BOTM May 16 to 31 - Dreaming of You (Courtesan)

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Discussion thread for May 16 to 31, 2016 BOTM. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (please see "some html is ok" for instructions)

Happy reading! :)

She stood at danger's threshold—then love beckoned her in.

In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven—and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.

A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house—a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion...and the promise of love.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

This is a classic. For any one who hasn't read it, I strongly recommend it.

[Lady Wesley]

Totally agree Lisa. Dreaming of You is one of five books that I recommend to anyone interested in trying out historical romance. The others are Lord of Scoundrels, Devil in Winter, Flowers from the Storm, and Slightly Dangerous.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I've placed a library reserve for the eBook of this title with the library.

[Sue]

I read this novel last month, I just felt like a little bit of LK and she did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it, I thought the first half of the novel was fabulous.

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

I plan to read the first book in the series before I read this..

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "I plan to read the first book in the series before I read this.."

I didn't realize this was a series book.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Oh, I just looked to see what the first bk of this series is.

I tried to read it but but passionately hated, I mean HATED the h. I CNFd it, however, I admit book 1 is quite popular as a one can expect LKs books to be.

[Sue]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Oh, I just looked to see what the first bk of this series is.

I tried to read it but but passionately hated, I mean HATED the h. I CNFd it, however, I admit book 1 is quite popular as a one can ex..."

I hope to read the first book in the series.

I am curious about what you hated about the novel? Also was was so hateful about ?the hero or heroine?

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Oh, I just looked to see what the first bk of this series is.

I tried to read it but but passionately hated, I mean HATED the h. I CNFd it, however, I admit book 1 is quite popular as a one can ex..."

I know what you mean. I've tried countless times to read it, but I despise the plot base. :(

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Ally, you are not the odd man out for liking This book, I am for hating it.

Nearly everyone loves this book.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I'm the one who feels abnormal for violently hating it!

[Priya]

Should we read the first book in this series before this one?

[Sue]

Priya wrote: "Should we read the first book in this series before this one?"

It is not essential to read book 1 first to get a grasp of 'Dreaming Of You'. Although it would be interesting to read about the previous couple who make appearance in this novel.

[Priya]

Sue wrote: "Priya wrote: "Should we read the first book in this series before this one?"

It is not essential to read book 1 first to get a grasp of 'Dreaming Of You'. Although it would be interesting to read..."

Thank you Sue

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Well, I've got this downloaded on my kindle from the library.

Yay! I didn't have to buy it!

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Just started this!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Wow, you really don't like it, Andrea. It's been a while since I've read it but I like these historicals set in gambling hells with heroes from the wrong side of the tracks I do admit.

[lorii (Loriidae)]

I may have made a mistake by reading the reviews. Is the hero a cheat? ..... I haven't started to search for this one so am wondering whether to bother. Thanks.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lisa, I was exited about the owner/operator of gaming club from wrong side of tracks , but the h is unattractive, TSTL and prim and anachronistic.

Maybe I could put up w/ TSTL and prim if she were pretty but she comes across as a 70 year old spinster.

I don't want to read about a 70 year old woman getting shagged but a big cockney brute. The very thought makes me cringe.

I don't like the way that LK has written h point of view/inner dialog. It's like reading the thoughts of an elderly Sunday school teacher.

This is the 7th book I've tried (some I've completed) from LKs oeuvre and I've only liked DiW of Wallflower series and (Wynn and Merripen) of "Seduce Me at Sunrise" of Hathaway series, also love across class with lower status H.

I'll try book 3 of Hathaways since I can get it from the library. If this pushes the wrong buttons like some of these others, I'm going to have to part ways with the world-wide famous and greatly-loved LK.

I'm more disappointed in this book than I can say. I was saving it on my shelf dedicated to HR with love across class lines with lower status H--my favorite trope!

[Sue]

Loriidae wrote: "I may have made a mistake by reading the reviews. Is the hero a cheat? ..... I haven't started to search for this one so am wondering whether to bother. Thanks."

I think some of the reviews for this novel especially the one with the flashing light gif is absolutely ridiculous. I suppose some will want to see it now that I have drawn attention to that review. There are many definitions of 'love cheat' it depends on which one is most offensive to you. Why not try the novel out for yourself if it is not to your liking then walk away from it.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Andrea, I'm currently reading the Covent Garden Cubs series by Shana Galen with this trope. Around a 3-4 star read for me. And Lorraine Heath's Scoundrels of St James was good - around a 4 star read.

[Sue]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Lisa, I was exited about the owner/operator of gaming club from wrong side of tracks , but the h is unattractive, TSTL and prim and anachronistic.

