Historical Romance Book Club discussion

No we don't know what Jenna is planning for Ascot. I am assuming race fixing. Remember when Will and his groom had that first try out and he thought Jenna's mare was a different horse. And that the majority of the Duchess' activities were illegal. I expect that will be the source of trouble/ angst between Will and Jenna.

Not sure about Viola. She obviously has a crush on Will.

Ahh ok. So she was already on her way to Ascot.

No sorry I was thinking about the overall plot. Ascot is days or weeks away still. On why she has disappeared from the dinner party, no we don't know the why of that either.

Ok, thanks. How far do you plan to read today? I should be able to read a few chapters tonight.

I am halfway through 10, so I'll stop at the end of Chapter 12

I just read that that KB has a Masters in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. I think that's why this book is so interesting- she really does know about horses.

That's interesting Ursula. It adds to the authenticity of the story.

Loriidae wrote: "I am halfway through 10, so I'll stop at the end of Chapter 12"

Although having just read Eleven, I am getting the feeling that KB is heading for one of her chapter cliffhangers :)

Through Chapter 12

Not too bad of a cliffhanger, but I am intrigued on what happens next, of course. I flipped through and all of the remaining chapters are on the shorter side.

The intimate moments were well done and touching. The way Bowen described their feelings, especially Will's, was very moving. I found myself reading very closely.

Chapter 12 with the St. Giles scene was vivid and compelling. I loved how Will was moved to action. He is starting to prove his worth to those around him, as well as himself. I like how this book is centered around a potentially boring theme, but Bowen makes it very compelling and moving.

Ursula wrote: "I just read that that KB has a Masters in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. I think that's why this book is so interesting- she really does know about horses."

Oh wow, that's interesting. I agree-- it adds depth to her writing.

My thoughts through Chapter 12.

Chapter 9. I am enjoying the unfurling of Will's character and his growing awareness of his prior selfishness, or maybe self absorption is a better description.
The banter between friends was lovely, we didn't see much of Boden in the previous books so it is nice to see more of his character and the relationship he has with his sisters.

Chapter 10. "...charging into my room like a bull on a Smithfield Sunday..." This phrase intrigued me so courtesy of Wikipedia "Meat has been traded at Smithfield Market for more than 800 years, making it one of the oldest markets in London. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century...until 1855..."

Chapter 12. brought a lump to my throat that old saying "There but for the grace of God go I" came to mind.

Joanna wrote: "The intimate moments were well done and touching. The way Bowen described their feelings, especially Will's, was very moving. I found myself reading very closely.

I also read the full scene which for me says a lot. I admit that I have a habit of skimming detailed sex scenes, others often complain about fade to black scenes, but I am perfectly ok with them .

Joanna wrote: "Chapter 12 with the St. Giles sce..."

A lot of other historicals feature kind heroines with good works for orphanages etc, but it is often "rose-tinted". KB gives us realism without it becoming dark and overwhelming.

It's such an interesting aspect to the trials of the poor- you never think about all those tradespeople and artisans. They are skilled, work hard and then because entitled arses do not pay them- they end up on the streets. Absolutely horrible.

Ursula wrote: "It's such an interesting aspect to the trials of the poor- you never think about all those tradespeople and artisans. They are skilled, work hard and then because entitled arses do not pay them- th..."

It is, indeed. I believe that the Prince Regent was known to put a few tradesmen out of business for not paying his bills. Bowen has done a wonderful job with the theme here, and at the same time giving us a Duke in the mix.

Yeah- gotta have a hot duke in the mix :) So nice to have an intelligent, thoughtful duke not afraid of self- examination. I get a bit sick of the cookie cutter playboy dark and brooding stereotype so prevalent in Regency novels. Great point about the Prince Regent, too.

Loriidae wrote: "My thoughts through Chapter 12.

Chapter 9. I am enjoying the unfurling of Will's character and his growing awareness of his prior selfishness, or maybe self absorption is a better description.
Th..."

Yea, the banter amongst friends has been good. There was a little in the previous book, but it felt a little forced since Jamie was new to them.

That's an interesting tidbit about Smithfield Market, showing Bowen did her research.

Chapter 12 brought a lump to my throat as well,very moving.

I looked up the Smithfield Market too :)

Through Chapter 15 today

Chapter 13. I have no idea what to make of this chapter. My first thought was that it wasn't up to Jenna to discuss the secrets of others, but then I realised that Jenna is shielding the Duchess from her son's anger and hurt feelings.

Chapter 14 and I still have no idea what Jenna is up to. I thought from the beginning it was race fixing now I am not sure.

Chapter 15. Joanna you must have a crystal ball.!! :) That Viola!!

Loriidae wrote: "Through Chapter 15 today

Chapter 13. I have no idea what to make of this chapter. My first thought was that it wasn't up to Jenna to discuss the secrets of others, but then I realised that Jenna ..."

I thought the same thing about the secret, but I was also glad that he now knew. It did allow him the ability to digest and think about it before talking to his mom.

I don't quite get what Jenna is up to either. And Viola, goodness, what a bad idea. Looks like it's Jenna to the rescue.

Just started chapter 16, and the way Jenna saves Will from the trap is hilarious 😂

The chapters were short enough at the end here that I went ahead and finished. Very good. I enjoyed from the beginning, but this story slowly built up and got better as it went.

I think we're all finished now. 5 stars across the board!! I know if I hadn't been reading this with you two I wouldn't have appreciated it as much. There were several nuances and subtleties that came up in discussions that I doubt I would have picked up on my own. Fun Buddy Read! I appreciate your patience with me -- it's still a crazy schedule here.

Thoughts on how it ended?

