New Romance Novel by Laura Branchflower
New Romance Novels 2018! I’m currently working on three. Here is a sneak peek at the first…
Main characters:
Hero: Lucas Roe — NFL QB, 30 years old
Heroine: Carrie Chambers — HR Assistant Director at Washington, DC hotel, 24 years old
Chapter One
Carrie ran her hand down the length of her thigh, a coconut scent filling the air as she applied suntan lotion for the third time since arriving at the beach two hours earlier. She wasn’t going to chance burning in the strong Florida sun.
A shadow spread over her. A man had paused a few feet from her lounge chair, his large hands splayed on his hips as he stared out at the ocean. Carrie’s eyes rested momentarily on one of his hands, taking in his long fingers and wide palm before traveling up his well-toned arm to his muscled shoulder. He had obviously just arrived. It was her third day at the resort and he wasn’t someone you could overlook. He was at least six-foot-four with broad shoulders and an athletic body. The muscles in his upper back rippled as he adjusted his hands on his hips. His skin looked impossibly smooth. She took in a deep breath. It was the first time since it ended with Kevin that she took note of another man. Kevin. She wasn’t supposed to think about Kevin.
The high-pitched sound of female laughter accompanied two women in string bikinis walking up from the water, their attention focused on the man beside Carrie. She watched them blatantly stare at him, amazed at how obvious they were in their interest.
One of the women pulled back her shoulders, jutting her large breasts out as they came within feet of him. Carrie rolled her eyes. Behavior like the woman’s was why good-looking men had huge egos. She was basically offering herself to him.
He didn’t take the bait, continuing to stare forward as they passed within inches of him. When he didn’t turn to get a glimpse of the women from behind, Carrie’s curiosity about the stranger increased. There was no way Kevin would have resisted a look at their asses. She mentally chastised herself for again thinking of Kevin.
A cabana boy stopped beside the man, pointing off to their left as he told him where the rest of his party was located. “Thank you.” His deep voice fit him. “Would you mind putting this on my chair?” He held out his room key and sunglasses. “I want to take a swim.”
As soon as the cabana boy left, Carrie assumed the man would walk towards the water. Instead he began to prepare his body for his impending swim, tilting his head from one side to the other as he stretched out his neck and then shaking out his arms. She quietly lifted her cellphone from the table beside her chair, pulling up the camera before pointing it in his direction and resting it on her stomach. Words wouldn’t do him justice. She had to show Jodie what she was missing.
It was apparent from his profile with his etched jaw and straight nose that he was handsome, but she wasn’t prepared for how handsome until he turned his head. Her heart skipped when his eyes met hers, a bolt of awareness coursing through her.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to block your view,” he said.
“No, it’s fine.” Her voice sounded breathless.
His gaze fell to her cell phone. Before she could react he had closed the distance between them and snatched it from her hands.
“Wha—what are you doing? That’s my phone,” she stammered, coming to her feet. “You can’t just take that.”
“I’m taking back what’s mine,” he said shortly. He was looking down at her phone as he spoke his thumb tapping the display.
“How would you like me to take a video of you without your permission?”
“I wasn’t…” she trailed off, her face heating.
“You weren’t what?” He lifted his gaze. “Taking a video of me?” He raised his eyebrows.
Her mouth went dry as she met his cool gaze. Even in a bathing suit, he was the most intimidating person she’d ever encountered. She dropped her eyes, completely mortified. He had caught her recording him. “I’m sorry. I—“
“Save it.” He tossed her phone onto her lounge chair.
“I—“
“You were caught,” he interrupted, his lips turned down. “The only thing you’re sorry about is that you no longer have the video to show your friends or whatever the hell you planned to do with it.”
She opened her mouth, but couldn’t find words. His arrogance was shocking.
“Don’t you think I deserve a private life? Next time you want a video of someone, ask for permission.”
Carrie was still processing the most embarrassing moments of her life when Jodie dropped down beside her half an hour later. “What have I missed?”
“Nothing,” she lied, not prepared to verbalize her humiliation.
“Do you want to get in the water?”
“No!” Carrie burst out. “I mean. I don’t feel like it.” There was no way she was going to chance bumping into him.
“Okay.” Jodie pulled her hair up into a messy bun as she looked around. “Have you seen any football players? Someone on the elevator said a group of them checked in last night. They took part in some charity event yesterday.”
Carrie’s gaze shifted to the ocean, her heart rate accelerating as the man from earlier emerged from the surf. “Do you think he’s one?”
“Oh my God!” Jodie gripped Carrie’s arm. “That’s Lucas Roe!”
“No it’s not!” Carrie gasped, but even as the words left her lips she knew it was true. Lucas Roe was one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in the NFL. Not only was he also featured in half a dozen commercials, he also played for the Washington Kings, her hometown team. “I’m such an idiot.” She dropped her head back against the lounger.
“He’s coming right towards us,” Jodie whispered.
Carrie picked up her novel, opened it to a random page and held it in front of her face. She couldn’t bear to face him again.
“Mr. Roe?” The excited voice of a young boy had Carrie peaking over the top of her book. “My dad asked me to ask you for your autograph.” The boy glanced back at his father who was several yards away.
“We really admire you,” the man said. “You’re a pleasure to watch. Our favorite by far.”
“Thank you,” Lucas said in a tone much friendlier than the one he’d used on her earlier. He took the pen and paper the boy held out, asking him for his name, before signing his autograph.
“Thank you, Mr. Roe,” the boy gushed before running off with the paper clutched in his hand.
“You’re our favorite, too,” Jodie called out causing Carrie’s stomach to clench. “We’re huge fans. May I have your autograph too? You could sign my stomach or…wherever,” she teased in a husky voice that only came out for men.
Carrie laid the open book over her face. She prayed he would ignore Jodie like he’d ignored the two string bikinis earlier. When she felt a shadow descend over her body, she knew he was within feet of them.
“You have better manners than your friend,” he said.
“Better manners than my friend?” Jodie’s eyes narrowed in confusion.
He nodded towards Carrie. “She tried to take a video of me earlier.”
“What?” Jodie laughed aloud. Her gaze swung to Carrie. “You took a video of him?”
“I didn’t know who he was,” Carrie mumbled from beneath her book.
“Then why were you taking a video?” he asked.
Carrie felt a new wave of heat flood her cheeks. She needed a drink. “It was an accident,” she lied.
“Right,” he said dryly. “Because cellphones hold themselves up and start videotaping.”
“Why did you take a video of him?” Jodie asked. “She seriously didn’t recognize you,” she told Lucas. “I had to tell her who you were.”
Carrie closed her eyes beneath the book. She was going to kill Jodie. “Do you mind leaving, Mr. Roe? You’re blocking my sun.”
“Is your cellphone full of videos of random men?” he asked.
“No!” Carrie abruptly sat up, letting the book fall to her lap as she glared up at him, no longer concerned with what he thought of her. “You were standing right in front of me stretching and you have a nice body, so I was going to send it to her.” She nodded towards Jodie. “To show her what she was missing—that’s it. If I had known you were such a cocky asshole, I never would have done it.”
Instead of barking something back at her, like she expected, he observed her in silence for several seconds, the corners of his lips twisting in an obvious attempt to keep from smiling. “Someone has a temper.”
“Fuck you.” Carrie plopped back on her lounger and picked up her book. “I hate athletes.”
“Her ex is a professional hockey player,” Jodie supplied.
“Jodie!” Carrie hissed, frowning at her. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here.”
“What did he do?” Lucas asked as if she hadn’t spoken.
“Serial cheater,” Jodie answered.
“He wasn’t a serial…” Carrie trailed off. Why was she defending Kevin? And why was she discussing this at all. She closed the book, picked up her cellphone and came to her feet. “How about respecting my privacy,” she bit out not quite meeting Lucas’s eyes. He may have been an asshole, but that didn’t stop her from feeling attracted to him.
“Carrie don’t leave,” Jodie began, “I—“
“I’ll see you later,” Carrie interrupted before slipping past Lucas.
She made it less than five yards before a warm hand clasped her upper arm. “Don’t leave on my account.”
“I’m not.” She continued to stare forward, her entire arm tingling from his touch.
“I’m sorry for earlier. I thought you knew who I was.”
“It’s fine. You were right. I shouldn’t have taken the video. If you don’t mind…” She pulled her arm from his grasp.
He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “Have lunch with me.”
She looked at him then, which was a mistake. As soon as their eyes met, she felt an undeniable connection.
“Come on.” He smiled, revealing his perfect white teeth. “I’m not an asshole. I promise.”
“You were a complete asshole to me half an hour ago. Remember?” She raised her eyebrows.
“That’s just the persona I take on when someone’s invading my privacy. It wasn’t real.”
Her heart did a funny flutter when he smiled again. “I don’t do athletes,” she said summoning up her last strands of resolve.
“I’m only asking to buy you lunch.” The desire flashing in his eyes promised much more than a meal. “I probably wouldn’t let you do me so soon after meeting anyway.”
The innuendo behind his words had her pulse jumping. She needed distance. There was no way she was going to be able to resist this man. “You remind me of someone I want to forget. Excuse me.”
“How could you say no to lunch with Lucas Roe?” Jodie asked when she entered their suite an hour later to find Carrie stretched on top of one of two beds. “He’s Lucas Roe, Carrie. He’s probably worth fifty million dollars.”
“And he’s a professional athlete who didn’t show me the slightest interest until I told him he was an asshole. I’m just a conquest to him. He isn’t used to women that don’t fall at his feet.”
“So what? It was just lunch. Don’t you want to be able to tell people you shared a meal with Lucas Roe? Lucas Roe, Carrie. Lucas Roe asked you out.”
“Why do you keep saying his name?” Carrie asked.
“Because,” Jodie began stretching out on the bed beside her, “I don’t think you realize how big this is.”
“Are you forgetting why we came here?” Carrie asked.
“No, of course not. But he’s—“
“Lucas Roe,” Carrie finished. “Another self-absorbed athlete.” Her heart ached at the thought of Kevin. “Considering I was supposed to be marrying one this weekend, do you really think it’s a good idea for me to go out with another one?”
“You can’t just group them together because they’re athletes,” Jodie said. “I just spent almost a half hour talking to him. He was remarkably normal.”
“Then why don’t you go out with him?” She tossed her forearm over her eyes.
“Because he didn’t ask me. He’s interested in you.”
“Please stop. He reminded me of Kevin.” She didn’t want to think about Kevin. The whole reason they’d taken a last minute vacation was to distract her from thinking about Kevin.
“He was nothing like Kevin. He’s taller and leaner. Kevin’s more stocky and—”
“Not physically,” Carrie interrupted. “There was something about his eyes. I felt like he could pull me in—just like Kevin did.”
“You’re overthinking this,” Jodie insisted. “It was just lunch.”
“I’d sleep with him,” Carrie said. “I know I would.” She’d been fantasizing about it for the past hour.
“That’s not a bad thing.” Jodie propped herself up on her elbow and stared down at her. “You’re twenty-four and you’ve only slept with one guy. For all you know Kevin was terrible in bed.”
“He wasn’t terrible.” If he’d been terrible, she wouldn’t be craving the physical intimacy they’d shared. “And stop saying things to make me think about him. You’re being a terrible friend right now.”
“No, I’m telling you things you need to hear. You gave him six years of your life. Don’t give him another minute.”
“It’s only been four months,” Carrie said. Four months since he’d broken her heart. She cursed softly when a tear slipped from the corner of her eye. “God, I can’t believe I can still produce tears for him.” She brushed her knuckles over her cheek. Until that moment, she’d gone two weeks without crying, the longest period since he’d left her.
When they returned to the beach in the late afternoon to enjoy cocktails while the sun went down, there was no sign of Lucas Roe. There was also no sign of him in the resort’s open-air restaurant where they had a late dinner, or at the only on-property night club where they danced until well after midnight. Carrie outwardly showed no reaction to his absence, never mentioning him to Jodie or commenting when Jodie mused about where he might be, but inside she felt the stab of disappointment. She was attracted to him and his attention had been a welcome stroke to her battered ego.
“Lucas left the resort last night,” Jodie told Carrie the following afternoon. She had just returned from the beachside bar, a Mai Tai in each hand. “Apparently the word got out that he was here and everyone started clamoring for pictures and autographs. He checked out before dinner.”
He was gone. Carrie’s internal debate over whether or not to let him take her out was now a moot point. She would probably regret not going for the rest of her life. “I guess that’s the price of fame.”
“He rented a villa on Key Biscayne. We’re going there tonight.”
“What?” Carrie pushed herself up on her elbows. “What do you mean we’re going there?”
Jodie took a sip of her Mai Tai before continuing. “Justin Stagers and Buddy Thomas are at the bar,” she said naming two all pro offensive linemen. “They just invited me to his villa. Told me to bring my friend.”
“I can’t just show up there,” Carrie said. “He’s going to think I’m interested in him.”
“You are interested in him. You’ve been checking out every person that’s come to the beach today, hoping they’re him.”
“I have not!” Carrie said indignantly.
Jodie laughed. “You’ve turned around so many times; your neck is probably going to be sore tomorrow.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“What’s unbelievable is that you don’t see how ridiculously transparent you are. You may be able to lie to yourself, but you’re not lying to me.”
“You’re so annoying,” Carrie grumbled.
“I’m your best friend. I have to be annoying sometimes. But seriously, thinking about Lucas Roe is a good thing. Much better than thinking about—“
“Don’t say his name,” Carrie interrupted. Jodie was right. She’d been so distracted by thoughts of Lucas Roe, she’d barely thought of Kevin all day.
“Sorry.”
“He probably has a girlfriend?”
“You should know. Does he?”
“How would I know?” Carrie frowned. “I barely spoke to him. You’re the one who talked to him for half an hour.”
“But you were the one cyberstalking him this morning,” Jodie said smugly.
Carrie had spent a half hour on her computer that morning learning everything she could about Lucas Roe. She’d thought Jodie was asleep, but clearly she’d been wrong. “He dated Leanne Reiner for two years,” Carrie admitted referring to a country singer. “He’s also dated a couple of super models. Surprise. Surprise.”
“So he’s not with anyone now?”
“It didn’t say, but he could be.” Kevin dated Natasha for months before it made the news. Carrie swallowed down the bitterness in her throat at the thought of Kevin and his Russian model.
“Don’t,” Jodie began rubbing Carrie’s arm. “Don’t let your thoughts go there.”
Carrie took a long sip from her straw and then another, pushing the images from her mind. “I hate him.” As she uttered the words, she knew they weren’t true. She could never hate Kevin. She’d loved him for too long.
“You’re coming out with me tonight. It doesn’t have to be anything more than a distraction. You don’t need to think past tonight. Just like the psychologist told you—take it one day at a time.”
Pls tell me this is coming out soon!!!!
Halfway there!!!
can’t wait for this!!!
Any updates on this? Or on Lina and Phil #3?
A sense of belonging was my favourite book of yours and my no 1 romance novel of all time. Perfect mix of my favourites thing in romance book.
Also I love your sense of humor especially the banter between Michael and his Dad. Have you ever thought about writing a story about Michael and Joseph’s step daughter?
Lots of love ?
I just finished your first two books and am waiting for your third. I would love to know if book 1 of this series ended with a cliffhanger? When published as you are a new author to me will the paperback be published at the same time as the “e” release. I know these questions seem tiny compared with your other folks but I am new.
Hi Denise!
Thanks for reaching out. There are no cliffhangers in any of my books. They are all stand alone. I have released three books — When I Saw You, A Sense of Belonging and A White Picket Fence. The first two have some of the same characters. The third is very different and is more of a family drama. I am about one month away from publishing a sequel to A White Picket Fence. That book will called be Swimming Naked — again White Picket Fence is a stand alone but the characters will continue in my new book.
And yes, the paperback will be published at the same time as the ebook.
Hello Laura
I loved reading all your books. They are incredible . Please let me know when are you releasing a new book.
Thank you
Thank you, Brikena!
I will.
I am working on the Lucas Roe book — the one about the football player. I hope to have it done by the Fall.
I know it’s cheesy and probably would be no good but would actually enjoy seeing a vow renewal scene between Lina and Phil to mark a fresh start and an end to all the drama!
That’s a great idea! I may have to steal it! Veronica — we’ve moved the conversation to the comment section under my blog entitled A White Picket Fence — Sequel
Thank you! I’m on to it!
Hi laura, would you mind posting a link to the newer conversation please? I can’t seem to find it….thanks! 🙂
Hi Miri!
It looks like the conversation on the blog has really quieted down in the past month, but the most recent comments are here…https://laurabranchflower.com/2019/01/unpublished-scenes-from-white-picket-fence/#comments
eeeek! I just saw your reply right now! Thanks so much for answering, I didn’t really think I’d get any replies because this is an old thread, but I just had to get a lot off my chest so I replied to a lot of the messages on this thread…I as you can see I still am tormented! haha …will check out the new one, thank you again!!
OOOh I like that idea!!
Man, I just finished A white picket fence and swimming Naked. I swear Laura is by far one of the greatest writers I’ve read. The stories are so real.
Janet, go to Laura’s home page…select BLOG on top bar…you’ll see WPF Sequel and there is seven comments…and that’s where we are now….
Laura did the family attend church during Phil’s period of temporary insanity? Also, I think you mentioned we may see Phil’s brother in SN. Are they close?
I wondered this too! Would be good to see a church attendance scene, and a bit of self reflection from Phil.
Laura, is that one that only has two comments???
It has more like six or seven now lol
Oh ok! I’ll look
I guarantee, if Lina being tired and not sleeping well was because of something Kim pulled, that is going to pull at Phil’s heart and up his guilt factor. His words “Are we okay?” shows how he is concerned about how much Lina can take….I bet Phil feels at times, that he is walking through a mine field.
There is another comment section after the blog where I announce that I’m writing a sequel to WPF… why don’t we move this conversation there so we don’t have to spend half an hour scrolling down. If you can’t find it email me and I’ll send you the link.
Yup! Definetely swoony. You know what my question will be Laura. What happened before? Why wasn’t phil with Lina? Is this right after a wedge trick? LOL.
Scrolling up and down now takes a full min. By the time SN comes out I don’t think we will be able to scroll at all?
Laura…you know what swoon is…in fact that picked my heart rate up…I can’t wait……I’ll be more than happy to have a callus from scrolling if that’s what it takes Janet. We’ll have to wait and see what caused that scene, I guarantee……
Laura..Oh good…she did say “With you…always with you.” Can I have a swoon line (like that) from SN in exchange for a story? LOL….
Title: The Time I Almost Abscessed My Husband’s Brain!!!
More extenuating circumstances, but stuff happens….Right???
I have no way of knowing which lines are “swoon lines”. I’m always surprised at the phrases underlined in the novels — I just write and other people tell me which lines move them. I’ll give you this instead…
“Are we okay?” Phil asked, in a tone low enough for only her ears.
“Of course.” Lina clasped his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze in response to the concern in his eyes. “I’m just a little tired. I didn’t sleep well. I missed my husband.”
“Yeah?” He placed his beer on the island behind her, his eyes never leaving hers as he curved his hands around her hips. “I missed you.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I love you,” he said, his breath warm against her lips.
“I know.” Lina fisted the front of his shirt.
“Stop it!” Katie called out. “No one wants to see their parents kissing.”
Phil lifted his head slightly, pressing his forehead against Lina’s. “Remember when we wanted her to talk more?”
“Shh.” Lina tugged on his shirt. “Be nice.”
This scene sounds amazing? Love a bit of angst and uncertainty! They seem to be so happy! Can’t wait for great scenes with these two!
This scene sounds amazing? Love a bit of angst and uncertainty! They seem to be so happy! Can’t wait for great scenes with these two, think there will be some great drama but so much love!
Laura I have a question, it is a continuation of Janet’s…Will Phil have a moment in SN where he can’t find Lina or she won’t answer her cell phone? Those type incidents make him fearful…ugh! Turning off her cell phone data, would preclude him from tracking her. Don’t know what SN holds (can’t wait to find out), but when I’m stressed I like to be by myself sometimes, to think things through and get my path forward. Lina might need a couple of hours breathing room too!!!!
Tracie — So, far it isn’t playing out that way. I think Lina really forgave him at the end of WPF.
That’s what I’m thinking too! I told Laura today, I know she’ll do what’s right for Lina and Liam. I don’t know how Lina and Liam’s relation is going to flow, but Lina is a natural born mother and Laura correct me if I wrong, but Phil would want Lina to raise Liam, verses the alternate choice. LOL. Plus he would have all his chickens under one roost! Thank you my family is gorgeous, love love them!
I told my daughter, I am nice…she said mama, you got kicked off the benevolence committee at church, for not being benevolent! That did happen, but in my defense there was extenuating circumstances, I’m just saying!
Yes, definitely — Phil would want all his children in his house given the choice.
You were kicked off the “being kind” committee?!?! Are you sure you didn’t punch the toddler first?
Also Tracie it wasn’t kind of the kind committee to kick you out. Do we get to hear the story?
Okay, the being kind committee was being taken advantage of by a couple that wouldn’t (work), but could. They cashed their monthly checks at the casino and midway through the month needed us to pay their bills. You know I’m kind of a detail person, so I tracked it for several months and then refused to vote to pay their bills, and presented my case they agreed… but then came the really kind people (overly kind) people’s rebuttal. I like maybe have said something like we need to put money toward buying shovels so everyone could dig their heads out off the sand! I was like replaced. The End The couple huffed and puffed and left the church, and did it at several other churches in the area. I’ve been going there 27 years! So it didn’t phase me or them. LOL.
LOL but good for you! That’s crazy!
I know right, they like offered to put me on the funeral dinner committee! LOL. I declined, I work 10 hours days, no can do!
cray cray crook story!
Remember it is me J-Girl….LOL
I promise, I didn’t hit the toddler first, and the kid was in plaid shorts and a striped shirt.
LOL. I should have realized I’m surrounded by Samanthas here. I’m the uptight Charlotte for sure. Tracie your family sounds gorgie!!
We can get back to joint vs full custody debate tomorrow! Remember Laura told us Kim has no redeeming qualities? Somehow I don’t think she’s going to turn born again anytime soon. Thoughts?
I can’t take the test because I’m afraid I’m Miranda
Welcome back Laura. Hope you aren’t too down. I also lost a mom friend of 10 yrs. last year when the family decided to move to Spain permanently. We still email but… hope your friend’s move isn’t permanent.
You ARE the voice of reason here but I believe you have some Samantha in you! No way Miranda can whip up those “rippling muscles beneath the skin” lines. LOL
I have a bit of Samantha (Deighj — for reference Samantha is the sex-crazed character) but I took the test and I am Miranda. I was talking to my daughter today and she said there is no way you won’t be Miranda (Deighj — she’s the boring workaholic).
As far as the move to California — everyone I care about who moves to California never comes back. I have a sister, brother, nieces, nephews and cousins out there. It’s okay — I like to visit. We spent summers in San Diego when I was a kid.
That is why we are both on team Phil Carrie. My daughter said I’m a cross between Miranda and Samantha. She said definitely not Charlotte! I said why not? She said, because she is nice mama! LOL!
Tracie, I was thinking I’m definitely not Charlotte!!
Tell that friend moving to LA not to look any goofballs in the eyes. I did that the last time I was in a big airport and the goofball asked me how to get to baggage claim, I pointed and said follow the signs. The freakazoid reaches out to shake my hand and then busted out laughing and said I farted! It doesn’t pay to be nice anymore. Remember girls, don’t meet eyes with Goofballs!
Only you!!!!!!! You can’t make this s$&$ up. I bit my cheek instead of
carne asada.
No I can’t and I don’t….this is my life J-Girl! My daughter says mama, you just have one of those faces where people want to tell you their life story! She also tells me quit saying hello to people. LOL. My granddaughter and I were traveling to New Orleans so she could play basketball. We were minding our own business in Atlanta, she was eating some wings and the guy approached us (drunker than Cooter Brown) and did what I said above. I busted out laughing and my granddaughter immediately started texting her mom and my daughter, she was like howling with laughter. Then a couple weeks later (minding my own business again), I’m setting in a chair waiting on my daughter and granddaughter who are trying on clothes in the mall, this toddler comes up and punches me in the gut. I’m thinking where is your mom, this is why we have Amber Alert. The mom hollers for the Junior Boxer to come to her, he turns to me one more time and I do what any mature adult would do, I said go tell you mom your shirt doesn’t match your shorts! My daughter and granddaughter howl with laughter on that one too, but my granddaughter does say when she gets a look at the kid, you are right Mimi his shirt doesn’t match! Booya!
drunker than Cooter Brown! Never heard booya outside of a navy seals book. I love it! Hilarious! How tall is your granddaughter btw you firecracker? Oh and I wanna know if you wore leather pants riding your honda 30000 whatever bike.
Deighj, are you east coast time or west? We are all sisterhood here and Tracie likes big families and Laura tolerates it I think. Since Laura’s away for the night I’ll throw out the comparison question Tracie has no interest in. Nothing to do with our book. Which Sex and the City character are you? Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte? I took a quiz and it says I’m like Carrie but I think I’m more Charlotte.
I took the quiz. Samantha was the answer. I would say Miranda with a splash of Samantha. LOL
Janet I never wore leather, LOL….just blue jeans. My model gorgeous granddaughter is 5’11” tall. She has eyes the same color as my husband, gray/blue. Depending on the light is what the color their are. My husband is 6’ and our son is 6’3”.
Tracie — Add half an inch to your granddaughter and you have my daughter — basically twins — does she have long curly hair?
Yes her hair is a rich dark brown that hangs about the middle of her back (thick). If she lets it dry naturally it has beautiful natural curls.
Love it! Sounds beautiful
Thank you, im sure your daughters a knockout too! I’m going to miss her so much. She’s going to be 5 hours away, but I’m just a phone call away. My daughter did her Masters Program in Memphis and that was 8 hours away, that about killed me, my husband and her brother. Her school parking lot had a 6Ft fence around it with barbed wire. It went against every protective instinct I had to leave her in TN. But it went great without incident!
I know the feeling, believe me. My daughter lives in New York City (lots of traffic lights and people). She’s never coming home
Janet you’re not going to believe this but I abhor television. Absolutely loathe it. I talked my husband into not buying a TV when we moved back to Georgia from the Pacific Northwest but that lasted a couple of months. My hometown is Gainesville, Florida. I have never seen a single episode of Sex and the City. That is probably TMI there.
Good for you! I rarely turn on the television when I’m writing, maybe once every couple of weeks, but I absolutely LOVED Sex in the City!
OMG — Not in a million years would that happen to me. I never meet strangers eyes!
Good, neither do I anymore and that stuff happens to me all the time.
That’s because you’re a warm person. People can sense it — it’s a compliment.
Thank you Laura….my daughter says just keep walking mama. LOL.
I have to go to a going away party ugh (losing another friend — this one is moving to LA) — I’ll check back later.
Janet I have an outfield scenario but I think I’ll save for tomorrow. Laura is working so hard today, and in SN mode!
Laura what is the mood of our scene today?
it’s a good day — a scene with Lina’s extended family and we all know how fond Phil is of Lina’s father and Julian.
Laura! You wrote for 6 hours! On Gods day no less!! You should play hooky for the rest of the day-Can’t have you getting sick now. Yes, let’s move on from SB. I’m just glad Phil didn’t take Kim to Paris! That was the last thought before zzquil knocked me out. Bahaha. And it still boggles my mind how much you had to cut out but I guess it worked in our favor because we get SN now! One question and I’m done. Was the one night in the original manuscript before deleting?
LOL 6 is nothing — Once I’m in the flow of a book, I can’t stop without having all kinds of issues getting back in to the character’s minds. I usually just carry my computer around with me and even when I’m talking to people I have the scene I’m working on open, and I’ll just reread paragraphs — you can imagine that my family gets a little frustrated with me — I’m literally living in my head.
In answer to your question — yes, but in the original Phil told Lina about the trip before she received the picture. After Kim sent the texts he didn’t want to leave her with any amunition to blindside Lina. The picture was still a shock, but she was a little prepared. The final version of WPF was quite different than the original — remember the editor wanted the book to be about a triangle not an affair.
Wow! Love triangle theme is so popular right now but I hate it. I don’t consider WPF as a love triangle. Sad about your friend!! Crap. Going away parties are a cry fest.
Laura, what is the difference between a triangle and an affair. Isn’t a an affair a triangle?
the editor was pushing for the love triangle with Lina, Nick and Phil — basically who will she choose. I think an affair is just straight cheating — not necessarily loving two people
Absolutely agree with that comment Laura…..
Tell me about it Deighj. It’s like one of those word search puzzles, I chase these girls all over this blog. Then sometimes I hit the wrong reply and my post isn’t even under the right reply. I’ve just thrown myself all over this blog, but Laura just goes with it, she understands and knows what I mean LOL…So just go with it sister!
Thank you so much, both you and Janet make me feel not so stupid. And I would love to be a “sister.”
I’m a newbie on this blogging stuff so need some help in understanding how it works. My confusion relates to reading a post and the corresponding reply. I read a post and then find a reply several posts down so I have to scroll up to find the post being replied to. Also whenever I come onto the site it always starts at the first post back in January. I think Laura said there’s over a thousand posts now so it is aggravating to have to do that. What am I missing? Please be kind LOL.
You aren’t missing anything Deighj — it’s annoying. When you push the reply under a comment, your comment will appear after all the other comments related to the original. If you leave a general comment at the bottom of the page — that will be a standalone and show up as the most recent comment. And yes, you have to scroll down all comments — if there is a way of making it easier, I haven’t figured it out.
Deighj, I didn’t even know how to hit reply to specific posts until 2 weeks ago. Dont worry you are brilliant.
I’ma gonna let my kiddos know that I am too most definitely brilliant cause Janet said I am! Can you imagine the eye rolling that statement will bring? Given that I birthed little aliens that morphed into bigger aliens who speak a foreign language I don’t understand, there will be floor rolling.
Oh my Lord, I’m trying to entertain a 2 year old and type at the same time or after Phil and Lina got back together! I’m telling you all the L’s can get you!
LOL — you’re lucky! Tell me about the Ls. You can throw my name in to the mix (you actually call Lina Laura sometimes — I of course don’t mind because unlike Janet, I love Phil).
Laura, you said last night , where does it say Tracey stayed another month after SB! LOL! I thought in my dreams! I knew Kim would start the old wedge trick between Phil and Lina again. It worked once why not twice! Oh but she is under estimating Lina’s staying power. Lina’s rooted in like a good eye tooth! Phil knows what Kim is doing right?
What topics are we on today Tracie? Let’s go easy. I don’t want to think too much today. Lol. Oh also Laura I wondered this. Is there a part in Swimming Naked where Phil is gripped with fear he will lose Lina again due to Kim’s interference/wedge trick(lol. Only Tracie can say this)?
oh yes.
Oh I don’t want him to be that fearful again…..ugh!
Don’t worry Tracie, he’ll be fine. It’s actually refreshing to see our man a little vulnerable
Okay no worry if you say so Laura!
Phil’s no dummy. There aren’t any ‘pull out your hair scenes’ where you’re screaming at your computer telling him that he’s being manipulated. Remember, Phil has three children — he knows more about babies than Kim. I really try to keep the scenes realistic. If I can’t imagine them happening, I don’t write them.
LOL so I guess we are sharing Phil — I just went back and edited that version of your name out.
Don’t bother me LOL, I’m honored!
Laura I’m glad you moved us on from SB, what will be will be! Now you can tell I’m struggling with custody. But I could see A visitation type situation like Lia has with Ned, but their would have to be major changes with the fruitcake! I could also see full custody with Phil and Lina too. I know you’ll do what’s best for Liam and Lina. But I’m did Kim burn up Phil’s phone the 3.5 months with manufactured excuses over Liam or did she start that after Phil and Liam got together?
Kim didn’t start burning Phil’s phone up until he got back with Lina.
Oh and Janet — your girl Veronica did make a brief appearance on the blog last night. She made a couple of comments on some older (August 9th) posts. I’m guessing she’s a bit behind.LOL
Ha ha I am somewhat behind! Trying to play catch up! The conversations are great!
Ha ha I am somewhat behind! Trying to play catch up! The conversations are great, I’m just reading all the replies!
Oh one more point about cutting scenes — my original WPF was 120,000 words (not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet or not). The editor chopped half the book and then I had to rewrite the whole thing and add Katie and Matt scenes. The final was 91,000. That was a whole lot of cutting. That won’t happen this time.
Good morning, girls! I’ve been up writing for six hours but am taking a quick break before getting back to my scene. This is the only other thing I will say about Steamboat — Swimming Naked is not about the Steamboat mystery, so you will have all your answers in the first ten pages of the new novel — then we will all (hopefully) be able to move on. In retrospect, I wish I had given everyone closure at the end of WPF. It has haunted too many people.
I think it could turn out like that book. Lina does have a big heart and once she is attached to Liam, I don’t think she’ll like only having him part-time. I think (don’t kill me) but maybe Kim could show a small unselfish side and give Liam to Lina to raise, recognizing that she is not mother material. I know that is so out of character for Kim recognizing anything about herself. But somehow Phil will make her see the light, he has to for an HEA or maybe another man that she is mesmerized by does and he makes her realize she is only Phil’s vessel!
I think the only thing we can figure on is getting the book LOL! Our rabbit chasing has left us eating crow LOL! But it is fun trying to figure…..
Took a zzzquil bc of a headache I got form the beach today. I’m groggy. I will answer all tomorrow. I want Lina to get full custody. Kim will meet someone and let Phil have Liam. I think it may turn out like that Roxane winkler book. What do you think? We still have
To figure out if this is how it ends or not.
Janet we have to analyze joint or full custody too. I’m torn over what a cutie Liam’s going to be and also Lina having to go in reverse when she has her kids at an age where she has a little freedom! I think if Kim could find a decent guy, and dial down the crazy, joint might be fine! What are your thoughts??
Yes, I do love Joseph and Nick, but they can’t be compared to Phil or Tony Lol. Joseph’s sense of humor and hotness made him adorable sweet to me. Nick was hot too, just not Phil. I couldn’t see Lina with him. But like Laura said with the right woman, I would probably swoon over Nick, but I cow slobber of Phil and Tony!
Ok you think they slept on linas bed? I think he put Kim in Megan’s room or even a guest room. He probably have said he’s too tired and they didn’t make use out of the bed. She could have woken him up after the picture. Then seduced him. Phil was disoriented from sleep.
Janet the picture was taken from the other side of the bed at SB, I wonder if there was a dent in Lina’s pilllow or her side of the bed was disturbed (much)! I just don’t know!
I’ve been analyzing SB, I could possibly be swayed except for one scene that just keeps pulling me back. I can understand in Chapter 29, why Phil wouldn’t explain to Lina about SB, he wouldn’t bare his sins in front of Nick, that would go against his personality big time. I can also see why Phil wouldn’t have explained anything about SB in Chapter 30, because he was hurt and probably felt Lina didn’t deserve an explanation! However, the surgery scene where Lina says you took her to SB and he’s says I know why, you don’t have to remind me.” Why didn’t he use a lifeline at that time? It was just the two of them! Then I think, she was a planner, maybe it was before the affair started and she was in a guest room. But it could be a curve ball!
LOL. Oh ye of little faith. you know you love Joseph. You are gonna regret that comment when Laura gets Nicks story out. I will let that one go bc you kept me in stitches most of the night. Tomorrow I have another comparison question that Laura’s daughter may appreciate but you may roll your eyes at.
No no, You got the panther reference in your mind, he probably wore strips! Lol
Ok, I have one more suggestion. Laura’s squad. But if I’m guessing correctly, posse is more our generation so whichever is fine. I can’t keep a straight face if it’s naked bowleggers. Also, I’m super happy I get things wrong! I thought this whole time the one night-phew!!- happened after spring break. I don’t know where I got 3 days and April.
Maybe you fell so hard for Nick you were just seeing what you wanted to see 😉
ooh! 3 of them together. What about 4 of them together? pushing it? I assumed too much. You know when you said Phil put black lounge pants on I immediately thought so did Nick.
Did you guys see I got SB timing wrong? I got everything wrong!
Me too Janet that’s why I asked how she wrote. I’m always trying to go back to WPF and count months. I figured Lina and you have the same birth month OCT, by the timeline after the separation.
Laura will there be a scene with Phil, Kim and Lina? I don’t know if Phil would let Lina confront Kim with him there, he would put her behind him and try to protect her. But I would love for him to be behind her and she go all Alpha female, my man, my husband!
Oh yeah. There will definitely be a scene with all three, probably more than one.
Oh good….I’ll eat those scenes up! Phil likes Lina being possessive!
I did notice that Janet LOL
If it’s got Naked in it, I’m good LoL
Okay I’ll go with you J-Girl…see I can compromise for you Salt!
I try, he laughed today at my grandsons football scrimmage when I was getting my Mimi Cheer on!
That’s a good thing sister they won’t bother you that way! LOL. It has to be a swimming reference! But we can change you posse name based on what you are writing! We can to see what the other girls come up with, then we can all pick.
Tracie, do you still make your husband laugh everyday? Peepee!! Also 12 hrs Tracie. Not 3 days like I thought. Why did I think 3 days?
Did you know Deighj?
I don’t know, like always though I assume way too much, until I can see both sides. This is where I’m at a disadvantage and if I was Laura I’d be having a ball, I’ve never been a puppeteer! One can only dream! LOL
Sittin here sippin on sinner’s juice so color me stupid Janet but I’ve lost the thread here. Twelve hours or three days?
i was babbling. both are in my head. 12 hrs is what I hope. 3 days is what I thought.
Oh Oh I’ve got it!!! How bout “Swimming Naked” or the “Naked Truth”? Of course we’d have to shorten the name to like maybe “Naked Posse.”
I’m thinking everything sounds x rated. I like Laura’s posse best! LP for short.
After all we are Swimming Naked!! Pronounced neckid meaning we are up to no good! ?
That’s right Carrie, drop the “g” and pronounce it swimmin, rhymes better with women! LOL
You are absolutely correct!! I love this blog! I have been laughing so hard for weeks. I decided to join the fun!
Yay! Me too laughing for weeks.
Omg you guys are too funny. Carrie. You are team Phil all the way?
Absolutely! MY Phil is just like Tracie’s Phil!
Ugh! Fine again! Where the heck is Veronica this weekend?!
That’s right Carrie our Phil has a Big SD on his chest, for Super Delicious!
LOL For Sure! Nick has a nice body too — just not as big.
I know Nick was hot, just not Phil hot! Nick’s little fish nibbles on Lina was hot on the boat! But Phil and Tony you just want to lick them like an all day sucker.
I’m your sweet my salt! I’ll go down holding you up…..got your back my sister!
Omgg. I’m going to have indegestion.
Omg SD! Who are you? Lololl
Oh Tracie!! You out do yourself sometimes!! SD!! I found the g from swimmin. SDG. Soooo Damn Great!!
Omg again. Stop!!
Janet, where are the other girls? Liana, Linda,Veronica and Rachel, come on girls we need to hear from you!
Seriously! Where are you guys? How do you have a life when the biggest event is happening on this blog! Help me!
OMG! You made me cry again Tracie! And I read it while I was walking Chandler (my dog) so now my neighbors think I’m crazy
Okay “Laura’s Bowlegers! Who doesn’t like to go swimming with bow-legged women!
Have you been looking at my legs?
Awww Deighj, you are going to be so fun! I love games where I can use my imagination! I have to ponder on this for a minute!
Ladies, I think you should know that after reading Laura’s blog for a few weeks I thought you deserved a name and came up with “Laura’s Posse.” But after reading how far Tracie will go to land a contract I think that name is a bit bland and would welcome suggestions.
