centexhairysub

Completely enjoyed this chapter from start to finish; this book is another great addition to the Bridgemont saga. I was glad to see Granger stay aboard, I doubt anyone else would have considered the idea of sending additional troops ashore to be ready to assist those returning to the ship. Waltham is going to be a very lucky man; maybe he will get attached to Arthur Wellesley; that should do much for his career should he survive... Can't wait to see what adventure you have cooked up for us next Mark, this is just the best story...

I am so excited that John Carullo is back again. Loved that he and Will hooked up again, they are hot together. I have to admit his initial reaction is about what I expected. I always thought he would be really pissed when he found out that Will was only fifteen, even if he looked much older. I am glad that Will has decided to help him out and maybe he will be around for a while in the story again. I think the main reason JJ reacted to the news of Carullo moving into the condo is that although he has not shared the news with anyone, he was probably planning on moving to New York from Boston or at least spending a lot more time there. I think that JJ will want to be out of Wade and Matt's because it will remind him way to much of Alex and he will want to be somewhere he feels more in control If they are both going to be there not sure anything will happen but could see them really playing off each other well. I do think that Carullo is right and if Will wants to find out what happened with Zach; he is going to have to do it face to face or not at all... I would actually be okay with them breaking up, not sure they both don't need a little space; but Will for one is going to need to know what happened before he can start to move forward... Not much outside drama going on, but this was still a rocking chapter and can't wait to see what happens next; great job Mark...

Damn, wonder if the General knows that her wife cannot be trusted? Hope that Alex did not give away to much. The last section was very dark, but war is hell and nothing proves that like what really happens when no one is looking...

Okay, totally lost about a lot of things with this chapter; brilliantly written but I am confused. What in the world would Zach be thinking sending that type of email to Will; unless he wanted Will to blow up and go psycho and give him an excuse to say see, you can't handle things. I do think that Zach cares for Will, I am not sure he loves him; because I am not sure that as long as football is as important to him as it is that Zach can really love anyone. So proud of Will for not sending his first email to Zach; plus the simple reply of " Ok " was a touch of genius. It puts Will up and should push Zach back on his heels. Will has really started to show a lot of maturity since 9/11. Has Brad just completely lost his mind??? Why does he think that anyone in his family would need to get his permission to schedule a charter? It may have just been aimed at Darius, Will, JJ, and maybe Matt but the guy made it sound as if the extended family was included as well. Brad obviously is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's if any thinks that anyone in his family other than maybe JJ would abide by that edict. Plus, you know that that FBO is about to lose the business for the rest of the family if they try to follow Brad's lead on this so he is screwing with their business as well. I understand Brad making a decision to perhaps charter his plane since he was going to be gone so long, giving him the benefit that Will did not that it was just to keep Will, JJ, Darius from using it. But even so, what if there was an emergency and Brad could not be reached while in China? Brad is just turning into a complete idiot... JJ was smart enough to turn to the right person to help him; even if Will trying to be cheerful did aggravate JJ beyond belief. Not sure that JJ even knows what he wants to do much less what he needs to do; but Will is going to be there beside him backing him up. Can't wait to see what happens next, great chapter Mark...

Just loved the new chapter, Granger has a new friend that may actually be just a friend and a way of making what could be a great deal of money if their prize is classified a prize. I hope that this leads to a new series of adventures. Why do I not think that it will be as easy to get the money as it seems; after all how deadly could a one eyed priest be??? LOL... I think the letter from Caroline and George's response to it was very significant. While they will continue to be partners, I have to wonder if they will not both find others to occupy certain places in their hearts. Can't wait to see where you take us, Mark. Great job with this story, the writing is excellent as always but the plotting has been particularly good with this story...

Well, wish I had been a fly on the wall in that room with just the three of them. Whatever was said must have been good, I wonder if Alex said he was going to marry Carlin??? Keep up the great work...

