Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired discussion
Archived "Buddy Reads"
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"Buddy Read" of Smooth Talking Stranger, by Lisa Kleypas [Travis Family #3] (Start Date: February 28, 2016)
Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 1 – 7
1. What is your first impressions of Ella Varner, her boyfriend she lives with, Dane, and their relationship? What about her attempted adherence to his vegan diet preference? She feels safe with him and I definitely see him as a beta male. As the story progresses, keep in mind what she said to herself:“And yet for all that, there was something missing between us, something that nagged at me like a pebble that had worked its way into my shoe. Whatever that missing thing was, it kept Dane and me from reaching absolute closeness.”2. How about your first impression of Ella’s relationship with her mother, Candy Varner? She sure slips in a lot of little digs at Ella, don’t you think? What about Candy’s denial about Roger? Do you think Candy really would have turned the baby over to Social Services? How about Ella withholding from her mother the possibility of a Travis being Luke’s father?
3. What about your first impression of Ella’s beautifully stunning sister, Tara, as told through Ella’s eyes? Do you believe Tara’s “selective amnesia” about Roger is real? What about Dane’s insight into Luke’s “sperm donor”? Did your impression of Tara change after you heard Jack’s impression, or just crystalize?
4. What is your first impression of Ella’s reaction to Luke? His helplessness? Ella’s ineptitude with babies? Ella’s determination to hold the father accountable? What about Candy’s belief that the father is either broke or married? What do you think of Ella’sdialoguemonologue with Luke? What does this reveal about her?
5. Might as well continue the theme: What is your impression of Ella’s “star fuc#ing” cousin, Liza? What about her comment about Tara’s right to privacy? How much did Do you agree with her comment: “A baby isn’t abandoned if you know where you left him.”
6. Last, but certainly not least, what is your first impression of Jack Travis? Why do you think Jack decided to take the time to speak with Ella in his office? Do you think he had any inkling about the bombshell she was going to drop on him?
7. Were you surprised when Jack showed up at Ella’s hotel room that night? What about Ella not telling Dane who was at the door? Jack took charge of the dinner menu; was this just part of his character, or did he pick-up on something in Ella? Did you think less of Ella about “cheating” with dinner? How do you feel about hunters and hunting?
8. LMAO over Jack’s parting shot at the end of Chapter Five. Do you think Ella is holding her own against him? What do you think of her “fetishistic allure” toward him, which is revealed at the end of Chapter Six?
9. Tara has been tracked down! Where Ella’s questions about Mountain Valley Wellness intelligent and valid? What do you think is really going on with Tara? Is it just post-partum depression, or something more? Did anything in the conversation stand out to you? How much responsibility do you think Ella should take on for caring about Tara’s baby? Is Tara asking too much of a sister?
10. Wouldn’t you have just loved to know what Jack was thinking when Ella told Tara: “I think he was being a gentleman.” Drat! The disadvantages of first person POV. Did Ella apologize adequately to Jack?
11. Who knows Dane better: Stacy or Tom? Was there any truth to what Stacy said about “forcing” the issue?
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapters 8 – 14
(view spoiler)
Lisa Kay's Discussion Questions for Chapter 15
(view spoiler)
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapter 16 – 21
(view spoiler)
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 22 –Epilogue
(view spoiler)
Karen wrote: "Checking in ! Yay Ezi :)"Hi Karen :D
Good Gravy Beans. I really love this book. I've read it about 15 times. Yes, I know. Crazy. Of course, your first hint to this is that I have 10 question just for Chapter 15 alone. LMBO! Don't feel you have to answer them all. (I was a little love sick over JT when I wrote them.) I haven't read it in about a year, so this should be good. See if my "stalking" need for Jack Travis has diminished or if reading this will reactivate it.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Good Gravy Beans. I really love this book. I've read it about 15 times. Yes, I know. Crazy. Of course, your first hint to this is that I have 10 question just for Chapter 15 alone. LMBO! Don't feel..."I've been avoiding LK's contemporary romance but I don't know why because I really enjoy them
Yeah, I hear you, Ezi. I remember avoiding her first venture into Contemporary Romance. I was such a die-hard Historical Romance reader. I resisted reading it, like, forever. Then I picked it up (out of desperation for something good to read) in the bookstore and I remember starting the first chapter of Sugar Daddy and not being able to stop.
