The Ultimate Romance-Erotica Book Club Guide

by MJ Nightingale

  Craig saw Amber’s vulnerability from the moment he first set eyes on her. That was what drew him in; he felt the need to protect her. Let me share with you an excerpt from Craig’s point of view. I had originally planned on writing as both Craig and Amber. I later decided to stick to just the one view to try and keep Craig’s secrets for then end. This is from when Craig first saw Amber in the nightclub, it describes how he felt.

  “When I first saw the goddess dancing with Becki I was awestruck. The way her blond hair swayed around her shoulders as she moved, the way her cute lips parted just slightly, and the way those slim hips swayed to the beat. And then when she looked over and locked her eyes on mine I felt like I’d been sucker punched in the gut. Now, don't get me wrong, she wasn't what I'd call model perfect and I've certainly seen others just as attractive if not more so, but there was something in her eyes, in the way she moved that drew you in and hooked you. She seemed so innocent, fragile even, and I had this crazy overwhelming need to watch over her, to protect her. That was what I didn't get. I'd always been an independent guy, doing what I wanted, when I wanted and had never felt the need to protect anyone, well apart from Carly. If they weren't strong enough to deal with their own s*** then they shouldn't be with me, and they knew it. So what was it with this girl that had me unleashing these feelings? I didn't know and I didn't care. Right then I just needed to find out who she was and maybe get up a little close and personal.”

  So, you can see from this that although Craig saw Amber’s beauty initially, it was what he sensed about her that lured him in. He felt that urge to hold her and protect her, and not let her go.

  6.) From day one Amber was very guarded and constantly questioned her budding relationship with Craig. What was it about Craig that had Amber dropping her defenses and allowing him in?

  This element of Amber again stems from my own personality. I am very guarded around new people and it takes me a long time to open up and trust people. Amber struggled with the idea of trusting Craig, especially when knowing he was well known for sleeping around and being a womanizer. Craig is very charismatic though, and he showed her how charming and caring he could be. He made it impossible for her to not fall for him.

  If I’m honest with myself, I would say I would have probably done the same thing. If I was feeling sad and lonely because of the breakup of a long term relationship, and then a gentleman came on the scene showing me nothing but care and devotion, I would have fallen too. Just by showing me he cared and wanted to protect me I would have trusted him and cherished the feeling of being adored. Amber was simply clinging on to the feeling of being wanted, after all David had never done that.

  7.) Craig and Amber’s attraction has been described as ‘insta-love.’ They declared their feelings about each other early on in their relationship despite the secrets being harbored. What are your views on ‘insta-love’?

  People either agree or disagree with it. Me? I’m a total romantic at heart and love to believe that if two souls are meant to be together they will know from the very instant they meet. For Craig and Amber it was more ‘instant attraction’ that rapidly grew into love. But once they admitted their true feelings for one another and stopped allowing their pasts to control them, even though the ghosts were there haunting them, they were able to open up and embrace their feelings.

  8.) The book title ‘Silver Lining’ was derived from a conversation between Becki and Amber where they discussed Amber’s fears about pursuing Craig. Would you have given the book a different title? If yes, what would your title be?

  As the author this isn’t something I can really answer, I love the title. When I decided on ‘Silver Lining’ it fit the whole story I was trying to portray. It states that even when things are going wrong, or they seem bleak, there is always the silver lining to look toward. Craig was Amber’s silver lining. I can’t honestly imagine the book having a different title.

  9.) The story ends with Amber accepting Craig’s marriage proposal. Did you think the ending was appropriate? How would you have liked the ending go?

  When I wrote Silver Lining, I honestly didn’t know whether I would publish it or not. Everything was so new to me and I was just enjoying putting a story together. I knew there was more to Craig and Amber’s story and would therefore continue writing, but I wanted to end that part of their lives on a high note, not a cliffhanger. A marriage proposal seemed like the next natural step in their relationship.

  10.) What was your favorite passage from the novel? Why? What do you feel was the deeper meaning of that particular excerpt?

  There are so many quotes I could choose from as my favorite (I guess yes, even the author has their favorite) and the obvious one was going to be the Silver Lining conversation with Becki. However one that was very vivid to me when writing was from the scene on the beach in Devon. Amber had just nearly admitted to Craig that she loved him. Her insecurities came flooding back and filled her with self-doubt about where their relationship was heading.

  “Staring out towards the calming deep blue waters of the sea, I’m struck by a lone figure off on the horizon. A small boat glides effortlessly through the water, heading towards an unknown adventure. It looks serene yet sad out there, bobbing on the waves at Mother Nature’s mercy, surrounded by a shroud of muted golds, pinks and lilacs from the twilight sky. Yet it’s alone; a solitary figure trying to fight its way through the rough and the smooth of unpredictable waters.” – Silver Lining, chapter 18

  Writing this scene I had a vivid image of Amber in my head of her staring out at the water and seriously contemplating how lost she felt. Around her (like the boat) everything looked beautiful and calm, yet she was troubled with turbulent times, just like that little boat would be when it got out into the deeper ocean waters. To me, this passage really demonstrates Amber’s fears about giving over her heart to Craig.

