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Devil's Bride
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Devil's Bride, by Stephanie Laurens ("Buddy Read") Starts: July 9th
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Jul 11, 2012 06:21AM

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12. Any ideas as to why Tolly would have been killed and by whom?
When I first read this I hadn’t a clue. However, I did figure he was going to Devil with information, since he indicated as much on his death bed.
13. Did you enjoy the picnic?
I loved the whole set-up to that. That he knew she would be out there in the morning, by his curricle. That he anticipated having lunch with her. That he talked ‘dirty’ to her about what their sexual experience would be like. He is so bad. LOL!
14. Why do you think Honoria is really opposed to marriage to anyone?
When I first read the book I figured it had to do with her family’s death, but I didn’t know all of it. I figured she was just afraid to lose a loved one again.
15. What’s your opinion of Michael, Honoria’s brother?
Love Michael! His book, The Ideal Bride, is one of my favs in this series. Of course, it has the word ‘bride’ in it! LOL!
16. Isn't the story of how her parents died tragic! In what other ways do you think it affected Honoria?
I’d best not say. ☺
17. Don't you just love Devil's mother! That's not really a question, is it? But still, isn't she just lovely. Do you think there is a story there? And why do all his brothers and cousins have such crazy nicknames! Scandal - really!
Yes, love Helena! Love the way SL makes her come off the page and into my heart. However, her book, The Promise in a Kiss, is the only one I haven’t read (because of Sebastian’s cheating). I think the names are a bit of a gimmick, but they worked for me because I wanted to know the why behind them.
18. How do you feel about the fact that she has to discuss her future with her brother? I have the most annoying, obnoxious brother in the world. I love him dearly but I cannot imagine if he had control of my life! This aspect of life back then has always bothered me.
Really! My younger brother might do a good job of running my life for me, but not my older. LOL!
19. Given the status of governesses, don't you find it a little odd that Honoria was one?
Governesses were really in a grey area, class-wise, back then. They were often not housed in the servants’ quarters and were used to fill-in when another female was needed at dinner to ‘round out’ the numbers. I think a ‘finishing governess’ was even set a little higher in the social stratosphere. Still, I don’t think all governesses (or even half) where as lucky as RomanceLandia makes them out to be. Thought, maybe as unlucky – with gropes from the lecherous male aristocrats!
20. What do you think convinced Michael of the rightness of the marriage?
I don’t think he wanted Honoria traipsing off to Egypt on her own! He wanted her settled, he could see Devil was very interested and was a good guy, and an excellent catch!
21. “I'll be riding you before Christmas.” What do you think of his plan?
He does like to talk ‘dirty’ to her, doesn’t he? Very overconfident, almost borderline over the top, but he gets away with it, for me, where others wouldn’t.



And Feehan is the queen of purple prose - I must have a thing for it, though, because I love her! Must be my history of reading bodice rippers when I was a teenager:=}}

Aaha! You have an excellent point, Leslie! I think that is one of the reasons I am more tolerant of this style of writing than younger readers. That was back in the day - when a good romance book (with a good plot, good hero, and not TSTL heroine) was hard to find! When you did find one, it came with the "purple-prosey."

