La casa del pan de jengibre

Dream Harbor #5

by Laurie Gilmore, Carlos Ramos Malave (Translator)

Como dueña de su adorada Casa del Pan de Jengibre, Annie Andrews querría tener una vida amorosa a la altura de su negocio; melosa y azucarada. Sin embargo, lo más apasionado de su día a día es su batalla verbal con el molesto y alegre propietario del pub local.

Mac Sullivan tiene todo lo que desea, salvo la mujer de sus sueños. Resulta más fácil discutir con Annie que conseguir que hable con él, pero, con la inminente boda de Jeanie y Logan, ve la oportunidad perfecta para que eso cambie.

A medida que los copos de nieve van cayendo y las guirnaldas de luces iluminan Dream Harbor, ¿se dará cuenta Annie de que aquel a quien le encanta odiar podría ser su pareja perfecta?

La Casa del Pan de Jengibre es una reconfortante novela romántica con unos protagonistas que se pelean y se desean, ambientada en un pueblecito encantador ¡y con un final feliz garantizado!

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Holiday, Contemporary Romance

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies and gents, a man who yearns is a man who earns. And I've always said that.


I can now walk away from this series feeling complete because I give literally no fu©ks about anyone else. 


⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

[Liz | lizzuplans]

Annie and Mac! Annie and Mac! Annie and Mac!!!!!!!!!!

[rachelscourtofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are finally getting Annie and Mac!!!! Can I wait a whole year for this??? Nooooo!

Update: Annie and Mac fully delivered in the cutest way possible! However, I was a tad disappointed that we didn't get much more from them, since their whole rekindling storyline was based on Jeanie's and Logan's Wedding. I mean I understand since they are both great friends. All in all, amazing story and the banter was top tier!!

[cecewe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why was finding this old granny the main plot point

[zoë ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“hate is a strong word, but i think i might hate you.”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚༉‧₊˚✧˚₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

ੈ♡˳ rating: 3/5 stars
ੈ♡˳ spice rating: 🌶️ (barely there, a few ‘spicy’ scenes)

ੈ♡˳ summary:
when he returns to her beloved hometown, annie finds herself thrown back into the orbit of mac, the man she swore she would never forgive. forced to work together on a wedding that means everything to both of them, old tensions bubble up, unresolved feelings resurface, and the line between hate and love starts to blur.

ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
just because of the anticipation i had for this book, i’m giving it 3 stars. if i didn’t care about the author or the series, it would probably be lower. first of all, this is not an enemies to lovers story. annie is an enemy. annie has an enemy. mac does not. annie has an enemy in me. she was completely unbearable and over the top with her “hatred” for mac. making your best friend cry at her wedding rehearsal because you’re so rude to someone else in the bridal party? absolutely insane behavior. i could not stand annie this entire book and mac truly needed to move on from her.

this book is actually more of a second chance romance, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. the reason they “hate” each other from 10+ years ago is ridiculous, and annie has the emotional range of a teenager. it’s frustrating to watch because the story has so much potential, but annie’s character drags it down.

and let’s talk about the plot, or the lack of one. if there wasn’t a wedding (which only happens in the last few chapters), there’d basically be no plot at all. the book is just annie being mad for reasons that make no sense and mac staring at her like a lovesick fool. i wanted more depth, more development, and a lot more substance. i kept waiting for the moment that would make me root for them again, but it never really came.

this series means a lot to me, which is why i’m still sticking with 3 stars, but this one missed the mark. i’m really hoping the next book gives me the cozy, heartwarming story i’ve been craving.

ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ “enemies” to lovers
ꕥ small town setting
ꕥ wedding backdrop
ꕥ childhood connection

ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
“sometimes forgiveness is less about them and more about setting yourself free.”
“coming back here feels like stepping into a memory i never really left.”
“you can’t rewrite the past, but you can decide how much of it you want to carry.”


————
post read: this book missed the mark for me, which is so sad because it’s the one i was interested in the most. annie’s behavior the entire book was just cringe and uncalled for. full rtc in the morning. 💟

————

pre read: five books but we finally got annie & mac’s story
aka the one that matters the most.
i can’t wait to devour this one.

[Alyssa Nieves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute read!! I have been loving second chance romances this year so I’ve been so excited to pick this one up!

I love Annie and Mac so much!! Especially after reading all of the other books in this series! I was just waiting for their story because I knew I would end up loving it!

