Mad About Series Challenge - 2018

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I’ve added the “Princes of Ruthenia” 2-book series by Jennifer Blake to my list! I am presently at about 50% of book 2.

[Priya]

Lorien wrote: "Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Geri,

Several of the authors are "new to Me'"as well!"

I might read the free 0.5 prequel The Governess Affair this mon..."

Good plan. Let me know whenever you are ready.

[Lorien]

Priya wrote: "Good plan. Let me know whenever you are ready. "

I went to Barnes and Nobles last night to buy at least a couple of this series and they don't carry any Courtney Milan?! Are her books not common to find in paper back? I'll use my kindle if need be, I just don't prefer it.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Lorien,

If BN store doesn’t have a book on the shelf, go to service desk an ask them to send a copy to the store for you to pick up. You will not be charged S&H.

[Priya]

Lorien wrote: "Priya wrote: "Good plan. Let me know whenever you are ready. "

I went to Barnes and Nobles last night to buy at least a couple of this series and they don't carry any Courtney Milan?! Are her book..."

I too prefer print books over ebooks, but I bought the kindle edition boxed set of this series. It was a good deal (It cost me 1/5 th of the paperbacks).

I just checked amazon.com. The deal is still on. The boxed set is priced at $10+. If you plan to go for ebook, check this one out.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I may end up stopping with one of, my series, the highland lord series by Karen Ranney. Two books in, and while I enjoyed the first, the second was not very good. It was my first miss by the author and now looking at the other books in the series, based on GR friends reviews, two of the remaining three do not appear worth it. I may read the third book and call it quits after that, not sure.

[Geri]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I may end up stopping with one of, my series, the highland lord series by Karen Ranney. Two books in, and while I enjoyed the first, the second was not very good. It was my first mis..."

I have McLain by Karen Rainey on my challenge. I haven’t read a book yet. But thanks for the heads up about her books!

[Geri]

I read In Bed with the Devil by Lorraine Heath. It was recommended by some here. I did enjoy it. But I find it difficult to read about spousal abuse. I did not realize that would be a storyline when I started. The author handled it well, though.

[Lorien]

Priya wrote: "I too prefer print books over ebooks, but I bought the kindle edition boxed set of this series. It was a good deal (It cost me 1/5 th of the paperbacks). ..."

I'll most likely do this too, just wanted to support someone other than Amazon...

[Geri]

Priya wrote: "Lorien wrote: "Priya wrote: "Good plan. Let me know whenever you are ready. "

I went to Barnes and Nobles last night to buy at least a couple of this series and they don't carry any Courtney Milan..."

I like Courtney Milan too. I have read most of the Brothers Sinister series. But may reread and join the buddy read. I’ll keep track here for updates to the buddy read!

[Midniteillusion]

Geri wrote: "I read In Bed with the Devil by Lorraine Heath. It was recommended by some here. I did enjoy it. But I find it difficult to read about spousal abuse. I did not realize that would be ..."

I love Lorraine Heath but her Scoundrels and Gentlemen of St. James both have lots of heroes and heroines who suffer abusive pasts so if that is a trigger for you just be ware. They are amazing series though, and I loved them and would recommend them to anyone who loves that time period.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Geri wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I may end up stopping with one of, my series, the highland lord series by Karen Ranney. Two books in, and while I enjoyed the first, the second was not v..."

Those were my first Ranney’s and it is a solid series. They are set in an interesting time. After reading some that came highly recommended of hers, they are not my favorite but still worth while read. I think she does a good job with the historical settings in each of her novels.

[Priya]

Lorien wrote:I'll most likely do this too, just wanted to support someone other than amazoni..."

Haha! Amazon seems to be monopolising the e-book business:(

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I mostly get by my ebooks through Barnes and Noble. I started with a Nook and use the Nook app. Due to KU, sometimes I have to use Amazon because they have those books exclusively. I am not a fan of KU!

