Kleypas, Lisa - Blue-Eyed Devil: A "buddy read" starts Dec. 5, 2011

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "No, that's fine. There's no right or wrong way. And if you want to do it one question and answer at a time that's okay. Lisa Kay and I are really easy to get on with! "

I know you are, Jill! ^_^ I just wasn't sure if there was a system that's preferred and didn't want to mess it up, that's all. :-P

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

2. I really like that opening line “I first saw him at my brother's wedding...” After all, this is a romance and in that very first line author Lisa Kleypas brings Haven "I" and Hardy "him" together. What do you think of that first sentence?

Excellent point, Jill! As Lisa Kay said: Good catch!

3. The wine cellar. Need I say more? Loved that scene between Haven and Hardy. What did you think? But what was Hardy doing down there in the first place? Or did I miss that explanation?

OMG, LOVE that scene! It was soooo HOT. And to have this in the first chapter? After my experience with Sugar Daddy, and I got this smokin cellar scene, I was like, "Yes, LK, THIS is a Contemporary Romance. That's what I'm talkin 'bout!" LOL

Argh! I need to dig out my copy. Didn't Hardy follow her there?

I don't have my copy of BED, but this is from Hardy's POV (emphasis added):

"For the next few minutes I wandered from room to room, music and laughter and conversation filling the air with a muted roar. The house was decorated European-style, with paintings and furniture that looked stylishly worn and aged. I thought of Liberty stepping into this life, this privileged world, and I briefly remembered how she had been as a shy little girl, with glasses and long tangly hair and skinned knees. She must have changed a lot to be able to handle this.

I figured she would be coming into the house soon to change into her going-away clothes. If possible, I would steal a minute with her. In the meantime I was going to find a quiet place to wait.

Off the dining room, I saw an arched stone doorway with a partially open iron gate. Liberty had told me once about the Travises' dine-in wine cellar and renowned wine collection. It looked dark and cool and still in there. Wondering what a world-class wine collection looked like, I went past the iron gate and into the wine room, which was lined with oak barrel stays that gave the air a sweet, earthy smell. There was a marble-topped table in the center of the space, and floor-to-ceiling slotted oak racks loaded with dust-frosted wine bottles.

Before I got a closer look, however, the lights went off.

I was startled by the sudden darkness, and even more by an unexpected movement behind me. "Hey—" I began, turning around.

"Just me." A woman's hands slid up my chest and shoulders. Her voice was soft and husky. "Mmmn. You feel nice in a tux." A slim, silk-covered body molded against me. "I missed you," she whispered. "You didn't dance with me."

I should have told her right then that she had the wrong guy, I wasn't who she thought I was. But the feel of her was electrifying; the light press of her breasts, the small, cool fingers slipping around the back of my neck. I drew in a breath, and the smell of her, fresh and exquisite, made my head swim."

Link to Hardy's POV in Chap 1 here: http://www.mylifetime.com/lifestyle/e...

Seriously, people, I'd beg for more of Hardy's POV! *shivers*

So Hardy went to the cellar, out of curiosity, as he waited for his chance to speak to Liberty. And then Haven shows up and kisses him. ^_^ But Hardy had actually noticed Haven earlier in the night.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Have I got a different edition to every one else? Mine doesn't have anything from Hardy's pov."

No, Jill, you haven't got a different edition. LK had written a snippet of Hardy's POV that was released before BED came out. Readers were expecting the book to be from HIS POV and were surprised, and disappointed, when it wasn't. This wasn't included in the book.

I posted this above, but will post again, just in case, as EVERYONE should read this snippet of Hardy's POV:

HARDY'S POV LINK: http://www.mylifetime.com/lifestyle/e...

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Okay, this is weird! My edition doesn't have any of that! No wonder I was confused as to why Hardy was in the wine cellar.... "

No, no, that was a good question (Q.3), Jill! It's because HAVEN didn't know why Hardy was in the wine cellar. We wouldn't know, either, and would keep wondering, too, if it wasn't for that little teaser snippet of Hardy's POV, that LK wrote.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Gah! I'm sounding like an LK encyclopedia again! :-P

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Nevertheless I know now why he was in the wine cellar! "

Important thing to know. ^_~ LOL Just teasing!

