Happily Ever After Cafe discussion

June wrote: "Hiya ladies! I want to share a good news. I just have my final oral exam for my BA thesis and it went well. I need to do some revision here and there, but I'm good to go. And after that I can ..."

Thanks ladies

@Lisa I definitely will :)
@Elaine yeah, revisions are actually mere formality, so it won't be hard. I hope I can get everything done by Saturday. Thus I can start my Reading Fiesta on Sunday, :D

Great, June! Congrats!

June...(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

Sorry, ladies I had to jump the gun so to speak and start to fit it in with my heavy reading load this month.

My first Sarah MacLean... and I am enjoying it. I'll wait for you girls to start next week to chat further.

Joining for the first time. I keep meaning to read the book suggestions and haven't this sounds like fun.

Great, Tricia! Welcome.

I'm in - looks like a good one!

Welcome Tricia and Chris. :)

Super, Chris. Welcome.

Hi, I want to join!!! How do I read this book and what exactly are the rules?

Great, Kristiina! Welcome. Are you able to get a copy of the book? Maybe from your library?

Not really any rules, other than to respect others' opinions. We'll be posting Discussion Questions, which you may choose to answer.

Any schedule we're following? :)

Ishi wrote: "Any schedule we're following? :)"

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters		PPDQs*
December 13th 	Prologue-Chp.08		June
December 14th	Chp.09 - Chp.17		Lisa Kay
December 15th	Chp.18 - Epilogue	Lisa (Aussie Girl)

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

Thanks Lisa Kay. :-)

I've got my exams, so I might go a bot slow..hope it won't be much of a problem.

Lisa Kay wrote: "Ishi wrote: "Any schedule we're following? :)"

Chapter Breakdown

Date Chapters PPDQs*
December 13th Prologue-Chp.08 June
December 14th Chp.09 - Chp.17 Lisa Kay
December 15th Chp.18 - Epilogu..."

I've put a post-it with the date on...lol. I'm ready.

That's fine, Ishi. Go at the pace you need; I'll respond to your answers when you get them posted.

Elaine wrote: "I've put a post-it with the date on...lol. I'm ready."

Great, Elaine! ;o)

I'm in. I find this really exciting. Any other BR I've done did not have any structure like this does with reading and discussing certain chapters each day. I love it! I've had this book for a couple years. Can't wait to get to it! Thanks.

Wonderful, Karen ♐! Glad you are joining us.

You all ready for this one?

Are you ladies excited for this one?
I'm going to post the first set of DQs soon, you can comment on them, throw your own questions, or vent your frustration regarding really plot or characters. Whatever you like it ladies :)


In the meantime enjoy some eye candies.



I think he can make fine Lord Ralston, No?

More under the cut (view spoiler)[





(hide spoiler)]

Soo excited for this one ^_^

I'm ready June.

Nice Lord Ralstons!

Welcome to our Buddy Read ladies. Are you excited?
This is actually a re-read for me. I gave it 5 stars. I hope you're enjoying it as much as I do. Its one of my fave series.

June's DQs for prologue-ch. 8
1. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you?
For second time reader like me, how you rated the book last time?
And to be answer later, how do you rate the book after re-read? Do you still like it?

2. What do you think of the name Calpurnia?
I think its beautiful name, and very grant, however I wouldn't name my daughter Calpurnia. It's a bit silly. Comment?

3. Why do you think Ralston cheered Callie up? Did he do it just to get rid of her like she thought? or do you think he's genuinely nice person?

4. Oh twin! How exciting! And if you ladies wondering, yes Nick will get his own book, so does Juliana, but for now let's focus on Ralston. Ralston seemed to hate his mother, yet he readily took responsibility of Juliana, even though she prefer to be back to Italy. What do you think of it?

5. Aww poor Callie called passive. But her list weren't passive at all. Do you like her list or do you think they were too scandalous? What your favorite item on Callie list?

6. Go Callie for going for the kiss! Not mousy passive spinster after all. What do you think of their bargain, a kiss and a favor in exchange for Juliana's entrance to the ton?

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment?

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager?

9. Callie surely didn't think Ralston fall for her lie about the tavern, right? However we know for sure that when it come to Callie, Ralston like to sealed their "deal" with a kiss, LoL. Comment.