I didn't really like Sugar daddy at all actually and i think that is why it's been 3 years and i still haven't picked up her
contemporary's.
I really really hope these are good.
contemporary's.
I really really hope these are good.
A lot of people felt that way, Karen. I hope you enjoy them, too. Well... only one way to find out!
BTW, I'd like to try The Prince Who Loved Me, by Karen Hawkins next month, too. It works for "blue dress" in the March Challenge. You still interested?
Have you read the other books in the series?
I honestly can't say yet if i will have time . Sorry :(
I actually got some amazing books from the library today. Check out my currently reading shelf . That's where i add my current library books.
Karen wrote: "Have you read the other books in the series?"Nope.
Karen wrote: "Check out my currently reading shelf..."Alright.
Oh I'm sorry I thought you meant the princess was plaid the 2.5 book . I didn't to read that one out of order.
This one i could read with you but around 20 th march ?
This one i could read with you but around 20 th march ?
Karen wrote: "This one i could read with you but around 20 th march ?"You mean
? Sure...works for me. I'll have Online Elf set up a thread.BTW, you have quite the eclectic book selection from the library. :o)
Yes , i know amazing books :)
Anyways in my library there are practically no romance novels.:(
Apart from that i love it !
Anyways in my library there are practically no romance novels.:(
Apart from that i love it !
Please have online elf set up a thread!
Let's start in a day or two?
Same as before 5 chapters?
Same as before 5 chapters?
Alright. I might zip through it, though. I have no willpower when it come to this book. LOL!
Willpower Lisa Kay! Willpower ! Lol !
Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 1 – 7 1. What is your first impressions of Ella Varner, her boyfriend she lives with, Dane, and their relationship? What about her attempted adherence to his vegan diet preference? She feels safe with him and I definitely see him as a beta male. As the story progresses, keep in mind what she said to herself:
“And yet for all that, there was something missing between us, something that nagged at me like a pebble that had worked its way into my shoe. Whatever that missing thing was, it kept Dane and me from reaching absolute closeness.”
Ella's boyfriend Dane seems ok. If being Vegan and all about saving the environment is his thing, then goody. But I hate that Ella is faking the funk forgoing beef and chocolate and stuff she wants. Can she truly live like that forever?
2. How about your first impression of Ella’s relationship with her mother, Candy Varner? She sure slips in a lot of little digs at Ella, don’t you think? What about Candy’s denial about Roger? Do you think Candy really would have turned the baby over to Social Services? How about Ella withholding from her mother the possibility of a Travis being Luke’s father?
Some people have no business with children, and Candy is one of them. She was a terrible mother, role model, protector etc. She has scarred these girls. Yes, she's going to dump that child, are you kidding? She doesn't want the responsibility.
3. What about your first impression of Ella’s beautifully stunning sister, Tara, as told through Ella’s eyes? Do you believe Tara’s “selective amnesia” about Roger is real? What about Dane’s insight into Luke’s “sperm donor”? Did your impression of Tara change after you heard Jack’s impression, or just crystalize?
yes. Often times people block out painful memories so yes, I believe Tara has blocked out Roger and the abuse. My idea of Tara comes from Ella, the person who knew her at her most traumatic periods.
After the Oscars
4. What is your first impression of Ella’s reaction to Luke? His helplessness? Ella’s ineptitude with babies? Ella’s determination to hold the father accountable? What about Candy’s belief that the father is either broke or married? What do you think of Ella’s dialogue monologue with Luke? What does this reveal about her?