Yeah, it was rather naughty of LK to tease her readers like that. I mean, after reading that snippet, and then NOT getting Hardy's POV? Tsk, tsk.

Luckily, I only came across this teaser AFTER I'd read BED.

I'm sure LK has received many letters begging for more of Hardy's POV. Shall we add to that pile, ladies? ^_^

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Jayne I don't mind. You're obviously a big fan of LK's. It's great when someone has these sorts of snippets of info! "

HUGE fan! I REALLY wanted to be a "Lisa's Diva" for her upcoming Friday Harbor series book, Rainshadow Road. Nothing would have pleased me more than spreading the word on Lisa Kleypas' books and being privy to some inside info! But alas, it wasn't eligible for people outside U.S. *sniffles*

I'm SUPER JEALOUS of you, Lisarenee!!! Not fair! Especially when you discovered her because of me!

But that's okay.... *sniffs*

^_^

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

LOL! I really was just teasing, Jill. And I think you would make a great detective.

I think if I hadn't read Hardy's POV, I would have assumed it was because he was being snoopy, or hiding out, maybe, waiting for his chance to see Liberty.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "What's a Lisa's Diva? Obviously I love her writing but I'm not a follower."

Oh, sorry, Jill! I subscribe to Lisa Kleypas' newsletter and we got this in our email:

"Calling all super-fans!

We have begun crowning the "Lisa's Divas!" This elite team will help build buzz for Rainshadow Road and get cool swag and exclusives in return.

It's not too late to join!"

Here's the link with the further info:
http://www.lisakleypas.com/lisasdivas...

"Lisa's Divas are Fans With Benefits!

To show her appreciation for your efforts, Lisa will give the Divas exclusive info and cool swag, like:

- Exclusive sneak previews into Rainshadow Road
- Glitzy welcome packet fit for a queen with custom-designed, rhinestone-studded tank top, sunglasses & a note from Lisa
- 5 copies of Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor for friends & family
- A chance to win other valuable prizes such as bookseller gift certificates, e-reading devices, and Swarovski crystal butterflies
- Inside information and updates from Lisa"

To qualify we had to post about her upcoming book. I posted on FB and my Blog... and then saw the fine print that it was only for U.S. residents. :-( I can't begin to tell you HOW MUCH I wanted to be a "Lisa's Diva".

But that's okay, I would, and did, spread the word about her upcoming book, anyway. I love Lisa Kleypas' writing! ^_^

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Back to the questions...

4. “No, ma'am. Just wanted to give you my best wishes.” So says Hardy to Liberty at her wedding reception. Since I'm neither Texan nor American, I'm wondering if Texan men really do use the term “ma'am” these days? (Dear God, I hope so!)

LOL, Jill! You know, it's different to hear "ma'am" with a Southern accent. I kinda swoon, hearing that. But every time some Aussie bloke says, "Here you go, ma'am", I just want to glare at him! LOL

I miss the days when I was referred to as a "Miss".

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Well that sucks. You should have written an email to the lovely Ms Kleypas and explained that you're a devoted foreign follower. I'm sure she would have made an exception for you Jayne. "

I don't think she/her people would. :-( That's okay...Them's the breaks for not being American! It's like having to wait longer for all the new releases, too. *sighs*

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "When you get your Kindle you will never have to wait again for new releases. You'll get them the same day as in America."

I do have an e-reader now,but it's just that I do so enjoy holding my paperbacks. So for the ones I really can't wait, I may have to order the Kindle, as well!

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Oh, me too Jayne! But do you know I've never heard an Australian bloke say 'ma'am' or 'miss'!"