Maybe I could put up w/ TSTL and prim if she wer..."

I am always surprised that people read the same novel etc and arrive at two extremes of meaning from it.

I also like the gaming club and hero from the wrong side of the tracks. I thought the heroine was beautiful she had gorgeous hair and green eyes which was disguised by milk maids hat affair, her glasses and clothes appropriate for village life where she orginates from we do see a transformation at one point.

For me the heroine's actions at the beginning of the novel was really courageous. I saw her as about 20ish or so inquistive, openminded and non judgemental. I loved that she had written a novel about a prostitute called Mathilda. I thought she was adorable.

I adored the first of the novel, it was dark, brooding with a innocent sexiness but there also a good combination of humour. I felt like LK wrote the novel in 2 sitting and I did not enjoy the second half of the novel as much. I gave the novel 4 stars.

To me LK books are like chocolate mostly - they don't have any offer any real nutritional/literary value but I still to read them or eat them all the same.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

LK like chocolate... nice analogy, Sue.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Sue wrote: "There are many definitions of 'love cheat' it depends on which one is most offensive to you. Why not try the novel out for yourself if it is not to your liking then walk away from it...."

I'm more liberal in my definition of infidelity than some of my GR HR loving friends.

Also, for the time period that HR takes place (very sexist time for women), I "put up with" some things that I would not give a pass to in terms of male behavior in a CR, if I were a reader of CR.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Andrea, I'm currently reading the Covent Garden Cubs series by Shana Galen with this trope. Around a 3-4 star read for me. And Lorraine Heath's Scoundrels of St James was good - around a 4 star read."

Thank you for calling my attention to these series. I'll look into them and shelve.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Sue wrote: "I am always surprised that people read the same novel etc and arrive at two extremes of meaning from it.

I also like the gaming club and hero from the wrong side of the tracks. I thought the heroine was beautiful she had gorgeous hair and green eyes which was disguised by milk maids hat affair, her glasses and clothes appropriate for village life where she orginates from we do see a transformation at one point.

For me the heroine's actions at the beginning of the novel was really courageous. I saw her as about 20ish or so inquistive, openminded and non judgemental. I loved that she had written a novel about a prostitute called Mathilda. I thought she was adorable.
."

Sue you have talked me down from the ledge--and I was ready to jump off of the cliff.

I'll try reading some more.

I really want to like this. I've been saving it for a special occasion.

[Sue]

Derek certainly was not a gentleman at the start of the novel but I felt that life had done him no favours - it really was a deprived childhood.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Sue wrote: "Derek certainly was not a gentleman at the start of the novel but I felt that life had done him no favours - it really was a deprived childhood."

An that's why its such a favourite trope for a lot of us. The hero with the difficult past dealing with it and healed by the love of a good woman... sigh.

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

I found the start of it a little tedious but it gets better as I go along. I liked it, but I found it's nothing particularly special. Not LK's best definitely but it isn't exactly bad either.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "I found the start of it a little tedious but it gets better as I go along. I liked it, but I found it's nothing particularly special. Not LK's best definitely but it isn't exactly bad either."

This is good news, even if your assessment is not that this is an outstanding book--if I can just finish it!

That beginning, where LK is portraying the viewpoint/thoughts of Sara scared me and nearly made me abandon this

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Yeah I did not end up becoming too fond of Sara. I'm afraid she does not get any better from the first part of the book.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "Yeah I did not end up becoming too fond of Sara. I'm afraid she does not get any better from the first part of the book."

Yikes! I don't like the 70 yr old Sunday school teacher pairing with Derek.

I would like to see her change so that they are a believable pairing.

If she stays the same as the beg of book I could see Derek perhaps enjoying her conversation, but not sexual attraction.

I have a question for if you Kat, or anyone else has finished the book (view spoiler)[don't you think it's hard to believe that Worthy would give Sara all of his boss's backstory so early the first night when she helps him home after the attack? And further, after Derek say no to a tour of the building and interviewing, Worthy facilitates against his boss's wishes? Then, stranger still, worthy seats Sara at Derek's desk in his office/personal space? (hide spoiler)] I think Worthy should be fired!

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "If she stays the same as the beg of book I could see Derek perhaps enjoying her conversation, but not sexual attraction."

Sorry, that's not really what I meant. It's more like LK did not do her any justice. She changed but not gracefully. Errrrrrr.... I'm having a little hard time explaining. Lol! I should just put it this way. She didn't get any better in way that her character did not seem to be something special. But it could be just me.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Thanks for clarifying.