Hmmmm, I don’t think so LoL! If their not hairy and muscled like Phil’s, that would be a definite no! LOL
I was hoping but it would have been out of character! Thank you Laura for keeping Phil the man we know and love!!
You know what they did at SB Janet! That’s why it’s being sold fully furnished, especially if they didn’t ski….LOL.
The question I want to know is how long where they there?
One night
Omg!!!! This is a huge reveal. Huggge. I didn’t think we would get this out of you. My fingers can’t move fast enough. Ok Kim joined him the next am right?!! You guys! Phil realized his mistake right away. 12hrs(not 24!) too late in my opinion. Can I say this one more time? Lina’s picture is right there! I hope he didn’t put it in the nightstand and Kim took it out for special effects. Otherwise it tells me he felt guilty but went through with the night anyway. Gah!!
I still think he took her there…..they may have come in late though maybe a flight delay and didn’t do the deed in Lina’s bed! But he never denied it when Lina accused him of doing it.. Because did they go anywhere besides NYC. Remember in Chapter 2 (I think). Laura just asked, does any of the other parents travel? I think it will be one of those wait and see….But Lina just slept with Nick in his bed too!
One night, now I’m spun up at him, one night and he couldn’t have gone to a hotel? I know I have to wait but Geez!
Was there really a right answer for that question? Would you prefer a week?
Laura why CO never mind SB?were they there on a case?!
You’ll see…
Ok Lina isn’t phil and Nick isn’t Phil but I’ll take the sleeping in bed alone. It’s out of Phil’s character. I bet he saw linas pic and was jolted by it and said I’m tired. Listen, he still had a month or so with Kim afterwards so he doesn’t totally get a pass but I’ll take 12 hrs(not 24!) Omg. My poor heart. That’s why I asked if he normally slept naked. Kim the devious planner got so mad she took a pic to use later. He didn’t tell Lina because he still was there with her and to him the moment he decided to go to SB he committed the crime.
Where does it say he had another month with Kim after the Steamboat trip? Are you guessing?
Yes he took her there. Why CO now is the question. I’m gonna stick to he had a case there. Don’t ask me why a person or a firm from
CO would hire Phil’s firm. It must be one of Phil’s acquaintances and there’s some godawful film festival going on so all big hotels are booked. Kim wouldn’t be caught dead at a B&B inn so really Phil had no choice. I can wish and still be in denial for a bit longer.
GAG NO! … but at least he mitigated a little damage with just one night! LOL
Schooled! Easy peasy not. Bahaha. Ok after Laura’s answer I realized nick would wear it but phil keeps his dignity. Tracie, I literally saw the rippling muscle Lol. Maybe Phil didn’t tell Lina yet. Laura if they didn’t ski then what the heck did they do there? I know. In the sequel. Thanks for that bit. It was dang good!!
I’m still swooning soft kiss, my wife…..Wowza
But whatever happened earlier that evening hasn’t seemed to bother Lina very much!
Okay, but Deighj you only get a half point, because he didn’t wear them for Lina either LOL. I bet Phil was tired, after being so mad at Kim earlier, talk about your adrenaline crash! Did you girls see the part where my alphas muscles were rippling under his shirt? Yes!
Only one of you (Deighj) was right…
WARNING
“Do we have to do this?” Phil came out his wardrobe in black boxer briefs. “It’s midnight and we still have to put all gifts under the tree. I’m tired.”
“It’s a tradition.”
“One year doesn’t make a tradition.”
“It will be after next year. Here,” Lina paused beside him holding out a pair of elf pajamas, the exact replica of the ones Logan was wearing earlier.
“What in the hell are those?” he asked, making no move to take them from her outstretched hand.
“I bought us all a pair for Christmas.”
“I’m not wearing them.”
“Come on. It will be fun. It will make the kid’s laugh.”
“Nope.” He crossed to his bureau.
“For me?” She watched him step into black lounge pants, the muscles in his upper arms and back rippling beneath his skin. “Just wear them long enough for a picture. Do you know how hard it was to get a pair large enough for you?”
“That’s because there’s no market for them.” He tugged a long-sleeved dark T-shirt over his head. “If I put those on I’ll lose my man card and neither of us want that, do we?”
“I’m willing to chance it,” she said dryly.
“Well lucky for you, I’m not.” He stopped before her and dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “My wife isn’t going to have a memory of me dressed as a big elf.”
She tossed them onto the end of the bed, knowing he wasn’t going to change his mind. “You’re no fun.”
Girls, what if Phil couldn’t pick Liam up and Lina had to drive the green mile? Then when Kim opened the door thinking it was Phil, and she stood in front of Lina wearing a Desperate Skank nightie? You take it from here Janet…..I love this….
I say YES!! Lord knows this family needs a good laugh!!
That’s right Carrie…Him wearing them proud for the family would null and void Janet’s tightass Comment!
Janet, my little live wire, do you think Phil let Kim use Lina’s ski gear at SB?
No!!! Let me extend this reply in a bit. Driving again. Coming back from crucifixion. Beach.
I knew that would fire you up, just like your Nick comparisons to my Alpha’s! I love it….My Salt
I just threw that out there, because anything with SB sets J-Girl off! Just like she knows the Nick comparisons to Phil and Tony sets me off! It’s kind of like a sibling rivalry thing….but is so fun!
Who said they went skiing?
Tracie. Why must you rile me up this way? Now you got me thinking and I changed my answer to maybe. Ugh!!! Do you?? You know I’m in denial that Phil even took Kim there. I think she just showed up the next day. Also sorry if this grossed anyone out but I was watching Chris cuomo last night. I thought hmmm 40percent phil? Emphasis on 40 percent. Lol.
I can totally see that — they are both tall, dark haired and well built!
I know this is an old thread but I must reply — noooo!!! I don’t see it! Not even 40 percent!!
Laura I have a question about how a writer puts a novel together. I think it will help me with the WARNING posts. Do you write from prologue to epilogue? I’m wondering about order or do you write scenes and them piece them together as you go? I’m constantly trying to figure out timelines between the two books.
I wondered same thing when you said you were 1/3 done. I mean certain scenes must just come to you out of order.
I write the book from beginning to end. I sometimes know future scenes but I don’t draft them until I reach that point in the book because characters change and I want to make sure I understand where they are in their heads. When I finish I go back through the entire book and add and/or delete a few scenes — if a scene doesn’t have a point I get rid of it. And if I feel like something needs more explanation or examples, I’ll add a scene. When I wrote A Sense of Belonging there were no scenes deleted but I added about five scenes — My daughter was home with a friend from college and they said it needed more sex so I added the shower scene and the scene after the cookie display. They also thought Tony was too cold to her father, so I added him calling her father after the photographs came out. In the original Casey blew her friends off on New Year’s Eve — my daughter’s friend didn’t like that so I added the New Years Eve party scene. When I say the Swimming Naked is 1/3 done that is based purely on length — I’ve written over 30,000 words and a novel is usually about 90,000.
Don’t delete!!!!!!!!! Just add add and then add more. No deleting. Thank god for your daughter and her friend!! Oh yes! The cookie scene….
I agree don’t delete LOL! Unsticky was 592 pages and I never lost interest!
Laura I seriously thought about your question, “Dont we want Kim to find another man?” Yes, but I’m torn about Lina and Phil having full or joint custody. If she had a man that was good and ensured she took her antipsychotic meds and was good to Liam, then yes…joint custody. Because Lina has raised three kids and she needs to live a little. But if Kim continues to be a nut case then we need to go full custody with Lina and Phil. But they do need someone to help with childcare so Lina can continue to work and Phil needs to plan special weekends she enjoys!
Oh he would wear them, he thought the movie was stupid, but it would make both Logan and Lina Happy, so Yes.
Love the scenario………that could happen. There is no telling what she did when he was sleeping, especially at SB. I thought about that too. I wondered if Phil might have saw Liam during the day after Kim went back to work! That why he wouldn’t have to see her and chance turning to stone! Ugh
Laura What is phil thinking when he’s driving to Kim’s house to see Liam if he does make that drive? I just can’t see him knocking on that door for someone to answer. Just driving that mile and knowing he has no control over where Kim lives…. he must be so furious each time
You’ll see…..
Hi gang! That would be hands down Tracie. No doubt she will have a paragraph of a steamy scene to go with the pjs…Easy peasy answer for me. Yes, without even one blink. I would think he may even wear an elf speedo if Lina asked today.
Ok, I have a crazy what if for the reason Phil paid a visit to Kim’s house. What if Kim put a tracker oh Phil’s phone? I don’t know how she accomplished that since I don’t know how to do this myself but let’s say she was with Phil one night when Lina texted him and she saw his passcode and somehow linked his phone to hers? Anyway, maybe Phil and Lina get that one weekend getaway Tracie keeps on hoping for and Kim somehow knows they are away alone without the kiddos. She sends Phil a text knowing Lina is now privy to all their texts. “Do you still have that tie I gave you? I still remember when you won the case wearing what I picked out for you and what we did with it before we left NY.” Of course the last part was a lie but it’ll once again create a discord with Phil and Lina which is exactly what the devil wants. Oh, which reminds me
who picks up/drops off Liam? I hope it’s the nanny.
Question of the day or weekend — Lina bought Phil a pair of elf pjs to wear on Christmas morning. Do you think he’ll wear them for her? Let’s see who knows Phil the best.
As much as Phil loves Lina I can’t see him wearing elf pj’s out of the bedroom. In bedroom, just for her, yes.
Hi Deighj I meant to reply and then got sidetracked. We know each other from goodreads! I liked your post and you were kind enough let me know Laura had Swimming Naked in the works. I hope you post more here. God knows Tracie needs more views on her scenarios!
Hi Janet, sorry I didn’t recognize your name. By the time I received your email I had, through seer determination, put WPF and my obsession away. That was a very hard habit to break after spending six months beating up Laura with questions and scenarios. She was in the midst of writing another book and I kept pulling her back to WPF. The guilt finally got to me.
No. Don’t feel guilty. I’ll eventually return to the other stories. A White Picket Fence had to be finished.
She’s right Deighj don’t feel guilty, but if you know something me and Janet don’t you can tell us!!! LOL
Janet, just a heads up, I have always been team Phil even when I was angriest. In reading your posts I can see you beginning to soften towards him as well. So Laura and Tracie may I join your team?
Ugh! Fine!! Lol. I just like Nick as much as Phil. I’m hormonal this week so I’m just after Kim. You can lead us in this team discussion since Tracie and I tend to go off on imaginary dialogues as you can tell
Deighj I would love to have you on our team sister! We also have another new member Carrie!
I don’t care where he wore them, as long as he took them off! LOL!
Janet, Phil wasn’t reading her he was having sex with her. Plus, she was probably a very competent attorney. He didn’t know he had Psychotic Barbie, until she went Edward Scissor Hands on his neck!
Exactly!!!!
Hi Carrie, Welcome back to Team Phil!
LOL Ditto!
so he couldn’t read her after having sex? j/k. Gawd phil. She’s just Kim not Delilah.
I guarantee Kim was good at hiding her inner self. It’s like Laura said she was smart and interesting. But now that he has Lina back in his life and arms (my opinion only) he’ll fight the devil himself before he betrays her again or let’s her go. That his woman….
But remember Janet, while he was doing Kim, Lina was discussing her life problems with Nick and Laura says it will be addressed in SN, but Phil was probably furious with himself over the fact Nick was having a weekly session with his wife and they were discussing his family and her feelings.
Lina didn’t answer the phone because, it was on the charger in the room and Phil wouldn’t have known she was gone until he got home and tried to find her. In my scenario, she goes down and has dinner alone, then goes to the bar for a drink before turning in for the night. She’s bummed and disappointed! Tired of all the drama in her life. Then the hunkster sees a beauty and goes trolling! LOL. No Kim is somewhere Baltimore, home, bar ditch bleeding out! Who cares….Phil’s worried about Lina getting to her limit, he’s got to go wrap and tangle his woman!
Also, glad you don’t think Phil gave too much info to Kim at the bar. But yes I could see Nick on a motorcycle, but my Phil has a Beamer, with a stick shift! I rode motorcycles my whole life, use to love them until I hit 50 and looked how close my ankle was to the pavement rolling at 60 miles per hour. I was a tomboy….my last bike was a Honda CB200 and laid that baby on its side, because a car pulled out in front of me. Road rash and the gearshift went through the crank case cover and hot oil burned me until I could get the bike of me! So I’m going in the Beamer!
Holy moly Tracie! Thank god you are Ok!!! You are one cool Mimi. Wow!
That was several years ago J-Girl. Since then I’ve wrecked a 4-wheeler and one of those little foreign scooters LoL. My husband said you are done….He got me a modified golf cart for the pasture! LOL. My grandkids and their friends hang out with us all the time. It’s fun they keep me young, I love family!
You are hilarious, fun, kooky, and just a cool broad overall. Who talks and acts like you? Not many- you are 24ct!
Okay so I went to laughing in the first paragraph to OMG in the second. Wow! You are one cool lady!
I don’t know about cool, but sore! I was very sore after each incident. My husband asked me, Babe who rides a scooter with street tires in a pasture? He did the RCA dog tilt and said you going to answer me….I said oh I thought you were going to ask for a show of hands….He said I give up! Then he came home with the golf cart.
Janet’s right, you’re going to end up in one of my books. You’re starting to sound like one of the heroines in a Judith McNaught novel.
I don’t know about heroines, but I have got myself into some stuff in my lifetime. This goes along with the book (we’ll kind of), we had some high profile visitors at work, and I was on the bus with upper management talking about why they should partner with us to do the work…..well we had walked all day and I had on steel toe boots (we were in an industrial environment), we were climbing steps to enter the building, well my boot just clipped the top step and I went to doing that awkward swimming motion thing trying to regain my balance and face planted right in one of the visitors crouch, grabbing his hips on the way to my knees. That’s right! I did the only thing I could in that moment and tilted my head back and looked up at him and said “Sir this should prove just have far we’ll go to obtain your business.” He threw his head back and laughed. That so happened…LOL!
I’m crying. I would curl up in a ball and die LOL!
I’m
Crying. Crying. Stop. Continue. I need to
Share that one with someone with your permission.
See, you made Laura cry! You made your favorite author cry Tracie. Take a moment of silence. I’m lying on my bed and my body was shacking from laughing so hard
Girls I’m glad you enjoyed my mortification, I could actually hear my heartbeat in my ears. The visitor helped me up and said young lady (at the time), I think after that we would love to partner with this facility. Whew…..that was a pivotal moment in my career! Lol. If that made my favorite twosome cry in laughter than I’m happy!
Tracie — you are a trip! Your messages make me laugh and smile every day. My best friend is leaving today to go on a four to five month (off the grid) backcountry hike — she’s my “go to” friend and always my first reader which will make this especially hard — I would go with her but I have to finish this book — plus I like to shower, sleep in a bed and have an a/c — not much of a fan of roughing it. Anyway, I’m happy that I have your stories to keep me smiling.
Tracie, you are just too funny. Did upper management suggest you continue wearing steel toes for all future marketing partners? Perhaps you and Janet should consider taking this show on the road.
Hi Deighj, Nice to have you joining the conversation! Tracie/Janet — Deighj is a very nice lady that I’ve had many email exchanges with regarding WPF and eventually life LOL. I’ll let her speak for herself, if she chooses, but I think she falls somewhere between the two of you in the Phil fan club.
Laura, you need Tracie’s humor and story everyday now that your BFF aka team Nick is off the grid for five months!! Lord, it’s so hot here. I hope she goes somewhere cool. I personally don’t know anyone who actually goes on a hike more than an hour let alone for five months so I don’t pretend to understand this crazy notion. Godspeed.
Laura I’m just happy I make you smile! You are a sweet lady. My daughters friend quit her job and went with another girl on one of those long back woods hikes (Appalachian Trail) I think that was it! But I’m like you, Mr. Ed is meant to sleep in a barn, if I’m not in my own bed, I’m sleeping somewhere associated with the Hilton’s!
Hi Deighj, welcome to the conversation sugar. I’m telling you now if me and Janet went on the road, we would probably end up in jail. Upper management didn’t say much, mostly laughed and I mean laughed a lot! But I did inform them, after the visitors got off the bus, that my net pay should reflect my skill level! LOL!
Forget a historical novel, you two deserve a show. I mean….my tummy is sore from laughing too much. Scooter with street tires then replace it with golf cart. Omg! Make sure you include one story about your family each day here. Please! Laura is dying too I know reading this.
I love it! Two stupid questions though. She doesn’t answer Phil’s call bc she’s annoyed? Also Phil is worried Kim is near Lina? Anyway I know you really want the lightbulb moment but phil is such a meathead(sorry!) I don’t think any other thought beyond I’m going to crush this man would cross his mind. I just can’t see him saying much to Kim at the bar other than why is she mad at me? Then drink his scotch then say why. More like he was talking out loud to himself but Kim was there to see his weak moment and swooped in. What I would really like to know is if he noticed Kim before this. Laura hinted no. How come phil can read people so well but got Kim so wrong? Lastly just imo for Nick but I can see him on a motorcycle with Kathy but not tightass phil with Lina on the backseat. He probably will wrap her up like the michelin man. What a control freak!
LOL Tightass Phil! No way! Control freak — maybe, but not in every area of his life.
Janet is this rant about Phil because of the earlier handyman comment LOL. So funny! I had to read it twice.
Kinda Incase you give nick a story in the future. Lol. In Nicks defense I don’t think Tony can fix a broken toilet either. You just wrote him too well is all. Did you describe Nick as having panther like grace? When he subdued Phil with that grace and said he was 5th degree black belt I literally whooped with delight. It was a fanning moment for me.
Touché Janet. I did love Nick too. You win the battle. Tony would need a handyman. Phil doesn’t exactly remember the fight the way we do — lucky break on the good doctor’s part.
Phil had a broke hand Janet, and I bet Tony could fix anything with a YouTube video.
Phil’s not a Tightass, but he has one….all that matters! Squeeze and Spank……Wowza!
Janet I have a outfield scenario since Laura’s revelations today. Okay, Phil and Lina just need a weekend away, Kim is putting stress on them, just a weekend to regroup. So Kim pulls something who knows what and their plans have to be rescheduled. Maybe someone at Phil’s law firm is still friends with Kim and gives her info on Phil’s schedule, that he’ll be leaving early on Friday. I wonder if he would tell Kim if he was out of town? Sooo Lina cancels, but reschedules for another weekend when they don’t have Liam and Phil can get away early. Well Kim finds an excuse to have Liam stay with them, work or whatever. Phil calls Lina and says Baby im sorry but, blah blah and he’ll make it up to her….Lina just says Okay Phil. But Lina needs the break and tired of Kim’s interference, so Lina goes on her own, just needing the space. Phil comes home and finds his bag on the bed, but hers is gone. She won’t answer his phone call. He calls Adele and she tells him he’s an idiot and he needs to put his foot down with Kim, she’s not working anyway. We can say Adele stalked her Facebook and her and Hannibal are out to dinner in Baltimore. Then she tells Phil she went to the beach bungalow whatever. So Phil either stalks Kim down or asked Adele to watch Liam and stay with Logan. Phil hightails it down to where Lina is and……he finds her at the bar in a gorgeous dress (sexy) having a drink with a handsome movie star type man hunk! He has a flashback “I talked and she Listened”! Lightbulb comes on and then Laura can take us to Hotsville!
Listen I can’t find my dang glasses, can’t find the iPad, my mind works faster than fingers and no telling what I’m rolling out with this mini phone! Ugh ?
10am family mass!! Omg peeee. Tell us more. I’m literally sweating from laughing.
Janet, the swapping receipes was sarcasm. She wouldn’t cook. But she strikes me as the type that would smile daggers when trying to get a point across. She said Swimming Naked is several months past the ending of AWPF, which Is more than two. I can see her waltzing into the realty company Adele and Lina work for to sign papers before the holidays and make a production of Lina’s man fathering another child to humiliate her. I’m sure for Lina, Phil’s Office Christmas Party might have had a little humiliation sting too, so that’s fresh.. Kim could of overheard Adele and Lina at Liam’s party talking about going to the office to wrap something up before the holidays and times her visit at the same time. Lina leaves (after Kim) mortified and upset and then Adele calls Phil and lays into him.
Susan would also be in town, her and Lina could be out and run into Kim, what better way to pull the son in, than through the mother. She may mention it to Susan in passing, who knows. But that’s what’s exciting……we don’t, but we will know the Naked Truth! Also, Lina kids better get her a double sided sandwich board she can wear for Christmas made out of butcher block, bc that cray cray ? probably got a good set of Chicago Cutlery for Christmas LOL!
Wow. That’s another good scene. Too bad Kim didn’t think of it
Also, just for my warm fuzzy tell me that Phil didn’t tell Kim about him andLina being back together. I can’t see him …now….telling her anything about Lina. The I talked, she listened still bothers me.
Phil doesn’t tell Kim anything!
Ok my spun is slowly spinning out, but Lord help me, if Phil is running over to that house all hours of the night. I bet she has a manufactured excuse for pulling him away on Christmas Eve! His family would be so disappointed. He needs to strangle her before 10:00 family mass!
I think Phil is the one person on earth who intimidates Kim.
Kim cooks?!? She probably ordered breast milk off the internet if it didn’t seem beneath her no? Finding out about the move is spot on but didn’t Kim move before Liam turned one? Did Laura say she starts the SN with Liam’s birthday? Ooh maybe Kim and Lina bumped into each other while jogging(planned by Kim) and Kim told Lina what Phil and Kim used to do in nyc. Something like do you want to know what we did right before the(any one of our or the 4) picture was taken? I think when we are close to something Laura says interesting… in the sequel.. like the tie! I’m probably way off again. Lol. But I hope Lina uses it to choke Kim with it.
Not bad. Not bad at all! I should have thought of the jogging – I like it. Okay – in the opening few pages you learn that Kim called the Hunter household so often with Liam issues (manufactured) that they had to discontinue their home phone. Her access to Phil is now only via his cellphone. You also learn that she has moved to their neighborhood – so no big unveil. Nice theories though
I knew that Kim would do that….he has kids still in school and that dang phone ring all hours, oh I’m spun up now! Now she just keeps Phil and Lina up all hours of the damn night. Ohhhh that brings up Phil’s passcode again, Lina better know it or his next passcode would be the date of his death! Love you Phil!!! I’m just saying……
LOL yes of course
You are a doll Laura, you know the right answer to soothe the savage beast in me!
oooooh I liked that so much. She’s desperate and starting to lose a few screws. Not attractive. Phil is so grossed out by her. Hope you have permanent stretch marks on your boobs Kim and your dermatologist botches up the laser treatment so you can never wear a low cut top. Ever.
I hope only you and Tracie read my comments. I have lost it!
I know right, I hope her dang bra is a tube sock!
Oh and hemmoroids the size of Uranus!
But seriously. Don’t we want her a little attractive so she can find another man?
A man as in human or blowup? Yes, I hope she leaves Liam with Lina and walks off, because her new man doesn’t want to raise another man’s kid. Is Hannibal Hector still in jail?
OMG Have you considered standup? You must keep everyone laughing at the office
oh totally about uranus size hemorrhoids. Lord, we are your sister’s comic relief. waaaahh. I’m sure someone who has bad farsightedness will find her beautiful. Or very nearsighted. You know what I mean. And one more. Doesn’t your hair fall out in chunks about a year after giving birth? Again, very attractive to a farsighted guy!
these types of comments are why my sister checks in twice a day LOL
Hi Laura’s sister! Remember sweetie those so much knowledge shared here it’s almost a burden! LOL
P.S. Your sister is precious and talented.
Hey even Charles Manson got engaged! There’s hope for her…..
No stand up, but I was voted way back in the day by my senior class “Most Humorous”. Of my senior class. No I wasn’t home schooled, there was about 200 of us LOL!
I’m the lead in our office and two of my team are females just exactly like me, and we are one year apart in age and we have a ball, but we get the job done!
I’ve pondered and I just wonder if this is where Kim gifts Lina with the knowledge of who her new neighbor is going be and may be wants to swap recipes with Lina for the neighbor block party?
I’m assuming Kim’s sister is at her apartment or Phil drove to where ever Kim may have slithered for the holidays.
or maybe Lina learns on her own or Adele tells her. They both work for a realty company. Phil is going to Launch ? when he finds out about that house. Laura already told us about the house so I just thought it was a possibility, since it wouldn’t compromise Swimming Naked!
Cool!! I would love to see the finished project! Mines more of a remodel for a quick flip so less headache and tbh I want to see if my sister and I can even work together.
I think for Kim we have to up the ante. I think what you just described is something a normal woman might do if she got mad. Kim is more devious and wants to breakdown Lina so something less obvious but more hurtful. Keying Lina’s car is petty and a hassle but would it raise Phil’s hackles like that? This devil either played with her psyche by saying something about Phil or Liam or sent her something(I still like this one). something hand delivered by Fedex again. Lol
Laura now I’m thinking about the ending. Do you know already or are you letting it unfold as you write? How would they coexist with one another unless Kim finds someone else? Seriously how much more can Lina take?
Maybe it will go well and the two of you can have your own show on HGTV. I don’t think I could work with any of my siblings — we all want to be the one in charge — one of the reasons I can’t even share my book with them until they are in print — not entirely true, I do have one sister who just listens and complements (I had to mention that because I think she reads this blog LOL).
You’re right, Kim wouldn’t resort to throwing things or keying cars. She’s more of a planner.
I think I know how the novel will end. I hope I do, anyway, because I like the ending I have planned.
For Phil to scare Kim’s sister with his temper, it had to be something that hit Lina hard! Okay, Kim wouldn’t do anything like taking of her earrings for a slug fest or keying her car, but she would confront Lina, just like the hallway scene that was edited out in the book. I’m also wondering if the day after Liam’s birthday is significant or the traditional family Christmas Eve is a trigger. I’ve got to ponder on this for a bit!
So many posts I missed tonight. Thinking here.. I’m getting the kids ready for back to school in a few weeks and my sister and I are in the beginning stages of flipping our first condo purchase so yada yada tedious real life. I loved reading about both of your families here. Laura you are the brady bunch! Aha about Tracie and her son! I sorta thought she had a personal stake in how Liam and Logan would fare in the Swimming Naked(SN now. for real now). The best news is you are 1/3 done with the novel!! I’m so happy to hear both Tracie and I are far off the mark. I mean we couldn’t even figure out the title when it was right there word for word. LOL. I want to be clutching my kindle with gasps and hopefully not too many curses while clutching my head come December.
Hi Janet, my husband is a general contractor and carpenter by trade and we are in the process of completely gutting the original farmhouse that was on our property. We have flipped a few and survived building a couple too. LOL! My kids are great, fixing to ship my granddaughter off to college, she got a basketball scholarship so we are busy too! You were exactly correct on my feelings about Logan. My son is sensitive too and there was some pretty raw moments combining our families. But he would now fight a circular saw for her,if he had too. Loves and adores his sister and his wife does too! It was the bond you were talking about that would happen between Logan and Liam. We were off the mark, but now J-Girl, I’m wondering if Lina may have gone to get some asparagus for their traditional meal on Christmas Eve and Kim may have fastballed that can of cranberry sauce into the back of her head or Lina came out to her Mercedes SUV in the parking lot and it had been keyed and BITCH scratched into the hood! My mind is running a muck this morning Laura…LOL
That’s a nice skill to have in the family. I’m the type that has to rely on strangers to do any work in my house — I’ve always thought having a mechanic and carpenter in the family would be nice. All we have are men with un callused hands LOL — I’m sure you caught how handy Phil was around the house — that’s a fantasy of mine.
I’m fortunate to have him and my son is a firefighter/paramedic by trade, but he can do anything construction/mechanical just like his dad. So if my husband is not being the fantasy or hard headed my son jumps in and gets it done for me LOL!
Yes, Phil is hot!! He is every color in the Alpha Color Wheel!
Smoking…..
LOL you make me laugh!
and not to bash Nick, but… I’m sure he needs to call in a handyman LOL
Nick drinks mimosas, that would be correct on the speed dial handymen! Phil – Bottled Beer and Scotch! Go Team Phil!
Goodnight Girls, thank you for talking with me tonight Laura, I really enjoyed it!
I missed your comments tonight Janet.
So cute! And you had a granddaughter in your 30s! I’m one of six and have lots and lots of nieces and nephews — Have most of the ages covered! Liam may steal your heart from Logan, so cute and the poor little guy has already seen his dad blow his temper a couple of times.
Just like in some of our books, my husbands ex walked off and left him and her son. I’ve raised him since he was 13 and he is now 41! I’m very fortunate to call him mine. He has an 18 year old girl and a 15 year old son. My daughter is 30 and she gave me an adorable 2 year old grandson and looking to give me a fourth grand baby soon.
Logan will always have my heart, but there is room for Liam too! I knew he would be a cutie. I know my son had a hard time sharing his dad with my daughter at first, that’s why I’m a litte worried about Logan out of the gate. I want Phil to still take him to Ravens games , etc!
Unfortunately these book aren’t far fetched at all. It sounds like you have all the ages covered. Nice that you and your husband and children found each other. And I think Janet said she had twins! That’s cool too. I think Logan will be fine.
Thank you Laura, I worried about my Logan. I know Liam will be a doll, I just hate that he has a crazy mom. But he’s only a year old so thank goodness no memory of the bad times. The anxiety level of Wondering how you are going to contain that viper is almost too much!
Bless your kind heart Tracie. Love your story with your son!
I’m so hoping he favors Logan and Lina….I also hope like any child needing a mother’s touch that when he needs comfort he seeks Lina!
Is Lina relieved that Liam looks like Phil and Logan? I know I would be!
Liam is dark haired like all the Hunters — looks like his Daddy, thank God. And yes Lina is very relieved.
I don’t think I can read Liam with blonde hair! Thank you Laura
I would love to have that many siblings, I have one older brother and my moms family is completely gone and no cousins on that side and my dad family is gone too, except for a few scattered cousins in California.
Big families are nice sometimes LOL. You have a great set up with grandchildren so spread out!
I just finished a steamy scene for Tracie! Over 1/3 of the way done, girls!
Oh my gosh, how steamy, like you need a defroster steamy, or a high powered bathroom vent steamy????
Somewhere in between right now, but I could up the level
Keep climbing that ladder sister. I believe in upward mobility LOL!
My daughter will look at this blog and say mama I can’t believe you said that and my son will say I can leave her alone! Lol. My son-in-law (dry sense of humor), said I wish you were a pervert like you Mom! Dead silence in the house and then we all just busted laughing. My husband was a single dad with a 13 year old son and I was a single mom with a 3 year old when we got married, so if you need any toddler/teenager antics let me know I have plenty. My granddaughter is 18 and her Mimi’s biggest fan. She tweeted the other night: I’m serious my Mimi just said she blogged!
bahaha. I know Tracie wants incendiary. I’m on the fence for now since I don’t know if Phil should be rewarded this way.
Maybe Lina deserves to be rewarded 😉
That’s what I’m talking about…..
I just read Chapter 30 to see what Lina said to Phil regarding Steamboat and I literally got anxiety. My Phil was so mean….ugh….Also, When Phil left the house heading to Megan, did he reflect on how the color drained from his son’s face, the disappointment in Katie’s words and how harsh his words were to Lina?
He was mean and sounded justified when he lashed out at Lina. Why?
Laura has commented before his personality wouldn’t allow otherwise, she chose Nick over him and that was Alpha overload. It is just like the Scotch scene, his life is out of control and he is use to being in control. Just like in Swimming Naked, he can’t control that Nick was in love with Lina. Totally screws with his head, because he can’t dominate the feelings Nick had for Lina. That is his woman….
Right to everything but I meant why justified? Oh never mind. I can’t even explain myself. I guess I’m trying to say I’m hoping a tiny bit of it somehow ties to steamboat and that’s all for Laura to answer my why why’s. Also we should zip it about the spoiler today just Incase we got the answer right. We can hope.
Tracie, you are from OK? I knew Laura lives in DC/MD area from her bio. I always wondered where you get your “hoot and holler” comments. I too hate the water. The irony is I live couple miles away from Santa Monica beach. Did go to school in VA wins ago so I do know a bit of where Laura’s books take place. My monthly excursion to Tyson’s Corner kept me sane!!
You girls haven’t gotten anything right, although if you had I wouldn’t tell you so maybe you did. I knew you were from the south Tracie! I just had a feeling — down to earth funny! And based on time zone difference I knew Janet was from the West Coast. My mom grew up in California and hated the water too.
I get your justified comment, remember when Phil said your not going into his house, you are still my wife? Well she went in and he imagined her doing the deed all night. My opinion, with his personality, that is all the justification he needed. Yes I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I have family in San Diego been there several times. My husband he is just the opposite, tans beautiful, anything outdoors. He is a scuba diver tried to get me all into it and I told him I have watched to many dang shows where those divers turn into an all you can eat shark buffet not happening!
LOL we may not have got it right, but we entertained ourselves LOL. Thank you Laura and yes I guess I’m really sound like I’m from the South when I’m in DC or VA. I’m always asked can you say Mississippi just one more time! LOL
Yep! Ditto what Tracie said.
I was starting to have a tiny bit of sympathy for Phil when Nick schooled him so effortlessly in front of Lina at his house…Nick was pretty darned masterful (Phil must have been mortified that Lina saw that, hehe); but then my sympathy vanished when he was such an a-hole to her in chapter 30. SHE broke his heart? Really?
Complete overload. He knows his actions destroyed his family. He’s in shock! He’s afraid Nick is getting Lina and he knows he devastated his children and they will never see him the same again.
Do you think another thing that bothered Phil was the fact, that Nick was a gorgeous man and had the ability to support Lina as good or better than what he did?
That couldn’t have helped but remember in the beginning — Chapter 1 (to Lina) “I’ll fix her door, but in return, I’d like to go a day without discussing Katie or Dr. Drayton.” Chapter 3 (to Katie) “I. Don’t. Care. This is not Dr. Drayton’s House.” (and to Lina) “No! No more Dr. Drayton! Can we go one fucking evening without his name coming out of your mouth.”
Phil resented Nick before he knew he even had a thing for Lina. This is a man used to taking care of his family and his wife is acting like another man’s word is God.
Oh yes that would blow my Alpha right out of the water! Do you think Phil was a little mad at himself after that first visit with Nick? That he thought Ive been so rapped up in my own selfish pleasure, I didn’t see another man trying to take my wife?
Interesting question — this will be answered in the sequel
Was Phil afraid the entire separation period that Nick would get Laura? In Swimming Naked is their retirement plans ever discussed, like in the first book? I ask because when Nick talked with Lina about hiking and a husband should also consider what makes his wife happy, not everything about competition. I wonder if Phil will consider more of what makes Lina happy, than himself.
Yes, he was worried the entire time and yes they will discuss the retirement plan. I hope he considers more about what makes her happy too.
So do I, that would be good
To see!
Janet, do you think Lina got a present on Christmas Eve???? She got one on her birthday!!!!
Yes ma’am! Sí! Oui! And she needed to have upped her game since the first present didn’t work. I’m thinking what we discussed previously or maybe more incrimmating pics, even a recording of a convo. Endless possibilities for Kim!
Also I asked about naked pic bc the keyword is normally. Did they fly out to steamboat together? It’s far fetched but not easy way out. I mean Linas pic is right there! Phil can’t avoid that
Think about what you just said and then think what would be epic, but no can mention…..
Girls, is she a locksmith???? How is she getting in all these places…plus in the scene at his brothers house after surgery, Lina said you took her to Steamboat!!! he said I know why…you don’t have to remind me.
She did something that’s for sure. God I hope all this screaming the house down will make Kim see some level of reason. Anyway, Laura do you know why I asked you the sleeping naked question? I’ll stop there and leave it at that. No easy way out but maybe I was too hasty in calling him a selfish bleep.
Yes, because he was sleeping naked in the pic from Steamboat…
You can’t reason with Kim, she is in need of a rubber room.
Christmas Eve is big at the Hunter’s, it is their immediate family Christmas together…you commented that you had wrote a Christmas scene and it was nice to have them all together again…..So whatever has got Phil ready to kill Kim will at least be put on the back burner Christmas Day (I assume when both Lina and Phil’s families are there)….Based on the birthday party being the day before, depending on whether is was a group event or not..Kim’s jealousy could of been pegged on seeing Phil with Lina and not her for Liam’s first birthday or even imagining him with his wife and kids for the holidays (Kim thinks that should be her)…She purposely set out to ruin their family Christmas Eve…now how girls?
I love naked truth! Perhaps Laura will use it as the title for the trilogy!!
Ooohhh. You need to calm the f down! Wow! Go Phil!!! Give it to her!
Laura your comment to my post got me thinking. Let me ask you this. Does Phil normally sleep naked? The nights he and Lina don’t have sex? Also, the day after the texts came out Phil called Lina to let her know he wouldn’t be till 10pm. He said it was work related? Was Kim present at the meeting?
I love naked truth too! Yes, Phil normally sleeps naked. And No Kim was not at that meeting.
Gives me another TLC moment, Phil could wake up to Lina doing some morning aerobics on his mat….LOL
I’m just saying Janet…you ask the naked question.
Oh I bet he sleeps naked…God I hope she wasn’t still there…remember Phil called and threatened to slap her with a restraining order, so maybe she was gone! That call was another pivotal moment for me as well, she wasn’t jealous or upset that he was working late. She didn’t even question him. That just makes me think Lina won’t be a complete Stage 5 Clinger in Swimming Naked. However, Phil did like the possessive side of her at the Lacrosse field.
Her family is from Northern Virginia…
I’m assuming again, since she was mesmerized by Phil in New York. I was suppose to be in Crystal City for a training session next week…but it was cancelled…When you only have one stop light going to work, that traffic brings the worst out in me….LOL
She went to Columbia, so stayed in New York City. Oh my gosh! One traffic light? I pass two just getting out of my neighborhood. Crystal City is where Casey and Tony returned that lost dog in a Sense of Belonging (at least it was initially)
I remember now….yes one stop light. We live in the country on 40 acres, and a highway runs through our town so one stop light….I’ve been around and in DC a lot in my career, but mostly Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington.
Sounds like heaven! With the exception of a few years in Florida and Hawaii, I’ve always live in and around DC.
You really are a beach person….not me…the only place you’ve ever seen legs whiter than mine is at your local grocery story in the poultry section….LOL Except for a few years in Louisiana, I’ve always lived in Oklahoma.
Is Kim’s family in town because of Liam’s Birthday? I assumed they lived in New York?
oh oh oh…..I have two or three different theories but I don’t want to touch on one that could be right. Geez, I hope Lina doesn’t receive a Christmas card by FEDEX. But he is spun up this is going to be bad for her…..
Oh my goodness…..is this after July????????
Actually Christmas Eve — one day after Liam turns one
WARNING…Here is Kim’s sister meeting Phil for the first time…
“I don’t know what she did, but you need to calm the fuck down because you’re scaring the shit out of me. You’re Phil, right?” she asked.
“This isn’t a social call.” (Phil)
Janet since the sequel has been named, we need to change our mantra, Swimming Naked is the Naked Truth!!!! Oh tell me your not in love with that….
Laura, I just want to apologize for not asking your thoughts prior to throwing out Think Questions, Snippets or Scenario’s. It is just my wild imagination running a muck and I wouldn’t want to impede your work. I once heard a saying “Too much agreement kills a chat.” I think the old snippet ensured we will all keep chatting LOL…
LOL No apology necessary. I enjoy your wild imagination running a muck.
Will Logan shed tears in Swimming Naked? I’m just wondering if there will be a scene between Phil and Logan, that makes Phil feel raw….
