Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired discussion
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A Hunger Like No Other
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Archived "Buddy Reads"
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A Hunger Like No Other: (Buddy Read, start 9/30/11)
I know I've read a few Scottish brogues where they say "dinna" *starts singing "You say doona, I'll say dinna, dinna, doona, let's call the whole thing oooooffffff" *
@ Lisa KayI'll admit the shower scene was kind of hot bc she was getting into it. I can definitely see the potential for the sexual tension to build between the characters and look forward to future encounters being a little more desired from both sides. I have a friend who enjoys the whole non-consensual angle and my first thought was I should send her this book when I'm done. :) I did pick up on his internal struggle, he wants to hate her, he doesn't want her to be the one but part of him wants to help/protect her and he's confused by that. A few civilized moments slipped through and I can see the potential for that to build. Also after reading CaroB's comment about having all his humanity stripped away I can kind of see it that way now. I guess I didn't connect with him right away so I wasn't considering his side or what he went through. I guess I was just seeing it as he acts that way cuz he's a werewolf and that's how werewolf's are.
@CaroB
Yes if more time had been given to Lachlain at the start and I understood his mindset better I probably would have connected with him more, understood or at least sympathized. But I think the author intended for us to get to know him at the same pace as Emma. Terrifying brute at first, and then...
CaroB & Tracey, I sent off a PM inquiry to Susan.
Thanks Lisa Kay! I'll do the next set of questions for this buddy-read, unless...Tracey, are you happy to just answer or would you like to ask a set? Either way is good with us, just whatever you're comfortable with.
Ok just finished ch 8, and yes Lachlain is definitely growing on me :). He's becoming nicer and more protective and I can appreciate the restraint he is showing at this point. I also like that Emma is attracted to him and less frightened.7. Were you surprised that the danger to Emma was not a big, strong, stubborn, Lykae male but vampires?
Yes I had assumed her aunts had psychic abilities (which I still think they do) and had seen Lachlain coming. Can tell there will be a lot of moments where if they both just told each other everything things could be a lot easier on both of them, but of course that won't happen.
8. What do you think of Emma’s Valkyrie aunts back in New Orleans? Aunt Regin (the Radiant) is the one who programed her cell phone with the Crazy Frog ring tone and is giving her grief about “going dental with some dude.” What do you think of her vernacular? Her attitude? Do any of the others stand out?
The "going dental" made me laugh, and the ring tone gave me the impression that she would be a practical joker. I liked the msg left by Nix she seemed like she would be kind of kooky. The aunts have only been minimally described so far so I don't have strong impressions of any of them.
9. How hard do you think it was for Emma to grow up in a household that despised, hunted, and killed vampires? (Well, now you know why Emma is still a virgin at 70; lack of a dating pool.)
It's obvious she grew up in the shadow of beautiful creatures that she didn't feel like she could compare to. She wishes to be more valkyrie and less vampire, despising that side of her nature which must be hard. Since Lachlain also hates vamps I think it's going to be hard for her to accept that side of herself.
10. “…overwhelmed by universal tales of her fabled beauty…” So, we know Emma was searching for her unknown father, but have you figured out who her mother is yet?
No clue. I haven't read a ton of PNR and not completely knowledgable in mythology. I had no clue who/what valkeryie were when I started reading. Figuring it out as I go.
11. One of my favorite scenes is when Emma witnesses the two European starlets try to gain Lachlain’s attention with a dropped lipstick – and fail. He only has eyes for her. We find that, though Emma is shy and timid with the lore, she can hold her on against female humans. Comments.
Loved that she's finally showing a backbone! Loved that Lachlain only looked at her!
12. We know Emma cannot lie and she is afraid of pain. What did you think of Emma’s plea for Lachlain to try not to hurt her. Think it will make an impression on him one way or another?
I think he's finally starting to care about not hurting her which I'm. Happy to see! I think the knowledge that she cannot lie will help him to believe her as things progress.
13. What did you think about Nix’s knock-knock joke message?
Hilarious!
14. When is Emma going to get some blood? What will happen if she doesn’t? If needed, how will Lachlain go about getting blood for her?
I think Lachlain will end up providing for her. Surprised that he seemed uncomfortable with her possibly killing a human. Wondering if she'll admit that she drinks bagged blood and he'll rob a blood bank... Or sexier allow her to drink from him :)
15. What were your thoughts on the fight scene at Val Hall Manor near New Orleans? Which of the vampires stood out to you and why? Anything they said or did that peaked your Spidey scenses?
I was impressed that they were all very adept at fighting, not used to losing or fleeing. Very curious about who stepped in to help them.
16. Lachlain has a lot of conflicting feelings toward and wrong assumptions about Emma. When is he going to figure it out? Let’s hope before the next full moon?
I don't like that he thinks she is trying to use her beauty against him, that she's manipulative. But I understand that just comes from his predjudice against vamps. I think if he realizes that she is actually scared of vamps that might bridge a gap between them. Hopefully before the full moon!
17. Uhhh, Lachlain tore up the hotel room while Emma was sleeping. What adjective would you use to describe that?
Considerate... He tore up the hotel room instead of her. One of the first signs that he doesn't want to hurt her.
Please forgive any typos I am posting from my blackberry this weekend. :)
I'm here! Hubs came home unexpectedly Friday while we were at the football game and having to entertain him has cut into my reading time LOL So, needless to say, I'm behind, but I'll be all caught up before bed tonight cause he's leaving today ;)Here's my first set of answers...
