Kleypas, Lisa--Hello Stranger informal buddy read starts June 3, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas



Synopsis
Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every rule

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett's skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he's ever known. (

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
   conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

• We find the buddy style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
   set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
   jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
   we're only human and we don't get any compensation for what we do--not even
   free books!

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

res

[Eldarwen]

Book is ready to go just as soon as the previous book in series is read :-)

(Team Severus Snape for TT)

[Sally906]

And I'm here too from Team Luna Lovegood - checked that I really did have it - and then went into meltdown as not in my kobo app - only to find it in my kindle - phew!!!

[Annalisa]

Hi, I'm joining from TT Severus Snape as well.

My copy of the book book just arrived at the library for me to pick up, so I'll be ready when those reading The Devil In Spring are ready.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Hello. I'm here, I knew there must have been a reason that I haven't read this yet... so I can join in the buddy read, of course! Team Luna Lovegood

[Joanne]

I'd like to join in for this one. Team Draco Malfoy.

[Eldarwen]

The more the merrier! :-D

[Michelle]

Here for Team Draco!

[SandyL]

I'm in - Team Newt Scamander

[Karishma]

I'm in! Team Tonks.

Is anyone reading the other books in the series first?

[Annalisa]

Karishma wrote: "I'm in! Team Tonks.

Is anyone reading the other books in the series first?"

There is a Thread for Devil in Spring. I think everyone has read all the other books already.

[Michelle]

Karishma wrote: "I'm in! Team Tonks.

Is anyone reading the other books in the series first?"

Karishma, I was going to start the series this week to hop into these BRs. You want to do a BR for Cold-Hearted Rake together?

[Eldarwen]

I admit, I started early. I wanted a bit of fluff yesterday afternoon and this was just looking at me, begging to be picked up.

So I read the first chapter. Ah, I'm enjoying this combination already!! :-)

And the best thing? I flicked to the back of the book and noticed there was an excerpt for book #5!! :-D We're going to get West's story next! Expected publication in 2019.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I’m starting .... now!

[Sally906]

I started it earlier this morning - but was already 3rd so all good.

She is so gutsy but still not so up herself that she isn’t willing to agree to more combat training.

[Eldarwen]

Mmhh, true! I like it when strong characters who know their worth are still open to learning new things and accept criticism (if more or less grudgingly hehe).

[Annalisa]

I just finished the first chapter and it is going to be good. I wish I could read more today, but I've got a big project to finish up. Hope it goes quickly and I can get back to this soon.

[Snowtulip]

Eldarwen wrote: "I admit, I started early. I wanted a bit of fluff yesterday afternoon and this was just looking at me, begging to be picked up.

So I read the first chapter. Ah, I'm enjoying this combination alrea..."

So happy to hear that, I can't wait for West's story!

[Michelle]

Snowtulip wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "I admit, I started early. I wanted a bit of fluff yesterday afternoon and this was just looking at me, begging to be picked up.

So I read the first chapter. Ah, I'm enjoying this ..."

Same! I love West!

[SandyL]

This was a great start to the book. I've enjoyed Garrett in the other books she made appearances in and I'm intrigued by Ethan Ransome. Did anyone catch a comment made by Gabriel St Vincent in Devil in Spring:
(view spoiler)[ "There's one thing I want to ask," Gabriel said.
Turning back to him, Ransom lifted his brows slightly.
Gabriel's stare was steady and speculative. "What connection do you have to the Ravenels?"
Astonished, Pandora looked from her husband to Ethan Ransom, who hesitated a bit longer than one might have expected before replying, "None at all. Why do you ask?"
"When I first met you," Gabriel said, "I thought your eyes were black. But they're dark blue, rimmed with black." I've only seen four people in my life with eyes that color, all of them Ravenels." He paused. "And now you." (hide spoiler)]

[Sally906]

Yes, I picked up on that - I am guessing Ethan is a Ravenel by-blow. But who mummy and daddy is I can't guess - well I can - I think it might be Pandora's dad (the mum and dad fought a lot - about his affairs maybe - an illegitimate child as a result?)

I guess all will be revealed in due course.

[Sally906]

I have discovered if you 'reply' the spoiler is revealed so not hidden anymore.

Make sure (and you guys may already know about this) that you delete the spoiler in the reply before you post.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I'm half way through Chapter 6.

Yes, (view spoiler)[ I think there is no doubt that Ethan is a "bastard" (hate that word but I guess correct terminology here) either a half brother or maybe cousin to the Ravenel girls. And inheriting that property is supposed to be some sort of acknowledgement of his ancestry. I'm thinking it will all be revealed by the end of the book . (hide spoiler)]

Loving Garrett and Ethan together.

[Eldarwen]

I'm up to chapter 8.

Devil in Spring(view spoiler)[left no doubt that Ethan was going to be a bastard of the late earl. And we get confirmation early on that there is an inheritance left to him. Why that is though remains a mystery, since usually the bastards weren't really well regarded. I'm wondering if his mam might not be his real mother. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7
Now this is going to be interesting hehe. I foresee great drama! ;-)

Agreed, Garrett and Ethan are a very interesting combination.

[Eldarwen]

I didn't get a lot of reading done today unfortunately but chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9 bring some interesting information, some intrigue and *drumroll* dramaaaaaa ;-)

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Oh No! Just finished Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ and our hero is looking to be in dire straits!!

I do like the way LK wrote the love scene. Swoon worthy. Ethan Ransom can put his shoes under my bed, anytime, LOL. (hide spoiler)]

[Eldarwen]

I'm itching to click that spoiler, but I better not!! I'm at chapter 12 now.