Unfortunately yes! He’s very sensitive.
I just knew there was going to have to be something between Logan and Phil that would be a little gut wrenching for me….I want Phil to wrap Logan up in a big old dad hug….
I hope so!
Girls, I’m going light today…will Knight (the dog) still get to bunk in the same room with Lina, since Phil is back?
That is an easy one. Knight now sleeps with Logan.
The Ambien would ensure a longer date with the Sandman Man…LOL
Laura says we’re are moving to happier times, which means Kim bashing for most…LOL I have some things to do this morning, but will check back later.
Oh my J-Girl having an opinion is not a betrayal, I can see and feel everything you just said. Phil said it best in Chapter 43, we were happy we had one bad year, but that can’t erase the two and half decades of memories.
Girls I just wanted to say goodnight and leave a thought for you to ponder on from Team Phil:
Swimming Naked means having enough trust in the person telling you to Jump and not worrying if the water is deep enough…
P.S. If my daughter reads that comment, she’ll think her dad is growing pot instead of tomatoes! LOL
LOL. I may need an ambien tonight to fully appreciate your words of wisdom but thank you for the scenarios today. You still made me laugh!
Laura I feel like I called your husband/
Partner a dimwit and have betrayed Tracie! I’m swaying like a pendulum taking sides but it just doesn’t sound like Phil. Maybe you do have to go with temporary insanity on steamboat! You will get us to see reason. That much I believe. Either that or it’s not too late to make an appt with a hypnotist to change your mind.
LOL You kind of did, but I take no offense. I love your comments!
Hmm. Here are my thoughts now that I’m semi rational again. Take the full hit yes and no crazy easy outs yes again because we saw the evidence. No denying it there. But there has to be an explaination. Here is a man who has always loved his wife and no one else. He never stopped wanting her. He takes her calls in the middle of the night when she has one of her nightmares. Even when he was in NY with Kim and the “sex train” was on full force he still called to check up on his family. Their names are written in the stars and what have you. He never gave the mistress anything nor held real affection for her. Then boom he takes kim to his wife’s favorite place which is also their home? Everything else seems like an impulsive action on Phil’s part except for this premeditated act. At the very least they had to have planned this get away with a reasonable lie Lina believed. And Tracie to add to your snippet when Lina is mad when Phil pushes the paper to sign and she says we can’t take the grandkids there anymore what will Phil’s response be? Sorry Lina I had sex on the brain so I wasn’t thinking and forgot this was your favorite place? I’m at a loss here. Why not take Kim somewhere else? He can’t be that dimwitted nor that selfish. I don’t know! And if this is true how can I hate Kim as much when her only true fault was pursuing a married man and not giving up easily? And now I kinda sound like Rachel. Ha and gah! When I was reading a white picket fence I felt like Phil always wanted to say more about steamboat but Lina would interrupt or they would drop the conversation all together. I do have a few theories like the running group one but of course Kim is the behind both of the incidents. Hmmmm again. Thinking thinking not mad but rethinking about Phil and Kim.
All I will say (because I don’t want to ruin the sequel) is that I still believe you will be team Phil in the end.
Thank you!
Also I don’t think Kim is a redeemable character. Not only did she have an affair with a married man, she conspired to hurt Lina on her birthday. Even if Phil was a first class jerk and promised her the world (which he didn’t) I see no way to justify her behavior towards Lina.
There is no way to justify her behavior…..Phil is going to rise from the ashes and he’ll ensure that Lina and his kids are surround with a hedge of protection!
See why I can’t be a writer sole verses soul! Geez
You know what else I’m thinking, who is he shedding those tears for and with….Swimming Naked makes you vulnerable….sigh!
Good points Tracie! I think we know that he sometimes (not necessarily always) was the pursuer based on Chapter 22. Kim only sent the texts she chose to send. And if it makes Janet feel any better Phil shed a few tears today. Ugh looking forward to happier times!
That’s even better Laura on the texts messages pursuer situation. Tears cleanse the sole and he is sorry no doubt in my mind! I know you will bring them through to the other side. Did you finish the Scotch scene?
Yes! On to a happier scene!
Awesome….that beach and sunshine soothed your emotions as well! Let’s get happy!
His puruit of Kim in some of those texts, and him ditching his runs with Megan to run with Kim definitely added to my bitterness toward Phil. Unless his brain was hijacked by aliens, he had no justification!!! How could he justify to himself choosing to spend quality time with Kim instead of his daughter??
Laura, this would have to be your curve ball, because I can’t see a way out for Phil. Swimming Naked is him open and raw and this is like a major Glenlivet moment for him…This is one where Phil may have to just suck it up and take one for the team…
Very true. I will stay authentic to the story. No crazy easy outs
Janet, we know that Phil was pursued relentlessly by Kim. We also know by Lina’s words in Chapter 22 that Phil was the pursuer after he gave into Kim’s advances. My opinion only he took her to Steamboat with no thought to anyone, except for his own selfish flesh! How can he be redeemed if he wasn’t at fault? Phil will have to face his children with the truth about the condo. Logan already knows and probably wouldn’t step foot back in the place anyway. That condo is just that a condo! My snippet was my pound of flesh for Lina. Phil said he would regret how he hurt Lina every day for the rest of his life. To me, if he had no remorse then I would say kick him to the curb, but that’s not the case with Phil. He’s owning it and trying to make it right! I guarantee no body knows their own shortcomings better, than the one that is suffering from them. Kim is acting evil, because she read more into the relationship than what was truly there.
Laura…we just lost a little ground with J-Girl (Janet), the temporary insanity comment was too much for her!!!! Tell her you didn’t mean it!!! That Jack-in-the-Box response scared me and she’ll be back….LOL LOL
I am keeping my fingers crossed that there is an explanation for Steamboat. – seriously am
I hope so
Too! I
Know everyone makes mistakes, but this is such a deal breaker,
Phil needs to to pull it out of the bag for ya!
OMG. I literally pulled over to the side. This site is making me hysterical! I need a life. Did Phil lead Kim on a bit then? Does she have reasons to become so bitter and act evil. Yes don’t pursue a married man but geez Louise what is going on here? Will chk back later.
No, I don’t think he led her on. He did have an affair/fling with her though.
You know you kill me right???? LOL LOL…Laura’s wrapping Steamboat up in the sequel. I read a comment (I think Laura), where Laura said her intention in the first book, would have been to sell the condo???? I also think…ugh…we’ve talked so much (but I love it) that Phil would have to take the full hit on Steamboat??? Set me straight Laura….if I’m too far outfield…I think that is what I remember from our conversations.
Yes I did say that. Temporary insanity
Gah gah gah! I’ve avoided this one. Didn’t Laura say she sold the house before it was edited out? I too have imagined similar scene but in Swimming Naked(yeah!) I’m really hoping there was a good reason Phil and Kim were there together. More than meets the eye. Isn’t this out of character for Phil? I think the home has to go regardless but I just can’t see him intentionally taking Kim there. If Laura says she will explain what happened in Swimming Naked(yeah! Yeah!)then there’s way more than what the picture conveyed. Please please. Anyway I’m hoping it’s a mystery solved where my le creuset cast iron stays intact. Lordy!!
I love that we are calling it Swimming Naked! So perfect
I have a snippet (not a scene or scenario) Warning Janet: “Steamboat” I think it was Chapter 28, when Lina told Nick…Steamboat was her favorite place and she watched her kids learn to ski there and she wanted to watch her grand kids learn to ski there too:
Snippet….Phil slides the papers across his desk (home office) for her to sign for the sell of their Steamboat Condo (assuming the condo was in both their names). Lina signs and while looking down says “You know Steamboat was my favorite place.” Phil says “Lina?”..then she raises her eyes to his and says “We watched our kids learn to ski there and I wanted to watch our grand kids learn to ski there as well, but know its all gone.” Then Lina slides the papers across to Phil and walks out….WOW talk about a Scotch Moment…
Just fun thinking…I’m about out of questions…LOL
Tracie, did you say you work with psychopaths? If so thank god for your lively spirit to lighten up the atmosphere.
Regarding shower scene I don’t know why bedroom scenes don’t bother me as much. Maybe because I can see in the text Kim trying to seduce Phil with those words and he went for it. Like nothing was sacred between phil and Lina other than locking eyes with their connection. Thats why kim thought she had the upper hand. She did consume(your word) most of his time at least. Also isn’t it when he leaves Lina for the night so he can be with Kim? You know she has nightmares without you but you forgot and wanted a shower with the skank? Can’t fact check but even another year from now I’m gonna see dates and times in my head.
Maybe Lina wants/needs the shower scene for a new memory. They won’t be able to make a future, if Lina is constantly looking in the rear view mirror, instead of looking forward through the windshield.
I don’t actually work with psychopaths, a few have lead me to believe they were…LOL..
Ok then phil got held up in traffic and Kim had to get out of the bath whatever because pruned fingers aren’t sexy
Thanks Janet….you are right so ugly…..
OMG! LOL funny!
Interesting. You girls are on the right track. I’m not exactly on vacation but the weather is nice for a change so I am spending a second day on the beach
Happy to hear you don’t have to work with psychopaths
Ohhhh yes….Matt loves Katie…he also sees in Lina what he never had and probably always wanted in a mother. How disgusted would Lina be thinking Kim noticed her daughters boyfriend, after sleeping with her husband. That would probably even make Phil Puke..Ewwwww
Laura if you are on vacation, we don’t want to disturb you in relax mode…even though it didn’t work for Janet LOL..She had to check the blog!!!!
Hi! Not home so hard to post thoughts but love the scenario where she strolls to the cranberry sauce isle to unsettle the kids. Maybe add Matt in there and Kim takes a swipe at Katie and say be careful you don’t lose him or some nonsense(because Katie takes after Lina physically). Then Kim looks at Logan and her eyes widen slightly due to uncanny resemblance to Phil and now Liam. Matt fumes with disgust for phil thinking what did he see in this anaconda?
Laura, are you on vacation?
Girls, I was participating in a meeting this morning (yuck..puke), and there was a human (barely) there that reminded me of Megan…so I don’t have an outfield think question for the week, but I do have an outfield scenario!!!!!! We know in the first few Chapters of the book that Megan is a highly intelligent/overachiever, pretty much a legend in her own mind. When she gives her graduation speech, Lina thinks how her confidence and eloquent speaking is just like Phil (She’s Phil’s Mini Me). Chapter 32, when Katie goes in to Logan’s room after he gets upset with Phil on the phone, Katie thinks to herself, I wish Megan was here now, she would have the right words and know what to say….
Scenario: Hunter Kids (Only) out somewhere, maybe getting a can of cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving or Christmas shopping, Kim notices the kids and approaches them (we know Phil has pictures in his office). Don’t know the basics of the conversation (but Laura would), may be just an initial “Kim Land” fake meet and greet, Happy Holidays, etc…now is when Phil’s Mini Me steps up and in a 20 year old way humiliates Kim (remember Megan is eloquent), and informs her don’t care who you are, but I know my dad wouldn’t want you to ever approach my mom or his children, especially without him present….now get to kicking rocks…But when they arrive home…Logan or Katie would have to say guess what Megan did???? You know Megan would have to tell her dad all the finer points of the discussion, because she likes to talk about herself….Thus putting Megan back to center (a little)…since she took up for Lina and her siblings. Plus, Kim approaching Phil’s kids, major screw up on Kim’s part. Far fetched I know, but fun thinking….
InterestingTracie. We are still on the same wave length. Have you ever considered considered writing a novel? Swimming Naked only has the the POV of Phil and Lina.
Laura if I wrote it wouldn’t even be a short story, it would be a teeny tiny story. But thank you….My job requires a lot of scenario creating for training purposes.
My mantra would be “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” LOL
Girls! I just saw a Phil lookalike run by me on the beach. No lie. Wow! I should chase him.
sorry I meant in her texts. Left my bifocals in the car so I’m typing with my cell a foot away from me and my fingers are stiff because I ran out of my glucosamine. what a visual.
I think Phil, even though charismatic and people are drawn to him, Phil would still feel out of sorts/sad knowing his wife isn’t there with him. His professional reputation (especially by the other partners) may have a little black mark by his name. The partner hens would talk, since the wedding was still fresh in their minds and Kim’s departure. I’m wondering if maybe Wayne did talk with Phil about office fraternization and the embarrassment the firm was subjected to at the wedding. Remember the girl power element, the ones that really liked Lina may have been stiff with Phil, verses friendly. The text messages were over a year old….Kim had showered sex with Phil, but they also had bed sex too..he needs to ensure those memories are burned from Lina’s mind. Because if they can’t have shower sex, then they can’t have bed sex. It all boils down to Lina living in the moment with Phil (reconnecting), not remembering what he did with the witch. Remember physical not emotional with Kim.
Good points and the Christmas party reactions that year are covered in the sequel
I know what you mean girl, my comments make better sense and less grammatical errors when I’m on my desk top verses my phone. I can see and the keys are big enough for my paws….LOL
That’s right! I forgot they spent the party apart. We know Phil is very charismatic. We saw this at the wedding when he was surrounded by others laughing at the comments he made, we now know Kim was mesmerized the first time she saw him, and both men and women are drawn to him. He doesn’t care nor try, its innate. My guess is the women acted like Diane by giving him support and encouragement. Maybe some of the younger associates whispered behind his back but never to his face. Like Laura said before it’s crazy office gossip.
Also Tracie, the possible shower scene you mentioned is wigging me out a bit because he might have done this with Kim(from her suggestion on the text). I realize it’s irrational of me to think this way but I don’t want any flashbacks(for me)of anything on that text to ruin the moment. I’m all for the hot tub and and ripping seams on the kitchen counter but the join me in the shower and wake me up with your tongue I need some time to heal first.
im also excited to see how Kim finds out lIna and Phil are back together? I can see Phil wining and dining Lima and Kim walks up saying well isn’t this cozy! Either that or she moved close to his rental and Phil had already moved home! Or Lina could come with Phil to pick Liam up for a visit? I can’t wait!
Janet, can you imagine How mad Kim would get if Phil saw Liam before he went to Lina’s for Christmas! Kim expect Phil to stay with her instead he leaves and says I’m going to have Christmas with my wife and kids. Call if you need anything and i’ll Check in on you!
I think 24th was all about Lina don’t you? And what the what? Call if you need anything and he’ll check on her?! That’s YOU projecting about a woman who just gave birth. Not your Phil. He would never encourage Kim to call him.
Yes!!!! You are exactly right…my Phil would be all about his wife and getting to her and the kids. Phil even wanted to stay another night with Lina, but she made him go home. So that tells me IF he did see Liam after he was born on the 23rd, he wasn’t anxious to get back to the hospital. I hope Kim had stretch marks…….LOL
LOL Janet is 100 percent correct!
Girls, I’m breaking these questions up so they aren’t so long. Laura mentioned she wrote a scene at Phil’s office Christmas Party, this is where some humiliation has to hit Lina. I’m waiting to see here how much of a friend Diane really is to Lina. People are cruel….some may have been even jealous of their love and throw out pity or even mockery of their relationship?
Girls, Did Susan and Phil get to meet Liam prior to going to Lina’s for Christmas? When he got to Lina’s house on the 24th he seemed light and happy is that because he had a new son, or because he was getting to spend Christmas with his wife and kids? He could of been both! I was wondering if that is why Susan begged Lina to take Phil back, she had met Kim?
No. Susan doesn’t meet her new grandson until the sequel. Phil is happy on Christmas Eve because he is about to spend over 24 hours with his family
Girls, remember I think Chapter 2, how the partners wives were talking about how they could tell Lina and Phil were so in love by the way they looked at each other. Now how was Phil treated by those partners wives at Diane’s office Christmas Party, that Lina didn’t attend? What where his thoughts when the other partner’s were coupled with their wives and he stood alone?
Dying here! Wrath of Phil!! I can feel bad for her. You would cry too knowing Phil can never be yours right?! But she hasn’t given up yet. Maybe few more crocodile tears before throwing in the towel imo
Kim almost took everything he holds dear and loves, he’s going into survival/protect mode! He took the blame for his actions and will be a dad to his son,, but that’s not enough, she wants to consume Phil in every way, not happening! But yes I would cry over him, but I wouldn’t destroy him! I would think of my son first and she just doesn’t have that in her!
Have a great dinner!!!
Janet did you see the wrath of Phil, see you are going to get your smack down (I want it too)!
Is she crying because she shoulders the blame or because she doesn’t have Phil. I don’t want to have sympathy for her by humanizing her yet. I’m not ready Laura.
The wrath of Phil. I’ll leave it at that. I’m being dragged (seriously because I would rather be talking to you girls) out to dinner.
You got to eat….we got your back, we aren’t going anywhere! LOL
Also some people are too awful to be humanized
Oh my….I said Phil would turn Kim to dust, protecting his Lina!
You said it!! I also liked what you said -how much more can Lina take!
I know God Love her, she’s precious… but in my defense LOL, she’s had anxiety over Phil and the scotch, so I’m having sympathy pains! When she posts something about kicking Kim, then I’ll jump emotion trains!
Kim had an equally bad day, trust me. I was surprised but she can actually shed tears.
Was she choking, LOL.
I bet those tears don’t work on Phil! He watched his wife break on more than one occasion from Kim spreading her venom through Lina. I actually expected videos sent next. After the pictures though, Phil would of found else what else she had and shut it down!
I thought same. After the pictures came out, I thought she may have filmed something to use it as her insurance policy to keep Lina out. It wasn’t just the pictures, remember the childish(garish) card she sent with it? God forgive me, I cannot forget nor forgive any of this.
Nor can Phil Janet, that is why Kim is having a bad day. Once he has Lina back in his arms, he’ll move heaven and earth to keep her there, his love for her is that deep.
That was mockery from the witch, looked what I did with your man…Happy Birthday……I want to punch her face……
So funny. And Laura tries so hard to keep us grounded! Ugh!!
We could so be the girl version of Lethal Weapon Bad Cop-Good Cop! LoL
You almost caused my death, I literally choked on my own spit LOL. LOL
LOL. You got your opening love fest scene. Then you get the hot tub TLC and now you want a weekend beach getaway? That could be the epilogue. I want more of that spoiler Laura showed us. . I want drama with Kim interrupting their weekend away with a Liam dilemma! I want the Sturm und drang if you will, before the calm and your sweet. Oooh please let us have Laura’s realistic throwdown somewhere because God knows if left up to me, I would somehow weave in a telemundo segment
You will both be pleased — lots of drama and lots of TLC
i wish Lina and Phil could just BE for a few days. They have always got kids or family around them. I can see them going back to a beach for the weekend, where they first planned their life. I also see them on the beach in a comfy beach chair Lina in Phil’s lap, with a small beach fire, just soothing hurts and talking about their new future! Swoon!!!
Okay Tracie I will give you what you like. Somewhere (I can’t seem to find it now) you asked for a gentle hair pull — I’ll add for you!
Hawwttt, that’s how he gives his yes in the Prologue! Her head is on his chest…..you get me…..how about Lina against his lips says, get rid of the kids and meet me in the shower! He would jump up like his clothes were on fire! LOL
ohhhh I like that!
Oh me too!!! Yay! Cheerleader jump LOL
Omg.
Janet you know, your my peeps, when we start a slug fest with Kim, I’ll be standing right beside you!
I’m also wondering about Phil and his scotch, knowing how much hurt and humiliation he has opened Lina too, I’m wondering when Kim moves in their neighborhood, if his gut is knott thinking how much more can Lina take????
he’s losing control of his world and he is a man that is all about maintaining control
I know bless his heart. Sssshhh don’t tell Janet!
Shouldn’t Lina at this point start helping him get that control back? I know Janet, let’s just play like Kim’s in a corner crying somewhere? I need to see tough girl at the wedding that said “The side of me that wasn’t scared, wasn’t lost, just buried.” Get to digging girl!
Yes! You are right. That is totally Nick Tracie. He wouldn’t even acknowledge Kim. I just finished an old Anne Mather paperback in an hour in the car so I was in my moment.
Or if Kim extended her hand to Nick to shake and Nick looked at her hand and then her face and turned to Lina without shaking Kim’s hand! Like he wouldn’t even shake her hand, much less sleep with her! Another shot heard around the world!
Yeah! That is cut direct. I likey
I’m also wondering if Kim is going to be brazen enough to show up at public places where the Hunter’s are….like Lacrosse games, etc
Ooooh. Yes she will in my world.
Well they do live in the same town… Not sure about a lacrosse game though – she would have no excuse to be there
But now you are going to tell me don’t do that….I wouldn’t want to see Phil put into the situation at this point. I think just seeing Nick is going to be enough to eat him up with jealousy!
I doubt that would happen Janet, but it would be great! But that’s not his personality, he would probably size Kim up and look between her and Phil and then direct his attention toward Lina, now that would push Phil. That scrutinization for my Alpha Phil would imply that Nick just wiped Kim and Phil off the bottom of his shoe, like Phil wasn’t good enough for Lina, but he was! Talk about jealous fit!
Diane’s character was a bit odd to me because she and Lina are supposed to be the same age but she spoke like she was a generation older(this could be Wayne’s influence). I viewed her more as an aunt type of figure who Lina looks to for advice than best friends.
Ok gang, I have another what if scenario. So Kim isn’t intimidated by Adele’s go f yourself snarky attitude. How about if Nick comes in a scene where Phil, Lina, and Kim are all together(it could happen, no?) and he puts Kim in her place with a few words. Something like “you? your just run of the mill”. Insert Nick like comment there. Phil blows a gasket from jealousy and Kim’s taken down a notch. I’m really into this harlequin moment scenario. Hahahaha
No they aren’t the same age. Diane is older. Remember Wayne is Phil’s mentor. She annoyed me too at times
Me too, she bugged me sometimes…she couldn’t seem to put herself in Lina’s shoes for even a minute; I mean, Phil didn’t just have an affair, he had a baby with another woman!! She was way too pushy with Lina about taking Phil back
What got me on the surgery scene was when Diane said “Oh you mean your estranged husband?” I wanted to smack her for that comment. How can she claim to be her best friend and be that petty????
I did not like Diane, she was very condescending and judgmental in my opinion. She was just like why aren’t you over it and forgiven your husband from pretty much the start! Her and Megan really annoyed me. They were so self righteous!
Totally agree with you here! Diane seemed almost oblivious, and Megan was immature because she was such a daddy’s girl and didn’t even seem to care about what her mom was going through
The executive secretary types might be invited. It would probably depend on the office atmosphere, family oriented or more strict professional. The secretary hesitated to give Lina an answer, I think more out of surprise that Lina didn’t know he was having surgery. Laura did the office know Phil was separated or did he keep that discreet as well?
It was more out of awkward surprise. No secretaries at the wedding more of a professional setting
Did his office know about the separation?
The office eventually knew about the separation but not right away.
I can’t see Phil’s secretary being invited do you? If so yes she got more than her eye full. Also when Lina called the office to ask where he is and his secretary told her it was his surgery day, I don’t remember her being kind to Lina? Did I read this bitty part wrong? Can’t remember.
Morning Girls, I wondered that too…..I also wondered if Phil’s Secretary was at the wedding and had ensured she had a ring side seat to see how the drama would play out. Remember, Laura commented Phil’s secretary probably knew about the affair. I bet you couldn’t have driven a 10 penny nail in Phil’s butt during that wedding…he had to be tense…LOL….
Hi Ladies! Currently sitting on the beach. Too bright to read these comments. I’ll check back tonight and answer the questions. Poor Phil is stuck with his scotch waiting for me to take him to a better place
Poor Phil is right…have my girl Lina come rescue her man….I hope she tells him she loves him more in the sequel, he’s going to need those words to forgive himself….Talk to you tonight…use sunscreen….
So funny. Tracies all about can you make the love scenes hotter and I’m all about can you have Phil roar at Kim louder? I asked the casting question after Tracie told us she channels her inner Raquel Welch. I would NEVER ask you to cast phil. I couldn’t do that and have myself be turned off by him. I remember reading a casting inverview with Sylvia day’s Crossfire couple being grossed out. Lol Gideon was Henry Cavill and Eva was Scarlett Johansson. So odd. Here’s my only question of the day to you Laura. At the wedding after Lina and Phil sit down and Phil points out Kim, Kim turns around and locks eyes with Lina then dismisses her to look at phil longer and this goes back and forth for a few seconds. I know phil was staring ahead and not giving Kim the satisfaction of meeting her eyes. What was going through his mind? He acted nonchalant and don’t think his jaws locked in that scene. Did he see
Lina lift her chin a bit so she wouldn’t slump back with pain? When she couldn’t get up with the rest of the guests when the bride came to walk the isle? What were his thoughts and feels when His 2 worlds collided and came face to face?
Hope today you get to write a lighter scene!!
At that point he was just filled with concern about Lina. Also remember that she drank before the wedding and made a statement that worried him about being her old self. He could feel Lina’s tension but didn’t see the chin lift.
Thank you! Ok. I gotta remember it’s all about Lina in the sequel.
Even though my Phil may be naked and exposed (oh the view)…he will still come out the victor with his beautiful wife and family. No doubt. Lina I don’t mean to be greedy, but when she asks Phil to come back home…her head is on Phil’s chest and he is rubbing her scalp…make it hawwwwt like he lifts her chin or pulls her head back by her hair (gently) and drops one of your Alpha signature kisses to her lips for his answer….whew….That’s hotter than my coffee…. I’ll let you pick who says get rid of the kids LOL.
LOLOL. None of your beeswax. I do like wrapped and tangled. So funny. Good night.
LOL Okay Swimming Naked Wins followed closely by Travesty of justice with a psychopath and Wrapped and Tangled!
Maybe Laura you mean Phil will be transparent and vulnerable with Lina ?! Also I know it’s late eastern time so this question will be for tomorrow. Do you ever have faces to go with your characters? Who would you cast for Lina and Kim I wonder? Is that too personal and subjective? Lastly who is more physically attractive to you? Kim or Emily? I realize we may never see Emily again but they are both blondes and I remember Logan going goo goo gaa gaa over her. I see Emily as more bubbly and Kim as more sultry and catlike?
Yes, exactly. Phil will be naked and exposed.
I know in my mind what they look like. My daughter and her friends love to play this game. When I was writing A Sense of Belonging she sent me a picture of what she thought Tony looked like — it turned me off so much I couldn’t write for a day. I can’t remember who it was but he looked to me like he was twenty-five — turned out he was thirty-three. In my mind Tony looked like a handsome forty-five year old. Of course she was more right than I was, considering he’s only thirty-four.
But in answer to your question yes Emily is more cute and bubbly and Kim is more sultry and classically beautiful. Lina is a Bridget Moynahan type. Emily is a young Kelly Ripa.
Great descriptions! Lina is a stunner than and more than a match for Kim! Who would you describe Kim as?
I love these comments!! Team Phil all the way!! I envision Sharon Stone?!?!
Hi Carrie….I envision her more like the Meredith Blake Character in the Parent Trap. More like Elaine Hendrix…She’s a witch just like Meredith
Ok you ladies are way younger than either Tracie and me but I keep thinking young Morgan Fairchild in falcon crest with better modern haircut. Remember that show? BAhahaha. If I’m being nice, then young heather locklear during tj hooker days(gorgeous ). Maybe heather can be Emily. Not the rehab heather. Can’t imagine Lina or
Phil or nick since I want them to remain fictional.
LOL. I remember Morgan. Another good choices. Heather is too cute
Weirdly so do I! Cause she plays a bitch quite a lot and photos done of the ideas in her roles!
I could definitely see a young Sharon stone
Great — Phil lovers need all the support they can get!
Yes the Farrah hair would have to go…..
Ooh. I had that written down and I erased it. But I also had social security down before deleting. Lol. Perfect!!
I’m so glad…I just love it!! Thank you Laura
Perfect that ties in with the same flashback scene when they where on the beach, during Phil’s senior trip. That’s where she told him she wanted a house with AWPF! I love it!
Yes! And as soon as I read your comment it struck me. There is another meaning to the title that will come out in the sequel
Ok Laura we done Lol, that’s why you are the author!
Swimming Naked
HEA with Phil and Lina. I give up. i swear tracies comment didn’t post
Possessive Behavior
Where Kim made her mistake
protecting his wife and children
None of her business
Wrapped and tangled.
Used as a Pawn
Heart to heart??! Moving down the road?? Can’t even think. Oh it’s not verbatim.
Justice for Lina(lame!) To the left, to the left(Beyoncé song)
Laura give us a time frame, please, but not the answer,
And it was after 4 pm eastern
And it is word for word
Ok let me scroll back and forth. I’m not home though so it’s a bit harder. You did say a lot today. Lol
Ladies – it’s so obvious and you aren’t even close
Pride before a fall
Janet you are going to be sooo bummed if you don’t log on and play this game!
Omg you are making me laugh. No on lust over reason. Omg. Lol. Travesty of justice with a psychopath. Stop. I’m sweating. Safe place to land. Omgggg. Tell me more!
Go back over my comments today and play too!
Laura I’m wondering if Phil is going to be transparent where Kim is concerned in the sequel, only with Lina though. I’m hoping they make decisions together, where Kim and Liam are concerned.
you’ll see…
BTW – after reading one of your messages today the name of the sequel came to me. Can you guess?
No but give me a minute and I will LOL! Today right? This is so fun….
yes, today
I say way to much, but just a down and dirty browse, I came up with: A Safe Place to Land; Lust over Reason; Perfect Harmony; Getting kind of desperate now A Wife’s Champion; or bottom of the barrel A Travesty of Justice with a Psychopath! Am I close with any of them?
Laura you are probably tired of my what was Phil thinking questions, but it gives me knowledge and hopefully recruits some to Team Phil. LOL…After her phone call with Phil the next day after the text messages, when she told him it was hard to remember he loved her when all I can see are the words you texted her. When he hung up what were his thoughts? Then when he went into the backyard and saw Lina in the hot tub (I assume looking lifeless) until he got to her and she responded, what was he thinking?
Text — he’s upset for Lina (but he feels like she already knows about the affair) so more furious at Kim and completely frustrated that they are moving in the wrong direction — he just wants to move past the affair.
Fear!
I love your What Was Phil Thinking questions! It’s been a week since I read both books, and I’m still trying to forgive him. I need to know the depths of his despair and regret and anguish!
You will get your HEA! Social security scene can come in Logan’s book. Not yet! Remember what Laura said about Kim not being a good mom because she’s self absorbed? I have a mom friend who is bit self absorbed. She’s on her 3rd marriage. I think Kim will use Liam as a pawn, it’ll be up to Lina give him normalcy.
You are right…I love the normalcy comment!
Well at least write about them for the rest of mine! Women of the world look out, if and when Michael and Logan get a book!
Yes it is Janet…I just need Phil and Lina wrapped and tangled at the end of this book with a big HEA and may be an extended Epilogue with them on Social Security and swimming naked!!!!
I’m really hoping Liam isn’t used as a pawn…I’m also wondering/hoping that the Hunter kids have a better appreciation of their mother, and a softer spot for Liam, when Kim is showing her true self as both a person and a mother.
Laura you can confirm that comment about the kids, if you want LOL!!!!
I hope so too!
LOL I’ll probably be writing about this family for the rest of my life.
Laura I hope so!! I want to keep reading about them!
Oh brother about Adele. I just want our Lina to have supporters other than Phil and Adele has street creds. Who can intimidate this woman? I don’t even think Phil. You knew where it was going and you were wrong? That makes me nervous! I’m wound up tight too.
Regarding Kim at the wedding.. let’s see. She’s confident and selfish. She was probably glad to see Lina came with Phil. What she wasn’t expecting was Phil ignoring her and showing his love for Lina. I don’t think she saw that coming. I’m so glad to hear phil kissed Lina for Lina and not to show off to Kim. So good!
That is awesome though…You are not just putting words on a page without feeling or much thought (that makes you unique), you are shifting gears as the characters progress in your mind. I tell my team all the time, think out of box, you are above standard!!!! That is why your books grab me…you think out of the box!!!!
Like me…tighter than a bow string. Laura I can actually feel the anticipation in my gut for this sequel…LOL
I have to say it’s unfolding before my eyes. I thought I knew exactly where it was going and I was wrong. The reason the reader can’t predict where it’s going is because the writer doesn’t know either lol
Janet do you think she might have went to the wedding to see if Phil really told Lina the truth about her and the baby??? Also, Phil giving Lina that slow kiss and not taking his hand off her at the wedding (my opinion) spurred Kim on…Her jealousy was probably on overdrive. Kim wanted to size Lina up and again my opinion, see Phil and Lina’s interactions. Laura said the reason Phil said this isn’t about Lina (Chapter 15) and shut down that line of conversation, was because Kim was trying to find out what Lina thought about the pregnancy (None of her business). I also bet he wouldn’t talk with her at work, reasoning for the house calls. I also wouldn’t have left when he was still talking to Kim. Wonder what was said when Lina left the side of the house????
Laura…was Phil trying to send a message (loving, touching and squeezing Lina) to Kim at the wedding? She had to know watching them, that he was in love with Lina.
In those moments Phil was being authentic. He was just trying to reassure Lina. He wasn’t really giving thoughts to anyone else. He knew Lina was a bit wound up too.
Fair enough. I’m sure this continues using Liam as an excuse. I would love for Kim to meet Adele. Imagine that encounter!
Kim is a graduate of Columbia Law School — not easily intimidated
I knew she wouldn’t be intimidated the moment you wrote about Kim’s eyes on the dance floor and what she said to Lina….But..Oh my the slap from our girl Lina, also said bring it on…..Janet, Lina will play this hand…I don’t think she will need any help from Adele…That is her man and her family…Pride before a fall..Kim better look for a safe place to land….
Laura, does Phil know about your warning? How does he know? From Kim’s sister or from Kim herself? Also when there’s a phone convo between Phil and Kim in Ch 15, Lina asks why kim calls when she knows he’s home and how often he talks to her and he said not often but more than he likes. What did he mean? Kim was still working at the firm. Was she bothering him at work? Calling him? Also why so late when she knows he’s home? For that exact reason? She could have told him about attending the wedding via text no?
I’m not telling… don’t want to ruin the scene.
Kim is selfish so she calls Phil whenever she feels like it. And yes she could have texted him but she wanted to hear his voice.
Veronica (my opinion) I don’t think we will. I think we will get her comments (basic conversation) like we got between Lina and others in the first book.
I think you are right! Thank goodness!
Sorry if I’m asking stupid questions! But are we getting some of Kim’s POV in this book?
God no! LOL
Phew! Thank goodness! Sorry just have seen writers do that before! Panicked!
I can’t even. Remember the adultery club?! You and I are gonna need therapy if we see the full extent of Kim’s inner thoughts.
I know, traumatised doesn’t even begin to cover it! We will be rocking back and forth! Think that is one mind I don’t need to see into!
In my mind Janet baby..in my mind…I’m actually 54 years old, 5’2″ and 130….Every time my boss tries to give me a tasker, I remind him, I hired on as a sex symbol, not to actually do a job!!!! LOL Got that one from my mom, she used it for years…..I live life ever day and try to laugh a whole lot!!!!!
You are Raquel. We aren’t far off in age or height. Probably why I get your radio shack and Coca Cola commercials. Oh and Janet Dailey too
Nice!
You make me laugh out loud every single day. God bless your beautiful
Soul! I’m sure you are hotter than Raquel Welch!
I’m not talking about pictures…not happening…I’m talking a gathering for Liam’s birthday. I hope the families have separate birthdays, if that’s an option…
Laura…Thanksgiving was Lina’s favorite holiday…will that be in the sequel?
I would be honored to be a character for Laura…Sister just so you know how to write me….I’m a cross between Weezer/Dorothy (Golden Girls/and for my own ego Raquel Welch….LOL I just cracked my own self up!!!!! If my daughter saw this she would groan and say…MAMA Please and fix your face your eyes are talking….LOL
LOL Exactly. You are too unique to have as a character. I had to study my mother over a lifetime to get her down.
Thank you girls…I enjoy our banter so much!!! I’ll continue to champion the ones you do write Laura…..
Not sure. Hopefully.
Lol Tracie. With your unique sense of humor you may end up as a character in one of Laura’s future books! I can’t see the birthday kumbaya or Coca Cola happening here. Laura said never in a million years will we see a big family pic. Phil puts Lina before Liam or Logan now. He didn’t even want her to attend the wedding and this was all before Kim showed her true colors. He won’t put her in that position ever again. Maybe at Liam’s college graduation or wedding. Not before and if Kim sticks around.
I wish! I’m not witty enough to come up with a character based on Tracie.
p.s. Janet is right
Mesmerized…is going to cost her dearly. But my hormone side hawwwwwwt….. (not about Kim…but him in court). She saw him before she worked at the law firm…she is strategically placing herself. Come on Kim….(Jaw’s theme playing in my head)…
She saw her future in his closing statement. Ahhh. The relentless pursuing from the getgo makes sense. Changing jobs so she can call dibs on him.
Yes there’s more than meets the eye regarding the tie. We talked about this theory. If Phil is as good as Tony I Can’t even! Did you decide to add a scene of Phil in court? Lord have mercy on all of us
Well if you need any help in with psychopaths, let me know…LOL I’ve worked with several.
Laura!! The warning gave me goosebumps. Is this part of the sequel? Tracie, hold my hand right now!
yes, Tracie told me I have to put the word warning before I give anything away about the sequel
There won’t be any boiling rabbits — remember realistic characters. I can only write from my own sphere — fortunately, I’ve never known any psychopaths
Got you Janet…your knuck’s should be white… Oh this is going to get so good….Thanks for the warning word Laura…I need that to cope…LOL
Tracie, Phil is talking to Kim’s sister! What does this imply? He has to reach out to the sister to talk some sense into Kim? He refuses to have one on one contact with Kim so the sisters the mediator? The sister has to be the one with all her faculties in order!
Janet who knows what Kim’s actual behavior might be in the sequel, I don’t even want to guess…but her sister unlike Kim, could possibly be concerned with Kim’s possessive behavior with Phil (moving down the road) and having a heart to heart with him. That’s why I asked the question why back about her parents and siblings. Plus, Liam is her nephew…..that’s another family situation Phil will have to navigate. Gawd, can you imagine if they have a joint birthday all that family around Lina and her kids. This is where I would need Grandma Alice to start singing the old Coca-Cola Theme Song: I’d like to teach the world to sing in Perfect Harmony….everybody sing!! LOL
Laura I always wondered this too….after Phil came home (Apr-Jul), did they ever have a minute to get away together, and discuss all the changes that would incur in their lives. In Chapter 47, when Lina asked “How do we go back, so much has changed.” Her thoughts going to his new son. So somewhere between that and Alice’s wedding they had to talk. I just asked because if there was something that wouldn’t compromise the sequel, it would be fun to see…if it would compromise keep close hold…LOL
this will happen in the sequel. There will be several scenes before the wedding
Right, we all picked the book up knowing the subject matter and we are all invested in the outcome! One thing Phil is not is wishy washy. We know where he’s heart lies.
Janet another wrong placement of my reply..it should of been below your comment not above ugh…..It’s above your 12:34 comment….
LOl Veronica,
Those are the books that came up. Half of them I don’t even remember the author. I read a decent one where a couple is older if you don’t mind reading about a diff generation. It was my fist time. Also, there’s Julie N Ford’s The woman he Married, and Michelle Reid’s The Ultimate Betrayal(it’s a short harlequin but really good). CL Knopf, The Affair. Natascha Holloway, Splintered Memory. Sarah Pekkanen, The Ever After
Ha ha so funny we have the same list! I like older couples as well, their actions are usually more through your and mature! I have read literally the same ones you have! Some were great
Some not so much! That’s why it’s a breath of fresh air seeing a hero realise his mistake and only love one woman!