10. I love how excited she is with her adventure in the tavern, and then....nope, its not live up to her expectation. Fortunately she got much more exciting and naughtier adventure on the carriage. Comment.

1 1. Lol at Callie got caught by Benny, and then she cleverly pointed out that her adventure actually was his idea. Poor Benny! I love that Callie maneuvered her brother and Ralston into her partner in crime so she can complete her list. Comment.

Oh! Yummy Lord Ralstons, June! Thanks.

Oooh, spoilt for choice! ;o)

Works for me, June! Thanks for visuals.

June’s DQs and Lisa Kay’s A’s for Prologue-Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[
1. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you?
For second time reader like me, how you rated the book last time? And to be answer later, how do you rate the book after re-read? Do you still like it?
It has been sitting on my bookshelf for a long time; I just never got around to it. I have read a lot of SM; however, I did just try one recently and quite enjoyed it. So, I thought I give this one a try, since I love “buddy reads.”

2. What do you think of the name Calpurnia? I think it’s a beautiful name, and very grant, however I wouldn't name my daughter Calpurnia. It’s a bit silly. Comment?
I actually like the name, especially the nickname “Callie.” **shrugs**

3. Why do you think Ralston cheered Callie up? Did he do it just to get rid of her like she thought? Or do you think he's genuinely nice person?
I think he is genuinely a nice person.

4. Oh twins! How exciting! And if you ladies wondering, yes Nick will get his own book, so does Juliana, but for now let's focus on Ralston. Ralston seemed to hate his mother, yet he readily took responsibility of Juliana, even though she prefers to be back to Italy. What do you think of it?
Neat that he is a twin and glad Nick gets his own book. I do always feel sorry for the twin – or any siblings, that they aren’t entitled to any inheritance of title, etc. I think, at first, Ralston’s feelings towards Juliana are “familiar obligation.” However, he will grow to care for her as a sister. I think Juliana will stay in England.

5. Aww poor Callie called passive. But her list weren't passive at all. Do you like her list or do you think they were too scandalous? What your favorite item on Callie list?
Love her list! I’m going over it to see if I’ve done it all. I’ve certainly never “Attend a duel.” LOL!

6. Go Callie for going for the kiss! Not mousy passive spinster after all. What do you think of their bargain, a kiss and a favor in exchange for Juliana's entrance to the ton?
Man-oh-man! That kiss! Pretty fantastic for a first kiss. I think the bargain is fine; I’m just wondering when Ralston will find out about the list.

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment?
I like that they became fast friends. That accusation part was pretty funny. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.” LOL!

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager?
Oh! Oxford will definitely be a fly in the ointment. But, how else is there to be a duel? I think Ralston slipped up there, but in the best way possible. This scenario has been done before, but it done well here, so I’m fine with it.

9. Callie surely didn't think Ralston fall for her lie about the tavern, right? However we know for sure that when it comes to Callie, Ralston likely to sealed their "deal" with a kiss, LoL. Comment.
Yup!

10. I love how excited she is with her adventure in the tavern, and then....nope, it’s not living up to her expectation. Fortunately she got much more exciting and naughtier adventure on the carriage. Comment.
I happen to LOVE carriage seduction, so it worked for me. I also liked what Ralston said in the carriage about finding a man of “character and kindness.” That would be quite a feat for that era. But I also liked that he “lost control” to the extent he did.

11. Lol at Callie got caught by Benny, and then she cleverly pointed out that her adventure actually was his idea. Poor Benny! I love that Callie maneuvered her brother and Ralston into her partner in crime so she can complete her list. Comment.
Pretty funny. Loved, loved, LOVED the dialogue between brother and sister in that scene. (Set her embroidery aflame? LOL!) I like Benny; I hope he gets his own book, too. I’m glad he gave her a cheroot, too, although…ugh! Yup, Callie is pretty smart. (hide spoiler)]

I'll lift my spoiler later tonight...

Oh no, I'm only on Chapter 3, I have to get some reading time in today!

Hopefully, Karen♐.

Oh yes, he'll do very nicely for Lord Ralston, thank you!

. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you? This is my first reading. I noticed the group, and enjoy the buddy reads. I like the Regency period, so it's an easy decision for me.
(view spoiler)[
2. What do you think of the name Calpurnia?
I think its beautiful name, and very grant, however I wouldn't name my daughter Calpurnia. It's a bit silly. Comment? I don't know if the author is trying to tell us something, but the Prologue was sweet and Ralston's description of Calpurnia was kind to Callie.

