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Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
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"Buddy Read" Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (Love By Numbers #2) by Sarah MacLean [January 21, 2015]
Lisa Kay wrote: "Medusa, in black marble:"
...and here I was picturing something pretty :-)
Chris wrote: "...and here I was picturing something pretty :-)"**gigglesnort**
June, are you still able to do the first set of DQs for me? Or are you still having Internet woes? If you can't, I can do them today. Tomorrow I'll be swamped.
LK - I have the day 2 questions done, shall we wait another day?
Chris, let me write up some quick DQs for the first section and post them, then you can post yours. Alright? I think I can whip them up pretty fast. **crosses fingers**
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (2010)Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Prologue to Chapter 7
1. Man-oh-man! Lady Isabel’s “wastearl” father sure was a piece of work. Of course, back then young ladies were to marry where they were told, but he took it way beyond. (I did get a chuckle over how Isabel and her gang handled Asperton.) Nevertheless, my question is why Isabel’s father left the marbles alone? Big mystery there for me. It seems unlikely he didn’t know their value. Or were they held dearer to his heart than Isabel?
2. What do you think Lord Nicholas St. John – AKA “London’s Lord to Land” – thus far? How about his background as the bulan? What of his interesting relationship – from enemy to dubious friendship – with the Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton?
3. Speaking of Leighton, his sister, Georgiana, is increasing! Who could be the father? Will there be a tragic or happy ending to that?
4. What Oliver, Lord Densmore, the mysterious and missing guardian of Isabel and James? Will he eventually make an appearance? If so, when?
5. Are you enjoying the Lessons, as outlined by Pearls and Pelisses? Any strike your fancy in particular?
6. Isabel is quite independent. Still, it seems she could have been a tiny bit more grateful to Nicolas for saving her life, not once but twice. She did thank him, when they first viewed the marbles; however, I felt she was just buttering him up. All the same, I’m enjoying their banter. You?
7. What of Rock Durukhan, the Turk? Is he going to be shot by cupid’s arrow, too? Along with Lara, Isabel’s cousin?
8. Do you have a favorite among Isabel’s young ladies? Jane, Gwen, Kate, Lara, Georgiana, or someone else?
9. What did you think of the first kiss? Did the location increase the adrenaline?
Alright, Chris. Go ahead and post your DQs, if you like. Maybe put them under a spoiler? **shrugs** Not really necessary... but, if you like.
I can't find a marble of Voluptas, unfortunately, even without roses...but here is a picture:...Voluptas is pictured with her parents, Cupid and Psyche, at far right in Banquet of Amor and Psyche by Giulio Romano...
...close ups...
Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Prologue to Chapter 7 1. Man-oh-man! Lady Isabel’s “wastearl” father sure was a piece of work. Of course, back then young ladies were to marry where they were told, but he took it way beyond. (I did get a chuckle over how Isabel and her gang handled Asperton.) Nevertheless, my question is why Isabel’s father left the marbles alone? Big mystery there for me. It seems unlikely he didn’t know their value. Or were they held dearer to his heart than Isabel?
Good question. From what we know, maybe the Earl didn't really know their value. Or maybe in an out of character moment, he gave them to his wife in trust for his daughter. Funny thing, every time the marbles are mentioned I get a mental picture of the round glass type used in the childhood game and not beautiful marble statues, LOL.
2. What do you think Lord Nicholas St. John – AKA “London’s Lord to Land” – thus far? How about his background as the bulan? What of his interesting relationship – from enemy to dubious friendship – with the Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton?
It is interesting that we didn't really find out this part of Nick's character until this book in the series so it is quite a reveal. He is probably a lot more alpha than he originally came across. I think he earned the Duke's respect in their school encounter - sometimes opposites can quite successfully be friends.
3. Speaking of Leighton, his sister, Georgiana, is increasing! Who could be the father? Will there be a tragic or happy ending to that?
We've had no hint of who the father could be so far. Perhaps it is someone perceived as unsuitable, the point has been made that the Leightons are terrible snobs after all. Nevertheless, I'm guessing happy, this is historical romance after all.