[Lorien]

Priya wrote: "Lorien wrote:I'll most likely do this too, just wanted to support someone other than amazoni..."

Haha! Amazon seems to be monopolising the e-book business:("

They are monopolising a lot of things, and because while I use Amazon, I don't want it to be my only option, so I'm trying to make a conscious effort to spend my money at stores I'd like to keep around, specially when it comes to book shopping .

[Sam I]

Lorien wrote: "Priya wrote: "Lorien wrote:I'll most likely do this too, just wanted to support someone other than amazoni..."

Haha! Amazon seems to be monopolising the e-book business:("

They are monopolising a..."

Ugh, they drive me insane. And now with audible too, I've noticed that not only are amazon exclusive books and authors not available from other booksellers, they aren't typically at the library! I find this suuuuper unfortunate.

[Geri]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I mostly get by my ebooks through Barnes and Noble. I started with a Nook and use the Nook app. Due to KU, sometimes I have to use Amazon because they have those books exclusively. I am not a fan o..."

I signed up for KU but not finding a lot of books I want to read. So I may cancel. Audible does have a romance package for $6.95 a month that I am eyeing. I’ve been making a list of possible books I want to read. The list is getting long, so I may sign up for that for a few months.

[Giselle]

Geri wrote: "I signed up for KU but not finding a lot of books I want to read. So I may cancel. Audible does have a romance package for $6.95 a month that I am eyeing. I’ve been making a list of possible books I want to read. The list is getting long, so I may sign up for that for a few months. "

I LOVE the Audible Romance package. I've only had it for 2 months and I've already listened to like 10 books off of it. It's completely worth it for me.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Geri,

Before you cancel your KU in favor of the Audible romance package, be sure of the price. I think the $6.95 might be the price for people who already have live subscriptions for KU. I think the price for non-KU subscribers is higher.

[Geri]

Midniteillusion wrote: "I love Lorraine Heath but her Scoundrels and Gentlemen of St. James both have lots of heroes and heroines who suffer abusive pasts so if that is a trigger for you just be ware. They are amazing series though, and I loved them and would recommend them to anyone who loves that time period.
"

Good to know about these series! I was not expecting the abuse. I can handle it if I am prepared. Usually I like lighter romance because it can be such a good escape. Sexual or physical abuse is not easy for me to read about. But I did like how the author handled it.

[Geri]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Geri,

Before you cancel your KU in favor of the Audible romance package, be sure of the price. I think the $6.95 might be the price for people who already have live subscriptions for KU. I think t..."

I will double check before I cancel. But I am also an Audible subscriber too. Thanks for the heads up!

[Sam I]

Geri wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I mostly get by my ebooks through Barnes and Noble. I started with a Nook and use the Nook app. Due to KU, sometimes I have to use Amazon because they have those books ..."

This is actually what I do. I don't find much on the romance package either. The straight subscription works far better for me. (I also do this for KU & then listen subscribe like once a year.)

[Priya]

Lorien wrote: "...so I'm trying to make a conscious effort to spend my money at stores I'd like to keep around, specially when it comes to book shopping "

That is great! I recently read an article about how those old and big book stores had to close their businesses because of online stores and all.
I love shopping for books in stores. It is exciting and comforting to see all the books around me.

[Priya]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "They aren't typically at the library! I find this suuuuper unfortunate. .."
That is shocking and sad!

[Geri]

Priya wrote: "That is great! I recently read an article about how those old and big book stores had to close their businesses because of online stores and all.
I love shopping for books in stores. It is exciting and comforting to see all the books around me."

You are not alone! I know other people who feel this way too and would rather go to a bookstore. There will always be a need for physical books, I think. I am just impatient and want my book immediately. So I usually go for digital ebook and eaudio when possible.

[Debby *BabyDee*]

I'm with you Geri. Sometimes I just like to go into the bookstores and sit and read. Just the traffic coming in and out makes it all the more worthwhile.

