Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Smooth Talking Stranger
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Kleypas, Lisa: Smooth Talking Stranger "Buddy Read" Start Feb. 14, 2012
Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 1 – 7 1. What is your first impressions of Ella Varner, her boyfriend she lives with, Dane, and their relationship? What about her attempted adherence to his vegan diet preference? She feels safe with him and I definitely see him as a beta male. As the story progresses, keep in mind what she said to herself:
“And yet for all that, there was something missing between us, something that nagged at me like a pebble that had worked its way into my shoe. Whatever that missing thing was, it kept Dane and me from reaching absolute closeness.”2. How about your first impression of Ella’s relationship with her mother, Candy Varner? She sure slips in a lot of little digs at Ella, don’t you think? What about Candy’s denial about Roger? Do you think Candy really would have turned the baby over to Social Services? How about Ella withholding from her mother the possibility of a Travis being Luke’s father?
3. What about your first impression of Ella’s beautifully stunning sister, Tara, as told through Ella’s eyes? Do you believe Tara’s “selective amnesia” about Roger is real? What about Dane’s insight into Luke’s “sperm donor”? Did your impression of Tara change after you heard Jack’s impression, or just crystalize?
4. What is your first impression of Ella’s reaction to Luke? His helplessness? Ella’s ineptitude with babies? Ella’s determination to hold the father accountable? What about Candy’s belief that the father is either broke or married? What do you think of Ella’s
5. Might as well continue the theme: What is your impression of Ella’s “star fuc#ing” cousin, Liza? What about her comment about Tara’s right to privacy? How much did Do you agree with her comment: “A baby isn’t abandoned if you know where you left him.”
6. Last, but certainly not least, what is your first impression of Jack Travis? Why do you think Jack decided to take the time to speak with Ella in his office? Do you think he had any inkling about the bombshell she was going to drop on him?
7. Were you surprised when Jack showed up at Ella’s hotel room that night? What about Ella not telling Dane who was at the door? Jack took charge of the dinner menu; was this just part of his character, or did he pick-up on something in Ella? Did you think less of Ella about “cheating” with dinner? How do you feel about hunters and hunting?
8. LMAO over Jack’s parting shot at the end of Chapter Five. Do you think Ella is holding her own against him? What do you think of her “fetishistic allure” toward him, which is revealed at the end of Chapter Six?
9. Tara has been tracked down! Where Ella’s questions about Mountain Valley Wellness intelligent and valid? What do you think is really going on with Tara? Is it just post-partum depression, or something more? Did anything in the conversation stand out to you? How much responsibility do you think Ella should take on for caring about Tara’s baby? Is Tara asking too much of a sister?
10. Wouldn’t you have just loved to know what Jack was thinking when Ella told Tara: “I think he was being a gentleman.” Drat! The disadvantages of first person POV. Did Ella apologize adequately to Jack?
11. Who knows Dane better: Stacy or Tom? Was there any truth to what Stacy said about “forcing” the issue?
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapters 8 – 14 12. Ella's talking to Jack and says, "...Which is why you're going to end up with a woman who's completely different from what you and everyone else expects you to go for."
Here Ella is describing herself. Though she doesn't know it. I'm interested in your opinion, what makes Ella different from the others Jack has had. And why that woman would interest Jack all of a sudden.
13. Okay, I'm going to admit I'm completely turned on by the following statement from Jack.
"...You can't stand between a Texan and his power tools. We like them. Big ones that drain the national grid..." He hefted the drill. "Now let me do the guy stuff while you go to the kitchen. Trust me, it's a perfect arrangement."
I've left out some of the other things that Texan men love, but that whole statement just oozes testosterone. And there's barely a mention of anything sexual. I love it. What about you?
14. "Hold still, Ella."
That was the lead-in to their first kiss. It was beautiful. Your thoughts?
15. When Ella speaks to Tara on the phone, Tara doesn't ask about Luke. Ella brings it up first saying Luke misses his mommy. I realize Tara has problems, but I can't fathom her. Thankfully in RL I've never known anyone so disinterested in her baby.
Have you? If so, were there medical/psychological reasons? Or, are there really women like Candy who have zero interest in their children?
16. I loved the scene- The Perfect Day. What's yours?
17. I've read about, heard descriptions of churches like Eternal Truth. Have you ever been to one of these mega-churches? Know anyone involved in these church/businesses?
