Question P

[Jonetta]

Did you sense a chemistry between Sebastian Montcrief and Veronica? Have we seen the last of him and can he repair his relationship with Ash?

[Robin]

They had major chemistry. I'm sure we're going to see more of him with Veronica, especially after the mention in the epilogue about attending Veronica's second wedding despite her shocking selection of husband. He's going to really have to turn himself around to make it up to Ash and Lorelai and win over Veronica. I wonder what circumstances will get him out of prison.

[Charlene]

Well, Veronica's eyes were certainly opened when she spied what was going on next door on the ship. I just can't imagine that seeing a guy with a prostitute would make him good husband material under the circumstances of this story. I kept worrying about "the pox."

[Robin]

Charlene, I think in that case she saw that sex did not always equal pain. I'm guessing she had a hard time with her selfish husband. It may have been the equivalent to a nightly rape. The prostitute must have looked like she was having a good time.

[Charlene]

I'm sure that was the case, Robin. I just had trouble thinking that Montcrief would be husband material -- a few-night-stands kinda guy instead. Hmmmm. Guess we'll see if he gets redeemed.

[Robin]

True. He doesn't seem like he would make a great husband.

[Anita]

There was definitely chemistry between these two. I looked, Montcrief has a book coming up, but no details. I think Veronica and Montcrief will end up together, but I don't think he is the man she going to marry in the epilogue. I'm probably wrong, but I just don't think it's Montcrief. Of course he's going to get redeemed, they all do.

[Jonetta]

Their chemistry seemed obvious to me. He’s a natural flirt but really puffed up for her. She was quiet around him, sort of a fascination. I think they’ll be paired in his book.

He’s charming enough to figure his way back into good graces.

[Karen ♐]

It's going to take quite a bit to redeem him. Not that I don't think this author can accomplish that...

[Lauren]

Yes, there is chemistry and book #8 is theirs (not written yet).

To be honest, I don't really like either of their characters and this was even before Sebastian kidnapped Lorelei. They are both going to have to redeem themselves for me.

[Jonetta]

What was it about Veronica that bugged you?

[Anita]

Veronica's marriage to Mortimer was a nasty affair. She was an innocent virgin and had to adapt and change in order to survive. She lost a lot and had to hardener her heart in order to survive. She is no longer the sweet, innocent maid she once was. She is now a woman who knows the world and marriage are not good places.

[Lauren]

Jonetta wrote: "What was it about Veronica that bugged you?"

It bugged me that she did not consult Lorelai when she agreed to Sebastian's plan to escape the ship after Ash leaves to meet Dorian. Lorelai was unconscious and Vernonica removes her agency in this regard. She had no right to do this, especially as she had begun to realize there was more the Lorelai and Ash's relationship.

It is a minor issue, but is also irritated me that she immediately blames Ash for Sebastian kidnapping Lorelai. I understand that she was distraught and angry, but it was uncalled for.

[Jonetta]

Well, dang. Now that you bring these up....

I felt sorry for her because of her unfortunate marriage to Mortimer. Didn’t even realize I’d kept giving her a pass.

[Lauren]

Oh, I also felt sorry for her so I'm quite willing to give her the benefit of the doubt in her book :)

[Jonetta]

So, they’re both a little “muddy,” which bodes well for a complex story. Byrne does well with that.

[Anita]

Both a little muddy? My favorite kind of character. So much more interesting than the chaste, vestal virgin.

[Jonetta]

I don’t think Byrne knows how to write them.