4. What Oliver, Lord Densmore, the mysterious and missing guardian of Isabel and James? Will he eventually make an appearance? If so, when?
Maybe Lord Densmore is the father of Georgiana's baby. I don't think we have had even a description of him - it would tie a few plots together if he turned up at Minerva House and there was Georgiana!
5. Are you enjoying the Lessons, as outlined by Pearls and Pelisses? Any strike your fancy in particular?
They tie in well to the story. I am reminded a little bit of Lady Whistledown in the Julia Quinn series, the Bridgertons. Her pearls of knowledge also headed up each chapter.
6. Isabel is quite independent. Still, it seems she could have been a tiny bit more grateful to Nicolas for saving her life, not once but twice. She did thank him, when they first viewed the marbles; however, I felt she was just buttering him up. All the same, I’m enjoying their banter. You?
Yes, banter is the building block of a relationship in historical romance, LOL. It works well that she is not throwing herself at him and he is the one who is initially fighting the attraction.
7. What of Rock Durukhan, the Turk? Is he going to be shot by cupid’s arrow, too? Along with Lara, Isabel’s cousin?
I'd say so. As there are only 3 books in this series, he may get a secondary HEA as the book goes along although it is to early to say who with.
8. Do you have a favorite among Isabel’s young ladies? Jane, Gwen, Kate, Lara, Georgiana, or someone else?
I quite like Jane although I think we will see more of Lara as the book progresses.
9. What did you think of the first kiss? Did the location increase the adrenaline?
I don't think I'm up to that yet, only the near miss when Nick was appraising the Marbles.
Chapters `1-71. Man-oh-man! Lady Isabel’s “wastearl” father sure was a piece of work. Of course, back then young ladies were to marry where they were told, but he took it way beyond. (I did get a chuckle over how Isabel and her gang handled Asperton.) Nevertheless, my question is why Isabel’s father left the marbles alone? Big mystery there for me. It seems unlikely he didn’t know their value. Or were they held dearer to his heart than Isabel? Maybe he left them as a legacy. Perhaps he felt some guilt over his behavior.
2. What do you think Lord Nicholas St. John – AKA “London’s Lord to Land” – thus far? How about his background as the bulan? What of his interesting relationship – from enemy to dubious friendship – with the Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton? I was surprised! He seemed so much more laid back in the previous book. I was surprised that he had this more interesting aspect of his character.
3. Speaking of Leighton, his sister, Georgiana, is increasing! Who could be the father? Will there be a tragic or happy ending to that? Hard to imagine a good ending in that day and age for an unwed Duke's sister.
4. What Oliver, Lord Densmore, the mysterious and missing guardian of Isabel and James? Will he eventually make an appearance? If so, when?I'm not expecting much considering the father is the one who chose him.
5. Are you enjoying the Lessons, as outlined by Pearls and Pelisses? Any strike your fancy in particular? I think they're kinda fun. She doesn't seem to be adhering to the plan, but it's working quite well.
6. Isabel is quite independent. Still, it seems she could have been a tiny bit more grateful to Nicolas for saving her life, not once but twice. She did thank him, when they first viewed the marbles; however, I felt she was just buttering him up. All the same, I’m enjoying their banter. You?. I do enjoy the banter between them. His protective qualities have certainly come into play.
7. What of Rock Durukhan, the Turk? Is he going to be shot by cupid’s arrow, too? Along with Lara, Isabel’s cousin? I like that they are both falling in love.
8. Do you have a favorite among Isabel’s young ladies? Jane, Gwen, Kate, Lara, Georgiana, or someone else?I like that they are all part of a team. I suppose, if I had to choose a fave, I'd pick Gwen.
9. What did you think of the first kiss? Did the location increase the adrenaline? I like any and all kisses, regardless of location. I liked that it was her first and that it was so good.
Thanks for the pretty pictures, LIsa Kay. Yep, definitely not "marbles" as in the game, LOL.