3. Why do you think Ralston cheered Callie up? Did he do it just to get rid of her like she thought? or do you think he's genuinely nice person? I think he's probably trying to help someone who was upset. I'm guessing he knows personal hurt.

4. Oh twin! How exciting! And if you ladies wondering, yes Nick will get his own book, so does Juliana, but for now let's focus on Ralston. Ralston seemed to hate his mother, yet he readily took responsibility of Juliana, even though she prefer to be back to Italy. What do you think of it? I think we're seeing the boy who was hurt by his mother's leaving. He doesn't like to show overt kindness, but it's there. I'm liking Ralston and Nick!

5. Aww poor Callie called passive. But her list weren't passive at all. Do you like her list or do you think they were too scandalous? What your favorite item on Callie list? I'm cheering for her! It will be fun to se how she accomplishes her goals, and how she snares her hero.

6. Go Callie for going for the kiss! Not mousy passive spinster after all. What do you think of their bargain, a kiss and a favor in exchange for Juliana's entrance to the ton? I'm thinking he's not going to enjoy sneaking her into White's

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment? It doesn't seem to be much of a segreto that Callie is madly in love with Ralston.

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager? He may not know it yet, but he's a goner.

9. Callie surely didn't think Ralston fall for her lie about the tavern, right? However we know for sure that when it come to Callie, Ralston like to sealed their "deal" with a kiss, LoL. Comment. 'The Dog and the Dove' , indeed!

10. I love how excited she is with her adventure in the tavern, and then....nope, its not live up to her expectation. Fortunately she got much more exciting and naughtier adventure on the carriage. Comment. I did expect Ralston to watch out for her at the tavern, and didn't expect the encounter in his carriage. Her statement, 'If we were found together….' made me want him to take her to the door. I was disappointed when he didn't.

11. Lol at Callie got caught by Benny, and then she cleverly pointed out that her adventure actually was his idea. Poor Benny! I love that Callie maneuvered her brother and Ralston into her partner in crime so she can complete her list. Comment. I'm liking daring and adventurous spirit. Pity the poor men in her life :-) (hide spoiler)]

I'm on page 262. I can't put this down, its delish!

@ Chris

#1 – Ditto. Easy decision.

#3 – I think you’ve got his number.

#4 – Yes, they just get yummier and yummier as the book goes along, too.

#5 – Yes, I’m really liking Callie. She is so “real.”

#7 – Really. Callie shouldn’t play poker. LOL!

#10 – I was surprised by the love scene in the carriage. Nicely surprised.

Elaine wrote: "I'm on page 262. I can't put this down, its delish!"

I'm getting ready to start Chapter 14... I had to force myself to slow down. LOL! You're right, Elaine. It really is delish - exceptionally so.

Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Chris

#1 – Ditto. Easy decision.

#3 – I think you’ve got his number.

#4 – Yes, they just get yummier and yummier as the book goes along, too.

#5 – Yes, I’m really liking Callie. She is so “..."

She's quite a character!

Chris wrote: "I'm surprised Poker isn't on her list!"

True. She's got "Gamble (at a gentleman’s club)," but that doesn't necessarily mean poker.

Lisa Kay wrote: "Chris wrote: "I'm surprised Poker isn't on her list!"

True. She's got "Gamble (at a gentleman’s club)," but that doesn't necessarily mean poker."

I need to go find out if they even had Poker back then. I'm pretty sure it was available in the US West, but that may have been later.

Chris wrote: ". For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you? This is my first reading. I noticed the group, and enjoy the buddy reads. I like the Regency per..."

I bought this book a few years ago and never got to it so when I saw this BR, I thought it was the perfect time. Love the title. Love Regency Romance.

Chris wrote: "I need to go find out if they even had Poker back then. I'm pretty sure it was available in the US West, but that may have been later."

Chris, I believe they had Vingt-et-Un, which is Twenty-one (in French).

Karen ♐ wrote: "I bought this book a few years ago and never got to it so when I saw this BR, I thought it was the perfect time. Love the title. Love Regency Romance."

Same here, Karen ♐. I don't know why I didn't get around to it. **shrugs** New-to-me-author, maybe?

