Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Heartless
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Carriger, Gail - Heartless (Buddy Read) Start Dec. 15th 2011
Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-3 1. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant?
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
8. Felicity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 4-6
10. What did you think of Alexia and Biffy going undercover/incognito? They were offered positions at a minor baronet’s town house; could there be an unexpected opening there?
11. Why is Felicity wearing a black bow tied around her neck? Could she be hiding bite marks? Or has her feminine-advocacy association changed her so much as to be nice to both Ivy and Alexia?
12. I must confess I was a bit worried about Alexia when she was in the OBO and couldn’t believe she was going to make a clean getaway and then - Dr. Neebs is back! So soon? Yikes! Shouldn’t someone have told Alexia?
13. Re: the ghosts. If there are least two ghosts, could one be tethered in the vicinity of Lord & Lady Maccon’s residence and the other near Madame Lefoux’s hat shop? One could pass the message on to the other to pass on to Alexia.
14. What is going on with Madame Lefoux? She is acting decidedly suspicious, isn’t she? Does she know something, or is it something else entirely? Is there any significance to Quesnel not being home?
15. What did Madame Lefoux’s aunt mean when she said about her student, “Lost her to the mist of the moor.” ?? Lost? Could this student still be alive?
16. The Parasol Protectorate? All they need to do is put “Pregnant” in there somewhere and it works for me. What do you think of Alexia sending Ivy off to Scotland?
17. Boots has a crush on Alexia? Is this just because she is pregnant?
18. Were you surprised at Lord Akeldama’s reveal of Professor Lyall’s sexual proclivities? Who left the Beta brokenhearted?
19. There seems to be a whole lot of people dressing other people this go round, right? Or am I just being hyperaware of this?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7-9
20. Did you think it would be Alexia, and not (view spoiler) who would figure out a possible way that Biffy won’t suffer so much during his transformation?
21. Who was the burglar (or who sent them) and what did they want?
22. Any hypotheses as to why Conall and Randolph cannot smell the bairn?
23. Any hypotheses as to what has the ghosts of London all in a dithers?
24. Did you understand Puff Bonnet’s coded message? LOL! I must admit, I was too busy laughing.
25. Stuffed ducks? Really, it is things like this that just crack me up. I think Midu has started a list of Lord Akeldama’s epithets. I should ask her to post a link to it. Consider yourself asked: can you, Midu? Please.
26. Who told Quesnel about his biological mother, Angelique? Is that reveal why Madame Lefoux seems distracted or is it somehow related to the mystery Alexia is investigating?
27. Which surprised you more? The former Lord Woolsey’s sexual proclivities or that Alexia suspects Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings as being involved in the Kingair plot to poison the Queen?
28. Who let Biffy out and is it all related to the Kingair mystery, or is there another reason? Why didn’t Lord Akeldama answer Lord Maccon’s question, “Is that wise?” about Biffy?
29. What has Alexia figured out about Professor Lyall? Or did you just go ahead and check, LOL!
CaroB's Questions for Chapters 10-12 30. Wow! No way had I seen that coming about (view spoiler) and Lyall. What a gobsmacker! How do you view Professor Lyall now, knowing this about him? Who is his loyalty really to, alpha or pack? Do you suspect there might be something else he's hiding up his sleeve?Do you think Alexia should tell Conall?
31. Alexia is still quite ambivalent about Channing. What's your take on his character now? I think he and Felicity deserve each other, don't you?
32. My heart broke for Biffy and Conall. How do you predict Biffy's integration into the pack might be resolved?
33. What did you think of Formerly 's second death? Think Madam Lefoux is going to get angry that Alexia exorcised her aunt?
34. Has (view spoiler) gone completely crazy? And what set her off? She seemed fine in the last book!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13-15
35. I just laughed out loud so many times through these chapters. What a hoot! I loved the high octane action mixed with the wry humor. Did you? And Dandelion Fluff Upon a Spoon? Such an imagination GC has.
36. Love how, despite the craziness, the priorities must be observed. Sometimes that works. I know when we had the big earthquake out here more than 20 years ago, all the traffic lights were out and people were so polite. Probably just grateful their houses were still standing. I wish they could be like that always! Do you have a similar experience?
37. “I have an invitation.” LOL! Too funny, but not to someone who hasn’t read along all this way. Right?
