Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Thomas, Jodi - The Texan's Wager (Wife Lottery #1)
Sans and I have started this "buddy read" today. Anyone is welcome to join in. Answer just the questions you want to, or volunteer to write some of you own for the assigned chapters.Or just stop in to say, "Hi!"
EXPECT SPOILERS!
Date Chapters Person Posting Discussion Qs
8/29/11 Prologue-Chp.5 Lisa Kay
8/30/11 Chapters 6-10 Sans
8/31/11 Chapters 11-15 CaroB.
9/01/11 Chapters 16-20 Lisa Kay
9/02/11 Chapters 21-25 Sans
9/03/11 Chapters 26-Epilogue CaroB.
Questions for Prologue – Chapter 5
1. A brunette, a blond, and a red-head (“warm brown”). A practical, plain “old maid”; a fragile, defeated angel who has lost her will to live; a child in a woman’s body who still owns a pair of rose-colored glasses after all life has dealt her. What do these three women have in common but being ostracized and the will to survive – even if it is only for the sake of the others?
2. Pretty cruel, to just dump those ladies out in the middle of nowhere. Do you agree with Lacy, that the members of the wagon team council wanted them to die? What would you have done in a similar situation, as council member or as an undesirable?
3. What were your feelings when they decided to pull a Murder on the Orient Express reenactment? Where you surprised that Bailee wanted them to confess to the murder of Zeb Whitaker? Would you have? Did you understand her reasons a bit better by the end of chapter three? Or do you need to know more about her past? Do you think thoughts of killing someone cross her mind too often?
4. Do you think Ceder Point’s Sheriff Harman Riley is as dim as he appears sometimes? What about leaving the jail cell door open so Bailee, Sarah, and Lacy can go back and forth to their wagon? Ha!
5. Carter McKoy has yet to say a word, but we do get his POV. What is your initial impression of him? Were you worried that he would withdraw his name from the wife lottery hat, or hoping he would?
6. “Be my wife, all my life.” What does that simple
7. And Bailee is picked last. How will this affect her self-esteem? Were you surprised she initiated the wedding ceremony kiss? Is this a revelation into her possible past or foreshadowing into the sexual nature of her and Carter’s relationship?
8. Any worries that Francis Tarleton will show up and claim Bailee? How about her receiving her father’s “forgiveness”? Do you care about either of these?
9. Just where is Big Zeb Whitaker’s body anyway? And, what about the gold?
10. What did you smile over the most: Carter indicating only one month before they become intimate or his squeezing her hand at the end of Chapter 5?
11. Which reminds me; where is Carter going to sleep?
Questions for Chapters 6-10
12. Oh God. He sleeps in a safe room hidden in the root cellar under a trapped door. How long do you figure before Bailee asks & figures out where her husband sleeps? And am I the only one that loves that he talks to himself but not to other people?
13. Carter's history is making me cry again. It says everything is in order, exactly in the place it should be. Bailee has the same attitude, but this marriage is a huge disruption in routine for both of them. What difficulties and compromises do you think they'll have to work through?
14. Oh crap. Think Zeb is alive and out to get the girls? And where did Sarah go?
15. "I liked it when you kissed me." I can't decide if I want to hug him, kiss him, or shake my head and laugh. Do you think there's any significance to those being the first words he's spoke to her?
16. The slow discovery of their first real kiss almost killed me. No question here, but comments are welcome!
17. What do you make of Bailee's reactions to Carter's kisses and caresses, both in the bar and the next day in the kitchen?
18. Why did Bailee demand to never be left behind?
19. This is the fourth time this book has made me cry. Carter's mother was deaf and he still talks to her using sign language in his sleep. ;_; I did not see that coming, did you?
20. Will Carter and Bailee adopt the deaf girl from the train wreck?
Questions for Chapters 11-15
21. The scene inside Lacy's apartment made me sad and reminded me just how alone these girls were before they came to this town. What did you think when reading about the chair hanging on a nail and the comment that she feels closer to her Frank who must be eating his meals alone too. And then "I tell myself he’s just a man, nothing more, so I won’t expect too much. But if he wants me, I’ll love him." Do you think it would be worse to find yourself co-habiting with a stranger who has become your husband all of a sudden or being able to get used to the idea better but still waiting around for a man you don't know?
22. There are a few little signs that Bailee is getting used to her role as wife and becoming more comfortable with the physical demonstrations. First asking him to sleep next to her at Lacy's, falling asleep on his shoulder in the train and then holding his hand while she settled his nerves by making him think he was settling hers (loved that!), and the kiss on the cheek. For all that he's being more alone through his life than Bailee, why does it not seem to be Carter who needs to get used to the physical affections as much as her?
23. What were your impressions of the first meeting with Piper Halloway?
24. Riley didn't strike me as the sort to babysit a woman while she was shopping for a new dress (woohoo and silk and lace underwear!!). What did you make of that kidnapping talk? Who's the real danger?
25. Is Carter ever going to be able to read a book again? Are you surprised at the speed with which Bailee seems to have formed an emotional connection with Carter? Or the speed with which Carter seems to have surpassed Bailee's own sexual experience? Talk about a fast learner! Any comments on that scene or the way that it ended?
26. After Carter's description of what the reality of living with a deaf child would be, did you think he might've let Piper go off with that horrible woman? Did you think less of Bailee for not saying something and giving in to Carter's pointed looks? What a great save in the end!!!
27. Talk about a cliffhanger!!! Do you think Riley is dead? Is anyone else wondering if Smith might be with the bad guys, or am I being too suspicious? I've got fingers and toes crossed that Carter doesn't get hurt ebing a hero. Who are the people on the train and when will Carter and Bailee be safely reunited???