Lisa Kay wrote: "Chris wrote: "I need to go find out if they even had Poker back then. I'm pretty sure it was available in the US West, but that may have been later."

Chris, I believe they had Vingt-et-Un, which i..."

Well, I guess it had several interesting origins, none of which were exactly poker. Wiki says it became prevalent in its current form in the early 19th Century US and resembled a Persian game Naj and a French game Poque. Who knew?

You mean poker? I don't know much about poker.

Lisa Kay wrote: "You mean poker? I don't know much about poker."

I only know enough not to lose my hat, ass and spats. :-)

Chris wrote: "I only know enough not to lose my hat, ass and spats. :-)"

LMBO!

We all know where this is going, but I love the journey!

June's DQs under spoiler tag

(view spoiler)[
June's DQs for prologue-ch. 8
[
1. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you?
For second time reader like me, how you rated the book last time?
And to be answer later, how do you rate the book after re-read? Do you still like it?

A. I'm always looking for new authors I can enjoy and Sarah MacLean had been recommended quite a lot, especially this book. Plus a buddy read always makes it more appealing.

2. What do you think of the name Calpurnia?
I think its beautiful name, and very grant, however I wouldn't name my daughter Calpurnia. It's a bit silly. Comment?

Names from classics for females were quite common in the Regency Period. Calpurnia being quite a formal name was chosen by the author to portray the character as being quite correct and formal herself, although when you shorten it to Callie it becomes a lot more like the character's real personality. A girl with a lot more to offer and a vibrant girl supressed by the time she lives in.

3. Why do you think Ralston cheered Callie up? Did he do it just to get rid of her like she thought? or do you think he's genuinely nice person?

A. He is a very just and fair person, despite his arrogant demeanour and he wouldn't like to see an innocent person in distress. I wondered also if he sensed even then some connection between them.

4. Oh twin! How exciting! And if you ladies wondering, yes Nick will get his own book, so does Juliana, but for now let's focus on Ralston. Ralston seemed to hate his mother, yet he readily took responsibility of Juliana, even though she prefer to be back to Italy. What do you think of it?

A. See my previous answer. Also because of the pain his mother caused Nicholas and himself he wouldn't want to see his sister suffer. He is obviously a manner of honour and justice.



5. Aww poor Callie called passive. But her list weren't passive at all. Do you like her list or do you think they were too scandalous? What your favorite item on Callie list?

I could see where she was coming from and it worked for a book but in real life it probably wouldn't have turned out so well. If she'd been caught the ton would have been merciless. But this is why we read historical romance, isn't it!

6. Go Callie for going for the kiss! Not mousy passive spinster after all. What do you think of their bargain, a kiss and a favor in exchange for Juliana's entrance to the ton?

This was a bit of weak point in the book for me. She was lucky that Ralston was a man of honour and he didn't laugh in her face or return her to her brother in disgrace. As I mentioned, I wonder if somehow he sensed the connection between them, even then.

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment?

A. She was Italian... and taking lovers was a lot more natural thing for women than in Britain where they were judged a lot more harshly.

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager?

No at all. It as obvious that Oxford would not have had a chance. I think Ralston was again defending Callie's honour. I knew the wager would cause trouble if and when Callie found out about it though.

9. Callie surely didn't think Ralston fall for her lie about the tavern, right? However we know for sure that when it come to Callie, Ralston like to sealed their "deal" with a kiss, LoL. Comment.

Again, that special something between them. He was falling for her he just didn't realise it yet.

10. I love how excited she is with her adventure in the tavern, and then....nope, its not live up to her expectation. Fortunately she got much more exciting and naughtier adventure on the carriage. Comment.

A. I was happy to see that Sarah MacLean could get the balance right in the love scenes, steamy but keeping with what was relevant with the time period re language and mood.

1 1. Lol at Callie got caught by Benny, and then she cleverly pointed out that her adventure actually was his idea. Poor Benny! I love that Callie maneuvered her brother and Ralston into her partner in crime so she can complete her list. Comment.

Well, maybe that were more sympathetic to what she was trying to achieve. They were always there to protect her.. from herself sometimes and sometimes from the wrath of society. (hide spoiler)]

Have finished and started Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord!

@ Lisa (Aussie Girl)

#2 – Nicely said.

#3 – Ah! Could very well be; I like that idea.

#6 – It is for me!

#7 – True.

#10 – Good word: balance.