1. How much does the book cover affect what you expect from a book, going in? As far as I’ve been able to see, there are only two English covers for this book. This one (US) and this one (UK). Which one do you have? Which is your favourite and why? I've got the US version of the book cover and hadn't seen the UK one. I'll admit, I think it's hot. After reading the first bit, I agree with whoever said she didn't think Emma would be wearing what's on the cover LOL I got the impression her hair was long like this cover though. She keeps it in braids to cover her ears.
2. What do you think of the Prologue? Did it build up your interest or gross you out? What are your first impressions of Lachlain? I liked the prologue. I totally felt his anguish at being chained up. How'd they get him in the first place, is my question.
3. I know it’s fairly standard in romances for the heroine to be a virgin, but less so in paranormal romance, where the female protagonists tend to be kick-ass, give ’em hell hotties. Yet here we have a 70 year old virgin who’s never been kissed (til now) and can’t feed herself. What are your first impressions of Emmaline? As far as I'm concerned, Emma is a bit of a push over. I think she's been kept in the dark about the world of Lore. It could be cause she's half vamp, half Valkyrie. She's clueless that Lachlain is feeling she's his mate. Shouldn't she have known something about that and that is why he's all over her?
4. Were you surprised at how early on they got nekkid? Are you a fan of early hot-and-heavy or do you prefer when the story eases into it? (no pun intended, heehee) I was very surprised by how early they got nekkid. Not because I'm not a fan HAHAHA but because he keeps scaring the bejeezus out of her and she's a virgin. She has no experience with men and she's in the shower giving him a hand job? Not likely.
5. Do you think she would have jumped? I'm confused as to why she was out there in the first place. Was she trying to escape or just needing some air and ended up on the ledge? Lachlain's reaction to her out there is what surprised me. This totally showed how kind and caring he could be. And I want to smack him for doubting she's his mate after this scene.
6. How are you finding the writing style? The pace? Are you seeing the spots of humour in Emma’s internal dialogue? I like the writing style and the pace. Emma is funny in her self doubt.
Lol Susan my hubby is home this weekend too and annoyed that I'm reading but I'm trying to catch up too! I've got the first 8 chap down.I agree that I picture her hair as long.
I guess I was the only one who didn't connect with Lachlain in the prologue. But he's growing on me :)
I think she was trying to jump off the balcony to escape.
I think deep down he knows she's the one, and the moments of doubt r really more about denial.
Her sarcastic humor really starts to come out more in the next few ch once some of the fear subsides and she's more irritated than scared. I do like the humor and sarcasm in her thoughts, makes her more relatable
CaroB wrote: "Thanks Lisa Kay! I'll do the next set of questions for this buddy-read, unless...Tracey, are you happy to just answer or would you like to ask a set? Either way is good with us, just whatever you..."
I'd love to do a set of questions but I think I'm behind you guys. I've just finished ch 8 and my hubs isn't going back out on the road yet so that's going to slow me down. Maybe once I have a chance to catch up/ get ahead I can do some questions.
Woohoo! Great to have you back Susan!! No probs Tracey, my son's got swimming lessons this morning, so will post some lessons in the next 4 hours :-)
Tracey wrote: "Her sarcastic humor really starts to come out more in the next few ch once some of the fear subsides and she's more irritated than scared. I do like the humor and sarcasm in her thoughts, makes her more relatable..."Completely agree!
@Susan1. I'd forgotten about the braids over the ears but thought it was more like
than like
CaroB, love the pic of the pigtails you thought it was. Emma's hair could be longer and still do that. *whispers* I wear my hair like that sometimes and I'm way too old to do it LOL Of course, I teach preK, so I can get away with it ;) My BFF says I don't look much older than my class when I do that, then I remind her that I'm a grandmother so I'm way older than my class.Here's my answers for the next section...
7. Were you surprised that the danger to Emma was not a big, strong, stubborn, Lykae male but vampires? Yes, I was surprised that the danger wasn't the Lykae. If they knew she was in danger, how come they didn't realize the danger was in NO and not where she is. Or is there some vamps in Paris looking for her too?
I'm not impressed with the Valkyrie aunts in New Orleans. They treat her like a child who is incapable of thinking for herself or taking care of herself. They're very condescending towards her. It's no wonder she has self esteem issues if that's what she grew up with. And once again, I think they've deliberately withheld information that she could need (like the idea of a mate)
9. How hard do you think it was for Emma to grow up in a household that despised, hunted, and killed vampires? (Well, now you know why Emma is still a virgin at 70; lack of a dating pool.) I'd imagine is was very difficult to grow up the way she did. Her aunts tried to love her, but probably resented her Vampire half. It's no wonder they treat her the way they do because of their feelings towards vamps.
10. “…overwhelmed by universal tales of her fabled beauty…” So, we know Emma was searching for her unknown father, but have you figured out who her mother is yet? is her mother Freya???? If not, I haven't got a clue LOL
11. One of my favorite scenes is when Emma witnesses the two European starlets try to gain Lachlain’s attention with a dropped lipstick – and fail. He only has eyes for her. We find that, though Emma is shy and timid with the lore, she can hold her on against female humans. Comments. I really liked that scene as well. Emma isn't the strongest of the lore creatures and she's a "mixed breed" so she never really fit in anywhere. But with humans, they're no match for her so naturally she can be more assertive. The humans are no match for her.
