2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Any other topics you’d like to discuss? Your overall opinion of the story?

I liked the book. Connor was an interesting character and his backstory is intriguing. I did get whiplash by his sudden change from cynic to lover. Did it ever revel who his father was?

I am enjoying the ongoing story arc and it is keeping me invested. The romance is not my favorite because neither Lara nor Connor are very appealing. I hope that Dax and Holland's second chances romance is better.

Anita wrote: "Did it ever revel who his father was?"

Just that he was a politician (perhaps a congressman) and met Connor's mother when he was dealing drugs. Connor blackmailed him to keep his paternity secret. In any event, he is dead now.

Connor’s father was a congressman (he didn’t give a name). Perhaps he had something to do with the CIA recruiting him.

I liked the story because of the intrigue and the perplexing continuing story arc. The romance was a letdown because of how it was executed. That part felt like it was being written by two authors, lacking cohesion and fluidity. But, I’m reading this series for the mystery and suspense aspects so it works for me.

I agree with everyone. The ongoing story arc kept me interested. There is a lot that could be done with Connor's story line that was missed.

The love stories are falling flat. At least Gab and Everly worked a little better for me. If Connor and Lara were my friends, I would suggest they both find someone else.

Jonetta wrote: "Perhaps he had something to do with the CIA recruiting him.."

Not sure about that. Didn't the recruiter tell Connor he would give him information on his father if Connor joined the CIA? I can't see the congressman going for that, especially as Connor blackmailed him when he learned the truth.

I’d forgotten about that.

I think these 2 had a big role in my decision to not continue this series. Wait 6 months for next installment but still remembered how I didn't like these 2.
I know I wanted to know the why and how everything started. This time reaindg I find I've added is Maddox still alive? What is DT doing? Is here helping or does he have his own agenda?

I'm just hoping the 2 authors got better as the series continued. This book needed some much needed work on cohesion and plot development.

I think their first series/books together was Masters of Menage.

It is funny listening to their husbands tell the story about a dinner together after a book signing. They were talking at the table then the conversation switched to Shayla and Lexi plotting a book. Like "what if brothers fall in love with the same woman" What if they decide to convince her to have sex together" What if she is a virgin? Then they started to give the characters names and continued talking about them like everything was real.

They said people around them were staring and then one of the husbands said something like " don't worry about them they are authors."

I love that story Sharon. Thanx for sharing.

I listened to the story and the lack of cohesion in the writing was more acute in this format, particularly the romantic parts. I’ve read co-authored fiction before and don’t recall being able to sense having two writing styles as much as I did here.

I wonder how they divvied up the story.

Sharon wrote: "I think their first series/books together was Masters of Menage.

It is funny listening to their husbands tell the story about a dinner together after a book signing. They were talking at the tab..."

Lol! I love that

Jonetta wrote: "I listened to the story and the lack of cohesion in the writing was more acute in this format, particularly the romantic parts. I’ve read co-authored fiction before and don’t recall being able to s..."

I ran into a couple new writing teams who have a similar problem. I could tell who wrote what reading the story. Listening to it was even clearer. I think it takes awhile to get into a routine.

Sharon wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "I listened to the story and the lack of cohesion in the writing was more acute in this format, particularly the romantic parts. I’ve read co-authored fiction before and don’t recall..."

Makes me wonder who they have for betas or editors. In this age of self publishing that is so important.

One thing is for sure teaming up to write a book is not for anyone or everyone.

I think writing as a team is a unique talent that doesn't come easily to all authors. Many who give it a try give up after one book.

Sharon wrote: "I ran into a couple new writing teams who have a similar problem. I could tell who wrote what reading the story. Listening to it was even clearer. I think it takes awhile to get into a routine...."

I would agree. There are a couple of writing teams that are auto reads for me, most notably Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen. I have to remind myself that their stories are a dual effort. The writing is seamless.

Sharon wrote: "I think their first series/books together was Masters of Menage.

It is funny listening to their husbands tell the story about a dinner together after a book signing. They were talking at the tab..."

Love that story!

I've read books by both of these authors and I did read Masters of Menage. I have enjoyed their writing separately and together but I didn't enjoy the romance in this one. Hopefully, the next is better.

Karen ♐ wrote: "I've read books by both of these authors and I did read Masters of Menage. I have enjoyed their writing separately and together but I didn't enjoy the romance in this one. Hopefully, the next is be..."

I wonder if it is the suspense arc that makes this series feel so different. I read Masters of Menage too. That series seems more
cohesive.

Jonetta wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I ran into a couple new writing teams who have a similar problem. I could tell who wrote what reading the story. Listening to it was even clearer. I think it takes awhile to get into..."

I haven't read any of their books. I'm going to check some out.

Back in the day, I went to a Borders event with Preston & Childs after Relic was made into a movie.

They said it is not easy but they work hard to make their books read like one writer. They divide the books based on knowledge and skills. When they each finish a chapter they send it to the other person, who adds/deletes/edits, then it goes back to the original author for approval or more edits. When the book is finished they go over the entire book separately then together.

Lee Childs started his writing career as an editor for a big publisher. My guess is he knows all the pit falls and tries to avoid them.

I’ve read/listened to Relic and it’s hard to think that two people wrote that book. Great example. Thanks for sharing their process.