Also,
I know it’s been addressed before! But are we
Going to see Phil realising he is an idiot for not using protection with his mistress. I know men do it but I always marvel at their stupidity at putting their trust in a woman committing adultery with th to be on the pill! They could easily trap them! As an intelligent man I thought Phil would be savvy enough to use condoms for goodness sake! If not for him then to make sure he did not pick up on any diseases to give his wife! I’m sure he hardly thought Kim was a virgin! Sorry just stupidity is infuriating in intelligent people when it could hurt others!
I do my best to write realistic characters. I don’t always like what they do or how they behave, but they are real. I find Phil one of my most authentic characters. The leading man in a story about an affair will clearly have flaws
That is so true! I agree because I have read so many stories of infidelity where the men have not worn condoms with the mistresses, so common and so silly! You have written him as a real flawed person which does work perfectly! Sorry ranting but this book really got all my emotions going! Thank you so much for answering!
Veronica it boils down to Phil putting his lust over reason. He was physically sucked in and trusted the wrong person. I also wonder if they had any terms between them…physical and that is it. Phil had to know somewhere in the back of his mind that at some point the affair would have to end. Laura said the pink tie incident was the first time his two worlds collided. I bet after his re-connection with Lina, he wished he hadn’t lost his THINKING CAP…LOL
Ha h so true! Does make sense! Just what to shake him, but think it’s all becoming clear
To him!
ditto. Phil put Phil first and hates wearing condoms because it ruins his pleasure. Kim on her best behavior says she’s on the pill, I don’t think Phil thought beyond that. He wasn’t thinking with his first head. Ok that damn stupid pansy ass tie. lol
This will actually be addressed in the sequel
Laura your best is awesome…they are as realistic as they get!!!
Laura, this was another point of contention for me…him not trying to stay somewhat “separate” and detached from a woman other than Lina. Like, he was all in when he slept with Kim. Aside from taking the risk of pregnancy and std’s, I feel like he should have, in the back of his mind somewhere, wanted to not be that close to anyone other than Lina, and so used condoms as a literal barrier. That really bothered me.
Crap. Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you had that outlet and therapy to relieve some of the pain and your loss. My outlet is reading. Clung to books while I went through multiple miscarriages and when I was on full bed rest with my twins I couldn’t concentrate on anything but somehow I could absorb the words in a book. So now wherever I got or whatever situation I’m in I make sure my kindles are in within my reach. I got up to 30% on Hard Time. Love it so far-darker and bit melancholy. Totally my cuppa.
Hello, sorry Laura but you mentioned Kim falling in love with Phil? It that love though, because Does Kim really know what love isp? She seems malicious and slightly off key. She seems like she loves the chase and forbidden fruit. I feel like she becomes obsessed easily and does not like to lose. I can’t imagine her love is real or deep or that Phil is her first married guy? Or that she even really loves him? So is she not just besotted and delusional?
She thinks she loves him. I doubt her capacity to love is the same as Lina’s but to her it’s love.
Really? Ha if that’s her version of love I pity and fool who takes her on. Did she not flag up crazy signals when her and Phil got together?
It’s funny you’re asking this right now because at this exact moment I am writing a scene where Phil is discussing Kim with her sister. My mom used to say people can bring out the best or worst in another person. Maybe Phil just brings out the worst in her.
Ha ha so random! I do agree, there are
People that get you worked up or bring out your worse qualities! However, you have to have those nasty parts
To be built on. I’m not saying Kim is evil, but I would say she is a natural bitch. To literally laugh in the face of a woman you broke and scheme to break up a family and willingly hurt people no matter the cost, you are not a good person and not completely sane. I would say anyone who does not do what Kim wants gets the same treatment. Also, from the hints of her lack of parenting I would say she naturally lacks empathy and is selfish!
wait. Phil is discussing Kim with her sister. Kim has a sister? gasp. I thought for sure she would be an only child. Spoiled rotten bratty only child who refused to share any of her toys as a girl and as a woman.
Remember Janet, Laura said we would meet her family in the sequel….
Janet that is where Kim made her mistake. Unbeknownst to Kim, her thoughts and beliefs were moot to Phil and she took his physical need for emotional. Now, Phil has seen Kim’s true colors and is probably wondering what he is dealing with and where does her actual mental stability really stand. His main concern now (my opinion) is protecting his wife and children, to include Liam.
Laura told us she is young, smart, and beautiful. Guys falling all over her. and here’s the key word. Narcissist. She really believes he would leave a marriage of 25 years for her. Most women would think how can I break through a 25 year old bond? Kim thinks I’m here just in time to save Phil from his boring life and give him a new beginning.
Laura could it possibly be just desperation wanting something (Phil) that she can’t have (spoiled, entitled personality)..is she confusing love with lust. My own opinion, I think Kim not only wants Phil, but the perks that goes with him. Lina’s car, her house, Phil’s love, etc…Would she still want Phil if he was poor or middle class?
Yes Laura told us. I thought she meant her parents. Also, part of Phil’s appeal is that he is mature and a partner. No she doesn’t want him if he’s middle class. Who’s going to get her the Harry Winston? I think she’s already used to the good life. She’s successful on her own and likes the fact that she can’t control Phil. Just ugh. Veronica, I called her antichrist to Laura yesterday.
WARNING — The first time Kim saw Phil he was giving a closing argument in New York City — she was “mesmerized”
Hi Veronica, I will write the book recs here. Little hesitant because of the subject matter but I understand wanting to compare. Phil is going to come off as an angel after these books. Maybe when Tracie has time she can chime in. So we all read SP west’s Life Without You. Roxanne Winkler Admissions of guilt(writing a bit choppy but similiar theme), I liked Barbie Bohrman’s Promise Me(cheating but not affair though), Caroline Robert’s The Torn up Marriage(This may have diff. title on amazon now), Jolyn Palliata, A Modern Love Story. Chick lit-Susan Lewis, The Mill house and Tess Stimson’s The Adultery Club. So many more but start here if you haven’t read them
Ha ha literally read all the same books as you so random! My least favourite were probably The Adultery Club and Mill House as Well as Life Without you as all the heros were beyond redemption in my eyes! Does make you appreciate Phil! What did you think of the books? Thanks for telling me!
I liked torn up marriage and sp west because the writing was good. Like you hated mill house and was disgusted with adultery club. Waste of my time. I can’t eemeber the title but there’s one where it’s set in England and the couple is close to retiring and the wife finds out about the affair and there’s a baby involved? The husband is a lawyer too. Not hea. I liked that one. Couldn’t find it under my read pile
I think I know the one ‘Accidents of Love’. What’s your name on goodreads?
Oh yes! So funny. I think that’s the one. I just follow people. I don’t post anywhere other than here and most of it is want to read pile so I can keep track. I think we must follow the same people. Sounds like you’ve a read a lot of cheating couples though. I’m now reading what Laura recommended. Cara McKenna. Hard time. It’s good. Try that if you haven’t. Turns out I read one of hers long ago but forgot all about it
I threw myself into A Sense of Belonging when I lost my almost 14-year-old Boston Terrier. I had lost my mom several months earlier and I was so sad. A Sense of Belonging was my escape — I basically wrote nonstop. I lived on about four hours sleep a night for six weeks. I reread it, added a couple of scenes and it was done. I dedicated it to my dog — Joey. Just writing this makes me miss him.
That is so sad, it must have been so hard! Did writing help you grieve?
Awww Laura that made me sad for you sweetie….I’m very attached to my dogs too! I’ve got a miniature Labradoodle that I’ve had for 13 years and she is losing her sight and hearing….Then I have my gorgeous German Shepherd….They love their mama too! LOL
Oh I adore Labradoodles!!
I live in the land of labradoodles — I’m not kidding — 75 percent of my neighbors have them — big, bigger, medium, small — my dogs best friends are all labradoodles — so cute!
LOL. Oh I can’t watch the movie. The main character Jamie Dornan was a miscast imo. He looks just like one of my sons BFF! I just can’t. Plus he’s not broody. He is too happy for me. I do like Dakota Johnson though. Ok. let’s stop our rambling for today so we can be fresh to grill Laura and torture her tomorrow. I feel bad that others have to read our comments to get to the answers but I adore our exchanges so much. Forgive us!
18 years?? I did not know that. 6 weeks?? what the what? How are you this gifted? It’s not right. Do you mean 6 months or 6 weeks? Also, for the longest time I was so against reading 50 but once I read it, I compared it to harlequin on crack. It had all the old harlequin feels for me with a lot detailed OTT sex. I loved it! My husband was so disappointed I gave in and read it but I actually bought those on paperbacks to keep forever. Tracie, did you discuss the books with your daughter afterwards? blush. LOL
Well yes….but Hailee would not let me go to the movies with her. She said mama that would be way to weird, so she went with her crew and I went with mine LOL!
oooooh. Just downloaded Hard Time. Love inmates. Love librarians even more. Perfect pairing. Gonna dive in now. Vi keeland will have to wait. Thank you for the recommendation!
LOL Enjoy!
You so crack me! Good night girls. Janet you want an outfield think question this week?
Always Tracie. Can I think and answer you tomorrow?
I have to really think to pull an outfielder for this week. Laura has pretty much got us prepped. But i’ll See what I can pull out for you. I’ll have to go to a rogue chapter instead of one of our favs.
Your books are the best Laura. Just too mature for a teenager but I will post here when she gets into college and she holds up her first romance novel- anything by Laura Branchflower. Bahaha. I’m one clicking on cara McKenna now. Isn’t Anne Calhoun considered erotica? Not sure but I read most of hers. I also don’t mind m/m romance if it’s kindle Alexander.
LOL You should probably start her with a Harlequin (an old one)
I think it took Jane Austen 18 years to write Pride and Prejudice. Every sentence was written and rewritten
I took me 6 weeks to write A Sense of Belonging haha
It took over a year to write A White Picket Fence
Yes Anne Calhoun is considered erotica
Well my 30 year old daughter, is the one who told ME to read 50 Shades! LOL
That means you’re a cool mom!
Thank you, I’m definitely outlandish….I’m similar to Alice and a lot like Jimmie (my mom)!
I know Janet we probably need to stay at the bottom of the pile and just reference the comments above LOL.
Tracie, me too about chasing comments. I just read Veronica’s. I now have to refresh the top page to see if comments were added. I think I liked it better when I didn’t know the reply feature. I’ll try to post below below too. Gasp about apt building. Good catch!! Would have never guessed that one. You know that blue embroidered coverlet is ingrained in my brain now and as much as I love shabby chic I won’t be purchasing anything with blue flowers on it in the near future. Same with ?.
That’s why I just posted a comment under your scene comment;, you probably haven’t seen it yet, but you response to those two questions is why I need those quite moments between them to help heal to the hurt they both share!
Not true! I want 1000 pages and am all for a trilogy. I really won’t get enough of this gang. All kidding aside though, I think our mental health is at stake here so I will calmly wait for you to finish as long as you let me hound your blog. Thanks Laura from the bottom of my heart
Thank you! My family thanks you too! When I’m writing a novel all I want to do is talk about the characters and you girls have given me a perfect outlet!
Oh I want to talk about them to! I have one more question answered by Phil, when he told Lina about the affair and she said “it will never be the same, you know. I will never be able to look at you the same again,” he didn’t answer her he went right into telling her Kim was pregnant. What were his thoughts at the moment he heard those words?
That leads me to another question. When Lina said don’t follow me after the pregnancy bomb and she went and got into the shower, Please tell me he heard her heart shatter on the floor of that shower. She wouldn’t have know he was there. When she left the room and said don’t follow me and he saw her devastation? His thoughts?
Probably devastation equal to hers if not more, knowing it was his fault.
a knife through the heart!
Ok so just to lighten things up I now only need to see Phil stand up to Antichrist and you have marked off everything on my list. I think Tracie’s list is pretty much checked off too since she got her buttons flying and Phil plastered to Lina. Liam and Logan will be a bonus. So that being said in my estimation I think the sequel will be ready in October, my birthday month?!!!!!
LOL so basically all you need are a few extra scenes in the first novel. Too late — The box has been opened and there’s no stopping it! This story has a mind of its own!
Thank goodness, cannot wait to read its mind! LOL
Just reading some posts I had heightened anxiety yesterday. I haven’t read it so I need it. Not many can wield words like you so I may eat my words. But I need to see him baring his soul.
This is going to be epic Janet! You’ll not only see him bare his soul, you’ll know his heart only beats for Lina.
Yes epic for sure Tracie!!!
Oh Janet, you are so leaning on the side of Team Phil. You rock my little salty sweetie….LOL
BTW since you’ve learned to reply under the comments, I feel like I’m playing that old newspaper game “Where’s Waldo”. LOL
I have been in Phil’s POV all day. We are currently drinking a glass of scotch (in the novel) and it’s not even 11 a.m. What an emotional rollercoaster — yesterday was anxiety and today tears. He may not have shed tears, but hearing his thoughts, and feeling his emotions made me. I sent it to my 22-year-old (who is NOT a Phil fan) and she texted me that she cried — even felt sorry for him — be careful what you wish for Janet — if it’s hard to write it’s going to be hard to read.
Well first of all Laura, she has your DNA so tell her she has no choice but Team Phil LOL! I knew it was going to be emotional from his standpoint, he’s can se the damage done by his own hand and it’s devastating to him. He is in love with his wife and kids. I could see that in the first book, even through his betrayal.
It’s like your in my head. And yes my daughter should be team Phil. Instead she loves them in this order: Joseph, Nick, Tony, and that’s it. She thinks Phil is a rockhead haha
Why not Tony first? Geez! I love all your men, but my favs are Tony and Phil!
Seriously, right? I think Joseph because that was the first one she read. I don’t know why Tony isn’t a close second though. Crazy
Oh I can totally see a 22 year old’s first choice being Joseph and Nick second. She likes them brainy with few dashes of macho thrown in. We are older and since our husbands tend to meddle in our affairs, our fantasy men are controlling alphas who are perfectly flawed. I always said reading romance novels at an early age ruined me for real men! Oh also, I love the personal tidbits you give us here and there. Your mom, daughter, sister, and even your dog! Not stalking just appreciating here.
LOL — I agree. I read way too many romance novels growing up. I make myself read everything now, but I still have to binge read romance novels every so often. Have you girls read any Cara McKenna?
I’ve seen her on amazon where it recommends similar authors but never read her. Is she good? I have Sara manning but I haven’t read past first few pages yet. I too try and read other genres ie reading the required English books with my kids and one of my fav books in the world is Stephen kings’s Lisey’s story(but this could be considered a romance). I also love suspense thrillers. Harlan Coben.
I liked Hardtimes and After Hours by Cara McKenna. They are erotica but there’s a story and she has a real talent at bringing characters to life. I think they take place in more of a rural area and the characters aren’t rich. It’s a refreshing change. I’ve never read that Stephen King novel. I read all my daughter’s required readings too — I always enjoyed them. I just never would have picked them myself
I’ve never read Cara. You like her?
just those two — hardtimes and after hours
I like your daughters thinking!
I’m sorry Laura! Can I put the blame on Veronica and Rachel instead? Kidding kidding. I take full responsibility asking you to take me there.
I think you need it and so does Phil. It will help him grow.
Ha ha!
I’m hoping Lina walks in behind him and hugs him tight, while resting her cheek on his back. I think Phil and Lina both will at times need those quite moments. I hope Phil (only with Lina) is humbled by Lina’s love and forgiveness.
You’ve somehow glimpsed portions of this manuscript haven’t you? Wow!
No I just know that they will needs those moments, I would! This might sound ridiculous but Phil will need Lina’s help in forgiving himself!
That’s why I think some (not many) marriages get closer after a betrayal
Tracie you and Laura are truly the sweet to my salty. This isn’t ridiculous at all and I know Laura would agree with you. My salty response is your a grown ass man, figure it out yourself with help from God. I’m definetely more Adele. However, Lina can hug him from the back. I agree Phil needs her TLC!
Adele is in rare form in this book LOL She may even have a bit of a romance
I love Adele! You don’t say!! I would love for her to find her forever!
Oh my gosh chasing you girls all over this blog is truly a trip! I don’t know how you do it Laura!
I kind of have an advantage. Mine come in order via email
I’ve been replying to the comment below below, verses above which has me out of sync with you girls!
Laura after the ball game, when Phil went to Kim’s, was he nice then? He was panicked at the ball game, which tells me she dropped the pregnany bomb then while they were texting (I’m assuming)?? Did Phil let Kim know that he would be telling Lina about the affair and pregnancy? Did Kim ask Phil to leave his wife for her that night? I wondered because he said in Chapter 15, I never said I was leaving my wife, no, no, I didn’t say that? Say what?? What where his thoughts on the drive home that night ?
this will be a great scene to add to the first book. Was he nice — no way. I’m guessing catholic phil was begging her not to go through with the pregnancy and when she wouldn’t he agree he probably got mad. On his way home, pure shock and the fear that he was going to lose his family
This scene would be so good. The whole time I was reading the ballgame scene I was muttering out loud to my 14 yr old daughter in the room! What are you texting? What’s happening? Show me the damn screen? You are leaving her at 8:30?! I was so agitated. My daughter begged me to read your book. I said when you turn 18 this can be your first romance novel for now go finish Rebecca!
LOL — I think my first romance novel was Forever by Judy Blume, remember that?
Oh god yes! I was the only one to have it in my 5th grade class. That copy went around the whole class including the boys! Man I was so popular that month. My parents worked all day so my siblings and I came home with keys around our necks(I swear it was ok in the 70s. I think). My mom had no idea. I think she was just happy I was reading. That’s why my daughter won’t pick one up till she’s 18!
LOL I didn’t realize until my daughter was about 17 that she had been using iTunes cards to buy romance novels, not music
DNA! Thanks for the heads up. I better check!! So far her favorite are bronte and Austen and I hope to keep it that way for a little longer.
Nice. Yes keep her reading the good stuff! I love Jane Austen!
Where was his tie that Lina had packed?
Kim probably threw it away. ? Why do you think she gave him this particular gift? A pink tie of all things. She’s staking a claim to him however small it may be. He could have said in passing that he doesn’t wear pink and kim got it for him knowing this. My theory is way out there but I can see her pulling his stunt. He better have stained it and not indulged Kim in wearing the tie for her. Of course I believe Laura he gave zero thought to it but he’s a guy. Girls put emphasis and meaning to everything! He could not care less about a stupid tie but it did the job and Lina noticed!!
Good question. She should have looked for a stain.
I do have a thought in line with yours Janet. Laura where I got a little sideways when I first read Chapter 1, was in the span of a few hours, you’ve gone from contemplating a rendezvous with your girlfriend to the connection back with your wife! I know the connection between them is significant and I know the history now, because you told us. But what was his thoughts when Lina noticed the tie? I’m also thinking maybe just maybe, The newness was wearing off and Kim may have started to get a little clingy!
Hello! That’s why I asked before if he finished his business early in the City because he didn’t want to be alone with Kim but that wasn’t the case. I also don’t think he was scared Lina would find out anything when she questioned him about the tie. He was so nonchalant about it all lying so easily and turning it around saying why do you care? And yes it was little hard to believe the lust disappeared abruptly once Lina and Phil reconnected knowing he was contemplating a meet just hours before. That’s why I want to see their interaction during the affair. I know he wasn’t horrible to Kim but I want to see him loving on Lina and being casual and nonchalant with his attitude with Kim.
Janet we saw in the pictures that he wasn’t nonchalant with Kim, he was an eager beaver chasing the sex train, while in New York. Back in Baltimore everything was in her apartment except for the running group that we saw! But In the text messages Kim would sometimes ask where the rendezvous would happen…..that threw me a little.
Kim lived in Baltimore
So wouldn’t she just assume it would be her apt. I think one message said Lunch? She said Where? He said Apt! That’s why I was asking.
Ohhhh they had a corporate apartment in the building with his office. Yikes another edited out scene
Ugh. I can’t handle it. I want to see him not giving two figs about her maybe during a dinner out in ny? Just something where he’s not grabby with her. When I see eater beaver I think possessive and I don’t want that since she’s nada like we said before.
A corporate apartment; see Janet not thought, no romance. Phil was just being physically tended too! He wouldn’t rub two Nichols together for her! I guarantee their dinners were on the law firm, since they were on business.
he’s a lawyer and Kim was a distraction. He never stopped wanting Lina
lawyer meaning he can lie with a straight face
I worked for an attorney once. He was an excellent criminal attorney and he use to say, to be a great lawyer you need to be a good actor. I saw him sway a jury once and he was an awesome actor!
Thank god. Never stopped wanting Lina. Thank you!
so his wife holding the tie and discussing it with him is the first time his worlds really collide. I think that moment gave the tie more significance in his mind and he receives the text — trying to see him again after they were just together. Then he reconnects with Lina — it’s over
Remember Janet he was not emotionally attached to Kim, he was just physically. It became more (in my opinion) because it was new and exciting, plus Lina had been turning him down, so he went for it. He was smoozimg Kim in New York, like any guy would wanting to get lucky. Kim saw her future in Phil….Phil saw an easy stress reliever!
Yay on 601 posts! Understood and thank you! I always thought it was lust and love and first sight for Kim. Will wait for it not that I have any choice. Lol
Hi girls, that’s one of the reasons why I wanted Phil and Lina to ramp up the steam in the sequel. I want some buttons flying at least once. I want Phil like Tony during the New Year’s Scene, it’s been a week and I can’t wait. Janet I think the reason he said you are the only woman I’ve made love too, has nothing to do with gentleness, but emotion. Lina is the only woman he as loved, while physically having sex.
ugh don’t wanna think about it but that sentence never gave me a gooey feeling inside. More like smack smack feels. Yes, I want to see Phil act like Tony!
One of my sisters had to stop reading the book for a month after that line. She was soooo angry
The line where he said he made love only to Lina?
Lord have mercy.
Yes haha
Okay Tracie, As a gift to you I’ll start the book with a prologue — it will be the scene where Lina tells Phil to come home, only it’s much longer 🙂 I’ll make sure it has everything you’ve asked for.
Oh my gosh, thank you Laura that’s awesome! I’m so excited!!
Omg Tracie will get her buttons flying and seams ripping. Hooray!
Yes, your assessment is correct.
Laura, I was going to leave you alone today being that even God rested on Sunday but saw that you are at 598 comments and thought Tracie and I could get you to the 600th mark to start off the week. haha. So here’s my question/ comment. You mentioned yesterday that after the sequel Phil and Lina will at least understand why the affair happened. To me, it was clear how and why it started and I got Phil saying it just happened. I got that. Now when Lina says that sounds like a one night stand, how did it go on for four months? Phil’s only answer was it became more and that’s where the conversation stopped. Throughout the book(probably lost in editing is my guess) this “became more” was never delved into any further. Will you write scenes with Phil and Kim during the affair? I don’t mean a sex scene but how he interacted with Kim during the fling? I know how he will be towards her after it is over so I want to see how he treated Lina the love of his life and Kim the no good mistress differently. Even though I’m not referring to the bedroom scenes, I actually got frustrated with Phil when he said I only ever made love to you Lina. Instead of reassuring me, what I got from ch. 9 is I had wild passionate sex with Kim but you I love so I make love to you with gentleness. Yes, I know I’m wrong! Tracie would smack me reading this. Laura, will you show me that I’m wrong!?
LOL — I think I’m the 600th comment! The sequel will not have any flashbacks to Kim and Phil as a couple/fling or whatever you want to call it. I told you before that I would write a few extra scenes for the first book after I complete the sequel. I’ll make sure to have a couple showing them. Just a note of caution — Kim did fall in love with him, so he couldn’t have treated her that bad.
Yuck, you can leave those out. LOL
Does Kim really know why love is though? She seems malicious and slightly off key. She seems like she loves the chase and forbidden fruit. I feel like she becomes obsessed easily and does not like to lose. I can’t imagine her love is real or deep or that Phil is her first married guy?
Good points Veronica — this will all be covered in the sequel
I also wanted them to talk about this, how a one night stand could have turned into a 4 month affair? How could Phil realistically have been with Kim for 4 months (and not just in the bedroom; they also spent time together outside of it, like when they went running together and such), and not have developed feelings/affection for her?
Really Ned instead of need. I’m going to bed…..LOL
Woman not women, Geez I Ned my own editor!
Lord we are all on the same page here. Love him or hate him phil brought out the beast in all of us.
That’s the girl power thing Janet! One team one fight mentality, we put ourselves in Lina’s position.
Laura I think you’re fabulous and I love that you have this forum for readers to discuss their thought and feelings about your books.
I hope I’m not coming off that I didn’t like AWPF because of all my Phil hate. I five stared it on Goodreads and I rarely rate a book with five stars.
For me the mark of a good book isn’t about whether or not I agreed with all the characters actions or it ended the way I thought it should. It’s hard to explain but reading for me is all about the emotional experience. I have read tons of books that I thought were good, great even but they didn’t leave any real lasting impression on me. It was just passing entertainment. I have read so many books with waaaay worse over the top, cruel, cheating, abusive alphas and while I didn’t like them they never brought out even a tiny fraction of feelings like Phil has. They never got under my skin like that. I know I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time and it will be one that I will re-read over and over. I guess for now I just love to hate Phil.
Oh and I’m going to write a review on Goodreads as well but need some time to gather my thoughts and make it coherent. 😉
Thanks Rachel. I really enjoy reading your thoughts. I read all my reviews – some are painful (I hate that I care, but I am a sensitive Cancer — there’s my mom coming out). If a review is thorough and supported with examples, I enjoy them. Sometimes I get ideas or insights into the characters I hadn’t considered. After a comment from Tracie the other day I went back into a scene and added a paragraph — it definitely made it better!
Would that be the hospital scene Laura?
Yes! And we’re probably to the point where I should add you and Tracie as coauthors. I never understood that concept before but I now understand how that could work LOL
Oh I can’t wait! Laura, Tracie and I speak gibberish but I do appreciate her theories and our what if scenarios. Lol. I’m so happy to see all the readers joining the creative book discussion as Liana called it.
Laura You are the author, we just happened to be lucky enough to help stir your creative juices at times LOL! Girls this is all a team effort and we are fortunate to have a gracious and talented women as a Team Lead. Thank you Laura!
LOL. I’m gonna need more alcohol for that scene.
no wonder! Alice’s character is so fleshed out. I remember thinking the author has to know someone like this. so en point in character staying in character throughout the book
Yes, she was so easy to write. I mean who do you know better than your mother? In the original she only had a few scenes. The editor told me to add more because she brought a lightness to a heavy story.
Will her or Adele have scenes in the sequel?
Of course!
Not kept slapping but stopped slapping LOL! I couldn’t see through my tears of laughter.
I would of loved her….my mom was outlandish too! I miss her everyday!
Yes, it’s hard to lose that unconditional love.
Janet my hormones do get in the way with Phil too LOL! I want Phil plasters to her in and out of bed like a good spray tan!
Good spray tan! Perfect!! Me too. Those few lines were awesome. I’m chopping zucchini. Refresh. Chop chop refresh. Chop. Insane!
LOL I so want to give you a few lines from today, but I don’t want to do anything to ruin the scene. Ugh!
Don’t ruin anything….but ugh is putting it mildly!
LOL he is very touchy
I just did the same thing making a peach cobbler LOL
Oh good, I need to see that with him. Also, can he be in bed waiting on her after midnight! Lol. Let him go looking for her, maybe find her out on the side patio drinking cabby savvy, then you can throw in some pool sexcapades! LOL. They are always talking about swimming naked, I’m just saying…..
LOL I could just imagine Alice showing up in the middle of it and sitting on the deck chair and trying to have a conversation.
I just laughed so loud, how funny would that be! Alice would just say that’s so beautiful what you two are doing. Then Lina could say you use to wait for the bed to quit squeaking, could you have not waited to sit down until the water kept slapping the side of the pool?
OMG now I’m LOL. I should do it.
I’m not sure if I ever mentioned this, but Alice is based on my mother. As crazy and outlandish as she seems to readers, she was true to form.
Tracie you are right about Logan. My hormones dictated my brain for a min I think. Anyway, Laura, I know a perfect mate for Nick! What do you think of Joseph’s ex girlfriend, the art gallery owner? I always felt bad for her because she loved Joseph. If she(sorry her name escapes me right now) and Nick got together, they can ruminate on Rumi and art all night long. I want Nick with a brainy supermodel with a heart of gold! just thinking out loud as usual..
Kathy! Yes, she would be perfect!
Yes she would Janet, good catch sister!
Laura since we are the underdogs (Team Phil), I hope we are strong finishers! LOL. Thanks for the Warning word!
We definitely seem to be in the minority on this blog!
Tracie I want to be Team Phil I really do! And I honestly think reading his POV will help a lot with that. I have faith he will earn his redemption! 🙂
Honestly I do appreciate that Laura made Phil such complex, multi-layered person. He’s not perfect and he’s got some soul searching to do and changes to make and that doesn’t happen overnight. It makes him more real and gives the whole story a more true to life feel. Life and love isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes we hurt the people we love and act in selfish ways.
Taking a good long hard look at yourself and really facing up to your mistakes and the pain you’ve caused is hard and scary. In a way Phil is just reacting like most people probably would. He knows he’s sorry and he’s ashamed and he feels guilt. But it’s easier and less painful for him and maybe he thinks for Lina as well to try and just treat it as something that needs to be put in the past and forgotten. I don’t think he’s the worst person ever but I want to believe in his and Lina’s love. And with the way he acted and things he said I just can’t. Not yet. But Lina and Phil’s story has got it’s hooks into me and I’m totally invested in their journey and so I have hope.
I just really think there are some hard truths
that Phil needs to face about himself. I mean even his reason for starting the affair was weak. And why would Lina ever believe that next time the going gets tough he won’t stray again? He holds everyone else to such a high expectation of moral standards and behavior. He holds grudges and doesn’t forgive others very well. But he doesn’t practice what he preaches. He easily excuses away his major betrayal. Gives shallow, surface apologies and expects instant forgiveness.
I swear I have never felt so bi-polar over a book character! 🙂
This is amazing and exactly how I felt about Phil! Hope we see him grow! I also felt his reason for straying was weak and that he excused his own mistakes a lot when he expected high standards a lot! His attitude towards Logan annoyed me as well when Lina told him Logan was worried about disappointing Phil! He has a lot to learn!
I was really ticked off at Phil for being so demanding of Logan, and sort of bullying him into submission sometimes…throughout the book whenever they had a confrontation, Logan would always be the one to back down and lower his eyes…Phil could have been more humble and acknowledged the pain and disilusionment that Logan was going through because of him…he was on a moral high horse where others were concerned (like with Julian, and Drew), he judged other more harshly than he judged himself
well said Rachel. This book’s angst level was almost unbearable at times. I too felt bi polar after reading the book but realized that was due more to Laura’s amazing writing than the subject matter. I have read some books on cheating before and forgot about them the next day(I think the best one other than this one is Willow Aster’s True Love Story). After reading The White Picket Fence, I deliberately sought out cheating books to see if I could understand Phil more. Again, wasn’t really affected and I binge read them(boy there are so many on chick lit genre). They all share similarities though. The guys don’t deliberately set out to cheat on their loved ones. Yes, the reason for cheating may seem weak but when is cheating not? We will never find an answer that satisfies us or one that rationalizes Phil’s behavior on this topic. Never. Did you read earlier post where Laura told me it was the perfect storm for Phil? I think if you weed out some comments where Tracie and I ramble, you will find some answers before the sequel that may calm your bi polar tendency. I asked a lot. Tracie who has always been Team Phil asked alot. Laura answered all(who does that) and I think I get Phil now. He is a deeply flawed character but I don’t doubt his love for Lina. Once we get Phil’s POV we will find peace. I know I will. Just trust Laura to work her magic on us!!
That does make a lot
Of sense and you have some great points! I have read lots of infidelity books recently,
Sort of to compare! I found Wrecking Ball by BN Toler pretty good, as well as With or Without you by Helen Warner. Any books you would recommend? I have already read Willow Aster’s novel!
Thanks Rachel. I think you nailed a big portion of his personality. I’m not sure if I addressed my next point on this blog or answering an email so I apologize if I repeat myself. I don’t believe Phil really understood why he cheated — this is why his excuse was lame and I guess you could say that would make him more likely to do it again — I don’t agree because almost loosing Lina shook him to his core. Crazy or not, he never believed that was a possibility. By the end of the sequel both he and Lina will understand what brought them to that point. Not that anything can excuse an affair, but it helps to understand why it happened.
That sounds great,
Really want to get to the route of the affair and their distance! Just to make sure they never reach that point Again!
Rachel I think you will be Team Phil by the end of the sequel. When I read the book, there were so many times I wanted to filet Phil, but what I saw as the book progressed was Phil flopping like a fish out of water without Lina. He was devastated as he should of been, because his actions devasted the one person he claimed to love more than anything in the world. I knew that Phil’s love ran deep for Lina and Kim was a very selfish act on his part, purely mechanical and physical, but had life altering consequences. All the fan girls are right “I’m sorry” isn’t good enough to erase the hurt inflicted by his actions. However, saying that, I still won’t give up on Phil! I’m just like all of you girls and need more of their journey, for AWPF not to haunt me anymore! Hang with Team Phil Rachel, we’re a sure bet!
“He holds everyone else to such a high expectation of moral standards and behavior. He holds grudges and doesn’t forgive others very well. But he doesn’t practice what he preaches. He easily excuses away his major betrayal. Gives shallow, surface apologies and expects instant forgiveness.” Yes exactly! His betrayal was huge and can never really be forgotten (since he fathered a child with the woman he was cheating with, who will forever be a part of their lives), and yet, he barely wanted to explain himself and he just wanted to be forgiven and move on with life. There is one scene (after the affair is outed) where he is playing in the pool with the kids, having a great time, and Lina is annoyed, because instead of him being miserable, she is the miserable one and he’s just enjoying his family without any reprecussions…the kids at this point are oblivious to his betrayal and as far as he’s concerned, everything is just fine and dandy…like, yeah he cheated on his wife and yeah he’s expecting a baby with another woman, but hey, his wife hasn’t left him, his kids still worship and respect him, and so everything is great! It’s Lina who’s sitting outside, not joining in the fun, feeling miserable, devastated by the betrayal and having to live with it.
Yes thank you Veronica!!! I completely agree. I hated how Phil reacted when Kim sent the text messages and pics to Lina. He would say things like she’s just trying to upset you and don’t let her (Kim) win. And would brush it off and actually seemed annoyed that Lina was so hurt and effected. He wanted to quickly sweep it all away and blame it all on Kim. And yes I get the fact that Kim was adding insult to injury but this was all because of PHIL!! If he never did these things there would be no pics to send. Kim had no loyalty to Lina. Phil did. He says he knows he is 100% responsible and that he regrets what he did but his words and actions say otherwise.
That he had the nerve to get so angry and righteous and leave Lina when she got upset over the pics and went to Nick. I was so pissed off and hurt for Lina and wanted Lina to stand up more for herself. I wanted her to leave him and never look back. If what Lina did made Phil that upset to the point of him separating from her and treating her like shit then I would of hoped that maybe he’d wake up and realize that what he did to Lina was a million times worse and how daMN selfish he was being. He needed to be kind and patient with her. To understand that she may need time to procees her feelings and talk about it. Not get upset with her because hey he already said sorry and she just needs to get over it
Well said Rachel, my thought exactly! He had A LOT of nerve getting mad at Lina for choosing to stay with Nick that night (and she didn’t know his hand was broken, so he can’t blame her for his having to drive to the emergency room alone)…I wish Lina had told him this when she returned to the house on Sunday and later when she asked about his surgery…he brought it on himself!
Lord we WERE separated at birth Tracie. I love black box cabby savvy too!
Gawd to all. Shhh but I love those cheap boxed wine and wine coolers/spritzers(yes they are still around!). Thats not gonna cut it so I’ll go out and stock up on sake and soju which are my hard liquor of choice. Also there are so many comments now I have to refresh the top page to see if anything’s been posted. I missed it till now.
Another thought, will Phil ever know that Nick kissed Lina? (Alpha slang-tasted his woman) That was a pretty hot kiss at the marina.
I think he assumes they kissed but would never ask. He’d rather believe there is a chance they didn’t.
Black Box is my fav on boxed wine ?! Lol
You are my wing woman Janet, I’m thinking a little Cab would hit the spot too! I’m lifting my glass for surviving the melt down and Laura’s incredible knack to insight them! LOL.
Laura just the thought of Lina sleeping with Nick tormented Phil, so will we see him (his POV) understand the torment Lina went through, by knowing he did sleep with another woman. I don’t know if I said that just right, but you always know what I mean!
I don’t think Phil could have handled that. That would have been an added angst we do not need. Justified or not. Phil could have used that against Lina later when they argue.
I know, that’s why I couldn’t even of imagined it! Nor could Lina, revenge sex just wasn’t in the cards for her, she only wanted Phil.
Phil is selfish and still a work in progress. I think as Lina gets stronger and more independent he will be forced to see the world a little differently, but that will take time… WARNING (spoiler ahead)… Lina’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Move Logan from a school he loves because you don’t want to have to see a man who at one time had feelings for me?”
“He was in love with you.”
“You have a baby with another woman, Phil. Oh my God! I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation!”
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
LOL. dying here. Veronica and Rachel, you don’t like him just a tiny bit after that spoiler? Just don’t think about the steamboat and the pictures for now. Let’s give Phil a chance. His POV will be pure 24ct. Just no more “ignore her” “I’m sorry” comments pls! For crying out loud, Laura felt sorry for the OW. I know that chapter alone would redeem Phil in my eyes.
I think that scene made all the frustration they felt for Phil in the first book resurface. Believe me, when I wrote it I wanted to slap him too.
Maybe I just have to be okay with the fact that I’ll never like Phil. Maybe he’s not mention to be liked. LOL.
*ment not mentioned stupid auto-correct!
Ha h that’s what I’m worrroed about at this point! I don’t mind an alpha, but hate an asshole and he is treading the line! It annoys me he can be alpha when it suits but not be finer with Kim when it is needed! If he is nice to he at the hospital he needs some sense knocking into him.
Ha ha same here need to check my spelling! Meant firmer with Kim! And nice to her!
Maybe Phil needs a trilogy to gain some emotional growth! 😉
LOL that was funny! In all seriousness, I think having Phil’s POV will go a long way to redeeming him. I may be wrong but I think if you keep an open mind (and heart) you’ll even like him by the end.
Love this idea! What do you say Laura?? Maybe I’ll finally be able to forgive Phil fully in the third book haha
Ok girls let’s all take a breath ….but Geez!!!!! No, his mistake is a mile down the road, are they going to sell their house now too?? Plus, Kim is in love with Phil and Lina has to see her! Phil is struggling for control he can’t have at this point! He can’t control another mans feelings for his wife and he doesn’t want anyone Near Lina that could possibly turn her head in any way shape or form. She’s his woman! But sorry Phil, Logan is staying at his school and maybe this is just a little penance for your actions! Karma just bit his ass! (My opinion only on the school).But I’m still team Phil!!!
hear hear. Phil can move Logan from the school. That’s fine with me. That spoiler was hawwwwt. Phil is so jealous. Love that! Can you give us a strangling Kim spoiler next Laura? bahahaha. Thank you for making my night!
Janet it’s probably not ok with Logan to move. Logan has been in turmoil for over a year, this would be like bam to him! But you are right on the hawwwwwt! I knew he was going to be sooooo jealous. That’s why I asked if Phil’s POV would notice other men watching Lina, like she noticed them watching Phil.