12. We know Emma cannot lie and she is afraid of pain. What did you think of Emma’s plea for Lachlain to try not to hurt her. Think it will make an impression on him one way or another? Yes, I think her plea will make a difference in the way he treats her. He's starting to recognize her as his mate, rather than denying it. Therefore he'll want to protect her, even from himself.
13. What did you think about Nix’s knock-knock joke message? Do you think Nix knows that she's met her mate?
14. When is Emma going to get some blood? What will happen if she doesn’t? If needed, how will Lachlain go about getting blood for her? Who knows when Emma will get some blood. I'm hoping he lets her bite him and drink from him...that'd be smokin' hot sexy in my view ;)
15. What were your thoughts on the fight scene at Val Hall Manor near New Orleans? Which of the vampires stood out to you and why? Anything they said or did that peaked your Spidey scenses? Lothaire is the one that stood out to me. What was he doing there not wanting to be seen? Is he part of Ivo's coven or is he part of the other vampires? I forget what they're called cause it's been a while since I read The Warlord Wants Forever with Nikolai. And gee duh! I just figured out that Nikolai and Myst are probably Emma's parents...a vamp and a Valkyrie :) That would sooo make sense for why Ivo wants to find her!!!
16. Lachlain has a lot of conflicting feelings toward and wrong assumptions about Emma. When is he going to figure it out? Let’s hope before the next full moon? I sure hope it's before the next full moon.
17. Uhhh, Lachlain tore up the hotel room while Emma was sleeping. What adjective would you use to describe that? hot. No? Yes, I think so cause I'm guessing he tore it, saving her and her things cause he was overcome with emotions and feelings and "hardness" for her ;)
Don't feel bad Susan I braid my hair in pigtails sometimes too :). I'm 30 and a mother of 2 but I have very long thick hair and sometimes I like to braid it down each side and people tease me and say I look like Pocahontas! LolI agree that I don't like the way the Aunts have treated her but wonder if it's out of concern to protect her from something they know is coming. I haven't read the first book so all the creatures and their history are unknown/new to me.
I agree that Lachlain destroying the hotel room was probably a reaction to pent up sexual tension but the fact that he didn't hurt her, or rape her is a sign he might be starting to care for her well being.
Do u think Vamps have mates? Or is that just a Lykae thing?
After reading the chapters for today, I wonder if my thought about Myst and Nikolai being her parents is correct. Emma refers to Myst as her aunt, but they could have been lying to her to protect her. Guess we'll find out.As for the question about vamps having mates, in Myst and Nikolai's story, he found her and she was his "bride" which is like a mate thing for vamps who were turned. Not sure if all vamps have brides, or if it's only the turned ones. But in their case, it was very much a mate type situation....Myst brought him to life and he'd want no one but her ever again.
Tracey, if you want to read Nikolai and Myst's story, it's a free read on the web... http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images...
I know the questions for today aren't up so I'm going to make this comment - why'd he lie to her about her not being his mate? She's going to be very upset when she realizes he's lied to her. Especially since the bonding between them has started.
BTW, I was right...her biting him was HOT :)
@ Tracey#7 – Nix certainly has psychic abilities.
#9 – I think you have good insights here.
#11 – Ditto! & Ditto!
#14 – I must admit, when I first read this book, I thought he would find a blood bank for her.
#15 – The other Lykie? Yes. What was that all about. **hee hee**
#16 – Yes, Lachlain has a few truths to discover. He needs to get over the fact that Emma was not one of the vamps that held him prisoner for 150 years.
#17 – Yes! Like that you see it as considerate, LOL! Scary, but considerate.
@ Susan#3 – You have a point, Susan! Shouldn’t her family have had that “talk” with her, LOL! B/C she is pretty clueless.
#5 - And I want to smack him for doubting she's his mate after this scene.
Really! So stubborn.
#6 – Yes, love Emma’s humor at herself. Especially when she said to herself she wasn’t going to go all Stockholm Syndrome.
@ TraceyI think deep down he knows she's the one, and the moments of doubt really more about denial.
Totally agree with you here, 110%!
@ CaroB#8 – Yes, there was a part of me that was saying “WTH?” with regards to the New Orleans Aunts, so I see what you are saying.
#13 – Nix knows all.
#14 - ☺
#15 – It is so interesting to see who stands out to whom. And all the guesses as to Emma’s parents. I was totally clueless when I first read this book. You are doing better than me.
@Susan#15 - Didn't Myst and Wroth only meet 5 years ago? So they couldn't be Emma's parents, could they? I thought there might have been some overlap here at the beginning of the book between Myst's story in book #1 and this one? Will have to go back and check...
CaroB’s Qs for Chapters 9-1218. Do you think Emma has a right to be angry about what Lachlain did to the hotel room? Or, is she looking at the glass half-empty, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn’t hurt her?
19. What did you think of the flashback of the aunts burning her hand? WTH kind of family is this? Do you think there was a bit of punishment in there for the vampire-half, or was it merely a “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” lesson?
20. ”If Lachlain didn’t want to tell her why he’d huffed and puffed and torn their hotel room to bits...
...he had to go all big bad wolf on her...
But this little piggy can compartmentalize, Emma thought...
He narrowed his eyes, then rasped in her ear, “All the better to feel their gazes on you,” while the back of his claw traced up her back....”