The only thing that I didn’t love was that the ending did feel a bit rushed for me, and I wish the beginning of the story moved a little faster, so that we could’ve gotten a slower ending. But I did really enjoy it so much! I love how easy this series is to read and they are always so perfect for the holidays!

thank you to my bestie ashlyn for reading this with me!! 🫶🏼

[Alina ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆.25

The Gingerbread Bakery ended up being my second favorite installment in this cozy series, just a touch behind The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, which still holds the top spot for me.

I’ll admit, I’m usually not the biggest fan of second-chance romance, so I went in a little cautious. However, Annie and Mac’s story completely won me over. Their history felt believable and their reunion had the right mix of warmth and slow-burn tension, with just enough drama to keep things interesting. It was both heartfelt and charming in a way that caught me pleasantly off guard.

I also loved how the plot centered around Jeanie and Logan’s wedding. It gave a perfect reason for all the familiar faces to gather, while smoothly weaving in a few new characters I’m now excited to see more of in future books. That balance, revisiting old favorites and teasing what’s next—made the world feel even more alive and connected.

Sweet, cozy, and festive, this was exactly the kind of heartwarming small-town read I was hoping for. If you’re already invested in the series, this one is a delightful treat.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOoooppps 😅 I finished this in less than 12 hours 😬

Ah, to be back in Dream Harbor 😌 there is no feeling quite like it. I have been following along this series very closely since the beginning and I certainly wasn’t ready to stop at the Gingerbread bakery 🍪🧁🫚🎃

‘The sweetest things are worth the wait’ 🥰

Oh, how true that is for this book. It was a sweet, and delightful treat that I have been waiting months for 😌 If you are looking for an autumnal cozy read, this is it 🙌🏽

I love the sense of community Gilmore has created throughout this series. Dream Harbor really has become a very realistic small town that you find yourself getting swept up in.

‘This place had effect on people. They came here sad or lost or alone until Dream Harbor worked its magic.’ ✨

This is a story of many kinds - enemies to lovers; second-chance romance; slow burn; feel good small-town vibes. It ticks the box of many tropes, but it is more than just a tick box exercise, it is a layered story full of love, friendships, fun, charming characters and heartfelt moments 😌

The Gingerbread bakery is set in the run up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding day. And a wedding in Dream Harbor means EVERYONE gets involved! Each person has their own job, including Annie and Mac, however, it is during this forced time together that an old flame is rekindled 🔥 the question is: will Annie kill or kiss the man she fell for nearly 10 years ago…

I thought Gilmore did an excellent job with this one. It was very different from the other books in the series, whilst still remaining true to the genre of a small-town romance. I particularly loved the back and forth between past and present. It created a real sense of intrigue and mystery to Annie and Mac’s past 👀 I was patiently waiting for more information as it was drip fed to us in a slow burn ❤️‍🔥

Annie the owner of The Gingerbread bakery may sound like a sweet innocent young woman, but this girl is feisty. She has been broken once before and is determined not to let that happen again. Will she get a second-chance at romance? 💕

“You’ve been stalking that man with your eyes all night. I feel like I’m watching a nature documentary and you’re about to pounce.” 👀😂🤭

Overall, I really enjoyed this read; clearly as I finished it in less than 12 hours 🥲 There was something so compelling about the writing, pages just flew by. I am already excited to hear Daisy’s story next…🌼

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

[Karla Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo cute and the holiday vibes were just perfect!!

[sissi˚｡౨ৎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ain’t no way you make your friend cry at HER rehearsal dinner, because you (in your thirties btw) are unable to behave and keep your mouth shut because wompwomp your 1 month situationship 11 years ago ended badly

[Flo Camus · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.3⭐] 𝙇𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙟𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙚 es una novela romántica escrita por Laurie Gilmore y publicada en 2025. La historia nos sitúa en Dream Harbor, un pequeño pueblo donde Annie Andrews es la dueña de la Casa del Pan de Jengibre, un lugar dulce y acogedor. Sin embargo, siente una gran rivalidad con Mac Sullivan, el alegre y exasperante dueño del pub local.


Voy a partir diciendo algo que, siendo honesta, jamás pensé que diría sobre esta saga: este es el primer libro de toda la serie en el que puedo afirmar sin dudar que sí me gustó. Como lectora que viene arrastrando bajas expectativas desde el primer libro, llegué a esta historia con cero fe, más por compromiso con la saga que por verdadero entusiasmo. Por eso, la sorpresa fue doblemente grata; 𝙇𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙟𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙚 no solo cumple, sino que se siente más cuidada, mejor narrada y más consciente de lo que quiere ofrecer que sus predecesoras.