Really? They don't say it is Tasmania, Jill? I hear "ma'am" or "madam" quite a bit here in Adelaide, especially in restaurants. And I... Don't. Like. It! But if a man with a Southern accent said it, I'd smile and swoon inside. Haha. Strange, isn't it?

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Hmmm...Where is Lisa Kay? Probably sleeping already.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

#5 and 6 - I'm so sorry to hear that you went through that, Lisa Kay! But so glad you got out of it! *Hugs*

I really connected with Haven and her need to please. I especially understood hers and her relationship with her father.

I read this book a few years back, and I thought, then, that even though I hadn't been in an abusive relationship, being like Haven, and having this need to please and give someone I love a chance, it made me wonder what I would have been like in such a relationship. I've always believed that I wouldn't put up with someone hitting me though. But this book made me wonder...

Then, reading this book actually helped me start to see that my father was an emotionally abusive man. I know that he won't see it that way, and he is a generous and brilliant man, and he doesn't intentionally set out to "abuse", but he does. My father has never said "Sorry". He is never wrong. I finally understood where my over-apologetic-ness stemmed from. I was trying to make up for all the sorrys he never said.

I know you haven't got to this quote in the book yet, but it was so profound for me:

“If you don’t already see it, nothing I say could make you see it.”

The context of this quote was different, but that quote really hit me.

Emotional abuse is so much more insidious. And Nick was totally doing that, too. In making Haven think their arguments were always ALL HER FAULT. That SHE made the mistake that made him so angry. It erodes her self-esteem. And when you feel so low about yourself, it would be hard to leave. How can you face being such a failure at your marriage? What would your father, who also already makes you feel like a failure, say?

(Lisa Kay, once again I want to say "Bravo" for finding the strength and courage to get out of that relationship! xoxo)

Notice that Haven didn't turn to Churchill after this. It was Gage, the wonderful big brother, who came to her rescue. I just LOVE Gage and was so happy to get more of him in BED. *snickers* I loved the scenes with him and Haven.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

#7 - Yes, was happy to have Hardy in the picture again.

@Lisa Kay - I wish I could write like Lisa Kleypas, too. She is such an amazing writer. Her writing is so filled with imagery and an almost poetic-ness, which I love! I've always wished I was a writer.

@Jill - I don't think you struggle with English, Jill!

Jill wrote: "She is an author who is worthy of all the accolades and fan-worship."

*nods vigorously* Uh-huh! Yes!

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

I just wanted to add to my earlier post, re the below quote from BED:

“If you don’t already see it, nothing I say could make you see it.”

Once I "saw" my father's emotional abuse for what it was, at least I was grown-up and moved away. But my mum and dad are still together. And while I love my dad, I am so angry with him, and wish that I could help him change, or help my mum escape. But sometimes, things are really complicated, and it's not that easy.

From the outside looking in, we can say, "WHY didn't Haven leave sooner? Haven is so weak." (I have seen people say this). Seriously, my mother is the strongest person I know. And she puts up with so much cr@p. But she's also the most loving, loyal and forgiving person I know. She took her marriage vows seriously.

She actually said to me, recently, though, "If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have promised for better or worse. But now that I've promised and made this covenant..."

It breaks my heart.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "But yep, I also love that Gage came to the rescue. I love that protectiveness and especially from her brothers. We're getting to see a lot more of Jack. As a lead-in I guess to book #3."

Oh, yes, I loved Jack in this. He is a wonderful big brother, too, and I loved him even more in book 3. *SIGHS*

Her father, on the other hand, I haven't quite forgiven. I think I'm projecting here! LOL

Enjoy the other chapters, Jill! I should go and continue my re-read of Head Over Heels. *sighs* Not ready to let it go yet. ^_^ G'night!

P.S. I'm glad you had a healthy upbringing and aren't a shrinking violet!

[Lisarenee]

You guys are still up. I just woke up. I'm going to dust off my copy of BED and start reading. Funny, I think I could probably answer the questions without doing so, but I just know I forgot something.

