Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This thread is open to discuss Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean.

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Synopsis
When Wicked Comes Calling...
When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She's seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won't accept a marriage without it.

The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain...

Bastard son of a duke and king of London's dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

For the Promise of Passion...

But there's nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she'd rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil's carefully laid plans are in chaos, and he must choose between everything he's ever wanted...and the only thing he's ever desired

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
   conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

• We find the buddy style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
   set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
   jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
   we're only human and we don't get any compensation for what we do--not even
   free books!

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

res

I've got this one, so I'll join in probably early next week. Team Luna Lovegood.

Joining for Team Draco!

Checking in! Super excited. Team Tonks.

I'll be participating as well it's been a while since I've read any of the author's books.

Getting read to start. What do we all think about the cover? I'm not a fan of the pink number or the half smirk on the heroine's face.

I'm not a fan of the cover. It's mainly the smirk, though.

Chapters 1-4

(view spoiler)[ It took me a couple of pages to decipher the premise of the story - three bastard brothers, one who somehow has managed to become the legitimate Duke and the mysterious Grace, who is legitimate but not really the old Duke's daughter.. and must be hidden. Phew, I think I've got that right. Other than that enjoying the rapport between Felicity and Devil. Pretty obvious what's going to happen between them... (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 5-17

(view spoiler)[ Liking it, although it's pretty predictable. Devil is supposedly using Felicity to get back at his brother but of course he wants her for himself. Felicity is oblivious to his plans.. and boy is she going to get mad when she finds out. Ewan, the "bad" brother doesn't actually seem too evil and it hasn't been disclosed yet why his brothers hate him so much. I'm sure more will be soon be revealed as I get towards the end. Running at a 3.5 star read so far. (hide spoiler)]

I’m starting today. Quidditch ate my life yesterday

I didn't get notifications for this one sorry.
I have just started today.

I'm not a fan of the cover at all either. It's just overall unappealing as are the initial pages of the book. I sincerely hope it dosen't turn out to be disappointing.

I agree, Karishma! Just getting started but not loving this one so far.

Ok, liking it better now. Took me a minute.

I have to work late tonight but I'll be back to discuss tomorrow.

I've finished it. By the end it all came together for me and I liked it quite a lot. I've always preferred a lad from the rough end of town ie The Seven Dials, Covet Garden, Whitechapel in Victorian London than a Duke in my historical romance and Devil fitted the bill quite nicely.

Once I got the overall premise straight in my mind it flowed quite a lot better. And (view spoiler)[ the significance of the pink dress on the cover made sense... still think it's pretty awful though, LOL. I'm guessing that the last book will be Ewan and Grace and he will be redeemed by the love of a good woman. (hide spoiler)]

I'll keep reading this series. 4 stars.

I’m just up to chapter 5, sneaking in an update while working.

(view spoiler)[ I loved the back and forth on the balcony. Felicity has spirit. And I hate the little mean girls group so I’m glad she shut them up. Her mother is a bit crazy, though. And Arthur was swindled? Looking pretty rough for poor Felicity. She totally needs to run off with Devon. (hide spoiler)]

Michelle wrote: "I’m just up to chapter 5, sneaking in an update while working.

[spoilers removed]"

Haha, read on... (view spoiler)[I'm getting a feeling you'll get your wish by the end of the book! Wish I could remember Felicity from the previous series, I may have to go hunting that book which is somewhere in a cupboard somewhere... (hide spoiler)]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Chapters 1-4

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I think I read the beginning twice just to make sure I understand what I can. It will be interesting to learn the entire backstory. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 1-7
(view spoiler)[The first few chapters were quite interesting and I like the relationship between the siblings. Dahlia (Grace) seems intriguing and I am curious to see where she hides and what does she do.
I haven't read The Day of the Duchess but it seems as I should have as Felicity was part of that book. Hopefully I haven't missed much and can read the book after this one. (hide spoiler)]

I didn't realize there was a previous book with Felicity. Off to download that, too.

I wonder (view spoiler)[ if it does go into detail about her "scandal"? Poor Felicity. (hide spoiler)]

Michelle wrote: "I didn't realize there was a previous book with Felicity. Off to download that, too.

I wonder [spoilers removed]"

You should read the entire series before reading that book. The first book has some portions which link to The day of the duchess.

