"Buddy Read" for Blue-Eyed Devil, by Lisa Kleypas [Travis #2] (Start Date: February 19, 2016)

[Phoenix (Online Elf), Moderator]

Blue-Eyed Devil, by Lisa Kleypas

MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL - His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

MEET THE HEIRESS - She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.

WATCH THE SPARKS FLY....Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.

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We are planning a "buddy read" of this one to start February 19th. Anyone is welcome to join in the discussion questions or just pop in to say "Hi!"

EXPECT SPOILERS!

Dates		Chapters	PPDQs*
February 19	01 - 05		Jill?
February 20	06 - 10		Lisa Kay
February 21	11 - 15		Jill?
February 22	16 - epilogue	Lisa Kay

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

[Phoenix (Online Elf), Moderator]

Reserved.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Jill’s Questions for Chapters 1-5

1. “I first saw him at my brother's wedding...”
BED is written in the first-person from Haven's point-of-view. What do you think of first-person narrative - like it/hate it/don't care?

2. I really like that opening line “I first saw him at my brother's wedding...” After all, this is a romance and in that very first line author Lisa Kleypas brings Haven "I" and Hardy "him" together. What do you think of that first sentence?

3. The wine cellar. Need I say more? Loved that scene between Haven and Hardy. What did you think? But what was Hardy doing down there in the first place? Or did I miss that explanation?

4. “No, ma'am. Just wanted to give you my best wishes.” So says Hardy to Liberty at her wedding reception. Since I'm neither Texan nor American, I'm wondering if Texan men really do use the term “ma'am” these days? (Dear God, I hope so!)

5. In chapter 3 Haven and Nick get married. Does anyone else think Nick has done a 180? And what about slapping Haven (that first time)? I'm always surprised in novels when that happens that the female never hits back. Or is that just me channeling my own reaction through the heroine? Comments?

6. It’s official. Nick is a prick. Thank goodness Haven left him. I've never been in an abusive relationship. But I would never have stayed as long as Haven. What do you think? Should she have got out straight away? Or did she stay long enough to give him a chance?

7. Haven meets Hardy again at the end of chapter 5.Woohoo! That was my reaction. I've been waiting for these two to meet again. Comments please.


Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 6-10
(view spoiler)[
8. Phew! How hot was the beginning of Chapter 6? And really, nothing much happened, yet it did. How does Ms. Kleypas do that? Personally, I think it is all in the long range set-up. You? (P.S. I don’t think I would ever give up that coat!) Did your heart clutch a bit over the discussion they had about her marriage, her having all the power because she was rich?

9. “Divorce moon!” LOL! I just love the way Kleypas updates me with the current vernacular. Do you find yourself trying to remember some of these comments so you can use them yourself?

10. Do you like the way Hardy efficiently explains things about the oil business to Haven, without condensation? Do you agree with Haven about the sexual innuendo about it?

11. “I didn’t know they still made them like that.”
“Like what?”
“Cool, tough, retro-manly. The kind who only cries if someone just ran over his dog. The big-chested guy we can indulge our pathetic daddy complexes with.”
“I don’t have a pathetic daddy complex.”
“Oh? Tell me you haven’t imagined sitting on his lap.”
Todd Phelan, Haven's best friend and interior designer, has some of the best lines – and insights, doesn’t he? I posted one of my favorite quotes. What is your favorite of his so far?

12. Vanessa Flint, Haven's boss: jealous, a real b!tch or Stealth Narcissist? Is Haven a magnet for this type of person? Have you ever experienced the Astrodome Phenomenon? Would you have opened Hardy’s gift in front of her? Comments on the gift?

13. What does it say about Hardy that he is “pursuing” her in front of her family? What did you think about Joe’s big reveal about Hardy’s inquiring about Haven?

14. Eek! Were you expecting the blond at the party to be Vanessa?

15. Whoa. What about Haven’s confrontation with Hardy in Chapter 10? Was Hardy too crude for you? What kind of man has the ability to “roll it back” to the appropriate level when he is that aroused? (Well, appropriate until Haven freaked-out.) Is that a complex show of strength and gentleness? Does it appeal to you?

16. Finally, Haven confides in someone other than her therapist or Gage & Liberty about her abusive marriage. Have you ever had a member of the opposite sex that was your best friend? What do you think about her proposition and his response?

17. BTW, what do you think of Susan Byrnes, Haven's therapist? And she’s on vacation! Just when Nick calls “Marie”!!
(hide spoiler)]

Jill's Questions for Chapters 11-15
(view spoiler)[
18. Somehow I didn't see the flooded elevator coming. Texas + elevator = flood?? Anyway back at Hardy's place Haven is keen for lurve, but Hardy says no. Anyone else thought that this was going to be their first love scene? Anyone else glad that it wasn't and that Hardy acted so honorably? (Hardy's restraint is such a turn-on!) Comments please.

19. Vanessa is, IMO, portrayed a little OTT as the classic b!tch. Nevertheless, I just wish Haven would stop being so civil towards her and tell her to p.o. Anyone else with me? And have you ever met or been confronted by a Vanessa in RL?

20. “It occurred to me that I was a lot more nervous about the idea of sleeping with Hardy than I had been with Nick as a virgin. Probably because with the first guy, you figured you got a beginner's pass.” I love that line. How true is that? (You don't have to go into specifics.)

21. “It struck me that Hardy, a seasoned, high-octane male, was the authentic version of what Nick was always pretending to be.” Don't you love the way that LK can write? I have trouble imagining exactly what Hardy looks like. (Unlike Jayne who excels). Does anyone have an image they'd like to share of what Hardy looks like.

22. Haven accuses Hardy of acting “high-handed” when he gets rid of Nick (politely I thought) from Haven's apartment. Do you think it was high-handed? Personally if that's high-handed, I'll take a double serve. To me he was being protective. In his words "a man" (yes please) and "a Texan" (yes yes please). Thoughts?

23. Finally. Was their first (full) love scene everything you'd hoped?
(hide spoiler)]

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 16 – Epilogue - I haven't done these, yet. But I will. Unless someone else wants to. :o)

[[deleted user]]

Checking in :) The reading schedule seems just right!

[[deleted user]]

Hi LK , will it be ok if we push this back to the 19th?
I have had some urgent work come up which I need to submit 19th morning!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Sure, Karen. Not a problem. :o)

[[deleted user]]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate it!

[[deleted user]]

Reading it Lisa Kay?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Actually, I finished it last night. LOL! I tried to slow down, but I also finished the book I used to slow me down and thought...since I was at my favorite section... "I'll just listen to a couple chapters." Ha! Finished it off.

You? How you doing?

[[deleted user]]

Hehe!! That happens!

For the first time ever I showed great will power and stopped myself at exactly 5 chapters

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

You're so good. :o)

[[deleted user]]

I'm done with the book Lisa Kay :)

It was pretty nice !

Shall we move on to the next one?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Sure. But, you have any comments on this one?

[[deleted user]]

Not specifically as such. You?

I liked it much better than the first book though.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I loved the first book. This one was a hard topic. However, I like it better each time I read it or listen to it.