[Lisa Kay]

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 6-10

8. Phew! How hot was the beginning of Chapter 6? And really, nothing much happened, yet it did. How does Ms. Kleypas do that? Personally, I think it is all in the long range set-up. You? (P.S. I don’t think I would ever give up that coat!) Did your heart clutch a bit over the discussion they had about her marriage, her having all the power because she was rich?

9. “Divorce moon!” LOL! I just love the way Kleypas updates me with the current vernacular. Do you find yourself trying to remember some of these comments so you can use them yourself?

10. Do you like the way Hardy efficiently explains things about the oil business to Haven, without condensation? Do you agree with Haven about the sexual innuendo about it?

11. “I didn’t know they still made them like that.”
“Like what?”
“Cool, tough, retro-manly. The kind who only cries if someone just ran over his dog. The big-chested guy we can indulge our pathetic daddy complexes with.”
“I don’t have a pathetic daddy complex.”
“Oh? Tell me you haven’t imagined sitting on his lap.”
Todd Phelan, Haven's best friend and interior designer, has some of the best lines – and insights, doesn’t he? I posted one of my favorite quotes. What is your favorite of his so far?

12. Vanessa Flint, Haven's boss: jealous, a real b!tch or Stealth Narcissist? Is Haven a magnet for this type of person? Have you ever experienced the Astrodome Phenomenon? Would you have opened Hardy’s gift in front of her? Comments on the gift?

13. What does it say about Hardy that he is “pursuing” her in front of her family? What did you think about Joe’s big reveal about Hardy’s inquiring about Haven?

14. Eek! Were you expecting the blond at the party to be Vanessa?

15. Whoa. What about Haven’s confrontation with Hardy in Chapter 10? Was Hardy too crude for you? What kind of man has the ability to “roll it back” to the appropriate level when he is that aroused? (Well, appropriate until Haven freaked-out.) Is that a complex show of strength and gentleness? Does it appeal to you?

16. Finally, Haven confides in someone other than her therapist or Gage & Liberty about her abusive marriage. Have you ever had a member of the opposite sex that was your best friend? What do you think about her proposition and his response?

17. BTW, what do you think of Susan Byrnes, Haven's therapist? And she’s on vacation! Just when Nick calls “Marie”!!

[Lisa Kay]

Wow! I wonder why I haven't gotten any of these notifications via email? Hmmmm...

I haven't read them yet, but I will.

Who wants to do the questions for tomorrow?

[Lisa Kay]

Good morning, Jill! (Or whatever time it is there!)
I just added one more sentence to question #15.

[Lisa Kay]

Jayne wrote: "A really good first person POV can really engage a reader, like maybe, through description of certain physicalities of a character, like e.g. “He was so still”, and let the reader draw what that meant, for themselves, rather than through the narrator’s filter of interpreting why he was so still."

Totally agree with you, and Ms. Kleypas does this so well - with just a subtle descriptive word about the other person’s body language.

[Lisa Kay]

Jill wrote: "#4 Small matter of a husband...

**hee hee**

#7 Do you want to write Lisa Kay?
That's something I've never wanted. I struggle with English. So I'm happy being a reader not a writer."
Yes, if I could tell my stories like Ms. Kleypas. I don't write much, but I did submit a book that was rejected. My BFFL tells me to start with short stories, so I'm thinking about it.

Isn't English your first language?

[Lisa Kay]

Jayne wrote: "I know that he won't see it that way, and he is a generous and brilliant man, and he doesn't intentionally set out to "abuse", but he does."

It is so interesting that people all define abuse differently; some draw the line at hitting, others only if it "leaves a mark." There is so much more to it, especially emotionally. It takes a big person with a healthy ego to say their are sorry or to stop in the middle of abusing someone when confronted with it.

[Lisa Kay]

Jayne wrote: "She actually said to me, recently, though, "If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have promised for better or worse. But now that I've promised and made this covenant..."

It breaks my heart."

It breaks mine too. *wipes tears from eyes - sniffle**

[Lisa Kay]

Lisarenee wrote: "You guys are still up."