From the beginning of Chapter 9 til the end, there were various references to The Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. Did you catch it? Did you like it? Adding to the humour or silly distraction?
21. Did anyone else get the reference to the no sweating for 90 minutes a week as the surgeon general recommends? I wasn’t sure if that was a US specific joke, cos I missed it.
22. What’s your impression of Annika so far as Emma’s foster-mother?
23. Why do you think Emma insists on Lachlain putting his blood in a glass first? What did you think of that scene when she drinks from him? What about the jaw dislocation? Warranted?
24. Why did he lie about being her *guffaw!* Australian buddy? (seriously, in some parts of Oz,we say "mate" all the time here, to mean anything from "hey" to "friend" to "idiot". It's a very flexible word to us, but rarely used to mean life-partner!)
@CaroBYes, it appears they only met 5 years ago, so they can't be her parents. When that thought popped into my head, I didn't know they'd only been together for that short of a time. And that leaves me clueless as to who her parents are LOL
18. Do you think Emma has a right to be angry about what Lachlain did to the hotel room? Or, is she looking at the glass half-empty, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn’t hurt her? If Emma is paying for the room, yes she has a right to be mad. I'm thinking her anger stems from the fact that she was so out of it she had no clue that it even went on and slept through it. Maybe I'm a bit of a goof, but I think it's sweet that he put all her stuff in the corner so he wouldn't mess with it while he destroyed the room.
19. What did you think of the flashback of the aunts burning her hand? WTH kind of family is this? Do you think there was a bit of punishment in there for the vampire-half, or was it merely a “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” lesson? Personally, I think it was a "let's punish the vampire". I really do not like Regin. Does she have her own book? I'd be almost willing to jump to it to see if KC can redeem her enough for me to like her, cause at this point, I don't.
20. ”If Lachlain didn’t want to tell her why he’d huffed and puffed and torn their hotel room to bits...
...he had to go all big bad wolf on her...
But this little piggy can compartmentalize, Emma thought...
He narrowed his eyes, then rasped in her ear, “All the better to feel their gazes on you,” while the back of his claw traced up her back....”
From the beginning of Chapter 9 til the end, there were various references to The Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. Did you catch it? Did you like it? Adding to the humour or silly distraction? I didn't catch any of that. Now that I read it, it's cute, but it went right over my head.
21. Did anyone else get the reference to the no sweating for 90 minutes a week as the surgeon general recommends? I wasn’t sure if that was a US specific joke, cos I missed it. I'm in the US and that left me a little confused too. Could be cause I'm not up to date on current health policy.
22. What’s your impression of Annika so far as Emma’s foster-mother? I think Annika loves Emma and has looked past her being half vampire. Annika seems to be the one who is the caretaker for all the Valkyrie.
23. Why do you think Emma insists on Lachlain putting his blood in a glass first? What did you think of that scene when she drinks from him? What about the jaw dislocation? Warranted? She asked him to put it in a glass cause of what she's been told about drinking from a person. Were her aunts just messing with her about that...hoping she'd believe them and that would help "tame" her vampire side? I thought it was on the hot side when she drank from him. The jaw dislocation was not warranted as far as I'm concerned. At least not at that moment. Of course, she may not have gotten another chance to pop him. I will say that her hitting him probably surprised the fire out of Lachlain and made him realize she's not as fragile as he thinks she is.
24. Why did he lie about being her *guffaw!* Australian buddy? (seriously, in some parts of Oz,we say "mate" all the time here, to mean anything from "hey" to "friend" to "idiot". It's a very flexible word to us, but rarely used to mean life-partner!) I don't know why he lied. It really made me mad at him for it. Emma has already said how she feels about being lied to and now he's gone and done it about something REALLY important. She's going to have a hard time getting over that, I think.
And now that I've been reading the book, thinking back to the question about the cover, it made me realize that if you look at it you think HE is the vampire by the position they're in. Not at all correct.
@ SusanTotally agree the biting scene was very HOT! I think he lied to her about being his mate because she wasn't ready to accept it, but it seems she does know something about Lykae having mates at least.
Ok so I finally got to the part with the shirt that ties in the back. Apparently she does like to dress provacatively, probably a reaction to living with such beautiful women and wanting to measure up. But in light of that I am very happy with the cover! Not only is the hair the right color, the top is actually straight out of the book. Covers that don't match the characters really bug me! However I do have to say that she describes Lachlain's hair as golden brown and it looks black on the cover. Now who's over-analyzing Carob? LOL
OK on the questions...
18. Do you think Emma has a right to be angry about what Lachlain did to the hotel room? Or, is she looking at the glass half-empty, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn’t hurt her?
I think she's angry because she was finally starting to trust him and this gave her reason to doubt/fear him again. I think she wants to trust him.
19. What did you think of the flashback of the aunts burning her hand? WTH kind of family is this? Do you think there was a bit of punishment in there for the vampire-half, or was it merely a “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” lesson?
I think it showed the "motherly" side of Annika and the harsher side of Regin that Emma had already aluded to. I still think the care for her, and did it for "her own good" but are perhaps harsher with her than they would be if she weren't half-vampire.
20. ”If Lachlain didn’t want to tell her why he’d huffed and puffed and torn their hotel room to bits...
...he had to go all big bad wolf on her...
But this little piggy can compartmentalize, Emma thought...
He narrowed his eyes, then rasped in her ear, “All the better to feel their gazes on you,” while the back of his claw traced up her back....”