I’m not okay with Logan having to move either LOL
Laura don’t you think too, that Is desperate to move Logan out of I don’t want to say fear, you would get me on that…. but plain old jealousy and resentment against Nick cause he saw Lina as something other than Phil’s wife? Plus Lina’s choice in Chapter 29 was the most devastating moment in his life, that could be another reason. But Phil will just have to feel uncomfortable, this is part of what he told Logan actions have consequences and this is one for Phil.
very good point!
LOL!! I’m thinking we all need some wine tonight after today’s posts. Lots of love, anger, and meltdowns going on here. I will toast to Laura’s kind heart and her crazy brainpower and Tracie’s amazing ability to diffuse any hyper tense situations. wine is the answer for today.
I think I’m going to need the hard stuff after this scene — almost done!
Dang Janet, if Laura is having this much anxiety writing (hard stuff) the sequel that means we are going to have loads of anxiety reading it! So…. not only a food run prior to the sequel, but a trip to Liquor Warehouse as well. LOL
That’s so true.
Janet if Laura is having this much anxiety writing the sequel (hard stuff) that means we will have anxiety reading it. So the day prior to the sequel coming out, we not only need to make a food run, but one to Liquor Warehouse as well. LOL
I didn’t think this one posted! My screen refreshed right when I was sending. Sorry girls for the double post.
Kim just isn’t a type of character who would shoulder any kind of blame. She’s selfish to the core. If there was any character growth for her it should have been during the 9 months she was carrying Liam. Did she? No. Instead she chose to move a mile and a half away from Phil. I’m ok with her staying true to her character and not a born again Christian
Exactly. She’s narcistic — classic case of a personality disorder. She is never at fault. People like that don’t change
Girls we all agree Kim’ nuttier than a fruit cake. Promise Janet I will not at anytime feel sorry for the enemy im anyway shape or form! Thanks for bringing me back from the brink of falling victim to the Stockholm Syndrome! LOL
I never felt sorry for Ned, not one little but, can’t say on Kim until I read the sequel. But Kim did shred Lina, and Phil will not only shred Kim but will probably turn her to dust. My point is not feeling pity, but both Phil and Kim have to shoulder the blame here for what they both did to Lina. Phil doesn’t get to hop right back into happy life, and Kim get sent to Mars LOL! They both have to pay. Plus they share a kid now too.
btw, that Tesla guy Elon Musk said Mars will be habitable despite what scientists say. Let’s make Kim the guinea pig. she can work on her wiles on Elon there and leave Phil alone.
sorry, couldn’t resist the dig.
You never will Lol….That’s one of your qualities I like the most!! I read you comment to Veronica and yes, Nick deserves a nice woman, but you remember, he wasn’t pining for Lina, she called and he was loving the one he was with and it wasn’t her. You know by now that Chapter 47 was one of my favorites, but when Phil wrapped her up when they ran into Nick and Dana, and Phil only stated he was her husband! What did Nick do, but throw out his best impression of Alfred Hitchcock “Good Evening”. Phil and Tony are like two fighting dogs at the end of their chains… LOL
Why are you hating on nick? He’s still one of laura’s men and served his purpose well right?! Also, we may see him in another book so you better play nice. Haha. Ok one thing in nicks defense. He only slept with that woman after Lina told him she slept with Phil. If anything I think he gave up too easily but he was trying to move on. I told Laura this morning I wouldn’t post anything today but you know me better Tracie.
I’m not hating on Nick! He just can’t be compared with Tony or Phil. Ok I’m over that now LOL! Yes he was a good character and I appreciated his part in the book and will welcome him with open arms, if and when Laura makes him a hero! LOL
Maybe for the right woman, Nick would display more alpha tendencies.
I told you we had to quit promising not to post, that’s just being unrealistic where we are concerned. plus Laura said she’s on anxiety overload this weekend….we are considered a breather LOL!
perfect!
I can agree with that! Lina is Phil’s period. Laura what was Phil’s thinking at the end of Chapter 43, BEFORE he asked “have you been with him.” When she said no! He let out the breath! Loved that scene. I can only imagine his thoughts if she would of said yes!
He didn’t want to ask, but the thought of it tormented him. He was hoping for relief and he got it.
I didn’t want her to ever answer that question…I want Phil to be forever tormented by not knowing whether or not she slept with Nick, hahaha (insert Dr. Evil laugh here)
Veronica you and Rachel have been such a great addition to our discussions. Thank you for your thoughts and insight. I really enjoyed you girls.
Ha ha really? I was
Worried I was rambling! I love this
Discussion! Really gets feelings out and questions answered! You and Janet and Rachel have made some amazing points!
I need to add one more comment about the takes two to tango comment, I knew when Phil’s wrath turned on Kim, it would make Joseph going after Ned look like a slap on the wrist. Yes, do I want her to feel the same hurt Lina did….yes and more. But Phil and Kim were both at fault…..I think by the end of the sequel Kim’s mantra might be “be careful what you wish for.”
LOL — I never felt sorry for Ned. I disliked his character through the entire book. Kim is as bad as Ned, worse probably. I think I’m feeling sorry for her right now because of the scene I’m writing. I hope it doesn’t last LOL. I doubt anyone else would feel sorry for her — she does deserve what she’s getting.
Ooh I love what you said. My soul will sing after reading this part. Kim’s a survivor and won’t stay down for long. Once you write another drama scene where she acts like satan, the pity will be a thing in the past.
Peace ✌️
Not pity, I’m not that sweet and yes when the witch is melting I will like it too! I knew you were going to have a melt down!
8:30 am and haven’t had my coffee yet. You called it Tracie! I will try and be the sweet one next time.
Exactly. Careful what you wish for Kim. But yes we can feel sorry for her bc Lina will be the one on top of the hill singing Sound of Music’s Climb Every Mountain while holding Liam. next time Kim, play by the rules and wait for a single man to ask you out. Chasing after married men are just tacky.
Haha! That’s great! What a visual!
I whole heartedly agree Janet, but Phil gave in to her chasing, that makes him a little tacky too! I’m not defending Kim (can’t stand her), but I can see through the clearing a little here. This book is justice for Lina, which means hell and brimstone for Kim, yes she deserves it, but she can’t shoulder all the blame. Phil and Kim both set themselves up for failure by doing the deed for four months! The Sound oF Music Reference loved it! LOL
Tracie you read my rant few days ago. I do blame Phil. You and Laura both said I want to see Phil cry. All I’m saying is after Phil suffers he will get a hea but Kim doesn’t.
I give Janet …..LOL. Laura can you have Kim leaving the sequel in rags singing Swing Low??? Lol.
Easy Tracie — you’re team Phil, remember? Don’t let the others sway you! LOL
In your words “Never”! I give on Kim, not Phil! I was just trying to point out on the tacky comment that he is not blameless. He recognizes that so redeemed. When Janet reads that she’ll puke….
Completely amazing point.
I cannot bear Kim, she is malicious and nasty to the point of being crazy. However, Phil is the one who turned to her and carried on the affair, spent time with her, accepted a gift off of her etc and he also was the other person who was silly enough to not use protection and get her pregnant. The only reason she is in Lina and the children’s lives to spread her poison is because Phil let her get there. She has this power because of Phil’s actions also so he defintely needs to work hard for redemption and shoulder a lot of the blame as well. There is no one bad guy in this scenario.
Veronica have you read Laura’s other books? I wanted to point something out but if you haven’t, I wouldn’t want to ruin it for you.
I agree Veronica that there is no one bad guy here. I was you 2 months ago and still struggle with Phil’s actions. How would you like the sequel to go? In your eyes can Phil be redeemed? What’s done is done but since we didn’t see Phil’s side I think we will see the reasons behind some of the questions. Some of his transgressions have now turned into “mysteries.” Not the cheating obviously but the big points will be explained. Let’s trust Laura to take us to a good place. I want to see Lina and Logan happy. Also, Nick deserves someone who will put him first and we both know that’s not Lina.
That is what is going to cause Phil the most remorse, is that HE opened his family to such hurt, especially Lina! However, just like Laura’s other alpha male characters, he will go into protect mode to protect what’s his. I told Laura once that Phil broke Lina’s heart, but Kim shredded it. he won’t take it well for his wife being humiliated because of his actions either. Point in case, Tony’s mom’s..little stunt with Casey. The sequel is going to be a roller coaster of emotions, can’t wait girls!
Yes thank you Veronica!!! I completely agree. I hated how Phil reacted when Kim sent the text messages and pics to Lina. He would say things like she’s just trying to upset you and don’t let her (Kim) win. And would brush it off and actually seemed annoyed that Lina was so hurt and effected. He wanted to quickly sweep it all away and blame it all on Kim. And yes I get the fact that Kim was adding insult to injury but this was all because of PHIL!! If he never did these things there would be no pics to send. Kim had no loyalty to Lina. Phil did. He says he knows he is 100% responsible and that he regrets what he did but his words and actions say otherwise.
That he had the nerve to get so angry and righteous and leave Lina when she got upset over the pics and went to Nick. I was so pissed off and hurt for Lina and wanted Lina to stand up more for herself. I wanted her to leave him and never look back. If what Lina did made Phil that upset to the point of him separating from her and treating her like shit then I would of hoped that maybe he’d wake up and realize that what he did to Lina was a million times worse and how daMN selfish he was being. He needed to be kind and patient with her. To understand that she may need time to procees her feelings and talk about it. Not get upset with her because hey he already said sorry and she just needs to get over it.
Thank you girls for your great replies! Your views on this book have been amazing to read! Tracie I have read ‘A Sense of Beloning’ which I loved! So talk to me ha!
Janet I am really hoping Phil redeems himself in this book! He is the potential, but he really has to work for it after all that was revealed! It was so frustrating in the first book because Phil has so much potential to be a great hero, but I felt like every step he took forward, he would do something to bring them two steps back, like taking Kim to Steamboat, attending a wedding he should have avoide, or treating Lina as if the was the betrayer with Nick etc. I want to see him really prove himself and be totally about Lina and not worry what people think of him or worry about his pride, and show me how much he loves Lina instead of just saying it! I’m so looming forward to how this sequel goes as Laura is a fantastic worried and is so honest in her answers! Janet you are also correct Nick deserved a woman completely dedicated to him! He is a good guy!
I the Lim but want to see Phil take more responsibility and not use her as a scapegoat either! This book is going to be intense!
My thoughts exactly…Kim is was just a stranger to Lina, she owed her no loyalty (but was totally gross in having an affair with a married man)..but Phil was Lina’s husband, so the guilt is his by betraying Lina and allowing Kim to become a part of their lives forever (by choosing to not use condoms and run the risk of pregnancy just to ensure his own pleasure). As much as I loathe Kim and have zero respect for her, she didn’t cheat on Lina, PHIL DID…It was HIS responsibility (not Kim’s) to stay loyal to Lina and remain faithful despite temptation and marital/family/children conflicts (which is just part of family/married life..he can’t go and have an affair every time things get rough at home)
Well Laura that last sentence probably just put my girl Janet on full melt down. But even though I want her pounced on for the way she shredded Lina, it took two to tango.
One more point about Kim — Phil is one hundred percent responsible for betraying Lina, but Kim intentionally took the hurt to a whole new level — throwing it all in Lina’s face. Writing the sequel isn’t easy and I kind of knew it wouldn’t be. What surprises me is that as much as I hated Kim at the end of A White Picket Fence, I feel a little sorry for her as the new story progresses.
Stay strong Laura. Yes I feel bad for her too because essentially Phil used her(ok I have to try hard here). However most women don’t go to this length trying to keep/get a guy. That’s where my disgust for her comes in. She’s an immature sore loser who thinks the world evolves around her and damn the consequences. She may not be a bunny boiler but I believe she has tendencies for devious behavior if it means she gets Phil. Plus her love is a selfish kind of love not true love. Once she chose to have the baby and use it as a weapon mostly to keep Phil I knew I never wanted her anywhere near the Hunters. Tracie can feel pity. I think she’s pathetic and embarrassing in her attempts and frankly no guy is worth this obsession.
I knew it LOL! Yep….I’m definitely the sweet!
I finished reading AWPF earlier today. I immediately started Googling for information on a sequel and here I am.
This book freaking tormented me in the best and worst ways. I loved it, I hated it. I wanted to punch someone (Phil) I wanted to hug Lina and cheer her on and then I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her.
And Kim? Trust me I’ve got no warm fuzzies for her but this is all on Phil.
Phil was not redeemed. It didn’t feel like he really understood the depth and severity of what he did. I felt like his betrayal was glossed over. There were so many things Lina should of said and didn’t.
I’m not saying that I think it’s impossible for me to feel like Phil has redeemed himself. But damn it I want way more grovel and suffering from him.
More raw emotion from Lina, more backbone. To make him really understand how he fucked up. Not her, not Kim, him.
Ugh sorry for my rant! As you can tell this book evoked some intense emotions from me. And even though I raged at Phil and felt a deep sense of injustice for Lina and I was just so damn angry and confused I realized something. Books like this are why I have such a deep love of reading. I don’t necessarily mean the subject matter. I mean the way I felt connected to the story. The way the words grabbed onto my heart. The way I cared so much about the characters. The firestorm of feels it brought out in me. You’ve hooked me Laura. I’m all in for this . I’m invested. Thank god that there will be a sequel. You can be sure that the minute it’s available I’ll be buying it. ♡♡♡♡♡
Laura was Diane playing both ends against the middle where Phil and Lina were concerned. Did Phil ever know Lina had those pictures on her phone or will he? I wondered if Diane told Phil they were on her phone? I also wondered if Diane might have chastised him about the affair while he lived with them?
dang it you got another hot topic question. Good one. another one I wondered and thought only if Phil knew.
The answer to your phone question will be in the sequel. No, Diane didn’t chastise Phil. He isn’t the type that would seek out or be receptive to counsel from a woman other than Lina.
Ah I see,
I’m gonna be honest Diane seemed team Phil anyway so didn’t expect her to really say anyhting to him. But if he was living with them he could hardly tell her to stick her advice could he? No offence Phil is a bit of a hippocrite didn’t mind letting other people know what he thought of their behaviour such as Lina’s mum, but would not like anyone else seeing him Make mistakes or commenting to him.
You are one hundred percent correct. He’s a hypocrite. He can’t forgive Lina’s father or Shiloh’s husband. He’s definitely a flawed hero
Thank you so much for the message Rachel! Believe me, I understand exactly what you’re saying and the negative repercussions for Phil aren’t over. I can’t see his personality groveling but he’s someone that likes to be in control and it’s impossible to maintain control when you let another person into your marriage. Lina is a work in progress — this was a life altering event and she’s slowly coming in to her own.
Rachel, you put all of my thoughts into words here…Phil didn’t suffer and grovel enough, and Lina didn’t give him enough s**t! haha…I seriously wanted to punch Phil also…when he came clean to Lina about the affair and pregnancy and then later on to Logan and Katie, he was just so annoyingly matter of fact about it all..like, ‘what’s done is done, you will have a new stepson/sibling, and let’s just move on and not focus on how much of an a-hole and hypocrite I am’…I would loooove to have him answer Lina this: how would he have dealt with everything if it was LINA who had and affair and was pregnant with another man’s child..would he be quite as forgiving and forgetting as he expected her and the kids to be? I think not!!!
Laura is awesome because she lives what she writes. Look how her talent has us too living through these characters!
I know right I want to see the slap down of Kim, then I want Phil to go all soft and sweet with our Lina. I want signature soft kisses out of my Alpha Phil and all his hands on deck, if you get my meaning! LOL
I’m addicted too and haven’t been reading much. I was at the grocery store before coming home today and was constantly reloading the website to check for updates. Then I laughed out loud when I saw the “real” fish sticks. In regards to the kettle corn, I consider myself a calm person on most days but man when I got to chapter 22 of WPF I became a bit unhinged. Now I just want revenge. I haven’t been affected by a book in a long time and that’s a testament to how good Laura is as a writer.
Thanks Janet. You two crack me up!
I’m fixing to start reading Vi Keelands new book The Naked Truth. I haven’t done much binge reading, because I’m addicted to this blog and re-reading Laura’s books, thinking I missed something! LoL.
Laura I did have a thought that Kim could be Tony’s mom’s illegitimate child LOL!
Too too funny!!! You couldn’t handle Tony being related to the enemy.
That would be correct, I’ve decided my friend blogger that our relationship has switched and you are the salt and I’m the sweet in our little kettle corn world…. LOL
OMG can you imagine. Funny you should mention Sense of Belonging because Damien Rouse (a developer mentioned briefly in a Sense of Belonging) is in this book.
I’ll have to look the scene up and reacquaint myself. I’m so excited LOL!
It’s the scene in the bar after Tony and Casey kiss outside the bathroom.
Thank you, that was an awesome scene too! Love the New Years Eve scene too!
I loved writing that one too!
Oh thank you sweet lady! You wrote that boy so open and sweet, I felt his pain too! Also, this is another redeemable quality of Phil. Being separated from Lina for 6 months he was a part time dad to his and Lina’s kids too. That fact hit me hard, when Lina told him she had spent hours around Matt. Also, when Lina talked about her favorite times were when the kids and their friends stayed in on the weekends and the house was busy. He missed all of that, it must have hurt him bad and he was devasted with guilt. Laura did Phil ever just drive by and wonder what he was missing on his way to his empty house?
hmm. Can’t see Phil being maudlin and doing drive bys. He probably prayed, worked longer hours at work and plotted while running marathons or whatever he does. Laura, are you a runner? Lot of the characters in your book run… I know you said Kim was on her best behavior during the separation but hopefully she caused some drama for Phil so we can see him wanting to strangle her.
Janet you crack me up! I can see him driving by the house undetected. If anything to see if his family was home and safe. That’s why I think he lived so close, why he fixed stuff in the house, blew the leaves. He told her in Chapter 47, he would always take care of her. You are all about slapping the wench. I love it….Everytime Kim is mentioned and you get spun up, I imagine you looking for your mud wrestling gear LOL!
Ohhh. Ok then yes I can see him driving by to see if everyone’s ok. The protective alpha coming out. I thought you meant phil making puppy eyes and trying get a glimpse of Lina. Ughh. He was all detached and remote even when he was over at the house blowing leaves with his broken hand. Phil!
He had to be detached to get her the space. Plus that’s the Alpha in him. Look how Tony tried to stay detached until they mauled each other over the designer cookie display. Wowza. Plus, remember at his brothers house after surgery, when Phil told her, I don’t want the friend part without the lover part! He was going to hold strong, until she made the first move. Laura may get me here, but I wonder if he thought, if she made the first move to reunite that somehow her forgiveness was near???
Oh believe me, you will see him wanting to strangle her — Phil’s temper is definitely on full display in this sequel. I’m in a heightened state of anxiety at the moment from a scene I’ve been writing since yesterday morning — could last the entire weekend.
Yes, I love to run!
Oh Laura. I wish I could send you a bottle of wine!!!! I really do. No posts for me today. You unwind from the scene and take a break. XO
LOL I’m still writing this scene — it’s a long one. The blog is my break! That and my crazy Vizsla that has more energy than any dog alive.
Ok, but can you just give me a warm fuzzy (WF) about Liam, in fact you can juat reply back WF…. LOL
About Logan ugh
I can sure see how the L names can get confusing sometimes. Especially when I’m in full on gab mode! LOL
Okay here’s your warm fuzzy. Lina is all about Logan and Phil is all about making Lina happy
I love that answer so much! Let Phil just concentrate on Lina and everything will fall in place. I know he loves all his kids equally but I hope Megan stays his favorite. Preferring Liam over Logan because he’s a baby would drive me batty and I really didn’t mind Megan. I know she was annoying to some but doesn’t she take after Phil(confident, overachieving, and a bit of a spoiled brat like our Phil)? Katie has Matt(such a great character), and Logan is Lina’s favorite with his sensitive soul. Liam is still a baby and just wants to be held and fed. In the end I’m hoping he will idolize not Phil but Logan as he grows older but will be happy wherever Laura takes us with this gang. Tracie, not counting August or Dec. we have 3 months!! What are you reading now to pass the time?
That is true. Megan is a lot like Phil. What makes her annoying is her lack of modesty! Phil thinks he’s great but doesn’t feel the need to remind people.
Laura, I don’t want to know anything in the sequel, but from the time Liam was born until the book ended in July, did Phil have feelings of guilt for only being a part-time dad to Liam? This is another relationship that is affected by the affair. I’m sure having a son out of wedlock and not watching him grow and change everyday like he did with his and Lina’s kids would have to weigh on a man like Phil. In my mind, if he has guilt over Liam, that is what makes me worry about Logan. Will Phil try to over compensate with Liam because of his own guilt and neglect Logan! I love me some Logan too!
Of course he did! That’s all I will say!
Both of us are not tech savvy. You are my Abbot and I’m your Costello! I agreed to Veronica’s post that Kim deserves no sympathy and we can be mean.LOL. Laura believes in HEA and she will give that to us. So obviously you and I aren’t worried there. We shouldn’t worry at all but I think the anticipation of how Laura will resolve the questions are making us act like whackos. I reread all our posts and I am basically asking her the same things over and over again. She should be called sister Laura at this point with the amount of patience she’s shown me.
Janet one word can change the meaning of a sentence. Spinning our thoughts and questions and Laura giving us answers and insight has really opened these characters to me. The more we learn from Laura, the more the sequel will mean to me.
You are not a moron!! When I figured out how to use my Keurig I thought I was a genius Lol. I agree about Kim! When I saw Laura’s comment to you last night her words “The question is” kept running through my head, this the reason for 3 similar posts in a row! I was trying to give myself my own warm and fuzzy about Lina and Phil. I know they will have their HEA! That witch has to be dealt with first!
LOL sorry to give you unnecessary stress. I should have capitalized the word LINA in that sentence. The question is can LINA forgive him. My point is that no matter what he does to redeem himself it won’t be enough for some readers. I do think it will be enough for Lina (and Janet), though.
It will definitely be enough for me I love Phil much! Everyone makes mistakes and yes Phil’s were huge, but if his wife and kids can forgive him than everyone else should too! Just my opinion!
Thank you Laura! Even if I didn’t trust Phil before I Trust you to redeem him. It’s Lina who has to live with him so who am I not to forgive!! As long as Kim gets her just desserts I will be victorious!! And pls let us purchase your deleted material from the first book. If you post it here the server may crash! Holy moly.
Thanks Janet! And I don’t feel like you ask me the same question again and again. LOL and when the time comes I’ll just get your amazon Kindle address and email them directly.
Get my Kindle book address too! LOL. Lord I sounded like a kid right then LOL
LOL. we come as a package deal
OMG!!! Laura, is this at all a possibility?? To obtain the deleted material from the original book?? I need moooore!!! I’m still tormented and uncertain and pissed off and sad, even after having read the sequel
A question that’s still tormenting me…It took 6 months for Lina to allow Phil back home…I imagine he was 100% faithful during that time…towards the end of the first book at the soccer game, a woman comes up to Phil and starts flirting with him…what I want (no, NEEEED) to know is this: how long would Phil have waited for Lina to take him back before he decided that he’d waited enough and he was ready to meet someone new and perhaps date and remarry? Would he only move if Lina did? Or was it only a matter of time for him before he decided he didn’t want to be alone anymore?
sorry, I meant ‘move on if Lina did’
I’m such a moron! I just saw that you could reply directly to specific posts. Duh! I will have to scroll up and down since many replies were posted days after original comments. Lots to scroll up and down!
Tracie, Kim moved from an hour away to a mile away to disrupt Phil’s life. This wench needs more than perimeters!
Phil has waited to long to get his love back, He’ll have to fight for his families new norm and put his wife first and Kim will have to have set perimeters when it comes to him and his wife.
I’m anxious to see the arrangement Phil enters into with Kim that will also be a deciding factor. I just don’t ever think Phil would devastate his family again. He waited to long for Lina too take him back! I wonder if Phil has a plan oF just getting Lina back and get settled then moving on Kim about Liam and integrating him in to their family. I bet Phil is going to bust a spring when Kim moves in his neighborhood!
Lina will be able to trust and forgive Phil, I have no doubt in their HEA. Phil said it would be unnatural for Lina not to love him and I wholeheartedly believe that statement. Thank you Laura!
Thank you Laura for taking so much time to answer our questions and putting up with our banter. You are very much appreciated.
You’re very welcome Tracie. I think I enjoy the interchange as much as you do. These characters are very much alive in my head.
Laura giveth and Laura taketh away!! Haaaa
Will we see Emily or Dana in the sequel? They were not on my radar till Tracie talked about Emily. Wasn’t Emily just a conduit for another “surprise”? Also regarding the driveway scene I loved it too. I couldn’t grasp at first Phil’s comment about why Lina not being able to forgive him for the big mistake but I think I get now why he blurted that out. To Phil, Kim meant nothing so he doesn’t understand why Lina can’t get over it 4 months later. Am I close?
Ladies, duty calls and gonna check out for the evening. Will check in tomorrow. Hope more fans chime in. Tracies theories are the bomb!!! ?
Yes. That’s how Phil was thinking. He’s a bit pigheaded. And like I said in another post, there is no way to justify what he did. It was wrong. The question is can Lina forgive him and trust that it won’t happen again. Dana is touched upon in the sequel. I don’t know about Emily yet.
Laura I just thought about what you said regarding Ned and how your favorite scenes were when he was put in his place (oh me too) Lol…. Writing Kim to be put in her place will be awesome. Pit two females against each other and it will be an all out war! You against Kim, Phil is your vessel! That will also be a perfect storm! Especially if you channel Janet …LOL.
Oooh!!! I will have to reread Tony and Casey. I forgot the first scene! It’s when they meet jogging? Your heroes are epitome of alpha male!! so goooood. Just curious, did you read Linda Howard growing up?
I read Linda Howard growing up, along with Janet Dailey? Can’t remember ho to spell her last name lol
Oh my gosh when Joseph told him he was in the big leagues now and then told his wife….your smarter than him tell him it’s on! Loved it
I loved Janet Dailey (that is the correct spelling). She was one of my early favorites.
Yes, definitely Lina Howard. I LOVE alpha males, at least in books LOL
That made me laugh…..somebody took those dang pictures and that guy might have been the photographer. LOL ? they are in New York and away from court, so they were in full lust mode. ?
oh, just read Laura’s posts and some others I missed this am What are your favorite scenes Laura?
Favorite Scenes
A White Picket Fence — all scenes with PDA between Phil and Lina. In addition the wedding scene, the Christmas and Christmas eve scene, the driveway scene, the hospital scene when Lina leaves Nick and goes to Phil, and all scenes with Logan
A Sense of Belonging — The first scene, the cookie scene, the scene in the airport, the scene where Tony confronts his mother, the scene where Tony kisses Casey in front of her sister, the scene when Tony tells Casey he loves her
When I Saw You — every scene where Ned gets put in his place LOL
In addition — I loved writing the scenes with Nick.
Honest to god you and I need a what if guide to the WPF. So many thoughts and scenarios… Right on Phil puts Phil first. I don’t think he introduced Kim to anyone. If he had to he would just say this is Kim. After Laura set us straight with no pet names and no presents for Kim, I don’t see him calling her anything other than her name. If anything the guy at the bar is someone Kim knows or yes we can go so far as to say part of the running circle? Maybe even just a random guy they met at the bar. For him to put his hands on Kim and for once not be discreet, the guy holds no importance to Phil. Do you think there’s more than meets the eye for this guy? I didn’t think anything of it. I only cared where Phil had his hands and who took that disgusting picture.
Did you read my version of a curb scene Lol??
I have a but….Lina noted in the driveway scene,that she heard the warning in Phil’s voice, plus Lina felt the tension in Phil..When he said yes this is my wife and my house!!!! Lina schooled him though…on my!!!!! That is why I was wondering about Emily and Kim’s relationship and how close they were. When I was reading the book…I was hoping they were friends, so Emily could tell Kim how jealous/protective and alpha Phil got with Nick over Lina!!!!! I so want Phil to pull Lina into his body like that when Kim is around. Loved the slow kiss he gave Lina at the wedding when the witch was watching. Now would be the time for KIM IS NADA!
Your favorite scenes are my favorite scenes LOL
The ring was a way outfield question…I just threw that out there because Phil never took his off. How do you think Phil introduced Kim while in New York (when they were on their own, not doing law firm business)??? He may have not had to introduce her, but I was wondering again about the guy in the picture??? I don’t think Phil would have been all over Kim in the running group environment, especially in Baltimore, to close to home and work!!!! Who knows what she was saying behind Phil’s back to Emily or others in the group about their relationship. That’s a sequel chant…I have no idea on that one…Remember Phil is putting Phil first…he is lust grabbing in New York. Maybe the guy in the picture was a member of their running group they ran into while in New York???
interesting LOL
You have the best questions!! I wondered about Emily’s comment too and couldn’t come to a conclusion I was satisfied with. Why did emily think they were more than running buddies? It can’t be just from Phil’s ring. I don’t think people there were running as couples. Was Phil and Kim all over each other?! I can’t see kim wearing a Cracker Jack ring. I just can’t. She’s the type who would want a harry Winston 5 ct flawless to me and wouldn’t demean herself by wearing a fake ring or band. I hope to god it isn’t another snapshot of the bar scene where Phil is grabbing Kim. I’m fine with Kim showing PDA. Hopefully for Phil he really was there for his training.
You definitely have Kim down. She wouldn’t be caught dead with a fake ring on her finger.
I assumed that Emily thought Kim and Phil were a couple because they were all over each other in the running group…unfortunately, if Phil had only been there for his training, he wouldn’t have cancelled running with Megan just to start running with a group instead…to my way of thinking, he chose to run with the group instead of his daughter on Saturday mornings so that he and Kim could spend more time together (which I still can’t get over)
am I wrong here? I wish that I am, so I could be less angry with Phil about running with Kim instead of his daughter on Saturday mornings…Megan idolized him and wanted to spend time with her dad, but he chose to spend that time with Kim…that still burns me
I also want to say, the reason I brought up that Phil thought the tie was insignificant, because if she did have a ring on, he probably wouldn’t have noticed it anyway!!! But since I’m so Pro Phil (love him) I want to add he noticed Lina had hers on in Chapter 47, even ran his finger over it….swoon!!! sigh!!!
Exactly right!
Janet here is my think (a way outfield) question for the day….Laura I know you are going to say “Never” LOL…We know Emily insinuated (she thought)that Phil and Kim were a couple at running group. Lina wondered how they presented themselves (as a couple) as well after the driveway scene. We know Phil never took his wedding ring off…so….How did Phil introduce Kim while they were out and about in New York??? Like to the guy at the bar???? We know Phil didn’t buy her anything and we also know now that the tie was insignificant to Phil until Lina questioned it…so..Did Kim (on her own) wear some type of Cracker Jack ring while in New York??? Phil had a wedding ring on, so I was just wondering???
He NEVER introduced her to anyone. And no she didn’t buy herself a ring.
I knew you would say that ?
Ok. ? thank you! I loved the answer.
Not that Phil would BE jealous, that Kim would think it would make him jealous!!! I’m just throwing out scenarios, but not theories. I don’t want to put anything out here that would touch our sequel. No connection, except for their bodies. I’m telling you, he was stress relieving and being selfish, not courting or imagining cake toppers. Lol. I’m just wondering what Evil Kim will do and how…he was distant because Lina was mad at him and kind of cut him off! I’m in a meeting Lol, but I have. Think question th throw at you when I get back to my office Lol
Tracie!! How can Phil be jealous of Kim dating others? Won’t he be relieved? Do you mean Kim may think Phil has feelings for her? Do you believe they shared a connection of sorts for those months they were together? I know she thinks so but you think Phil did too? I’m so confused still where he stood during the affair. I know he loved Lina and didn’t want to leave her but I wonder if it had something more to do with history and loyalty. I need to see how he acted with Kim while the affair was ongoing so I can gauge from his actions. We know he was distant with Lina those months. He barely talked to her and avoided her but I don’t think it was out of guilt. As always my head tingles with rage when we talk about her. I can’t wait for the office scene. It’ll be so good.
I bet Liam is going to be a cutie, plus Laura commented writing scenes with Liam was a favorite for her. That was the same comment where she commented about writing the scene at Phil’s office party. Gawd….can you imagine how that is going to go for Lina??? I’m wondering if that is one of the scenes that is going to cause Lina some humiliation. Phil better shut that down. I also wonder if Kim will try to make Phil jealous, by dating other men??? I too believe that Lina will be the hub to make everything work.
You know when people say happy wife happy life? I believe that since it works in my household. LOL. Again it will all fall on Lina and how she sets an example to the family. Logan really has the biggest heart in this family. He will resist and reject Liam at first but Liam will be Logan’s mini me hopefully and Liam’s idol once he gets a little older. They just need time establish the brother bond. having said that if Liam looks like Phil and Logan but has his moms traits then all bets are off and he should just live with Kim in Mars.
Laura I see the confusion factor now on the Liam..Logan…Lina thing. That would be “Will Logan try to exclude…LOL…. I think my concern for Logan is because anyone (pretty much) can entertain a toddler, but a teenage boy needs his dad’s guidance. It is a crucial time in Logan’s life, and with the Hunter’s new dynamics and past hurts, I just don’t won’t that sweet boy overlooked by the cuteness of Liam. I know the the sequel will blow these questions away, but that still doesn’t mean I’m not scared of the unknown….LOL
Joseph is more cerebral too…he tore Lia’s ex up by digging up that little fraud tidbit on how he and his wife overcharged on their hours billed. Loved that scene too…. I agree…when Alice made that statement to Lina, I was happy… I’m excited to see how Lina is going to meet Liam for the first time. I bet it will be emotional not only for her, but Phil too. I’m wondering how Logan is going to act in the sequel, where Liam is concerned. I’m wondering is he going to act out, is he going to try to make himself invisible when Liam’s with them, leave the house entirely for the duration of his visit??? Will Liam try to exclude Phil or forget to tell him things about his Lacrosse games or other school activities. Will Phil still take Logan to ball games and play catch with him in the front yard, will he still get the one on one time with Phil??? I even wondered if Logan may screw up somehow and tell his dad, “Well I was weak.” Phil being the dominate male that he is would probably tell Logan…with weakness comes consequences. Logan is such an awesome kid, I’m hoping he becomes an example for his little brother, instead of looking at him as competition.
Ok. Makes perfect sense regarding nick. I thought I saw a quiet intensity rather than laid back but you are right. He’s more cerebral and Tony and Phil are more physical. On another note , thank God Liam looks like Phil and Logan. I don’t know if Lina could come around if she has to see Kim with short hair for the rest of her life!
Here comes the sweet to your salt Janet….Nick was way too laid back to be a Tony. I could never see Nick grabbing one of his clients around the throat and pinning them against a wall and telling them to never mention his women’s name. Nick may have subdued Phil; but Phil threw the first punch… Also, remember when Lina made the comment that Nick’s friends were really to cerebral for her (which would probably mean him too). Think about where Tony went when he needed to brainstorm, he went to Joseph. Plus Nick would never say I only make boy babies..only Tony or Phil(yum-a). I have to put Tony and Phil together as well. That is why in the sequel I need Tony and Casey steam between Phil and Lina. I need a cookie display knocked over….LOL Girls I have this vision of a scene wherein, Phil pulls in his driveway and Kim is at the curb, mouthing Lina…Phil walks to Lina (with a brief case) and gives her one of Laura’s Alpha Male Soft Kisses (swoon) and then turns on Kim. That really is just a play on Tony, Casey and Casey’s sister scene…Loved that scene.
Just a side note- a lot of readers are
team Nick. He reminds me of Tony! I think he deserves someone who doesn’t have as much baggage as Lina. I see both Lina and Phil as flawed characters who belong together. Nick is pretty much perfect in my eyes and deserve a woman more like Casey imo
Interesting. Tony and Phil are my two favorite male characters. I always put Joseph and Nick in the same category. I’ll have to think about this one.
Ah that’s interesting! How come you prefer Phil to Nick?
That’s a good question and I probably don’t have a good answer. Most of my friends were surprised that she didn’t end up with Nick — they thought he was more who I would choose. While I was writing the story, I kind of fell in love with Phil LOL. I know it sounds weird and obviously I didn’t convey it enough to the satisfaction of many readers, but he would die for Lina. I felt his remorse. I know it wasn’t exactly healthy but she needed him — remember the phone call when she was having the panic attack? Remember Christmas Eve when she slept walked to his bed? When he knew she was in the hot tub? They were connected. I also liked the idea of a family unit staying together despite his betrayal.
Ah that actually makes a lot
Of sense! I see why you mean as well an enduring love!
That actually makes perfect sense! Love for Nick!
Here comes negative Nancy. I perceived the slap scene differently. To me, he was just as worried that Lina caused a scene in front of his colleagues thereby ruining his reputation. The love of your life had to deal with smirks from your mistress all night. All night of goading and how do you keep saying ignore her? Why couldn’t you have cut her down before the slap? Granted he never saw this coming but a few succinct words Phil’s style would have sufficed. He was going to storm into Kim’s room and what? placate her or scream at her? Lina’s response to this was perfect-she was going to leave if he goes to Kim’s room because thats exactly what she wants. Phil’s there was never a choice comment? not so much because it came a little too late.
Here’s where I love Phil. His convo with Logan. Laura, you conveyed his love for Lina perfectly here in true Phil fashion. Thank you!
Phil was trying to ignore Kim and wanted Lina to do the same. He didn’t want to cause a scene and take anything away from the wedding celebration. Remember he tried to get Lina not to attend the wedding, knowing Kim would be in attendance. He knows Kim’s a loose cannon. After the slap he was both frustrated at Lina for causing a scene and worried that Kim would call the police. He wouldn’t have yelled at Kim at that moment. He would have tried to placate her. He was in damage control mode
I agree that makes sense, but even being naive did her really think his wife was going to let him attend a wedding along where his ex mistress was? That is just crazy? Why did he not just skip the wedding himself? He doesn’t even want his kids mixing with Nicks, but he thinks he can go to a wedding where Kim is? I just find Phil’s lack of thought so frustrating sometimes! I want to see more thought for Lina from him! I want to see the soul mate link come through!
It was the wedding of one of his associates. It would have been a slap to them not to attend, especially after RSVPing. I think he was very surprised when he found out Kim was attending. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for me, I know a lot more Phil’s than Nick’s ie he’s done with Kim and therefore he knows nothing will happen if he attends the wedding
I get what you mean that makes sense. Just think he is intelligent enough to realise no one would be ok with that situation. Either go with Lina or not at all. But think things needed to come to a head anyway!
Completely agree, that was why I thought of this scene! Thanks for explaining Laura!
Completely agree, that was why I thought of this scene! Thanks for explaining Laura!
What was Phil’s thoughts when he told Lina that Liam looked a little like Logan and she said I hate you?? When he hung from that call did he think Lina’s walls may never crumble?
No, more frustration and the realization that they’d taken a step backwards.
Laura, that even gives Phil more points in my book! I know in the sequel he’ll put Lina first. Like he said after the wedding slap, there is no choice, never was…..That’s why I love Phil…..Thank you Laura
Thank you Tracie.
Laura, in Chapter 44, when Lina asked Phil if Kim had had the baby and he hesitated and she said answer me! Was his hesitation because he felt he was gaining some ground with Lina and this would set them back? He was hesitant to tell her about how many times he had seen Liam too! I’m figuring the answer to my first question will cover that one too. Phil took the kids to the beach, his brothers, the hospital to be with Lina, fixed things around the house…he was always free when Lina or the kids needed him. That leads me to think Kim was not pushing Phil since he was separated and she still had a chance of being his one and only??