I thought her natural role as Tara's caretaker was awakened with baby Luke. Another helpless being she had to protect from her Monster of a mother. I really think it was the fact that a child was left in the care of her mother freaked her out. Why did Tara not call her but called the mother? She is taking this selective amnesia thing to the next level.
5. Might as well continue the theme: What is your impression of Ella’s “star fuc#ing” cousin, Liza? What about her comment about Tara’s right to privacy? How much did Do you agree with her comment: “A baby isn’t abandoned if you know where you left him.”
I think Liza isn't as messed up as Tara. She is just a groupie but she has a better moral compass than Tara. But she isn't trying to be anyone's mama either.
I think Liza thinks Candy is a safe alternative for the baby. It's possible that Liza doesn't know the hell Candy put her daughters through emotionally and mentally.
You can abandon someone living in the same house with them. Liza is fluffy Paris Hilton, so let's just discount her words, okay?
6. Last, but certainly not least, what is your first impression of Jack Travis? Why do you think Jack decided to take the time to speak with Ella in his office? Do you think he had any inkling about the bombshell she was going to drop on him?
In the prior books, 'I thought Jack was high handed, domineering, a bit too alpha cowboy for my liking. In this book, I am falling in love with him. HE is playing with a baby he KNOWS isn't his but he is actively participating. Also, he isn't being passive about his interest in Ella. I like that. He isn't being caveman-ish, but he is definitely very clear about what he wants. I Like it :D
7. Were you surprised when Jack showed up at Ella’s hotel room that night? What about Ella not telling Dane who was at the door? Jack took charge of the dinner menu; was this just part of his character, or did he pick-up on something in Ella? Did you think less of Ella about “cheating” with dinner? How do you feel about hunters and hunting?
First of all, I have an issue with Ella giving advice she doesn't adhere to in her real life. That's a bit of hypocrisy.
But she didn't tell Dane because part of her is already leaving Dane and she doesn't want to have to address if Jack is that reason or the prompt.
There is NO cheating. After all, didn't Dane tell us they have a no-strings attached/open relationship, Dinner is not cheating.
I like the hunters thing. It sounds alpha-ish and I like it.
8. LMAO over Jack’s parting shot at the end of Chapter Five. Do you think Ella is holding her own against him? What do you think of her “fetishistic allure” toward him, which is revealed at the end of Chapter Six?
9. Tara has been tracked down! Where Ella’s questions about Mountain Valley Wellness intelligent and valid? What do you think is really going on with Tara? Is it just post-partum depression, or something more? Did anything in the conversation stand out to you? How much responsibility do you think Ella should take on for caring about Tara’s baby? Is Tara asking too much of a sister?
I don't think the Pastor knocked her up. I think her mama's new boyfriend did. It sounds like something Tara in my head would do, "take her mother's man" to prove she can, and to needle her mama and try to get mama's attention. I do think Tara is being selfish in the manner she is asking Ella. She could beg a little. I don't know if she has post partum, but I think Tara is petrified to be around the baby because of her mother made her doubt herself. She also knows she is ill equipped to care for another person both financially, emotionally and physically. I commend her for even taking the baby to Candy. IF it were Candy, she would have just left the baby on someone's doorstep. So Tara at least has some sense of right and wrong.
10. Wouldn’t you have just loved to know what Jack was thinking when Ella told Tara: “I think he was being a gentleman.” Drat! The disadvantages of first person POV. Did Ella apologize adequately to Jack?
Jack is a big boy, he can take it. I don't feel bad for him.
11. Who knows Dane better: Stacy or Tom? Was there any truth to what Stacy said about “forcing” the issue?
This is a clear example of how women and men view relationships and our expectations. I loved when Ella's friend Louise said "the whole reason you get married is so you can take away their choices. they are much happier that way." LMAO!!!
But if I tell you that I don't want kids, I don't want you to FORCE me to have a kid. You have to respect my choices and my boundaries. I mean, Dane knows what he wants and he is very clear. Why would you want him to be try to be someone he's not?
That's not fair.