38. I was totally surprised that Countess Nadasdy had Quesnel (what was Angelique thinking?!). Were you? That explains a lot about Madame Lefoux’s behavior – mother bear and all that. However, it makes me wonder: what would happen to Alexia’s baby if anything happened to Lord Akeldama? Comments?
39. Well, I just knew Lady Maccon was going to get her hands on that treacle tart, but I was shocked Felicity was on the second tea trolley! I mean, I was pretty suspicious that she was involved with A vamp, not THE vamps, but really! What a little sh!te. Comments.
40. What did you think of the octomaton? Did you have a good picture formed in your head for GC’s descriptions?
41. Uh. Isn’t it a bad thing when you INVITE a vampire into your home? Doesn’t Alexia know that? And why is Lord Akeldama so “self-satisfied with this predicament”? I sure didn’t like the Queen asking who they were going to kill.
42. I want Floote to come work for me! I need him; it is Christmas time. No question here. Just a statement of fact. And desire. ☺
43. Man-oh-man! I just knew Alexia was going to go into labor! (Was expecting it sooner, actually.) What a predicament. Comments?
Lisarenee’s Questions for Chapters 16 & 17 43) Oopsies! She gave away Woolsey Castle? So now they're the werewolves of London-tee hee hee?
44) What is Prudence? She seems to change her appearance to whatever the individual is she touches or will she be able to change without touch when she's older?
45) I thought for sure when she didn't turn out to be what they were expecting that Alexis would be able to keep her baby. Was anyone else surprised the adoption is still going to go through?
46) What do you think of Madame Lefoux being a drone?
47) Have we seen the end of Felicity? *crosses fingers and hoping*
48) Will Alexis get a new parasol or find the old one? Will Madame Lefoux be able to make her inventions for everyone or only the hive now?
49) What do you think of Biffy taking over the hat shop?
50) Overall, what was your opinion of the book?
51) Anyone disappointed they didn't make Alexis pregnant on the cover?
Does the second week of December sound good for you guys?
How about December 15th?
Count me in. I still need to read it.
Great, Lisarenee! You're caught up with the series? I went back to
and stopped at the same spot (about 1/3 of the way in) as I was lured away yet again by another book, LOL!
I read each book, with the exception of Heartless, when they were released.I know I can't seem to get into Serpent's Kiss for some reason. I stepped away and figure I'll pick it up eventually.
I'll have to see if I can read this one along with another buddy read I have that week. =) So count me as tentative.
Wonderful, Heather!
Have we decided on the 15th?
are we still on for this?
I'll be picking mine up tomorrow!
There are 17 chapters + prologue, let's say we read 3 chaps a day so we can make it from 15 to 21 december.We will have 6 rounds of questions, well we are six so one round per person.
is it okay for everyone ?
Hey Liad! Fine by me.
This works for me, Liad, though I will probably finish it before the 6 days as I have another Buddy Read starting on the 19th.I'll do the 1st set of questions.
Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-31. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant?
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
8. Felocity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
1. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant? The report style is so boring >_<
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
I wish the first sentence of him/her would be " My little buttercup ". Apart from that, it's a parallel with the story of Madame Lefoux/Angelique. It's cruel, but if staying together means death at every avenue, there are no choices.
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
Well, his common experience with raising boys means bite them, watch them getting mad every full moon, ordering them and calling them "Pup". I don't think he quite realizes what "being father" means yet.
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
Well it has the same dark blood as the wax golem maybe it is animated with magic words.
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
Well, killing Alexia means enter a very bloody war against werewolfs, and as supernaturals they don't have that many candidates to replace dead undeads. Even if killing her is a top priority, every alternate solution is taking in consideration.
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
Lady Maccon and her walking buffet...Nice.
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
He will be much better under Alexia's patronage than among the pack at Woosley. What's HEA ?
8. Felicity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
Maybe if they lock her in a wardrobe, it will be okay. With a gag.
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
I don't know.
@Liad#1- I sorta liked the recap (as its been a little bit since I read #3), but I'm with you on the style, it was a little dry.
#2- Good points!
#3- I hadn't thought of that, but too true!
#6- lol
#7- I agree with you, he needs Alexia's style of handling I think. HEA-Happily Ever After
#8- ROFLOL!
#9- I'm in chapter 6 now and I'm still confused about this. lol
Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-31. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant?
I liked the way it was done. Very original and since it'd been a while since I read the previous books I appreciated it.
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
My initial thought was No Way! I don't think I could agree to that if I was Lady Macaroon, er, Maccoon.lol
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
I'm still reeling about the decision and wondering if it will work.
