Happily Ever After Cafe discussion

Elaine wrote: "Have finished and started Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord!"

Elaine - I am holding off in case we do a Buddy Read for this next month.

i'm glad everyone enjoy it （●＾o＾●）

Hehe I see that Elaine already move to Nick's book.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Elaine - I am holding off in case we do a Buddy Read for this next month."

I believe that's the plan.

Night Hawk (Online Elf) wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Elaine - I am holding off in case we do a Buddy Read for this next month."

I believe that's the plan."

Planning ahead aren't we? LoL
Let us finish this one first :)

June wrote: "Night Hawk (Online Elf) wrote: "Let us finish this one first :)"

Too late, Online Elf posted it here... unless January doesn't work for everyone.

Lisa Kay wrote: "June wrote: "Night Hawk (Online Elf) wrote: "Let us finish this one first :)"

Too late, Online Elf posted it here... unless January doesn't work for everyone.

[bookcover:Ten Ways to Be Adored Whe..."

Hehe its okay Lisa, judging from this thread, I think many would continue this series, beside who could say no to Nick?

@ Lisa Kay
1. Buddy read does make it a lot more fun :)
4. Oh Lisa don't let Nick's gentlemanly manner fool you, he is Ralston's twin, he is wicked at heart, LoL.
5. Her list and the way she completed it are deliciously fun, although Ralston and Benny probably disagree :D
6. THE KISS *sigh* If she didn't head over heels in love with him already, she would be goner by then.
8. yeah it was nicely done. Even Ralston portrayed as real cad here but I still adore him :)
10. When it comes to Callie, Ralston tend to lost control, a lot.
11. LOL, I love Benny! Hartwell siblings are prone to dramatic :D

June wrote: "...beside who could say no to Nick?"

Not I!

@ June

#4 - I'm enjoying his wickedness.

#8 - I love that Ralston is a real rake... with a tender touch.

#10 - Definitely.

@Chris
1. Hehe we're glad you decide to join us Chris :)
2. I like he called her Empress, one of reasons why I like him.
3. You totally right about that.
6. He won't like it, but he probably enjoy it :)
9. Ralston is the dog and Calle the dove? LoL
10. There are still plenty to do on her list, plenty opportunity to be found out :)
11. yes I one her character, demure and rebellious at the same time.

@Lisa

2. Oh I didn't think of that, nice take on her name Lisa :)
3. Agreed. Ralston probably had his share of hiding and crying on the corner in his boyhood.
5. Yes, that and the guarantee of happily of ever after at the end of the book :)
6. I think Callie is a bit of naive, but luckily she fall for man with character and kindness, despite his rakish behavior :)

plastron - A half-jacket worn under the jacket for padding or for safety.

Etymology (from Wiki):
From French plastron, from Italian piastrone, augmentive of piastra (“breastplate”), from Latin emplastrum (“plaster”), from Ancient Greek εμπλαστρον (emplastron), from εμπλαστος (emplastos, “daubed, plastered”), from εμπλασσειν (emplassein, “to mould, form”).

Brooks's is a gentlemen's club in St James's Street, London. It is one of the oldest gentleman's clubs in London.


Brooks's Club, London, c.1808.


Subscription Room at Brooks Club from 'The English Spy.'


Inside Brooks's today...

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 9 – 17
(view spoiler)[

12. Will anything come of Juliana and the man in the bookstore?

13. Callie and Ralston had an argument! And what a kiss at the opera! And up against the wall, too? LOL! Man-oh-man! Pretty hot. Still, it leads to her almost slapping him. After he fires her. Comments.

14. The luck of the draw! Ralston shows up at the fencing club. Then he wounds her. But, oh, talk about “kiss it better.” Worked for me. You?

15. Oh! He’s discovered the list…and results to blackmail. Comments.

16. Clever Nick! He doesn’t miss much and he is wicked enough to tease Callie about it. Comments.

17. However, I think it was a bit of jealousy that set Ralston off. He sure knows how to clear out a room. What did you think of the brothers’ conversation afterwards?