Just as aside, I'm putting Nick in the "White Collar" hero category although his past as Bulan makes him a little bit blue collar also.
@ Lisa (Aussie Girl)#1 – Yeah, I can’t figure it out. Maybe it will somehow be turned around to show that he really loved his daughter, so he couldn’t sell her beloved marbles? **shrugs** Or maybe I’m just searching for a hopefully happy conclusion to the father-daughter relationship.
#2 – True and truer!
#3 – Yes, no hint, yet. I’m thinking there is a 50/50 chance for a happy ending.
#4 – O.M.G.! I didn’t even consider that. LOL!
#5 – Yes, they’re fun…and Isabel is failing miserably. LOL!
#6 – Yes, works for me, too.
#8 – I like Jane, too! Could be due to the conversation with Isabel on the roof.
#9 – Oh, drat! Did I get my chapters confused? Sorry.
@ Chris#1 – Yes, I was wondering that, too. But it is so at odds to him parlaying Isabel off as a bet. Still, maybe he knew his daughter well enough to know she’d get out of each and every one of those??
#2 – Me, too.
#3 – Yes, they are usually married off or sent abroad.
#4 – Ditto.
#5 – I like them, too. And yes, she’s way off base. LOL!
#8 – Yes!!
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Just as aside, I'm putting Nick in the "White Collar" hero category although his past as Bulan makes him a little bit blue collar also."Yeah, he's "white collar" now.
Almost ready to answer your DQs, Chris. I'm getting ready to start Chapter 13.
I keep getting this pic, when I do a search for Voluptas; however, I can't see that it has any relations. Of course, I don't speak French or Italian. LOL!
Nevertheless, it sure is pretty.
A Cesare Lapini (Italian, B. 1848) Marble statue: Sorpresa
1. Man-oh-man! Lady Isabel’s “wastearl” father sure was a piece of work. Of course, back then young ladies were to marry where they were told, but he took it way beyond. (I did get a chuckle over how Isabel and her gang handled Asperton.) Nevertheless, my question is why Isabel’s father left the marbles alone? Big mystery there for me. It seems unlikely he didn’t know their value. Or were they held dearer to his heart than Isabel?He gave them as gifts to Isabel's mother, so maybe even he didn't want to tarnish that part of his legacy.
2. What do you think Lord Nicholas St. John – AKA “London’s Lord to Land” – thus far? How about his background as the bulan? What of his interesting relationship – from enemy to dubious friendship – with the Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton?
I like him. It seems like he's fighting his feelings for Isabel just as much as Isabel's fighting her feelings for him! His background as the bulan, not familiar with, except that he was a hunter? Of people, like a private detective. Not sure. It seems like the rift is healed between Nicholas and the Duke since he's helping find his sister.
3. Speaking of Leighton, his sister, Georgiana, is increasing! Who could be the father? Will there be a tragic or happy ending to that?
Not too sure who the father is, but I'm sure when it get brought to light there will be a reconciliation for the sake of the child, hope so anyway!
4. What Oliver, Lord Densmore, the mysterious and missing guardian of Isabel and James? Will he eventually make an appearance? If so, when?
He will make an appearance, and perhaps it will bring Nicholas and Isabel closer together.
5. Are you enjoying the Lessons, as outlined by Pearls and Pelisses? Any strike your fancy in particular?
I enjoy reading them. It's amusing that even though Isabel may not be aware of the Lessons, since she's never been properly trained, she is following them step by step!
6. Isabel is quite independent. Still, it seems she could have been a tiny bit more grateful to Nicolas for saving her life, not once but twice. She did thank him, when they first viewed the marbles; however, I felt she was just buttering him up. All the same, I’m enjoying their banter. You?
I enjoy it as well! It's almost as if they're performing a mating ritual. He's amazed by the way she is so honest in her answers. He's used to women playing a game but she says what she feels. He likes it! I think she's afraid of her feelings because of her distrust of men due to her father's treatment of her mother, herself, and her brother.