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
I think they were another of those clockwork products in the form of hedgehogs or something. Wasn't she attacked by some sort of clockwork bugs in a previous book? (I maybe mixing my steampunk stories together.) I thought there was mention of silver coloring.
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
Yes, I was. Makes me think they have something up their sleeve. Would they murder Lord Akeldama to get Lord and Lady Maccoon's child?
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
I just laughed. I thought it was hilarious. It so fits with the era and Ms. Carriger's style.
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
I think he just needs some adjustment to his new life. It's hard when you plan on your life going one way and then it goes somewhere else. Poor guy.
8. Felocity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
I hope she doesn't move in. I never liked her sisters and I don't think she could keep a secret.
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
Good question about which Queen. I assumed it was "The" Queen now you've got me thinking. No clue who the ghosts are.
@Lisarenee#2 - I have to agree with you. I was like, "WHAT??" I'm surprised that Alexia went along with it, even with the compromise. And I snorted at the Macaroon line, as that's what I thought it was too the first time I read the book. lol
#5 - Interesting thought!
#6 - I have the same thoughts, though I still feel very badly for the poor guy.
#8 - You and me both. I want to roll my eyes or strangle them most of the time. =)
I'm definitely IN for this challenge! I have enjoyed the other three books and can't wait to see what happens next to this sassy-talking Alexia and her hunky hubby!
Welcome in, Camille. Looking forward to what you think of this book with the rest of us!
Who wants to do today's questions?
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-3 1. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant?
It was rather short and I enjoyed it. I was double checking the coding, weirdo that I am.
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
Yes, a bit. Surprised Alexia would go along with it.
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
I think he is concerned about safety right now, for both his wife and child. That is his major focus. I like that he is fascinated with her bodily changes, as that bodes well for his affection toward the child, I think. Oh, I believe he’ll blow a gasket soon, LOL!
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
Yeah, I figure Alexia was right and they are some sort of porcupine vampire beings. Nope. You didn’t miss anything; we weren’t told!
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
Yes, I was surprised at Lord Ambrose’s easy acquiescent, but what do I know of their culture and beliefs of nature vs. nurture?
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
Yeah, that is pretty cute. I liked when Lord Maccon asked Alexia: “Of what, waddling up to someone and ruthlessly bumping into them?”
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
Yes. I keep hoping something can be worked out between the Lord Akeldama and Biffy. **sigh** Love that Alexia has taken him under her wing.
8. Felicity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
I don’t know. She’s really going have to change for me to like her. Plus, I agree with Lisarenee; I don’t think she can be trusted to keep a secret.
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
Not a clue what is going on. I don’t think the message was screwed up in some way, but I don’t know how.
My answers to:Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-3
1. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant?
I needed the recap because it’s been since the summer that I read the other 3.
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)?
Honestly, thought this was a little cuckoo! Although, Alexia is not really a nurturing motherly type person so far, so maybe this isn’t out in left field just yet. It remains to be seen how she bonds with the baby after it’s born.
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one?
I believe he has feelings for the child and I think the solution fits into the absurdity of it all—why wouldn’t they live next door? LOL
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something?
It seems they only scratched him up and didn’t do any real damage to Lord M. They seem to have been a major bother at the most. As far as who sent them, I’m thinking that at some point maybe Madame L will be the culprit???
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)?
Yes, a little surprised, but we know we cannot always trust the word from the “Hive”.
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia?
I laugh at this each time, too. And I enjoy the comments at her expense and expanse! LOL
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA?
I think Alexia did this to get Biffy off Conall’s mind. She fully plans to allow Biffy more time with Lord A.
8. Felocity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements?
Felicity is up to no good. It would not surprise me to find out later she is in on the whole nasty plot—especially since she’s gone all “political”. I hope she isn’t told the real living arrangements and all the secrets they are keeping about the baby.
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together?
I think it’s a Hive Queen and maybe it could be Lord A, since he is considered as being over a hive. Can’t wait to find out!
@ Camille#2 - Yes, I was thinking she may change her outlook after the baby is born.
#4 - Madame L! Really? Really!
#8 - Me either! You're point about her going "political" only reinforces this feeling.
@Lisa Kay#3 - Good points and I have to agree that he's not going to being liking the living arrangements for long. =)
#4 - Thanks for validating my thoughts. lol
#6 - I LOL at that too.