From the beginning of Chapter 9 til the end, there were various references to The Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. Did you catch it? Did you like it? Adding to the humour or silly distraction?
I definitely caught the references and liked them. It plays into the sarcastic inner humor that I like from Emma, and she is very aware of modern cultured, so these references are totally believable from her point of view.
21. Did anyone else get the reference to the no sweating for 90 minutes a week as the surgeon general recommends? I wasn’t sure if that was a US specific joke, cos I missed it.
I got it. 90 minutes a week exercise is recommended. Hahaha.
22. What’s your impression of Annika so far as Emma’s foster-mother?
She seems to me geniunely protective and motherly toward Emma. I like that about her so far.
23. Why do you think Emma insists on Lachlain putting his blood in a glass first? What did you think of that scene when she drinks from him? What about the jaw dislocation? Warranted?
I think she wanted to drink from a glass becasue it's more proper, because it's what she's always done. But I loved that she drank from him! I loved that they both enjoyed it! It was very HOT! I think her hitting him was the first vampiric thing she's done. Possibly warranted but definitely a harsh ending to an otherwise hot scene. Left me thinking... Noooo it was just getting good!
24. Why did he lie about being her *guffaw!* Australian buddy? (seriously, in some parts of Oz,we say "mate" all the time here, to mean anything from "hey" to "friend" to "idiot". It's a very flexible word to us, but rarely used to mean life-partner!)
I don't think Emma is ready to accept him as her mate at this point, and I think he knew that. I think he's starting to accept it but wants her to like him more before he comes clean. I loved the Australian reference!
I'm hoping to have the next 4 ch read on my lunch break today. I can do the next set of questions, unless someone else wants to.
CaroB’s Questions for Chapters 9-12 18. Do you think Emma has a right to be angry about what Lachlain did to the hotel room? Or, is she looking at the glass half-empty, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn’t hurt her?
I can understand a bit of her anger – and certainly her fear. (I believe I connect with my female protagonists more than a lot of other readers do.) But I think she was sort of missing the point here; that he restrained from hurting her. It took a huge amount of effort on his part and was only able to do so b/c she is his mate.
19. What did you think of the flashback of the aunts burning her hand? WTH kind of family is this? Do you think there was a bit of punishment in there for the vampire-half, or was it merely a “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” lesson?
This was a surprise to me and did NOT endear me to her family, especially since it left an emotional as well as a physical scar. This is a family of female warriors. I do think it was done in the spirit of tough-love (best left for hardened, out-of-control teenagers? and not tots) – and maybe they didn’t know it would leave a scar. The fact that Regin was so willing to be the enforcer really caused me to blink b/c I knew she is a fan fav. This is so much a part of her personality, as you will see if you go on with the series. And, yes, she does get her own book (#11, which I haven’t read yet); so does her sister (#9, in which Regin has a pivotal role). So, if you want to jump to #11, I would suggest you read #9 first, if only to understand her better. I would highly recommend reading this series in order, though; the timelines overlap.
20. “If Lachlain didn’t want to tell her why he’d huffed and puffed and torn their hotel room to bits...
...he had to go all big bad wolf on her...
But this little piggy can compartmentalize, Emma thought...
He narrowed his eyes, then rasped in her ear, “All the better to feel their gazes on you,” while the back of his claw traced up her back....”
From the beginning of Chapter 9 till the end, there were various references to The Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. Did you catch it? Did you like it? Adding to the humor or silly distraction?
Yes. Got it. Cute, but subtle so not distracting.
21. Did anyone else get the reference to the no sweating for 90 minutes a week as the surgeon general recommends? I wasn’t sure if that was a US specific joke, cos I missed it.
I got my 30 minutes in for the first time in 3 ½ years the other day. LOL! These torn rotator cuffs are finally healing. The Surgeon General recommends three 30 minutes sessions of cardiovascular exercise a week.
22. What’s your impression of Annika so far as Emma’s foster-mother?
I like Annika, but she seems the most “indecisive” of the group to me. Maybe it is b/c I know about her the least. I don’t believe her story has been written yet.
23. Why do you think Emma insists on Lachlain putting his blood in a glass first? What did you think of that scene when she drinks from him? What about the jaw dislocation? Warranted?
I’m not a big vamp reader, but that was H.O.T. I thought the jaw dislocation was a little weird. **shrugs** I guess it was warranted. What do I know?
24. Why did he lie about being her *guffaw!* Australian buddy? (Seriously, in some parts of Oz, we say "mate" all the time here, to mean anything from "hey" to "friend" to "idiot". It's a very flexible word to us, but rarely used to mean life-partner!)
LOL! You kill me, CaroB. Yes, I didn’t understand why he keeps withholding this info from her (and didn’t especially like this about him!!)… Until I considered multiple things: (1) he thinks she might run! (2) Bowen MacRieve lost his mate when she ran from him (3) KC only makes her heroes near perfect – there is usually a character flaw like this, so they can grovel/regret a bit; always nice, IMHO.
@ Susan#18 – LOL! Good point about her paying for the room! No, you are not a goof; that was sweet.
#19 – I didn’t like Regin either when I read this first book. See my answer for her book. She redeems herself b/f her book, so I would be careful about jumping ahead.
#23 – Good point about Annika. Yes, good way to put it, she has just “looked past it.” “Pop him”?? LOL! I haven’t heard that expression b/f. I like that she surprised him too!
