2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Laurant and Nick connected almost immediately after meeting. Their attraction developed throughout the story with both seeming to mutually fall for each other. First what did you like/dislike about each of them individually? Your opinion of their romance overall? Did you like them as a couple and did the romance work?

They each had the history that Tommy has imparted over the years about each other, so it was almost like they weren't complete strangers. I think each of them had some romantic ideas about the other already.

Laurent always wanted to be part of Nick's big family; it was a heart need for her. She was picky when it came to men and that is a very good thing. On the dislike side, Laurent was a bit on the needy side.

Nick had the firm foundation of his family. He was loyal to his friends, Tommy and Noah, and he didn't fight his attraction to Laurent, too much anyway. On the dislike side, even coming from his wonderful family, Nick didn't see himself as marriage and family material. He had seen such awful things and internalized way too much.

I loved their romance and the romance worked for me.

I loved the relationship. I enjoy a good slow burn that isn't taken to the extreme. Nick's reasons for staying single made sense in the theoretical sense. Law enforcement officers often end up divorced or have bad life partners. Nick sees a lot of evil in his job and may have difficulty putting family before duty.

I had no negative feelings about Nick and Laurant as a couple. They worked out the issues in an adult way.

You all have such good insights; I can't add any other observations. But I did like Laurent and Nick together.

It is convenient that the author made sure Laurent and Tommy didn't grow up together. If Laurent had grown up in Nick's house, she might have been more like a sibling to Nick.

But... I can imagine a scenario where Laurent grows up in Nick's house but then goes away as a teenager for whatever reason. When she comes back as a full grown adult, the instant attraction could work. I.e. the author did not have to have Laurent and Tommy separated as children in order to make this story work imo.

Oh and what did i like/dislike? Laurent was a bit too perfect and definitely too naïve but I liked that she was kind to everyone. I liked that Nick is a protector with an important job. I disliked his silly notion that he could not have a family because his job was dangerous. People he'd never even met (Laurent) were in danger just from being loosely associated with him so there's no sense in keeping them at a distance.

I loved the relationship that developed between Laurant and Nick. It didn’t feel like insta-love because they knew so much about each other already. Their connection felt natural and easy, their banter fun. It worked for me.

I liked Laurant though her stubbornness was annoying at times. Her fierce love for her brother despite their years of separation was truly admirable. It made me like her even more.

I really liked Nick and that fabulous self confidence bred from being nurtured by a big, loving family. His fear of flying made him human. He’s got great instincts and he’s extremely loyal.