18. Jack and Ella's first sex scene up against a wall in a garage. Not my favourite setting for a first time. But hot nevertheless. Your thoughts on this first-time scene.
19. Jack - "I've wanted this since the first second I saw you."
and
"There's not much I wouldn't do for you, Ella." he said quietly. "Haven't you figured that out yet?"
Okay, two things. 1)Not a big fan of love at first sight. (That belongs in romance novels.) Oh, wait. Right. But I can give it a pass if it's believable. This one for me isn't believable, between Jack and Ella. How about you? Do you like lurve-at-first-sight trope? How about here in STS?
And 2) I adore Jack. There's the obvious physical appearance. And what's not to love there. But more importantly, he's caring, responsible, hard-working, thoughtful and he can put a crib together. He's the total package and I can easily understand Ella's attraction. But what I don't get, is what Jack sees in Ella! I simply can't see what/why he would love her straight away. For me, LK has failed to make the attraction, the romance credible. Any hints to help this unbeliever?
Lisa Kay's Discussion Questions for Chapters 15
20. He was the man who knew me better than anyone, who never set me off-balance. It was rare to find people in life you knew were never going or hurt you, or screw you over with moral manipulations. Dane was one of them. Have you ever known anyone like that in your life? What does this sentiment reveal about Ella? About Ella and Dane’s relationship?
21. Dane pulled me closer, and that sent a thrill of something unfamiliar and not at all pleasant through me. Whatever was that feeling?
22. What did you think of Ella, for lack of a better word, “break-up” with Dane? Did he make it easier on her? What about when Dane said, “Being a traditional guy, he probably wants a family of his own…” Is this an accurate assessment – that Jack is traditional and family-oriented? How important is family to him?
23. Did you find it interesting that Dane was surprised that he was jealous? How do you feel about safety and risk in a love/sexual relationship? Were you surprised that Dane “hit” on her one more time?
24. What insight into Jack did you gain from Haven’s conversation with Ella? How about Ella and Jack playing “telephone-tag”?
25. “They would especially invite one of their enemies.” That old roué, Churchill Travis, made an appearing in this chapter. What did you think of his interaction with Ella?
26. Ashley Everson. Now there’s competition I would never want to face on my best day. Looks like she’s after Jack, too. Comments?
27. I believe Lisa Kleypas finally said she would write a story about Joe Travis. (view spoiler) Are you looking forward to it, from the glimpse you’ve seen of him in this chapter?
28. “Although there wasn’t much sleeping involved. You see, the – oof!” Oh, dear! Whatever she was going to explain about the night to Jack, maybe she should have lead with that, LOL! Still, one of my favorite scenes in the book.
29. I loved Jack’s threat towards Dane, and I’m not a thread-loving kind of woman. And I totally understood that brief moment of power Ella felt over someone much, much more powerful than her. Thoughts?
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapter 16 – 21 30. "Mine."
As a romance reader I see that declaration a lot, 'Mine'. I can understand why writers use it - the possessive alpha claiming his partner. But it really doesn't work for me. I always feel like the woman is chattel. How do you feel about that declaration?
31. Jack had been wholly absorbed in me, intensely focused on my responses.
For me that there is the key to a beautiful relationship, sexual or otherwise. If LK had just written that alone for the sex scene I would have been happy. (Glad there was more.) Do you think most men are clued into this like Jack is?
32. Okay, back to the psycho Tara. She gave Ella both barrels for interfering. I can not stand the woman. Please tell me she has some hidden inner goodness, some truly valid reasons for acting the way she does. What do you think of her?
33. Ella tells Liberty that the relationship with Jack isn't going anywhere, it won't last. I find this very unconvincing. She has this utterly gorgeous, rich, confident, (insert any positive adjective here) man panting after her, and she's saying it's not forever. I can't see why she's holding back. Because she loses everyone she cares about? It doesn't make sense. Is this just me? How do you feel about her reluctance/resistance?
34. Ella is a size 8 is that the 'normal' range in the States? Here it would be considered petite.
35. Okay moving on to another detested character. Candy. Can I truly loathe this woman any more than I do? I know this woman is a walking cliché of the evil mother and I should see it and shrug it off but I can't. I (thankfully) have never known a woman like this. Have you?