He knew the answer would upset her. He was in a no win position at that point. When he said he couldn’t regret Liam it was hard for her to hear, but it was honest — Phil wouldn’t be Phil if he regretted his child. Yes, Kim was on her best behavior in those early months assuming Phil would eventually be divorced and free. She was also living an hour away.
That line was very difficult for me as well, the one where Phil said he didn’t regret Liam. I get how he wouldn’t be Phil if he’d said otherwise, but it was still hard to swallow
OMG I just busted a gut…..you crack me up!
Lord. I meant those dr Praegar’s fish bites? Fish or chicken nuggets who cares? At least I’m willing to put something inside the toaster oven no? They say before getting a face lift, make sure you have a well stocked fridge for a week. In our case make sure it’s stocked for the sequel.
Janet…one more thing, I remarked on fish nuggets (which I’ve never cooked)…who eats fish nuggets????? Do you mean Fish Sticks, with the old guy in the rain suit on the box???? Fish is suppose to come either fried (like big pieces) or baked/blackened like whole….you are probably eating fungi!!!! LOL
OMG. Me too about hormone! climate controlled shop with TV. Done! bahahaha
You two make me seriously LOL
That was definitely a hoot and holler post….I told my crew there was enough drive-thru restaurants in town to keep them fed…I’m not even getting up to fix fish nuggets. My husband has a climate controlled shop with a TV and frig, he’ll be fine. Then right before the first word of the sequel appears before my eyes (or any of her books), I’ll remind them as they are rushed to the door, that only me and God know if I took my hormone! LOL
Laura, you have diehard fans here. Wherever you go with your new books, Tracie and I will follow to the end. ?. Tracie, we will invest in a bulk order of paper bags with one day ship option. We will unravel together in December with multiple lunch bags around us. I say let’s send the family away so we can savor each word in peace. Otherwise it’ll be fish nuggets or postmates delivery for a week- it is 1000 pages long right Laura?! ?
LOL — it will be as long as it needs to be – no deleted scenes. I refused to delete any scenes from A Sense of Belonging and that turned out fine.
I would probably buy your book with the title: deleted scenes from a white picket fence ?…
One day I’ll make them available — after I release the sequel. I’ll either put them up here or email them out to anyone interested.
Hooray!!!!!???
So interested!
neeeeed the deleted scenes!!!
Laura, I think we are all concentrating on what matters…your writing and your blog!!! However, when you are dropping a tidbit like the flash back scene…can you start your post with the word WARNING??? That gives the rest of us time to prepare for the unexpected!!! LOL…. But I do love the tidbit drop……
Good idea!
I don’t do social media either, seems like to much work, but I found this blog and now its like an addiction to check and see what has been posted…..my kids make fun of me too. I just told them when they could vote…then their opinion would matter…LOL
LOL — this is about the extent of my social media as well. I’m learning as I go.
Holy moly cannoli!! Oh my husband thinks I’ve lost it. It’s really out of character for me to engage in any blog or social media other than Pinterest. Lol. He told me to leave Laura alone when I started posting comments and I promised myself I would but that was then. Now this is me limiting myself. Sorry!! Also what does Liana and Linda think of today’s reveal?
Janet read up to my 11:48 comment (I sometimes forget to scroll up)…we are on the same wavelength. Also my husband asked…”How can this woman finish the sequel, if you and your Kindred Spirit keep her answering your questions?” I said “You just answered your own question…Woman=Female=Multitasker….LOL…
I would like to think of us as a creative brainstorming group hahahaha…
Laura.. thank you for putting up with the questions!
Omg Can he be cold and remote then? Minimum contact and minimL word usage with this vessel who carried his son? None of this thank you for my son and are you feeling well BS! Gawd!!! You are killing me here. Tracie is breathing in through a brown bag and I just declined my husbands call.
HAHA!
Oh thank you….I just read your 11:29 comment Laura…This is one of those scenes, I hope he remembers how precious and awesome Lina is as both a person and mother!!!!
Finished the scene and your words did have an impact — you’ll be happy!
Awww, thanks Laura…Lina breast-fed her babies…I bet Phil is making a bottle, Kim is to selfish to give that much of herself. LOL
Laura, please please let me see some remorse in the flash back scene. Him thinking about Lina and his love for her…give me something. I can’t imagine writing it….I’m hunting around my office now for a paper bag to breath in….Geez…
Think how hard it is to write. As much as he hates Kim, he can’t be mean to a woman who just gave birth. And in answer to Janet, no he isn’t there for the birth.
I agree he can’t be mean (but not hugging or anything) and you answered my question about being loving and sweet. So I’m waiting…I just can’t wait to see how he handled Kim after the birth of Liam until he was back with Lina…I can’t imagine his thoughts on how he was going to get his family back and incorporate Liam. I also don’t think of Phil as juggling two families, I saw that in a review somewhere. He has ONE family and Liam is a part of that family!!! Kim is NADA!!!!
Really? I wouldn’t mind seeing him mean no matter what! When someone is so vicious I think they deserve no sympathy! Like the scene in a book I read ‘That Thing Between Eli and Gwen’ where he lets his ex know her place and defends his girlfriend. I know he does not need to be nasty but being blunt would make sense, he had no problems being harsh with Lina when she did not deserve it. Kim needs to be told! Sorry I just really dislike her, and don’t want Phil being soft with her! He has a lot to make up!
I would love to see Phil being mean to Kim every single day. Why does he need to be polite? Not because of Liam. He’s the father. At the very least he would get joint custody. I don’t even think Phil’s mom Susan needs to meet Kim. She can dote on Liam when the baby is with Phil and Lina. This homewrecker does not need civility from the Hunters!
So true! Spot on! Think line needs to be drawn! Kim needs to know her place!
Ok regarding separate rooms. I just meant one room was used sorely for changing clothes the next day and why he wanted to spend the night with her after sex. Lord!
I didn’t know they were in the same room after birth! He wasn’t present during birth was he? I think you told us he was not few weeks ago when I started hounding you. Can’t wait to see that interaction. Cannot wait. I still remember the flashback scene when Logan was born. My chest hurts Laura!!
I don’t think Phil would of made Kim privy to his conversations with his family. That is why I wondered what Phil meant when he told Lina…”I talked and she listened.”
Janet, on the same room scenario…if Phil was being discreet, they would have charged two rooms to the law firms account. I’m sure they would have had to do some type of travel documents, for accounting purposes. I bet he called, even though he was thinking of himself, he still would of wanted to check on Lina and the kids.
Phil always had his own room. He just ended up in her room or vice versa. He was discreet. Gosh, I hate even thinking about that time LOL. I’m currently writing a flashback scene to Liam’s birth. Kind of hard — Phil and Kim in the same room with a newborn ugh again
That comment just pushed my anxiety meter to full red….please let the flash back scene be flattering to Phil..
he isn’t sweet and loving to her it that’s what you’re worried about LOL
Laura, Now I’m wondering about the pink tie??? Did we assume too much there as well??? If we didn’t (drum roll), what happened to it? I’m hoping a ceremonial burning by Lina!!! Did Kim buy anything else for Phil?
definitely a gift from Kim. That’s all I’m saying for now on that point.
Why would Phil keep it if he had no feelings for Kim? So many questions! So excited for the sequel!
the tie? Because he gave zero thought or significance to it until Lina noticed it.
Hat makes sense, but just seems so thoughtless! Gifts from mistress should go in the bin! Or never be accepted, not that I know the protocol!
Sequel, sequel. Hmmm. Not helping right now. One last thing. Didn’t lina say Phil called her every night when he was away? Maybe it was every(day) bc imagine him calling her while Kim is in the bathroom or nearby. Mad that they even stayed in the same room when traveling.
Yes there was a lull…from 24 March to 5 April. But there was 24 text messages in all and we only saw a few. This is the part where we have to start our sequel chant….
Ok right! I remember thinking most kids have spring break in March. My kids have it in April but remember thinking the times don’t match regardless for steamboat. When there’s a lull in the texts it’s because they are in the City together for the case. Or..maybe wasn’t salacious enough for Kim to send to Lina.
Janet, I too went back and forth reading. The only thing that calmed my nerves about her getting pregnant at Steamboat, was that the text messages started 18 March and went through 5 April and they met at her apartment. Liam was born 23 December. So I’m hoping she had a perfectly timed pregnancy, from start to finish.
Oh my is right Tracie. I think we all thought that. When I was going back and forth to reread parts I remember thinking this was never verified. I too did calculations and the witch lied. When she and Phil were on he phone Lina said she must have gotten pregnant the first month they got together. However, if it happened in March an abortion would have been feasible in May. ughhh
Whew…I’m just glad Janet asked and you clarified….feel even better about my Phil now….
I’m so happy you clarified that Laura. Oh my…that is why I thought he put Kim first over his family. Ugh is right on the edited out scene. The way Lina presented it to Nick, that was the only assumption the reader (maybe just me) could get was that he went with her to Steamboat instead of Florida with his family. It also made me sick thinking he could of got Kim pregnant at Steamboat, based on Liam being born in December…just the thought gave me the shivers (ewwww).
I think what Lina told Nick was that Phil had cancelled their family vacation because he’d been too busy but had time to take Kim to Steamboat (not necessarily the same week). Anyway, more clarification was needed.
Laura, I wish Lina had said this to Phil, not Nick, the thing about cancelling family vacation yet taking kim to SB…I read the sequel so I know how SB came about, but Phil should have been reminded that he took time away from his family and gave it to Kim instead…At one point, Lina tells Phil that he didn’t just cheat on her, he cheated on his kids as well. I loved that she said that to him, but found his response very underwhelming
Yes!!!! I knew it. Even when I was reading it didn’t feel right. I read on hoping lina would dig deeper into this but she never did. Ok point 10 for Phil. You guys, there’s more to the steamboat mystery other than Phil’s remorse. I can hope!
Yes Tracie. That’s why I’m asking. I thought maybe it’s not as it seems and steamboat happened another time. Or
that she followed him…. dang it
He absolutely did not go to steamboat instead of on a vacation with his family. Lina initially believed that – she put two and two together, but her assumption was wrong. I really wish the scene clarifying that point hadn’t been edited out. Ugh
Phew! That really worries me!
Janet, remember in Chapter 29, where Lina told Nick that Phil had cancelled Spring Break for a conference…aka Steamboat. They were suppose to go to his parents house in Florida. That would of also been Megan’s last Spring Break prior to her going to college.
Laura, I’m on a loop repeat at this point but if you can tell us without giving away too much- did the steamboat happen during spring break? I was hoping Phil was alone?
I am so excited about the ‘White Picket Fence’ sexual! Have so many questions! And unfortunately at this moment I kind of hate Phil and don’t know why Lina forgave him! Sorry was not good enough! Need to seem him work for it and underhand his thoughts! I completely get that he did not love her or call her pet names. But it also was more than just sex if he took her to Steambot, went dancing with her and had pictures together as if they were a couple, and he went running club with her? Seriously most people don’t take up a hobby if it’s just a fling! So need all this explained! Also need to be reassured he has not touched Kim since he split with Lina as he has been alone for months! Cannot wait! Also, a few more people being less forgive Phil and being more understanding of Lina would help! Particularly Megan who I found to be quite harsh and selfish! Your books are amazing though and cannot wait for the next instalment!
Hi Veronica! Thanks for the comment. It wasn’t just sex, but in my mind it was just a fling. I can tell you with certainty that Phil never knew those pictures were being taken. As far as the running group — that will be resolved in the sequel. The worst thing he did and it will probably remain unforgiveable to some readers is take her to Steamboat. I know what’s in his head and hope to portray it to readers in the sequel–true remorse. You’ll also have answers to your other questions. Megan was awful to me too. I’m working on her LOL
Thank you so much for answering! That makes sense! Ha h I’m glad you agree about Meg! Cannot wait for answers! Steamboat is a big one, and probably the worst thing he did! I hope he redeeems himself because at the moment I am team Nick! But I know you will win me over!
LOL I’ll try but I may not be able to. They are completely different men. Nick is more mature in a lot of ways. Phil is more the caveman type. Nick will have some scenes in the sequel
So excited! Sounds amazing!
Laura, what do you mean by ‘it wasn’t just sex…but…it was just a fling’? Do you mean that there is some fondness and affection in a fling, as opposed to no fondness/affection when it’s just sex? Did Phil feel any fondness or affection for Kim at all during their 4 month affair? He must have grown to feel something, in order to spend time with her outside of the bedroom (like going running with her…I just can’t seem to get over that! much as Megan irritated me, she didn’t deserve her dad ditching their running just so he could run with Kim instead), and also keeping the affair going for 4 whole months
Good Morning Girls, I think groveling would also take away from his dominate/alpha WOW factor, which absolutely can not happen. I have a feeling we will see just how much Phil suffers (his own remorse) through his POV. Also, Lina doesn’t want to see Phil hurt or suffer, she loves him. Even in the brutal Chapter 30, she worried about Phil and after his hand surgery, she admonished herself for not being there for him. Remember what he told Lina in Chapter 47, “Not back, baby, forward.” That’s where we have to go too!!!! Have a good day girls….Thank you Laura….
Hahahaha….You are precious….?
?. Hope others won’t be too angry with me for the grovel comment. I was prioritizing…
Haha!
I love that Janet…..you rock my Kindred Spirit!
Hi Tracie, When I say I want to see Phil suffer and be miserable, I really just meant that.
Sorry Laura! Knowing his character, I don’t think it’s in him to grovel and to me not as important. Like Liana I would like to see him confront(or shred as I would prefer) Kim and defend Lina which we now know we will get in the sequel. James Spader in Pretty in Pink said it best-“She was, is, and always be a nada”. I want him to convey this message roaringly (as he is wont to do) clear to not just Kim but to us as well.
Until next time, I will be chanting my sequel, sequel mantra. Lord.
I don’t see him groveling either — I don’t know if it’s too much pride or just not in his DNA. Crying is pushing his boundaries too, but when he thought he’d lost Lina for good, I know a few escaped.
I hope he does grovel a bit though, need to see him truely humbled to me! Pride does not count when winning back your soulmate! Think Lina needs reassurance!
I agree — pride shouldn’t matter and it really is Phil’s responsibility to rebuild Lina’s trust.
I am routing for him now though, would hate to see a waste of so many living years!
I just had to add one more thought to my last comment. My opinion only, I don’t think there can be one big gesture on Phil’s part (crossed to many lines) to regain the connection and security that Lina deserves. I think Laura will show us throughout the entire sequel how that connection/security is re-established for them, not only as a couple, but their entire family. Phil’s handling of Kim (which I hope is brutal) and through his actions in giving Lina the love, intimacy, loyalty and security that she deserves (to me) would be considered the grand gesture needed. Laura you know I have a tendency to be an outfielder, please pull me in, if I’m too far out.LOL. But yes girls, I do want to see Kim suffer for her part in Lina’s pain, and I know she will (can’t wait). Laura said in one comment, that Phil will suffer because he made his life to complicated; however, could his face track a few tears (of course)…But I trust Laura to deliver, so write on sister, can’t wait to read your work of art……
Exactly right, Tracie!
Since Nick and Lina began their friendship during Katie’s counseling, I doubt Phil would ever trust another one. LOL…You girls may pounce on me for this, but I don’t need a grand gesture from Phil! I need to see the Phil that Lina mentions in the book, the version of him she wanted back, prior to his betrayal! I know there will be new dynamics and changes to their relationship, but I know he’ll come through….
Hi Linda. Not sure if counseling is necessary for this couple because Phil knows exactly what he did wrong and won’t make that kind of mistake ever again. He promised himself and Lina he will put her first and will cherish her. I think if they do go to counseling it will be more for the details of the affair to come out but then that can be done outside of therapy? So far Lina hasn’t really asked Phil many questions other than how did it start and why? It hurt her too much to know more than that. Hope that changes. Kim isn’t done with her mission so she will come at Lina full force but Lina is stronger and more independent now. Her mental strength can be her defense. If anything it’ll be Phil who will suffer more(yes I had to stress that again) Anything that affects Lina will surely hit Phil harder.
So true Laura! Schooled! Phil put Phil first. That makes me feel better. Lol
That would be officially schooled…Phil did put Phil first (sorry)….that just gives more credence to what my mama always use to say…”Men are simple babe, nine times out of 10, they are controlled by something that can’t even walk or talk!!!!” LOL!!!
Hi girls, I understand Janet!!! I need too a big gesture from Phil. Lina suffered too much, yes I want see him cry… LOL
Laura in the new book they will try couple therapy?
I agree Lina suffered enough in the first book! I’m trying to keep her suffering to a minimal level in this one. I’m not sure about the therapy yet — Phil is anti psychiatrist/psychologist at the moment.
Bahaha. I wanna see him ? and Kim in Mars possibly. Tracie, I think they were at a bar. Please no more activities together. That would give me more anxiety. The dancing was enough for me. Bowling suggests a relationship no? I don’t like that you said Phil put Kim first for 4 months. You are right and that’s why I want to see him suffer. I’m still smarting from the fact that he wore pink for her when he wouldn’t for Lina. Seems like he was in a haze of lust for 4 months and damm the consequences(his mentor Wayne’s warnings, being seen in baltimore on weekends , etc)Ugh. Regarding Diane and Wayne, they were never really in my radar throughout the book other than being there to support this couple so I didn’t pay too much attention.
Just to be clear girls — Phil never put Kim first. Phil put Phil first. And the dancing was enough for me too! LOL
I agree he seemed selfish. But the running club, keeping her gift, leaving Lina alone for nights and leaving to get a fix of Kim before work, is that not putting her before his family? He still took time and memories away from his family which is massive?
I agree. He was putting himself before his family. Anyone who has an affair is hurting their family. You can’t rationalize that fact away. Some people (and readers) can’t forgive it — no matter what. I don’t even think I could, personally, but I wanted this couple to make it. I didn’t know that in the beginning, but it slowly evolved that way for me.
Thank you! That makes perfect sense! I love that you are so honest and don’t try and excuse all Phil’s actions! You write the reactions and emotions of the characters so well!
‘He was putting himself before his family. Anyone who has an affair is hurting their family. You can’t rationalize that fact away. Some people (and readers) can’t forgive it — no matter what. I don’t even think I could, personally, but I wanted this couple to make it.’
Thank you for saying this Laura…it makes me feel like less of a bitter shrew haha
Laura I just read your comment back to Liana, regarding the kids having to meet or confront Kim in the sequel….I just had a thought….please please please… if you write a scene about Liam’s BD, don’t let there be any Mommy (puke) and daddy pictures, with Lina and her children looking on…Sick, gross, and nasty…whew….I spun my own self up!!!! Anxiety overload…..
Not in a million years! I’m already past his birthday so I guarantee that won’t happen!
Hallelujah…….
Good morning girls, I too love all the answers we receive from Laura, it helps me to understand our couple and their situation much better. I admire Phil for taking 100% of the blame for his actions on more than one occasion, even though I know he was 100% to blame. I lot of people in the same situation, wouldn’t have that much integrity. I know Phil will be knocked down a peg as Laura has stated in another comment, I feel his pain as well as Lina’s. Kim on the other hand, I have a deep feeling she should dress for cold weather. Jack Frost isn’t going to have anything on Phil Hunter. I hope we get to see Phil in full COURT press, during the sequel.
Janet…My think question for you today? LOL Think about Diane and her decision to back Phil. I remember her saying in Chapter 1, her and Wayne were still in love, like Phil and Lina. Also, her pro Phil attitude at the get go, more his friend than Lina’s. I wonder if sometime in Diane and Wayne’s marriage, there wasn’t an infidelity issue???? The matching black shirts in the picture(this is the reason I’m not an author), they could of been in a bar/bowling alley, they ran together why not bowl together??!!!? LOL
Liana…Love the thought on Katy and the stress her illness caused on their marriage, will she know??? I just don’t think Phil or Lina would put that much pressure or guilt on one of their children (my opinion only). Nor would Phil or Lina allow Kim to be alone with their children. I thought Logan might be a target, but Laura and Janet set me straight on that situation, being Kim just wants Lina out of the way. She is so selfish she thinks she can keep Phil’s attention with her looks and sexual prowess, since Phil put her first for four months over his wife and children, she thinks she’s got this, especially with Liam to support her cause. I don’t think Phil and Lina’s children are a concern to her, just getting and keeping Phil. However, I have satisfaction in knowing Kim will be sadly mistaken.
Laura..I have a question regarding the pre-dance pictures???? What was Phil frame of mind when he received Lina’s text about going? His thoughts when she leaned into his touch and allowed him to rub her arms at the party??? When Lina found out about Liam, I found myself feeling so much sadness for her. Knowing that for the first time since she was 15, she wasn’t sharing something or someone with Phil, she was standing on the outside of his life looking in….wow talk about feeling dejected. But then I felt that for Phil too, when Logan wouldn’t answer his phone in Chapter 32, when Lina told him she had spent hours around Matt in Chapter 42, he was in the same boat as Lina, standing on the outside of his and Lina’s life looking in for the first time.
Have a good day girls!!!!!
When Phil received the text from Lina about the pre-dance party it further confirmed what he believed after she kissed him at the lacrosse game –her walls of resistance were crumbling. He hoped it was only a matter of time before they were back together.
And yes, Lina was devastated and I believe that’s the hardest part for her (besides the betrayal), knowing he shares something with another woman.
I treasure Laura’s answers to our incessant what happened here and what did Phil think there questions. It’s necessary for my peace of mind until the sequel comes out. Waaahh. I had wondered about Tracie’s post on what was going through Phil’s head when Lina sent the ruined life text and now I have a glimpse of it. I also wonder what he was thinking when he found Lina in the hot tub barely alert and the feelings that tore through him when she cried out oh God(when she actually had Nick on her mind). I almost wish Laura had written Phil calling the paramedics and Lina being admitted to the hospital for dehydration because I wanted him to feel the pain, panic, and feel truly scared that he could lose the love of his life because of his affair. As much as I want Kim to be destroyed in the sequel, I also need Phil to go through the wringer for the pain he caused Lina. He is the true culprit to me because he alone has the power to hurt her! I know Phil will suffer from Kim’s actions from the scenarios Laura has generously revealed to us so far but I don’t think he will be truly redeemed until we see him go through the full gamut of painful emotions. Once we see how he was with Kim during the affair as well as after the affair, I will be able to understand more and ultimately forgive Phil. I like Phil(I really do) because I know he belongs with Lina but I need to know he deserves her in the end.
You want to see him cry, don’t you? LOL
Yes she does….LOL
Wow! I love reading the convo here! Talking about how the affair started in the first place (because of Katie’s condition), does Katie find out and feeling guilty because of their parents’ problem? Which made her try to be a better daughter (of course with the good influence of her boyfriend) and Lina’s supporter. I was thinking that in the effort to continue to drive a wedge between Lina and Phil, Kim will use all the kids as her amo: make Katie act out again, try to get Megan on her side, exploit Logan’s insecurities in making Phil proud etc. And I want all the kids to defend Lina and confront Kim as one unit. I’d really like Phil to file for restraining order on Kim from his family.. because Kim is just the type to not give up and use whatever means there is including his children with Lina..
Good point about Katie — I think in the first book (unless it was edited out) Megan blames Katie for their parent’s fighting after the scene on the deck when Lina gets upset with Phil and has to call Adele. In answer to the question about Katie blaming herself — I don’t think she would allow herself to take the blame. I hope the Hunter children get closer over this and confronting Kim or at least having to meet her will have to happen in the sequel.
Will we get to see Phil in lawyer work mode in the seque, like we got to see Tony and Joseph? That was smoking hot…when they working those scales of justice….Lol
LOL I was thinking about that too. I’m not sure yet. I have written a couple of scene in his office, but with no specifics about work.
Oh my goodness reading your words absolutely made my heart feel like thundering hooves. I can just feel his panic….I know a lot of readers are waiting on the sequel for Phil’s redemption, but knowing his remorse and his answer to Lina question in chapter 47, “how did we get here? In my eyes, he is already redeemed! He showed how he was a class act hero when he took 100 percent of the blame! Awesome Laura, just awesome!
Thanks Tracie!
Hi Laura, i know the words question, thought or wonder may be giving you the hives by now. when you see my posts….sooo…I was thinking about Phil when he received the text from Lina, where she told him he ruined their lives. I know he was at work, but not knowing why the message was sent, nor could he get a hold of Lina, what was he thinking? I even wondered if he might of tried to call Kim, before he tracked Lina to Nicks. I ruled that option out since Lina had to tell Phil about Steamboat,. Just thinking about his panic gives me the shivers! Thank you for putting up with me. Have a great day!
I love the questions! They make me think! Phil felt shock when he read the text. Then he started to sweat. He couldn’t get Lina so he called Katie. Got the weird message about her going to the beach — had Wayne call Diane to see if she knew where Lina was. She didn’t know, so he called Adele. When she didn’t know anything he tracked her phone. He knew immediately where she was. From that point he was on a mission. He drove to Nick’s and well you know the rest.
Can you imagine what he was thinking in Chapter 4, when the homily was on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity. When he took Lina’s hand, I bet his heart broke, knowing how he had betrayed her.
Hi, me too need Phil’s point of view specially in chapter 30 and 39 when he accused Lina about feeling guilty!!! He went to the church with the kids and I wonder if he lose hope?
Hi Linda — Good point. I think it would be very interesting to see what he was thinking as he sat in church that day. I believe I told Janet or Tracie that after I finish the sequel, I’ll add a few scenes to the original book from Phil’s POV to bring readers closure.
Laura, thank you for giving us those bonus scenes (Phil’s breakup with Kim, etc)…do you think you’ll ever add more? Can there be a third book in this series? (and fourth, and fifth, etc lol)
You are too too funny. Mylanta through a silly straw! I forgot about Liam’s birthday!! Good catch. And I wondered about that exact same moment on chapter 30. I’m thinking thousands of other readers did too. I felt Lina’s pain and was so angry because I never sensed true remorse in Phil(obviously because no Phil’s POV). I think Laura said we would also see this in the sequel. I have to keep repeating this mantra. Sequel. Sequel. I hope he felt shame. Doing it because he wasn’t thinking is one thing. Seeing the evidence in front of his eyes and knowing his wife saw it is another. Gawd. Now I have anxiety again. I need to go back to real life for a bit.
I’m getting anxiety thinking about it too. Yes, he felt true remorse. I’ll make sure the reader feels it.
Laura, if it’s Christmas time, that means Liam’s BD is right there too!!! Can’t wait to see how that works out. Megan is such a daddy’s girl, I’m wondering about her and Liam too????
P.S. I wish it was Christmas time at my house, then I’d be reading the sequel…..LOL
Janet…you know there will be another question and a next time. Between now and the time the sequel is released, we’ll both have ulcers and sipping Mylanta through a silly straw!!!! I’m just saying…LOL
Speaking of reciting dialogue, Chapter 29..where Nick tells Phil “for the record, I am not sleeping with your wife. She is an emotional wreck and I would not take advantage of that.” Chapter 30, when Lina ask Phil “Did you see the pictures?” Phil is cold with his answer “Yes, I saw the pictures.” Laura I know Phil is devastated by Lina choosing Nick that night, his hand is broken and he’s furious. However, when he enters their bathroom for the first time, seeing the roses in the toilet and the pictures…did he get out of his own head for just a minute, to think about how devastating those pictures were for Lina? I can see why he answered her question the next day the way he did, because of his personality and he had wondered all night, if she was having sex with Nick. But for one moment in time, I wanted him to feel her deep-rooted gnaw of betrayal for what he saw in that bathroom and an overwhelming disdain for Kim, because of what she destroyed. Talk about anxiety…phew….I may need dental work from gritting my teeth.
‘did he get out of his own head for just a minute, to think about how devastating those pictures were for Lina?’
See, that’s why I’m so mad at Phil still…those pics were devastating to me! and I’m not even her husband! How could he not understand what she went through when she received those pics? how could he yammer on about Lina choosing to stay with Nick and having to drive with his broken hand? So what?! At least he never received intimate pics of Lina with another man!
And yes, Janet, I’ve written quite a bit in the past week. It’s Christmas time again in the Hunter household — fun to see them all together — I’m not a huge fan of Megan but I’m working on her LOL. A holiday party for Phil’s office and my favorite — writing scenes with Liam!
Thanks Laura! I hope I don’t come up with more questions next week. I thought you answered them all too! Tracie. Sequel, sequel, sequel. All our answers are there. Ok. Till next time.
Yes of course I wondered. I thought like you, who is this guy talking to Phil, who is taking the pictures, and why take these shots if not to use against Phil? And I remember the matching black color tops they wore, basically every detail Laura describes in the book. Again, like you, I dissected this book and I bet we can recite dialogues at this point.
Did you ever wonder who the guy was (in the bar) that Phil was conversing with in the picture?
I did LOL. I’m still trying to figure it out
this too will be answered in the sequel
Laura, that did make me laugh out loud.
I wondered about the conversation too. I think she could have said if it wasn’t for Lina, Phil would marry Kim? Not sure. It’s not clear to me. Also, I don’t think he would have told Kim the depth of Katie’s troubles but with a few drinks in him he could have overshared some of the problems they were having including how distant Lina is towards him. Ugh. I just don’t know Tracie. I know all will be answered in a few months but December can’t come soon enough. And we agree about the joining running group theory. We wait and see if we got anything right.
Janet in your favorite Chapter 15, Phil went from “How could you not have known (talking about when she got pregnant)….. to “this isn’t about Lina.” First of all, what do you think she said about Lina? Because that takes me back to Chapter 8, where Phil tells Lina “we fought…I went down to the bar, she was there..I talked…she listened.” Now what did he talk about…did he tell her personal information about Lina and that he had a strained marriage? Did he discuss Katie’s problems with Kim? Because if I were Lina, and he did discuss me and my children with her, that would make me feel even more violated by his betrayal. Laura feel free to jump in here at anytime…LOL.
Interesting and most of this will be answered in the sequel. As far as what Kim said about Lina on the phone call — she was just trying to talk about her — find out what she was thinking about the pregnancy.
Janet, I’m hoping he was toward Kim, like he was to the woman at the Lacrosse Field in Chapter 47, nice but not flirty. I wonder if she sized up Lina at the Christmas Party or if she researched her prior to making her play for Phil? If Kim joined the running club to be close to Phil????, it would only make since that she researched his family. Phil might not have known at the time that Kim was going in for the kill, by she sure did!!!!
Yes, I’m sure Kim sized Lina up. I hate that she’s ten years younger ugh
Did I misunderstand? I thought Phil joined the Saturday morning running class to spend time with Kim, not that Kim joined it after he did? Because at one point Lina said to him that she doesn’t know him, doesn’t know the man who would stop running with his daughter (Megan) just so he could spend time with another women….(this was right after Nick introduced Emily to Lina and Phil, and Emily had assumed that Phil and Kim were a couple during running group)…I need clarification, pleeease!! This one is a real thorn in my side
Tracie, the “narcissist” pursued Phil from the getgo. I think he noticed her but didn’t do anything. Sounds like women flock around him all the time but he doesn’t act upon them. Argggggghhh. I hope he didn’t notice Kim.
He didn’t notice her until he noticed her LOL You’ll understand what that means when the sequel come out.
Me too….Laura is probably thinking she’s right in the middle of Poltergeist…”They’re Back”…LOL…..If Laura tells us, that my Phil noticed Kim at the Christmas Party, it is going to spin me up!!!!!
Omg I’m laughing. I too was busy this week and couldn’t post. Got on the blog last night but didn’t see that you or Laura posted anything this week so started unsticky but couldn’t get past a few pages- was so tired. Glad to see us back and flooding our favorite writer with our crazy questions!!
Janet, I’m talking Kindred Spirits….as soon as my comment posted, I saw you had posted too! LOL
Hi Girls….work has been crazy this week, but have missed our interactions. I had a situation this week where I had a calendar conflict with two meetings at the same time. I’m a detail/relation type person and this conflict made me think of Chapter 22 (text messages). Phil was a senior partner and his first meeting didn’t start until 10:00, how did Kim (as an associate) get to take two hour lunches with him and show up on his schedule? We know in Chapter 2, Lina says there is 75 (think that was the number???) associates in the office, so I assume they all worked with the senior partners????? How did Wayne find out about the affair? Have a great day girls….
I’m not an attorney but have them in the family. It’s all about the billable hours. I’m guessing Kim had to work some evenings and weekends to make up for all the breaks she took with Phil. Phil’s secretary would have to know what he was up to — no way of keeping it from her.
Good morning ladies- I have missed you guys this week! Laura, I’m wondering if you wrote any big scene this week? Also, I thought of more questions for you (Yikes). Here goes… How often did Phil and Kim travel to New York? I know the affair started and ended in NY but did Phil only take Kim? If so, was it intentional in the beginning? I ask because it sounded like she was a newbie lawyer and why would Phil choose her over a more experienced associate? Also they were pretty handsy with each other and I can’t see Phil doing that if they were there with others from his firm. I know she was pursuing him since she joined the firm, did anything happen during the holiday party? The way Phil told Lina she may have met her at the party made me think. And lastly, when did Kim first tell Phil she loved him? I’m guessing it was after she revealed her pregnancy otherwise Phil would have ended things sooner. Ok. Have a wonderful weekend!!
And here I thought I’d answered all your questions LOL. No, nothing happened at the Christmas party. Kim was not the only associate traveling with him to New York. Once the affair started he did intentionally choose her to go with him (not the first time). This is how Wayne figured it out. An affair in the office place would be hard to hide. She didn’t tell him she loved him until after he ended the relationship
One more thought, I’m wondering if Logan is going to be a little jealous of Lina having a relationship with Liam?
No. Definitely not. Logan is totally secure in Lina’s unconditional love. Plus he’s very protective of her!
I love that….you wrote him so perfect! I’m hoping Phil and Logan end up in a good place in the sequel.
Thanks Laura my mom was an awesome lady. I wondered if there would be a scene with Nick and how all three of them would interact together in the sequel. I’m sure with Phil’s POV it will be interesting. In Chapter 47, when Phil wrapped Lina up outside the restaurant, Lina had said she dragged her gaze from Nick to look at Dana, but could still feel Nicks eyes on her! Wow, I bet Phil was so jealous. I would of loved to have his POV at the moment! Can’t wait to hear what Liam calls her!!
Laura so true on the parent analogy! My mom use to say it takes more to be a mom than just carrying a baby for 9 months, it takes having a loving heart because that’s where you carry them for a lifetime. That’s why I feel Lina’s parental influence will be so important in Liam’s life. I can’t wait to read what Liam calls her. I read Unsticky (throughly enjoyed it) and it had a reference similar to what my grandpa use to say to me “Pretty is as Pretty does.” That is where Kim fails miserably and Lina excels!!
Oh, I love that and how true. I’ve never heard that expression (your mom’s). So happy you liked Unsticky — I loved her wit! And what Liam calls her — I won’t tell you, but it’s actually kind of funny. Nick appeared in a scene today. I wasn’t sure if he’d come around or not, but the boys do go to the same school!
Janet, I guess I’ve watched way to much Lifetime…..that channel is like a haven for mentally deranged women…..I can’t wait to learn about her extended family that will tell us a lot about her persona (other than what we already know). I have a feeling that 1.5 miles will seem even shorter when it’s all said and done. I bet there is a permanent dent in some wall where Phil has been banging his head, thinking what have I done!!!! Lol
Laura, I like that Lina didn’t let Kim see her sweat in the edited out wedding hall scene! Lina was so smart in holding it together and not letting Phil go rip her a part. Kim strikes me as the type if she smells any weakness in Lina she will zero in like a trained snipper.
Lina has way too much pride for that. She’s tougher than people realize (of course that’s probably my fault haha)
LOL Definitely not mentally deranged, just completely narcistic — narcistic people don’t make the best parents either!
Hi Tracie. I too love Logan the most and I really like Adele(she’s the perfect supporting character). Regarding Kim, I never thought she would directly hurt Logan but I did think by going after Lina, Logan of course will be affected by it. I don’t think she sees the kids as her threat. More like get rid of the wife and the rest will go her way. Hmmm. Like Laura said Kim has guys falling over themselves to get to her so I’m sure she thought the baby would cement her relationship with Phil. In her head she truly loves Phil and he’s her endgame so imagine when Phil rejected her. We saw how scary she was when she wanted to break up the family so we haven’t seen her at her worst( the 1.5 mile away home purchase alone made me gasp!). Can’t wait to see her suffer since Laura said it’s too easy to kill her off. Lol!! The nanny theory is a good one. Sooo her…
Janet’s right. The only person Kim wants to hurt is Lina and that’s because she’s married to the man she wants! Actually, it isn’t even that she wants to hurt her — she just wants her to get out of the way, so she can have Phil.
Janet that should of been a comma not a question mark after self absorbed and selfish…..I’m well aware of that answer LOL
Hi Janet. Here is my think question for the day……do you think Kim would try to hurt Lina by trying to humiliate or hurt Logan in someway? Kim is so self absorbed and selfish? I could honestly see her thinking she and Liam could replace Lina and Logan in Phil’s life! Boy talk about Phil going ballistic……humiliate or hurt one of his kids,..talk about feral alpha dad!
Laura will Phil and Lina dance again? I ask because they fell in love across a dance floor, but the picture of him and Kim may have ruined that too! I hope not…..
They probably will — I don’t think it’s ruined.
Awesome, best news I’ve heard all day!
Janet I worry about Kim going CRazOI onLogan and Lina the most? I bet in her warped mind she thinks her and the baby could replace them! You think? Logan is one of my favorite characters in the book he has such a sweet spirit. They will all accept the baby but it will be hard! Do you think Kim thoughtPhil would marry her, hire a nanny and then they. Flutter around town like a bunch of butterflies ! She didn’t know much about Phil then.
I don’t think this comment posted…my phone is doing weird things ugh!!!
Thank you Janet, I too wait to hear from you each day! I’m so vested in this couples happiness and survival I can barely stand it. Just the anticipation of the book gives me anxiety, I can’t imagine Laura’s emotion meter writing it! I know the sequel will pull out all our emotions. We have to live the affair again through Phil’s eyes, which will Spin us up, but give us the closure we meed. Finally, the vacation house mystery will be solved! I know Kim’s going down and Lina and Phil will survive, that keeps me centered! Lol
God bless you Tracie. You make me laugh everyday. As far as the name goes if Laura named it “the Baby” we will still think it’s the best name ever. It sounds like Liam is a name Phil chose though? Lina, Logan, and now Liam? Doesn’t matter thought bc we will take anything except Ryan like Tracie mentioned. If you are consumed Laura we as readers are obsessed and I hate both emotions. I know for me it’s because I don’t have closure for this couple yet. As far as another surprise scene, I honestly don’t put it past Kim. She’s the type who will use any ammunition to hurt Lina and won’t think twice before using it. Sorry everyone!
Lina, Logan, Liam — I love Liam but I may have to change his name. It’s getting very confusing!
As long as it not Ryan I’m good with it. Lol.
I read liberating Lacey! I didn’t think there was too much sex but yes when there is it is boring and I tend to skim. As much as I loved fifty shades and Sylvia Days’s crossfire series both had way too much sex and I skimmed many of them?.
By then,Tony ‘s twins would be teenagers. Love the thought! Dad and brother being all Alpha over the Prossi girls.
I don’t recall saying they were girls. I only said twins 😉
I know I’m just hoping lol….
Laura, I wondered how authors feel writing such wrenching intense scenes and now I know. I mean my heart was pounding when I read that brutal scene not know what will happen on the next page so I can’t imagine you knowing the outcome and having to type those words out. Lord! This latest argument scene makes me wonder, will you have more “birthday” type or surprises for us? Omg! Also which book do you think you will publish next?