  Chapter 11

  Forgive Us Our Trespasses

  by M.L. Steinbrunn

  Synopsis: How long would you wait to be with the one that you love? How much of yourself would you hide in order to keep them?

  Brooks knows the moment he meets Vivian that he will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means leaving her. Running from his past, he spends the next decade trying to forget the shattered heart that he left behind.

  Is there any betrayal worth the cost? Are there some sins that cannot be forgiven?

  After a lifetime of rebuilding the walls guarding her heart, Vivian confronts the harsh reality that some fortresses are not meant to stand. Winding through a gray fog of disappointment and deceit, she must conquer her deepest fears to accept the love she believes she is too unworthy to have.

  As the paths of these two battered hearts cross once more, together they seek redemption for their sins. However, when the secrets of their pasts come knocking on their door, forgiveness and love will be tested, and they will be forced to answer the question: “When the lies run out, will the truth finally set you free?”

  Forgive Us Our Trespasses is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content. It is now available on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble

  Author’s note: I hope you enjoyed the book and have a great time diving into these questions. Insight into my writing and the thoughts behind the characters are included following the list of questions.

  Thanks bunches!!

  M.L. Steinbrunn

  Questions:

  1.) Are there any characters that you personally identify with or wish that you could personally process more of their qualities?

  2.) Do you think that Brooks did the right thing by pushing Vivian away in college, or was he a coward by avoiding the actual situation?

  3.) What was the biggest surprise you found in the plot of the book?

  4.) What are Brooks’ pet names for Vivian? Do you think they fit well with the story, or would you have picked something different?

  5.) Is there something in the book that you think cou
ld have been explained better, had more detail, or changed?

  6.) Which character would you like to see have their own book?

  7.) Pick out your favorite excerpt or quote from the book and share with the group why you like it.

  8.) Vivian has to not only forgive Brooks for lying, but also move passed her father’s murder in order to meet and come to terms with Raymond. Do you think Vivian is too forgiving in the book, do you think she should have been more harsh?

  9.) How did you feel about the blending of families in the story? Did Brooks and Vivian introduce their kids to the relationship too soon?

  10.) This story touches on many emotions: anger, sadness, even laughter. What scenes provoked the most emotions for you? Did you like that the book swung around like that, or would you have liked it to pick an emotional theme and stuck with it?

  Questions and Answers:

  1.) Are there any characters that you personally identify with or wish that you could personally process more of their qualities?

  I am probably more like Carly, if I had to pick just one person that I resemble the most. She is shy and quiet, but loyal and loving. However, I think there are pieces of my personality that I injected into all of the female characters, including Vivian’s naivety, Jen’s sexual humor, Campbell’s ability to be the listening ear. If I could be more like one of the characters, I actually would like to be more like Jen. I love that she is no-nonsense and gregarious. She is a good friend but is outspoken almost to a fault, never taking crap from anyone. I always have had friends that were like her, and I admired them for those qualities. I always hoped I could speak up more and be more like that, instead of always being the people pleaser.

  2.) Do you think that Brooks did the right thing by pushing Vivian away in college, or was he a coward by avoiding the actual situation?

  I think that Brooks was too immature to truly deal with the gravity of the situation regarding their fathers. More than anything he didn’t want to hurt her, so he thought that pushing her away was a better option than facing the truth. I think that his decision reflects his age pretty well.

  3.) What was the biggest surprise you found in the plot of the book?

  I think that most people figure out pretty quickly without me saying it that Raymond is Brooks’ father. What I think actually surprises people is the time switch from college to adulthood, and then Will’s death. I loved Will’s character and hated to create an ultimate ending for him, but I couldn’t give Vivian and Brook’s their happily ever after without it. I didn’t want any real cheating going on, nor did I want her to be divorced, Will’s death was the only alternative that suited the story.

  4.) What are Brooks’ pet names for Vivian? Do you think they fit well with the story, or would you have picked something different?

  Clover and Red are the names he uses for her. I like that they are unique, not the typical babe, hun, etc. that Will used. I think Clover in particular shows how much Brooks set Vivian apart from other girls. I love that the name reminds him of her eyes, which is his favorite physical attribute of hers. I am a big fan of pet names, as long as they have meaning. Now, in everyday life, I use them constantly. I’m that person that refers to everyone as love, doll, bug, hun, etc.

  5.) Is there something in the book that you think could have been explained better, had more detail, or changed?