36. Tara has revealed that Noah Cardiff is the father. I knew that Mark wasn't the father, but Noah? Sheesh, I was a little surprised but guess I shouldn't have been. Were you surprised first time around?
37. Tara's collected Luke. I think I've said before I'm not much of a crier, but this nearly had me choking up. How did you feel when that woman came and took Ella's baby? I was a bit angry.
Great, Emespre! Welcome. ☺
Loved this book! I'll lurk for the discussion :)
I'm in but might end up being a lurker.
Okay, Vi & Lisarenee.
There are 23 chapters, plus an epilogue; each chapter is approximately 14.65 pages long. Do you want to do six chapters a day? (about 88 pages) Or seven? (about 100)
Seven is fine with me, if it is not too much for everyone else.I can do the first set of questions, unless someone else wants to to do them.
Great! Thanks, Jill!
Posted the two chapter breakdowns for review...
Well, we end on the same day. However, I bet not matter which way we go, we'll finish a day early.
Ooops! Made a mistake... corrected it.
So, maybe not early with the last option, LOL!
LOL! Yes, everyone needs to remember that! He is
mine
!
I'm going to post DQs up to and including Chapter 7. That only brings us to page 88, as Chapter 7 is so short.
Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 1 – 7 1. What is your first impressions of Ella Varner, her boyfriend she lives with, Dane, and their relationship? What about her attempted adherence to his vegan diet preference? She feels safe with him and I definitely see him as a beta male. As the story progresses, keep in mind what she said to herself:
“And yet for all that, there was something missing between us, something that nagged at me like a pebble that had worked its way into my shoe. Whatever that missing thing was, it kept Dane and me from reaching absolute closeness.”2. How about your first impression of Ella’s relationship with her mother, Candy Varner? She sure slips in a lot of little digs at Ella, don’t you think? What about Candy’s denial about Roger? Do you think Candy really would have turned the baby over to Social Services? How about Ella withholding from her mother the possibility of a Travis being Luke’s father?
3. What about your first impression of Ella’s beautifully stunning sister, Tara, as told through Ella’s eyes? Do you believe Tara’s “selective amnesia” about Roger is real? What about Dane’s insight into Luke’s “sperm donor”? Did your impression of Tara change after you heard Jack’s impression, or just crystalize?
4. What is your first impression of Ella’s reaction to Luke? His helplessness? Ella’s ineptitude with babies? Ella’s determination to hold the father accountable? What about Candy’s belief that the father is either broke or married? What do you think of Ella’s
5. Might as well continue the theme: What is your impression of Ella’s “star fuc#ing” cousin, Liza? What about her comment about Tara’s right to privacy? How much did Do you agree with her comment: “A baby isn’t abandoned if you know where you left him.”
6. Last, but certainly not least, what is your first impression of Jack Travis? Why do you think Jack decided to take the time to speak with Ella in his office? Do you think he had any inkling about the bombshell she was going to drop on him?
7. Were you surprised when Jack showed up at Ella’s hotel room that night? What about Ella not telling Dane who was at the door? Jack took charge of the dinner menu; was this just part of his character, or did he pick-up on something in Ella? Did you think less of Ella about “cheating” with dinner? How do you feel about hunters and hunting?
8. LMAO over Jack’s parting shot at the end of Chapter Five. Do you think Ella is holding her own against him? What do you think of her “fetishistic allure” toward him, which is revealed at the end of Chapter Six?
9. Tara has been tracked down! Where Ella’s questions about Mountain Valley Wellness intelligent and valid? What do you think is really going on with Tara? Is it just post-partum depression, or something more? Did anything in the conversation stand out to you? How much responsibility do you think Ella should take on for caring about Tara’s baby? Is Tara asking too much of a sister?
10. Wouldn’t you have just loved to know what Jack was thinking when Ella told Tara: “I think he was being a gentleman.” Drat! The disadvantages of first person POV. Did Ella apologize adequately to Jack?
11. Who knows Dane better: Stacy or Tom? Was there any truth to what Stacy said about “forcing” the issue?
Changed DQ#4 slightly.
That's okay, Jill! I totally understand RL! Though I'm dying to reply, I'm going to wait to respond to your LOVELY answers to see if anyone else joins in b/f I do. Mainly though, I've been LMAO!Sorry my questions were so long, but I just love this book. I'm listening to the audio and loving it too.
Sent messages to Lady Jayne & Emespre that we've started.