[Jan]

Just knocked another one off Rules For The Reckless series. I finished A Lady's Code of Misconduct but was disappointed in it. Only 2.5 stars :/

[Debby *BabyDee*]

Jan130 wrote: "Just knocked another one off Rules For The Reckless series. I finished A Lady's Code of Misconduct but was disappointed in it. Only ..."

Hi Jan...how many in series? I saw this book and wanted to read.

[Jan]

Debby "Piene Raven" wrote: "Hi Jan...how many in series? I saw this book and wanted to read."

Hi Debby. There are 5 in the series, with #6 due out in a week or so. The Sins of Lord Lockwood
But The Duke of Shadows (Terrific book) is also connected, and there's a prequel novella as well, that I haven't read yet. Your Wicked Heart

But here's the thing. Some of these books are very loosely connected and almost feel like standalones. So I dunno.

But, Duran is a terrific writer, no doubt about it. Although I didn't like this one very much, and I didn't really love #1 either, That Scandalous Summer, I generally really enjoy her books. She has quite an intense and emotional style that is very involving. Also some quite original characters and settings. i highly recommend you try her books.

[Mariana]

One series down, three to go!

(Okay, I kind of cheated. I started The Bridgerton's in Q4 of 2017 and only finished the last three books this year.)

[Priya]

Mariana wrote: "One series down, three to go!

(Okay, I kind of cheated. I started The Bridgerton's in Q4 of 2017 and only finished the last three books this year.)"

Congratulations on completing a series! I would like to know what you think of Bridgertons' books.

BTW, you didn't cheat. Series completed in 2018 is all that matters.

[Jan]

Oh congrats Mariana!

[Mariana]

Priya wrote: "Mariana wrote: "One series down, three to go!

(Okay, I kind of cheated. I started The Bridgerton's in Q4 of 2017 and only finished the last three books this year.)"

Congratulations on completing ..."

Overall, I enjoyed to them. However I was introduced to Julia Quinn with the Smith-Smythe quartet. Those happened to stiil be my favorites.

Although the Bridgertons is her signature series from which the Smith-Smythe quartet was a spinoff in that world, I thought the the Bridgerton books were hit and miss. I loved the first book and rated it 5 Stars. Others I felt were mediocre and gave three (which is pretty low for me.)

[Priya]

Mariana wrote:
Overall, I enjoyed to them. However I was introduced to Julia Quinn with the Smith-Smythe quartet. Those happened to stiil be my favorites."
I remember liking Smythe-Smith series. I loved the first book ( Just like heaven), but I don't remember anything from the other books🤔. I should re-read sometime.

I thought the the Bridgerton books were hit and miss. I loved the first book and rated it 5 Stars. Others I felt were mediocre and gave three (which is pretty low for me.)

I loved the first book. Simon is one of my favourite heroes!
On the way to the wedding is my least favourite book.

[Lorien]

Almost done with Say Yes to the Marquessmy 2nd in the Castles Ever After series or 3rd if you count Do you want to start a Scandal. Which I read out of order, so it's weird reading about Piers who I already know when he hasn't even really shown up in this book.

[Mariana]

Priya wrote: "Mariana wrote:
Overall, I enjoyed to them. However I was introduced to Julia Quinn with the Smith-Smythe quartet. Those happened to stiil be my favorites."
I remember liking Smythe-Smith series. I ..."

Yeah, the last book was a bit of a disappointment. I decided to go ahead and read The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After.

[Priya]

Mariana wrote: ". Yeah, the last book was a bit of a disappointment. I decided to go ahead and read The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After. ."

The second epilogues are sweet. I actually liked Gregory's second epilogue ( despite not caring for the original story)!

[Melissa]

I’m in love with Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series. I am totally out of order in reading them, because I’m going on my library’s availability. I read Devil In Winter first and It Happened One Autumn after that. Now, I’m reading Secrets Of A Summer Night. I’m in love with this series.

[Priya]

Melissa wrote: "I’m in love with Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series. I am totally out of order in reading them, because I’m going on my library’s availability. I read Devil In Winter first and It Happened One Autumn..."

