care, lol. Still, that would crush me to hear my father speak of me so blasé. And yet another reason I love Rhys.
4. I was getting a little confused with Anne’s “home.” But I get it now; it is the home of her heart: Artane. Comments.
Of course it is! And why wouldn’t it be, the De Piaget’s are so accepting and loving.
5. Man-oh-man! That Baldwin is a piece of work. Who do you worry about more, him or Edith? Or are they equally bad? What does Edith want more, Robin or Artane?
Oh boy those 2 are evil. I think Edith is more dangerous, for sure. Baldwin seems like a big bully, where Edith is cunning and that is definitely more dangerous. And it seems like Edith wants Artane, not Robin at all. This confuses me. She seems to have a plan in action but I don’t understand how she plans to get Artane without Robin. There are quite a few obstacles in her path. It doesn’t really make sense to me. Yet.
6. Now that we’re getting to know them a bit, of all the De Piaget’s off-spring, whose story are you looking for the most?
I just finished ch. 22 and at this point I’m most looking forward to Amanda’s story. She seems like an interesting character that will bring much to her story. Beautiful and fiery, I think it will take an extraordinary man to tame her. Looking forward to it.
7. Oh! What did you think of Robin and Anne’s reunion! I wanted to knock their heads together. And then THAT KISS! What?! Me thinks Nick is pushing Robin’s button – Big Time – as only a brother can. Comments.
I have to admit that Robin is kind of driving me crazy. He’s like a prickly woman! Making things so easy for Nicholas to keep prodding him. I want to grab Robin and shake him. For God’s sake man, she’s running out of time! I promise you this, if she ends up marrying someone else I will throw my Kindle across the room. Okay, not really, but I will probably not so gently toss it on a cushion and go angrily clean something to make me feel better lol. I just don’t think I can take it.
@ Nichole#4 – Very true!
#5 Yeah, Edith is cunning and Looney Toons; a bad combo.
#6 – Yes, I remember really liking the hero matched up with Amanda …if I have my stories straight.
#7 – LOL!
Susan's questions for ch 6-158. Robin has a ring for Anne! Did that surprise you as much as it did me?
Yes! I thought he was hiding something of hers but I would have never guessed it was a ring. And how sweet was that! He put a lot of thought into it, matching her hair and eyes.
9. Maude, Edith and Baldwin. Creepsters Extraordinaire. Maude didn't follow directions and suffered consequences. What do you think Edith will do to her? What do you think of Baldwin's reaction?
Oh man! These people are just nuts! Especially Maude, she’s just cray cray. I’m pretty sure Edith will kill her off somehow. As far as Baldwin goes, it fit his character perfectly. I’m not condoning it at all, but he’s a big bully, so it wasn’t surprising.
10. Why wouldn't Anne tell anyone of her suspicions about someone harming her? Thank heaven Robin figured it out.
I think it all boils down to pride. She is a proud and independent woman and it was too much of a risk that people wouldn’t believe her. She doesn’t like to bring attention to herself and I don’t think she quite believed that she was the target. Why would anyone want hurt her, she’s not important? At least, I think that’s how she feels. And I was so so glad the he figured it out without her telling him.
11. Is Robin's stiffness toward getting on your nerves? I kind of wanted to tAke the mail head thing and attack him with it for his treatment of Anne.
Yes! He is being a gigantic turd! I understand that he doesn’t want to coddle her because she hates that, but jeez, enough already! What he did to her at the lists, well he’s so very lucky that she loves him and can forgive him. I wonder if he felt the punch to the jewels that I mentally gave him? He has a lot of groveling to do.
Questions for Chapters 16-2212. What a surprising twist! Are you surprised with how Robin decides to keep Anne safe? And are you surprised at how Nick reacts?
For those times, yes I’m surprised he would compromise her reputation like that. Even if nothing happened. But he wasn’t taking any chances with her safety. I really like Nick and I thought it was nice that he was also ready to defend her honor even against Robin. Like Anne, I have to wonder what his angle is. Is he only trying to make Robin pull his head out or does he genuinely want her? I know they discuss this and he says that he could learn to love her, but he sure is giving Robin a run for his money for someone he only loves like a sister.
13. Hopefully being locked together in a room will get these two stubborn people talking. Do you have any hope for them at this point?
I hope so! I’m ready for Robin to quit being a surly douchebag.
14. Robin is very slowly opening up to Anne. He was so traumatized by what happened to him that it has colored all his actions with Anne since then. Why do you think he was so affected?
Again, it’s Pride. I think it’s sad really, that it affected him so much he pushed her away and ran away himself. Just another reason I want to push Baldwin from the battlements.