Uno de los grandes aciertos del libro es Annie y Mac. Los lectores de esta saga llevábamos desde el primer libro queriendo conocer su historia y, sobre todo, entender por qué se odiaban tanto. Esa tensión estaba ahí, flotando en el ambiente de Dream Harbor, libro tras libro y era imposible no notarla. Todo apuntaba a que había algo más, un pasado compartido y una herida mal cerrada.

Además, esta es una historia de enemies to lovers, uno de mis tropos favoritos, pero llevada al extremo del slow burn: nos demoramos literalmente cinco libros en llegar aquí. Eso hace que cada gesto, cada conversación y cada pequeño avance se sienta más significativo.

El ambiente navideño es otro de los grandes puntos altos. Este libro es cozy: nieve cayendo, luces encendidas, un pueblo pequeño donde todos se conocen y donde los espacios se sienten vivos y cálidos. Hay veces que una mujer solo quiere leer una novela cozy, con small town y slow burn, y esta es exactamente esa novela. No pretende ser revolucionaria ni romper esquemas, pero sabe muy bien qué tipo de historia está contando y se apoya con fuerza en esa atmósfera reconfortante.

Ahora bien, no todo es perfecto, hay un elemento que empaña un poco la experiencia: Kira. Vuelve a aparecer y, honestamente, la odio con todo mi ser. No solo me resulta insoportable como personaje, sino que además no entiendo cómo alguien tan increíble como Bennett sigue enamorado de ella. El hecho de que ella se jacte de que Bennett le ha pedido matrimonio varias veces y que siempre lo rechace me parece irritante a niveles casi personales. Es uno de esos personajes que sacan lo peor de mí como lectora y que, cada vez que aparece, me sacan un poco de la historia.

A pesar de ello, el libro logra recuperarse, especialmente hacia el final, que me enterneció más de lo que esperaba. Hay una escena en particular que me dejó con el corazón blandito, cuando Mac le dice a Annie: “Opino que eres el amor de mi vida”. Perdón, pero mi corazoncito no pudo más. Es una declaración sencilla y cargada de todo el recorrido emocional que ambos han tenido.


Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙇𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙟𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙚 es una novela que se siente como un abrazo tibio en invierno. Me gusta que sea small town, lenta, con slow burn y enemies to lovers. No es perfecta, pero es honesta, acogedora y emocionalmente satisfactoria. A veces, eso es exactamente lo que una necesita leer.

[ashlyn [semi ia] · Rating 3 out of 5]

from the very first chapter this had me wrapped in a sugar coated chokehold gingerbread scents, snow swirling, small town nonsense, I was READY to ascend. and then…the plot slipped on ice, face planted and the ending bolted like it had a bus to catch. I just sat there blinking, wondering who pressed the fast forward button on my Kindle?

and the way everyone treated grandma’s disappearance?? I was SCREAMING. these people were out here baking cakes and sharing flirty glances while grandma was quite literally LOST TO THE WIND. I alone carried the emotional burden of caring. I was ready to light a candle in the window and whisper her name into the night, but the characters said ‘lol anyway :)’

I have never felt so personally victimized by a cozy romance in my life. dramatic? yes. am I wrong? absolutely not.
#justiceforgrandma forever and always.

Buddy read with Alyssa Nieves💗

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book! I wanted Annie and Mac’s book like four books ago. Honestly i probably should have stopped reading this series like four books ago.

The reason Annie had so much animosity toward Mac felt pretty weak to me. Maybe it’s just because I’m a grown adult who’s emotionally capable of moving past things and giving people the chance to explain themselves, but it felt a little immature and dragged out longer than it needed to be.

The pacing was slow, the drama felt forced, and by the time things were finally resolved, I was more annoyed than invested.

This is what i get for falling for a cute cover.

[Uyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

arc

2.5⭐ if I'm being generous.

I struggled with this one so much. I hate second chance romance with a passion. I don't think most romance deserves a second chance unless there's great improvement and fixes. I was grappling with Annie and Mac's anger and frustration and I couldn't get myself to believe in their romance.

Like sure Mac broke his promise, but Annie was a right b*tch at times. 🤷‍♀️ So it's crazy that Mac still wants to try with someone who isn't willing to hear him out and is mean? No thanks. 😂 This just feels like Mac doesn't have self respect to walk away from someone who's unwilling to give him the time of the day. I read further and realized that their magical past that they've been idolizing was only a week long?