Questions for Chapter 16- Chapter 20
28. He longed for the luxury of one look back, of knowing Bailee got on the train safely with Piper in her arms. Such a nice way of stating that – with the word “luxury”. This from a man who rations bread. Comments? Carter’s words asking for help for the first time come hard to him. So, he rations any words that might set him up for rejection too.
29. Carter doesn’t seem to know the profession of the women in Fat Alice’s establishment. Does this seem realistic to you? Were you smiling when the female “caravan” starting taking Sheriff Riley upstairs, only to make a swift “U Turn” when his profession is disclosed?
30. What do you think of Nellie Jean Desire/“Two Bits”? Just what does she mean, “Fourteen, but I been a working girl for so long I can’t remember when I started.” What did you think of her second conversation with Carter about Bailee and his feelings regarding his wife?
31. What is your impression of Fat Alice? What does she mean when she tells Nellie Jean, “I’m not one to let fruit be picked before its ripe no matter how much it wants to jump off the tree.” Is Nellie Jean trying to act like she has more experience than she does? Were you jumping to conclusions based on the brothel setting? Or maybe not? Whyever could I be asking you questions about these people? (view spoiler)
32. Whoa! Carter walked in on a situation in the Sheriff Smith’s office, didn’t he? How did Carter handle his first fisticuffs? Who do you think the man is? Was he involved in the train robbery or just tracking Bailee?
33. What do you think of the Gypsies considering Piper deafness as a “gift of silence”? How about Bailee’s ability to sway them to her decision of accompanying her home? Was this a good decision? Pros? Cons?
34. What were your thoughts about Sheriff Riley urging Carter to hurry home? Wishing for a transporter about that time, even though you were pretty sure what he was going to find when he got there?
35. The butt end of a rifle! Ouch! Were you surprised Carter didn’t tell Bailee about his basement living space? What about when she takes him lunch and he still doesn’t tell her? What did you think of what he clarified his requirements about her lying next to him at night before he “bedded down”? These two were suddenly on totally different wave lengths and agendas. Did you agree with him? Or her?
36. Could you understand why Bailee was so appalled at the thought of Zeb Whitaker being after her? What does this mean with regards to the bonds (legal or otherwise) of her marriage? Talk about a cliffhanger of a different color (as opposed to a horse of one…)! Man-oh-man!
Questions for Chapters 21-25
37. Looking for clarification on something. When Bailee strips to the waist and says, "When I'm more wife than stranger", is that her telling him that she considers them to be truly married? Is that why Carter doesn't doubt her promise to stay with him?
38. We don't have time to go upstairs? What? *Sans is confused!*
39. I knew things were going too well. Did Wheeler's part in whatever Zeb was up to surprise you?
40. OMG she did not just ask him that!
41. The memory of her was stronger than all the reality he'd known before she tumbled into his world. What do you make of this?
42. Hot jailhouse action. I was almost expecting them to consummate the marriage right there. Do you think this encounter was sexual, comfort, apology, something else?
43. Carter is angry and hurt that Bailee doesn't believe in him. Do you think he's being unreasonable? Why won't he let Bailee apologize?
44. I'm thinking Wheeler isn't going to pick up the hint as quickly as Carter thinks he will. You?
45. Nellie Jean! I didn't expect her to show up. And with a sexy Texas Ranger? I bet I know where that's going.
46. Nice cliffhanger. ~_~ Who do you think is shooting in the jailhouse?
Questions for Chapters 26-Epilogue
47. What did you think of Bailee jumping from the train? "Good decision" or "uh-oh, here comes trouble?" Is that the last we'll see of *sniff* Piper ?
48. When we find out it was Ludlow dead, what were your suspicions as to culprit?
49. Now knowing that we'll be seeing more of Ranger Jacob in other book/s, what's your take on him as a character?
50. Were you surprised Bailee wasn't upset when she found Carter's rooms that he hadn't told her outright about them or showed them to her?
51. Did you think the scene where they caught Zeb was written well? Why / why not?
52. I loved the reunion scene. What did you make of Bailee and Carter talking to each other about different subjects, like parallel conversations? Did you like the way I♥Us were exchanged?
53. Thoughts on the epilogue? Was it rushed? What do you make of Bailee's letter from her father?
And we are off! I posted today's questions, Sans.
You're fast! Ok, I'm starting right now. Lisarenee, thank you for setting the folder up!
Sans' answers for Prologue – Chapter 51. A brunette, a blond, and a red-head (“warm brown”). A practical, plain “old maid”; a fragile, defeated angel who has lost her will to live; a child in a woman’s body who still owns a pair of rose-colored glasses after all life has dealt her. What do these three women have in common but being ostracized and the will to survive – even if it is only for the sake of the others?
Dude, those are fantastic descriptions for these gals. In common? Currently, they've got no one else in the wide world but each other. They've each had some form of horrible experience that has made each of them realize that they're basically alone.
2. Pretty cruel, to just dump those ladies out in the middle of nowhere. Do you agree with Lacy, that the members of the wagon team council wanted them to die? What would you have done in a similar situation, as council member or as an undesirable?
Oh yeah, they didn't want them around. I'm thinking maybe the womenfolk were concerned their men might have a wandering eye. Me? Hell, I would have offered them a ride on my own wagon.
3. What were your feelings when they decided to pull a Murder on the Orient Express reenactment? Where you surprised that Bailee wanted them to confess to the murder of Zeb Whitaker? Would you have? Did you understand her reasons a bit better by the end of chapter three? Or do you need to know more about her past? Do you think thoughts of killing someone cross her mind too often?
I was cheering for them! That asshat needed to get dead and these gals made sure he wasn't going to hurt anyone else. I was surprised at the confession, but I respect them even more for it. I....have no idea. Good question! I'd like to say I would but...I totally did understand better. But I wonder, would they really have hanged them without a body? I want to know exactly what happened with that first incident. It sounds like an accident?