15. What do you think of Nick's ideas for how Rob should woo her? Do you like to be wooed? I just like the sound of the word "woo". Makes me happy to say it! Do you think he does a good job of "wooing" her?
Woo Woo Woo, lol. It’s a good start. Of course he could also, I don’t know, be nicer to her lol. I like the wooing. It is not something that comes naturally to Robin, which makes me anxious to read Nick’s book. He seems to be a natural.
**Not part of the questions, at least up to this point, but I DO NOT like to hear about Robins bastards. Or what a manwhore he was. When he was thinking about going to kitchen to find a servant to relieve him, or line up 5 or 6 of them, Yeah I didn’t like that at all. I could handle it better if it was Nick, the ladies man, but not Robin. And how many bastards does he have? Maybe I will find out later.
Nichole, I had the same problem...the talk of bastards and other women. I don't care if the hero has tons of experience, when he's in his book, there shouldn't be any mention if it, much less thought of being with someone other than the heroine.
@ Nichole#13 - LMBO!
Nichole wrote: "**Not part of the questions, at least up to this point, but I DO NOT like to hear about Robins bastards. Or what a manwhore he was."
Yeah, I'm definitely going to agree with you here. Big Time. I'm sure men were like that in that era, more so than later. And the concept of any form of birth control wasn't know or considered (i.e. withdrawal), but this really, really jarred me out of the story and, of course, any fond hazy fog I was developing for Robin. I'm with Susan; in the past was fine... but not in the current story.
I seem to have a little more tolerance for Robin than y'all have. I didn't think he was quite as big a jerk, just very immature.(view spoiler)
Yes, a bit, according to him.
So suspicious, LK!!
@Leslie- maybe I was just in a mood and he wasn't as bad in reality. *shrugs* I have this theory, you see. My husband has been crabby for the last few days and I think it affects my view on Heroes in my books, lol. I'm pretty sure he gets my moodiness while I get everything else for that time. It seems to be a pattern, lol.I'm pretty generous with my 4 star ratings but I notice I give out more 3 stars and have less tolerance when he's crabby :) Good news though! He was in a pretty good mood yesterday and I really enjoyed the reading last night! LOL.
I'm up to ch. 35 now and I'm happy to report that I like Robin much better now. He's still gruff but he's showing more tenderness.
@Manwhoring- I agree. Him getting around in the past doesn't bother me. It was the comment about him lining up 5 or 6 wenches to satisfy him *grimace* and the thought of all those children out there. Especially with Nicholas being considered a bastard. I feel for those kids! I mean the De Piaget's take in strays and love them but where are his bastards? Just something that kind of bothered me.
And he does say that the rumors are greatly exaggerated. I wonder if we find out how many there are? Or if they pop up later on the books?
16. I really love Nicholas and thought he was wise when he explained to Robin that Anne didn't know anything about what Baldwin had done years ago. Do you think Robin knew this, or was he too clueless to figure this out?I think he knew and wanted to make sure she never did find out. I just don’t think he associated the two. I’m so glad Nicholas broke things down for him. The guy sure needed some help.
17. I felt badly for Anne. She certainly didn't get the wedding she had dreamed of...
Understatement of the year! That was a wedding from Hell. From start to finish! She handled it very well though.
18. One of my favorite lines (from Nicholas to Anne) " Don't leave him out in the lists all day. It's raining and he'll mold. Either that or he'll rust and think on the complaining you'll need to endure."
That made me smile. I wish his book wasn’t so far away lol.
~Leslie~ wrote: "So suspicious, LK!!"**gigglesnort**
@ NicholeI'm with you on the poor bastard children, scattered to the winds.
#18 - Yes, looking forward to Nicholas' story.
**giggles**
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 30 - Epilogue 20. We see a bit more of Joanna in this book. What did you think of Robin’s grandmère trying to “civilize” him? I had to laugh at Anne being behind the curtain during the lute practice. LOL! If I remember correctly, I do believe those pointy shoes come in to play in Amanda’s book. What about Joanne making Robin wait until Anne is properly wooed? Comments.
I really loved this bit. It really helped me warm up to Robin more. I laughed quite a bit.
21. Did you enjoy Robin’s stories about Peter of Canfield and Roland of Berkhamshire? Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Bravo Robin! He put some thought into this instead of just beating them senseless. He was wooing her, lol.
22. Robin finally told Anne. What did you think about Robin and Anne’s talk about him shunning her all those years – and his reason why?
I’m glad he finally told her and I loved Anne’s response. “Is that all?” lol. All those wasted years. Men! *shakes head*
23. And he finally gives her the ring – and managed to bring her eyes into it. LOL! So something rubbed off... although, I do think he thought of that before he was “civilized.” Comments.
