2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

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

I liked it better this time around. I still saw similarities with Eve and Roarke but tried to overlook them instead of dwell on them.

I liked it much better, too, Anita. While there’s a whiff of similarity to Eve and Roarke, it wasn’t enough to feel like a carbon copy.

Yes, there are similarities to Eve and Roarke but to be honest, Marie Force is not as good an author as Nora Roberts.

First, Eve's prickliness has a very compelling and logical foundation. Sam's does not. Also, Nick is not nearly as powerful as Roarke.

Finally, there are a lot of plot holes in this storyline and the reader is required to suspend their disbelief a great deal.

But Nick certainly has that charm!

Anyway, I had a lot more issues with Sam being able to be the lead investigator given what I knew about her much more intense relationship with John, especially after they decided to resurrect it. I gave her a pass initially at the crime scene but once they figured out what Peter had done, she really needed to step aside. As much as I despised Stahl, he was right about her being compromised. Even the media called her out on it.

Much harder to swallow on reread. By the way, I listened to it this time and much preferred it on audio.

Nick is very charming! Agree with Lauren, Marie Force is not as good an author as Nora Roberts. It's going to be tough to suspend reality, but I did enjoy the book and I hope there aren't as many plot holes in the coming books.

Another ditto, Anita.

The plots get much better at around #4, if I recall correctly. You’ll still have to suspend belief on some issues but the cases are really good.

Jonetta wrote: "The plots get much better at around #4, if I recall correctly. You’ll still have to suspend belief on some issues but the cases are really good."

Good to know. I did enjoy this book and I know I liked book #2 as well. I can't remember exactly why I stopped reading them, but I think it was RS overload. I was reading several series at the same time and something had to give.

Lauren wrote: "Yes, there are similarities to Eve and Roarke but to be honest, Marie Force is not as good an author as Nora Roberts.

First, Eve's prickliness has a very compelling and logical foundation. Sam's ..."

Absolutely agree! The first time I read this series, I was bothered in almost every book by having to suspend belief and for me, it got worse as the series progressed. Having said that, I still enjoyed them enough to continue the series. I finally just had to let it go and read them for what they are.

I find that letting go of reality and going with the plot works best for me. I just need to realize going in that some things just are not going to be true and let them go, I feel the same about Insta-lust plots. I just accept them and concentrate on the story.

Yeah, I’ve figured out a way to get over my insta-lust issues. Decided to just accept the fairy tale (thanks, Hallmark!).

I liked the story just as much this time around as the first. Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief in places, but overall it is an entertaining read.

I dropped a star on this re-read. I see Naked as an inspiration for Fatal Affair. While the prequel gives us some history, it makes me question the marriage to Peter, and the ease with which Sam and Nick give up on that strong connect the had.

I agree that Nora is a better author, but I'm expecting Marie to improve.