The Challenge Factory discussion

Starting in the next days

I can probably start this mid-week :)

D.L., are you ready to begin our buddy read? If not, I can read a different book until you're ready?

I am ready. Let’s begin.

I read the prologue & first chapter only so far but I am intrigued. I feel for Irene. I can’t imagine being 15 and finding my parents brutally murdered. Her “best friend” Pamela sounds like a real piece of work. I wonder why she called Irene back to Dunsley?? I suspect there’s a not so good reason she’s not answering her calls though. I like Luke. He has the type of personality I am drawn to and he’s not your typical takes himself too seriously heartthrob from some romance novels. I will keep reading!

I'm glad you're intrigued. That's a good sign.

I think the author does a great job in setting up the back story and leading right into the present time with subtle hints. I also like how the author uses humor to lighten up all the tension.

Luke is awesome. Definitely alpha, but not the kind that's in your face!

I hope to finish this by tomorrow. I see you're already done. Awesome!! I'll share more thoughts as I go along.

I knew it! Pamela is dead. That's why she wasn't answering Irene's phone calls. Poor Irene keeps stumbling over dead bodies. Is she cursed or something??!!

I need to meet more suspects before I start deciding whodunnit lol

Okay now, suspects: Sam obviously has something to do with all of this. But I think Pamela’s dad does too. Was he so embarrassed by her behavior he had her knocked off to clear his path to the White House? Stranger things have happened! This is a pretty good story! I like Irene’s spunky personality. I like she isn’t a damsel in distress and really is in the drivers seat of the investigation thus far.

I like the characters and I know they're attracted to each other but so far, I am not *feeling* a lot of chemistry between them. They have good banter, but I am not into their romantic relationship. Maybe that will change?? I don't know. The mystery element is good. I hope to finish the book tonight :)

D.L. wrote: "I am not *feeling* a lot of chemistry between them. They have good banter, but I am not into their romantic relationship..."

I think I understand what you're talking about. I wonder if the author left some ordinary or normal romantic parts out of their courtship to reflect their emotional difficulties. Maybe the author thought that because of both of their PTSDs, they couldn't really do the usual mushy stuff. Just supposing.

Lanelle wrote: "D.L. wrote: "I am not *feeling* a lot of chemistry between them. They have good banter, but I am not into their romantic relationship..."

I think I understand what you're talking about. I wonder i..."

That definitely makes sense. Looking at it that way, I understand it more.

I will be done reading this I think in the next 1-2 hours. The side plot with the winery/Luke's family and The Old Man's birthday was a little out of nowhere, but I wonder if it will ultimately tie into the big story somehow??

I am looking forward to the denouement. I really think the Senator is involved in his daughter's death somehow.

Wow, the Webbs are a trash family. Poor Pamela. I feel so bad for what she endured! This was a pretty good book. I will read Krentz again for sure.

Did you finish the book too, Lanelle? If so, do you need me to add your entry to the spreadsheet?

I'm glad you enjoyed the book, D.L. I like how most of the characters have depth and humanity. I really like how the two MCs play off of each other.

I have finished the book, reported it on our thread, and have entered the info on the SS. Feel free the take a look at it to make sure I have done it correctly.

D.L. wrote: "I will read Krentz again for sure..."

I wouldn't mind reading another Krentz book. Maybe for Mummy?

The requirements for Mummy Arm 1 is Create a chain of 3 using titles consecutively (ABC). Lost and Found would work for J, K, L. Just an idea.

Or Mummy Leg 2 is Create a chain of 3 using books starting with a letter in "CURSES". Maybe we could find a Krentz book that begins with one of those letters. Again, just an idea.

I would love to read another Krentz for Mummy!! My library seems to stock them well, thank goodness!