Got a message from Jayne. She's tied up with her husband (**hee hee**). She'll stop by in a day or two.
LMAO!
And
she's taking pictures! ☺ **hee hee**
On that chuckle, I think I'll got to
message 29:
by
Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*
(last edited Feb 15, 2012 03:13AM)
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Lisa Kay wrote: "Got a message from Jayne. She's tied up with her husband (**hee hee**). She'll stop by in a day or two."Jill wrote: "LOL! I didn't realise Jaynie was into kink. She seems so sweet."
Lisa Kay wrote: "And she's taking pictures!"
ROFLMAO!!! That totally changed the context!!! But all true. ^_^
Ahahahaha! I have tears in my eyes.
I'm typing one handed, since I'm all tied up and all. Haha!
Ah! Jayne! You
Hi Lisa Kay and Jilly!I'll join in the next couple days, okay? It's going to take a few days. Haha!
But I see Lisa has been super busy and productive with many questions. You're so awesome, Lisa! I'm excited to get stuck into this...when I'm less tied up. ^_~
Now I'm afraid to go to sleep b/c the last time I did that I woke up to about 35 messages and it FREAKED me out, LOL! I thought I was way behind, LOL! But really, it is okay now. Chat away.
G'Night, Lisa Kay!!! Don't worry, I won't type 30 plus messages until a few days from now. When I'll have to catch up on your chats. ^_^
Great, Jayne! I look forward to your responses. ☺ Always fun to see what you think.
I think Jack is Haaawwwttttt Daaaaaaaaammmnnn!!!! How about that? LOL
G'night, Jilly! Enjoy Jack!!! ^_^
Not sure if I can make it tomorrow. But I'll definitely try my best on Friday night!And hubby and I are so tired that we won't be tied up this weekend. LOL
@ Jill#1 – Yes, this was a bit of a change of pace, and a challenge too, as she wasn’t just dating Dane, but living with him. Ella was definitely changing herself to Dane’s lifestyle, but I don’t really see that as too “unhealthy” since the vegan diet is supposed to be for healthier (at least, that is one of the reasons people choose it).
#2 – LOL! Yes, Candy has no substance. LOTS of denial going on there, and what she said about the Mother’s Day card? Sheesh is right! Yeah, she would have turned Luke over in a ♥beat. I shudder to think what she would have done to get her greedy hands into Jack!
#3 – I agree; Dane has Tara’ measure. However, we disagree; I think Tara has really blocked Roger from her conscious thought.
#4 – Yes, she was a little quick on the draw there. Good point about Candy’s hx with me. LOVE Ella’s humorous monologues with Luke; they make me smile through-out the book.
#5 – Bookends? Nope. You’re right; vases. Love “ppfftt!” – LOL! Spot-on about abandonment.
#6 – LOL! I think future readers will be happy you dog-eared the page. Yeah, I wish Jack would come off the page and into my arms. I’m wishy-washy on whether or not he knew what Ella was going to ask. I’ve read this one so many times, now I just alternate that in my mind, LOL!
#7 – Now, see! I was totally surprised he showed up (well, the first time I read it, LOL!). Even though I love animals, hunting doesn’t bother me either, as long as all the things you listed are in place, especially that it is not just for sport.
#8 – Ditto!
#9 – I remember when I first read this book, I was like: “Whoa. Insightful questions!” I pretty much felt Ella didn’t have a choice either, not unless she was heartless.
#10 – I thought she owed him a bit more of an apology. But in the audio, she sounds quite contrite.
#11 – I saw both sides of this. I think there was some truth to the “forcing the issue” – and yet, Tom has known Dane a long time. Loved how Kleypas handled this. One of the strengths of the book, as I’ve met so many couples that are great together, yet disagree on the drama happening in their friends’ lives.
I’m ready for your DQs, Jill! Bring them on. ☺
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapters 8 – 14 12. Ella's talking to Jack and says, "...Which is why you're going to end up with a woman who's completely different from what you and everyone else expects you to go for."
Here Ella is describing herself. Though she doesn't know it. I'm interested in your opinion, what makes Ella different from the others Jack has had. And why that woman would interest Jack all of a sudden.