18. Oh no! I felt so bad for Callie overhearing Ralston’s cruel comments. She handled herself well afterwards, I thought. Bully for her! And she gave Juliana’s feelings priority. Yet, Ralston is concerned Nick is on Callie’s list! Callie’s right; what a cabbagehead. Thoughts?

19. Whoa! I wasn’t expecting that intense of a love scene! Did Callie capitulate too easily? And I didn’t expect Ralston’s late night confession… or hers! Then his arrogance ruins it all. Yet again, Callie surprises me and is forthright. I love that he is going down hard. Comments.

20. BOOK QUOTE: “You are long overdue for a sister, my lord.” LOL! I enjoyed the way Ralston and Juliana made amends; great dialogue. Your thoughts?

21. What did you think of the scene at the Royal Art Exhibition? Ralston’s plans to get rid of Oxford -- and the wager? His apology? And he sees her as lovely; love will do that to you. Their clandestine plans? The fact that he likes thinking of her in men’s clothing? LOL!

22. Another great discussion between siblings, this time between Marianne and Callie. Did you enjoy it, too?

23. Callie sees her first courtesan. LOL! Poor Ralston. Unlike Callie, I have no question here… just a chuckle.

24. Does Ralston remember 17 year-old Callie?

25. What did you think about Callie’s speech about being put on a prime pedestal?

26. Whoa. Are these two going to get caught? (hide spoiler)]

Thanks for the photos, Lisa Kay. They're great and make it easier to paint a picture in my imagination of the Gentleman's Club.

June's DQ:

(view spoiler)[1. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you? I got this book a couple of years ago and when I saw this BR, thought I'd join
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? I love it but really like Callie much better. I think it fits her personality

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 a good person at heart

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 he wanted to do right by his sister since, she too, had also been abandoned

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 love her list...my favorite is smoking a cheroot. Can't wait to read about that

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? Loved that they had the kiss. He may not like that she has a favor to ask of him...lol

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment? I can see that Juliana would think Callie was his lover. In Juliana's mind, why else would she be willing to help her

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager? I definitely think that Oxford will cause a problem for them. Ralston's wager was to show Oxford that Callie would never fall for him

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. (hide spoiler)]

Only through Chapter 6 right now. Will be back to answer the other 3 tomorrow.

@ Karen ♐

#4 – Good point.

#7 – Ah!

#8 – Yes, Ralston is a bit possessive, too, although he doesn’t realize it. …yet… LOL!

Lisa Kay's DQ's

(view spoiler)[ 12. Will anything come of Juliana and the man in the bookstore?

A. Straight away I'm thinking this will be the hero of Book 3. Especially when we meet him again at one of the Balls and we discover his family are very concerned about the purity of their lineage. And along will come Juliana, with questionable origins.

13. Callie and Ralston had an argument! And what a kiss at the opera! And up against the wall, too? LOL! Man-oh-man! Pretty hot. Still, it leads to her almost slapping him. After he fires her. Comments.

A. That's what great sexual tension is about. Passion!

14. The luck of the draw! Ralston shows up at the fencing club. Then he wounds her. But, oh, talk about “kiss it better.” Worked for me. You?

A. Yep, the chemistry is off the charts.

15. Oh! He’s discovered the list…and results to blackmail. Comments.

A. Although he doesn't acknowledge it yet, he is obviously falling for her big time. As seen by his concern that she will get herself into trouble with her list and he swoops in as her valiant protector.

16. Clever Nick! He doesn’t miss much and he is wicked enough to tease Callie about it. Comments.

I think anyone around Ralston and Callie would see they are perfect for each other. And teasing Callie is such a future brother in law thing to do!

17. However, I think it was a bit of jealousy that set Ralston off. He sure knows how to clear out a room. What did you think of the brothers’ conversation afterwards?