Oh you have started? Ok starting from today!
@ Ezi1. - Nope. (view spoiler)
2. - Well said... and all true.
3. I believe that Tara blocked all the Roger memories, too.
Did you enjoy the Oscars? I haven't seen a lot of the movies... but I did see Spotlight and thought it deserved the Oscar for Best Picture. After seeing it I just sat there on the couch for about an hour ... stunned.
Ok. I am back.I will get back to my DQ's now.
No, I never really enjoy the Oscars but I wanted to see how Chris Rock would handle the white-out situation. He was good. But the Academy Awards is just too long and I don't know 99% of the movies that win.
I am sooooo happy for Leonardo DiCaprio though. I love him
1. I initially thought Dane was a pretty supportive guy . But after reading about how he was into the whole open relationship and not being tired down thing i do not personally agree with that at all .
It turns out he isn't really supportive is he ? As soon as the relationship goes out of his comfort zone ie she having a responsibility towards the baby he abandons her .
As to diet preference , she is faking and not at all happy with what she is following . So i don't really think ,like ezi said , that it is
Feasible in the long term.
It turns out he isn't really supportive is he ? As soon as the relationship goes out of his comfort zone ie she having a responsibility towards the baby he abandons her .
As to diet preference , she is faking and not at all happy with what she is following . So i don't really think ,like ezi said , that it is
Feasible in the long term.
2. Completely agree with ezi! candy is the type of mother who emotionally damages her children. And would have turned the could over to social services. In case she had been informed about the Travis possibility she might have manipulated the situation.
3. It is often a coping Mechanism for the mind to do so . So i get that was why she possibly forgot. Being so beautiful and living with a mother like that and having the whole experience with Roger she had to have major issues!
Ok i guess that's it . For the rest mostly i will agree with ezis answers . I'm not a big fan of hunters and hunting and I found thev im an environmentalist and a hunter very contrasting statements. But then that's my opinion.
Also she seems like a hypocrite in that yes she didn't follow her own advise . And the way she reacted to Danes talking about the open relationship thing and coming back to him after 3 months plus the vegan thing dosent really show a healthy relationship, does it?
Its like she is pretending, adjusting and doing what she doesn't really want to do?
Or am i on the wrong track here?
Its like she is pretending, adjusting and doing what she doesn't really want to do?
Or am i on the wrong track here?
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapters 8 – 1412. Ella's talking to Jack and says, "...Which is why you're going to end up with a woman who's completely different from what you and everyone else expects you to go for."
Here Ella is describing herself. Though she doesn't know it. I'm interested in your opinion, what makes Ella different from the others Jack has had. And why that woman would interest Jack all of a sudden.
I don't know enough of Jack's harem to comfortably answer that. This Jack is different from the one I recall in the books before.
As far as Ella, I am sure Jack saw her yoga toned legs. That's what he initially was attracted to. Then the loyalty to her sister. Travis people understand and respect loyalty. That's what Jack saw in Ella and got attracted to.
13. Okay, I'm going to admit I'm completely turned on by the following statement from Jack.
"...You can't stand between a Texan and his power tools. We like them. Big ones that drain the national grid..." He hefted the drill. "Now let me do the guy stuff while you go to the kitchen. Trust me, it's a perfect arrangement."
I've left out some of the other things that Texan men love, but that whole statement just oozes testosterone. And there's barely a mention of anything sexual. I love it. What about you?
I am Texan and I don't know if I agree. There is a confidence that comes with looks, money and status of a powerful family, I think they are confusing that Self-assured confidence with being Texan.
14. "Hold still, Ella."
That was the lead-in to their first kiss. It was beautiful. Your thoughts?
Well done Jack. Well done!
15. When Ella speaks to Tara on the phone, Tara doesn't ask about Luke. Ella brings it up first saying Luke misses his mommy. I realize Tara has problems, but I can't fathom her. Thankfully in RL I've never known anyone so disinterested in her baby.