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

As for the other question, (view spoiler)[I didn't really give a second thought to the part where Sara uses Derek's desk. I think it's a little matchmaking move that Worthy did. Also, Worthy and Derek's relationship was deeper than just employer/boss. It was explained later in the book how Worthy came to be working for Derek. (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "As for the other question, [spoilers removed]"

I'll have to read further to see this bond between Worthy and Derek. Right now all I can think of this terrible insubordination.

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

Haha, alrighty. I'm still admired the way you're pulling through the book. If I get really annoyed, I'll drop the book.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "Haha, alrighty. I'm still admired the way you're pulling through the book. If I get really annoyed, I'll drop the book."

I guess I'm trying to stick with it bec of the trope and though not a nice dude, Derek is fascinating. I just wish for a better heroine. I think LK has taken the "opposites attraction" too far out of the realm of plausibility with this 70 yr old Sunday school teacher vibe.

[Kat, Baroness (in her own right)]

In relation to that, you won't have to worry because there will be a turning point. Not going to say anymore. :) It took me a while before the book held my interest.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kat wrote: "In relation to that, you won't have to worry because there will be a turning point. Not going to say anymore. :) It took me a while before the book held my interest."

Ok, I shall continue.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

LK has gone entirely too far! (view spoiler)["Incredulously Sara watched his departure. It seemed as though he couldn’t get away from her quickly enough. Her offer had been considered and summarily dismissed. Suddenly her embarrassment changed to baffled anger. Why had he refused her? Was she so unattractive? So undesirable? At least Perry had declined her invitation for reasons of honor. Derek Craven had no such excuse!" it's incredible to me that Sara thinks she's an object of universal desire to men--this is too far of a stretch LK!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Sue]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "LK has gone entirely too far! [spoilers removed]"


You have to remember people interpret sentences differently. I think Sara is displaying insecurities of her own attractiveness.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I don't understand why Sara feels she is alluring.

Even if her limited wardrobe isn't the height of fashion, when she was dressing for her first visit to the casino, I interpreted the description of her wardrobe as having no particular style. so that her clothes aren't dated to mean that she isn't wearing empire dresses at all. I mean JA was rather poor and no beauty but the dress she wore though simple, at least conformed to the style of the day.

Like Sara, I choose clothes that are of no particular style for the exact reasons--but I am well aware that my wardrobe choices are not going to impress men. I'm not delususional like Sara.

She's nutty.

Furthermore, if she had the slightest jot of allure, her reluctan beau would have at least kissed her instead of playing the "respect" card.

[Sue]

Is not the 'reluctant beau' a 'mummy's boy'?

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Mr Perry Kingswood, sounds awful.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Sue wrote: "Is not the 'reluctant beau' a 'mummy's boy'?"

He's probably both--and an odious piece of work.

BUT I have to say his and his bossy mother's reservations about the "research" Sara performs that makes consorting with unsavory people and visiting the rookery are justified.

Unless I missed something, Sara has not given her beau any assurances that she will stop.

I think if this is a concern of the beau and his mother, they are justified.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Perry's mother is terrible. He'll never take his wife's part no matter who he convinces to marry him!

On another topic: I woke at about 12:30 AM today Thursday 5/19 and it is now about 5:15 PM Thursday 5/19. I never went back to sleep, unfortunately my night time slumber is often interrupted by insomnia. But no worries. I can chat with people in other parts of the world.

While I was communicating here with Lisa/AUS and Kat in the wee hours my time bec they are 12/13 hours ahead, I read in my home feed a debate about cheating in romances.

Well after giving this unrelated preamble, i think a couple of those ladies who were debating would think Derek "cheated." I didn't comment, bec someone else on my flist who reads both CR and HR was doing a better job of debating my viewpoint than I could have done. I don't really read CR, but tons of people on my flist do, so I'm not unaware of it.

I get it that many romance readers don't want the H in romances to have sex with anyone besides the heroine, even if he (most likely) does have a sexual past.

My take on Derek, is it was despicable to sleep with the women sex worker(s) on his payroll. He has tons of options to "scratch his itch/clear out his pipes". But there is NO agreement of mutual affection or an "understanding" between Sara and Derek. Until they agree/admit their feelings/come to an understanding, Derek is single and unattached and doesn't owe Sara sexual fidelity imho.

I think a lot of CR or HR readers would disagree with me.

Derek did a terrible thing sleeping with the help, but he hasn't "cheated"on Sara.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lady Ashby be cray-cray.

I have a feeling that she will (view spoiler)[try to harm Sara. (hide spoiler)]

[Sue]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Perry's mother is terrible. He'll never take his wife's part no matter who he convinces to marry him!

On another topic: I woke at about 12:30 AM today Thursday 5/19 and it is now about 5:15 PM Thu..."

Derek slept with a woman sex worker.