Typical brothers. They can say things that other people wouldn't dream of saying and get away with it. But their heart is in the right place and although they may argue, they want the best for their sibling.

18. Oh no! I felt so bad for Callie overhearing Ralston’s cruel comments. She handled herself well afterwards, I thought. Bully for her! And she gave Juliana’s feelings priority. Yet, Ralston is concerned Nick is on Callie’s list! Callie’s right; what a cabbagehead. Thoughts?

A. Either Ralston panicked because of his childhood and doesn't want to get close to someone or he isn't yet facing his feelings.

19. Whoa! I wasn’t expecting that intense of a love scene! Did Callie capitulate too easily? And I didn’t expect Ralston’s late night confession… or hers! Then his arrogance ruins it all. Yet again, Callie surprises me and is forthright. I love that he is going down hard. Comments.

Yep the bigger and "rakier" they are, the harder they fall. Ralston has done such a good job to protect himself from falling in love (probably because of what happened with his parents, he didn't notice Callie sneaking into his heart. Love that they can't control themselves when they are together. Callie was in love with an image of what she thought Ralston was and breaking through his veneer and finding the true man is so much better than she even dreamed. Of course they can't resist expressing their love.

20. BOOK QUOTE: “You are long overdue for a sister, my lord.” LOL! I enjoyed the way Ralston and Juliana made amends; great dialogue. Your thoughts?

A. Yes, I really liked how the author developed the relationship between these two. It showed a lot of Ralston's excellent character qualities, how he acknowledged and wanted the best for his long lost sister. And how she responded to her two possessive English brothers. Added a nice dimension to the story.

21. What did you think of the scene at the Royal Art Exhibition? Ralston’s plans to get rid of Oxford -- and the wager? His apology? And he sees her as lovely; love will do that to you. Their clandestine plans? The fact that he likes thinking of her in men’s clothing? LOL!

22. Another great discussion between siblings, this time between Marianne and Callie. Did you enjoy it, too?

23. Callie sees her first courtesan. LOL! Poor Ralston. Unlike Callie, I have no question here… just a chuckle.

24. Does Ralston remember 17 year-old Callie?

No, I don't think he consciously does BUT I think instinctively he knew there was something special about her from their first meeting. And again when she comes to his house for the kiss, he treats her with great compassion and respect, it's like he feels their connection, even then.

25. What did you think about Callie’s speech about being put on a prime pedestal?

A. Very impassioned. It must have been very difficult in some ways to be an intelligent women in these times, especially if you wanted more than the domestic in life.

26. Whoa. Are these two going to get caught? (hide spoiler)]

A. NO... it would ruin the story if they did. (hide spoiler)]

@ Lisa (Aussie Girl)

#12 – Ah! Yes, I just read the synopsis for that one; I think you’re right.

#15 – Yes, I believe he likes that role…at least for her.

#16 – True.

#19 – One of the things I like about this book is that, sure…she caves from his physical touch… but then, so does HE! The passion and chemistry are mutual.

#20 – I concur.

#25 – I must have been.

#26 – Again, I agree.

Lisa Kay's DQ's

(view spoiler)[


12. Oh, Leighton was actually nice and charming on that scene. He generally isn't. What at you ladies think about him?

13. Well he did manhandled her. I like that Callie can see Ralston and his flaw and didn't let him bully her.

14. Love the fencing scene, especially the talk after he found out about the list and Callie confession that the list is about finding herself, and his respond "So Callie is a rake" LoL. Joking aside, he truly gets her :)

16. Callie is pretty transparent, everyone know she's pining over Ralston, except the man himself.

17. Yes he is so jealous! and Nick enjoy torture him some more :)

18. Ah men could be idiotta sometimes. Although I like that he actually admit his attraction in my mind, he just didn't ready to it loud :)