Finished.
Chapter 16. Not sure how KB will bring this around - two wrongs don't make a right

I am not sure I think 4.5 stars.

Do the ends justify the means? It was a quick backflip for love. A huge concession!

I rounded it up as there were some truly amazing moments, and I laughed out loud in several places.

I enjoyed Will's character, more so than Jenna. The Duchess as usual was brilliant.

Joanna wrote: "Just started chapter 16, and the way Jenna saves Will from the trap is hilarious 😂"

Wonderful! I would hope the silly girl was horribly sick all the next day.!

I enjoy taking things slow.
I really enjoy chapter by chapter discussions. So much better than the "Finished, it was good" type responses.

Joanna are you thinking about #2.5 A Lady's Guide to Skirting Scandal? It's a short 40 pages. Viola's story. I already have it, so intend to read it before next month.

If I remember rightly, Ursula didn't like it?

Loriidae wrote: "Finished.
Chapter 16. Not sure how KB will bring this around - two wrongs don't make a right

I am not sure I think 4.5 stars.

Do the ends justify the means? It was a quick backflip for love. A ..."

I know what you mean. Some questionable morals there, but their heart was in the right place. I guess they were using an illegal form of betting to meet their ends. So three wrongs make a right, maybe? Haha. Jenna's motives are more obvious, but it seems like the Duchess didn't need to resort to the all the deceit. But, I suppose her perceptions on what her options were is the driver.

There were some good emotional moments and then some amusing moments. They are what made me go for the five too. Felt similar with A Duke to Remember. Bowen's beginnings tend to pack more punch than the endings.

I liked Jenna, but this was very much Will's story. His transformation was very well done. The Duchess was great.

Loriidae wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Just started chapter 16, and the way Jenna saves Will from the trap is hilarious 😂"

Wonderful! I would hope the silly girl was horribly sick all the next day.!"
LOL, I hope so too!

Loriidae wrote: "Joanna are you thinking about #2.5 A Lady's Guide to Skirting Scandal? It's a short 40 pages. Viola's story. I already have it, so intend to read it before next month.

If I rememb..."

I think I will skip for now., but we'll see. When were you thinking?

I am happy to give it another go, as it is short. She was just such a spoilt stupid b..ch I didn't care if she had a hea, but I read it for the sake of completeness and , well, it!s Kelly Bowen :)
Duke of Desire has just appeared on my Kindle ( happy dance) and I think there is a group read/ buddy read happening around they one so might have to go there first. Sigh! It's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it!
Will respond to your thoughts specifically re: this BR when I am on my laptop and not my phone!

Maybe at the beginning of the month, if we are keeping to the second week in November for #3

Sounds like a plan..... :)

Sounds good...40 pages, I can squeeze it in.

If I bitch about her, just bear with me ladies! :)

Hey everyone I have been sick and finally finding my feet again. I took a plane flight and of course picked up a ferocious head cold. I am staying with my brother who was sick with a viral infection when I arrived. (Mount Gambier in South Australia - Ursula) usually I can put up with the cold, it is freezing compared to home, but being sick as well has really taken the shine off the holiday.

Anyway enough of me complaining - it is only a cold. Ihave been listening to audio on my phone as I couldn't concentrate on reading.

So where are we up to? Did you find the short at the library Joanna?

I just picked it up. Not much luck with finding it at the library.

I am sorry to hear you've been sick, especially while on Holiday. Colds are the worst! Hope you feel better fast!

Thank you. I am at the irritating cough stage :(
Hey did you see? We are getting a novella for Seasons of Scandal #3.5 December 5 - I thought it would be an intro to the new series but it isn't!

And the new series title has been revealed. The Devils of Dover but that's a long way away - end of February

Loriidae wrote: "Thank you. I am at the irritating cough stage :(
Hey did you see? We are getting a novella for Seasons of Scandal #3.5 December 5 - I thought it would be an intr..."

No, I hadn't heard. That's exciting. Is Lady Charlotte the sister from the first book?

Just looked, no Max's sister was Beatrice. I just did a quick search, no mention of Charlotte in any of them.So not sure what the connection is.

How do you want to do the BR for the short? Is it worth a new thread or maybe just add here?

Loriidae wrote: "Just looked, no Max's sister was Beatrice. I just did a quick search, no mention of Charlotte in any of them.So not sure what the connection is."

Ok! Thanks for looking. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I think here will work, as it's such a short read.

Ok, I will start in on it today. I don't have anything else I am trying to read at the moment.

Sounds good. Just the thing for by the fire this evening. I am so cold here at my brother's house. It is my childhood home. It got down to 2 (35 f) here last night,, but it was 26 (78 f) overnight at my house. So you can see why I am feeling it.

Loriidae wrote: "Sounds good. Just the thing for by the fire this evening. I am so cold here at my brother's house. It is my childhood home. It got down to 2 (35 f) here last night,, but it was 26 (78 f) overnight ..."

That is stark change, and I bet you would be freezing. That is about what it gets here at night this time of year, although sometimes we get a warm spell, an Indian Summer. This year it's chillier. It actually snowed on Halloween. I don't recall a time when it's done that before. How long are you visiting your brother?

I have read through Chapter 2. I like the pairing. She is going to have to choose what is truly important to her and what life she wants. Did we know she was being sent to NY in the last book? I didn't think but wasn't sure.

I have read Chapter 3, which is about halfway. I like how the hero is bringing down the preconceived notions of the heroine and discovering who she is underneath. I do find it strange that the brother would send her to NY with two chaperones and then ask a young handsome man to look out for her also. Also, why are the two chaperones resting at the same time? Seems counterproductive, both for their own rest and watching out for their charge.