Historical Romance Book Club discussion
Gaol/Buddy Reads & Challenges
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BR - Love by Numbers Series - Sarah MacLean
Loriidae---Yes. My heroines don't always need the same personality. But I hope she's worthy of the H & vice versa. Not too keen on when the H or h ( or both) start off obnoxious and remain so. It's OK if the h is feisty as long as she doesn't verbally abuse or humiliate everyone in her path. Some "feisty" heroines are cruel or sabotage relationships.
I read infrequent CRs. One heroine called everyone d-head: it
was so junior high. She was chronologically in her late 20s!
Sorry off- topic.
HR-MovieLover wrote: "Loriidae---Yes. My heroines don't always have to have the same personality.
But I hope she's worthy of the H & vice versa. Not too keen on
when the H or h ( or both) start off obnoxious and rem..."
Definitely! If I wanted bitchy, I would socialise more!
Any turn around of character has to be done gradually or it isn't believable. I hate epiphany moments!
HR I have forgotten are you reading #2 with us?
Loriidae wrote: "HR I have forgotten are you reading #2 with us?"Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
This one? If yes, I owned/read this a few years back. A co-
worker and I swapped HRs. OLT does v good book reviews
on GR & Amazon, & I trust her opinion. In a review, OLT
thought the 10 Ways characters were bland compared to
those of 9 Rules (same author). Not to say I distrust the
opinion of others, but just I've known her longer.
I'd be glad to read Eleven Scandals, which I never read. In March ?
You may think me an odd-ball, but I don't always read a
HR series in chronological order.
HR-MovieLover wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "HR I have forgotten are you reading #2 with us?"Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
This one? If yes, I owned/read this a few years back. A co-
worker and I ..."
Yes the initial plan was Ten ways in Feb and Eleven somethings in march, but depending on what Giselle wants to do which may be Ten in March and Eleven in April. So not quite worked out yet.
I'm open to read Eleven Scandals when you designate the month. Thanks for your response.
Loriidae wrote: "GiselleI just saw your note in the buddy read thread about your overload of books, if you want to delay #2 to March, we can do that and that will give Mariana ample time to catch up as well."
Whatever works for you! Its one of the ones on my Feb TBR. And I am really excited to get to it! I just can't do it the 9th-14th (I have some other reads planned for that time). Let me know what you think. We can postpone if you want.
Ok let's stick to the original plan :)How does February 6 sound for Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord?
I just finished reading through chapter 16. I read the first few comments noted with chapters there or before. I agree about how hot the Romantic scenes are. I forgot that about Sarah MacLean as well. That is definitely a plus to the book.I really like the premise of the story. The idea of a woman who has always followed the rules reaching out and completing a list of items she never dreamed she could do appeals to me. I also like the sibling relationships in both families, another Pro.
The con is that I do not like lady Calpurnia Hartwell or Gabriel St John. Callie seems pathetic pining from a distance for only one man for a full decade. Gabriel does not believe in love and has very little moral character outside of his caring for his brother and sister. He just seems so selfish and hedonistic.
Mariana wrote: "I just finished reading through chapter 16. I read the first few comments noted with chapters there or before. I agree about how hot the Romantic scenes are. I forgot that about Sarah MacLean as we..."You have nailed it exactly, I was more forgiving of Gabriel, but agree totally with your assessment of Callie.
Apologies also, (lesson learned :) ) We decided to dispense with the spoiler tags when there were just the two of us.
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I just finished reading through chapter 16. I read the first few comments noted with chapters there or before. I agree about how hot the Romantic scenes are. I forgot that about Sar..."I'm not worried about spoiler tags as long as you note what chapter you read through at the beginning of the comment.
Mariana wrote: "I finished the first book and I'm ready to start Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord."Go ahead and start if you wish. :) I will probably start mid week, I have about 8 hours to listen on my current book. I tend to spread out over 4 or 5 days. Giselle tends to read over a couple. I will put Tuesday 6th on the BR thread.
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I finished the first book and I'm ready to start Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord."Go ahead and start if you wish. :) I will probably start mid week, I hav..."
I'll try and start tomorrow! Very excited for this one.
(sorry I've been absent the past few days. Been spending a lot of time with the husband. Just rewatched all of the LOTR extended editions which ate up all my free time. haha)
Giselle wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I finished the first book and I'm ready to start Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord."Go ahead and start if you wish. :) I will probably star..."
Spending time with hubby a good thing.
I am starting today.