22. There always seems to be the obligatory argument over who is going to pay for the new wardrobe in romance books, historical or contemporary (I’m reading one now!). Still, does Devil have a point? How do you feel about it turning ‘physical’? Later he ‘apologizes’ – or did he? LOL!
23. How did you like Chillingworth? What about his good-natured rivalry with Devil? His story is in All About Passion. What about Lucifer? His story is found in All About Love. Which one do you want to read about the most? [Goodness, I can’t believe I remember all these characters so well and in what book they appeared. Do you have a series like that? Which one? Is this due to a good writer/good plot or just a great memory (before mine went to hell in a hand basket)?]
24. Authors often prolong the inevitable consummation with an unfortunate interruption, to build the tension. However, I must admit I liked the two maids fighting. You?
25. What about Honoria wanting a proper proposal? She’s beginning to cave, isn’t she? Still, Devil’s holding out for a declaration. Comments.
26. What disreputable thing could Tolly have been involved in? What about the ‘vital’ clue that is just out of Devil’s reach?
27. What do you think of Devil still wearing the arm-band for Tolly and not dancing? Still, he snuck off for an illicit waltz with her in the orangery. Convenient place for a daybed, don't you think? Was someone watching? Comments.
28. Uh, oh. I’m thinking Vane and Gabriel’s betting is not a good thing. LOL!
29. Were you suspicious of the broken axle on Devil’s phaeton? Is he? Is Honoria? Pridicions on which one will figure it out first?
30. Book Quote: I’m twenty-four – I’ve wasted enough time.” and “Does that make me your mistress?” “No.” Devil held his breath as she sank, excruciatingly slowly, down. “That makes you my pupil.” Chapter 16! Comments?

And thanks for the renumbering!
If I remember correctly, almost all the heroines in those bodice-rippers were TSTL! But those early reading adventures definitely shaped me - yes my age is probably showing.







Susan - I'm glad you are feeling better! The weather here has been miserable.


1. So, what is your impression of the independent Miss Honoria Prudence Anstruther-Wetherby? She eschews her grandfather’s side of the family; think it will come into play later in the book? Think she’ll make it to Egypt?I really liked Honoria from the very beginning. She's strong and knows what she wants. I think she might make it to Egypt, but with her handsome husband with her
2. Of course, I have to ask the same question about the 6th Duke of St. Ives, Sylvester “Devil” Cynster. Too arrogant for you? Or do you allow some leeway, since he is a duke and all? Are he and his irascible horse, Sullieman, of the same cloth? Devil is wonderful. He's full of himself, yet there are times when he is sweet and caring. I think he feels like he can't show a softer side because of being head of the family and a Duke.
3. Well, Honoria sure jumped in the thick of it quickly. Did you like that the mysterious shooting and killing of Tolly was presented right away and that she encountered Devil so soon? Is it conceivable that she not know the name of the duke in the area?Did she not know of the town of St Ives nearby? Wouldn't that have given away who was Duke? But I guess it could be possible that she didn't honestly have a clue.
4. How about his internal decision, as she slept in his arms, that she will be his wife? Do you think he is smitten at first sight? Or does he find her so imminently suitable to be his duchess? Could it be it just time that he marries? Or does he just know what the circumstances will inevitably demand? Does he know his mind, or is there a part of him that is just accepting her as his due? Or does he just like the “uniqueness” of her arguing with him? My impression is that Devil liked her backbone and her standing up to him and knew that his wife would need those characteristics. I think he also realized their situation would call for him making her his wife. I surely don't think it was love at first sight.
5. Were you surprised she walked out of the woodsman’s cottage so blithely in the morning? Do you think she would have been more conscientious of possible compromise?No, not surprised. I don't think she was thinking of the consequences. She was thinking of Tolly being dead.
6. By the way, what do you think of Vane (Spencer)?I like him. Which book is his?
7. Which was funnier? Devil’s reply that Honoria get used to seeing his naked torso or that her not allowing him to call her by her first name was an “oversight” on her part? Or maybe it was Sullieman eating the scones? Or the way Devil communicated his intentions toward Honoria in front of Lady Harrington?the horse!!! Loved the way Devil made his intentions clear in front of Lady Harrington
8. What did you think of Honoria confronting Devil about the illusion that he and the rest of the Cynsters accepted that Tolly was killed by a highwayman? Of her trying to eavesdrop? Think she’ll get in the middle of the investigation?She sure is brave, I'll give her that. I probably wouldn't have said anything. I'm a background player that doesn't want much confrontation. Of course Honoria will be in the middle of the investigation. She won't see why she can't be.
9. What did you think of Cousin Charles’ “more acceptable alternative”? Jerk! It's obivious he doesn't like Devil. I'm just not sure of his motivation for making that offer.
10. What did you think of that first kiss? Of Honoria’s resistance? Devil’s reassurance, but persistence? Loved it all!
11. One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Devil and Honoria espied the younger Cynsters paying their late-night tribute to Tolly. Still brings tears to my eyes, no matter how many times I read it. So neat that Honoria understood that they wanted it private. Comments.Devil impressed me in this scene. Even though he's the head of the family, and use to giving orders, he followed what Honoria said. It shows that he can do the give and take that a relationship needs to have to be successful