  I’m sure there are things that the readers would like revealed, like why Jen acts the way she does or details about Campbell’s upbringing, but those things will be addressed in future books within the series. I think people might have liked a little more drama surrounding Grace’s real mother, or at least more details. However, I didn’t want that relationship to have a lot of focus within the story. I wanted Brooks to have a child without having the mother in the current picture. I thought the relationship as it was, reflected his attitude towards women before Vivian came back into his life.

  6.) Which character would you like to see have their own book?

  I plan on all four friends having their own story. Jen’s story, Lead Him Not into Temptation, will be out early this fall and then Campbell and Carly will have books released in winter and then spring. Each is a standalone novel, however, reading them in order will be very helpful to the overall flow and detail of the stories.

  7.) Pick out your favorite excerpt or quote from the book and share with the group why you like it.

  One of my favorite parts is the discussion that Brooks and Vivian has about his tattoo. His clarification that all he has ever really wanted was Vivian’s forgiveness speaks to the heart of the story and the reason for the title. This scene allows him to show his own vulnerabilities and his feelings for Vivian. I think it was important to show that softer side of him.

  8.) Vivian has to not only forgive Brooks for lying, but also move passed her father’s murder in order to meet and come to terms with Raymond. Do you think Vivian is too forgiving in the book, do you think she should have been more harsh?

  Vivian had every intention of being hard and unforgiving, but then her friends step in and help to guide her back to her path. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is forgive someone, but many times it makes all the difference as to what type of people we become. These moments were exactly that for her. She could have easily been bitter and moved on, cutting both men out of her life, but would she have the love and life she wanted if she did? No. Her friends help her to recognize that these moments would help her to finally take control of her life.

  9.) How did you feel about the blending of families in the story? Did Brooks and Vivian introduce their kids to the relationship too soon?

  I think the situation worked primary because of the ages of the children and that there were no exes in the wings that could possibly make extra drama for group. The kids’ little personalities were so comical and Brooks and Vivian were so conscience of easing everyone into the dynamic that I think it worked. My own father died when I was little, and my mother never brought a man into the picture unless it was a serious relationship. Looking back I appreciated that, and I wanted Vivian to be that kind of mom.

  10.) This story touches on many emotions: anger, sadness, even laughter. What scenes provoked the most emotions for you? Did you like that the book swung around like that, or would you have liked it to pick an emotional theme and stuck with it?

  I wanted the reader to feel a little bit of everything, without a lot of build up to an emotional scene. For example, I wanted them to feel like they got hit by a truck when Will dies. No angst. Just out of left field, BAM! I also, didn’t want the reader to be sad the entire time, it was important for me to break up those moments with laughter. I wanted this story to feel realistic and real life has a little bit of every emotion. It’s not always fun, nor sad, nor dramatic. I wanted this story to feel real and the characters in it to seem like people the readers would want to be friends with.

  Chapter 12

  The Alphabet Game – Part One: A to E

  by Andie M. Long

  Synopsis: Stella Mulroney is playing a game. It's taken her two years but she finally has an interview at Gregory & Sons, the top London law firm that looks after her stepfather's interests. She plans to discover what her Multi-millionaire Stepdaddy really invests in and bring him down. Unwittingly, she's caught the attention of Hot Alpha Gabriel 'Gabe' Gregory, son of her Stepfather's top Lawyer. He wants to know why Stella has such a need for revenge and would prefer her to channel that fury into a game of his own, 'The Alphabet Game'. After all, his is much more fun to play … Genre: Erotic Fiction

  Questions:

  1.) Why do you think Stella is so open to Gabe’s sexual suggestion?

  2.) Do you think Stella is justified in wanting to ruin her stepfather?

  3.) Stella has some constants in her life, namely coffee and shoes, but frequently changes her hair. Why do you think she does this?

  4.) Do you think Ronnie is a good influence in Stella’s life?

  5.) Stella says ‘I may be
inexperienced in real life, but in my head I’m all kinds of wanton.’ Did this change your opinion of Stella?

  6.) Some of the Alphabet Game letters lead to humorous scenes rather than sexy ones. What did you think about this?

  7.) The novella ends on a cliffhanger. What do you speculate is happening? Has it changed your thoughts from the beginning of the book?

  Answers are subjective. Contact author to arrange an interview, and to gain author insight.

  Chapter 13

  The Alphabet Game – Part Two: F to K

  by Andie M. Long

  Synopsis: Stella Mulroney had been getting an education, with Lawyer Gabe Gregory teaching her The Alphabet Game, a sexual exploration from A through to Z, so she could infiltrate the sex clubs owned by her stepfather. After the restaurant debacle, Stella now has more to learn. Can Gabe be trusted, or is her stepfather no longer the enemy? Stella hires a Private Investigator to help her track down her stepsister Isabel, who might hold some of the answers. Or then again, maybe Isabel has secrets of her own…

  Questions:

  1.) Do you think Stella forgave Gabe too easily?