So I'm on chapter 14 now.I kind of just devoured this book. I couldn't help it! I have 2 other buddy reads going on right now and I'm disliking both of them! So this was the perfect. I needed a book that I wouldn't feel guilty about reading haha. As far as the actual story goes... I dunno. I like some aspects but not others. I feel like this is one of the exceptions where I'd like the book better if it wasn't a romance. Or at the very least I would like it more if it would slow down. I just don't think it fits within Isabel's character to be kissing him and letting him touch her within one day of knowing him. I just don't believe it at all. She's experienced first hand and also has seen over and over what has come of men being in people she cares about lives. Does that make sense? I had a hard time wording that sentence. But she just seems so completely against them and then all the sudden she's fine with him giving her orgasms and she's trusting him with all her deepest secrets after one day ?! What? I don't understand. I just think seeing more of her with the women would be so interesting and make for a much more compelling story than Nick coming in and rescuing her! Gag me. "I must save her. blah, blah, blah." She just is so easily persuaded too. By everyone. It's like I'm still enjoying it but I don't think it's very good. At least they aren't declaring their love for each other yet. Don't let me have jinxed that. Also her brother! I think I've mentioned this before but children in adult fiction are the worst! They either act way too old or way too young. I feel like he fits into the too young category. It's not wholly unbelievable because he did grow up extremely sheltered but he acts like he's 6! So again, not totally unbelievable but still quite annoying. I would say she's doing a 6 out of 10 job with him. (most books I've read that have children in them would probably get a 2.) Like pretty good but in the grand scheme of things still not doing well. Only "good" in comparison.
Okay, I think I'm about halfway through Chapter 15 now.Did he just feel up a statue? WTF? When he started talking about it I thought I knew where it was going but hoping I was wrong. Then he grabbed it's breast. Why? Maybe it turns on Isabel but now I'm just really weirded out. No thank you. And again about the wanting to save her. That's why he's claiming he wants to marry her and I don't like it!!
*edit* and then they almost have sex against the statue? (this beautiful ancient statue that he's humping her against. I thought they loved and had respect for these? I really don't believe it with how they're treating it. That's like making out against the Mona Lisa. Totally uncalled for and potentially destructive!!!!!!!! I am not having!) And then she says "wait" to him and he keeps on stroking her? Ewwww... I really don't like that. Did I mention that he also called her "good girl"? No. Just no. I don't like this at all. Make it stop, make it stop!!
Through Chapter Five Excellent beginning! (view spoiler) I'm enjoying this first look at Isabel, as our heroine, I am enjoying her more then Callie.
This book has captured my interest straight off. I am really enjoying it. Liking Rock, he is the perfect foil to Nicholas. I am looking forward to their backstory.
Giselle, I can see why you are racing through it. I am finding it very appealing and laughing aloud at moments. The roof scene is priceless!
Just read through the comments. I did start reading on Monday but not flying through it as quickly and easily as everyone else seems to be.I already liked Nick better than his brother from the prior book. I also like Isabel. However, based on some scene descriptions, not sure I'm going to like how the story progresses.
I will try to read some more this evening.
Mariana wrote: "Just read through the comments. I did start reading on Monday but not flying through it as quickly and easily as everyone else seems to be.I already liked Nick better than his brother from the pr..."
Which scenes are concerning you? Are they before Chapter Eight?
That is where I am up to. I am liking it a lot more than the first. Unfortunately at the moment I can't see a direction for the plot to go in. (view spoiler)
Giselle, I am a little disturbed by your update with a one star rating is it not worth finishing? I haven't read your first post I must admit because you were up to something like chapter 14 and seemed to be enjoying it. I will be really interested to see what has caused you to dislike the book.
Loriidae wrote: "Giselle, I am a little disturbed by your update with a number with a one star rating is it not worth finishing? I haven't read your first post I must admit because you were up to something like cha..."I kind of hate read the last half of the book. It was so bad that I was enjoying reading it because I was picking out everything I hated. haha. I'm going to post the rest of my thoughts soon. But my non spoilery thoughts are that I just hated a lot of the things that the characters did, said and thought. The actual idea for the book I think is really good but I didn't think it make a good or believable romance in the way it was executed. It's a different kind of hate than I had for Gabriel from the first book. This was more "You two are so stupid!!!!" kind of hate. The first half was probably a 3-4 star read for me but the second half bombed. I don't know if you'd like it. I know instalove doesn't annoy you as much as it does me. And as to the reason I read this so fast was mostly just because I was hating everything else I was reading. Even though I didn't like it past the 50% mark it was still a fun hate read. The other books I was reading I just hated. haha.
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Just read through the comments. I did start reading on Monday but not flying through it as quickly and easily as everyone else seems to be.I already liked Nick better than his bro..."
I have completed the first nine chapters, and I am just not into it. I began liking the characters more than book 1, but the story is DRAGGING! At least the adventures with Gabriel were fun to read.
The strange erotic scenes with statues concern me along with a lady distrustful of men flipping a switch in two days.
Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Just read through the comments. I did start reading on Monday but not flying through it as quickly and easily as everyone else seems to be.I already liked Nick be..."
We are at exactly the same place, and I can see exactly what you are saying it is a huge back flip in character. I didn't read any yesterday.