#24 – Yes. It was a little frustrating for me that he wasn’t telling her. I think you are right about the “something REALLY important.”
Oh, the cover discussion, Susan! Great observation! Yes, this has been debated and discussed a lot. But, I going to hold off until we get further in the book. **hee hee**
@ TraceyOh, I’m glad you thought the biting scene was HOT! I was worried that this book was not your cuppa tea. And yes, that could be why she dresses provocatively – but also, they are always borrowing each other clothes. Lachlain does have a few golden highlights on my cover, but I agree – it could have matched his hair color a bit more. Maybe it’s wet, as he just got out of the shower? LOL!
#18 –Wonderful point you’ve made here. Bit of a roller coaster ride there. I see you point!!
#23 – LOL! Yes it was just getting good!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13- 16 25. Do you agree? Do the Lykae need better PR? Emma has never met a Lykae before and her family love to watch movies together; did they also influence her perception of him? Did you understand and get a clear idea when he was explaining how he looked when he changed?
26. Hmmmm. Is it possible that Lachlain starting to enjoy Emma feeding from him? Emma says, “This isn’t me.” Comment on that statement.
27. What do you think of Emma’s “bizarre dream?” What about his nightmare – his physical threat to her – and her ability to comfort and sooth him before he when ballistic? How about the inevitability of that scene?
28. Do you avoid conflict? Could you see Emma’s point about always losing?
29. The end of Chapter 15 is another favorite scene for me: Emma crying Lachlain’s name and sprinting toward him. Your impressions of that and the fight scene continued in the next chapter? What of Emma’s refusal to drink when she was wounded? What of his own regenerating leg?
30. Ah. Several cats out of the bag in these chapters. Emma heard she’s his mate by one of the vamps and Lachlain now knows she’s half Valkyrie and “innocent.” What did you think about Lachlain’s conversation with Emma’s family?
31. The Accession has started. Will all these different creatures of the Lore be on opposite sides? Where does that leave Emma?
Tracey wrote: "I'm hoping to have the next 4 ch read on my lunch break today. I can do the next set of questions, unless someone else wants to."Ah, sorry, Tracey! Just now saw your post. (Should have "refreshed" my screen.) Do you want to do the next set? Chapters 17 - 20?
Sure I can do the next ones :)
25. Do you agree? Do the Lykae need better PR? Emma has never met a Lykae before and her family love to watch movies together; did they also influence her perception of him? Did you understand and get a clear idea when he was explaining how he looked when he changed? I thought the PR line was pretty funny, but true in the sense that vamps and even witches can often play "good roles" in movies, but rarely is a werewolf portrayed in a good light. I think movies probably have affected her perception of him.
26. Hmmmm. Is it possible that Lachlain starting to enjoy Emma feeding from him? Emma says, “This isn’t me.” Comment on that statement.
It is her! She just doesn't know it yet! I think Lachlain definitely enjoys it! They both do, and I am guessing a feeding will lead to the first time they make love.
27. What do you think of Emma’s “bizarre dream?” What about his nightmare – his physical threat to her – and her ability to comfort and sooth him before he when ballistic? How about the inevitability of that scene?
I think she was seeing one of Lachlain's memories, perhaps because she is drinking from him they are sharing some sort of psychic connection. I thought it was so sweet that she was trying to comfort him. A real sign that she is starting to have feelings for him. But yes, with his nightmares I think something like that was inevitable.
28. Do you avoid conflict? Could you see Emma’s point about always losing?
I think I try to keep the peace whenever possible. Her point about alwasy losing just illustrates her low self esteem. I think it was accurate to her character so far.
29. The end of Chapter 15 is another favorite scene for me: Emma crying Lachlain’s name and sprinting toward him. Your impressions of that and the fight scene continued in the next chapter? What of Emma’s refusal to drink when she was wounded? What of his own regenerating leg?
I loved that she ran to him! I think that will be a pivotal moment for them. I wonder if she heard the other vamp say that she was his mate? I wonder if that's why she wouldn't drink. I think his leg is not regenerating because she is drinking from him. I wonder if her blood would be healing to him, as other vamp books have suggested.
30. Ah. Several cats out of the bag in these chapters. Emma heard she’s his mate by one of the vamps and Lachlain now knows she’s half Valkyrie and “innocent.” What did you think about Lachlain’s conversation with Emma’s family?
Loved it! Loved the characterisation of the Aunts through this dialog. Was so glad that he was finall learning something about her! Can't wait to see her reaction to hearing that she's his mate.
31. The Accession has started. Will all these different creatures of the Lore be on opposite sides? Where does that leave Emma?
I think Emma will be the uniting factor between the Valkyrie and Lykae.
@ Lisa KayThis is definitely my cuppa tea :)
Wonderful, Tracey! In Post #1 I slotted you in for tomorrow's questions. You can post anytime after midnight tonight. Thanks!
@Lisa Kay, don't worry, I won't jump ahead. I'm sort of anal about reading a series in order. Especially something like this where there is a background story that is happening through all of them. I don't want to miss anything LOLNow, for my answers for this round....
25. Do you agree? Do the Lykae need better PR? Emma has never met a Lykae before and her family love to watch movies together; did they also influence her perception of him? Did you understand and get a clear idea when he was explaining how he looked when he changed? Yes, the Lykae need better PR. My first college degree was in PR, you think I could get the job? Yes, by her family not disputing how television and movies portray them has influenced how she is responding to Lachlain. I tend to think they did it to keep her safe.