LOVE that scene and have re-read it more times than I can count. I think Ella is more mature and balanced than Jack’s previous women. For lack of a better word, “reasonable”? I also think he likes having to PURSUE her (instead of vice versa). And that she isn’t interesting in him for his money, family name, power, or influence. There is something else, but I won’t mention it until later. Remind me. **laughs evilly**
13. Okay, I'm going to admit I'm completely turned on by the following statement from Jack.
"...You can't stand between a Texan and his power tools. We like them. Big ones that drain the national grid..." He hefted the drill. "Now let me do the guy stuff while you go to the kitchen. Trust me, it's a perfect arrangement."
I've left out some of the other things that Texan men love, but that whole statement just oozes testosterone. And there's barely a mention of anything sexual. I love it. What about you?
LMOA! One of the funniest lines in the whole book. Reminds me of the show Home Improvement and Tim’s line, “More power! (insert animal grunt/noise)”
14. "Hold still, Ella."
That was the lead-in to their first kiss. It was beautiful. Your thoughts?
Loved that kiss. Usually, it is hard to have an alpha “ask permission” – but essentially that is what he is doing. Totally works. **sigh**
15. When Ella speaks to Tara on the phone, Tara doesn't ask about Luke. Ella brings it up first saying Luke misses his mommy. I realize Tara has problems, but I can't fathom her. Thankfully in RL I've never known anyone so disinterested in her baby.
Have you? If so, were there medical/psychological reasons? Or, are there really women like Candy who have zero interest in their children?
I’m adopted. I knew my biological mother; she would visit rarely. Not a drop of maternal blood in her body.
16. I loved the scene- The Perfect Day. What's yours?
I hate to cop out like this, but the one Jack described. I’ve always wanted to do that and go to that part of the country. **sigh** Probably one of this reasons he is tops on my list. Love that scene; it reveals so much about them to one another and is so romantic. Kind of a “what if”.
17. I've read about, heard descriptions of churches like Eternal Truth. Have you ever been to one of these mega-churches? Know anyone involved in these church/businesses?
Yup. Once. That was enough. (Actually, a DATE took me there, if you can believe it!) I can see how a lynch mob crucified Jesus. There is a certain power and energy to a mass of people concentrating like that. Scary. (Gheez, I hope no lurkers are out there getting pissed by my post. People can be quite devout about religion.)
18. Jack and Ella's first sex scene up against a wall in a garage. Not my favourite setting for a first time. But hot nevertheless. Your thoughts on this first-time scene.
Alas, I must confess, I have read and re-read that scene over and over again. Location, location, location! Not my favorite local either, but man-oh-man is it H.O.T. Kleypas sure wrote that one with a “pow” factor, IMHO. Very volatile.
19. Jack - "I've wanted this since the first second I saw you."
and
"There's not much I wouldn't do for you, Ella." he said quietly. "Haven't you figured that out yet?"
Okay, two things. 1)Not a big fan of love at first sight. (That belongs in romance novels.) Oh, wait. Right. But I can give it a pass if it's believable. This one for me isn't believable, between Jack and Ella. How about you? Do you like lurve-at-first-sight trope? How about here in STS?
And 2) I adore Jack. There's the obvious physical appearance. And what's not to love there. But more importantly, he's caring, responsible, hard-working, thoughtful and he can put a crib together. He's the total package and I can easily understand Ella's attraction. But what I don't get, is what Jack sees in Ella! I simply can't see what/why he would love her straight away. For me, LK has failed to make the attraction, the romance credible. Any hints to help this unbeliever?
Not a big fan at ♥@ 1st site either. However, this one works for me, completely. I go back and re-read when Jack first saw her at his office. Did he feel that certain “zing” of awareness? Was it Kismet? Love, love, love the crib scene. I think when we meet Jack earlier in the series, he hasn’t quite reached the level of maturity he has in this book. I think the whole thing with Haven matured him, raised his consciousness, if you will. As you will see later in this book, Jack is in the middle of a major transition in his life. I believe Ella is a totally different kind of heroine than we are used to, but I like her a lot, even more than Haven. I think she is “pretty/cute” as opposed to beautiful, especially if standing next to her sister. I think Jack likes that she is very independent, that she is doing what she is doing for Luke. That, in itself, reveals a lot about her life values.
Jill, DQs for tomorrow will be posted late. I'll PM you.