Well, Mary Ellen struck first but I have a feeling that Will in JJ's defense may have the last blow in this war and that is what this just became. Alex's reaction really did not surprise me, he has never been anything but a façade in his dealing with others and in reality. I am not sure there is anything to him other than how he thinks others should view him and is family. In a way, he did the same thing with Wade that he did with JJ, but Wade was in a better position to handle it. I do think that JJ will fight back, when he can figure out what to do, but Will is going to be the one that really will run this to protect JJ. Will was so happy and then Zach had to pull something. Wonder what the real reason that Zach is cancelling? At least Will is smart enough to realize that there is something else going on, but does that make it hurt any less? Have to wonder what Brad will do when he finds out about Will's actions? I think that Will described and explained Brad's issues perfectly. Great chapter and can't wait to see what happens next.

So sad that Granger did not get to spend more time in Constantinople, a city like that could have been a treasure trove of adventure; Granger has found that anyway on the high seas... A new player on the field and one on the same level of Granger; that is a little interesting. Granger, George Granger; love the idea of Granger being at 18th century equivalent of James Bond. Can't wait to see what the cipher reveled about the Guilds plans. Granger will be in the thick of it and maybe this time come out of it with more power and influence than before... Just love this story, it just keeps getting better and better...

Great chapter, JP has shown so much confidence in Will; and I hope that Will gets to prove him right, Stef as well. Elizabeth coming to England may cause Alex and JJ more problems than either of them can even imagine. I don't see what they can really do that would be horrible that would not come back on them. Plus, Nana and Wade would get dragged in and I am not sure that Elizabeth or Mary Ellen can afford to take them on plus the Crampton/Schulter clans. I can't wait to see the opening of this gambit... Brad is such an ass... I can't wait to see what Will pulls off this time...

Another moment to show what kind of exceptional person Granger is and continues to be. He does what it takes to make his host happy and then spends some quality time with Jardines; then finds out that Jardines has been ensnared by the ploy of the Guild. What does he do then; but takes time to explain to Jardines how he has chosen the wrong side and give him an opportunity to do the right thing, with a lot of financial encouragement. I had to admit, Jardines seemed likely to be the contact but had hoped it would not be so; but with his circumstances sort of understand how he could be swayed to the Guilds side. Glad to see that he listened to Granger and realized that he was in a better position to know what support the Guild had in the Royal Court than most. Hope the next chapter and the rest of the story are as excellent as the last few have been, great job, Mark.

Really enjoyed this chapter, it started with a bang and ended with a whimper. Have to wonder if part of the issue with JP is how upset he is over the war and other external issues. Not saying that part of it could not be his age, but sort of doubt that is all of it. Glad to see Cody step up to the plate so to speak. I do hate to hear about Kevin, AIDS has taken so much from us not only in this story but in life. I would think the separation would be harder on Zach and it appears that it is. Will just has more options and can do more to distract himself than Zach can at least right now. I thought Will handled everything in this chapter just right. He will never be my favorite person but I he truly is a good person. I don't see anything ever really developing with him and Tony but it would be good if they could get back to at least being friendly acquaintances. I am so happy for Isidore and Frank both... I am starting to really just hate Brad.

This maybe the greatest dinner ever at Escorial; and that is saying a hell of a lot with that statement......

Hmmm, do I smell drama??? I have never been fully happy with any of these pairings but can see how each of them would give something to everyone involved in each individual relationship. Can't wait to see how each of them progress and see which survives, which blows up, and which just fades away...

So glad to see a new chapter of HMS Valiant, and a great chapter at that. I thought the description of how Lady Elgin and her situation was weighting on the whole ship was well done. Glad to see Jardines, but sorry about the extent of his injuries. I can sort of understand how he would feel about the restrictions placed on him to return home. It might be harder to be that close to London and not be able to get there than it would be to stay with someone he seems to truly care about. I hope it is not the Governor that is Lady Elgin's contact. I have to wonder how that will play out. I hope that Granger gets to Constantinople soon. I would think his being there for a while could raise several interesting events. Great work, Mark; enjoying this story more and more...

