Question M

[Jonetta]

Any other topics you’d like to discuss? Your overall opinion of the story?

[Robin]

I loved this novella! It certainly had enough action for a full-sized book.

[Sharon]

I agree with Robin. There aren't too many authors who can make a novella so exciting. This story was so much more than a filler for Kane's wedding.

I agree that there is enough action for a full-length book, but it didn't feel rushed.

I will be sad when this series ends.

[Jonetta]

Ditto, ditto! It felt like a big boy story!

*sigh* I know the series isn’t ending but Brennan’s taking a giant pause. I’ve loved this world and the characters.

Question: What do you think they said to Jesse’s grandfather to make him leave Sean alone for good? Also, yay for Jesse in changing his name to Rogan!

[Anita]

I loved the novella. Allison Brennan writes a great one, her others have been awesome too. Lots of action and a great plot.

About Grandpa. I bet the FBI has something they used as leverage on him. With his daughter and son-in-law both crooks, I bet Grandpa was dirty too.

[Jonetta]

Aha! Great point, Anita.

[Sharon]

I agree Anita. I believe that the FBI had their hands in getting him to back off. If he took Sean to court again, they could come in with very damaging testimony that would smear his name and possibly show that he had knowledge of what his daughter and son were doing.

[Jonetta]

Was it mentioned in earlier books that Maddie’s Dad’s business was shady? Or is it just that they’d expose Maddie & Carson’s awful cartel connections and taint him in the process?

[Sharon]

Good question. I need to go back and search the previous books.

[Jonetta]

I can’t remember.

[Anita]

I don't think there were ever allegations that Grandpa was dirty, but he did do business with his son-in-law who was very dirty.

[Robin]

Good point, Anita! I wouldn't be surprised if someone has information on Grandpa. Sean would be willing to bring that info to light if Grandpa didn't back down.

[Jonetta]

He was threatened by the FBI when they went to get Jesse. I think it involved his business.

[Anita]

The FBI probably knows enough to shake Grandpa up, but don't have enough evidence to make anything stick. Anyway, Jesse is back with Sean and Lucy and Grandpa is on notice that he better not mess with them, or he could face a full-scale investigation.

[Charlene]

I am so glad that I read this novella; I was tempted to pass on it and just pick up the next novel.

[Robin]

Another topic...Siobhan vs. Elle.

They are the girlfriend/fiancée of two important characters in this series. Siobhan is now married to Kane. Elle is Patrick's girlfriend. Both get themselves into ridiculous situations because they are worried about children or they are trying to rescue innocent victims. Both of them usually need to be rescued by their man. Why is it that I like Siobhan, but I have a hard time with Elle?

[Sharon]

Robin wrote: "Another topic...Siobhan vs. Elle.."

For me, Elle has stepped in and taken over Patrick's life. She keeps him away from Lucy and the rest of his family even though she knows he has a close connection, especially with Lucy. Also, Elle doesn't feel sincere. I feel like she is "doing the right thing" for the recognition which Patrick gives her.

Siobhan loves Kane's family. Even though she gets them all in sticky situations, she would never try to come between him and the other Rogans. When I read about Siobhan's exploits, it always feels like her heart is in the right place, even if she makes terrible decisions.

[Jonetta]

Siobhan has a big heart but she’s equally devoted to Kane. I don’t get the same sense of Elle about Patrick. He seems to be incidental to her life. Siobhan would drop everything to come to Kane’s side; Elle would check her calendar first.

Elle just doesn’t seem to be as invested in Patrick as he is in her. I’ve never gotten that same vibe from Siobhan. Siobhan fought for her relationship with Kane and served as a bridge for him to become closer to his family. Elle seems as if she could care less.

[Charlene]

I agree with you all about Elle -- she is emotionally abusive to Patrick by keeping him away from his beloved family members.

[Sharon]

Jonetta,

Good point! Elle isn't invested in Patrick. I always feel like he is going to be hurt badly before it is over.

[Jonetta]

So do I, Sharon. But, I think we’re stuck with her. Brennan seems to be trying to make her more likable. I’ll always wonder if she was surprised at how much her readers disliked her when their book was released.

[Anita]

I agree with all of you, and I also think that Patrick is going to be hurt badly by Elle.

[Robin]

Everyone makes some good points. After reading this novella, I started thinking about how the things Siobhan does feels almost like the same things that Elle does. Yet, I like Siobhan and don't care for Elle. I think you guys have hit the nail on the head. Siobhan would do anything for Kane. Elle would do anything for Patrick if it helps her cause.

[Jonetta]

Exactly. It’s a selfish love.

[Anita]

Elle may be a crusader, but it always felt, to me, like it was all for show. It fed something inside her and wasn't genuine.

[Sharon]

I agree Anita.