Very sweet. I laughed too, when he stopped and blinked at himself for being so poetic. Cute.
24. What did you think of their choosing the sandy shore to consummate their wedding vows? (Ugh. Sand gets everywhere.)
Yeah… No thank you!
25. Egads! Robin didn’t believe Anne about Edith. But, he gets points for later saying he should have listened. Comments.
I was a little surprised and disappointed by this. After him catching on so easy to the fact that someone was trying to kill her, he dismissed Edith too easily. Yes, he does get points for admitting his mistake.
26. What did you think of the final confrontation with Baldwin of Sedgwick? With Edith? Do you buy her falling onto Robin’s sword? Does this sound plausible to you, since she was used to swords and knives? Could she be so clumsy, and with enough force to drive it home? I have my doubts; however, I do buy Anne using her knife on Baldwin. Yay, Anne! You?
Yeah, I raised my brows a couple of times during the final conflict. First, there was Baldwin and his honorable fighting. What? When did this vile man decide he had even a little bit of honor? That was weird to me. And then Edith, I expected more manipulation or evil schemes. Instead her rage monster came out and she impaled herself on his sword. Not how I envisioned things to happen at all. But, I did cheer for Anne!
27. Sooooo… We finally know Robin’s paternity. What did you think? What of his reaction? What of his confronting his parents? Should Anne have discussed with Robin her suspicions? And is all this fair to John Ayre? Comments.
I’m glad we finally got confirmation, for everyone. He reacted just like I thought he would. I just wish I would have been there when Rhys figured it out. With everything going on, I can see why Anne would wait to say anything. And before that, he was gone, so it’s not like there was a chance to voice her suspicions. But I believe that she would have said something later.
28. How did you feel about confirmation that Nicolas really was Rhys’? Did you like Nicolas’ remarks about Robin being a bastard too?
I really wanted to witness Rhys’s reaction to this knowledge! I still don’t like how this came about, especially since Rhys was so devoted to Gwen. So I’ve decided to not think on it too much and pretend that Robin and Nick are twins, both Gwen’s. Yep, I’m rewriting the story, LOL! Of course Nick would make a joke. I think his book will be fun!
29. Did you like the epilogue? Will you continue the series?
I did! She’s having a baby, yay. I will definitely be continuing the series, I still need to read Nick’s and Amanda’s stories :)
@ Nichole#21 & #22 – LOL!
#23 – Yes, very sweet.
#26 – Baldwin’s honor didn’t bother me that much; I chalked it up to the era. But, I did roll my eyes over Edith stumbling into the sword.
#28 – FOFLMBO! Okay, I’ll go with your re-write.
Nichole, I LOVE your rewrite! That may make me keep reading :)
Nichole. that's really funny that your husband affects how you respond to literary heroes! I'll have to think about whether or not I'm the same. For me, it's probably my moods that affect how I react. My husband is pretty unmoody! That's why we are a good match - I'm pretty crazy and he's very steady.
What happens to Nichole, I've had that happen to me... but only to a small extent. I think it is pretty funny. Lucky you, ~Leslie~!
Heehee :) It's funny because he is super mellow. And even when he's in a bad mood, it's nothing compared to me, lol. He's just grumbly. However, he hangs on to stuff longer than me and after a few days I start to get crabby!Okay, so it's official! The story has been re-written to satisfy everyone, lol. :)
LK, I tend to think he's very lucky to have someone like me keep him from the doldrums! His life would be so boring without me!
**chuckels** True. Very true.
Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
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16. I really love Nicholas and thought he was wise when he explained to Robin that Anne didn't know anything about what Baldwin had done years ago. Do you think Robin knew this, or was he too clueless to figure this out?
Robin should have realized that Anne knew nothing of his fight with Baldwin – and sounds like he wanted it that way. However, I was glad Nicholas had Robin examine his inconsistency towards Anne, why she would wonder at his seeming change of heart. Sometimes we need a nudge to look at things from someone else’s perspective.
17. I felt badly for Anne. She certainly didn't get the wedding she had dreamed of...
Good Gravy Beans! Far from it! An attempt on her life by one of Robin’s previous light skirts; blood; vomit; slander on her virtue; fist-a-cuffs with her father. And all on the heels of overhearing Robin’s stubborn refusal to marry her to his father and hers? (Idiot!) Poor Anne. Thank goodness she later found her ribbons in his gear.
18. One of my favorite lines (from Nicholas to Anne) “Don't leave him out in the lists all day. It's raining and he'll mold. Either that or he'll rust and think on the complaining you'll need to endure.”
Yes, a great line. Shows his love for his brother.