I would babble too if I got take a picture with Gerard Butler LOL

1. Any ideas as to why Tolly would have been killed and by whom?the first time I read this I honestly had no clue. This time, I'm picking up on the hints that are there
2. Did you enjoy the picnic?YES!!!
3. Why do you think Honoria is really opposed to marriage to anyone? I think she doesn't want to love anyone and loose them and be hurt.
4.What's your opinion of Michael, Honoria's brother?I like him! I love that he wants Honoria to have what Devil is offering. It is what she was raised to have.
5.Isn't the story of how her parents died tragic! In what other ways do you think it affected Honoria.I think she's closed her self off from making attachments with people because of it. Even the job she took shows that...she's only with a family for 1 year before the young girl debuts.
6.Don't you just love Devil's mother! That's not really a question, is it. But still, isn't she just lovely. Do you think there is a story there. And why do all his brothers and cousins have such crazy nicknames! Scandal - really!Yes, the Dowager is wonderful! Have you read her book? It's labeled something like 7.5, but it's her story.
7.How do you feel about the fact that she has to discuss her future with her brother. I have the most annoying, obnoxious brother in the world. I love him dearly but I cannot imagine if he had control of my life! This aspect of life back then has always bothered me.I don't think I'd like to have his permission to do what I wanted. Honoria is 24. At 24 I had been married for 4 years, had 2 children and couldn't imagine taking orders from anyone LOL
8. Given the status of governesses, don't you find it a little odd that Honoria was one. yes, I do. Maybe that was another way to shove it in her grandfather's face?
9.What do you think convinced Michael of the rightness of the marriage?no
10. "I'll be riding you before Christmas." What do you think of his plan? I was a little shocked at that statement!

Well, she got to friends house at 5pm after work and waited until 10pm outside in the humidity until he was free to come over. That's very stalkerish! I think there's drool on his shirt in the picture. She told him he was beautiful! My other daughter wouldn't speak to her she was so mad about it!

Here is a link to the picture. My daughter is the dark haired short one standing beside him with the goofy grin. I didn't realize he was so tall.

#1 – Sounds like an excellent plan!
#2 – Yes, love his softer side. However, his arrogant side is funny and sharp witted.
#3 – Yeah, that was a weak plot point. Maybe the weakest. I kept wondering, since she was a “finishing governess,” if she ever cracked Debrett’s . However, I did give her a little leeway, since she did go there unexpectedly.
#4 – I have to concur! Yes, he was attracted to her, but it wasn’t love at first sight.
#5 – True! So, she was sleep, sad, and distracted. Works for me.
#6 – Vane is in the next one,

#7 – Yes! With Lady H, he was so subtle that Honoria couldn’t be offended. He really is a devil.
#8 – True, she wouldn’t see why she shouldn’t.
#11 – Good point. Love that scene…oh, I said that already…about 100 times!
Answers to Leslie’s
#1 – Yes, LS does lay them down.
#3 – Agreed.
#4 – True again!
#5 – Oh! Excellent point! (I hadn’t thought of that, that is why it is excellent, LOL!)
#7 – LOL!
#8 – Oh, certainly part of it.
#9 – ?
#10 – Oh, Devil loves to talk dirty.



Yes, excellent point. These two really do "cement" the rest of the characters in the series. Love when them make appearances, too.

LOL! Very true. The difference between reality and RomanceLandia. I would giggle also, and probably say something back.




I didn't feel good about the orangery scene because someone(Charles?) was watching!