7. What of Rock Durukhan, the Turk? Is he going to be shot by cupid’s arrow, too? Along with Lara, Isabel’s cousin?
Cupid definitely has both the Turk and Lara in his crosshairs! Looks like love!
8. Do you have a favorite among Isabel’s young ladies? Jane, Gwen, Kate, Lara, Georgiana, or someone else?
I like Gwen. She named the Minerva house by proclaiming the residents of the house 'a battalion of Minervas...all goddesses of war and wisdom.' And her background was so touching, daughter of a vicar, beatings, etc.
9. What did you think of the first kiss? Did the location increase the adrenaline?
I loved the first kiss! Isabel responded very passionately, even though it was her first one. They're natural together! As for the location, it was exciting because they just came in from the thunder storm and Nicholas had just saved Isabel's life...again!
Oops, no it was me, LIsa kay. I stopped a chapter too short. Anyways, yes it was a more than satisfactory first kiss, LOL.
@ Silvia#1 – You could be right.
#2 – Ah! Good question. I just assumed it was a hunter of spies… but it could be any persons.
#4 – Good bet!
#6 – She does, at that! I do like that about her… a lot.
#7 – (view spoiler)
#8 – Nice touch with the house name. Yes, sad that a vicar would do that, but abuse crosses all social and political and vocational boundaries.
#9 – All true! Adrenals on overload. ☺
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Oops, no it was me, LIsa kay. I stopped a chapter too short. Anyways, yes it was a more than satisfactory first kiss, LOL."Well, that's a relief! It wasn't me! Yay!
Thx Lisa - #7 spoiler, nice touch! ; )
Silvia wrote: "Thx Lisa - #7 spoiler, nice touch! ; )":o)
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Silvia - No 8 [spoilers removed]"
Lisa - IKR?! ; )
Chris’s Discussion Questions and Lisa Kay’s Answers for Chapters 8 – 15
10. What do you think of the conjecture between Rock and Nick regarding the all woman household? Are you enjoying the easy bantering manner between the two? Under what circumstances do you think they met, and how did they become so close?
I thought they sounded like the way real men actually talk about women. I like their dialogues. I would like to know how they met. I’m sure Rock rescuing him from the Turkish prison help bond them even more.
11. What do you think of Isobel reading a book backwards? She says she likes to be prepared. Has anyone ever tried it?
I’ve never read a book backwards, but I used to be very, very bad about peeking at the ending. I only do it rarely now-a-days.
12. Bulan. Do you get the sense that Nick is the consummate hunter? He seems so clever when he traps Isabel into telling her secrets.
Yes! This is nicely done. He knows what she really wants and reassures her that he can provide it. But, I think the hunter is getting caught, too.
13. I thought the scenes between James and Nick were so sweet. What did you think of their interactions? Did you enjoy the way that James innately trusted Nick? Do you enjoy the way Nick sees himself in the little boy?
Very sweet and well done. I do think it was their earlier scene that Nick was really starting to feel guilty for “sneaking” information, but this one made him realize all he had in common with him.
14. “I think you should consider your brother's proposal.” An interesting way to propose to her?
Very effective, me thinks, when he’s softened her up from dancing. Loved that the reveal of their earlier discussion rendered Isabel speechless at dinner and then made her laugh. LOL! Good way, at the table, to plant the seeds; later, a nice way to close the chapter.
15. What did you think about the seduction using the statue Voluptas?
I loved that it was his pet name for her – in both seduction scenes. LOL!
16. Why do you think Georgiana has gone missing?
I’m hoping she just ran away from “home” and something worse hasn’t happened.
Michelangelo's David-Apollo (1530)
Lent to the National Gallery of Art by the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence to celebrate 2013, the Year of Italian Culture.
The name of the sculpture alludes to the conflicting stories that the figure is David, slayer of Goliath or Apollo, god of light and sun. (MarieDauenheimer's Art & Anatomy Blog)
Unfinished status - Work on the sculpture stopped shortly after Alessandro de' Medici was made duke and Michelangelo left the city.