4. Do you think Ceder Point’s Sheriff Harman Riley is as dim as he appears sometimes? What about leaving the jail cell door open so Bailee, Sarah, and Lacy can go back and forth to their wagon? Ha!
I think he knew exactly what he was doing and I really don't think he'd have put them to trial, even if he hadn't come up with the lottery. I loved that! And that he kept offering if they needed something else. XD
5. Carter McKoy has yet to say a word, but we do get his POV. What is your initial impression of him? Were you worried that he would withdraw his name from the wife lottery hat, or hoping he would?
Does he have a twin brother? I love him already. He's so self-contained, rather innocent, and doesn't have the slightest clue what to do now that he dared to let himself dream. It didn't surprise me that he thought about withdrawing, but I knew he wouldn't (this being a romance and all). I loved that the Sheriff set him up though. Riley knew this would be the best thing for Carter.
6. “Be my wife, all my life.” What does that simple note poem, written on a torn of piece of grocery bag, tell you about Carter? Where does he fall on the "Hero Spectrum"? Uber-Alpha, Alpha, Gamma, Beta, Uber-Beta?
Ok, that made me cry at work. Granted, I'm knee-deep in hormones and cramps, but damn. ;_; That tells me that he's honest, simple (definitely not mentally!), forthright, dependable, deeply private, scared, lonely. I think I need to know more about him before I say where he lands. Right now, I'm going to say Gamma for now. He's not the "best friend" type that I usually associate with betas, not an alpha, but I bet he has the protectiveness of an alpha when provoked but not a chest-beater.
7. And Bailee is picked last. How will this affect her self-esteem? Were you surprised she initiated the wedding ceremony kiss? Is this a revelation into her possible past or foreshadowing into the sexual nature of her and Carter’s relationship?
I wonder about that. I think it was partially to give her some self-esteem issues, but also to whet our appetite for the other gal's stories. I think she's running on instinct right now and figures "marriage=kiss". That last one is an interesting question. I don't see her as fooling around. But. If the guy she killed back home sexually assaulted her, that could be interesting.
8. Any worries that Francis Tarleton will show up and claim Bailee? How about her receiving her father’s “forgiveness”? Do you care about either of these?
I can't see either of them doing that, but now that you mention it...*narrows an eye* You know something.
9. Just where is Big Zeb Whitaker’s body anyway? And, what about the gold?
I have questions as to if he's even dead!
10. What did you smile over the most: Carter indicating only one month before they become intimate or his squeezing her hand at the end of Chapter 5?
I have to choose?? Hmmmm...Carther indicating only one month.
11. Which reminds me; where is Carter going to sleep?
Where has he been sleeping? There's dust in that bedroom. Either he sleeps by the fire, or he sleeps in the barn? He can share MY bed!!
On a side note, why the hell haven't we read this before?? OMG, I'm in love with this book already. Thank you SO much for suggesting it!!!
Nope. Jump right in, CaroB. :) Are you able to get this book?
@Sans I’m sitting here clapping and cheering b/c you are loving this book. I am so excited for you – and me b/c I get to share it all over again with you. It only gets better, too! **hee hee**#1 – Thank you. **nods head in acknowledgment**
#2 – Ah! Good point about the women. You would? Then you’d end up thrown off the wagon train with them – like Lacy. But, that could be a good thing, as then you might have gotten Carter instead of Bailee. :)
#3 – Yeah. He was plant food. I have no idea what Texas laws were like back then, but I suspect w/o a body they wouldn’t convict.
#4 – He’s about a dim as the sun. A wily old buzzard.
#5 – Don’t you wish, LOL! I like that way you put that: “doesn't have the slightest clue what to do now that he dared to let himself dream...”
#6 – Oh, Sugar Bean! At work? Love your further descriptions of Carter.
#7 – Oh, yeah! The other girls’ stories are good too. More for our “buddy read” list.
#8 – Zip lips.
#9 – Ah.
#10 – Yeah. That was unfair of me to make you choose.
#11 – You are so observant.
Side note: LMAO! You don’t know how tickled pink I am that you love this book!
@CaroB - Yes, join us! I'm wild about Westerns (hell, just the mention of cowboy hats makes me drool), so the more folks to squee with the better!
@Lisa Kay, re: msg 10#2 - Good point. Were do I sign up for this wagon train?
#4 - I knew it!
#5 - Thanks, babe!
#6 - Oh yeah. It was messy. I'm just glad the folks I work with aren't nosy and keep their heads down. And YES. We must read the rest of this series!
#8 - LMAO! Getting some of my own medicine, hmmm? ^o^
#11 - Awww, thank you! I just wish my questions were as good as yours. I'm usually too busy ranting or drooling to get coherent, insightful questions up. >_<
This is SO my cuppa. *_*
**Lisa sitting here still laughing happily** #8 - Yup.
#11 - I think you're questions are great. And I like when you give us a drool break - or a rant excuse. :)
CaroB's As to Lisa Kay's Qs.1. A brunette, a blond, and a red-head (“warm brown”). A practical, plain “old maid”; a fragile, defeated angel who has lost her will to live; a child in a woman’s body who still owns a pair of rose-colored glasses after all life has dealt her. What do these three women have in common but being ostracized and the will to survive – even if it is only for the sake of the others? Ooh, good question. I guess the fact that they're ostracised means they only have each other. And they have their freindship in common, the fact that they were willing to defend each other or at least share the blame, so a sense of loyalty. And that they're willing to agree to tie themselves to strangers to avoid prison or hanging.
2. Pretty cruel, to just dump those ladies out in the middle of nowhere. Do you agree with Lacy, that the members of the wagon team council wanted them to die? What would you have done in a similar situation, as council member or as an undesirable? As an undesirable, I'd have done the same, start moving, move one foot in front of the other and hope you reach a town before you run out of food. As a council member... that's hard because I think they were dropped off not so much because of the fever but because of Lacy's "witchery". I truly can't imagine ever being that close-minded or cold-hearted, but we live in very different times.