Janet, I hope I don’t have any scenes as brutal as the birthday one in the sequel. And BTW I didn’t know where that scene was going as I wrote it — it just slowly unfolded (of course during the rewrite I added/subtracted details). At this point, unless something strange happens (like a story comes to me and I have to stop everything and write it) I think the sequel will be next. It’s consuming too many of my thoughts — I need to finish the story.
Yay… that will put a year or two back on mine and.Janet’s life!
Are you preparing us (down the road) for a steamy relationship between Taylor and Michael (A sense of belonging) ? would be great then we can catch up with Tony and Casey lia and joseph
Liza, good golly girl, we are on the same wavelength!! I love the older man younger woman romance!!! I’m also hoping Laura wakes up and has a story for Adele someday! Love that girl!
I struggle with Adele because her personality is soooo different than mine. She would make a feisty heroine though.
Older man younger woman is my favorite — there aren’t enough of them. A very steamy (ie erotica) older woman younger man romance is Liberating Lacey by Anne Calhoun. I liked it but the last person I recommended it to told me there was too much sex
My husband is 12 years older than me and I love it! Too much sex…nah!! Lol!
Nice!
Absolutely! I just need to Taylor to grow up a little.
They would be so amazing together!! Would love to read their story!
Laura, don’t tell me if yes or no.. but I hope to see a gooey scene with Liam and Lina, that Lina is unaware that Phil is watching or saw…I want to read his POV on what a special gem he has in Lina!! I know sappy right!!
I can’t imagine all the feelings you have to cycle through writing your books..I literally was fighting mad on the first part of Chapter 1! I felt Lina’a Betrayal throughout the book! I admire you for your talent!!
The difference between reading a book and writing a book is the length of time you’re in the scene. It’s great when you’re writing a happy scene, but brutal during the sad scenes. The birthday scene was the worst for me — especially when she was going through the pictures. I actually cried when I was writing it LOL
I had to stop reading that scene and take a couple of deep breathes! My heart broke for her! That’s why your books are the best, you live them, while you write them. Thank you for that Laura.
Don’t feel bad sister, they are not Ward and June Lol! They will have to go through the storm to get to our HEA! Don’t let either one of them leave that house, lock them in the basement if you have too!
Hi girls, if I told you about my day you wouldn’t believe it anyway LOL! But I’m so tired I feel mellow, so Laura on my Chapter 48 scene that was edited out, did my man Phil whisper something sweet in the edited out scene, like thank you Lina, I’m so grateful to be in my bed, your arms, cherish you etc! I need sweet today!
Of course! He said everything a hero should say at that moment and he meant it!
In the sequel they are currently having an argument/disagreement — hate writing these scenes, I feel like I’m part of them. I actually feel anxiety when writing them ugh
Swoon!!! Love me some Phil!! Can’t wait to see him get his Alpha on!!!! Yum!!!
Hi Liana! I just saw your posts. Don’t know how I missed some before. I agree with your about everything. Couldn’t have said it better. I too need Phil to show his contempt for Kim in front of Lina and it sounds we are gonna get that and more. I don’t know how we will all last till December. I never heard of joy fielding so I will look into it now. Have you read the ultimate betrayal by Michelle Reid? It’s a harlequin so it’s short and old but Michelle Reid writes angst really well. And again as Laura said the SP West book has a cheating theme and well written. Take care!
Hi Janet! Yes I’ve read Michelle Reid and SP West. I can’t get over Alex’s betrayal as well!
I still say Phill is by far the best husband redeeming from being unfaithful… thank you Laura!
I Will be checking on the books you recommend Tracie!
Thank you Liana! I actually love Phil LOL
I don’t think Alex is anything like Phil…Alex was intentionally cruel to his wife and kind of immature…to be honest I didn’t feel he was redeemable…I thought Phil was much more of a MAN than Alex, and I think he was mean to Lina only after she spent the night with Nick (even though he had no right to be given what he had done!!)…having said that, I’m still mad at Phil…I have pretty intense feelings about him, kind of love/hate-ish…even after the second book, I’m sad to say my feelings about him are still not resolved…realistically I know Phil and Lina belong together, and there was never really any other choice (of partner) for either of them, but the bitter pill is still lodged in my throat…sooooo that means that this series should definitely be continued so I can finally fully forgive him haha!!
Laura, do you think in any future books about the Hunters (if there will be), Lina and Phil will go down memory lane and recall their first time together when they were teens? Or when they met for the very first time? I would so so love that!! Or, how he courted her, etc…swoon!! I’m giddy just thinking about it…and oooh how about a prequel? Like, their first year together as a teen couple, their proposal/wedding/honeymoon/first year of marriage, their first year as parents, etc…Ok I’m sorry if I’m sounding like an obsessed stalker (but I kind of am with these two hehe)
Hi Tracie. Completely agree. The writing was choppy and I read it before WPF. But remember how it ended? I’m thinking thats what needs to happen here. Did you read torn up? The writing is good. I’m excited you started Unsticky. Let me know! I bought it. Did you read any other cheating book you can recommend me?
Janet I haven’t read it yet, but I will sister. Have you read Stuck-up Suit?
Janet I read admission of guilt. But it didn’t have the substance that Phil and Lina’s story had. It was just ok for me. Reading unsticky now.
I read Life Withou You too! I hated the guy while he was having the affair but understood how his attraction grew bc we got to see it. When he took the coworker to Hawaii though, I wanted him maimed( that’s why I had such a difficult time with Phil). But now I know Phil’s situation will be different so I’m better. Anyway I liked the book. I like that he had 3 yrs of suffereing without summer. Another one in same category is admissions of guilt by Roxanne winkler. Oh one more. Torn up marriage by Caroline Roberts. Touchy/angst subject on cheating but good
I don’t mind our man having a few flaws, that is just him and I still love him!!!! Phil’s comment was made to Lina, but as a mother, Phil probably would of carried me on his back a few feet while I was smacking the back of his head. That comment was just rude and about Lina’s baby!!! Poor Susan…I knew she would be devastated!!! Lina taking Phil back should ease her mind some. Thank you Laura
Laura, here are my two questions for the day….
In Chapter 38, when Phil tells Logan he doesn’t have a right to judge him, until he is 42 and has lived a mistake free life. What had Logan said before that comment? I think another time when I wanted to filet Phil was again early in the book, when he took Logan to a Lacrosse game and told Lina when they got home that to watch the game was painful, she could take him next time. No wonder Logan thought he was a disappointment to Phil. What is Phil’s mom (Susan) going to think about Liam being an illegitimate child? Phil says in the epilogue, at Lina’s parents wedding, that his mother would be glad that she was no longer from a broken home.
It wasn’t that what Logan was saying wasn’t true — he was telling him how sinful his behavior was — it was more that he was being chastised by his fourteen-year-old son. Phil’s personality would see that as disrespectful. As far as lacrosse is concerned — he said that comment to Lina, not Logan, but it’s clear Logan’s play level is frustrating to Phil (sorry, our man has a few flaws — I don’t think I’d go as far as Janet and call him innately selfish LOL — still stinging from that haha). He wants Logan to be more competitive which probably just isn’t in him . Susan is devastated by the affair, the child — all of it, but Liam is her grandson and she will want to know him.
Yes, these two instances between Phil and Logan stick in my mind as well, and they bothered me…Logan may have not heard the painful lacrosse game comment, but I’m sure he picked up on his dad’s attitude/mood on the way home from the game…as for when he felt chastised by Logan, he didn’t stop to think how he would have handled his father having an affair while he (Phil) was a teen…if his father had had an affair behind his mom’s back, I’m sure he would have had a few angry words for his dad as well…Logan didn’t say anything that wasn’t true, and I felt like Phil kept trying to suppress Logan’t feelings just because he (Logan) wasn’t able to be as nonchalant about the affair as his sisters were…this is one of those times where I felt Phil was kind of bullying Logan, like, ‘I’m older than you, do as I say not as I do’ type of thing
Laura, I’ve read it and you’re right about the affair. Alex was one weak coward to me. Even though the first part of Chapter 1 was rough for me, Phil wasn’t cruel. Have a good day ladies…..
agreed…I lost interest in Alex pretty early on (I never lost interest in Phil, even though I was very mad at him)
Have any of you read Life Without You by S.P. West? I can’t recommend it because it made me soooo angry. I just couldn’t move on from his affair. She can definitely write.
Janet.. Right as rain sister! I love going over the scenes and thoughts from the book, but like you,I don’t want to post our theories for the sequel. That baby needs to be a big surprise!!
Ugh don’t know about the shower scene Tracie! He did that with Kim if he followed Kim’s instructions on the text. Too fresh in my brain since I read the book 2 months ago. What I’m thinking of Phil as a lover is he was selfish with Kim and really just concentrated on his pleasure (we know he is selfish by nature) and giving with Lina.
But Janet they had been at the hospital all night (ewww)! But yes, I hope he was full on selfish with Kim!
Selfish by nature. That comment made me laugh out loud.
Thank God you agree Tracie. We both need the book now but want to savor these scenes right? Laura will you address the running group scene? Just want to know if Kim joined so she can be with Phil on weekends as well or if they joined at the same time so they can be together on weekends. Gawd hate her so much! Can you just kill her off and make us happy? j/k (but not really). Ok. Good night everyone!
Yes, I’ll definitely address it. Killing her off would be too easy. Plus, she deserves to suffer LOL
I with you Laura…. skin the wench and roll her in salt! (I’m not really a violent person LOL)
How could Phil stop running with his daughter Megan on Saturday mornings (their ‘thing’), just to go running with Kim (and the group) instead?? HOW???!!! How did he come to this decision? How on earth did he justify it to himself??
Ok Laura here we go, passionate kiss with a yes on the invite? Phil sent the kids to church, get pizza or to Matt’s? Since they were at the hospital all night I’m thinking shower, then sweeet bedroom rumba, then snuggle nap!
Yep! Exactly. The kids go to church with money for lunch. Lina and Phil reacquaint themselves with each other off and on all day!
Awww, I knew it!!! Thanks Laura!!!
Chapter 48, I got so flustered I forgot the number! Lol
Oh Janet so glad you said wait!! Laura multiple choice is not an option for us!! lol. But you can tell me about the edited out hot scene in Chaprer can I give you rated G questions about it and you answer? Lol
Of course! LOL
No I will wait!!!!!!! I don’t want to spoil it for others!! Seriously this is becoming the most anticipated sequel. Is the release still around December Laura? Lord It’s not even August.
LOL Yes still shooting for December!
Laura, I also wondered about Lina’s physical looks too, she describes herself in comparison to Diane in Chapter 1, but how pretty is she really? We know Phil is a walking hottie! The scene in Chapter 46 where she was in the bar with Adele and Lina thought the Accountant Adele had invited to the table was looking at her like she was his next meal!! So I’m assuming she is hot too!
I have a question for the day. In chapter 8, when Phil is confessing to Lina about the affair she asks him if Kim is beautiful. He answers that he only ever thought Lina was beautiful. Is this true? If so what did he think of kim when he first saw her? I know you told us when Kim broke down Phil’s wall he found her very attractive. Does he find Lina’s beauty different than Kim’s? I don’t mean the inner beauty because he only discovers how nasty Kim is after he breaks up with her at the office?
Very interesting timing on your question. Today I wrote a scene where that exact question is touched upon and answered. Do you want me to answer it?
I’m very curious about this also…throughout the affair, did he ever mentally compare the two of them in looks? Like, Kim’s eyes vs Lina’s, their lips, legs, whatever else…did he ever think to himself, Kim’s lips are softer, or her younger smoother and tighter (he better not have!! lol)
No — he didn’t compare them. He wasn’t thinking about Lina when he was with Kim — he was escaping.
Hi Tracie. I remember the commercial! LOL. Im finishing up The Good Wife by Jane Porter(chick lit). It’s ok. The husband cheats here and wife has hard time trusting him. I wanted similar theme to tide me over for a bit. Purchased Unsticky. Will start that next!
Hi Janet! The same with me! I’m also going for the same themes in my readings now! Will be looking at the good wife… just read the first time by joy fielding same infidelity with a beautiful sad ending.
OMG can’t wait to see in the sequel scenes that seem to show Phil making an effort for Kim but is actually all Kim’s manipulation… there were so many scenes where I felt actual pain on my chest (Laura your writing is that good!) because I feel for Lina! Btw I love how the kids stuck by Lina and I am eager to see this again in the sequel.. particularly Megan… I want to see her (being the one who seem to be able to accept Phil after the affair) lash out at Kim!
To Tracy and Janet! It’s great to find “sisters” in romance novels that understands the crazy things you do for a good romance novel… like finishing a book in one go or getting obsesed with a sequel! ??? (I literally get strange looks when I tell people this). Thanks for connecting us Laura, blog is awesome!
I too am a binge reader. If I like a romance, I don’t stop reading until it’s over — it doesn’t matter how long it takes — and then I wish I had read it slower. Thanks for all the book recommendations!
Liana, you are right….we have to stick together and the next time you get one of those strange looks….just tell them binge reading romances is cheaper than therapy!! LOL!
Janet I’ve decided we have to quit promising and putting unrealistic timelines on ourselves, about not stalking this blog, just stifles OUR creativity LOL! Laura has probably resigned herself to the fact… she’s like RadioShack….we got questions..she got answers!! (I hope someone remembers that commercial or the store RadioShack). LOL.
Girls I started reading Unsticky!
Wow! I go away for couple days and so many new posts. This site is so great!! I will purchase sarra Manning’s unsticky as soon as I leave this site. Loved Clay(I think?) and Whitney and my fave Tori and Ian from JM and also love anything by Penelope Ward(Jake duet), Vi Keeland and adore everything by Sherry Thomas too! Also, one of the best writers other than our Laura is Lisa Kleypas imo. Once and always is one of my all time favorites. So glad we share similar taste in romance which makes sense. Regarding the most anticipated sequel, I think there is only one way to end this book to make tracie and me happy. LOL. Unless Kim does a complete 180 she will stay selfish and evil. If she can’t have Phil at the end, will she want Liam?? I guess we wait and see what happens. I completely trust Laura will deliver and then some!! For me it’s more about the details and explanations about the “incidents” Laura will gift us and getting to read Phil’s thoughts. That alone is everything. Thank you for this blog!
Hi Liana, I too would love to see Phil put Kim in her place with Lina present….our girl Laura will ensure Lina’s justice and Phil’s redemption…I see Kim going down!!!! Have a great evening,,,,
Dear Laura and all the ladies here.. I just want to say that I really enjoy the discussions here (even if I don’t post much). I will definitely check out the books recommended here. I’ve read whitney my love and it’s one of my favorites! Have you read the author’s other books Laura (once and always! Swoon!)? No doubt you are one of my favorite authors now (read all of your books too, multiple times! Relishing the best romance book hangovers afterwards ???. Another oldie but goodie romance I like is the one in my heart by sherry thomas.. I am currently rereading my favorite books but once your new books are out this year I would probably go on a book retreat just for reading them all!???
Thanks, Liana! I’ve never heard of Sherry Thomas — I will definitely check her out! I’ve read all of Judith McNaught many times — I love all her historic romances. The contemporary were okay, not my favorite.
Laura, one more thought for now..LOL…Phil has now seen Kim’s true colors…will he also get to witness those same flaws in her as a mother? We know he admitted to Lina being the better parent in their relationship. I just wondered if he would compare the two as mothers? I don’t think Kim would like Liam putting wrinkles in her pencil skirt or throwing up on her silk blouse. I may be wrong, but what we know of her now, her own selfish instincts would seem to come first over her maternal ones.
Phil and the reader will see exactly what kind of mother Kim is!
OH MY GOSH…..I can’t wait for your new books. I’ve already told my family and friends…that the minute you tell us your new books are being released, they are all getting “Save the Date” magnets for their refrigerators, and unless they needed blood, don’t call, text or come over!!!! I’ll send a group text out with an “ALL CLEAR” after I recover from by book hangover!!!
HAHA You’re so funny!
Laura, I haven’t read Unsticky or Whitney My Love. I did buy Unsticky yesterday and will start on it this evening and let you know. Soulmate connection comment has me feeling anxious….I won’t lie about that…..I need them to survive and have their HEA! I just remember you saying this sequel is justice for Lina and justice is Kim gone and her and Phil swimming naked together….LOL…The reason I feel anxious about that comment is because you surprised me so much (curve ball) in Joseph’s story, on how his investment strategy effected his and Tony’s working relationship. Most books would of been a Bro hug and don’t do that again!!! Now I’m scared…about my Phil and Lina!!!! That’s why I love your books, I don’t figure them out midway, you maintain your characters integrity all the way through the book and you keep them at their maturity level. That really came to light for me, reading Sense of Belonging when Casey got 21ish on her text messages over his ex-girlfriend, when Tony was in Vale. Tony laid it out plan and simple…”I don’t do this answer the phone and talk to me like an adult.” LOVED IT!!!! But that is what a 21 year old would do…Lol… No details… but please throw me a warm fuzzy for Lina and Phil…I need it like a warm hug…LOL….Also, don’t you think Janet would be all over the triangle in Stuck-up Suit, especially at the Hampton’s? I see by the dialog she needs to see the disconnect (really bad) between Kim and Phil to pull him back into the fold. I do too Janet!! I need to see him treating Kim colder than he treated Lina after she asked him to leave. Lina couldn’t even ask him how he was during that time, it was almost to much for me. That is why I need to see his contemptuous attitude toward Kim. Most off all, I need to see his romantic Alpha side for his wife, and Lina to step up her game. I don’t think she ever called Phil a term of endearment, did she? I’m going to assume Laura, that some things will be a given…like the separation agreement is null and void, bank account joined together as one again…I know word count is important, so unless you say otherwise I’m going to assume that all of that was accomplished. Also, your comment on sharing a young child…interrupted sleep and crying….if Kim has Phil running to her house in the middle of night, I’m hoping Lina is stuck to him, like a barnacle on a boat bottom. No way should Lina allow him to go without her and Phil should even tell Kim she’s coming, so not to put himself in a compromising situation. Just the thought has me spun-up!!!!! Phil ran out to the driveway every time Nick drove up…..so it would only be fair for Lina to go…LOL
LOL. You’re too funny. Your warm and fuzzy is that I am a romantic and believe in HEA. Having said that, in most cases when I’m writing a novel the scenes unfold before me. I don’t plan what’s going to happen. I have a general idea where I’m going but the story seems to take on a mind of it’s own. I was as surprised as you that Tony took such a hardline with Joseph. And like I said before, when I first wrote a White Picket Fence I didn’t know until about seventy five percent of the way through which man she would end up with — I think unconsciously I probably knew, but there was a small part of me that thought it could be Nick. So as I write the sequel I can feel this story again taking off and like the reader I’m not sure exactly what’s going to happen. But, again — I’m a romantic so you can count on a HEA.
Thanks Laura I feel like I’ve been loved up on now with the warm fuzzy and HEA!!!! Phew….that is a load off!! I’m a romantic too…Just like the soft coming and going kisses all your men throw at their women,SMOKING HOT!!! I just had another thought (I know…you are thinking really!!!) Will Logan and Nick’s son still be friends in the sequel? I can’t wait to read Phil’s thoughts of any jealousy he may have over Lina and male attention thrown her way. Was Kim jealous of Phil’s children in the first book? Speaking of funny, in Nick’s book, I hope Casey is pregnant with twin girls…Loved me some Alpha Tony when he said he only made boys….HOT!!!
We are definitely on the same wave length! Twins are in Casey’s future!
Hi Laura
Counting the days for the sequel for Phill and Lina! I hope in this second book Kim gets the Karma she deserves.. maybe show a confrontation of Phill- Lina-Kim with Phill making it clear that he loves only Lina and even sharing a child with Kim will not change that… in the first book I keep wanting to see Phill flip and get angry at Kim not just towards Lina or Nick or Katie (although there is the phone call to Kim but he seems to be so professional like the lawyer he is in the conversation).. Kim acts like she is so sure of herself with no remorse for braking up a family… because she’s young beautiful smart etc. Flaunting to Lina how Phill chose that aspect of her over Lina… maybe a scene where Phill tells Kim that even when he was with her he was imagining Lina? That would really satisfy me ?
Hi Liana! There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind exactly how Phil feels about Kim. We all know how cold he can be and so far (as I’m writing the sequel) his personality is coming through loud and clear. He’s in love with only one woman. He cares only about one woman. Kim is selfish and spoiled. She’s also smart and beautiful and use to having men fall at her feet. There will be plenty of scenes showing the interaction between her and Phil — it was impossible to do in the first one because it wasn’t from his POV. I think this book will be very satisfying for those hoping Kim receives the Karma she deserves!
Hi Liza, I was also wondering through the wastelands and found a book called Stuck-up Suit, by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. It was a good filler…..as you can tell I’m also anxiously waiting for Laura’s releases…..lol
I liked that one too!
Traci,
Yep read it one of my faves and Dusan Susnjar the Cover model is ?
Thank you
Thank you Liza, I’ll get the book.
Laura you are such a gifted writer and I love your men…this being said and while you are working on and finishing three books IS THERE ANYONE out there that writes the way u do or has inspired you that can fill in some “reading while we wait on you” time hmmm? Give us a name I’m sure they won’t live up to u but I’m in a “need a book now wasteland”
Thanks Liza
Thank you Liza!
The last romance I absolutely loved was Unsticky by Sarra Manning (couldn’t put it down)
Other recent books I’ve enjoyed — The British Knight by Louis Bay, The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas and Look the Part by Jewel E Ann. I loved Judith McNaught growing up — Whitney My Love is one of my favorites. Best romance ever (in my opinion) is Pride and Prejudice (it’s rated G though LOL).
Laura, I’ve read all those books except for two! But your books are by far my favorite……. I knew Kim’s family would have to slide in here somewhere, especially now that Liam is here. I also thought about what you said regarding the rose comment…. that poor Lina would have several triggers of that awful day. That awful day was her birthday, that comes around every year! (Ugh)! I’m hoping that Lina will hold her head high during the humiliation she must go through. I’m wondering how Phil will react to her being hurt or ridiculed by others for his betrayal? Janet – I was thinking about your comment how can it truly be over with Kim, when they share Liam. I know you can share a child and not have a relationship (I did it with my ex). You each have a relationship with the child, but not with each other. My own opinion (Laura please correct me if I’m wrong), that Phil considers Liam’s mom as a vessel that brought his son into this world! Not someone Phil has feelings, love or wants in his life. He’s said in Chapter 44 that he regrets the circumstances surrounding Liam’s conception; wishes he was Lina’s. Chapter 47 when he says he will regret his betrayal everyday for the rest of his life. Laura will have to say for sure, but I feel like his feelings and relationship with Kim will be sterile, void of emotion (except for maybe anger or contempt), I think Liam will be his main focus where Kim is concerned. Phil has his second chance with Lina and he doesn’t want to mess that up either. I’m hoping Phil’s keeps his promises to Lina in Chapter 24 and goes all romantic hot caveman cherishing her the whole way, loving his kids, integrating Liam into his family and maybe having a couple of guys show up with a straight jacket to cart Kim off….LOL! Laura will there be any scenes with Lina and Kim? Will Phil have a soulmate connection scene in the sequel, where he knows Lina needs him? Thanks Laura, I really tried to stay off the blog, but it was just too much of a pull for my inquiring mind…..LOL
You are correct about Phil’s feelings for Kim — it’s tough avoiding interactions, however, when you share a child that young. Yes, there will be scenes with Lina and Kim. As far as the soulmate connection — I hope so!
Have you read Unsticky? Just curious what you thought of it. Sometimes how much you like a book depends on your mood, but I really, really liked that one and was sad when it ended.
Look the part is one of my top 5 also read Whitney my love and really like Louise Bay will definitely ck our Unsticky thanks
This Man by JEM awesome haven’t read the other yet
Couldn’t stand it girls….. this is short though…..Laura does Kim have a family (parents or siblings)?
Yes! You’ll hear about them in the sequel.
Ladies — I too need a life because I am enjoying this back and forth as much as you seem to be. Janet is right — Phil would never remove his wedding ring. If he had known Nick was on the lacrosse field he would have instigated much more than a cheek kiss. He had minimal contact with Kim during her pregnancy and she never would have learned where he lived. She could bide her time, knowing once the baby was born he’d have to see her. Yes, in the original Lina saw the scratches which resulted in a heated discussion – where did it happen, did anyone witness it etc (it happened in his office and he had to close his door and restrain her because she got a bit hysterical). Janet, I think you’re right — in retrospect I wish Lina had asked about Kim — knowing he had interactions with her would be tough. Tracie — yes Lina will have to deal with the humiliation of everyone knowing her husband fathered a child with another woman. And good point about his reputation in the office — I’m sure every new associate hears the story. It’s just too juicy to keep under wraps. All of this will be in the sequel. Good night ladies!
Janet I wanted to clarify, that I don’t think Phi would ever cheat again with another associate, I’m just saying another associate could cause office drama.
Janet, tell me about it…I was on vacation a few weeks ago and was in bed by 10! It was a girls trip too! You probably right on Nick and Phil!!! But Phil could spin a lie like about the tie and Sreamboat, so I think he could be calculating to get what he wanted. I also wonder what happened in those 6 months. Did he follow her pregnancy, did she stalk his rental. She left Lina alone while they were separated, now I’m anxious to see what Kim will do in the sequel. But Laura did say that after the text messages he cut off all communication with her and said they would only talk through their attorneys. I wonder if Lina ever noticed the scratch on his neck after Kim attacked Phil in his office. Did she Laura? I’m also anxious to see the scenes with Wayne. Phil (in my opinion) set a precedent by having an affair with an associate. He’s a hot partner, now what is going to stop another female associate from trying to stake a claim or break his walls down, This has to effect his professional reputation, don’t you think?
Hi Tracie, you and I need a better social life right?! Me more so because I’m still on vacation but I rather read Laura’s answers and your posts. I think by now we can take a lot of what Phil does and says at face value. He’s not a calculating person from what gleaned from Laura’s answers here on the blog. I never thought about the kissing cheek part but he was surprised Lina turned her face to meet his lips. Wasn’t this after Christmas when they’ve already been intimate? The brief kiss at the game I think was his natural reaction. If he knew nick was nearby it probably would have been a liplock. As far as the ring goes I 100 percent believe he never took it off. He prayed everyday for her return and never lost hope. I mean if he kept it on for everyone to see even when out with Kim, what would be the point of taking it off when he wasn’t ever going to initiate the divorce? The only part that niggled me was when they were having dinner after dropping Logan off, and the question Lina asked Phil. Instead of does he ever go out or meet women at bars, i would have asked does he ever think of Kim and How it could be truly over with her when they share Liam together. I guess that’s an answer for the sequel. Lastly, omg about mingling with coworkers. Feel so bad for Lina but after 2 years hopefully the drama has settled down!!
‘Instead of does he ever go out or meet women at bars, i would have asked does he ever think of Kim and How it could be truly over with her when they share Liam together.’
That’s literally what I was thinking when I read that scene..it was like an elephant in the room for me..they didn’t really talk in enough detail (for me) about how it would be if they got back together, what Phil could reasonably expect from Lina in regard to Liam..in reality, I don’t think he had a right to expect anything at all from her, because in her place would he really welcome some other man’s child (from an affair with Lina) into his family, life and home? I don’t think he would ever accept Lina’s (hypothetical) child (from her hypothetical affair with another man) into his family, he probably would never even acknowledge such a child…I think that’s what bothered me throughout the books and why I still don’t have closure, he just didn’t look at things from Lina’s perspective enough (for me at least)..having a child with another woman didn’t just change his entire life, it changed Lina’s just as much (and their children’s as well)…like that part when Lina wondered about how they had planned to take a few years after their 3 kids were out of the house to travel the world together while they were still young and fit, and how they wouldn’t be able to do that anymore since Liam would still be very young and would need them…I really needed more of those conversations between them addressing these types of things, where Phil truly comprehended how he had altered their lives and dreams irrevocably
You’re right, Phil would never accept a child of Lina’s with another man — absolutely not. He is definitely a hypocrite — there are examples of it throughout both novels. He is a flawed H, but he has some great traits too and I believe he grew quite a bit during Swimming Naked.
I think the reason Lina didn’t bring up Kim at the dinner because she knew if Phil wanted Kim he would have been with her — she had his child. Lina had kicked him out and yet he still didn’t get together with Kim.
Laura, i promise too (right after this post), I’m going to do something else this weekend besides throw questions and thoughts at you, LoL ..Chapter 47…..Lina and Phil’s little kiss on the Lacrosse field. Lina had said Phil hadn’t had much interaction with her after the talk about his son (chapter 44). So I wondered why Phil even initiated a kiss to her cheek at the lacrosse game. As luck would have it, Lina’s, possessive side took over and Phil obliged with a more deeper lip kiss! Did he see Nick when he took Lina’s face in his hands? Because as soon as Phil walked off Nick was by Lina. Nick even said he would of come over sooner, but he didn’t want to interrupt. Also, Lina put Phil’s ring back on before he picked her up for the pre-dance picture party. Did Phil ever take his off during the separation? His ring is mentioned twice, once in the pictures of him and Kim and when Lina went to see him after he had surgery. I was wondering that in the sequel, would there be social events were Lina would have to be around the law firm employee’s? I know he said at the wedding, after the slap scene, that everyone in the room knows about the affair now. Would they now pity Lina or think she is an idiot for taking him back? It would be hard for me, if I were Lina, to have my coming out, so to speak! Have a good weekend girls and thank you Laura!
I didn’t write any scenes from Phil’s POV in the first book, so the reader is as blind as Lina. Having said that I do know the answer LOL. I’m sure he felt guilty after the first time with Kim. He probably initially regretted it, but Kim continued to make herself available and tensions at home pushed him further from Lina. Phil didn’t like condoms and of course Kim told him she was safe and had contraception covered. No, he didn’t cuddle with her and stare into her eyes like he does with Lina. He liked Kim (she was smart and probably interesting) and was very attracted to her once she broke down his walls of resistance. I’m sure he was flirty, but their relationship was at least 90 percent based on sex. As far as what he was thinking when he was schooled by Nick? That was probably the worst night of his life. I’m sure he still believes he could take Nick — just an unlucky miss with the fist hitting the wall. Once his hand was shattered it wasn’t really a fair fight.
well, I wondered about condoms because Lina said at one point that Phil hated condoms. It ruined his pleasure and that’s why Megan is a honeymoon baby. I think he talked about it with Kim after the first night and she probably said she would take care of it but didn’t. We can deduct Kim is an experienced and worldly woman who probably had multiple partners while Phil only had Lina for 25 years. I know Phil only loves Lina but we saw the tactile pics with Kim I wondered if he did touch her during sleep and the eye connection.
Janet….I too wondered about the “and more”! The protection part I also wondered if maybe (just maybe) he did use condoms and she pin poked them to her advantage.. Then I backed down on that assumption, because Phil had been faithful to Lina for 25 years and doubt he carried one! I think Phil may have got wrapped up in the new aha as we now code it and just got carried away with the excitement of the act and Kim’s full attention. My perception is Lina Spoiled Phil, and yes they were fighting over Katie, but Lina as a mother was striving to help her daughter and her attention was not fully on Phil, but on her child. I’m sure Phil paid first date type flirty attention to Kim, I don’t know about the all snuggle naps, etc! That might be pushing it for him!! I believe his only true connection was with Lina and his misplaced loyalty cost him dearly.
Laura I wonder what was Phil’s thoughts when Nick had him restrained and told him to leave, and that he was a black belt and could pretty much kick his butt!! Between Lina choosing Nick and the knowledge he couldn’t have Nick drinking through a straw must of been crushing!!!
Janet the comment Lina made about Phil texting in the house was Chapter 23! She was telling Nick about the texts I’m the wine bar.
Good morning! I thought I would get my question in today and give everyone a break for the weekend.;) . So we know how the affair started the night in the City after a bad phone convo between Phil and Lina. Later on when Phil confesses his affair to Lina, she says that sounds like a one night stand, how did it become an affair? Phil just tells Lina “then it became more”. I would like to know anything was edited out with the morning after scene with Phil and Kim. ONS is something I can see happening with Phil but how did he feel the morning after? Did he regret his actions(I’m sure drinks were involved here)? Did he try to end it at this point and Kim swayed him otherwise or something Phil decided to pursue since it was an outlet for him? I’m also wondering if they discussed protection since Phil doesn’t like to use condoms and if he asked Kim was clean? I remember when Phil was talking to Kim on the phone in chapter 15, he said he has told Kim before he would never leave Lina. I’m curious if this was all happened the morning after their first night together. Lastly, I know I have asked you before Laura if Phil showed any affection towards Kim by indulging her and you told me no. I know how protective he is with Lina- he is always holding her when she sleeps and looking into her eyes for the connection when they make love. Did he do this with Kim? Hold her after sex while they slept during their travels and look into her eyes during sex?
Ok that’s it for me for this week. Have a great weekend!!
Me too Janet. Lina just doesn’t seem like the type to reject Phil in any way shape or form. The more we learn from Laura the more intrigued I become with this couple!!!!
Thank you for setting me straight Laura. I’m happy to hear he didn’t text Kim either. Tracie and I are dissecting chapter by chapter at this point. Man, I get riled up! Tracie, so true about the texting at home. I even remember the time(8:52pm) when Phil texted K about coming over at 7:30 the next morning!!. Argggghhhhhh. Also, I’m so glad we found out the reason for infrequent sex during the affair. That’s one scene I totally got it wrong.
Thanks girls! Laura so glad he didn’t respond to text! I bet that drove Kim nuts playing the waiting game all weekend! (Yay)! I like the (caveman)his woman statement about having sex with Lina during that time! I think that is why your hot scene that was edited out in Chapter 48 would of been awesome, at that point there was no love triangle just a straight line!! You know the healing power of love and all! Lol.
Janet read Chapter 1 where Phil is reading the text message? He is literally checking times with his wife to schedule time for his side tart! He was cold in that first half of Chapter. But I got to give it to our girl Laura, she got my attention right out of the gate!
Janet remember in the book after Text message scene chapter 22, I can’t find it, but I remember Lina saying somewhere that she couldn’t believe he was texting Kim in their home with her there. That’s why I wondered about the message in chapter 1. Never thought about the “I’m tired comment” meaning but I think you are exactly right!! I agree on Wayne too! Now that I think about it, Phil would have never believed Lina would look at another man…yep he was doing just enough homework to fly under the radar!!!
Great questions! No Phil never answered her text. He was contemplating meeting Kim when he asked Lina the time of Logan’s game. Janet is correct — Phil was upset about going to Wayne’s because there was a strain in their relationship because Wayne knew he was having an affair. Yes, Phil wanted Lina to be asleep when he came to bed because he didn’t feel like arguing with her — when he admits the affair to her he mentions how she was mad at him all the time. I was implying (obviously a bit too subtle) that Lina was rejecting him — remember when she told Nick she began initiating sex — that was because she had stopped and often rejected him.
When Phil said he wasn’t going running in Baltimore the morning after he and Lina reconnected it was because he didn’t want to chance seeing Kim — he was done. He told Wayne that when he saw him at dinner and then Kim a few days later.
As far as the sex Lina and Phil had during the affair — it wasn’t so she wouldn’t suspect he was having an affair. It was more because she was his woman and if she was receptive he wanted to have sex with her — definitely more mechanical in nature than when their connection was restored. Ugly I know, but I think realistic.
Tracie, these are such great questions and partsI kept going back to see if I missed anything. I think Phil was going to meet Kim for the “run” before his aha moment that night. I also think he wanted her asleep because he came into the room saying how tired he was and Lina had to initiate sex. To give him credit, I don’t think he wanted to deal with another fight so he was avoiding her. And damn him, I think he was having the occasional sex with her so she wouldn’t suspect he was having an affair. I mean this guy can go all night supposedly and only 5x in their marriage has he gone without longer than 3 weeks. I’m really hoping I am wrong in all this but as I see it, until Lina brought him back to their real world his affair was still ongoing. Lastly, Wayne was mad at Phil for the affair. They were not talking remember? It was at the dinner that their relationship was restored bc of Phil’s aha moment.
Laura. I was going to wait on this comment, but it too causes me some anxiety and even though I’m Pro Phil, I wanted to filet him!! Chaprer 1 – when the text message from Kim came through about wanting to see him, Monday was too far away! (Ewww). As Phil was reading the message, he asked Lina what time Logan’s game was the next day! I assume contemplating if he could carve out time for her. As he left their bedroom he put his phone in his pocket! Did he answer that text message prior to their reconnection a few hours later? Was Phil aggravated at Lina over the dinner with Wayne and Diana because Wayne was mad at him over Kim or that would preclude him from seeing Kim before Monday? When Phil came to bed did he want Lina to be a sleep? When she initiated the reconnection she said it has been nearly three weeks since they had sex. My first reaction was poor Lina she’s getting pity sex once a month, then after our dialog, I wondered if it was the caveman mentality and he was having just enough intimacy with her to keep her at home while he played else where? Since they were having minimal sex during that 4 months while his affair with Kim was on-going and their connection was not there between them, was that sex with Lina mechanical as well?
Thank you Laura for all your time to calm our fears and enlighten us of the past and things to come. Have a great evening!
Laura, I just had a thought about the roses Phil sent Lina every year for her birthday. They were by the door with the FEDEX envelope of pictures. You mentioned that Phil confronting Kim about the BD surprise will be in the sequel, not knowing how the scene will be used or when (but can’t wait to find out)….those roses just like the picture at Steamboat, would probably be a significant reminder of Phil’s betrayal. I doubt Lina would ever want Phil to send her roses again for her BD, since she stuffed the last ones in the toilet, which to me (my thoughts only) could have been a visual statement to Phil of exactly what he had done to their marriage….I would think that tradition is destroyed too! (ugh)
Very good point. Poor Lina will have several triggers that transport her back to that awful day. I like your visual statement to Phil with the roses. I didn’t consciously intend that but I like it!
Thank you Laura!
Oops. Just noticed my comment used my email address name. Laura, I adore you comment is from me, Janet.
I adore you Laura!! What you said is everything I want and posting/emailing deleted scenes is beyond awesome!!!
OMG Laura that will be awesome!!!
Good morning Laura, I just have a few thoughts this morning LOL…God love you..if we keep going like this with both books we may have you writing a trilogy!!!! When Phil left home in Chapter 30, I know his personality and temper kept him from interacting with Lina, unless it was about the children. Were there any scenes edited out about him and Kim during the time he left until Christmas? What were his emotions during that time when he was going home alone. Katie and Megan both commented on how sad he was during that time. After Phil and Lina had made love in the basement (Chapter 43), why did he continue to distance himself? He knew at that time that she had not slept with Nick. Was it to give her the independence she thought she needed or his way of making Lina miss what she had (Phil)? Lina even questioned the distance when he didn’t call or text her after their kiss on the Lacrosse field. What did Phil think of Nick being at the hospital with Lina when Shiloh was in the wreck? Now my question of the day, after the last line in Chapter 48 “I want you to come home, Phil.” was there a really hot scene that was edited out? I know if you can create a swoon worthy scene out of sexy Tony just walking across a restaurant to/from the bathroom (sigh)(CHP 1) … After that one line dropped from Lina, I can only imagine where your talent could take us with alpha Phil…..