LOL! I went left the computer a little after 2 a.m. and to bed around 2:45... after a little TV via TiVo. I must say I was a little freaked when I saw there were 34 new posts! LOL!

[Lisa Kay]

Jill wrote: "I'm much more adept at maths and science."

Got it! ☺

[Lisarenee]

Jill’s Questions for Chapters 1-5

1. “I first saw him at my brother's wedding...”
BED is written in the first-person from Haven's point-of-view. What do you think of first-person narrative - like it/hate it/don't care?

I have no preference really to point of view, but I must admit I do like seeing both sides.

2. I really like that opening line “I first saw him at my brother's wedding...” After all, this is a romance and in that very first line author Lisa Kleypas brings Haven "I" and Hardy "him" together. What do you think of that first sentence?

I also didn't pick up on that and that is definitely noteworthy.

3. The wine cellar. Need I say more? Loved that scene between Haven and Hardy. What did you think? But what was Hardy doing down there in the first place? Or did I miss that explanation?

That was a very fun scene. *SIGH*

4. “No, ma'am. Just wanted to give you my best wishes.” So says Hardy to Liberty at her wedding reception. Since I'm neither Texan nor American, I'm wondering if Texan men really do use the term “ma'am” these days? (Dear God, I hope so!)

I believe they do. My brother-in-law was a southerner and my sister and I thought some of the things he said were fun. It's definitely different from the rest of the US and not all southern state have that distinct way of talking.

5. In chapter 3 Haven and Nick get married. Does anyone else think Nick has done a 180? And what about slapping Haven (that first time)? I'm always surprised in novels when that happens that the female never hits back. Or is that just me channeling my own reaction through the heroine? Comments?

Most definitely a 180. Crazy. Looks like daddy was right. I think the change in personality is so quick with these type of men that it puts the person being abused in a state of shock. Just my thought. It always seems like these men have an uncanny ability to pick out the perfect victims for this. A friend of mine was in an abusive marriage which she recently got out of. She did have kids.
She told me if it happened to anyone she knew she'd tell them to get out, but it's totally different when it happens to you so I may be off with my previous thoughts.

6. It’s official. Nick is a prick. Thank goodness Haven left him. I've never been in an abusive relationship. But I would never have stayed as long as Haven. What do you think? Should she have got out straight away? Or did she stay long enough to give him a chance?

She should have gotten out with the first hit. Before I started dating my grandmother gave me one little bit of advice. She said if a guy hits you, no matter what the reason you get out.

7. Haven meets Hardy again at the end of chapter 5.Woohoo! That was my reaction. I've been waiting for these two to meet again. Comments please.

It's very unusual for an author to start a book with the lead female in another relationship, but I like how Kleypas set this whole thing up. I think it kind of keeps us from getting too emotionally upset when the abuse takes place because we already have been introduced to the man who will give her a happy ending.

[Lisa Kay]

@ Jill

#8 – I think you’re guess is right! I don’t think, on some level, that he realizes he’s rich now too, LOL!

#9 – Well, damn. That’s a good question, LOL! Maybe it is Kleypas’ cv.

#10 – FOFLMAO! Too funny to respond to.

#11 – Yes, there is one about testosterone, but I can’t find my book.

#12 – I agree with you about Vanessa – way too risky for her. Yes the tool belt shows he was LISTENING! That, and giving her his okay to do whatever she wanted.

#14 – I must admit that I was surprised it was her the first time I read it.

#15 – Yes. His words. Kleypas let us know he was using the F-bomb, but in a nice way. I’m not into public sex, but I must admit to slipping away from the activities in my youth. ☺ Love a man with that combo.

#16 – Really! LOL! (view spoiler)[ [image error] (hide spoiler)]

#17 – I concur! I wanted her to get to the “meatier matters.”

[Lisarenee]

Lisa Kay said, "I was in an abusive relationship when I was 19-21 years old (1 year, 8 months, 27 days). While it wasn’t as bad as Haven’s, it was bad enough."