I'll grab the series! Thanks! :)

Back at it! I’m loving this book now.

Chapter 14, at the Rookery? When she picks the lock? I absolutely adore Felicity right now. And I love her banter with Devil. He’s met his match, and Whit knows it even if he doesn’t yet.

I'm done with this one.

It took me so long because I pretty much had to force myself to read it. And other books were calling to me.

It was ok but nothing memorable and not something I want to reread.

Have you read her Love By Numbers Series yet?

I really liked it. I loved Felicity.

I think I've only read the first book in the Love by Numbers series. Want to read book 2 together?

No sorry. I have already read it twice before and it's a very good book but not something I'm feeling like reading right now.

I loved the first book in the series.

Have you read The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie or Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase?

I'm feeling like reading those kind of books which keep you smiling and laughing constantly!

I haven't read either of those authors yet. I'll have to go look them up!

I was finally able to get a copy of this. My library was slow in getting it. Im not sure if any one will come back and for a quick chat or not. This will be a quick read for me.

I started last night and I'm through chapter ten.

(view spoiler)[Felicity Faircloth was a character I felt for in The Day of the Duchess. Here I like her, particularly the opening on the balcony when she meets Devil. Well more hears Devil. I found myself smiling during that scene. There seems to be chemistry and attraction between them. However, I feel like it is instant love on the part of Devil. I don't care for that. I think I'm supposed to think it is lust but so far I'm seeing it as lust with a good helping of love. It seems a little early for love already. The scenes when Felicity and Devil are alone are intense and the kiss was just what I thought it would be. So far I'm enjoying the story lots. I feel like we need more of the backstory for the brothers. I'm also curious about Devil's name. I hope we get answers. (hide spoiler)]

I’ll be around! I loved Felicity but hadn’t read the other series yet.

I think Devil’s background makes how he reacts make sense. I’ll be curious to see how you like his character as the book goes on.

Keep reading. Annalisa, you'll get answers.

I finished this last night. I've read The Day of the Duchess and many of MacLean's other books. I don't think I've finished the Love by Numbers yet. What I really like is that the world created in her novels is all connected.

Like most everyone else I did not like the cover of this novel. I get it, but still didn't like it. I'm not sure why Felicity likes pink so much and I don't remember her in pink in the The Day of the Duchess.

Devil (view spoiler)[I liked that we got the background I was missing at the beginning. Devil is not my favorite hero. I didn't like how he treated Felicity. His treatment of her and in some cases her involvement in the stupidity in dealing with their feelings for each other made it difficult for me to read. (hide spoiler)]

Garden Bench (view spoiler)[I love the conversation they have on the bench and how even though they are on opposite sides and can't touch it was very sexy. That may have been my favorite part of the book. (hide spoiler)]

Ending(view spoiler)[ I didn't care for the ending between Ewan and the siblings. It seemed like an over reaction. I get that they were forced to do horrible things to each other when they were kids. However, I felt a little like it was forced. Maybe that will be cleared up a little more in the next books.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) I'm pretty sure you are right that the last book will be Grace and Ewan and his redemption. I almost don't want him to be redeemed though. I feel like Grace will be an amazing main character so I'm looking forward to her story. (hide spoiler)]

I ended up enjoying the book and I will read the next in the series it just didn't work as well for me. I guess I was also hoping for a little more of the Dove from The Day of the Duchess. I wanted Calhoun's story. I'm still hoping we will get it eventually.

Michelle wrote: "I’ll be around! I loved Felicity but hadn’t read the other series yet."

I really like Felicity a lot and she has been in a couple of MacLean's other books. Her lock picking skills as well as the fact that isn't scared to state what she thinks was refreshing.

I think my favorite series from Sarah MacLean is The Rules of Scoundrels series. It introduced a lot of the setting and characters that I've seen throughout MacLean's novels. The Fallen Angel is also a great setting.

Annalisa, I completely agree about the ending and it seeming like an overreaction. Maybe it will make more sense in the next book?

Michelle wrote: "Annalisa, I completely agree about the ending and it seeming like an overreaction. Maybe it will make more sense in the next book?"

I really hope so, I'm wondering if it might wait until Ewan's story though. The teaser for Whit's book looks like it might not be about the family so much as about the business and who is stealing their cargo.