After the Christmas scene, Phil started to believe Lina would eventually take him back — he was giving her the space she needed. And of course there was a hot scene after she invited him home — I needed it! The editor didn’t think it was necessary LOL. There were SEVERAL sex scenes between Phil and Lina edited out. Good question about Phil seeing Nick at the hospital — I struggled with that because I knew he would hate it, but at that moment it would have been so inappropriate to put anything before the health of Shiloh and then he was dealing with Lina and her flashback – then she took him back so there was really no where for a jealousy scene. Lina also ran to Phil as soon as she saw him, so…
As far as how Phil was after he left — devastated. He lost weight and his family worried about him — all edited out. Editors like books at about 89,000 words. This one is actually 98,000.
Laura, I too need the welcome home scene…My mind has been on overdrive about that last line in Chapter 48, since January. I’ve imagined them after the physical act, needing traction and soft casts. What happened??? How tired were they really????!!!!! Got my email…bring it on Sister.. Remember this Laura…..nothing good for Christmas for the editor. I can forgive the other scenes being cut, but that ONE…not happening…LOL….
Oh also one more request Laura! Please don’t edit out any scenes between Phil and Kim. I think we all need to see the interactions between these two. The past as well as the present please!! I really want to see it in writing that he treated Kim differently. I mean, of course I know, but I would love to read some of the details of their affair so I can see for myself that Phil loves Lina and Kim was something else entirely. I have gleaned so much from your answers today. Thank you!!!!!!!!! Loved that he contacted Kim regarding a restraining order and loved seeing how Kim handled the breakup when he told her it was over. Also, as Linda commented, I wonder if he confronted Kim after seeing the pictures she sent Lina. Chapters 28 & 29 were brutal and enlightening but at the same time I was so frustrated because I just didn’t know what happened after this uproar.
There will be plenty of new scenes between Kim and Phil in the sequel. Currently the sequel begins several months after the last book ends, but that may change depending on how it goes — as far as the past in concerned — I will write the scenes everyone needs to see — basically Phil confronting Kim after she sends the birthday surprise and after the baby is born. Phil ending it with Kim (where she scratches him), etc. The way the sequel is progressing it almost seems like it could be a stand alone book. I don’t want to force scenes in that don’t belong. If past scenes don’t fit in to the sequel, I will either post them here or email them out when I finish the sequel.
Ooh yes! More ideas= more chapters for us! I have my own hopes and theory for the steamboat incident but I will keep quiet for now. Lot of these questions I post here are more for my reassurance and you always say/write the right thing Laura.
Omg my heart was beating so fast reading your response Laura. Ok I was thinking more like 3. Ugh! Anyway, I like that Kim is awful. I want her to be OTT evil so nobody can sympathize with her. I just have thuggish reactions when I’m reading anything to do with this character. I honestly cannot wait for The sequel but this book discussion of sorts with you, Tracie and others are keeping me sane.
Awesome Laura!!! Thank you for your time and answers today. Goodnight all you blog girls!!! Janet enjoy the vacation!!!
Speaking of that…..Lina is always noticing women notice Phil after she learns about the affair. We know he is caveman over Lina and when they were in public together, he constantly had a hand on her somewhere. Loved it in chapter 47, when he wrapped Lina up when they ran into Nick and Dana! In the sequel, will his POV have the same possessiveness over Lina and men noticing her? I know your wrapping up Steamboat too, will that picture on the nightstand make it to the trash? I doubt Lina could look at it again. Thank you so much for this great dialog!
Oh yeah! If anything it grows! Good point about the picture — gave me an idea!
Laura, 5x a day….Wowza! He sounds more like a stud in the Kentucky Derby than a lawyer!!! That gave me anxiety for Lina too and made me want to snatch that wench ball headed!!!
Ten years younger and beautiful ugh. I really dislike Kim LOL
Yes!!! I want to know more about the affair. What he was thinking? if he believes that he lost Lina it will be awesome to know his struggles and emotions… We know so much about Lina’s thoughts and suffering, I just need to understand Phil. Details please!!!
The original title of the book was The Affair. My editor said that the affair wasn’t as interesting as the triangle with Nick, so I basically rewrote the entire book — giving Nick many more scenes and deleting scenes about the affair. The sequel will definitely fill in all the missing pieces plus add quite a few.
Tracie, it’s a team effort at this point. Haha. Talk soon! I’m on vacation and still can’t let go of my laptop checking for updates every hr. I should put this blog as part of my news alerts. Only if there’s a way!
Janet I too appreciate your comments. Together we’re like kettle corn! A perfect mix of sweet and salty Lol!
Laura!!!
That scene in the hallway with Kim and Phil reassuring Lina would have been so important to me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the slap scene. It was satisfying and Kim deserved more! I too am pro Phil but I sensed his love more from deduction and his character rather than reading it in the book. Also, I wanted to see the desire he had for Lina since love was already understood and with Kim, his lust for her was clearly out there. It really is time for him to cut her down and let her know she meant nothing to him other than a convenient piece blank blank. Thank you for that tidbit. Phil wanting to storm in and confront Kim and saying they were lies-loved that so much!! So just to be clear did Kim lie when she told Lina how many times they slept together? Can you tell us the number? I wanna know!! Although cheating is not my favorite trope but I dont shy away from them. They never bothered me this much. Your book was an angst fest and I know the sequel will become one of my all time favorites?. Ok after this I will be appeased… till the next person comments. Thank you thank you!!
Okay – here we go. Just writing it makes me feel anxiety for Lina. Kim told her that Phil couldn’t get enough of her — that they had sex sometimes as much as five times a day. It wasn’t true, but hearing it was devastating. Phil was livid and Lina eventually believed his denial. ugh Kim was even more awful in the original.
I’m sad about how hurt Logan was over his dad and want their relationship to move forward, just like Phil and Lina’s. No doubt from all we’ve talked about that it will happen (makes me happy). Logan was an awesome part of the book and an amazing character. You wrote him to have such a sweet spirit. I’m glad Phil has to be knocked down a peg or two too….you know my little bit of revenge girl and all. Love that Phil is still dominate….no other way to have him…that too is smoking hot!!!!;)
That makes me feel a little sad! I just want them to be ok! I can see what you mean now about Phil suffering.
I’m not finding this book sad at all. Phil has obviously been knocked down a peg, but he’s still the dominant male in the house. It’s interesting.
Laura, we key on Lina trusting Phil and their relationship. But what about Logan?? I admire the way you keep your characters at their maturity level. You really see that in Chapter 38, when Logan’s anger falters and he tells Phil “I don’t want him to be your son.” Lina made a comment in an earlier chapter when Logan overheard her and Adele talking about Steamboat she said “her innocent boy was gone.” Phil had to be suffering for Logan, how could he not. Will Logan be able to fully trust Phil once he is back or will he be on the fence worried about Phil being weak or making another mistake?
Tracie, Phil and Logan’s relationship is touched on quite a bit in the sequel. This was a significant emotional even for Logan. Lina’s right — it forever changes him and the way he sees his father.
Janet, I wondered about that too!!! I kept thinking Lina tell Phil what Kimzilla said….pleassssse!!! I was bummed when she didn’t.
I hate that — when I’m reading a book and I want something to happen and it doesn’t. In the original version Lina saw Kim in a hallway and Kim said some horrific things — like how many times they had had sex. Lina kept it together and basically told Kim she was insignificant and she would always be insignificant. She lost it when she got back to the room and Phil saw her and convinced her to tell him what Kim said. He was livid and tried to storm out of the room to confront Kim — Lina stopped him. He then told Lina that Kim was lying and trying to hurt her — that he had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Lina etc. etc. Anyway the editor cut out the scene. The slap scene was added at the request of a friend who read an early draft haha
Laura, When I read your reply…I looked like a cross between a shadow boxer and an air guitarist. Love Love Loved it….Me and you friend could hang out..I’m talking slap the fire out of Kimzilla….LOL
Janet you asked be about respect and sporting Kim around town. Remember Diana telling Lina that Wayne said Phil was discreet? I would imagine the going out was probably done while in New York. I bet he never even considered that his affair would turn out to be a documentary for Lina’s viewing with the pics and messages. Baltimore though….that to me was a risk with the running club (which came back and bit him). My mom use to say, if you wave candy in front of a baby long enough, they will eventually grab for it. That is what I think of, when Phil gave into Kim’s advances. Remember Diana telling Lina that she chased Phil relentlessly??!!! Laura said it was the perfect storm of events to lead him to betray Lina. In my opinion, whether he was indoors or out with Kim, the entire affair was disrespect to Lina. Because I’m pro Phil, I can’t see him having anything lingering for Kim, except contempt. I too trust Laura to spell it out for us and have no doubt it will be exceptional done.
Ditto everything Tracie said in this comment!
Oh Lord. I think Tracie and I are feeding off each others questions at this point but another thing I wondered about for weeks was when Lina bumps into Kim while dancing at the wedding, Kim says your husband couldn’t get enough of me. Afterwards when Lina confronts Phil in the room, he says he only heard what Lina said to Kim. Is this true? Or did Phil just didn’t want Lina to know that it was true? Until then I was still siding with Phil and believe it was a fling to escape the difficulties at home. When the evidence came out with texts/joint running group/ pictures, I felt he chose to ignore Lina’s “ did you hear what she said to me” comment.
he was being honest. He didn’t hear what Kim said. Kim was just being spiteful and mean — showing her true colors
I did wonder about those pictures. It must have been set up by Kim. Liam was born 12/23 so she got pregnant on purpose in March instead of Feb?As hard as it is for us, we just gotta wait till Laura can give us the “dictionary”. I have a feeling Kim had a had in just about everything including steamboat.
Laura, was there a scene edited out when he went to see Kim after the baseball game??? Kim waited until he broke it off with her to tell him she was pregnant, why??? If Kim thought they had a relationship, and were solid, she wouldn’t have went to the trouble of crushing Lina (my opinion only) and keeping blackmail material on hand (if needed). I think that Phil knew what Kim was capable of doing and that is why he wanted to check on her (at the wedding) after Lina slapped the way out of her. Since the sequel has Phil’s POV will there be scenes with Wayne???? Sorry about the promise to remain silent, I’d be a horrible criminal!!!:(
I don’t think she took the pictures and kept the texts with the intention of using them to hurt Lina. Kim was humiliated at the wedding — she was smacked across the face in front of a crowd. I think she decided to get even — plus she’s still in love with Phil, so she’d like his marriage to end. Phil was generally concerned that she would call the police. Yes, there will be scenes with Wayne and scene’s with Phil’s brother.
No deleted scene. I’m not sure why Kim waited. My guess is that she was afraid of his reaction to the pregnancy news. She was biding her time and probably hoping they would become something more. She initially lied about how pregnant she was — hints at premeditation on her part. She wanted him and went after him.
Janet who took the pictures of them dancing and setting at the bar? Kim was in those pictures . We know she took the ones of him in bed? Also, why was there no evidence of her being pregnant at the wedding when she was a week shy of 6 months? Laura could take us anywhere with this sequel and I can’t wait.
I don’t know what to think about Liam’s situation Tracie! The situation is so messed up.
It’s way over my head and I just want Laura to resolve it in the sequel. Initially, I wanted Phil to reject the baby because I wanted him to choose Lina and his 3 children over Liam. From the phone convo he had with Kim on chapter 15(I know my fav. chapters!!), I thought it may resolve this way. Now I know that won’t be the case anymore so I am just going to wait and find peace when Laura gives us the book. I have appreciated your theories about Liam/Logan/Lina! Regarding the respect part, I agree with you in part but I also viewed it as a sign of possessiveness on Phil’s part. I mean if it’s just a fling, then keep it indoors. Why is he out and about with Kim and have others see his behavior? Isn’t that a sign of disrespect for Lina? 4 months of this and the steamboat made me think it was a relationship. I’m so hoping Laura can school me here. Please God and please Laura!
Hi girls, I am too hooked up with this novel. I love and hate Phil… I am dying to know his point of view the night Lina was with Nick. How much he suffered thinking about they? Why he was so cold the next day? Hello was your fault!!! Did he contact Kim? Did Kim get pregnant un purpose? Laura you are an amazing author thanks for sharing you time with us 😉
Hi Janet! Nice to hear from you! It was 100 percent his fault but, justified or not, he was deeply hurt when Lina chose Nick over him. He had spent a sleepless night believing she was having sex with Nick. He really believes Lina is his — caveman, I know. That is kind of a critical scene in the book. He believes he has lost the love of his life. His anger is unreasonable but it fit his personality.
Yes, I believe Kim got pregnant on purpose. We can’t know for sure because she wouldn’t admit it, but I believe so.
An affair is disrespectful — there is no excuse regardless of what’s going on in your life. He clearly owes an explanation to Lina (and the readers) in the sequel.
Janet so glad you are back! I think the lust/sex from Phil’s point of view was cold and mechanical. No real emotion. You see that in his text messages and when Lina asked him if he loved Kim, he said “No God No!” I think whatever he felt was gone, when she devastated Lina! He had to feel shame and remorse knowing Lina read those messages. Also, what is your take on the crying baby and interrupted sleep for Phil???? I don’t think Phil had any respect for Kim based on the pictures. A man that respects his woman wouldn’t put his hand in the apex of her thighs in front of another man that he was conversing with, nor would he grip her butt for all to see! I bet Phil would never do that to Lina!!! I promised to stay silent, glad you gave me an out sister!!!!
Tracie — I couldn’t have said it better myself. You’re spot on!
Hello!
I am away but I just got on and saw the new posts! I can’t stay away from this blog and am thrilled to see so many fans engaging here from all over the world. Definitely more food for thought for me and maybe Tracie too. I am so curious to Tracie’s questions and would like to piggyback on another one Laura(I don’t think Tracie and I will be done anytime soon). In the beginning of the book, Phil comes home early from NYC and Lina is surprised. Why did he “wrap” up early? Was he finally coming to his senses before Lina made the first move? Am I reading too much from this one scenario? When Deb commented on Phil possibly having lingering attraction for Kim, I wanted to smack him on the head. She makes sense though because how can lust just disappear if it never fizzled out? Even though his heart was always with Lina, can he control his physical reaction to Kim when just a week before he was still seeing her day and night?? Oh Lord Laura, I hate even having to ask you these questions but there may be more from time to time. I think I may re read some parts tonight… Thank you and have a great week!
Hi Janet!
Gosh too much was cut from the original. Phil comes home early because his work wrapped up — take that at face value. He and Lina reconnected that night. At that point he realized Kim was a huge mistake. He told Wayne it was over when he went in to his study at his house. That’s why Wayne stopped being cold to him. In the original version, it was obvious Kim didn’t handle the breakup well. She physically attacked Phil at his office and scratched his neck. Huge turnoff for him. Any lingering feelings would have evaporated quickly when she showed him her true colors.
Laura, I have one more question from the first book and I promise you, unless you throw me and Janet a tidbit, I’ll remain silent and anxiously await for all of your books to be released……I wanted to know if there was anything edited out regarding the text message scene. Phil clinched his jaw and was livid;however, did he ever confront Kim? Phil grabbed Lina’s wrist and put the phone in her hand, changed clothes and walked to the bathroom, what were his thoughts? Again, thank you for your kindness and patience in answering our questions and discussing your books. You’re a real gem….Have a great day!!!
LOL you don’t have to refrain from asking questions. I enjoy reading them — I also decide to add scenes to the sequel based on some of this feedback. In response to this question — yes. In the original Phil called Kim and told her he was going to slap her with a restraining order if she ever contacted Lina again. At that point he also cut off all contact and said that they would only talk through attorneys.
Hi Laura, Hope you had a great 4th of July! Your comment back to Deb about Phil having his share of interrupted sleep and baby crying…..screams TIDBIT Alert! I have so many theories and scenarios running through my head about this sequel, I feel like I’m chasing boogers in the night, I don’t know which way to turn! LOL. So agree with we can never give Phil to “Kamikaze Kim” not even for one minute! There is only two ways custody of Liam can go for Phil, that’s either shared or full custody. Either way it’s going to be eventful getting to the end result. I’m just hoping the interrupted sleep and baby crying is done and Phil and Lina’s house and Kim isn’t having him run to her house in the middle of the night! I feel for Lina and her kids though, she has finally got to a place in her life where she has freedom because of her kids being teenagers, not worrying about diapers, bottles,etc. Logan is at an age where he needs his dad more than when he was Liam’s age. Logan also has limited time in the household before he graduates, where Liam has 18 years to go. I see that being a struggle for Phil, maybe trying to be in two places at one time. This is where Lina may have to make hard decisions about Liam (taking care of him) so her own son doesn’t miss out on his time with his dad! However, I do see Phil hitting the realty wall when runs down the stairs in the morning announcing he’s going to exercise and Lina saying “hold up skip”, I’m heading to work and you got Liam to watch. I’m hoping Lina starts to see Liam as an innocent party in this whole mess, just like she and her own kids. Lina will have to look at Liam as a extension of the man she’s in love with, verses a by product of his betrayal. Laura I was wondering if maybe there would be a romantic dinner (or special occasion like their wedding anniversary) in the sequel. Lina’s birthday was a disaster with the pictures, they missed Valentine’s Day with the separation, I just want Lina to have that special day! So looking forward to Lina’s justice and Phil’ s redemption. I love this couple!!!!!!
Hi Tracie! I had a great 4th! I hope you did as well. We are definitely on the same wavelength when it comes to Phil, Lina, Liam and Logan. These scenes almost write themselves — toddlers definitely take away your freedom — what an adjustment.
Hi Laura, sending thanks all the way from NZ for your fantastic writing! Like other readers of your books, I couldn’t put them down and read them all back to back with many late nights! But more than worth it as they never disappointed! My favourite book was “A Sense of Belonging” but the one I couldn’t stop thinking about was “White Picket Fences”…it was so raw and so real that I felt like I was the one betrayed lol!! I was Team Nick and hoped that Lina would at least have a steamy affair of her own with him but can appreciate that it wouldn’t be in her nature to hurt him or Phil. It was certainly thought provoking and hit home about the fragility of relationships and about never taking them for granted! After I finished the book and thought about their future I envisaged the huge difficulties with the new baby in the mix…I thought maybe Lina should make Phil face up to his responsibilities and his massive mistake by telling him to go and live with Kim for a set time, maybe 3 months so he and Kim get a reality check and have to deal with the realities of domesticity ie: interrupted sleep, colic, crying etc…I imagined that the resultant friction and resentment that Phil would no doubt feel as a middle aged reluctant Dad would certainly put an end to any lingering attraction despite Kim’s best attempts! Meanwhile I imagined Lina carrying on with her life as an independent woman, no longer reliant on her husband and not having to be in the middle of the baby mumma drama Phil has to deal with and being mentally stronger to have him back once he’s proven he no longer has any attraction to Kim and can manage his parental responsibilities in a way that clearly puts Lina and their kids first. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us 🙂
Thanks Deb! Great to hear from you! A Sense of Belonging was definitely my most favorite story to write — pure romance. I was on an emotional rollercoaster during the writing of a White Picket Fence. When I write a story I connect with the female lead and feel their happiness or pain — that book was brutal. That’s probably why, like so many readers, I feel the story is unfinished. Oh My God — can you imagine if Phil lived with selfish Kim? LOL I agree he would hate her but Kim would get too much satisfaction in the beginning — believing she stole him from Lina. I couldn’t stomach it. He will have his share of interrupted sleep and baby crying. It’s interesting to write the sequel because as much as I thought I knew where it was going it seems to be taking on a mind of it’s own. Have a great day! p.s. New Zealand is on my bucket list!
Thanks Laura……all about the justice!
Hi Laura, ok on Susan, but Geez, I don’t want Phil or Susan to pull Kim in for group hugs or campfire songs. It seems to me Phil will have to make it clear to Kim somehow that yes, Liam is MY family, but you are not!!!!!! Phil will have to live what he promised Lina when he said that he would put her needs above everyone else’s and he loved her more than anything in this world. I just can’t stand the though of Lina being the victim again!! Since Susan can’t snub Kim! How about Adele throat punching her??? LOL
We are definitely on the same wave length. No one likes Kim! Lina won’t be a victim in this book — I too couldn’t take any more of that. This book is about justice for Lina! I promise.
I read that your editor felt like Lina should end up with Nick. On some levels I agree. I know that it will not happen, but will you consider giving Nick a book where he has a happily ever after?
Hi Pattie!
Nick definitely deserves a happily ever after. He may get his own book or he may be a character in another novel. I’m still mulling it around in my head, but I’d like to see him settled and happy!
I’m telling you Janet this sequel going to be a heart stopper! !!!!! Yes!!!!
Lord, Tracie! I just spit out diet coke as I read your defibrillator comment! bahahahaha. You are so funny!!
Laura, will Susan Hunter have an appearance in the sequel? She was a strong character for me too! She holds Lina in high esteem and I would love Susan to rudely snub Kim in defense of Lina.
Yes, Susan is in the sequel. It’s a challenge for a grandmother — hard to be rude to a woman who is raising your grandson!
So true Janet, I need Tony and Casey steam between Phil and Lina, I want him overly protective of her and I want his attitude toward Kim to be all breathing dragon. I’m also wondering how close Kim and Emily were as well. There could be a whole black widow plot going on here. I hope Lina goes all Loretta Lynn on Kim, with “you ain’t woman enough to take my man.” Janet I think we’ll both have to read the sequel at the hospital so we can be next to a defibrillator and within the golden hour!!!!
Again you’ve made me LOL!
Laura, these snippets you share with us are too GOOD!!. You give us a tidbit and Tracie and I respond with gasps and omgs. I too see a rabbit boiling crazo. I mean what nerve! I now have a theory why Kim joined the running group. In the book I thought they joined at the same time so they could be together on Saturdays as well but not I’m not sure anymore. Well you address this issue in the sequel? Seriously, I too need Phil to hate her.
Ahh — Good catch! I will address it!
Kim will continue to act like Kim — she isn’t a nice person — to put it mildly LOL
Laura, I do believe you failed to mention the house!!!!!! Oh my!!!!! I see a rabbit boiling crazo in the Hunter’s future. Wasn’t Phil’s rental the same distance from his house? I thought Kim worked in Washington ( long commute)? Kim is only an associate how does she afford their neighborhood? Please let us know how much Phil has to pay in child support!,, Since they all jog that might make things a little awkward. Lina is going to run into her everywhere! Kim doesn’t realize this will just make Phil hate her more! Please let Phil hold tight to Lina and even though Phil does have to suffer by his own hand, I want Lina to support him as well. That’s the only way I see them surviving and I want that to be!!!! Also, the passcode to Phil’s phone was an issue in the first book, for trust to be rebuilt, I hope she knows it in the sequel. Plus, if I was Lina, I would play her game a little, have the baby (on visitation weekend) on a pallet outside with me why I garden (see some Liam and Lina bonding), that is if the witch doesn’t sneak over after dark and spray them with foliage killer.
Don’t worry — I will answer all these questions!
Hi Laura, I read A Sense of Belonging again this weekend, in anticipation of Nick’s story. Mr. Jansen is a real poo-diddle-do. So if Lizzie turns out to be Nick’s love interest, that heaping spoonful of KARMA for him would be great. After all, Nonna was 18 when she found her man…..Have a good one!!!!
Hi Tracie! LOL That would certainly be an interesting turn of events. I’m not sure I could take anymore of Mr. Jansen! Nick’s love interest (Madison) is a 27-year-old attorney. She’s more career oriented than my past heroines. She’s fun to write. Have a great day!
YES!!! Now my mind is jumping from one scenario to another. That’s why you are my favorite author, you always throw a curve ball in your books and I don’t see it until it crosses the plate. I’m wondering now, just how much personal information about his stress with Lina he shared with Kim! This is going to be awesome!!!
Thanks Tracie! I dislike everything about Kim. Did I mention that she bought a house less than a mile and a half from the Hunter’s?
Thanks for the reply Laura! Have a great day ladies!
Good morning Girls, I actually have to work today, …LOL Laura I have one nagging question from the original book. When Phil told Lina about Liam being born December 23, she asked if he had met him and he said yes and she asked how many times? We know he wasn’t at the birth, so how was Phil introduced to Liam and was his parental visitation already in place prior to Lina taking him back? Have a great day……
Hi Tracie — Parental visitation will also be come into play in the sequel — the short answer — legal agreements won’t be solidified until after Phil and Lina are back together. How Phil met Liam? That you’ll have to wait for the sequel — still a work in progress. Have a great day! Laura
I’m just saying, if Laura wants to take their relationship in this sequel to the point of them being old and wrinkled swimming naked…..I’m hanging with her! Also, I never thought Nick would be the hero, that would of thrown the storyline of Alice’s astronomy predictions and some of Katie’s part in the book off balance. I did like his support to Lina throughout the book though. I couldn’t imagine Phil not being our hero! Laura Thanks for saving our hero and talking with us today.
LOL — You’re right, it would have been a different book. And not the book I wanted to write!
Tracie, your dictionary comment was right on and so funny!
Laura, aaah I see now why the editor wanted the scenes deleted if she wanted Nick as the hero. I have to admit he is pretty irresistible and without the deleted details, readers don’t have as much sympathy as we should with Phil. Will you incorporate any of the older material to the sequel? I had fun interacting on the blog with you all today. Thanks for getting back to us so quickly.
I enjoy the dialog! You’re right — the readers clearly needed more detail about the affair. I probably won’t incorporate the old material but I will answer/address the nagging questions and delve into what was going on in Phil’s mind.
Laura, one of my comments is bothering me, I want to apologize where I said you can’t address all of what we wonder/think feel…(of course you can,the characters are you creation) My meaning was you can’t address them ALL in the sequel. I should of worded that better….
Tracie, I knew exactly what you meant!
My mom passed away in 1998, but she would have definitely been a big fan of Laura’s. Laura let you editors know it is cool with us, if the sequel is as many pages as a printed version of a Random House Dictionary!!!! 🙂
Your dictionary comment made me laugh out loud! My mother who passed away in 2014 was also a huge Sandra Brown fan!
Laura, I know you’ll knock it out of the park redeeming Phil. I love him too!!!! It’s just the tiniest bit of revenge girl in me (because of Lina and his children hurting so much)that needs him to suffer just a little bit before his redemption.
He can’t avoid suffering — he’s made his life too complicated.
OMG. Your editors asked you to delete?!! I know your fans would have pounced and poured over those scenes because we would have insight to the affair. Lord. Ok, we will wait impatiently for the sequel and if possible, don’t listen to your editor! We treasure every word you write. Thank you so much for putting some of the doubts to rest. I will have a good day because of it. LOL Tracie, thanks for the kindred spirit comment. I think you should introduce your mom to Laura’s books(tongue in cheek). I’ve read most of Sandra Brown’s books and she’s good but her words never left me with a book hangover for weeks. We love Laura!!!
High praise — thank you! The editor also wanted Lina to end up with Nick, but there was nooo way that was going to happen. The sequel will be as long as it need to be. I won’t be deleting scenes I like!
WHAT ? ‼️ Nick?..no no no nooooo comparison to PHIL
Janet I think you and I are kindred spirits. I know a lot of what we wonder/think/feel about this sequel Laura can’t address. But it is fun thinking them through with you and others on the blog. I wonder how Phil would feel moving back and seeing his son setting the alarms, setting at his seat at the table, holding his mother in church, watching her go up the stairs sad/crying. Logan talks about “Phil giving him the man talks.” Phil just never told Logan he would have to protect his mom/sisters from his betrayal. What does the law firm think about Phil (Wayne)? I have read all Laura’s books two to three times and find something new every time. The text messages Phil sent to Kim are all mechanical on Phil’s part, her replies (only) contain the sexual innuendos. Which tells me for him it was physical. He didn’t call her baby or anything else in the messages. I hope Lina gets to have a heart to heart with Phil and finally tell him out loud her thoughts in the book (retirement plans, what Liam will call her, how the picture of Phil and OW dancing hurt her the most, etc.) Phil also said throughout the book “she is just trying to hurt you or get you to leave me.” OK…what are you (Phil) doing to stop HER!!!! Laura I know you probably want us to hush and just read the sequel when it comes out….But my mom was an avid reader and she always said, when you find an author(hers was Sandra Brown) that’s talented enough that you live her characters…YOU HAVE A WINNER!!!! Congrats Laura…LOL 🙂
Thank you for always patiently answering our questions and comments Laura. Its been a few weeks since I finished the book but every time I check your blog(more times than I should) certain niggling questions come to my mind. For instance, Did Phil every call the OW “baby” like he does all the time with Lina? Also, did he buy her anything? I ask because he wore the pink tie Kim gave him when he refused to wear pink before and also took her dancing with the “look” he only gives Lina. This made me think maybe he indulged the OW. There are so many of these little doubts I have with Phil but these two stand out in my mind. Of course if they are answered in the book then you don’t have to ruin it by telling us now. I promise I will stop with hounding you and let you finish the sequel!! I just like coming to this blog and seeing others comments and knowing they were as affected as I was with this couple!
You are not hounding me LOL. I love the questions. The first draft of A White Picket Fence had extensive details about the affair. My editor suggested I delete most of them and center on the love triangle — I can see how much frustration the lack of details has given readers. Phil never called Kim ‘baby’. He never gave her gifts. He never for even a second considered leaving Lina. Phil made many mistakes and he will have to suffer because of them, but he never stopped loving Lina. And he never loved Kim — that I can assure you. The look he was giving Kim was one of lust — still hard to take, I know. It was like the perfect storm — the home environment was stressful because of Katie, he and Lina were fighting all the time, and a young beautiful woman was pursuing him. He slipped — big time. I don’t think there is anyone who regrets it more than him.
Thank you Laura. I know Phil is going to have to take a few guilt gut punches from his family, once back in the fold. I’m hoping Phil sheds a few tears from them as well (Lina cried a river). I know this is a complete contradiction of what I just said; however, they are reuniting..I wouldn’t mind Lina being a little more steamy…??? I bet Phil has plenty of dress shirts and wouldn’t miss buttons off one or two…LOL 😉
Good plan!
I have discovered you as an author and I loved the book but I did have issues.
My main concern if I was to forgive him is the interaction with Kim over his son.
Working late, can she trust where he is?
Thanks Liz! Yes for this to work, Lina will have to trust him. As I write the sequel, I’m discovering just how difficult this is for Lina and her children. Definitely a tough road. Having said that, I personally love Phil and want the family to survive — hopefully I can redeem him in the reader’s eyes.
I know right – Janet. I’m kind of hoping Megan gets a little shaken up in the sequel and becomes more neutral between Lina and Phil verses ALL Team Phil. Plus, a pivotal moment for me in the book was when Lina told Phil that he not only cheated on her, but his children.
Exactly — his affair has changed the dynamics of their family and they will all have to live with it.
argghh. That god-awful vacation home! I wont get over the steamboat incident anytime soon. Why, why, why Phil??!
That’s a question he WILL answer in the sequel!
Laura I feel like I missed a bullet…. I’m so glad you decided not to post chapters. Like Janet, I go back and forth in your books to read certain parts again to get the full effect. Your writing is way to good to be fragmented by a chapter at a time. Plus, the anticipation for your new books will make reading them even sweeter!!!! I can’t wait to see how our villain Kim finds out about Lina and Phil reuniting!!!! One of your comments to me was “Phil blames Kim for almost destroying his marriage (justifiably or not).” I believe it is very justifiable being that he told Lina about the affair and the baby. He might have broke her heart, but our villain shredded her with the pictures and text messages. We know that Logan knows about Steamboat, but in the sequel, will the girls (especially Megan) learn the full range of Phil’s betrayal? As vicious as Kim is, I could see her path of destruction extending past Lina to include her children. I also can’t see our villain as an awesome mom being as selfish/vicious as she was in the book. Again, like Janet I want to banish Kim and forgive Phil. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read our comments. Have a great day!!!!!
Tracie — Good point! I’m not sure if the kids will learn the full extent, but they’ll learn more. The loose ends left with the Steamboat house will be covered. I agree that Kim wouldn’t be a great mother — she’s too selfish. I’m well in to the sequel and I can’t say Kim has any redeeming qualities LOL. Thanks for the comments! Laura
Laura I agree with all the FAN girls above and I have to say the thing I like the most about your hero’s is that they are consistently alpha through out the book they don’t change or go soft or become different men…we fell in love with the sexy bastards on page one and they were still sexy BASTARDS albeit, in love bastards at the end. Can’t wait for he next book whichever one comes first ?❤️??✅
Thanks Liza!
Holy moly!! I agree with Tracie. I will read anything you write about this couple in any version/draft/rewrite but to read a chapter a week or two?!? I don’t know if my heart can handle it. How will I get anything done waiting for the next chapter? Laura are you still shooting for end of this year for Phil and Lina?
Hi Janet!
Yes — still hoping to have it out by the end of the year. I’ve decided NOT to put up chapters as I go — I’m afraid that would slow the book down. Plus I’m afraid it would stifle my creativity a bit — trying not to make changes. Thanks for the comments!
Good Morning Laura, I can feel your struggle posting the sequel on the blog as you write the chapters. You’re such a unique and gifted writer – I can’t wait to turn the pages on your books to see what happens next..a week or two in between chapters could possibly do me in…but on the flip side, the blog interaction would be awesome too! Anxious to read Nick’s story as well, his brother was just WOW!!!!!
Laura, can you give us fans an idea which one of these 3 books you are working on will be out and in what order? Again, I just love your writing. Can’t wait to read about Phil and Lina again.
Hi Ann,
I think the Nick Prossi book will be finished first. I’m currently wrestling with the idea of releasing the sequel to A White Picket Fence as I write it — just putting the individual chapters up on the blog each week or two. My only fear in doing it that way is if I have a major rewrite — I’ll decide in the next couple of weeks. It’s a heavier book to write than the Nick Prossi book so it’s nice to write them at the same time!
I knew Kim was going to come back strong. I really hope Lina has shored herself up and will fight back. Laura might as well dress Lina in a striped shirt(referee) and hang a whistle around her neck.She will be the hub where Liam is concerned. Once she opens her heart to him everyone else will follow. Logan probably feels accepting Liam is a betrayal to Lina. I also think Phil’s mom (Susan) might feel the same way. Phil will squirm thinking every time Lina sees Liam it will remind her of his betrayal. I hope Phil fights for Lina, the way Tony fought for Casey!!!! Can’t wait…..
Oh wow! So happy to hear we will get Phil’s POV. I’m dying to find out what was going on in Phil’s head as he was with the OW. I agree with Tracie and Janet -you are a gifted storyteller. I became an instant fan with this book which I couldn’t put down. IMHO, saying “I’m sorry” repeatedly isn’t an answer and also saying he regrets his mistake because he was weak didn’t give me an insight as to why the affair lasted four months. It felt too long and hit hard to the reader because he loves Lina and they are soulmates. Janet, I agree with you regarding the villain. She was so scary and truly hateful ! Can’t wait to see more of her. LOL. Like Tracie I don’t want to miss any updates Laura has to give us now tha the sequel
Is in the works. Thank you!!
Thank you! The affair was a major betrayal — no question. I don’t think Lina would have had the strength to leave him (even temporarily) if he hadn’t crossed so many lines. You’re right — I’m sorry isn’t good enough. I will definitely answer your questions in the sequel.
Laura, I’m so glad you gave the baby a name. Phil and Lina continually say “my son or his son”. I see that causing a problem if Liam doesn’t become a team effort. Janet I’m sure Laura is going to give us one heck of a back story between Phil and Kim. Our villain won’t like Lina taking Phil back, it is going to be awesome. So don’t quit stalking the blog,I’m not!! We could miss something….LOL
Right again. Kim hates Lina. Lina has the man she wants. She won’t go down without a fight.
OMG, I haven’t been this excited about a sequel since discovering Nora Roberts close to 40 yrs ago and more recently 50 Shades of Grey! I am so relieved to hear Phil hates (my word) Kim and he wasn’t present for Liam’s birth. Tracie, I also read a comment Laura made to a goodreads review that Phil will sell/ sold the vacation condo. Ok, I will have to stop stalking this blog and let the author get back to her work but I hope we can believe it was Kim the evil witch who pursued Phil relentlessly and instigated/coerced him into doing things we read about. I The villain in this book is one of the best I’ve ever read even though we were only introduced to her once.
LOL Thank you! That’s high praise! I really enjoy reading the comments because it sparks ideas in my mind. I know as the author how much Phil loves Lina but he clearly hasn’t done enough to redeem himself yet. And I have a feeling Kim is going to be a HUGE thorn in their side.
Ditto Janet! I would love the answers to those questions, and more about his son. When Phil is talking to Logan about his birth and how they bonded, where was Phil when Kim gave birth? Hope Lina lets Phil know that his relationship with Kim has to be transparent to her. Will Lina and Logan openly accept Phil’s son? I hope Phil has the same disdain for Kim and her actions as he had for Lina the day he left. I know you want disappoint Laura. You are an awesome writer and your books are amazing and memorable!!!!! Thank you
Thanks Tracie!
Good point — where was Phil during Liam’s (I’ve named him) birth? He wasn’t there. I need to make sure I mention that in the sequel. Phil doesn’t like Kim — he blames her (justifiably or not) for almost destroying his marriage. I’m not too far in the sequel but both Lina and Logan are having trouble accepting Logan. As Janet requested in another comment — the sequel will have Phil’s POV. This Hunter family has a lot of issues to work through. Thanks for your kind words! Laura
Where have you been all my life?! I read A Sense of Belonging by chance and one clicked purchased your other 2 books a day after. Your writing is insane! I have read all 3 in 3 days and let me tell you that usually never happens with teenagers in my house. I am so excited to hear you are writing a sequel to White Picket Fence!!! Will we get Phil’s POV? Pretty please??!! As much as I loved Tony and Joseph, I couldn’t get Phil out of my head because of the level of his betrayal to Lina. I could understand the cheating and Lina’s forgiveness but I just couldn’t reconcile that Phil took the mistress to their vacation home knowing it was Lina’s favorite place. Lord, the birthday “present” incident made my heart pound. Also, why oh why did he initiate all the rendezvous even 2 in the same day and why interact with her on Saturdays by doing things outside the bedroom? Throughout the book I keep asking myself if he was obsessed with Kim and found myself rereading certain parts and dissecting them to calm my heart! I just REALLY need to understand him so I can believe that he truly loves and wants only Lina and why he made these choices. I want to forgive him too !! Thank you so much Laura for your unforgettable books.
When do you think you might have a new book I’m starving for one of your stories ?Elizabeth
Thank you Liza!
I am working on three books at the same time. I didn’t plan to write them this way, but sometimes this is the way it happens for me. I hope to have two out by the end of the summer and then the third closer to the end of the year. Thanks for reaching out!
I have read all 3 of your books and just loved them. Can’t wait for your new ones to be released. So happy to find out that White Picket Fence gets a sequel!!! Yey.
Thank you so much for the feedback! I’m really looking forward to writing the sequel to White Picket Fence. I’ve actually already written the first chapter!
Excited about all three. Can’t wait to encounter more of Phil and Lina’s story and have answers to unanswered questions!
thanks Tracie!
I really enjoy the Hunter family. They are still very much alive in my head!
Wow! Excited to read this. Do you have a release date already ?
Thank you! Unfortunately and fortunately, I’ve had to push my release date to the summer. It was supposed to be this month, but I woke up one morning with a story for Nick Prossi (Tony’s brother) in my head. When that happened, I switched gears a bit. I’ll finish Nick’s story and then go back to the QB. When that’s done, I’ll finish my sequel to A White Picket Fence, which I’ve also started. My plan is to have all three complete in 2018!
Interesting! Waiting patiently for date of release.
Thank you! This book took a bit more research than I expected — trying to understand the schedule/lifestyle of a professional athlete.
When will this come out? Can’t wait! Excited for this
I’m working towards a mid to late April release date! I’ll update soon!
Another one that I would not be able to put down! Can’t wait to find out what happens!