BOTM - July 1 to 15, 2017 - A Summer to Remember (Jilted at Altar)

[Priya]

Discussion thread for July 1 to 15, 2017 BOTM. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions)

Happy reading:)

A Summer to Remember


Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London’s mostinfamous bachelors—marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit’s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father’s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth.

A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly—and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit’s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly—until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives?

[Mariana]

I am in!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I'm shocked this placed in the poll!

[Mariana]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I'm shocked this placed in the poll!"

I'm not....and you did rate it 5 stars. :-)

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I just finished this last month so I'll join in with the discussion.

i thought it was quite a lot better than the first Bedwyn prequel And I really like the character and relationship development between Lauren and Kit.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Agreed Lisa. AStR is better than ONfL.

The building relationship was great.

That house party was fun too.

[Jan]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Agreed Lisa. AStR is better than ONfL."

I agree too, Andrea and Lisa. I read A Summer To Remember earlier this year and 4-starred it, but I found One Night For Love pretty lame and wouldn't recommend it.

I hope everyone enjoys the BOTM!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Jan,

Originally, I read AStR first, not realizing there was a book before it that showed what had happened AStR heroine. I read ONfL after AStR.

Also at the time I wasn't aware of the "Slightly" series at all.

[Jan]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Jan,

Originally, I read AStR first, not realizing there was a book before it that showed what had happened AStR heroine. I read ONfL after AStR.

Also at the time I wasn't aware of the "Slightly" ..."

I read ONFL years ago but didn't like it much. I reread it last year but still didn't like it. Then I decided to read all of the Slightly series, as I'd only read a random few. Really enjoyed it on the whole (esp the final book - my fav). THEN finally I read A Summer To Remember and really appreciated it, especially Freyja's back story. It kind of worked for me, reading it after rather than before LOL.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Maybe it's better that you read Freyja's backstory AFTER "Slighly" series because I saw someone on GR who (view spoiler)[hated her from AStR, and continued to hate her in Slightly Scandalous. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I really like having an interesting cast of secondary characters apart from the H and h so by the time they get their HEA in a book you feel like you know them. I was really encouraged to find out (thanks Andrea) that (view spoiler)[ Gwen and Sydnam get a book down the track (hide spoiler)] which really gives me incentive to read both the Simply and Slightly series and then the Survivors Club. So lots of good reading to look forward to.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I really like having an interesting cast of secondary characters apart from the H and h so by the time they get their HEA in a book you feel like you know them. I was really encouraged to find out ..."

I think you're on to something. we really get to know these characters since they are all a part of large cast across the books and in some cases, across series. MB really pulled this off well.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I plan to participate, probably not until the second week of July, though. Look forward to it -- I already had planned listen to the Slightly series, since I have heard such good things and it is available on Hoopla.

[lorii (Loriidae)]

I will be starting a little later as well as I want to read the first. I also love where characters inter connect through a series. Most series take a while to wind up, so I am okay with the first being weaker.

[Priya]

Reading all your posts, I am eager to read this, but I am currently reading another book, which I need to return to the library. And then I plan to read ONfL before this. So, I might get to AStR in a week.

[Mariana]

I am with the group to start in the second week of July.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

In the way that AStR is kind of inspiring some of you to read ONfL, you'll all be set to begin the "Slightly" series!

[Tammy]

I'm in...I'm in the middle of a read I'm not enjoying too much so I will start once I finish. I'm kind of excited, I love The Secret Pearl.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Tammy wrote: "I'm in...I'm in the middle of a read I'm not enjoying too much so I will start once I finish. I'm kind of excited, I love The Secret Pearl."

I read The Secret Pearl before I joined GR. I'm pretty sure I liked it.

[Mariana]

Book arrived in the mail today. (Thanks Andrea!)

I am ready to start anytime now. Anyone else begin reading yet?

[Priya]

I received my ONfL yesterday. I started this today. So probably I could start reading AStR in 4-5 days.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

We'll be here to chat, Priya when you're ready.

[Mariana]

I am starting today. I may just read a couple chapters and then start something else unless it is too good to put down.

[Priya]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "We'll be here to chat, Priya when you're ready."

Thank you:)

[Giselle]

I've been so forgetful about trying to get this from the library. I might have to pass on that simply for that reason. I don't even know if they have it. But I do like the rest of the Bedwyn books so it's really a shame. Let's see if I remember tonight when I get home. I guess I could suck it up and get it on kindle but I'm not in love with the idea.

[Mariana]

Anyone else start reading yet?

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I just got it from the library, so I plan to read a little tonight.

[Priya]

I started today.
One Night for Love was an OK read for me, but I am glad I read it before AStR. Now I know a little bit about the h and what happened at the altar.

[Giselle]

It's on hold at the library. So I'll definitely be reading it late but I'm excited!

[Missy]

I finished the book a few days ago. Sometimes I just can't believe the compliments coming out of these rakes' mouths in HR. They're either sweet or corny. I find Kit's earlier flatteries to be the latter.