#7 - I want them to have a HEA too. *sigh*
@Camille#2 - I agree with all your points. I want her to surprise me at being a great mother. lol
#6 - LOL!
#7 - Now I took her takiing charge as her way of helping Biffy move on from Lord A, with her ever practical/logical mind.
#8 - Good POints!! I hadn't thought of her in that light, but it would cast some sense on her new associations.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 4-6 10. What did you think of Alexia and Biffy going undercover/incognito? They were offered positions at a minor baronet’s town house; could there be an unexpected opening there?
11. Why is Felicity wearing a black bow tied around her neck? Could she be hiding bite marks? Or has her feminine-advocacy association changed her so much as to be nice to both Ivy and Alexia?
12. I must confess I was a bit worried about Alexia when she was in the OBO and couldn’t believe she was going to make a clean getaway and then - Dr. Neebs is back! So soon? Yikes! Shouldn’t someone have told Alexia?
13. Re: the ghosts. If there are least two ghosts, could one be tethered in the vicinity of Lord & Lady Maccon’s residence and the other near Madame Lefoux’s hat shop? One could pass the message on to the other to pass on to Alexia.
14. What is going on with Madame Lefoux? She is acting decidedly suspicious, isn’t she? Does she know something, or is it something else entirely? Is there any significance to Quesnel not being home?
15. What did Madame Lefoux’s aunt mean when she said about her student, “Lost her to the mist of the moor.” ?? Lost? Could this student still be alive?
16. The Parasol Protectorate? All they need to do is put “Pregnant” in there somewhere and it works for me. What do you think of Alexia sending Ivy off to Scotland?
17. Boots has a crush on Alexia? Is this just because she is pregnant?
18. Were you surprised at Lord Akeldama’s reveal of Professor Lyall’s sexual proclivities? Who left the Beta brokenhearted?
19. There seems to be a whole lot of people dressing other people this go round, right? Or am I just being hyperaware of this?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 4-610. What did you think of Alexia and Biffy going undercover/incognito? They were offered positions at a minor baronet’s town house; could there be an unexpected opening there?
I don't think they have found the ghosts residence yet, though the thought of Alexia waddling to all of these interviews made me laugh.
11. Why is Felicity wearing a black bow tied around her neck? Could she be hiding bite marks? Or has her feminine-advocacy association changed her so much as to be nice to both Ivy and Alexia?
Oh, I think she's hiding something underneath that ribbon. It's just odd that she keeps imposing herself on Alexia when she doesn't like her much.
12. I must confess I was a bit worried about Alexia when she was in the OBO and couldn’t believe she was going to make a clean getaway and then - Dr. Neebs is back! So soon? Yikes! Shouldn’t someone have told Alexia?
I thought that word from somewhere would have gotten to her that he was running loose and back with the OBO. I'm confused on that myself and it doesn't seem to get flushed out much here.
13. Re: the ghosts. If there are least two ghosts, could one be tethered in the vicinity of Lora & Lady Maccon’s residence and the other near Madame Lefoux’s hat shop? One could pass the message on to the other to pass on to Alexia.
It seems that because the ghosts have a network, that would make sense.
14. What is going on with Madame Lefoux? She is acting decidedly suspicious, isn’t she? Does she know something, or is it something else entirely? Is there any significance to Quesnel not being home?
She sure seems stressed out, but I originally thought it was about her Aunt. I know better now.
15. What did Madame Lefoux’s aunt mean when she said about her student, “Lost her to the mist of the moor.” ?? Lost? Could this student still be alive?
I honestly had no idea who or what she was talking about. Moors are generally a Scottish description, right? Did she work with the Scotland pack maybe?
16. The Parasol Protectorate? All they need to do is put “Pregnant” in there somewhere and it works for me. What do you think of Alexia sending Ivy off to Scotland?
Ivy isn't as dumb as she seems, and like Alexia thought about Ivy being able to keep a secret, the plan seems like a good one. Though no telling how long it will take Ivy to get and remember to tell Alexia the news she needs. lol
17. Boots has a crush on Alexia? Is this just because she is pregnant?
Boots seems like an odd guy all around. I think he likes her alpha tendencies, but seemed wigged out with the pregnancy. lol
18. Were you surprised at Lord Akeldama’s reveal of Professor Lyall’s sexual proclivities? Who left the Beta brokenhearted?
I got the inference of the Professor's preferences int he 1st book at the wedding, so it didn't surprise me. Why reading it I thought it was a lass while he was human, but not anymore.