Lisa Kay's Discussion Questions for Chapter 15 20. He was the man who knew me better than anyone, who never set me off-balance. It was rare to find people in life you knew were never going or hurt you, or screw you over with moral manipulations. Dane was one of them. Have you ever known anyone like that in your life? What does this sentiment reveal about Ella? About Ella and Dane’s relationship?
21. Dane pulled me closer, and that sent a thrill of something unfamiliar and not at all pleasant through me. Whatever was that feeling?
22. What did you think of Ella, for lack of a better word, “break-up” with Dane? Did he make it easier on her? What about when Dane said, “Being a traditional guy, he probably wants a family of his own…” Is this an accurate assessment – that Jack is traditional and family-oriented? How important is family to him?
23. Did you find it interesting that Dane was surprised that he was jealous? How do you feel about safety and risk in a love/sexual relationship? Were you surprised that Dane “hit” on her one more time?
24. What insight into Jack did you gain from Haven’s conversation with Ella? How about Ella and Jack playing “telephone-tag”?
25. “They would especially invite one of their enemies.” That old roué, Churchill Travis, made an appearing in this chapter. What did you think of his interaction with Ella?
26. Ashley Everson. Now there’s competition I would never want to face on my best day. Looks like she’s after Jack, too. Comments?
27. I believe Lisa Kleypas finally said she would write a story about Joe Travis. (view spoiler) Are you looking forward to it, from the glimpse you’ve seen of him in this chapter?
28. “Although there wasn’t much sleeping involved. You see, the – oof!” Oh, dear! Whatever she was going to explain about the night to Jack, maybe she should have lead with that, LOL! Still, one of my favorite scenes in the book.
29. I loved Jack’s threat towards Dane, and I’m not a thread-loving kind of woman. And I totally understood that brief moment of power Ella felt over someone much, much more powerful than her. Thoughts?
Okay, okay! I went a little crazy over Chapter 15. (10 DQs!) Just love that chapter as it is so revealing - plus we get to see Gage and Liberty, Joe & Carrington. I was going to do some trimming, but since you offered to do the questions for today, I thought I'd give you what I have, LOL! Thanks for taking over the next chapters.
Response to Message 58 from Jill#12 – Well, not that suspenseful. Just some observations I want to save till the end.
#13 – Me too! The first year it came out I tried to get friends of mine – who are totally into remodeling (and they could have been the leads!) and they would never watch it. Then, the second year, they were like, “Oh, you’ve just GOT to watch this show!” Please.
#15 – Even living it, it still is a little stunning to me too. I’m a very “maternal” woman, for all that I don’t have children.
#17 – I know! LMAO! It is funny now, and the guy was really sweet, but I must admit, I didn’t date him much after that. (If at all?) Too intense.
#19 – I wish you felt it more too, LOL! Maybe on a second read. I know several people who liked this book better on a second read. ☺
@ Jill#20 – I have a friend from high-school who I am still in touch with. She is actually two years older than I am, and we met at church, not at the same school. Man-oh-man! Our lives have taken such different turns than I would have guess then. Anyways, I digress. She loves me “unconditionally” and, while my current BFFL (best friend for life) also loves me “unconditionally” – my friend from high-school is someone I’ve never had to explain myself to. She just understands. My current BFFL I analyze everything with, LOL!
#21 – I was perplexed by this sentence, always have been. I think it is the word “thrill” in it. I want to say the “unfamiliar” was that she is starting to see him as more of a “brother” figure than a lover – but that brings up the whole incest thing, and I don’t think Kleypas wanted to go there. **shrugs** Just wanted your take on it.
#22 – To me, this was a “California” break-up. I’ve seen them. Totally “laid-back”. Dane is kind of a gen-X hippy, if that is possible. We have a lot of hippies here in California. “Free Love” and all that. I thought it was kind of weird there was one in Texas, LOL! Well said about Jack, with family he is traditional.
#23 – I agree! It is risk:benefit ratio. I figured Dane was just being a typical guy when he hit on Ella one more time. I had to laugh over your reaction, sorry. LOL!
#24 – Yes, shows Haven’s mischievous side.
#25 – Yes, love that Kleypas keeps her characters consistent, or shows them with a believable stage of growth. Churchill is the same. I think the reader can see Jack’s character development (maturity) over the arch of this series.
#27 – I believe it is official, as of this year. I’ll have to hunt down the interview. It might have been on the Lisa’s Divas network.
#28 – Yes, perfect.