3. What were your feelings when they decided to pull a Murder on the Orient Express reenactment? Where you surprised that Bailee wanted them to confess to the murder of Zeb Whitaker? Would you have? Did you understand her reasons a bit better by the end of chapter three? Or do you need to know more about her past? Do you think thoughts of killing someone cross her mind too often? I think the murder was justified. I was definitely surprised she wanted them to confess, especially for that era, where justice was so much stricter, I don't think I would have done that back then. I still need to know a bit more about her back story.
4. Do you think Ceder Point’s Sheriff Harman Riley is as dim as he appears sometimes? What about leaving the jail cell door open so Bailee, Sarah, and Lacy can go back and forth to their wagon? Ha! No, I think he's an astute fella, but prefers a peaceful life (makes you wonder at his profession!). Seemed less like he was dim and more like he coudn't be bothered. I did have a chuckle at how relaxed the jail time seemed to be :-)
5. Carter McKoy has yet to say a word, but we do get his POV. What is your initial impression of him? Were you worried that he would withdraw his name from the wife lottery hat, or hoping he would? I knew he wouldn't, since he's obviously the protagonist, but found the idea of a "strong silent type" quite intriguing. One of my favourite things about romances is the dialogue and was wondering how this book would go if that was limited by a reticent protagonist. I want to know more of his story as well!
6. “Be my wife, all my life.” What does that simple note poem, written on a torn of piece of grocery bag, tell you about Carter? Where does he fall on the "Hero Spectrum"? Uber-Alpha, Alpha, Gamma, Beta, Uber-Beta? Loved that note!! Really what more needed to be said, he is a romantic at heart! Yeeha, cowboys!! *ear splitting grin* Is it Gamma where they're Alpha and sensitive? That's what I'd pick him as, for all that he's clueless as to women, he's observant and a gentleman. I want one. Please. With sugar on top.
7. And Bailee is picked last. How will this affect her self-esteem? Were you surprised she initiated the wedding ceremony kiss? Is this a revelation into her possible past or foreshadowing into the sexual nature of her and Carter’s relationship? I think she probably would have expected to be picked last. Her self esteem didn't seem that strong to begin with, at least as far as her looks went. I was surprised by the wedding kiss, and think it tells us more about her love of order than her sexual nature.
8. Any worries that Francis Tarleton will show up and claim Bailee? How about her receiving her father’s “forgiveness”? Do you care about either of these? I have wondered about Francis, but just in the "how would that be as a plot twist" kind of wondering. Don't really care about the father's forgiveness if he could disown her and not stand behind his daughter after what seems to have been an accident.
9. Just where is Big Zeb Whitaker’s body anyway? And, what about the gold? No idea... curiouser and curiouser...
10. What did you smile over the most: Carter indicating only one month before they become intimate or his squeezing her hand at the end of Chapter 5? Both!! I had to laugh that he'd make sure there was no miscommunication there as far as the one month went, but did a happy sigh at the hand-squeezing. And another one now just remembering it. Pretty please. And swap the sugar to cherries and whipped cream
11. Which reminds me; where is Carter going to sleep? In the living area? I found this odd, why woudn't he sleep in the only bedroom... hmmm..
Ok, it's been yonks since I've read a good western and had a hard time putting the book down. You've gotta love a story from when men were men and earned their muscles through hard work. Seriously though, what an easy read! Am loving it, thanks for letting me in on this.
I'm so jealous of you guys reading this book for the first time...it is one of my comfort reads, and I have to pick it up every few months. Carter is amazing!
Hi, Megan! I read it for the first time in April of this year, so it is a second time for me, but a first for Sans and CaroB. It is going to be a comfort read for me, as I could start all over again at the beginning after this!
@CaroB.#1 – Friendship, loyalty, and the same drive to survive. Good scrutiny.
#2 – You re right about the moving and the one foot in front of the other.
#3 – See my answer, coming up.
#4 – LOL! You are right about him wanting peace; I hadn’t thought of that.
#5 – Ah! Yes a good dialogue between the H/h is important. This book makes up for it, I think, in the large chunks of his POV we get insight into.
#6 – “ With sugar on top.” LMAO! Well said.
#7 – Woooo. Great point about her love of order! While I realized that about her character, I hadn’t reasoned that out yet.
#8 – Keep lips zipped.
#10 – LOL! Glad you ♥Carter♥ too.
Lisa Kay Answers (for the most part) Her Own Questions for Prologue – Chapter 5 1. A brunette, a blond, and a red-head (“warm brown”). A practical, plain “old maid”; a fragile, defeated angel who has lost her will to live; a child in a woman’s body who still owns a pair of rose-colored glasses after all life has dealt her. What do these three women have in common but being ostracized and the will to survive – even if it is only for the sake of the others?
I love Bailee, Sarah, and Lacy! It is important that I related to the heroine, and I often think I turn into a bit chameleon in this regard and work hard to find something to at least like about the heroine in most books I read. Otherwise I put them down. Others, I re-read. Like this one! I think it is hard for an author to write a series that makes each heroine appealing to all readers; however, I’ve read all of the first three stories in this four book series and love them all.
Sans and CaroB, you both have given such insightful answers here, I won’t repeat them. I’ll just point out that they each have separate personalities and they also have something in common, which becomes apparent after you read the first three books. Yet Jodi Thomas manages to make even that characteristic manifest differently in each, turning it on its ear a bit.
2. Pretty cruel, to just dump those ladies out in the middle of nowhere. Do you agree with Lacy, that the members of the wagon team council wanted them to die? What would you have done in a similar situation, as council member or as an undesirable?