26. Hmmmm. Is it possible that Lachlain starting to enjoy Emma feeding from him? Emma says, “This isn’t me.” Comment on that statement. OH YES! I think Lachlain is enjoying her feeding from him. Can you imagine how much more he'll like it once she actually likes him? And I really think Emma was speaking from where she was before she met him. She's changing and maybe feeding from him is the "new" her.
27. What do you think of Emma’s “bizarre dream?” What about his nightmare – his physical threat to her – and her ability to comfort and sooth him before he when ballistic? How about the inevitability of that scene? Obviously Cassandra is someone who wants Lachlain. Does she love him or is she after the power that comes from being the Queen? And will she be a threat to Emma when they finally meet? I'm assuming that she had that dream/memory because they're bonding. Poor thing doesn't even know what she's doing with him. As for Emma soothing Lachlain-I wish she would catch on to why she's doing it. Can she not tell something is going on between them?
28. Do you avoid conflict? Could you see Emma’s point about always losing? YES, I avoid conflict like the plague, so I can see her point about always losing.
29. The end of Chapter 15 is another favorite scene for me: Emma crying Lachlain’s name and sprinting toward him. Your impressions of that and the fight scene continued in the next chapter? What of Emma’s refusal to drink when she was wounded? What of his own regenerating leg? I did love that she instinctively knew to run for him and that he'd protect her. I think his feeding her is impeedinig his leg regrowing and I don't get why she'd not want to feed from him after being hurt. She had to have noticed that while he did transform and kill the vamps, he did not harm her at all and he calmed when he held her.
30. Ah. Several cats out of the bag in these chapters. Emma heard she’s his mate by one of the vamps and Lachlain now knows she’s half Valkyrie and “innocent.” What did you think about Lachlain’s conversation with Emma’s family? I'm not sure Emma heard the vampire's comment about her being Lachlain's mate. She's going to be really ticked when she finds out for real cause he keeps denying it. I think it will come back to bite him in the rear. I loved the conversation between Lachlain and her family. Both sides were most concerned about her safety. And, they seemed to take it in stride that he's her mate. I mean, they were utmost worried about Emma, not immediately declaring war.
31. The Accession has started. Will all these different creatures of the Lore be on opposite sides? Where does that leave Emma? I think The Accession having started leaves Emma on the outside. If she accepts Lachlain as her mate, I think she'll fight with them and maybe that will mean that the Lykae and Valkyrie will be on the same side to fight against everyone else.
Ok help me out here. Going back to the first fight at the Manor in New Orleans. What type of creature is Lothaire? When I first read I thought he was the one who helped in the fight but went back to re-read and realized he was just there and it was a Lykae that helped them fight. So who/what is Lothaire?
I thought he was a vampire who traced in quickly and then left again. Did anyone else think that?
CaroB’s Qs & A's for Chapters 9-1218. Do you think Emma has a right to be angry about what Lachlain did to the hotel room? Or, is she looking at the glass half-empty, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn’t hurt her? I think it would be hard not to be upset and a little frightened if you woke up and everything around you had been destroyed
19. What did you think of the flashback of the aunts burning her hand? WTH kind of family is this? Do you think there was a bit of punishment in there for the vampire-half, or was it merely a “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” lesson? I think it was the aunts looking out for her in a way.
20. ”If Lachlain didn’t want to tell her why he’d huffed and puffed and torn their hotel room to bits...
...he had to go all big bad wolf on her...
But this little piggy can compartmentalize, Emma thought...
He narrowed his eyes, then rasped in her ear, “All the better to feel their gazes on you,” while the back of his claw traced up her back....”
From the beginning of Chapter 9 til the end, there were various references to The Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. Did you catch it? Did you like it? Adding to the humour or silly distraction? I quite liked the references, added a good amount of humour, and also showed quite well that Emma thinks of him as a villain in this story.
21. Did anyone else get the reference to the no sweating for 90 minutes a week as the surgeon general recommends? I wasn’t sure if that was a US specific joke, cos I missed it. hmmm...
22. What’s your impression of Annika so far as Emma’s foster-mother? She seems a bit volatile where Emma is concerned.
23. Why do you think Emma insists on Lachlain putting his blood in a glass first? What did you think of that scene when she drinks from him? What about the jaw dislocation? Warranted? Loved that scene! Surprised that she dislocated her jaw, didn't think it was warranted, but kinda liked the point she made.
24. Why did he lie about being her *guffaw!* Australian buddy? He knew she wasn't ready to hear the truth and he didn't want to scare her anymore than she already was.
Answers for Chapters 13- 16 (Lisa Kay)25. Do you agree? Do the Lykae need better PR? Emma has never met a Lykae before and her family love to watch movies together; did they also influence her perception of him? Did you understand and get a clear idea when he was explaining how he looked when he changed? LOL, I actually thought of the old Michael J. Fox movie "Teen Wolf"! From his explanation, I pictured some kind of spectral montage over his body, not wolf-like at all. I would've liked a clearer description. Also makes sense why he's not really referred to as a Werewolf, just Lykaen.
26. Hmmmm. Is it possible that Lachlain starting to enjoy Emma feeding from him? Emma says, “This isn’t me.” Comment on that statement. She's never really perceived herself as violent/primal or sexual. She herself was worried that she didn't seem to have a big libido, and all of a sudden she's acting and feeling different to how she's bene for 70 years. I think Lachlain is definitely starting to enjoy Emma's feeds.