I'm sorry to hear that Lisa. I've never been in one, but I think they have to be somewhat sneaky to get away with it. Able to push people's buttons. Perhaps master manipulators of emotion?

[Lisa Kay]

@ Lisarenee

#3 – **sigh**

#5 – I believe you are right about the state of shock when it first happens; it is surreal and perplexing. I don’t know if you can tell/warn anyone – you can only try. And do like Oliver (who took Haven to the airport) and say, “It’s not your fault.”

#6 – Yup, leave at the first hit; your grandmother was wise. My father (who was a very gentle man) told me to watch how a man treated an animal and gauge from that… because, sadly, a man will always treat an animal better than he treats a woman. I didn’t believe him, but he was oh so right. My ex used to beat my dog to “get to” me; it was terrible. I really would have rather me beat me. God, I was young and naïve.

#7 – It is unusual, and makes me wonder if Hardy and Haven would have made it if they’d taken off together. He was fresh off losing Liberty and she was too young. Who knows? Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

Replay to post #109 - Yes, there is a certain amount of stealth involved. Plus, he always had the excuse that he was drunk. Neither of my parents drank, so I wasn’t used to being around drinkers, well, except for what when on in high school - which I thought was funny. Then I figured out that drinking was all part of his process/excuse.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Lisa Kay wrote: "It breaks my heart."

It breaks mine too. *wipes tears from eyes - sniffle*

Awww...I don't mean to cyber-assault you, Lisa Kay, but have to cyber hug you now! *HUGS* LOL

Thank you. I know you understand.

Lisa Kay wrote: "It is so interesting that people all define abuse differently; some draw the line at hitting, others only if it "leaves a mark." There is so much more to it, especially emotionally."

*Nods* Uh-huh. They was quite a bit of that going on with Nick and Haven and it wasn't till her got more physically violent did she finally get scared enough, and strong enough, to leave.

My mum said if he hit her, she'd leave then, even despite the vows she made. But what about the day in and day out of belittling and isolating her??? It's not right. I, his own daughter, can't even talk or email her without him monitoring everything. *shakes head* As long as she follows his "rules", she keeps the peace.

Like Haven, having to walk on eggshells...Anyway...

P.S. Sorry about the 34 messages, Lisa Kay! I told you it would be hard to shut me up once I got going! LOL

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Lisarenee wrote: "It's very unusual for an author to start a book with the lead female in another relationship, but I like how Kleypas set this whole thing up. I think it kind of keeps us from getting too emotionally upset when the abuse takes place because we already have been introduced to the man who will give her a happy ending. "

Excellent point, Lisarenee!

[Lisa Kay]

Oh, I didn't care about the 34 messages... I was just sorry I missed the party, LOL!

[Lisa Kay]

That was an excellent point, Lisarenee! At least we had a light at the end of the tunnel.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "Oh yes English is my first and only language. But my brain isn't wired to write easily. I'm much more adept at maths and science."

I don't think I write well, but my brain is definitely not geared towards maths! LOL Hubby's is, though. *Phew!* I think you express yourself really well, though, Jill. I love reading your reviews!

I was pretty good at Advanced Maths in high school but it wasn't my preferred subject. I did enjoy Biology and Chemistry, though. But my favourite subjects in my studies (secondary and tertiary) were English, Psychology, Philosophy and Law. I love researching, interpreting, analysing, reasoning and discussing/debating a point. ^_^

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Lisarenee wrote: "I think they have to be somewhat sneaky to get away with it. Able to push people's buttons. Perhaps master manipulators of emotion? "

That's exactly right, Lisarenee. That's what I mean about emotional abuse being insidious. They make the other person believe it's their fault. That they need to be sorry. That they can't do anything right. Where would they be without him? Since he's the only one there for them, and the only one who can show them the right way. They manipulate a person's emotions and erode their self-esteem and make them dependant on them (the abuser) for their approval. You don't want to make them unhappy. Because then, bad things happen. Like being slapped. But, of course, the slap was all Haven's fault for not ironing Nick's shirt right, or making his dinner wrong etc. (Am I remembering these circumstance wrong? My book is buried 3-levels deep in my cabinet and I'd have to dig to find it. ^_^) Oh, and he isolates her from her family and friends!