According to Vasari it is an "Apollo", perhaps in the act of taking an arrow from a quiver. In the inventory of Cosimo I of 1553, however, it is identified as, "David", by whoever drew up the historic catalogue. Art critics therefore identify the sculpture as one or the other, or, by showing a hyphenated title, "Apollo-David" or "David-Apollo", to note the uncertainty. Factors favoring the identity as Apollo are: the body is stocky and mature, as Apollo often was portrayed, rather than the typical portrayal of a youthful David; no bow is represented in the carving and, no unfinished portion of the statue allows enough area for one.(Wiki)
Marble. Roman copy (c. 130—140 CE) in marble of a Greek bronze (c. 330—320 BCE), probably by Leochares.
Inv. No. 1015.
Rome, Vatican Museums, Pio-Clementine Museum, Octagonal Court, Apollo Cabinet, 2.
Chapt 8 -1510. What do you think of the conjecture between Rock and Nick regarding the all woman household? Are you enjoying the easy bantering manner between the two? Under what circumstances do you think they met, and how did they become so close?. I was so curious about the Rock character. I didn't remember him fro9m the previous book, and he was so much a part of this one. I love the dialog between the two. I'd like to know the back-story.
11. What do you think of Isobel reading a book backwards? She says she likes to be prepared. Has anyone ever tried it? Never. I like surprises.
12. Bulan. Do you get the sense that Nick is the consummate hunter? He seems so clever when he traps Isabel into telling her secrets. I liked the scene between them. I liked how he made her tell secrets, and I'm glad she began to open up to him. I think he thought he had such control :-)
13. I thought the scenes between James and Nick were so sweet. What did you think of their interactions? Did you enjoy the way that James innately trusted Nick? Do you enjoy the way Nick sees himself in the little boy? I thought theses were some of the most touching in the book. I loved the way he treated James.
14. I think you should consider your brother's proposal." An interesting way to propose to her? I thought it was funny, but I didn't think she'd fall for it without a fight.
15. What did you think about the seduction using the statue Voluptas? I liked it, and thought it was very creative.
16. Why do you think Georgiana has gone missing? I thought she was trying to spare the "home" any trouble. I was surprised at the real reason.
I have lost track. Did someone volunteer to do the last set of DQs?
@ Chris#10 – Was Rock in the first book? I don’t remember him, either.
10. What do you think of the conjecture between Rock and Nick regarding the all woman household? Are you enjoying the easy bantering manner between the two? Under what circumstances do you think they met, and how did they become so close?I like the banter between them and love that Rock kept his promise about not revealing that he knew about the all women household before Nick told him he was aware. I believe Rock helped Nick escape from prison and they remained close friends.
11. What do you think of Isobel reading a book backwards? She says she likes to be prepared. Has anyone ever tried it?
Amazing she can do that. I have to admit I've on occasion read the ending if I'm bored with a book and just want to get it over with, my bad! LOL!
12. Bulan. Do you get the sense th
at Nick is the consummate hunter? He seems so clever when he traps Isabel into telling her secrets.
He's very adept at, ahem, coaxing her into 'revealing' herself! Cough! Must be all the 'training' he's had!! Wink-wink!!
13. I thought the scenes between James and Nick were so sweet. What did you think of their interactions? Did you enjoy the way that James innately trusted Nick? Do you enjoy the way Nick sees himself in the little boy?
I love it! Nick is reminded of his youth and how he felt at the loss of his mother abandoning him and his brother, and then his father turning away from them due to his grief and sending them away to school. He missed out on the father/son relationship and was trying to provide that gentle guidance to James. Very touching. Nick's a real catch!
14. I think you should consider your brother's proposal." An interesting way to propose to her?
Very interesting indeed! But he also realizes that it isn't the proper proposal, so I wonder what he has in mind?!
15. What did you think about the seduction using the statue Voluptas?
Nice demonstration on the marble, showing Isabel what he could visually do with his hands! I loved how Isabel wanted Nick's hands on her instead of on the statue! She's catching on!!