27. What do you think of Emma’s “bizarre dream?” What about his nightmare – his physical threat to her – and her ability to comfort and sooth him before he when ballistic? How about the inevitability of that scene? I think the memories have begun for Emma, from drinking his blood. His nightmare, hmm, maybe he's beginning to care for her and is now becoming scared of hurting her.
28. Do you avoid conflict? Could you see Emma’s point about always losing? YES!! I only fight with people I trust implicitly, which to me makes a weird kind of sense, and then I'm adamant about standing up for myself. Otherwise, for people I don't know well, I either give in, or walk away.
29. The end of Chapter 15 is another favorite scene for me: Emma crying Lachlain’s name and sprinting toward him. Your impressions of that and the fight scene continued in the next chapter? What of Emma’s refusal to drink when she was wounded? What of his own regenerating leg? I think it's fairly significant that she, half-Valkyrie runs to him, even if she doesn't understand it herself. I liked the action too, think they needed a common enemy for a change instead of constantly fighting each other.
30. Ah. Several cats out of the bag in these chapters. Emma heard she’s his mate by one of the vamps and Lachlain now knows she’s half Valkyrie and “innocent.” What did you think about Lachlain’s conversation with Emma’s family? I know this is very unmodern of me, but I liked how possessive he was when he was talkinbg to Annika! I think as much as her family loves her, they've not helped her by overprotecting her for so long.
31. The Accession has started. Will all these different creatures of the Lore be on opposite sides? Where does that leave Emma? I'm enjoying the world-building that is taking place, and foresee that the background action of the Accession will take place over quite a few of the books.
@ Susan re:post 7318. I liked that too, though it was weird that he had the forethought to put her stuff in the corner before the destruction began, yet he didn't just leave, or lock himself in the bathroom.
19. Really? Regin cracks me up. She's like the funny villain that gets all the best lines in sitcoms.
21. glad I wasn't the only one then :-)
23. Good point, I think it surprised them both that she could do that.
*Woah! Good call on the cover. It does look like he's the vamp. I hadn't thought about that.
In the back of the book there is a section called From the Book of Lore. Lothaire is a vamp. There are two different fractions: Read “The Vampire Horde” and “The Forebearers” – I won’t tell you which one he is.
@ Susan#25 – See, this is why these discussion are so neat; I would never have known you have a degree in PR.
#27 – Yeah, Emma is remaining clueless.
#29 – Yes, I think him feeding her is impeding his leg renewal also. I wondered if she was refusing to feel b/c she has notice is limp so much more now or if she is repulsed by him.
#30 – Yes, loved the phone conversation, LOL!
@Tracey re:post 74* with regards to the cover, mine is the same, his hair looks almost black. I did have a laugh at the extent that we notice things, written and pictured, in a book, but I also think it's to the author's credit that she can create characters that are real enough to us at the time of reading that we want to discuss more in-depth :-)
18. Good point! It did mention she was as angry at herself as at him.
21. Finally :-) Thanks. I'm surprised it's not more than that. Government here recommends 30 minutes moderate to strenuous movement every day. I could be crass and add something to that, but I'll try to be good and refrain... I will say I doubt most people would get to do the full 30mins during the week.
23. On the ending of that scene, DITTO!
@ CaroB#25 – LOL! Not quite teen wolf.
#26- I concur – on all points.
#27 – Mind meld!
#28 – I do the same thing! Of course, as a patient advocate, I have had to step in where needed. But for the most part, I avoid conflict. I like to make peace.
#29 - ☺
#30 – She shrieked in fury. “Let – her – go!” “Never,” he bellowed back.
Yeah, that was a wee bit possessive. LOL!
Lisa Kay, oh yes, bachelor's in PR, masters in elementary ed and I teach preK for minimum wage...I'm really living up to those massive student loans ROFLOL Hubs keeps telling me I should find work in PR, but I like being off when my kids are off :)
@Lisa Kay re:post 7619. I hadn't thought of that! If it was a tough-love lesson, it was ill-timed on a young child, good point. GTK about the series timeline... I'll stick to the order, I'm not a huge fan of getting spoilers ahead of time :-)
21. Great to hear!
24. LOL! I like me a strong man who can protect, respect and grovel! Bodes well for the series for me then *grin*
Carob wrote: "I like me a strong man who can protect, respect and grovel! Bodes well for the series for me then *grin*"LMAO! Okay, then!
On a little aside, I think it's so interesting that we are all conflict avoiders! I read somewhere recently a study that people who read tend to better at empathising than people who don't enjoy reading. I think it may have been a parenting magazine because it was followed by a suggestion that we should encourage kids to read more as it has social benefits... anyway, that's just my little bit of useless trivia for the day...
Well, CaroB., I would certainly rather stick my head in a book than argue, LOL!
My nephew is a difficult child; but, once he was able to read himself, he out-grew some of that. Could it be a form of self-soothing?
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Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
Books mentioned in this topic
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Linger (other topics)
Forever (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Shelly Laurenston (other topics)Kresley Cole (other topics)
#1 – Oh, yes. He is pretty “dominating” and he likes her to wear that kind of thing just for him. I love that he is always picking something out for her to wear..."
lol, another disagreement! I wasn't a big fan of him leaving her clothes out, but I liked how the author made it clear that in Lachlain's mind he was doing it as a way of "taking care" of her.