So excited to get in tonight and see a new chapter of HMS Valiant, and what a delightful read. I have to admit that Lady Elgin getting any comeuppance was welcome but doubly so when her husband actually stood up to her and seemingly put her in her place. Glad we have a new midshipman, the Prince seems to be as excited to get out of Sicily and to sea as Granger. Can't wait to see what new adventure awaits Granger and his crew now that they are back at sea... Great chapter, Mark, keep up the great work...

So glad to see Granger, even if he was forced to apologize for something that I am not sure he was really in the wrong about; but he needs to get back on his trip and could not have done so without making that concession. Nelson never really recovered from his actions during this time. Although he went on to other triumphs and even a bump in position, those that mattered never fully trusted him ever again. It is amazing what one will give up for the feeling of love. Can't wait to get back to see and maybe some more action, thanks Mark for getting a chapter of this story out to us...

This was a great final chapter to another amazing book in this saga. I found that I really enjoyed learning something new about each of those that were chosen to be narrators in this story. For all of those that seem to hate everything Will does; you can all kiss my hairy white ass... Will rocks and is a worthy successor to JP in the grand scheme of things. I really loved how he handled both the dinner at Escorial and the news that the war started. The way Will was so tuned in to JP was amazing. I thought it was really special that he was the one person that understood that JJ really needed and wanted to have family there with him even as he was telling everyone else no... Will handled JJ perfectly as well. Then you had Will being there for Tiffany again. The give and take between the two of them was just perfect. I truly can't wait to see what you focus on next in this truly gripping saga. I am sure whichever direction you take us will be filled with drama, tears, laughter, and so much more; everything that makes life truly interesting. Keep up the outstanding work, Mark... Bravo...

WOW, I just have to say I am in awe of how well JJ is handling all of this. I realize that Will helped him understand how those around him would react if he went overboard but he has handled this much better than I expected. Loved how he reacted to all those at Escorial, especially Will and Zach, nice insight on how he views Brad. The dinner back in Boston and his time with Alex afterward was really entertaining as well. I am glad he finally told Alex what Mary Ellen said but I think JJ is right and Alex doesn't even begin to understand what it is going to be like to be married to Mary Ellen, she is her mother's daughter after all... Loved how Will handled Brad and how clueless Brad was to the real mood of the others. I honestly don't know how anyone stands Brad... Great job Mark, can't wait to see where you take us next...

JJ just could not catch a break in this chapter. I am not sure what will end up happening with him and Alex; I personally think Mary Ellen is going to find it harder to handle anyone once she is in England than she thinks. At the highest levels money doesn't always pull the levers as much as other facets can and I am not sure that everything is going to work out as easily as she thinks. Plus, she may have more problems from the Marques and her mother than JJ, just saying... I have to wonder if this knee injury isn't the end of skating for JJ; I know under normal circumstances six to nine months of rehab and he could be back but a bungled surgery or the injury being worse than you think could end his skating career and start him down the road to something else... I think JP is right. There was never the level of anger in this country over going back to war; not even when it turned out that there were not and probably never had really been any WMD in Iraq, that was there for Vietnam. I think the level of disillusionment with the government was growing so fast that even in 2003 people felt that they just could not really make a difference. I am really starting to hate Brad... Keep up the great work and can't wait to see how you use all of this to jump to the next story... Great Job Mark...

Ouch, JJ just can't catch a break. I really don't understand how Tiffany could have done something like this. I understand making the decision to stay home with the kids, especially after this latest one is born but to announce it in a press conference without giving JJ any notice is damn near unforgivable... I really hope the reception is more interesting than the wedding; wonder what the Marquis and his wife is going to be like. Mary Ellen may have more to deal with than just JJ. Some people can just smell extra money laying around... LOL... Can't wait for the next chapter, great job Mark...