[Lisa Kay]

Yes, isolation is part of the process - from friends and family. They also don't want their victim to have money or a job, thus they don’t encourage them to try new things (like continue their education).

[Lisa Kay]

Sorry, fighting a migraine. I'll get back to you ladies later.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Sorry, fighting a migraine. I'll get back to you ladies later."

Awww... Migraines suck. I hope you feel better soon, Lisa Kay!!

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

In response to Lisa Kay's questions:

#8 – Gah! Wish I had my book so I could go back to this!

#9 – LOL. Yes.

#10 - OMG, my mind was TOTALLY in the gutter when Hardy was talking about the oil business and I was laughing so hard when I read that. I loved that scene! ^_^

#11 – I can’t remember his funny ones, but I agree, he had great lines. I already quoted my most memorable insightful one from him and that was very profound for me:

“If you don’t already see it, nothing I say can make you see it.”

#12 – I don’t think that Haven gravitates to these people but rather that people with NPD, being master maipulators, can sniff out those with low self-esteem. So I guess you could say she’s a “magnet”.
*scratches head* What is Astrodome Phenomenon, Lisa Kay?

#13 - Hmmm…Need further thought….

#14 – No, but grrrrrrr!!

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Jill wrote: "I don't think my heart clutched but I really think Hardy got a burr up his butt about rich people. Maybe, just a guess."

Even though he's rich now, I think that Hardy will always be that boy from the trailer park. It's his roots. Our formative years are where we develop our prejudices, I believe, and so I agree that Hardy has a burr up his butt about rich people.

@Lisa Kay: LOL Yes, true! He doesn't see himself as "rich". For me, I think he sees people "born rich" to be spoilt, whereas he is a "self-made" man and he had to work super hard on those oil rigs and be determined and ruthless, in business, to get where he is. That business ruthlessness was evident in SD and his decisions at the end of that. But then his compassion and care for Liberty kicked in, in the end...though the damage was already done to Gage. I believe that Hardy initially just saw it as business and strategy. (I'm referring to what he did near the end of SD)

Jill wrote: And I love the sexual innuendo. So funny. That must be really how they talk in the oil business in Texas. Guess I'll find out when I visit... *dreaming*

LMAO, JILL!!!

Jill wrote: And again, this is what I love about LK's writing. A toolbelt! How cool is that?! Not flowers, trinkets, chocolates. But the toolbelt shows he cares, he listens. He's gorgeous.

Oh, YES!!!! I agree. Perfect. *SIGHS* Oh, Hardy...

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

@Jill and Lisa Kay - #12 - Hmm, I actually disagree about Vanessa in RL. I think people with NPD actually are so narcissistic that they really believe they can get away with anything - and mostly they do! I know people like this! It doesn't matter that Haven is rich. She looks weak to Vanessa. Vanessa believes that Haven would never tell on her to Jack. I've seen similar things like this happen IRL.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

Lisarenee wrote: "I think the change in personality is so quick with these type of men that it puts the person being abused in a state of shock. "

I think you're right, Lisarenee. They never know when the abuser is going to to be all nice and seemingly reasonable and when they will suddenly turn on them. Very true. And it's the "nice" part of them that they love and the victim tries to explain away the "abnormal" behaviour. But the fact is that the abuser's 180s IS actually the "normal" behaviour. They will "turn" when they don't get their way.

[Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*]

I really need to dig out my book to engage in the other questions. Relying on my memory just isn't cutting it! LOL

Okay, I'm off to bed!

[Lisa Kay]

Jayne wrote: #12 - Hmm, I actually disagree about Vanessa in RL. I think people with NPD actually are so narcissistic that they really believe they can get away with anything..."