19. The love scenes was hot but I think it's very cruel of Ralston to use seduction to prove his point to Callie. :(

20 and 22. I don't know if I like the St. Johns or Hartwell siblings better, they're great cast of characters
21. I think its really funny that whiele he thought it was crazy idea, he gave in to her and agreed to tke her to hi club, he really couldn't say no to her :)

23. Who would have thought? Prim and proper Lady Calpurnia in Gentleman's club asking about courtesan, lol

24. Unfortunately I don't think he does, but I love his speech after he proposed for the third time, it was romantic :)

25. While I can see why being put on padestal frustrated her, I must agreed with Ralston. Callie's life is far more better than courtesans or mistress or even most ladies, after all her family didn't forced her to marry someone.

(hide spoiler)]

@ Karen ♐

2. Yeah, I think Callie really suit her
4. True.
5. I love that one, too, and she manage to do that cleverly :D
7. The thing that girl would do for a kiss, LoL

@ June

#12 – I don’t know yet. I am intrigued, though.

#13 – Me, too. And yet, she doesn’t play games.

#14 – Yes, great line. Changes the meaning of the book’s title, when you get to the end, too, if Callie is the rake. LOL!

#18 – Yes, he is definitely coming to realize it … although, he isn’t calling it love…yet.

#19 – Aww. I think he just got carried away.

#20 – Another thing to love about this book: great secondary characters.

#21 – Nope. He can’t. **hee hee**

#25 – I like that he had some insight here that she didn’t have. Ha! He’s a bit of a feminist!

June wrote: "Night Hawk (Online Elf) wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Elaine - I am holding off in case we do a Buddy Read for this next month."

I believe that's the plan."

Planning ahead aren't we? LoL
..."
What can I say, I got lots of time on my hands and a couple of hundred new books to read....lol.
I really enjoyed reading it again.

Elaine wrote: "I really enjoyed reading it again..."

You've read it before, Elaine? Both #1 and #2? How about #3?

Oh yes. I won't spoil it for anyone.
A really excellent series.

I can't find my copy so I won't be able to participate :(

Do you belong to scribd? Or you can join for a three-month trial, Pamela.

No, never heard of them. What is it?

Just a second... let me get the website...

https://www.scribd.com/subscribe

Unlimited books (some audio) for $8.99 a month. Totally beats out Kindle Unlimited, IMHO.

Go for the free trial first.

Thanks, I'll look at it!

YW, sugarplum.

Chapters 9- 17

(view spoiler)[
12. Will anything come of Juliana and the man in the bookstore? The Duke of Leighton. He was so nice to Juliana, but his reputation certainly wasn't good. I guess this will be Juliana's story.

13. Callie and Ralston had an argument! And what a kiss at the opera! And up against the wall, too? LOL! Man-oh-man! Pretty hot. Still, it leads to her almost slapping him. After he fires her. Comments. I was wondering if Ralston was really going to see Nastasia. He doesn't seem the type to change his mind, and he'd already sent her off. I was surprised that Callie followed him. Glad for the kiss, and surprised at his reaction to the almost slap. Was he glad to see her emotion, and then when she denied it, he called her a coward? I do see after reading the next chapter :-)

14. The luck of the draw! Ralston shows up at the fencing club. Then he wounds her. But, oh, talk about “kiss it better.” Worked for me. You? Well, who wouldn't want to be ravished in a men's fencing club?

15. Oh! He’s discovered the list…and results to blackmail. Comments. I think it's sweet that he wants to protect her.

16. Clever Nick! He doesn’t miss much and he is wicked enough to tease Callie about it. Comments. Can't wait for his book!

17. However, I think it was a bit of jealousy that set Ralston off. He sure knows how to clear out a room. What did you think of the brothers’ conversation afterwards? St John certainly knows how to 'play' his brother!