#29 – Very hot! Glad you agree. ☺
Jill's Discussion Questions for Chapter 16 – 21 30. "Mine."
As a romance reader I see that declaration a lot, 'Mine'. I can understand why writers use it - the possessive alpha claiming his partner. But it really doesn't work for me. I always feel like the woman is chattel. How do you feel about that declaration?
LOL! Oh, dear! I don’t think it bothers me as much as it does you, Jill. I do think it doesn’t work, on occasion. The writer has to be very careful. I know it has been jarring to me at times. In Real Life, I’ve never had anyone say it. I don’t think I would like it in RL.
31. Jack had been wholly absorbed in me, intensely focused on my responses.
For me that there is the key to a beautiful relationship, sexual or otherwise. If LK had just written that alone for the sex scene I would have been happy. (Glad there was more.) Do you think most men are clued into this like Jack is?
Oh, no. Jack is in a class by himself, LOL! Love that he is so intensely focused. Makes the scene H.O.T.
32. Okay, back to the psycho Tara. She gave Ella both barrels for interfering. I can not stand the woman. Please tell me she has some hidden inner goodness, some truly valid reasons for acting the way she does. What do you think of her?
Nope. Can’t tell you that, LOL! I think, in a way, it was good for her to stand up to Ella, to set boundaries. I think Ella is a “safe” person to try flexing her muscles with. However, Tara is an ungratefully little twit too!
33. Ella tells Liberty that the relationship with Jack isn't going anywhere, it won't last. I find this very unconvincing. She has this utterly gorgeous, rich, confident, (insert any positive adjective here) man panting after her, and she's saying it's not forever. I can't see why she's holding back. Because she loses everyone she cares about? It doesn't make sense. Is this just me? How do you feel about her reluctance/resistance?
Oh, I guess I totally understand Ella. I can see how she feels about losing everyone she has ever cared about. She also sees Jack, because of his wealth and hx of gorgeous women, as totally out of her stratosphere. She is just “bracing” herself for the loss.
34. Ella is a size 8 is that the 'normal' range in the States? Here it would be considered petite.
Well, size 12 is ‘normal’ or average here in the states. (I looked it up.) So, despite all the size ‘0’ – Ella is wrong, LOL! Yes, it is petite.
35. Okay moving on to another detested character. Candy. Can I truly loathe this woman any more than I do? I know this woman is a walking cliché of the evil mother and I should see it and shrug it off but I can't. I (thankfully) have never known a woman like this. Have you?
I have known several women who would, if characteristics were pulled from each, would make her up. Sad to say, my favorite aunt always dressed for a woman much younger than her age. As a kid I loved it, as I grew older, I realized the glaring difference. My cousin is a bit like Candy, in her focus on men at the detriment of her female relationships. She needs a man’s attention; she doesn’t like being alone – ever! She “took” one of my boyfriends from me; he came back months later and said, “You never told me she was crazy.” I just rolled my eyes at him, the stupid prick. And I do have an acquaintance whose mother stole her high school boyfriend. (Pretty sick, IMHO.)
36. Tara has revealed that Noah Cardiff is the father. I knew that Mark wasn't the father, but Noah? Sheesh, I was a little surprised but guess I shouldn't have been. Were you surprised first time around?
Nope. Guessed it from the beginning. That is so interesting to “hear” you say that, because I thought it was a flaw in the book – that it was so blaringly obvious to me from the get-go. The baby looks like him, the quote over his office door, the under-pastor covering it all up. Nice that you didn’t guess it; makes me feel better about the book. LOL! (Sorry, shouldn't laugh.)
37. Tara's collected Luke. I think I've said before I'm not much of a crier, but this nearly had me choking up. How did you feel when that woman came and took Ella's baby? I was a bit angry.
Oh, I was livid! How could she do that! She is totally clueless.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 22 –Epilogue 38. Does the previous “telephone tag” set the stage for what takes place in Chapter 22 when Jack doesn’t answer Ella’s calls? When did you suspect something was wrong?
39. Ella was starting to spiral into a deep depression at the loss of Luke. The possible loss of Jack yanks her out of it, don’t you think? Crystalized things for her. Or do you disagree?
40. The Travis family comes together in a crisis. How well written are these scenes? Are they believable? Do you feel as if you are there, waiting for news with them, and at the hospital? (Love when Hardy says, “Y’all mind waiting ‘til I put the brakes on before you jump out?” LOL!)