Pretty brutal, considering. I think they didn’t care if they died and were probably hoping they would. They left them without guns or weapons. I would have gone back to the last place considered “civilization”. The council member question is much harder for me. I like to think I would have stuck up for them or played “devil advocate” to their cause. I have had times in my life where I’ve gone along with the “moral majority” in a formal setting and greatly regretted it. Here, fear of survival out in the middle of nowhere would have been a big factor and I worry about my own sense of self-preservation. Still, mostly in my life I have stuck up for the underdog; it’s my nature.
3. What were your feelings when they decided to pull a Murder on the Orient Express reenactment? Where you surprised that Bailee wanted them to confess to the murder of Zeb Whitaker? Would you have? Did you understand her reasons a bit better by the end of chapter three? Or do you need to know more about her past? Do you think thoughts of killing someone cross her mind too often?
Ha! I was worried you might not know what I meant by “ Murder on the Orient Express reenactment” – but I was too vain to leave it out. I was so pleased that Sarah initiated this. Made me want to get to her story, LOL! I was surprised! I probably would have; I have a big mouth. I did understand her better, but want to know MORE! I don’t think she’s has a killer instinct.
4. Do you think Cedar Point’s Sheriff Harman Riley is as dim as he appears sometimes? What about leaving the jail cell door open so Bailee, Sarah, and Lacy can go back and forth to their wagon? Ha!
I think he is laid-back and easy going. Pretty good characteristic in a sheriff. Still, he is not a smart as Carter. :) That back and forth to the wagon just cracked me up. Kind of a Andy Griffith/Mayberry feel to it, but Cedar Point is anything but Mayberry!
5. Carter McKoy has yet to say a word, but we do get his POV. What is your initial impression of him? Were you worried that he would withdraw his name from the wife lottery hat, or hoping he would?
Love having so much of Carter’s POV. ♥Carter ♥ I love the strong silent type too. Laughed over his insights into the townspeople. I must admit, even though this is a romance, for a minute or two I didn’t wonder if he would remove his name.
6. “Be my wife, all my life.” What does that simple
Loved the note! And that it rhymed. That it was simple and sweet. And that he was having second thoughts about it, and its ability to impress. I’ll keep mum on the “Hero Spectrum” for now too. :)
7. And Bailee is picked last. How will this affect her self-esteem? Were you surprised she initiated the wedding ceremony kiss? Is this a revelation into her possible past or foreshadowing into the sexual nature of her and Carter’s relationship?
I think this is the last time she will be picked last. Which is neat. I was surprised about the kiss. The rest: zip lip.
8. Any worries that Francis Tarleton will show up and claim Bailee? How about her receiving her father’s “forgiveness”? Do you care about either of these?
Zip lip.
9. Just where is Big Zeb Whitaker’s body anyway? And, what about the gold?
The first time I read this book for a minute I thought, WTH? Can’t these yahoos find anything? Then I began to wonder…
10. What did you smile over the most: Carter indicating only one month before they become intimate or his squeezing her hand at the end of Chapter 5?
Hard choice, this. The smiles they brought were of such different mood tones. I’d have to go with his indicating only one month, LOL! And made the second one all the sweeter.
11. Which reminds me; where is Carter going to sleep?
Hmmm.
@CaroB - #1 - Good point on the loyalty.
#2 - Yes, it's difficult to say since I've never lived in 'do or die' times like that.
#3 - I think she was hoping for the self-defense verdict and figured someone from town could have seen the body if they were riding out for something. The only explanation I can come up with, is that it'd be mighty odd if three strange women show up at the same time a dead body does.
#5 - I like the dialogue in romances too, but I'm finding Carter is definitely working for me.
#6 - Mind meld! I've heard "gamma hero" described as "One who doesn't fit the image of the macho Alpha male, or the easygoing Beta either. He's a combination--a mutation?--of both types of man, and makes a hero to die for." and "Men who aren't in touch with their feelings at the beginning of the book, or who have a tortured soul, but who wouldn't intentionally harm their ladies." (see this article) and yes, I want one too, please. *puppy eyes*
#7 - Good point on order.
#11 - I think he doesn't sleep in the bedroom because that's where he laid his parents bodies out when he was a kid and had curled up with them to die himself. He prolly keeps it as....not a shrine, but a locked memory now.
So glad you joined is!
@Lisa Kay -#1 - You're making me think about how I view characters now! Hmmm, gotta ponder that. Ooh, you're making me want to read the next books even more!
#2 - Very good points.
#3 - I'll have you know I was raised on Masterpiece Mystery Theater! I've seen several versions of Orient Express. ^o^
#4 - Ha! I got the Andy Griffith ref too. ^_~
#5 - Am I the only one that thinks the Sheriff set him up and didn't even read the name on the paper?
#6 - So true about what impresses women (well, me at least). I'd much prefer a sweet little note on a scrap of paper than an elaborate poem on parchment. Sweet and simple is much more honest IMHO.
#7&8 - Now I know why you were so frustrated with my zipping in Hunting Ground. ^o^
I'm taking my lunch now and hope to have 6-10 read within an hour. Otherwise the next batch of questions will be up around 7pm PT.
@ Sans re: her response to CaroB.#6 - Good definition of gamma; however, I believe Carter is very much in touch with his feelings.
#7 - Very good point. :)
@Sans re: response to my answers#1 - Great! When? LOL!
#2 - Thanks!
#3 - :)
#4 - :D
#5 - Nope. I've always wondered that myself. I'm thinking, "Maybe."
#6 - It is the thought that counts.
#7&8 - (view spoiler)
Yeah, I'm not totally hooked on the definitions either, but he's just not a beta to me. I just found some fantastic posts from Lady Danielle on the subject!http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
I haven't had a chance to read them all, but it looks like she posted the article I linked to earlier and has some discussion in later posts.
@Lisa Kay (msg 23)#1 - Well, we're running Through a Dark Mist at the same time. I guess it depends on how much you wanted to read Nightfall after this. I'm up for either!