It may be because I am a big traditional regency fan, I would have liked the presence of an older chaperone type person.
I am interested to see where the story deteriorates for Giselle, so will continue for a few more chapters at least.
Are you continuing?
For me it doesn't ring true that all these women with all their life experiences would leave her alone with a man.
Giselle wrote: "So I'm on chapter 14 now.I kind of just devoured this book. I couldn't help it! I have 2 other buddy reads going on right now and I'm disliking both of them! So this was the perfect. I needed a b..."
Yes I agree with everything you have said. I have only just caught up to here. Even now I can see the beginnings of the one star rating.
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Just read through the comments. I did start reading on Monday but not flying through it as quickly and easily as everyone else seems to be.I alrea..."
Yes, I plan to finish the book; but it might take me the rest of the month! :-)
Loriidae wrote: "Chapter Nine [spoilers removed]Chapter Twelve [spoilers removed]"
I also (view spoiler)
I just finished reading chapter 11.I am so glad she decided to tell him the complete truth! I have no idea how it is about to go, but I absolutely hate it when characters try to withhold information because they do not trust someone they're falling in love with.
Mariana wrote: "I just finished reading chapter 11.I am so glad she decided to tell him the complete truth! I have no idea how it is about to go, but I absolutely hate it when characters try to withhold informat..."
I guess this is why the insta-love isn't working for me. I agree she had to tell him as I also hate it when the secrets drag on. But having said that it isn't the type of secret that you would tell someone after having known them only three days.
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I just finished reading chapter 11.I am so glad she decided to tell him the complete truth! I have no idea how it is about to go, but I absolutely hate it when characters try to withhold informat..."
I guess this is why the insta-love isn't working for me. I agree she had to tell him as I also hate it when the secrets drag on. But having said that it isn't the type of secret that you would tell someone after having known them only three days. "
Yeah, I've got to agree. Don't go telling him after 2 days of knowing him. Regardless of you loving someone. It's drastic. Especially since it's not just her but it's also many other women depending on her. It's stupid and selfish. I don't believe it.
Giselle wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I just finished reading chapter 11.I am so glad she decided to tell him the complete truth! I have no idea how it is about to go, but I absolutely hate it when ch..."
I agree that it was quick and drastic, but she had to make a decision in a short amount of time. Plus all the other women encouraged her to disclose everything. The next hundred pages of the book or so flew by for me much easier than the first 50%.
Giselle wrote: "Okay, I think I'm about halfway through Chapter 15 now.Did he just feel up a statue? WTF? When he started talking about it I thought I knew where it was going but hoping I was wrong. Then he grab..."
Yeah that was just creepy, and I agree totally with your edit.
Read Chapter Seventeen tonight - I am reading three other books instead of this one.
Well, I finished this one. There was a lot of back and forth and deceit and fights that just seemed to be trying to add numbers of pages to the book. I mean really this could have ended at about the halfway point.
Mariana wrote: "Well, I finished this one. There was a lot of back and forth and deceit and fights that just seemed to be trying to add numbers of pages to the book. I mean really this could have ended at about th..."So true!
Loriidae wrote: "FinishedAfter a promising start it all fell away I didn't buy the instant love. The sex scenes in the statutory were just plain creepy. I also didn't buy Nick's reasoning for wanting to marry Isab..."
Yes, (view spoiler)
Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "FinishedAfter a promising start it all fell away I didn't buy the instant love. The sex scenes in the statutory were just plain creepy. I also didn't buy Nick's reasoning for want..."
I hope so Mariana. What dates will work for you in March?
Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "FinishedAfter a promising start it all fell away I didn't buy the instant love. The sex scenes in the statutory were just plain creepy. I also didn't buy Nick's re..."
I have four other books to read in March, but I have not set any start dates yet. Any day that is good for the group is fine with me.
Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "FinishedAfter a promising start it all fell away I didn't buy the instant love. The sex scenes in the statutory were just plain creepy. I also did..."
Great :) Giselle? Time frame?
I am putting up the discussion thread for March 12. For #3 Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart Randomly selected by me. :) Does anyone prefer a different date?
Loriidae wrote: "I am putting up the discussion thread for March 12. For #3 Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart Randomly selected by me. :) Does anyone prefer a different date?"March 12th works for me!
March 12
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's HeartThere is no telling where a scandal might lead...
She lives for passion.
Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society’s rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London’s most practiced gossips... and precisely the kind of woman the Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.
He swears by reputation.
Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening—risking everything he holds dear—he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety.
She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.
I started early. For some reason, I had it on my calendar for March 9th, so I started reading on Friday. It is a very easy read.
It's up next for me so I will start today.
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I just saw your note in the buddy read thread about your overload of books, if you want to delay #2 to March, we can do that and that will give Mariana ample time to catch up as well.