Chapters 9-11 were (view spoiler)[interesting. And I do NOT like Jenkyns. Smug bastard who thinks he's king of the world. Having gotten to know Ethan as he is now, it seems odd that he could ever have felt attached to a man like that. I wonder what exactly made him change his mind about his mentor. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Eldarwen wrote: "I'm itching to click that spoiler, but I better not!! I'm at chapter 12 now.

Chapters 9-11 were [spoilers removed]"

I think (view spoiler)[ Ethan's background had him crying out for a father figure. Sir Jasper played him like a violin... and it wasn't till Ethan became a man and started using his own judgement he could see him for the evil man he was. (hide spoiler)]

Finished, a thoroughly lovely read. LK does heroes so very well and Garrett was perfect for him. 4 stars.

[Eldarwen]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "I'm itching to click that spoiler, but I better not!! I'm at chapter 12 now.

Chapters 9-11 were [spoilers removed]"

I think [spoilers removed]"

Hmmm, you're right. (view spoiler)[The mention of Sir Jasper as a father figure has been made a couple of times, so that must be it. And when you think what this guy has made out of Gamble, playing him like a fiddle and constantly putting him up against Ethan.. not very healthy relationships these guys have. (hide spoiler)]

[Sally906]

I’m only up to the start of chapter 10 - hubby back in hospital overnight so was able to read a bit last night as I had the WHOLE bed to myself got know reading done today

Is either a feast or a famine with my reading at the moment

[Eldarwen]

Finished Chapter 13 (gosh, today really was a slow reading day..)

I like Ethan, a lot, but he sometimes makes me roll my eyes so hard, I fear they'll end up stuck at the back of my head.. (view spoiler)[I understand that he wants to protect Garrett and it is very noble of him, but it sounds a little too woe-is-me at times. *sigh* but sometimes I really am a sucker for that kind of drama in the right setting - such as this one. (hide spoiler)]

Off to bed for me now to get some more pages read. I want to know how this all pans out!! :-)

[SandyL]

Eldarwen wrote: "I'm itching to click that spoiler, but I better not!! I'm at chapter 12 now.

Chapters 9-11 were [spoilers removed]"

I agree Eldarwen (view spoiler)[ I really, really don't like Jenkyn! But I do like how Garrett is not afraid of him (at least yet?) (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Finished! I've loved all LK's books, but I think this is one of my favorite. There was a lot of excitement and intrigue and there was (view spoiler)[so much more to Ethan than working for Jenkyns - what with his patents and stock investments and everything. I also loved how he started to come to terms with being a Ravenel. (hide spoiler)]

I'm really looking forward to West's book!

[Snowtulip]

I'm still waiting for my library hold, fingers crossed it will come soon!

[Eldarwen]

It's cliché and dramatic and so good! :-)

[Michelle]

Flying through book 3. Should be able to start this one soon.

[Eldarwen]

End of chapter 15 and chapter 16

(view spoiler)[Oooh my gosh!! I was expecting this, even predicted it, but I still love these kinds of clichés. All the nerves and drama, oh my! And Ethan speaks such wonderful words even when he's close to dying *sigh* (hide spoiler)]

The second half of chapter 16

(view spoiler)[I was a bit shocked at the exchange between Havelock and Garrett, because, in essence, from their medical standpoint, he was probably right. Being so close to death, low on blood and having been infected by one of the most disgusting rivers ever... Yeah, maybe Garrett should have stuck to her principles, but I don't think another option could ever have been acceptable to her other than trying to save the man she loves, no matter what the cost. It's shocking that she would risk everything she has ever dreamed of and worked so hard for but... as I said, drama. Love it! ;-) (hide spoiler)]

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

SandyL wrote: "This was a great start to the book. I've enjoyed Garrett in the other books she made appearances in and I'm intrigued by Ethan Ransome. Did anyone catch a comment made by Gabriel St Vincent in Devi..."

Now that you mention it I remember that scene! Great catch there.

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Eldarwen wrote: "Finished Chapter 13 (gosh, today really was a slow reading day..)

I like Ethan, a lot, but he sometimes makes me roll my eyes so hard, I fear they'll end up stuck at the back of my head.. [spoiler..."

I'm somewhere in chapter 100 and I want to smack Ethan to stop being a noble idiot lol!

[Eldarwen]

Hahaha, right??

Just wait until you get to chapter 16 ;-)

Oh and in chapter 17, West's comment (view spoiler)[about the ruinied deathbed scene - hilarious!! (hide spoiler)]

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Urgggh I am so tempted to click the spoiler NOW but am at chapter 11 still. RL getting in the way of reading!

[Eldarwen]

No clicking!!!!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Really looking forward to the next book (view spoiler)[ Sebastian and Evie's daughter Phoebe, ( Gabriel's widowed sister) and West! Yay. Sparks should fly with that pairing. (hide spoiler)]

[Sally906]

Kathleen wrote: "Urgggh I am so tempted to click the spoiler NOW but am at chapter 11 still. RL getting in the way of reading!"
I’ve just started chapter 11

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

All these spoiler tags look like a shiny gold coin that's begging to be picked!

[Annalisa]

I agree I want to read the spoilers. I'm about a third of the way into the book. Ethan is a bit dramatic. I didn't get that at all from his appearances in other books. It makes me laugh though picturing him doing the silly things he does.

[Snowtulip]

How I wish my book was here!

[Eldarwen]

Snowtulip wrote: "How I wish my book was here!"

Fingers crossed you'll get it soon!!