16. Why do you think Georgiana has gone missing?
Maybe for ransom?
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Chris#10 – Was Rock in the first book? I don’t remember him, either."
I sure didn't remember him. (view spoiler)
Lisa Kay wrote: "I have lost track. Did someone volunteer to do the last set of DQs?"I thought it was June, but I think she is having dodgy internet problems. I can do them if needed, Lisa Kay.
Yes, Chris, I agree. I think Rock rounded out Nick's character much better and made him more real than if he wasn't in the story.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I thought it was June, but I think she is having dodgy internet problems. I can do them if needed, Lisa Kay."That would be wonderful, Lisa, thanks!
Good Gravy Beans, I hate Internet woes. I'm too addicted to GRs. LOL!
Me too, Lisa Kay. Although if that's our worse vice I think we're not doing to badly, LOL. I'll get on those questions...
CHRIS' QUESTIONS...10. What do you think of the conjecture between Rock and Nick regarding the all woman household? Are you enjoying the easy bantering manner between the two? Under what circumstances do you think they met, and how did they become so close?
Rock's addition adds a nice touch to the story. As someone mentioned, I don't think he was mentioned at all in the first book. In fact, Nick is a lot different as a main character than he was as the secondary character. He's developed many more hero qualities and seems a lot more sure of himself. I hope we find out exactly how they met before the end of the story.
11. What do you think of Isobel reading a book backwards? She says she likes to be prepared. Has anyone ever tried it?
No, I can't even read out of order in a series so backwards, no way. It would spoil the surprise and the build-up of the romance. Nuh, not for me.
12. Bulan. Do you get the sense that Nick is the consummate hunter? He seems so clever when he traps Isabel into telling her secrets.
Actually, initially for me the term Bulan conjured up a picture of someone who is a lot more aggressive than Nick. He is much more subtle with his hunting - including how he finds out Isabel's secrets. On reflection, maybe this is actually what the term means - hunting by stealth and intellect not just brute force.
13. I thought the scenes between James and Nick were so sweet. What did you think of their interactions? Did you enjoy the way that James innately trusted Nick? Do you enjoy the way Nick sees himself in the little boy?
Yes, really nicely done. You can see that Nick will be an excellent role model for James. Something that he didn't have.
14. “I think you should consider your brother's proposal.” An interesting way to propose to her?
Very effective, me thinks, when he’s softened her up from dancing. Loved that the reveal of their earlier discussion rendered Isabel speechless at dinner and then made her laugh. LOL! Good way, at the table, to plant the seeds; later, a nice way to close the chapter.
Well, they've only known each other for a few days but there is definitely that chemistry between them. Of course, when Isabel finds out that Nick is there to find Georgiana, sparks will fly. Sarah MacLean has set their HEA up quite nicely, as immediately you see that they are very well suited.
15. What did you think about the seduction using the statue Voluptas?
Again, nicely done and very seductive.
16. Why do you think Georgiana has gone missing?I think she has run away because she recognized Nick and she is afraid he will turn her in to her brother and get the ladies of Minerva House into trouble. So she left to protect them.
Edit when finished - Well, I certainly got that wrong.
@ Lisa (Aussie Girl)#12 – Yes, Nick is definitely a subtle hunter. I can’t find anything on the definition of bulan… but I didn’t do a big search.
#14 – Oh, yeah. Isabel won’t be happy. I like that Rock told him to confess.
#16 – I’m hoping that’s the case. Or that the father of her baby is a good guy and came and got her.
I'll have the next discussion questions up first thing in the morning. Been a long day, heading off to bed. Nye, Nye.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Michelangelo's David-Apollo (1530)Lent to the National Gallery of Art by the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence to celebrate 2013, the Year of Italian Culture.
The name of the sculpture allu..."
The face is so feminine and beautiful, especially seen from the angle in the first picture.
16. Why do you think Georgiana has gone missing?I think she has run away because she recognized Nick and she is afraid he will turn her in to her brother and get the ladies of Minerva House into trouble. So she left to protect them.