(view spoiler)[“I begged for the introduction since I simply had to get close enough to discover if your gown really does match the color of your eyes. It does.” and “A man does not need to converse when he is dancing with a beautiful woman,” just to list a few of the flatteries he gave Lauren during his "courtship".

For some reason, I felt that these compliments were way too practiced (not genuine/sincere), probably because I knew he was trying to win a wager and needed to win her over with sweet words.

As they spend more time together and become friends, his compliments sounded more sincere. “I always thought [...] nothing could be lovelier than your eyes. But they can be lovelier than themselves when they sparkle, as they do now.”

One of the most memorable moments for me was when Kit teaches her to swim. She learns to float on her own and in her excitement, she hugs him and they end up kissing for a brief moment.

I have not read the Bedwyn Saga series yet, but I know I am interested in reading Wulfric's book (based on its synopsis, not based on what I've read about him in this book). Unfortunately, his book is the last one in the series. I feel that if I read his book first, I would miss out on events from the earlier books.

The siblings have such hard names to pronounce (for me at least) except for Aiden and Morgan. Based on this book, I am not liking Freyja's character very much, but I am curious as to why she is the way she is, so maybe I'll read her book, too. Right off the bat, I knew Rannulf was a rake. I'll definitely be reading his book! (I didn't realize I have a thing for rakes lol)

But I digress. I like how Lauren handled herself when she met the Bedwyn siblings the first time, especially Rannulf and Freyja.

To Rannulf: “Your apology is accepted, my lord,” she said. “It is always shocking, is it not, to be overheard being spiteful by the very person concerned? Especially when one reflects upon the fact that one does not know that person at all—has not even met her, in fact. But there are none of us who cannot benefit from lessons in discretion and kindness.”

To Freyja: "Ah, and I have learned the difficult art of courtesy under all circumstances. In particular I always consider it my duty when at home to set my guests at their ease and to lead the conversation into topics that will neither embarrass them nor expose their ignorance.”

You go, girl! *fist pump* She has a way with words, at steering conversations in directions she wished it to take.

I don't read too many Mary Balogh books. Does Gwen and Syd have their own books? I would like to know that they fall in love (either with each other or someone else), because they definitely deserve some happiness.

Overall, this was a good read. I can't wait to reread for the next book read. (hide spoiler)]

I had no idea I was going to write this much. Happy reading, everyone!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Missy,

I enjoyed your comparison of (view spoiler)[Kit's flattery. I've read this book several times (prior to GR membership) and I didn't pick up on the differences.

You are a very keen reader to notice that subtlety in flatteries and MB is a great writer for making the distinction, though I didn't notice on my own. (hide spoiler)]

I wish I could read this with you guys.


PS.

Sydnam is hero in one of the books in the "Simply" quartet that follows the Bedwyn books.

Gwen is the heroine in book 1 of the "Survivor's Club" series.

[Jan]

Missy wrote: "I finished the book a few days ago. Sometimes I just can't believe the compliments coming out of these rakes' mouths in HR. They're either sweet or corny. I find Kit's earlier flatteries to be the ..."

Oh Wulfric's book is definitely the best. I know some people like to read strictly in order, but it doesn't worry me if I don't. I mentioned earlier I read Summer To Remember after the Slightly series. Accidentally, LOL, as I wasn't originally aware of the connection. But it worked out fine. IMO it doesn't matter if you read Slightly Dangerous first and the others later, but some might disagree. I guess it does add a layer of richness when you have the full background to a book, but it can work the other way too. Wulf's story can really hook you in to the series and you really WANT to read the others to meet all of his loved siblings.

Thanks for sharing all of those interesting thoughts on ASTR, Missy.

[Missy]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "PS. Sydnam is hero in one of the books in the "Simply" quartet that follows the Bedwyn books. Gwen is the heroine in book 1 of the "Survivor's Club" series."

Oh, thank you! Gwen's book sounds interesting! I've put them both on my to read list.

In case anyone was interested, the books are
(Syd's book) and (Gwen's book).

[Missy]

Priya wrote: "I started today. One Night for Love was an OK read for me, but I am glad I read it before AStR. Now I know a little bit about the h and what happened at the altar."

One day, I might read One Night for Love.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Interesting and considered observations, Missy.

What I really like about the book was you actually experienced them falling in love by getting to know and like each other. And such a good set up for the secondary characters. I straight away wanted to know more about Syd and Gwen as well.

But alas, I am one of those "sad" people who must read strictly in order... or the sky will fall in, LOL. So I'm starting with the Bedwyns, book 1. But I really enjoy finding another author/series to love and having lots of good reading to look forward to.

[Missy]

Jan130 wrote: "...Wulf's story can really hook you in to the series and you really WANT to read the others to meet all of his loved siblings."

Good to know! I'll definitely start on his book when I get the chance. Thanks!

[Missy]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "What I really like about the book was you actually experienced them falling in love by getting to know and like each other."

Same here. (view spoiler)[Their mini adventures together were so cute and helpful in bringing Lauren out of her prim and proper shell. (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Interesting and considered observations, Missy.

What I really like about the book was you actually experienced them falling in love by getting to know and like each other. And such a good set up ..."