41. Did you tear up over the Jack and Ella reunion? Was Jack totally in character, sneaking way from his gurney (and nurse!), or what? LOL! And again, with his dad and Gage? Did it read as father and son, brother to brother?
42. As a nurse, I’m always rolling my eyes over the “superman having sex after an injury” scene. However, this one was believable to me, mainly because of the “life affirming” feel to it. You? (BTW, I think Joe should fall for his nurse. Just saying. ☺)
43. What did you think of the proposal? The acceptance? Do you like Ella better now? Can you see how/why Jack fell for this petite blonde who looks like a “naughty librarian” and helps him get rid of unwanted ex-girl-friends with aplomb?
44. What do you think of how Jack handled Candy? Think it will work?
45. What about Tara’s timing? Luke is going on the honeymoon? Does that work for you?
46. What did you think of the epilogue? How about that it ended focused on Luke?
@ Jill Response to your responses to my answers: Message #69#21 – Thank you! ☺
#22- YES! Still hippies here! A whole subculture. Now we even have “rich” hippies in Marin, LOL! A lot of them are in the mountainous areas now. I guess they can grow marijuana better there, LOL!
#27 – I did a search and this was posted in Lisa’s Divas, December 20, 2011. Now I’m really excited b/c of where the story will pick up. Could be a nurse! (But will probably be a doctor or a physical therapist. **sigh** Still, I’m thrilled.)
I just read this on Facebook and wanted to share with all the Joe Travis fans out there that Lisa might write his book. This is what she said "I was so surprised and delighted by readers asking about Joe Travis, since I'd never planned on writing his story. I mentioned to my editor this past summer that I would like to write a book for Joe, and she seemed to like the idea, so I think it will happen! (And I would like to start it right in his hospital room, just after the event near the end of "Smooth Talking Stranger.")". So there is always hope! :)#30 – LMAO!
#33 – Maybe not just you. Several readers I know don’t like Ella. (And one…prepare yourself for sacrilege here… doesn’t like Jack. Of course, they are a vegan didn’t like that whole plot point of her “cheating” – but as you said, she wasn’t’ really committed to that lifestyle.)
@ Jill#39 – Very, very true!
#40 – Yes! She chooses her words so carefully. It seems like a throwaway line, but it soooooo isn’t. She manages to give us something everyone can relate to – has said or heard – and make it come out of Hardy’s mouth, so that you’re assured it was his character. **sigh**
#41 – But you did tear up over Tara taking Luke! Yeah, I could totally see men acting like that.
#43 – Hey, we really didn’t talk about the whole Ashley in Jack’s apartment scene. Did you laugh at some of it? Like where he wouldn’t let go of Luke, so Ella couldn’t leave. Like little Luke was going to protect him. That scene cracked me up and made me feel sad about Ashley’s kids. It also made me admire Ella even more – b/c she focused on giving Ashley good advice, but made it clear that Jack was not Ashley’s to toy with anymore. What did you think?
#44 – LMAO! We agree on that. Candy’s never going to make it.
#45 – It was classic Tara, wasn’t it? LOL!
#46 – Now see, Jill, I went back and forth on how I felt about the ending, depending on my mood and which number of times I had read it. LOL! Now that you said that, it makes me really happy, because you are sooooooo right!
Jill wrote: "@ Lisa KayThanks once again for taking me through the budyy-read and holding my hand. Would never have read this series without you. And Lisa Kay you have a wonderful bedside manner!"
Thanks, Jill! Loved doing this "buddy read" with you. You always give me such insightful answers and post wonderful DQs. Thanks for the "bedside manner" comment - I just need to be at Joe's bedside as he recovers. **hee hee** Oh, I hope Jack doesn't get jealous. ☺
Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life. With delicious romantic tension, characters so real they walk onto the page and into your heart, Lisa Kleypas delivers the kind of novel that makes you laugh, love; cry and cheer.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩
EXPECT SPOILERS!
We're planning a "buddy read" of this, the third in the Travises series. Anyone is welcome to join us. Just stop in to say, "Hi!" Or answer the questions, or even volunteer to write some. Lurkers welcome, too! ☺
Participants So Far
Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*
Jill
Lisa Kay
Emespre
Lisarenee - may become lurker
Lurkers
Vi