I didn't feel good about the orangery scene ..."
I was overlooking the intruder LOL


22. There always seems to be the obligatory argument over who is going to pay for the new wardrobe in romance books, historical or contemporary (I’m reading one now!). Still, does Devil have a point? How do you feel about it turning ‘physical’? Later he ‘apologizes’ – or did he? LOL!I thought it was funny that he admitted he was "practicing" being her husband :) As for his suggestion that her repayment be physical...eh. I can see him thinking that. Don't most men? I know my BFF and joke about how our hubbies will try to bribe us, "if you give me such and such, I'll let you have a new outfit (or whatever it is we've asked for)" LOL It doesn't usually work. I get what I want without payment ;)
23. How did you like Chillingworth? What about his good-natured rivalry with Devil? His story is in All About Passion. What about Lucifer? His story is found in All About Love. Which one do you want to read about the most? [Goodness, I can’t believe I remember all these characters so well and in what book they appeared. Do you have a series like that? Which one? Is this due to a good writer/good plot or just a great memory (before mine went to hell in a hand basket)?]I can't honestly say that I have a series like that where I remember who is in which book. I wish I did, but my mind is not there. As for Chillingsworth and Lucifer, I like them. I'm interested in Chillingsworth's book
24. Authors often prolong the inevitable consummation with an unfortunate interruption, to build the tension. However, I must admit I liked the two maids fighting. You?that was cute
25. What about Honoria wanting a proper proposal? She’s beginning to cave, isn’t she? Still, Devil’s holding out for a declaration. Comments.Devil drove me absolutely CRAZY avoiding her and her declaration. What was he waiting for? I do think Honoria deserved a proper proposal. Just cause a girl's been compromised doesn't mean she still doesn't want the romantic gestures
26. What disreputable thing could Tolly have been involved in? What about the ‘vital’ clue that is just out of Devil’s reach?I don't know what the thing is (I've forgotten since the last time I read this). I know the clue Devil's missing though :)
27. What do you think of Devil still wearing the arm-band for Tolly and not dancing? Still, he snuck off for an illicit waltz with her in the orangery. Convenient place for a daybed, don't you think? Was someone watching? Comments. yes, I think some creeper was watching. I think taking her to the orangery to dance was romantic. And of course there had to be a bed there. Don't all orangeries have daybeds in the middle of them? bwwwahahaha
28. Uh, oh. I’m thinking Vane and Gabriel’s betting is not a good thing. LOL!boys will be boys ;)
29. Were you suspicious of the broken axle on Devil’s phaeton? Is he? Is Honoria? Pridicions on which one will figure it out first?Yes, I was suspicious of the broken axle. As to who figures it out first, I don't know.
30. Book Quote: I’m twenty-four – I’ve wasted enough time.” and “Does that make me your mistress?” “No.” Devil held his breath as she sank, excruciatingly slowly, down. “That makes you my pupil.” Chapter 16! Comments? That was one steamy chapter! I love that Devil was thinking that if she learned well she could make him her slave. When she rolled over and put her hand on his back while she was sleeping and he had that "strange" feeling and then it disappeared and he was confused, I really wanted to scream. Why do some heroes have to be so obtuse? You love her. Just admit it and be done with it. It's usually the big strong alpha male macho ones who are confused. Drives me batty!

ROFLMAO!!!!

#22 – Oh, I meant when he physically picked her up to stop her from leaving. LOL! But, you’re right about the other. ☺
#23 – Yes, he is a handsome devil.
#25 – All true!
#27 – “bwwwahahaha!” LOL! Though, I’m with Shosho; didn’t like the creeper watching.
#30 – Yes, but it is part of their DNA, I think.