Have you? If so, were there medical/psychological reasons? Or, are there really women like Candy who have zero interest in their children?
I am unsure if Tara has post partem or if the lack of connection is because the baby was an accident/unwanted in her relationship with the married man. Thus Tara's end game is confusing. But I suspect Tara is more like Candy than Ella. She is selfish, impulsive and doesn't seem to take responsibility. Tara wants the married man, not really the child and the obligations.
16. I loved the scene- The Perfect Day. What's yours?
17. I've read about, heard descriptions of churches like Eternal Truth. Have you ever been to one of these mega-churches? Know anyone involved in these church/businesses?
I have belonged to a mega church. It's not all bad. adulterers are everywhere. Heck some politicians are adulterers too.
18. Jack and Ella's first sex scene up against a wall in a garage. Not my favorite setting for a first time. But hot nevertheless. Your thoughts on this first-time scene.
IT was a claiming of sorts. It was JAck the dog pissing on his tree LOL. HE wanted to mark his scent all of over his territory.
Seriously though, sometimes, the physical attraction just overwhelms and it isn't so much about "where" when you come together like that. I've jumped my husband at the airport after being separated so long. IT happens, LOL!
19. Jack - "I've wanted this since the first second I saw you."
and
"There's not much I wouldn't do for you, Ella." he said quietly. "Haven't you figured that out yet?"
Okay, two things. 1)Not a big fan of love at first sight. (That belongs in romance novels.) Oh, wait. Right. But I can give it a pass if it's believable. This one for me isn't believable, between Jack and Ella. How about you? Do you like lurve-at-first-sight trope? How about here in STS?
I don't know if I believe in Love at first sight, but the day I met my husband, I told my cousins there and my BF that I just met my husband. we started dating the very next day and have been together since then. It's been 16 years.
I think there was a connection, attraction but I don't consider it love as I didn't know him.
Jack seems like a legs guy. Also, I think Ella not recognizing his status or being in awe of his last name, as endearing. Plus, I think Jack fell in love with Luke, the way Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and that other guy fell in love with baby Mary in the movie 3 Men and a Baby.
I felt love at first sight when I saw Four on Divergent.
I think you are taking the statement "I wanted this from the first second I saw you..." way too literally. Don't get hung up on the words, but look at the context and what he is really communicating.
Jack is a problem solver and a protector. Ella and a fatherless baby spoke to the "fixer" in him. Then she is unassumingly cute and physically attractive. Then she wouldn't take the travis money, and wasn't salivating at staying at a place he paid for.
Can you believe it, someone turning down Travis money and hospitality?
That's what hooked him
I'll get back to you two... I just got to do some first of the month things...
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapter 16 – 21[
30. "Mine."
As a romance reader I see that declaration a lot, 'Mine'. I can understand why writers use it - the possessive alpha claiming his partner. But it really doesn't work for me. I always feel like the woman is chattel. How do you feel about that declaration?
I don't mind it. In the Nigerian culture, when people get married,they give each other nicknames.
My uncle and aunt chose "Mine" and that's what they call each other. My other uncle and aunt called themselves "only".
I dont think the word "Mine" is any more territorial than a wedding ring.
31. Jack had been wholly absorbed in me, intensely focused on my responses.
For me that there is the key to a beautiful relationship, sexual or otherwise. If LK had just written that alone for the sex scene I would have been happy. (Glad there was more.) Do you think most men are clued into this like Jack is?
Honestly, Jack just sounds like a very experienced lover. Nothing extraordinary. I think mature and experienced lovers do those things and are attentive like it. Ella doesn't know because she has only had lukewarm Dane. Dane probably only does it one way, the same position as those animals he loves so much. LMAO!
Ok, that was mean but Dane is a boring and selfish lover or Ella would have left so casually. IT's hard to leave good sex even if the person is an asshole. Good sex has made many people stay in bad situations. So Dane didn't have good sex. He had okay sex skills.
I am sure I won't be invited back for a Buddy read, LOL!