#7&8 - LMAO!! (view spoiler)
Yeah, so I didn't get lunch today. Questions will be up later than I anticipated tonight, sorry!
Just wanted to pop in say how much I love this book! Carter is all mine, and I don't share! :)
Uh-oh! We got some competition, ladies! ^o^
You know it, Lisa!
Sans, I'll PM you about tonight's questions and my late posting.
Questions for Chapters 6-1012. Oh God. He sleeps in a safe room hidden in the root cellar under a trapped door. How long do you figure before Bailee asks & figures out where her husband sleeps? And am I the only one that loves that he talks to himself but not to other people?
13. Carter's history is making me cry again. It says everything is in order, exactly in the place it should be. Bailee has the same attitude, but this marriage is a huge disruption in routine for both of them. What difficulties and compromises do you think they'll have to work through?
14. Oh crap. Think Zeb is alive and out to get the girls? And where did Sarah go?
15. "I liked it when you kissed me." I can't decide if I want to hug him, kiss him, or shake my head and laugh. Do you think there's any significance to those being the first words he's spoke to her?
16. The slow discovery of their first real kiss almost killed me. No question here, but comments are welcome!
17. What do you make of Bailee's reactions to Carter's kisses and caresses, both in the bar and the next day in the kitchen?
18. Why did Bailee demand to never be left behind?
19. This is the fourth time this book has made me cry. Carter's mother was deaf and he still talks to her using sign language in his sleep. ;_; I did not see that coming, did you?
20. Will Carter and Bailee adopt the deaf girl from the train wreck?
Sans answers for Chapters 6-1012. Oh God. He sleeps in a safe room hidden in the root cellar under a trapped door. How long do you figure before Bailee asks & figures out where her husband sleeps? And am I the only one that loves that he talks to himself but not to other people?
I hope they trust each other enough by the middle of the book. By the end of chapter ten, she knows a lot more about his past. I don't think she'll freak out, but I think she'll try to get him to start sleeping upstairs again.
13. Carter's history is making me cry again. It says everything is in order, exactly in the place it should be. Bailee has the same attitude, but this marriage is a huge disruption in routine for both of them. What difficulties and compromises do you think they'll have to work through?
I loved how, later, Carter was going through all the ways she could help and all the ways she distracts him. He's started talking to her and they both know they're attracted to the other. I wonder if they'll make it the full month.
14. Oh crap. Think Zeb is alive and out to get the girls? And where did Sarah go?
Zeb is definitely going to cause trouble. Jeeze, I wonder if he'll come looking for Bailee while they're in Childess? At least we (kinda) know what happened with Sarah.
15. "I liked it when you kissed me." I can't decide if I want to hug him, kiss him, or shake my head and laugh. Do you think there's any significance to those being the first words he's spoke to her?
I kinda want to do all four...But I think that statement, along with his note when they got married, is more proof of how lonely and hungry for human contact he is.
16. The slow discovery of their first real kiss almost killed me. No question here, but comments are welcome!
I loved that he mimicked her touches, learning by imitation.
17. What do you make of Bailee's reactions to Carter's kisses and caresses, both in the bar and the next day in the kitchen?
I think she's more scared of feeling too much and trying to come to terms with how empty her life was before she met Carter.
18. Why did Bailee demand to never be left behind?
Other than being scared of Zeb and not wanting Carter to pay for her actions, I really do wonder. I think she's been left behind and left alone too many times to let that become a habit in their marriage.
19. This is the fourth time this book has made me cry. Carter's mother was deaf and he still talks to her using sign language in his sleep. ;_; I did not see that coming, did you?
No joke either. This is one hell of an emotional book. I thought maybe he was using sign language (or a type of it), but it never occurred to me that it was because of his mother.
20. Will Carter and Bailee adopt the deaf girl from the train wreck?
I wonder. I can't see Carter wanting to let another stranger into in sanctuary, but who else can take care of the girl?
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sans’ Questions for Chapters 6-10 12. Oh God. He sleeps in a safe room hidden in the root cellar under a trapped door. How long do you figure before Bailee asks & figures out where her husband sleeps? And am I the only one that loves that he talks to himself but not to other people?
I know! I figured he slept in the barn or the tack room. I am enjoying the re-read of this book; I notice Ms. Thomas gives me all the clues; I just didn’t know what they meant. I love that he talks out loud to himself.
13. Carter's history is making me cry again. It says everything is in order, exactly in the place it should be. Bailee has the same attitude, but this marriage is a huge disruption in routine for both of them. What difficulties and compromises do you think they'll have to work through?
Agreed; his history is a tear jerker. Yes, it is huge, but so delicious to watch. I think communication will be a big one, but in more than just vocal – physically. It really is early days still. But, with a big reward. But on one hand they can start clean and honest with one another and they discover what they want out of their relationship. Trust also. They have to learn to trust one another.
14. Oh crap. Think Zeb is alive and out to get the girls? And where did Sarah go?
I think so too! Sarah is with her husband. (view spoiler)
15. "I liked it when you kissed me." I can't decide if I want to hug him, kiss him, or shake my head and laugh. Do you think there's any significance to those being the first words he's spoke to her?
You could do all three! :) I was paying such close attention to see what his first words were going to be. Loved them. Yes, very significant.
16. The slow discovery of their first real kiss almost killed me. No question here, but comments are welcome!
**Lisa Kay is too busy Drooling with a capital “D” to answer you!**
17. What do you make of Bailee's reactions to Carter's kisses and caresses, both in the bar and the next day in the kitchen?
Pretty good for PG-13, right? Just think how many years he has gone w/o human touch! She is falling for him.
18. Why did Bailee demand to never be left behind?
Good question. I would say she has been left out of any decision making all her life. Plus, she doesn’t want to be left alone, should something happen to him.