31. So, what did you think of the hallway scene? Good think Devil didn’t indulge himself on the table outside his mother’s rooms; too much of an ‘ick’ factor for me. Though, I do admit the ‘trying to keep quite’ can be quite titillating. LOL! How about that Honoria’s blushes gave away to Helena that a wedding was imminent?
32. What was your favorite part of the wedding? What did you think of Magnus?
33. What about Charles’ conversation with Honoria? Later, his conversation with Devil on Berkeley Street (chp. 19).
34. What about the Cynster cousins outside the new duchess’s bedroom window?
35. How did you like the return to the woodman’s cottage? Did you like Honoria’s argument to get Devil to discuss Viscount Bromley’s involvement? Are they barking up the wrong tree here?
36. What do you think of all the ball planning? The various Cynster’s making invitation requests? Devil’s jealous of her time.
37. Eep! Poisoned brandy! Comments. Seems like someone who was familiar with the lay out of their home, right?
38. Not really a question here…I’m sorry, but did any of you ever watch Magnum PI? In it Higgins was always having another half-brother from all over the world show up. Higgins excused his father’s indiscretions on the fact that he was on a mission. LOL! Anyway, that is what Scandal’s story reminded me of. LOL!
39. What? Now ruffians are after Devil with swords? Obviously hired. Comments. Are you figuring out who is the murderer?
40. Oh, Honoria is going to off gallivanting down at the docks now, isn’t she? Devil’s going to go ballistic. Comments.

1. So, what is your impression of the independent Miss Honoria Prudence Anstruther-Wetherby? She eschews her grandfather’s side of the family; think it will come into play later in the book? Think she’ll make it to Egypt?
Well, I don't know, so far she's not really my favorite heroine. I mean, it's cool she's independent and all, but I don't know, I'm not really too invested in her yet. Maybe I'll like her more as the story goes on. As for her going on adventures in Egypt, I hope Devil takes her there one day, like a honeymoon or something. I can totally feel for her desire to get out and see the world, so I hope she does.
2. Of course, I have to ask the same question about the 6th Duke of St. Ives, Sylvester “Devil” Cynster. Too arrogant for you? Or do you allow some leeway, since he is a duke and all? Are he and his irascible horse, Sullieman, of the same cloth?
Again, I'm not real invested in him yet. So far he just seems like yet another badass cookie cutter sexy duke, they're a dime a dozen in romances. Yea, he's arrogant, but aren't most of 'em? I like the horse though. The bit where he ate all the cakes made me laugh.
3. Well, Honoria sure jumped in the thick of it quickly. Did you like that the mysterious shooting and killing of Tolly was presented right away and that she encountered Devil so soon? Is it conceivable that she not know the name of the duke in the area?
It was good that the 'mystery' and 'action' are presented right away, so I know what the goals are, where it's going. Not so sure I'm comfortable with her jumping in the investigation and demanding answers from Devil, it's like... hmm, she didn't know any of these people from Adam, but she didn't hesitate to throw herself into it all. Just seems a little too 'modern' to me, or something. Don't think I'm really saying what I mean right, but hopefully you get the idea.
4. How about his internal decision, as she slept in his arms, that she will be his wife? Do you think he is smitten at first sight? Or does he find her so imminently suitable to be his duchess? Could it be it just time that he marries? Or does he just know what the circumstances will inevitably demand? Does he know his mind, or is there a part of him that is just accepting her as his due? Or does he just like the “uniqueness” of her arguing with him?
I was kinda taken aback by it to tell the truth. Badass duke but he's going to be all 'Oh, this woman is just totally the right one for me' after knowing her for only a couple of hours. I guess he knew that some kind of reparation would have to be made for the compromising situation, but he seemed a little too eager or something.
5. Were you surprised she walked out of the woodsman’s cottage so blithely in the morning? Do you think she would have been more conscientious of possible compromise?
Yes, yes I was. As she was presented as so smart and proper and England's most acclaimed governess or whatever, I would've thought that she'd take a little more care with her propriety and whatnot. She undoubtedly heard the peoples' voices, so the smart thing to do would've been to stay inside and out of view instead of coming to the door all tousled looking and unashamed. I mean, I know nothing happened to be ashamed about, but still the fact of the matter is she had to have known it would look bad.
6. By the way, what do you think of Vane (Spencer)?
Not real sure yet. Yet another badass sexy guy. What is with all the silly nicknames though? Seriously.
7. Which was funnier? Devil’s reply that Honoria get used to seeing his naked torso or that her not allowing him to call her by her first name was an “oversight” on her part? Or maybe it was Sullieman eating the scones? Or the way Devil communicated his intentions toward Honoria in front of Lady Harrington?
The funniest bit to me was the crazy horse eating the refreshments. I think I like the horse best of all the characters so far :O
8. What did you think of Honoria confronting Devil about the illusion that he and the rest of the Cynsters accepted that Tolly was killed by a highwayman? Of her trying to eavesdrop? Think she’ll get in the middle of the investigation?
Of course she will, she's already inserting herself everywhere like she and Devil have been engaged for ages instead of only knowing each other a day or two.
9. What did you think of Cousin Charles’ “more acceptable alternative”?
Meh. I have a feeling he's going to be a bad guy or something, just because he's presented as not being as cool or sexy as every other male in the family. So that means he's not being set-up for a love of his own methinks.
10. What did you think of that first kiss? Of Honoria’s resistance? Devil’s reassurance, but persistence?
Feeling kind of like meh again. Ok yea, he's hot, ok, yea, she's never been kissed like that before. Ooh, aah, what other tricks can he do? That's the question lol.
11. One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Devil and Honoria espied the younger Cynsters paying their late-night tribute to Tolly. Still brings tears to my eyes, no matter how many times I read it. So neat that Honoria understood that they wanted it private. Comments.
I liked it. It was sweet, especially since a good portion of the kids were Tolly's siblings, it was a nice goodbye.