This is a problem with a lot of romance books. People need to walk away so much sooner. I can accept a toxic relationship in a dark romance. But to claim this is a sweet cute romance? Nah.

This is not a HEA. This relationship doesn't last beyond the last page of this book.

[Giovanna Tufano · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️

Oh my God, give me a break!! The most boring and disappointing book in all of Dream Harbor. I'm so disappointed I wouldn't even write a review. I've been waiting a long time for Annie and Mac's story. I expected jokes, teasing, the wait, a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story. Instead, what did I read? A lousy second chance. Annie is obnoxious, stubborn, and truly nonsensical. Her only characteristic is that she bakes cookies. Oh, and she hates Mac.
Mac, on the other hand, is practically a characterless figure, obsessed with Annie. When I found out there was a second chance behind their story, I hoped it would at least make sense. Instead, to put it simply, 10 years earlier, they dated for about a month, had sex once, and never spoke again because he went off to travel the world, blah blah blah. Man..have some self-respect and forget it, I don't understand this obsession with Annie, she's a bit of a b**ch, stubborn and partly blonde I don't remember anything about her, and I just finished reading the book.

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts
Andddd Laurie has won me over for the second time with this series, I was excited to get to Annie and Mac's story and she delivered!! Zero notes! One of my favourite enemies to lovers, second chance romance books!

My Bookstagram

[Maggie ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high expectations for this book and maybe that's on me 😭 but this one was such a disappointment...

Edit (actual review):
I DNF'ed this book at about 70% and hadn't had the chance to write a review yet 😭 also because I was too annoyed to review it at the time.

First, why was finding Logan's grandma such a big plot point? Second, and this is why I stopped reading the book, why would Annie hit Mac?? Abuse is never acceptable, regardless of the conflict that happened between them in the past. Which, to me, was not only disappointing and weak, but also could have been solved with a conversation between the two. Rather than waiting 10 years and playing this hate/love game 🥲

Anyways, I am sorry this review is harsh 😭 I am glad so many people enjoyed it and found it cosy 💕 I will still read the next book because so far I've really enjoyed the vibes of this series, but this one was the one I liked the least.

Pre-read: I think I need a light cozy romance now after all the emotional reads and Dream Harbor never disappoints 😌🥰

[jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

sometimes side characters should just stay side characters

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC -4.5 /5⭐️ feeling so blessed to have received an ARC of this book 🙌🏻📚 this series is one of my all time favorites and Laurie Gilmore is so amazing at what she does. I am so frickin happy that we are finally getting Annie and Mac’s story 😭😩 and let me tell you..it did not disappoint!!

The alternating story lines between then and now was just perfection, such a great idea. I loved getting to see the history between the two 🤩 but miss Annie girllll oh she can hold a grudge! Annie was making me so mad, I was like come on girly just give in 😩 I loveee Mac.

I also really loved the build up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, it was a great full circle moment for the series.

I don’t know what Laurie Gilmore is putting into these books but it HITS everyyyyy single time! I hope this series never ends. Highly highly recommend 🩷📚

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Because while Annie wasn’t his anymore, he would always be hers."

Annie and Mac came from two very different friend groups in high school. Annie was the 'nerd' and Mac was the 'jock'.

And yet...there was one year where Annie took a leap and Mac followed her. And it was magical.

"Mac’s lips tipped into a tentative smile and Annie was right back in that diner booth trying to convince herself that they didn’t make sense together."

But teenage romances tend not to work out long term. Mac did something unforgiveable to Annie way back then, and even now - years and years later - she refuses to let it go.

However, a wedding is coming up (Janie's!) and both Annie and Mac are in the wedding party...and that means being civil...and even going so far as to work together for the good of the wedding.

The more time Annie spends around this newer, older, and more emotionally mature Mac...the more she realizes that there might just be something to this man.

"Was it remotely possible that the man who had broken her heart all those years ago actually might turn out to be her person?"

Soooo...I have been eagerly anticipating this book for ages now.

Annie and Mac appeared waaaaay back in book 1 and I could absolutely tell that these two belonged together.

And yet...as I read their story...I felt a bit annoyed. I'm not one for books where the characters are mean to each other or circle the same plot point over and over...and this book hit both those tropes.

Annie's stubborn - so stubborn that I started to become frustrated with her. I know Mac spins it as she's steadfast and loving...but at the same time, I did struggle with understanding why he would still want to be with her despite her VERY prickly personality and VERY blatant disregard for him.