19. This is the fourth time this book has made me cry. Carter's mother was deaf and he still talks to her using sign language in his sleep. ;_; I did not see that coming, did you?
Poor Sugar Bean! I hope they have been good, cleansing tears. Nope, didn’t see it coming at all . I thought he was just fidgeting nervously or manipulating something in his hand, like a repetitive action he did in his work room. That was a total stunner for me.
20. Will Carter and Bailee adopt the deaf girl from the train wreck?
Zip Lip.
@Lisa Kay - #12 - Seriously, I'm kicking myself for not seeing the clues before.
#13 - All VERY good points!
#14 - Stinker!
#15 - Mind meld!
#17 - Mind meld again!
#18 - Stupid period. I wonder if I would cry this much if I wasn't all hormonal. Prolly. Only problem is, crying gives me headaches that sometimes slip into migraines. Trying to stay on top of that. And YES! I finally figured out he was going back to childhood habit, talking with his fingers during the lottery. So many layers here.
#19 - So glad it's not just me.
#20 - *sticks tongue out* Nyaaaa. XD
@Sans#13 – I loved those things about the two of them. It is a huge!
#14 – Yup! But is he the Big F#cker or not?
#15 – Almost MM! LOL! I had to go back and count, and you are right it is 4 and not 3. LOL!
#16 – :)
#17 – Good point about her coming to terms.
#18 – Good point about her not wanting Carter to pay.
#19 – (view spoiler)
@Sans :)
@Lisa Kay re: msg 36#14 - Holy gods and little demons, I didn't even THINK that Sarah's husband could be one of our Big F*ckers. *jaw drops* Wait, please tell me we're talking about Zeb??
#15 - I'll give you three, since shaking my head and laughing are technically together. ^o^
#17&18 - Thank you!
#19 - *sniffs* Thank you. *dabs eyes*
Hey girls, am i running really behind? Will catch up in the next few hours, sorry!
Not to worry, CaroB, Lisa and I are laid back on reading schedules. We know RL has a habit of intruding so we totally understand! Always feel free to let us know if you need a break for a day or two or need to skip posting questions. ^_^
Thanks so much for understanding :-) I'll be ok for the next set of questions, and I'll have my answers to these questions up in a few.
@Sans #15 - Yes, but can you laugh, shake your head, rub your tummy in a circle and pat your head all at the same time, LOL!
CaroB's As to Sans' Qs 12. Oh God. He sleeps in a safe room hidden in the root cellar under a trapped door. How long do you figure before Bailee asks & figures out where her husband sleeps? And am I the only one that loves that he talks to himself but not to other people? I'm thinking she'll ask before the month is up. I do love that he talks to himself, I do it all the time. Makes it more obvious for Carter though that it's not that he doesn't like talking as much as he's possibly particular about who he talks to.
13. Carter's history is making me cry again. It says everything is in order, exactly in the place it should be. Bailee has the same attitude, but this marriage is a huge disruption in routine for both of them. What difficulties and compromises do you think they'll have to work through? I think more than most couples, simply because there's no preconceived ideas as to what the other person might be like... though maybe that's not all bad? I think the path that Bailee was at in the beginning of the book made it clear that the routine of her life had already been disrupted, whereas it's still a little bit unclear as to what exactly made Carter put his name in the lottery.
14. Oh crap. Think Zeb is alive and out to get the girls? And where did Sarah go? I do think he's alive, but I don't know that he'll show up in this book. This could be a great plot twist to drag out :-)
15. "I liked it when you kissed me." I can't decide if I want to hug him, kiss him, or shake my head and laugh. Do you think there's any significance to those being the first words he's spoke to her? All of the above!!!! Definitely think there's a significance too. Maybe because she asked him a direct question, maybe because he's feeling more comfortable with her, or just that he can't think of another way to get that to happen again without her thinking he's attacking her :-)
16. The slow discovery of their first real kiss almost killed me. No question here, but comments are welcome! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Have I mentioned I'm loving this book?
17. What do you make of Bailee's reactions to Carter's kisses and caresses, both in the bar and the next day in the kitchen? I'm a bit confused if she's stopping from a sense of propriety, because she thinks it's too soon, or wether there's something else there that may be linked to her murdering someone before. I also think it shows that she does have quite a passionate nature before her head kicks in.
18. Why did Bailee demand to never be left behind? I thought it was because she wants a partnership... and she was scared. More scared not knwoing what was happening than scared of being in the middle of it... again wondering if this is somehow linked to the previous murder?
19. This is the fourth time this book has made me cry. Carter's mother was deaf and he still talks to her using sign language in his sleep. ;_; I did not see that coming, did you? No. How heart-wrenchingly beautiful is this man!!!
20. Will Carter and Bailee adopt the deaf girl from the train wreck? Oooh, I had't even thought of that, but would make sense if he's the only one who can communicate with her and she has no-one else!
@Sans, post#33:#12 - I agree, I think when they do start sleeping together it'll be upstairs rather than her giving in to going downstairs with him.
#13- I hope they don't make it the full month! I'm loving how when we get Carter's POV in this book, it seems we can almost hear his internal conversations.
#15- couldn't agree more!
#16- lol, isn't mimicry the best way to learn when you have no idea how something's done :-)
#20- hmm, good point about Carter and his sanctuary. I wondered if maybe that would only apply to people he considered could become a danger? Maybe a little girl wont be so threatening.
@Lisa re: post#34:#13- great point about the trust! Bailee still needs to tell Carter about her own history!
#19 - I'd completely missed any signs that it could be signing... no pun intended. I had wondered if he was dreaming he was heading down to his bed and maybe tapping on the walls as he went in his sleep...
#20 - all these zipped lips are killing me here!
@Sans re: post #35I hope you're feeling better!
I'm going to have to go back and re-read the lottery scene. I'd completely missed that.