Edit when finished - Well, I certainly got that wrong.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CHAPTERS 16 - END 17. Oh No! The gig is up! Isabel knows the truth about Nick's ulterior motives. Should Nick have come clean sooner or do you agree he was right in keeping his motives to himself, hoping he could have sorted out Georgiana before Isabel found out the truth?
18. From what we have previously read about the Duke of Leighton he is an arrogant and proud man caring only about his family name and place in society. Does his actions at Townsend Park only confirm this statement and what are your thoughts on him being a probable hero?
19. Nick and Isabel are married but under less than ideal circumstances. There seems to be a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Does this work for you or do you think that Sarah MacLean could have handled the journey to their HEA in a different way?
20. Rock and Lara get a HEA! YAY! Even though they are married to you see any problems for them living in England at this time?
21. Final thoughts on the story's resolution and epilogue. How did you enjoy it in comparison with the first book in the series?
17. Oh No! The gig is up! Isabel knows the truth about Nick's ulterior motives. Should Nick have come clean sooner or do you agree he was right in keeping his motives to himself, hoping he could have sorted out Georgiana before Isabel found out the truth? I think Isabel would have been angry even if Nick had told her the truth sooner, however, I agree with Nick's decision to tell her later because Isabel was able to see the real Nick and fall in love with him.
18. From what we have previously read about the Duke of Leighton he is an arrogant and proud man caring only about his family name and place in society. Does his actions at Townsend Park only confirm this statement and what are your thoughts on him being a probable hero?
I think the Duke was acting the way a person of his class acts. His name and title was a part of him, and good or bad, it affected how he responded to his sister's situation. Even Nick was ostracized for his mother's behavior, it's was just part of their world. Probably hero meaning he wasn't going to reveal the Minerva House? I think he did what was best for his sister.
19. Nick and Isabel are married but under less than ideal circumstances. There seems to be a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Does this work for you or do you think that Sarah MacLean could have handled the journey to their HEA in a different way?
I was satisfied with the way the author handled the HEA. As a reader I do want some conflict in a story or else I would be bored to tears. Isabel was continuously putting her foot in her mouth when it came to her feelings about Nick, and he just happened to over hear quite a few of her 'open mouth and insert foot' statements! LOL!
20. Rock and Lara get a HEA! YAY! Even though they are married to you see any problems for them living in England at this time?
Yes, being a Turk would cause problems in the higher society but to those that matter, such as the women at the Minerva House and Nick and Isabel, there would be no problem.
21. Final thoughts on the story's resolution and epilogue. How did you enjoy it in comparison with the first book in the series?
I loved the story and though I've bought the first book I haven't read it yet.
@ Silvia17. Lying by omission is never good in a relationship although in this case I an see why Nick wasn't keen to get into it with Isabel. She had serious trust issues and he was probably hoping he could handle it until their relationship was at a deeper level and he could explain himself. But no, these things always have a way of getting out at the time not of your choosing.
18. The Duke of Leighton is the hero in the next book and is paired up with the St John's fiery Italian half sister. SArah Maclean has done a really good job in the first two books showing that they are opposites in upbringing and personality and sparks are going to fly. Should be interesting. Even though Simon is all the things mentioned what did come out is how much he genuinely loved his sister. So there is hope for him yet.
19. I didn't really like all the misunderstandings and back and forth until Nick and Isabel got it together. I got that she had insecurities and they hadn't really known each other long but still her actions seemed a bit scatterbrained really.
20. Yes, there were bound to be problems with race and religion in this time but as their immediate circle of friends were so accepting and they weren't from the aristocracy they would have got through it. If and when they children that could have caused some issues I suppose. But nothing that love and compromise couldn't solve.
21. I liked the book but it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. The relationship and the witty banter between the leading characters didn't seem as developed. Although the addition of the character of Rock was a nice touch.
3.5 stars from me.