18. Oh no! I felt so bad for Callie overhearing Ralston’s cruel comments. She handled herself well afterwards, I thought. Bully for her! And she gave Juliana’s feelings priority. Yet, Ralston is concerned Nick is on Callie’s list! Callie’s right; what a cabbagehead. Thoughts? I think that her behavior was appropriate, and I was surprised that she gave in to him so quickly. It was nice that he realized that he needed to act.

19. Whoa! I wasn’t expecting that intense of a love scene! Did Callie capitulate too easily? And I didn’t expect Ralston’s late night confession… or hers! Then his arrogance ruins it all. Yet again, Callie surprises me and is forthright. I love that he is going down hard. Comments. Her final words were so perfect: "I just wish it were anyone else." That ought to get his attention!

20. BOOK QUOTE: “You are long overdue for a sister, my lord.” LOL! I enjoyed the way Ralston and Juliana made amends; great dialogue. Your thoughts? I'm glad they've reconciled. They're both strong characters and good foils for each other.

21. What did you think of the scene at the Royal Art Exhibition? Ralston’s plans to get rid of Oxford -- and the wager? His apology? And he sees her as lovely; love will do that to you. Their clandestine plans? The fact that he likes thinking of her in men’s clothing? LOL! Total relief that we didn't have more of Oxford. I do think she gave in too quickly - he needed to squirm just a tad more.

22. Another great discussion between siblings, this time between Marianne and Callie. Did you enjoy it, too? Yes, and it makes you wonder which sister really has the better end of the deal.

23. Callie sees her first courtesan. LOL! Poor Ralston. Unlike Callie, I have no question here… just a chuckle. I seriously thought she might try to meet the courtesan.

24. Does Ralston remember 17 year-old Callie?I assumed he did, but after this conversation, I guess not.

25. What did you think about Callie’s speech about being put on a prime pedestal? It makes sense from her POV but long-term, she has the better of it.

26. Whoa. Are these two going to get caught? I sure hope so!
(hide spoiler)]

2: I think having an embarrassing name would have contributed to poor Callie’s low self-esteem.

3: I think there was always a genuine niceness underneath – it had to be there for it to come out later.

4: I did think it was a little abrupt. I took it to be a family pride thing, very much within the mores of his social standing – I thought that could have been made a little more explicit.

5: The list was a fun idea. I liked the one about gambling in a Gentlemen’s Club best – they really were forbidden to the ladies at the time. It meant that Ralston was also taking a big risk – even though he was a Marquis, the members wouldn’t have hesitated to black-ball him for such a flagrant breach of their rules.

6: Again I thought this was a little abrupt. It was really very extreme behaviour for her to leave her house in the middle of the night, take a Hackney and go to the house of a notorious rake. Maybe she had the excuse of being tipsy, but even so…! It almost lost me at that point, but I decided to roll with it and just regard it as funny.

8: I thought that was going to make for some interesting trouble down the line!

10: Oh, we’ve all been there! You nag your mum for months to let you go to an all-night party, and then by one o’clock, when the last bus has gone, you’re bored out of your skull and just want to go to sleep! By this time I could go with her craziness and the naughtiness – the abruptness I felt at the start had settled into a believable flow.

11: Yes, liked that. She had started to become so much more confident, this was completely in character.

I signed up for scribd but I don't understand how to get the app on my kindle. :(

@Susanne

2. Yeah, I can see that.
5. That was my favorite as well.
6. Hehe we're glad you keep reading with us :)
11. Yes, she become more confident

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CHAPTER 18 - EPILOGUE.

27. Ralston and Callie share a beautiful experience when they finally make love for the first time. Thoughts/opinions? And what do you think of each of their reactions after?

28. Nastasia and Callie meet by chance at the Modistes. Is their conversation what you expected when these two finally met?

29. At the Ball, Oxford makes his move. But Callie holds her own. And Juliana also makes an important decision. What does this say about these two young women?

