2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Was Ethan's anger at Merit justified? Did he contribute to the Lacey drama in how he handled the situation? Did you think he ever entertained the idea of turning to her? How did this Merit/Ethan "drama" differ from the past, if at all?

Ethan's reaction made sense to me given the circumstances. It was only natural that he would be hurt and betrayed at what he perceived to be her lack of trust in him.

No, he didn't contribute to Lacey's drama. That woman creates enough of that all on her own.

No, Ethan would never betray Merit in that way. It is Merit's insecurities that had her worried.

For me, this "drama" had more of a real basis as opposed to Ethan pushing Merit away for her own good or for the good of the house. They seem to be moving in the right direction now.

I liked that he was more hurt than distrustful. He pulled back a bit but really didn't overreact for a change!!! I think you're right that this was a huge step forward as they handled the conflict maturely sans Ethan's normal BS.

Though, we could have done without the little private meetings with Lacey. I was awfully glad she snooped into their private quarters and knew she'd be forever doomed just for that.

Totally agree about her snooping. Ethan would forgive a lot but not that!

I understood Ethan's reaction. I expected him to be angry and hurt.

I do think that he contributed to the Lacey drama and I think he knew darn well what he was doing. He didn't need to be constantly holed up with only Lacey. Where was the rest of the team? Not to mention that he knew Lacey made Merit uncomfortable. It just wasn't very cool of him to make that choice, IMHO. However, I never for a second thought he'd do anything nor did I think he even wanted to.

This drama differed in the ways you both said. This felt like an argument that any sane couple would have had. I did not however, like how it was resolved. Ethan pushed her away and remained mad (which I understood) right up until the moment that she saved the day and then he was all lovey dovey again. I would have liked a more of a thorough resolution rather than "you're awesome so I'll just forget about the whole thing". (Not that Merit isn't awesome!) :)

I loved the snooping too! She put the nail in her own coffin there!

When he didn't kick her out of their suite, it was a different path taken for a change. I do agree with you about the Lacey meetings, though. He knew Merit would be uncomfortable and maybe that was his passive aggressiveness shining through:)

Passive agressive is a good description of it.

I agree! Perfect description.

It was nice to see Merit and Ethan disagree without the usual big breakup. He was hurt that she didn't trust him enough to tell him about joining the RG, but he still trusted her to do what was right.

I don't think readers would tolerate another breakup:)

Jonetta wrote: "I don't think readers would tolerate another breakup:)"

Absolutely not!