19. There seems to be a whole lot of people dressing other people this go round, right? Or am I just being hyperaware of this?
Living in Lord Akeldama's residence, I knew fashion was going to step up a notch and poor Alexia needs all the help she can get with not being able to see her feet and all. lol
@ Heather#10 – Yes, a funny image.
#11 – I thought maybe she was spying for the vamps.
#12 – You would think!
#15 – Yes, I think the moors are Scottish. I just don’t know what she meant by “lost.”
#16 – Yes, Ivy has proved she can keep a secret by not revealing her “soullessness.”
#17 – Ah! Yes. Forgot about her alpha tendencies. Good point.
#18 – Hmmm. Missed that. I’ll have to go back and check out the wedding again.
#19 – LOL!
@ Liad#3 – Good points.
#4 – Really! I’ll have to read that part again.
#6 – LOL!
#8 – Lock her up somewhere! Please.
@ Lisarenee#2 & 3 – I was a little stunned myself.
#4 – Yes, ladybugs.
#5 – Whoa. Didn’t think of that.
#8 – I don’t like Felicity either.
Heather's Questions for Chapters 1-3 1. Did you find the Prologue recap enjoyable/beneficial or just redundant? Beneficial. It was good to get a recap, and also thought the idea of a metanatural was interesting.
2. Initial thoughts on the boys “brilliant” plan for the baby situation? Were you as taken aback as I was that this was even suggested (meaning: separating the child from its parents)? YES!! And for them all to go so blithely along with it. It was surprising and off-putting.
3. As a compromise, the new living arrangement was suggested. Did you think Lord Maccon was being insensitive to his wife’s feelings concerning wanting to be part of the baby’s life when he objected to suggestion? Did you think he lacks feelings for the child? How long do you think the living arrangement will last before Lord Maccon snaps? LOL Was the solution a reasonable one? I don't think Lord Maccon lacks feeling for the child (remembering him kissing the A's stomach after Felicity fainted), but at teh moment, Alexia is his first priority and his current reality. I suspect the child is still a tad surreal to him.
4. Another attack was made on Alexia. Any idea what those creatures were or how they came to be? We don’t find out what affect they were really having on Lord Maccon in his wolf form, or did I miss something? No idea, I'm hoping we find out later in the book.
5. Were you surprised at the ease of acceptance the adoption plan was received by the Hive agent (sorry I’m listening via audiobook and I don’t have the Lord’s name)? Not really, that was the whole reason they're all doing it, after all.
6. Am I the only one that snickers at the image of Lord Maccon needing to heft up his wife everywhere she’s sitting and all the men carrying food for not only Lord Maccon, but now Alexia? LOL, It brings back memories for me, so very easy to picture, and definitely funny :-)
7. Poor Biffy, a werewolf who wants to be a vampire. Lord Maccon seemed genuinely pained over him too. That lessened some of my irritation with the Lord, how about you? What do you think of Alexia’s plan to take his transition into her own hands? Do you think Biffy will get a HEA? I hope so, I have a soft spot for him. I think Alexia's plan is a good onem, he needs to be treated differently to other clavigers.
8. Felicity now wants to move in. She’s rather desperate for a spouse, if she’s looking at vampires now. What problems do you see this causing, will she be allowed to live with them and do you think she’ll be told the real living arrangements? I don't think she can be trusted with that info, but have to admit it would tie it all in nicely if The Westminster Hive ended up "in the family"
9. Any idea on what’s going on with these ghosts? What could be behind the potential threat to the Queen and is it The Queen or a Hive Queen, OR was the message given wrong all together? No idea. I'm wondering if they meant the hive queen, but will RAFO.
Anyone up to doing today's questions for chapters 7-9?
I'm trying to catch up on my reading, but I can do tomorrow's questions.
I'm getting ready to post today's questions, Chapters 7-9. Just give me a minute or two.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7-9 20. Did you think it would be Alexia, and not (view spoiler) who would figure out a possible way that Biffy won’t suffer so much during his transformation?
21. Who was the burglar (or who sent them) and what did they want?
22. Any hypotheses as to why Conall and Randolph cannot smell the bairn?
23. Any hypotheses as to what has the ghosts of London all in a dithers?
24. Did you understand Puff Bonnet’s coded message? LOL! I must admit, I was too busy laughing.
25. Stuffed ducks? Really, it is things like this that just crack me up. I think Midu has started a list of Lord Akeldama’s epithets. I should ask her to post a link to it. Consider yourself asked: can you, Midu? Please.