30. Ralston faces his fears and asks Benedick for Callie's hand. And Callie accepts. Thoughts on this chapter?

31. Oh No! The cats out the bag! The wager is discovered!! When should have Ralston come clean about the wager and should Callie forgive him?

32. Finally Ralston acknowledges that he loves Callie. But is it too late? Thoughts on the duel and any comments on the book in general?

33. Was this epilogue necessary to finish the book?

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "I signed up for scribd but I don't understand how to get the app on my kindle. :("

Do you have Internet connection with your Kindle, Pamela? These links will help:

https://www.scribd.com/kindlefire

http://support.scribd.com/entries/392...-

I know it took a bit of finessing once I got it downloaded. I had to really "pull up" on the screen to see the download button. I think I had to use two hands.

Also, once you've downloaded it, you have to leave your browser and go to the apps section of your Kindle. It might have been here that I had to "pull up" on the screen to see the button I needed.

Let me know if this helped.

Sorry... busy day. I'm too pooped to post my answers to Lisa's questions... nor respond to other's... I'll catch you all tomorrow. Or would that be later today, since it is 2 minutes after midnight now.

Thanks, LK, I finally got it. I'm such a dunce!

Glad it worked, Pamela!

June's DQ:

(view spoiler)[1. For first time reader, what make you interested in this book? Did someone recommend it to you? I got this book a couple of years ago and when I saw this BR, thought I'd join
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? I love it but really like Callie much better. I think it fits her personality

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 a good person at heart. Of course, time will tell...lol

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 he wanted to do right by his sister since, she too, had also been abandoned

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 love her list...my favorite so far is smoking a cheroot.

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? Loved that they had the kiss. He may not like that she has a favor to ask of him...lol

7. Callie and Juliana became fast friends. And she thought Callie was her brother's lover. Comment? I can see that Juliana would think Callie was his lover. In Juliana's mind, why else would she be willing to help her

8. Do you think Baron Oxford would be a threat to Callie and Ralston budding romance? How do you see Ralston's wager? I definitely think that Oxford will cause a problem for them. Ralston's wager was to show Oxford that Callie would never fall for him

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. I thought Callie was a bit naive here. She may not have believed that Ralston bought her "reason" for asking about a tavern, but I don't think she suspected he knew anything. I think she is unaware of how "streetwise" he is.

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. Loved the carriage "ride". She was so unaware of her surroundings until Ralston said they were a few minutes from her home. I love their chemistry and how he is introducing her to her sensual side.

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. I loved this part. Benny only thinks he's in charge...lol. I love how she was able to convince him that he needed to help her with her adventures. He thought once he gave her the cheroot, that would be the end of everything. Ha! Fooled you Benny. (hide spoiler)]

@ Chris

#13 – I think you’re right, Chris; he liked seeing emotion from her.

#14 – LMBO! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

#17 – Definitely. **hee hee**

#18 – It was nice that he realized that, instead of having Callie continue to be upset for chapters.

#19 – I know! So heart wrenching. And attention getting!

#20 – I agree.

#21 – **chuckles**

#22 – True.

#23 – Yes, I was wondering if it would go there, too.

@ Susanne

#3 – Good point.

#5 – I like that he was taking a risk, too. Made it more fun.

#6 – Glad you stuck with it.

#10 – Good analogy. LOL! I know I've been there.

@ Karen ♐ ...picking up where we left off...

#9 - True. I hadn't really thought of that.

#10 - Yes, loved that scene.

#11 - LOL!

Lisa (Aussie Girl)’s Discussion Questions & Lisa Kay’s Answers Chapter 18 - Epilogue.

(view spoiler)[

27. Ralston and Callie share a beautiful experience when they finally make love for the first time. Thoughts/opinions? And what do you think of each of their reactions after?
I thought it was a very well written love scene. **sigh** I love that Ralston got carried away. His reaction has been done before – realizing she’s a virgin – and I kind of wonder why he would think otherwise! But all-in-all, I thought his reaction, and hers, were realistic. I loved how she articulated why they shouldn’t marry. Great dialogue in this book. SM manages to make Callie seem independent, but not anachronistic.