31. So, what did you think of the hallway scene? Good think Devil didn’t indulge himself on the table outside his mother’s rooms; too much of an ‘ick’ factor for me. Though, I do admit the ‘trying to keep quite’ can be quite titillating. LOL! How about that Honoria’s blushes gave away to Helena that a wedding was imminent? The hallway scene was sweet...they were both looking for each other. Yep, kind of ick doing next to his mom's room in the hall. I think her blushes giving her away is cute :)
32. What was your favorite part of the wedding? What did you think of Magnus?I actually liked Magnus. Not nearly as stuffy as I thought he'd be. My favorite part was the scene with the sword cutting the cake and Honoria remembering the night before
33. What about Charles’ conversation with Honoria? Later, his conversation with Devil on Berkeley Street (chp. 19).Charles is a major creeper (view spoiler)
34. What about the Cynster cousins outside the new duchess’s bedroom window?that was creepy too. Stalker much? I didn't think they were that hard up for women that they needed to prowling outside to get a glimpse of the new duchess
35. How did you like the return to the woodman’s cottage? Did you like Honoria’s argument to get Devil to discuss Viscount Bromley’s involvement? Are they barking up the wrong tree here?I think Viscount Bromley could help them get info
36. What do you think of all the ball planning? The various Cynster’s making invitation requests? Devil’s jealous of her time.LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Devil is jealous of her time. But I want to smack him for still not acknowledging why. The guys making invitation requests were cute :)
37. Eep! Poisoned brandy! Comments. Seems like someone who was familiar with the lay out of their home, right?yep, someone would have to be familiar with the layout to know where his apartments were
38. Not really a question here…I’m sorry, but did any of you ever watch Magnum PI? In it Higgins was always having another half-brother from all over the world show up. Higgins excused his father’s indiscretions on the fact that he was on a mission. LOL! Anyway, that is what Scandal’s story reminded me of. LOL! HAHAHA I didn't even make that connection. All I have to say about Scandal and his beginnings is that Helena is a much better woman than I am
39. What? Now ruffians are after Devil with swords? Obviously hired. Comments. Are you figuring out who is the murderer?yes and if Honoria knew who his heir was, she'd know for certain cause of the comments he's made.
40. Oh, Honoria is going to off gallivanting down at the docks now, isn’t she? Devil’s going to go ballistic. Comments. Yep, there's no way he won't. She'll be putting herself in danger and he loves her and doesn't want her hurt.
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