Chapters 1-71. Man-oh-man! Lady Isabel’s “wastearl” father sure was a piece of work. Of course, back then young ladies were to marry where they were told, but he took it way beyond. (I did get a chuckle over how Isabel and her gang handled Asperton.) Nevertheless, my question is why Isabel’s father left the marbles alone? Big mystery there for me. It seems unlikely he didn’t know their value. Or were they held dearer to his heart than Isabel? I think possibly over time he forgot about the Marbles. He was consumed with his own life that he didn't pay attention to what was going on in Isabel's.
2. What do you think Lord Nicholas St. John – AKA “London’s Lord to Land” – thus far? How about his background as the bulan? What of his interesting relationship – from enemy to dubious friendship – with the Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton? Very interesting that a Lord would be a bulan. And spending time as an antiqunarian. I still wonder if there isn't something more to his friendship with the Duke of Leighton. If he finds out that the Duke is using him and not being totally honest, I think there could be trouble.
3. Speaking of Leighton, his sister, Georgiana, is increasing! Who could be the father? Will there be a tragic or happy ending to that? Obviously, we have a lot more to learn about Georgiana and how she came to be there. Hoping it's not a tragic end. I'm hoping she was not raped.
6. Isabel is quite independent. Still, it seems she could have been a tiny bit more grateful to Nicolas for saving her life, not once but twice. She did thank him, when they first viewed the marbles; however, I felt she was just buttering him up. All the same, I’m enjoying their banter. You?I'm really enjoying Nicolas/Isabel's banter too. They are both trying to fight their attraction.
7. What of Rock Durukhan, the Turk? Is he going to be shot by cupid’s arrow, too? Along with Lara, Isabel’s cousin? I'm really hoping to Rock and Lara end up together.
8. Do you have a favorite among Isabel’s young ladies? Jane, Gwen, Kate, Lara, Georgiana, or someone else? Although I'm enjoying them all, I think Lara is my favorite. I'm enjoying her interaction with Rock
9. What did you think of the first kiss? Did the location increase the adrenaline? Loved their first kiss. I think the location made it more exciting.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CHAPTERS 16 - END 17. Oh No! The gig is up! Isabel knows the truth about Nick's ulterior motives. Should Nick have come clean sooner or do you agree he was right in keeping his motives to himself, hoping he could have sorted out Georgiana before Isabel found out the truth? I don't think she would have been as open with him had she known the truth, but they wouldn't have the problems of trust if he had told her.
18. From what we have previously read about the Duke of Leighton he is an arrogant and proud man caring only about his family name and place in society. Does his actions at Townsend Park only confirm this statement and what are your thoughts on him being a probable hero?I thought this part of the book was left relatively unresolved. Maybe it will be addressed in a future story, but I was left wondering if he'd come around.
19. Nick and Isabel are married but under less than ideal circumstances. There seems to be a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Does this work for you or do you think that Sarah MacLean could have handled the journey to their HEA in a different way?I like that Isabel went to him, and I liked the conversation with Rock. It was pretty clear they'd figure it out.
20. Rock and Lara get a HEA! YAY! Even though they are married to you see any problems for them living in England at this time?I am left curious about Rock. I wish we knew more. I like his HEA, but I think his concerns were well founded for the era.
21. Final thoughts on the story's resolution and epilogue. How did you enjoy it in comparison with the first book in the series? I thought the first book was more satisfying only because it didn't leave so many loose ends. It does leave me wanting to know more I want to know what happens to the Leightons, to NIck's sister(I suspect there will be an alliance).
@ Silvia#17 – Hmmm… interesting, Silvia. I hadn’t thought of that.
#19 – True, he did. LOL!
#21 – I hope you enjoy it!
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I do not like historical contemporary romance that much ,but this book was enjoyable with sweet witty banter, humorous situations ,all in all really liked this book.
The author Sarah MacLean doesn't let the story slacken at all,good plot ,pretty good male lead character Nicholas Raphael Dorian St. John, a little bit lunatic inconclusive,unsettled main female lead as Lady Isabel .But every thing works out better.