28. Nastasia and Callie meet by chance at the Modistes. Is their conversation what you expected when these two finally met?
No, not quite what I expected, which is good. Loved Callie’s curiosity. Loved Nastasia’s jealousy, especially when she couldn’t get the material (the witch!).

29. At the Ball, Oxford makes his move. But Callie holds her own. And Juliana also makes an important decision. What does this say about these two young women?
That they are strong, independent, and caring women willing to risk it all for love?

30. Ralston faces his fears and asks Benedick for Callie's hand. And Callie accepts. Thoughts on this chapter?
Oh! I was in hysterics when he went to Benedick – and Benedick’s replies and advice. That was another great scene. I thought Callie accepted at the right time and for all the right reasons.

31. Oh No! The cats out the bag! The wager is discovered!! When should have Ralston come clean about the wager and should Callie forgive him?
Well, he should have come clean sooner, but really, when he said, “It wasn’t like that.” (Or something to that effect…), it really wasn’t quite like that. I’m glad Callie was clued in about men and wagers from her brother, though gentlemen really shouldn’t make them about women. That was another nice scene along with the one between Ralston and Allendale over the wager, too.

32. Finally Ralston acknowledges that he loves Callie. But is it too late? Thoughts on the duel and any comments on the book in general?
I liked it. I didn’t love it, with where the bullet went, but I enjoyed it and thought Oxford was pretty funny. Glad they told him to shut up already.

33. Was this epilogue necessary to finish the book?
Oh, yes. Loved epilogues. Even Oxford came through in snuffing out the rumors. Loved that they were married and still making lists. :o) (hide spoiler)]

@Lisa

27. I really like their love scene(s). I'm usually not a big fan of "too many love scenes" in one book, but in Nine Rules, they're done beautifully with the right amount of passion and fun, and both Callie and Ralston still in character. I think that make reading their love scenes much more exciting and feel intimate.Their post reaction also in character. Of course Callie would say no, the man even didn't ask, he just assume that they'll marry. I like that Callie make him work for it :)

28. Callie and Nastascia might come from different classes and have different temperaments, but in that scene we see that both women suffer of loving men that could't love them back.
(at that point, she wasn't sure about Ralston's feeling)

29. I almost pity Oxford. The guy really had no clue.
Callie and Juliana are among my favorite book heroines. SM done a very good job on creating her heroines, I read 6 of her books and they're great on their own way, of course all her heroes memorable as well.

30. That scene make me laughed. Ralston ask Benny for Callie's hand and then say she's infuariating, and Benny just like "yes she is," LoL.

32. I don't mind the wager, because then we got the duel and Callie fire pistol. Beside I think the whole chapter actually pretty hilarious.

33. The epilogue was nice touch. It mirrored the prologue, and Callie finally completed unwritten wish list, to be the woman in his arm in the same garden ten years ago (*^。^*)

@ Karen ♐

8. Fool Oxford! How could he compete with notorious rake like Ralston :)

9. I think so. She's a bit sheltered, beside she probably count on that people like Ralston think of her wouldn't dare to scandalous thing like that.

10. Yes their chemistry is off the chart!

11. Aww poor Benny, no wonder he didn't rush to be marry. His sisters scared him off women, LoL

ladies I have such a great time re-read this book with all of you ladies. I hope you all have fun. Looking forward to buddy read Nick's book ( # ^^ # )

Lisa Kay's DQ

(view spoiler)[12. Will anything come of Juliana and the man in the bookstore? I certainly hope so. Assuming this will be in another book, if not this one. As time goes on, it is looking like Juliana will stay in England

13. Callie and Ralston had an argument! And what a kiss at the opera! And up against the wall, too? LOL! Man-oh-man! Pretty hot. Still, it leads to her almost slapping him. After he fires her. Comments. Ralston is feeling backed into a corner. I think she is making him feel guilty for the type of life he has led. He is also fighting his real feelings for Callie. He doesn't want to feel anything for her but he definitely is.