@Sans AND Lisa re: posts #36 and 39:What on earth is the Big F*cker????? Am I missing something?? And if it were Zeb, wouldn't he have taken Lacy, not Sarah? That was the one he was ogling, I think. Sooo confused!
There is so much depth to this book, I can completely understand how a re-read would be great!
CaroB's Qs for Chapters 11-1521. The scene inside Lacy's apartment made me sad and reminded me just how alone these girls were before they came to this town. What did you think when reading about the chair hanging on a nail and the comment that she feels closer to her Frank who must be eating his meals alone too. And then "I tell myself he’s just a man, nothing more, so I won’t expect too much. But if he wants me, I’ll love him." Do you think it would be worse to find yourself co-habiting with a stranger who has become your husband all of a sudden or being able to get used to the idea better but still waiting around for a man you don't know?
22. There are a few little signs that Bailee is getting used to her role as wife and becoming more comfortable with the physical demonstrations. First asking him to sleep next to her at Lacy's, falling asleep on his shoulder in the train and then holding his hand while she settled his nerves by making him think he was settling hers (loved that!), and the kiss on the cheek. For all that he's being more alone through his life than Bailee, why does it not seem to be Carter who needs to get used to the physical affections as much as her?
23. What were your impressions of the first meeting with Piper Halloway?
24. Riley didn't strike me as the sort to babysit a woman while she was shopping for a new dress (woohoo and silk and lace underwear!!). What did you make of that kidnapping talk? Who's the real danger?
25. Is Carter ever going to be able to read a book again? Are you surprised at the speed with which Bailee seems to have formed an emotional connection with Carter? Or the speed with which Carter seems to have surpassed Bailee's own sexual experience? Talk about a fast learner! Any comments on that scene or the way that it ended?
26. After Carter's description of what the reality of living with a deaf child would be, did you think he might've let Piper go off with that horrible woman? Did you think less of Bailee for not saying something and giving in to Carter's pointed looks? What a great save in the end!!!
27. Talk about a cliffhanger!!! Do you think Riley is dead? Is anyone else wondering if Smith might be with the bad guys, or am I being too suspicious? I've got fingers and toes crossed that Carter doesn't get hurt ebing a hero. Who are the people on the train and when will Carter and Bailee be safely reunited???
CaroB's As and Qs for Chapters 11-1521. The scene inside Lacy's apartment made me sad and reminded me just how alone these girls were before they came to this town. What did you think when reading about the chair hanging on a nail and the comment that she feels closer to her Frank who must be eating his meals alone too. And then "I tell myself he’s just a man, nothing more, so I won’t expect too much. But if he wants me, I’ll love him." Do you think it would be worse to find yourself co-habiting with a stranger who has become your husband all of a sudden or being able to get used to the idea better but still waiting around for a man you don't know? I think it would be worse to be waiting around, at least in Bailee's situation she can start acting towards the future straight away. As much as I feel sorry for Lacy, I get the feeling she still has some growing up to do, and being on her own will maybe help with that before she has a husband to deal with...
22. There are so many little signs that Bailee is getting used to her role as wife and becoming more comfortable with the physical demonstrations. First asking him to sleep next to her at Lacy's, falling asleep on his shoulder in the train and then holding his hand while she settled his nerves by making him think he was settling hers (loved that!), and the kiss on the cheek. For all that he's being more alone through his life than Bailee, why does it not seem to be Carter who needs to get used to the physical affections as much as her? My first thought was, because he's a MAN, lol! But as much as I'm enjoying them getting closer, it does surprise me that Carter is so physcially comfortable so soon.
23. What were your impressions of the first meeting with Piper Halloway? It broke my heart and made me want to punch something to think of the conditions she was in and the way she got treated as if she were an idiot rather than just deaf! And of course, it made me love Carter's character that little bit more to read about how special he was with her. *sigh!* I liked that both Carter and Bailee were protective of her straight away.
24. Riley didn't strike me as the sort to babysit a woman while she was shopping for a new dress (woohoo and silk and lace underwear!!). What did you make of that kidnapping talk? Who's the real danger? I'm still thinking the real danger might be from the train robbers rather than Zeb.
25. Is Carter ever going to be able to read a book again? I loved the description of his signing the song to her in bed! Are you surprised at the speed with which Bailee seems to have formed an emotional connection with Carter? Or the speed with which Carter seems to have surpassed Bailee's own sexual experience? Talk about a fast learner! Any comments on that scene or the way that it ended? Not sure about Carter finishing a book :-) I loved the description of his signing the song to her in bed! I think Bailee felt overwhelmed by the passion between them.
26. After Carter's description of what the reality of living with a deaf child would be, did you think he might've let Piper go off with that horrible woman? Did you think less of Bailee for not saying something and giving in to Carter's pointed looks? What a great save in the end!!! I kep thinking 'nooooo!' I was so relieved that he didn't let Piper go off with that woman!
27. Talk about a cliffhanger!!! Do you think Riley is dead? Is anyone else wondering if Smith might be with the bad guys, or am I being too suspicious? I've got fingers and toes crossed that Carter doesn't get hurt ebing a hero. Who are the people on the train and when will Carter and Bailee be safely reunited??? Argh!, I don't know!
This topic is open for discussion of The Texan's Wager by Jodi Thomas.
GR Description:
Thrown off a wagon train with two other women and trying to avoid jail for a murder they committed, Bailee Moore agrees to enter a "wife lottery"--a ploy concocted by the Cedar Point sheriff to secure wives for the men in the small Texas town.
For the sensible Bailee, however, marrying Carter McKoy is like exchanging one life sentence for another--especially since her new husband hasn't even seen fit to utter a single word in her presence. But still, she can't help thinking that something about this strong, silent farmer could be the key to leaving her troubled past behind...and making a worthy wager with her heart.