So funny that you should post this, as it is my answer I was most unsatifified with. Mainly because I've seen people do this. Slip something into the conversation to put another person down when that person (they're putting down) means a lot/is related to a person also present. It is amazing to watch and listen to b/c I've thought, "Are they clueless?" So, yes, I think you have a point: they think they can get away with it b/c of their own out-of-control ego. Also, I think they get on a roll and can't stop.

[Lisa Kay]

Jayne wrote: "What is Astrodome Phenomenon?"

Remember when Susan Byrnes, Haven's therapist, said if the Astrodome was full of people and there was only one person with NPD, and one perfect victim, they would find each other? Or something similar to that. Then Haven wonders about it later when she realizes Vanessa has NPD too - and she is stuck with her as a boss.

[Lisarenee]

Lisarenee's answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 6-10

8. Phew! How hot was the beginning of Chapter 6? And really, nothing much happened, yet it did. How does Ms. Kleypas do that? Personally, I think it is all in the long range set-up. You? (P.S. I don’t think I would ever give up that coat!) Did your heart clutch a bit over the discussion they had about her marriage, her having all the power because she was rich?

That was very cute about her having a relationship with a jacket. I like how he's getting her used to him with the touching. Easing her into getting comfortable with him. Wonder if he even realizes he's doing it?

9. “Divorce moon!” LOL! I just love the way Kleypas updates me with the current vernacular. Do you find yourself trying to remember some of these comments so you can use them yourself?

She's got some good ones.

10. Do you like the way Hardy efficiently explains things about the oil business to Haven, without condensation? Do you agree with Haven about the sexual innuendo about it?

This series has a lot of that. *grin*

11. “I didn’t know they still made them like that.”
“Like what?”
“Cool, tough, retro-manly. The kind who only cries if someone just ran over his dog. The big-chested guy we can indulge our pathetic daddy complexes with.”
“I don’t have a pathetic daddy complex.”
“Oh? Tell me you haven’t imagined sitting on his lap.”
Todd Phelan, Haven's best friend and interior designer, has some of the best lines – and insights, doesn’t he? I posted one of my favorite quotes. What is your favorite of his so far?

I'm not sure which is my favorite, but he is a fun character.

12. Vanessa Flint, Haven's boss: jealous, a real b!tch or Stealth Narcissist? Is Haven a magnet for this type of person? Have you ever experienced the Astrodome Phenomenon? Would you have opened Hardy’s gift in front of her? Comments on the gift?

Loved the gift. It showed he listened to her. Vanessa surprises me. You'd think she'd be more careful around the owner's sister. Is she stupid or what?

13. What does it say about Hardy that he is “pursuing” her in front of her family? What did you think about Joe’s big reveal about Hardy’s inquiring about Haven?

You have to wonder, right? I'd say in a similar situation I'd say be cautious. She's extremely vulnerable right now.

14. Eek! Were you expecting the blond at the party to be Vanessa?

Nope.

15. Whoa. What about Haven’s confrontation with Hardy in Chapter 10? Was Hardy too crude for you? What kind of man has the ability to “roll it back” to the appropriate level when he is that aroused? (Well, appropriate until Haven freaked-out.) Is that a complex show of strength and gentleness? Does it appeal to you?

I just kept thinking how worried I was about Haven and didn't really notice Hardy.

16. Finally, Haven confides in someone other than her therapist or Gage & Liberty about her abusive marriage. Have you ever had a member of the opposite sex that was your best friend? What do you think about her proposition and his response?

Can't say I can recall being that good of friends with a guy. I thought at first it was harsh (the laughing), but the follow up was nice.

17. BTW, what do you think of Susan Byrnes, Haven's therapist? And she’s on vacation! Just when Nick calls “Marie”!!

That Marie thing was really weird. That is the only thing I kept finding rather odd in this book, then I realized it was her middle name. Still weird, but at least now I know where he got it from.

[Lisarenee]

How's your headache Lisa?