14. The luck of the draw! Ralston shows up at the fencing club. Then he wounds her. But, oh, talk about “kiss it better.” Worked for me. You? I loved the fencing club scene. I kept wondering how he was going to discover it was her. And the guilt he felt for wounding her. I think he has never had a relationship with someone like Callie. Loved the part where he unwound her bindings. So sensual. The man can certainly kiss...

15. Oh! He’s discovered the list…and results to blackmail. Comments. I love it. I loved the back and forth. Is he going to read the list or not. This is a new author for me and I love the interaction between the characters.

16. Clever Nick! He doesn’t miss much and he is wicked enough to tease Callie about it. Comments.I love Nick! I think he's having fun teasing Callie & Ralston

17. However, I think it was a bit of jealousy that set Ralston off. He sure knows how to clear out a room. What did you think of the brothers’ conversation afterwards? Ralston is definitely jealous. I think Nick has always been the "good" brother so Ralston is afraid Callie will be drawn to Nick. And, of course, Nick is playing on that.

18. Oh no! I felt so bad for Callie overhearing Ralston’s cruel comments. She handled herself well afterwards, I thought. Bully for her! And she gave Juliana’s feelings priority. Yet, Ralston is concerned Nick is on Callie’s list! Callie’s right; what a cabbagehead. Thoughts? When he was saying those things about Callie (which of course he didn't mean), I thought oh no, I bet she's listening...so glad she didn't show him how hurt she was. Love it that Ralston worried that Nick was on her list! He is definitely a cabbagehead!

19. Whoa! I wasn’t expecting that intense of a love scene! Did Callie capitulate too easily? And I didn’t expect Ralston’s late night confession… or hers! Then his arrogance ruins it all. Yet again, Callie surprises me and is forthright. I love that he is going down hard. Comments. That love scene was unbelievable! I didn't expect either of their confessions. She is so in love with him, I don't think she can help herself. She's been in love with him for 10 years so who could blame her falling into his arms. And, of course, he had to mess things up. Oh, I hope she makes him pay!

20. BOOK QUOTE: “You are long overdue for a sister, my lord.” LOL! I enjoyed the way Ralston and Juliana made amends; great dialogue. Your thoughts? I loved that line. He has no idea what it will be like to have a sister. Love their interaction and I think Juliana is seeing that he does want her there.

21. What did you think of the scene at the Royal Art Exhibition? Ralston’s plans to get rid of Oxford -- and the wager? His apology? And he sees her as lovely; love will do that to you. Their clandestine plans? The fact that he likes thinking of her in men’s clothing? LOL! I think the fact that he has a wager with Oxford is going to come back and bite him. Callie is going to look back and be so hurt thinking he just pursued her to win against Oxford. The apology is interesting. He meant it one way and she took it another. I love the fact that she is so different from anyone else he's known and he's not quite sure what to do about that.

22. Another great discussion between siblings, this time between Marianne and Callie. Did you enjoy it, too? It's fantastic that Marianne is so excited by Callie's list. And I loved the part where Marianne tells her about the squeaky stairs!

23. Callie sees her first courtesan. LOL! Poor Ralston. Unlike Callie, I have no question here… just a chuckle. I love the part where she is really confused as to how the courtesan can be with 3 men...lol

24. Does Ralston remember 17 year-old Callie? I don't think he does yet

25. What did you think about Callie’s speech about being put on a prime pedestal? I think Callie is like most of us. Don't put us on a pedestal, just love us for who we really are.

26. Whoa. Are these two going to get caught? (hide spoiler)] I keep waiting for that!!! (hide spoiler)]

Just wanted to say, I love reading along and the discussion questions are fantastic. Thank you.