With the way she treated Mac, part of me wanted him to just give up on her and move on.

So much of the book circled that same action/reaction (her being mean, him forgiving her and trying to 'prove' he's changed) that I became tired with it and wished the book would just move on.

My annoyances aside, there were elements that I really liked about this book.

As always, the Dream Harbor residents were an absolute delight - no zany town halls in this one but the township still shows up.

I liked seeing Janie's wedding and all of the side characters from previous books...and when Annie and Mac finally got over themselves, I did end up enjoying their arc! It just took a lonnnnnng time to get there!

[Liz Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It’s just so cute, and I think the books have gotten better as the series goes on.

Sworn enemies Mac and Annie have history. After a heartbreak a decade ago, Annie swore off having Mac in her life in any capacity. Now, while preparing for Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, they are thrust back together in close proximity. Forced to confront the animosity that has been brewing, their story unfolds through a dual POV in both the present day and flashbacks. This gave real depth to their feelings then and now.

The Dream Harbor backdrop is as lovely as always, and the wacky cast of characters shines again. The whole crew, including the book club, returns ready to celebrate the big town wedding.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the advanced copy!

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was absolutely adorable. I love a steamy second chance romance. I thought the author balanced the before and present timelines perfectly. Not too much in the past but important to support the current situation. Also- audio, dual narrators! I’d say this was a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but the scenes are quick and you can skip (if you want!).

[give me books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kocham Dream Harbor. Nadal 2 to mój ulubiony tom ale ta część to scalenie całości

[Madi Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

When will we finally stop allowing women to slap men in the face and get away with it?

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

my least favorite of the series 2,5 ⭐️

[Kenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annie wtf girl .... why the hell would you HIT Mac ?!?! Idc what he did to make you feel bad in the past, literally abusing someone is not cool. if the roles were reversed, this would 100% not fly....

I was really hopeful for this one. Yes, it was a good slow burn but honestly it is so repetitive with these second chance dual timeline books. predictable. Plus I found Annie to be very immature and a lot of her decisions I thought were kinda stupid.

Eh. I think I'm done with this series. Its cute and has that nice small town vibe going but it's all just far too basic and boring now. Like I thought we were finally gonna be done with it after this one... But no, they had to spend a decent amount of time just propping up the next couple in this plot too 🤦🏻‍♀️ which was practically non-existent – if you removed the wedding they are attending, what even happens in this book? NOTHING!

[yasmine ⋆˙⟡ ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the way my stubborn ass wouldn’t have forgiven him

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a cozy, sweet read when I decided to check out this upcoming book. I have not read any of the others in the series, but that did not hinder the story at all. Although I am sure reading previous stories would have rounded out the characters more.

I definitely had some love-hate issues on this one, and while it ended up wonderful at the end, I have to admit, I struggled with how Annie treated Mac through most of the book.

Told from two POV’s and time frames, we learn how Mac’s choices and insecurity impacted her. But as a young adult, who hasn’t made choices on the fly without seeing or understanding the long-term effect or impact on others.

She was so mean to him throughout almost the entire book. The author really played the enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance to the hilt. What I did love was the community, friends, and support from others. And, of course, a small town Christmas vibe that has me craving a dreamy, snowy, and sweet holiday. With a romance, of course!

The Gingerbread Bakery is the first book I have read by this author, and I did enjoy the overall plot and story. Her storytelling ability is sweet and a little spicy. I will definitely read more from this author!

~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-gingerbr...

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ Si has leído algún libro más de esta serie, seguro que esperabas conocer más sobre la rivalidad entre Annie y Mac, la tensión no resuelta.
Pues bien, descubrimos que todo se remonta a hace once años, a una Navidad en la que Annie y Mac dejaron de odiarse para descubrirse, vivir momentos inolvidables y cambiar sus vidas para siempre.

Pero Mac necesitaba salir de ese pequeño pueblo para encontrarse a sí mismo y Annie tenía todo lo que quería allí mismo. Y todo se complicó.

El libro gira en torno a la organización de la boda de Jeanie y Logan que se celebra en la temporada navideña, lo que le da un ambiente muy cozy.
Desfilan todos los personajes que conocemos de Dream Harbor y hasta conocemos uno nuevo, del que vamos a leer en el siguiente libro.
La boda y todos los personajes permiten que esta historia sea más dinámica y tenga buenos momentos.

Y qué decir, si te gustan los libros de segunda oportunidad, te gustará este libro.

[Kendall Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this actually became my favorite of the series