The Challenge Factory discussion

Stella & Lou - The Storm Before the Calm

Checking in. See you Sunday!

*waves*

Are you still sleeping???? wake up Lou!!!! one hour to go LOL

Sorry. Woke up at 8:15, made coffee, grabbed breakfast, and starting now as I sit stuffing my face.

Oh, yeah.... YAY American Pharoah!!! YAY Serena!

Serena??? You and your tennis!!! LOL

Can we change book please??

Change it to what?

Nothing. It's just that I'm already emotional. Hope it gets less heavy

Did I miss the mc name? I'm at chapter 2 and I don't know his name

Oh, let me catch up. What is our reading goal today, or are we going all the way?

Just got the name.

Mmm our goal? I don't know. I don't want to stop it and start a new one. So yes going all the way is ok. But I don't think I will be able to finish it today.

Ok, I'm cool with that. Read at your own pace, use spoilers for your comments, and I'll check you out later. Have to watch the French Open men's final. Your Djokovic is probably gonna kickass, but I may root for the underdog, Wawrinka. Also have a cycling race I'm keeping an eye on. Did I mention that I don't often watch sports? LOLLLLLLLL!!

Just finished chapter 4. Some thoughts...
I'm.in love w Charlie mum. She's so sweet. I love their relationship. It's how I imagine a family should be.
I wasn't ready for the (view spoiler)[bullism and the cutting thing. It broke my heart that second chapter. (hide spoiler)]

I'm still in Chapter 3, so I didn't read your spoiler. I have some thoughts too.

WARNING: The rant starts here . . .
Like how much it disturbs me to know that the bullying and abuse Charlie has endured is more likely the norm instead of the exception. Why can't people just live and let live? Allow others the freedom of being who they are without persecuting and torturing the hell out of them. I am angry and sad! Children come into this world as innocent souls, and some of us stupid adults poison their minds and teach them to hate/fear anyone who is different. GRRRRRRRRRRR!! Where is the love? When one looks beyond outward appearance, don't we human beings have more in common than our surface differences?

Yep I know. That was what broke my heart. It's a theme too many times justified by parents when their children are tge abuser. When a mum says it was just a game and her son had used compressore on a boy. I was so ready to kill her

I'm starting chapter 10. I like it so far but I usually like Cate's books. What about you? And where are you?

Only on 6. I had to watch Wawrinka win the French Open. I feel sorry for Djokovic, but YAY Stan!

This book is an easy read so far. I am enjoying it. Keep me posted on your progress, MGG.

Uff djokovic has lost (lose?) ?? Nooooooo

"Has lost" is correct. "Lost" is the past participle of the verb "lose".

Lose lost lost Got it!!!

taking a break to write a review

I just finished Chapter 10. Wow!
(view spoiler)[
The sexual tension between Charlie and Max was overwhelming. Need cold shower immediately!

This budding relationship is going to be hard on Charlie because he'll have to face up to a few truths about himself that he's been avoiding in order to survive. There's a huge difference between living and surviving. (hide spoiler)]

On a lighter note, Charlie really needs to get a grip on it - figuratively and literally. He can't even relax enough to have fun in the shower!
Uff! BUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

What shower????? OMG

Chapter 13
I totally saw this coming. (view spoiler)[
When Max finally sees Charlie's scars. (hide spoiler)]

Stella ╰☆╮ Mistress of Gorgonzola Goodness╰☆╮ wrote: "What shower????? OMG"
Never know when you are serious. Do I need to explain?

Still chapter 10

I totally forgot about the scars and the pole room. I'm so engrossed (?) in the story. Yep I lot of chemistry. I'm loving both of them. Charlie is soo sweet

Chapter20
And again, I saw this one coming . . . .

(view spoiler)[
Auntie comes home early and catches them. Haven't read any further, but I think it's probably for the best since Charlie is adamant about staying in the closet. I may be wrong, but I think the aunt will be supportive and it wouldn't surprise me if Charlie's mom didn't already suspect he's gay. (hide spoiler)]

End of Chapter 27
Yep, saw that one coming, too.

(view spoiler)[
Of course his mom arrived early enough to see the performance and the kiss. Outed yourself again, Charlie. YAY! Now let's see if the rest of my prediction is correct. (hide spoiler)]

Do you have a glass ball???

Lou~❧Powerless Over 1-Click❧ wrote: "Chapter20
And again, I saw this one coming . . . .
Auntie comes home early and catches them. Haven't read any further, but I think it's probably for the best since Charlie is adamant about stayin..."

Yep. I'm.glad he's coming out a little and max is simply perfect.

Finished chapter 20 going to bed TTY tomorrow kisses

I finished and enjoyed it immensely. I'm putting the rest in a spoiler so I don't affect your opinion, Stella.
(view spoiler)[

The MCs were engaging, and the romance so hot, sweet, and sexy that I could completely overlook how predictably the story unfolded at certain points. This book lives up to its title. After suffering through some moments of outrage and pain about the way the denizens of lame-ass Beacon treated Charlie, I was delighted by this feelgood read. It was great to see the guys get a HEA. 4.5 Stars. (hide spoiler)]

Stella ╰☆╮ Mistress of Gorgonzola Goodness╰☆╮ wrote: "Finished chapter 20 going to bed TTY tomorrow kisses"

Buono notte, MGG. Sogni d'oro.

Finished it this morning. I gave it 5 stars too. I loved all the story and the MCs. Apart from the first couple of chapters the book was light and hot and positive. Just what I needed.

I read under your spoiler tag and I agree w you. I would have preferred that at least w his amazing mum he would have been brave and come out by himself

and hey you wrote a review too!!! good girl LOL