Great chapter and so much going on... I can sort of see how this story can end but the actions in it could be used in so many different ways to set the next one up... I said from the start that JJ and Alex would never be a forever couple but I hope that JJ does enough to throw a real wrench into Mary Ellen's plans. I see JJ as being a little more resilient and even a little more devious than anyone seems to give him credit for. I have said it before but I still think if he wanted to fight for Alex that I am not sure that Mary Ellen would win as easily as some people think; I mean Mary Ellen would not be the first person that pissed this family off that disappeared or died... LOL... Great Christmas at Escorial and can't wait for the wedding... Darius was more open than usual but shows just how important he is in the big scheme of the family. I still am not sold on Marc but Brad sure is paying through the nose for the milk.... Can't wait for the next chapter...

Another wonderful chapter in this story, it is just amazing. The way my emotions whipped from place to place during this chapter is a true testament to how well written this was. When Father Tim started to speak I just knew that he was going to dedicate the chapel to Robbie and I knew it was going to piss will off that Brad was going to miss it by being stubborn. I was really touched that Jackie had done this, I sort of give her more credit than Alex Danvers. I am not sure that I agree with Darius about Will trying to set up Brad for failure but that is obviously what happened. Brad was just an ass about all of this. He and Will may have ended up getting over it because of what Darius said but I really do place at least 90 percent of the blame on Brad... I would really like to see Cody and Kevin get back together but they would have to have really open communication and a level of trust that I don't think they ever achieved the first time around. Great job, Mark... Can't wait to see what is going on in England....

This chapter and the return of Granger shows on so many levels the true depth of your talent and gives all of us that appreciate it a grand gift. I am amazed at how well history and great storytelling are merged in a way that is much harder than you make it appear. I loved how Granger handles himself with everyone. He is one of those rare persons that just seems to know what to do in every setting. Perhaps more importantly, he understands what is going on around him significantly more than the average person. He understands the subtle nuisances of the interactions of those around him and how they may come to interact with his plans. I know many people consider the affair between Nelson and Lady Hamilton some grand love affair but I have never been one of them. Although Nelson had triumphs after this time and eventually earned more accolades and a more prestigious title; he was never really trusted or accepted at the highest levels again. No one could doubt his skill at running a fleet but his failure to control his private life damaged his standing with those that really mattered. I am so excited to see the return of Llewellyn that I cannot even begin to express it. I do hope that Granger can handle, and I am sure he will, whatever it is that the Oranians are going to throw at him. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo...

I love how when Will acts like Brad; Brad just really freaks out and hates it... First dinner back at Escorial and guess what, there was drama... I still am not sold on Marc, while I do like him; I am not sure that Brad will ever be able to fully deal with all of Marc's insecurities. Brad at least understands when Stef and JP both signal that Will has the upper hand and to stand down. I do think going back to Malibu around the holidays will be hard on Brad. Talk about a blast from the past, Bianca and Sergio/Kevin both making a comeback. I am not surprised about Will being the one to try and get Kevin back in the fold but I think this is going to be much harder than he imagines. It sounds like Kevin maybe coming to realize that he was the one that gave it to Cody and is castigating himself more than I think even Cody would... Have we even heard about Bianca since she and Ace were involved at Princeton? I do think that like so many of his generation, even those born to the manor; JJ likes things and places to be shiny and new. I am not really surprised by this description of Bridgemont. I am surprised that he has held his tongue with Mary Ellen as much as he has though. I think if he decides to fight that this may be one cat fight that Mary Ellen doesn't come out on top of... Thanks for the great chapter, Mark...

Well worth any wait... This was a great chapter to come back on, both parts of the story got some loving... The situation with JJ and Alex was just so funny. I loved how JJ handled Wade, all that practice on Will has really paid off. I do have to wonder if Alex would have asked JJ without talking to Mary Ellen about it but this should make for a great storyline. I just don't know, I really can't see where this part of the story is going. I never really thought that JJ and Alex would end up happily ever after but to saddle Alex with Mary Ellen, even if he is a good rider, is just more punishment than anyone deserves... Will just won the present lottery. I was so glad to see how Zach and Frank are getting along, this will make it so much easier on Zach in the long run. Great to see you back, Mark...