26. Who told Quesnel about his biological mother, Angelique? Is that reveal why Madame Lefoux seems distracted or is it somehow related to the mystery Alexia is investigating?
27. Which surprised you more? The former Lord Woolsey’s sexual proclivities or that Alexia suspects Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings as being involved in the Kingair plot to poison the Queen?
28. Who let Biffy out and is it all related to the Kingair mystery, or is there another reason? Why didn’t Lord Akeldama answer Lord Maccon’s question, “Is that wise?” about Biffy?
29. What has Alexia figured out about Professor Lyall? Or did you just go ahead and check, LOL!
Thank you Lisa Kay!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7-920. Did you think it would be Alexia, and not (view spoiler) who would figure out a possible way that Biffy won’t suffer so much during his transformation?
I had thought it would go that way.
21. Who was the burglar (or who sent them) and what did they want?
At the time I thought it was someone in the Hive wanting information/clarification on the adoption. Boy was I wrong. lol
22. Any hypotheses as to why Conall and Randolph cannot smell the bairn?
I think it's going to be something neither has seen before, so might have some camouflaging abilities.
23. Any hypotheses as to what has the ghosts of London all in a dithers?
I thought it had something to do with the contraption Madame Lefoux was making. Much mystery is around that thing and with her aunt fading fast, I thought the contraption was having an effect on her and now the other ghosts.
24. Did you understand Puff Bonnet’s coded message? LOL! I must admit, I was too busy laughing.
I was laughing at imagining Flute reading this absurd message. At least Alexia understood it. lol
25. Stuffed ducks? Really, it is things like this that just crack me up. I think Midu has started a list of Lord Akeldama’s epithets. I should ask her to post a link to it. Consider yourself asked: can you, Midu? Please.
All the little names rolling through his mind. Especially with a pregnant Alexia. Stuffed ducks sorta seems reserved. lol
26. Who told Quesnel about his biological mother, Angelique? Is that reveal why Madame Lefoux seems distracted or is it somehow related to the mystery Alexia is investigating?
I thought Madame Lefoux told him, she seems to be the kind of mom that tells truths to her child. It's all part of the bigger issue.
27. Which surprised you more? Lord Woolsey’s sexual proclivities or that Alexia suspects Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings as being involved in the Kingair plot to poison the Queen?
I think you're talking about the former Lord Woolsey here, right? Neither really surprised me. I've never liked Channing much and the former alpha seemed to have several screws loose.
28. Who let Biffy out and is it all related to the Kingair mystery, or is there another reason? Why didn’t Lord Akeldama answer Lord Maccon’s question, “Is that wise?” about Biffy?
I have no idea who let Biffy out! I don't remember that being cleared up. And I think Lord Akeldama didn't answer because of the conversation Alexia just had with them to let each other go. Lord Akeldama was just living up to his promise to let go of Biffy so he could be a part of the pack fully
29. What has Alexia figured out about Professor Lyall? Or did you just go ahead and check, LOL!
I just went ahead, but I had suspicions since he first told Alexia that she might want to let things the past be in the past. =) Did you?
@ Heather#20 – Clever girl! I thought it would be Alexia. Nice that the author doesn’t make the heroine all knowing, though.
#21 – Oh? Oh! Now I’m intrigued.
#22 – Oh, I like that reason. ☺
#23 – Well, I didn’t think of that. You seem to have these books figured out; at least more so and I do.
#26 – Nope. Not Madame Lefoux. She implied she didn’t, didn’t she? And… it does? Ah, I see. You are probably right. Again. ☺
#27 – Oh, dear! I better fix my question and insert “former.” LOL! True, he had several loose screws.
#28 – It wasn’t! Wow. That’s what I thought about Lord Alkeldama’s evasion.
#29 – I did too. **hee hee** Just couldn’t resist.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Timeless (other topics)Timeless (other topics)
Dark Lover (other topics)
Serpent's Kiss (other topics)
Heartless (other topics)
Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.
Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?
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We are planning a "buddy read" of this one - probably around the second week of December. Anyone is welcome to join in the discussion questions or just pop in to say "Hi!"
EXPECT SPOILERS!
Participants So Far:
Anomander
Liad
Cheryl
Lisa Kay
CaroB
Lisarenee
Camille
Lurkers