2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Frank and Sarah’s relationship seems to be changing. What differences did you note? Your opinion about it?

Frank showed up at Sarah's house several times in this book. Most of the time there was a pretense of passing on information, but he sat in the backyard with her and drank lemonade. He's getting comfortable with her. I also think he is very grateful that she discovered that Brian has a hearing impairment. He is starting to look at her as a friend.

I like the mysteries and the history in this series, but I think Frank and Sarah's relationship is my favorite part.

Comfortable is what came to mind for me, too. There’s a sort of easiness in their relationship now. Frank is also making excuses to see her. That moment in Coney Island when they both clutched each other in fear while on that ride changed things, too, as they’re now aware of their attraction to each other. I’m glad t se them move towards mutual respect.

Yes, I like the mysteries and that the two of them work apart-but-together to solve them. But if there was no developing relationship between the two of them, I wonder if the impact would be the same. For example, if Frank and a fellow policeman worked the case, I don't think the author would have much of a series to work with.

I think Frank is falling hard but is in denial. And Sarah hasn't realised how she feels about him yet judging by the light hearted jokes she makes about their relationship.

Frank is fighting his feelings, tooth and nail! I agree Sarah seems to just be oblivious.

I love a slow burn so this sort of stuff is right up my alley. Frank is definitely falling for Sarah though he's trying hard not to. I'm not so sure Sarah is totally unmoved herself. When Frank put her up against a wall and leaned in to her to hide her from George as they were waiting for Lisle to bring him out of the dancehall, she seemed very aware of him as a man. Her breathing changed and she tried to tell herself that his huskier sounding voice was just her imagination. She's just a cooler cucumber than Frank is, lol. I do think that she is growing to trust his instincts more and be more appreciative of his mind which is, to her, probably more important than mere physical attraction.

Veronica, I think you’ve nailed Sarah. I couldn’t find the right words.

Agreed.

I'm also enjoying their slow burn romance. They are both in denial right now about their growing feelings for each other.

I love the pacing of the "romance" in this series so far. I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much if it was instantaneous because the complexity of the characters and the fact they don't even respect each other's professions make the slow burn pacing perfect.

I loved Frank's anger over how Lars mistreated Sarah although I thought him keeping her hair was a little weird to me.

I agree, Christina. The slow burn is really working.