32. Okay, back to the psycho Tara. She gave Ella both barrels for interfering. I can not stand the woman. Please tell me she has some hidden inner goodness, some truly valid reasons for acting the way she does. What do you think of her?
Keep dreaming about inner goodness and all that. I told you Tara is Candy 2.0. I knew when Ella got that baby, it was a done deal. Hell, Jack knew it. It's only Ella who is in denial about her sister and the baby.
33. Ella tells Liberty that the relationship with Jack isn't going anywhere, it won't last. I find this very unconvincing. She has this utterly gorgeous, rich, confident, (insert any positive adjective here) man panting after her, and she's saying it's not forever. I can't see why she's holding back. Because she loses everyone she cares about? It doesn't make sense. Is this just me? How do you feel about her reluctance/resistance?
Ella has never had permanence so that's what Dane and Jack talk about her not taking risks. She is too scared to be vulnerable. She won't let anyone in because she doesn't think they will love her enough when they get to see the real person inside. With baby Luke, there is no real risk.
Ella is too afraid to be vulnerable to a rich ladies man like Jack. Candy really messed her up. After all, Candy tells her that Ella isn't as pretty as Tara. HEr glasses make her look like an old maid, don't give him too much so he stays longer etc.
Ella is AFRAID.
34. Ella is a size 8 is that the 'normal' range in the States? Here it would be considered petite.
I think Size 8 is normal but it isn't exactly "the model ideal" according to holly wood. I think Ella is probably that regular girl pretty,
35. Okay moving on to another detested character. Candy. Can I truly loathe this woman any more than I do? I know this woman is a walking cliché of the evil mother and I should see it and shrug it off but I can't. I (thankfully) have never known a woman like this. Have you?
I have see a worse mother "Mommy Dearest" movie as well as The Flowers in the Attic movie mom.
36. Tara has revealed that Noah Cardiff is the father. I knew that Mark wasn't the father, but Noah? Sheesh, I was a little surprised but guess I shouldn't have been. Were you surprised first time around?
I haven't read this far so I will go back to the audiobook know
(view spoiler)
@Karen: just stick with me and my answers and you will be alright!!
8-14
Their first kiss was nice and the perfect day scene was just perfect.
Their first kiss was nice and the perfect day scene was just perfect.
I have heard of post partum but never really seen or known anyone irl who has it.
And even if anyone does it's pretty taboo in India to discuss all that.
And even if anyone does it's pretty taboo in India to discuss all that.
Here we don't really have mega churches but yes we do have equivalent temples.
No I have not attended any specifically but yes i do know people who are part of such movements if I'm understanding megachurches correctly.
No I have not attended any specifically but yes i do know people who are part of such movements if I'm understanding megachurches correctly.
Ok that's upto where i have read till now.
I'm on my phone so the whole numerous posts thing sorry.
You didn't really answer my question though ezi! Do you agree?
Just because your answer in jills discussion questions 8-14
No problems.:)
No problems.:)
The baby smiling scene *aww*
Their first sex scene was actually only territorial etc.
Their first sex scene was actually only territorial etc.
Where did you first meet your husband ezi? And seriously realised he was the one. Did something he did specifically you feel that way or instinct .
Either way really amazing !
Either way really amazing !
I have a feeling Tara is going to take away the baby. And I'm already hating when that comes!!!!
Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
Books mentioned in this topic
Hidden Empire (other topics)Dauntless (other topics)
The Prince Who Loved Me (other topics)
The Prince Who Loved Me (other topics)
Sugar Daddy (other topics)
More...
Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life. With delicious romantic tension, characters so real they walk onto the page and into your heart, Lisa Kleypas delivers the kind of novel that makes you laugh, love; cry and cheer.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩
EXPECT SPOILERS!
We're planning a "buddy read" of this, the third in the Travises series. Anyone is welcome to join us. Just stop in to say, "Hi!" Or answer the questions, or even volunteer to write some. Lurkers welcome, too! ☺