I nice change from insta-love/lust!

[Priya]

I finished reading. (view spoiler)[I liked how the MCs went from total strangers to liking each other and eventually falling in love. The way they helped each other was wonderful.
I hated Freyja in this book. I hope I like her and understand why she behaved that way in her book. (hide spoiler)]

[Mariana]

I read Books 1 through 3 of the Slightly series first and enjoyed them all. Before reading this one, I read One Night for Love but did not like it.

I finished A Summer to Remember yesterday, and it fell in the middle for me.

(view spoiler)[ I did not like Kit. I agree that his lines were cheesy. I am sure that was intentional as his whole personality is the devil-may-care mask. That aspect is fine with me. However, he is also selfish, uses other people, and has very few thoughts of others. Maybe it is because I read Freyja's story first. She foolishly let her brothers bully her into a bad decision, but she really loved Kit. Kit just used her, lied to her, and then used Lauren to avoid her. (Interesting how the fake betrothal is the same premise for both Kit and Freyja's stories.)

Fortunately, Lauren's character saves the book for me. She is kind and empathetic. She loves people, including her ex-fiance. She is so wonderful and good that she is able to bring some light into Kit's life. If Lauren was not as stong as she was, I do not think Kit would have committed to her as he was so fickle all his life. I appreciated that Lauren left, broke off the engagement, and announced it to everyone. If Kit would not had to do one right thing, their marriage would have never worked. He needed to acquire just a little character. (hide spoiler)]

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Ok, I am through Chapter 6, and I need to put this down. There are real triggers in here for me, bringing me to tears triggers, not good tears either. I don't know if I can continue it. It has taken a turn that makes me think I can continue, but right now, I am very skeptical that Kit will become worthy of Lauren.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Mariana wrote: "I read Books 1 through 3 of the Slightly series first and enjoyed them all. Before reading this one, I read One Night for Love but did not like it.

I finished [book:A Summer to Rememb..."

Interesting thoughts, Mariana. I didn't really see Kit in this way, (view spoiler)[ I think he was one of these people where life comes easy for him. And he made choices from his POV not really considering others. But growing to love Lauren really makes him want to try and be a better person and own some of his previous dubious choices. And that made the book a 4 star read for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Mariana]

Joanna wrote: "Ok, I am through Chapter 6, and I need to put this down. There are real triggers in here for me, bringing me to tears triggers, not good tears either. I don't know if I can continue it. It has take..."

Yes! These were my thoughts exactly at that point.

[Mariana]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I read Books 1 through 3 of the Slightly series first and enjoyed them all. Before reading this one, I read One Night for Love but did not like it.

I finished [book:A ..."

I suppose Kit did just react from his POV as we only can. I respect your impression of him. His character just came off as selfish to me.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Ok, I am through Chapter 6, and I need to put this down. There are real triggers in here for me, bringing me to tears triggers, not good tears either. I don't know if I can continue ..."

Good to know I am not alone!

[lorii (Loriidae)]

I finally got to this one. I enjoyed it a lot more than the one before (in which Lauren was jilted). I loved the Dowager!

My issue is whether I want to continue with the Bedwyns, they are portrayed as pretty nasty people. It will be masterful if MB can turn them into likeable MCs.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Loriidae wrote: "I finally got to this one. I enjoyed it a lot more than the one before (in which Lauren was jilted). I loved the Dowager!

My issue is whether I want to continue with the Bedwyns, they are portray..."

Agreed. I liked AStRmore than ONfL.

If you can give the Bedwyn family a “clean slate,” the books are worth reading. Yes, they were unpleasant in AStR.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Loriidae wrote: "I finally got to this one. I enjoyed it a lot more than the one before (in which Lauren was jilted). I loved the Dowager!

My issue is whether I want to continue with the Bedwyns, they are portray..."

I finished this much later too. It ended up much better than
I thought possible based on where I started. I liked how the Bedwyns were presented here, the way they banded together and tried to intimidate. I was amused, though it didn't put them in a favorable light.

I have listened to two of the slightly series, and the stories are good. The first one does not feature any of the Bedwyns present here as an MC, so it will probably give you a chance to dislike the others less. I am not sure on continuing, though, because I am not sure if Balogh's writing style is for me. In each, I have had some trouble with phrasing, which is a me issue it seems.

[Jan]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I liked AStRmore than ONfL."

Me too. Whilst I LOVE some of MB's books, there are lots that just don't hit the mark for me. I have read all of the Bedwyn books now, and the sequel novella, and I did enjoy them although definitely some more than others. I liked all of the Bedwyn siblings by the end of the saga, although for me some of their stories seemed to be more appealing than others. My fav was the final one, Slightly Dangerous which I just love. I know some find Wulfric a little too cold for their taste, but not me. For those of you who enjoyed A Summer to Remember I encourage you to read the Bedwyn series. Overall well worth it IMO, and that final book - yep, for me it's great.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I've got them all... just need a chance to start them. I'm really behind on my reading lately, have been away and still haven't caught up with work and household chores. Sigh...