Oh! One of my favourite series. As you read Devil in Winter first,
How did you feel about Sebastian being the villain in It happened one Autumn?

[Lorien]

I finally started Desperate Duchesses and... I'm not sure I like it so far. It's not a super hard read so I'm sure I'll finish it, but I'm not getting into it either. Is the rest of the series written like this? I haven't read a ton of Eloisa James, so I'm not sure if this is her norm.

[Priya]

Lorien wrote: "I finally started Desperate Duchesses and... I'm not sure I like it so far. It's not a super hard read so I'm sure I'll finish it, but I'm not getting into it either. Is the rest of t..."

I read 'When the Duke Returns' (fourth book?) from this series, a long time ago and liked it. Also, I recently read Eloisa's fairytale retellings and liked more than half of those. Many readers say that Eloisa is a hit or miss. If you are planning to continue with the rest of the series and feel fine to have a buddy, please let me know. I have this series on my challenge too and I would join you for a BR.

[Melissa]

Priya, I’m glad that I read Devil In Winter first. I think that it softened Sebastian some what for me. Haha, I never had to hate him. I’m about halfway through Secrets Of A Summer Night. After that, I’ll read Daisy’s story. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I really like all the heroines and their relationships with one another. I thought, “I bet the other books won’t be as good as Devil In Winter.” I was so wrong. So far, my favorite has been It Happened One Autumn, but I’m loving Secrets Of A Summer Night too. I thought it was great that the girls played rounders in their knickers.

[Lorien]

Melissa wrote: "Priya, I’m glad that I read Devil In Winter first. I think that it softened Sebastian some what for me. Haha, I never had to hate him. I’m about halfway through Secrets Of A Summer Night. After tha..."

I read them the other way around Melissa and I couldn't get over how cold and badly Sebastian acted at the end of It Happened one Autumn. Like it was going to take A LOT for him to be redeemed after he threatened to rape Lillian. And I felt it was never really addressed very well in DiW. Like it was just written off as he couldn't have really done it.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Melissa wrote: "Priya, I’m glad that I read Devil In Winter first. I think that it softened Sebastian some what for me. Haha, I never had to hate him. I’m about halfway through Secrets Of A Summer Night. After tha..."

Melissa,

I read book 1 of this series (Walflowers) with heroine Annabelle, skipped book 2 with Lillian and never read it. Despite having a “nearly” physical compulsion to read in sequence, I went right to DiW. I was new to GR and a GR friend reccoed DiW and I think that I read Annabelle book bec of this compulsion. I went into DiW unaware of Sebastian’s role as villain in Lillian’s book.

Unfortunately, I’ve concluded that LK is not a good fit for me, but DiW is on my “desert island keeper” shelf.

[Priya]

Melissa wrote: "Priya, I’m glad that I read Devil In Winter first. I think that it softened Sebastian some what for me. Haha, I never had to hate him. I’m about halfway through Secrets Of A Summer Night. After tha..."

Those of us, who read It happened one Autumn first, hated Sebastian and loved him as much more when he redeemed himself. I too liked all the wallflowers ( Lillian and her rounders-in-knickers), but I love the wallflowers' heroes even more. Good to know that you are enjoying the series.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Priya,

I’ve seen readers who read about how bad Sebastian was in the autumn book, just could not buy him as a hero at all or forgive him for what he had done.

[Melissa]

Lorien, since I read Devil In Winter first, I got more of Evie’s takes and realizations on the matter. For Instance, Evie States something about realizing that Sebastian would have never raped Lillian. Like I said, I’m glad I read their story first, because I really ended up liking Sebastian. I’m not sure I would have if I hadn’t read his story first. Well, I probably would have, but it would have taken longer.
I like Sarah MacLean’s Scandal & Scoundrel series as well. After reading A Rogue Not Taken, I hated the Duke of Haven. So when The Day Of The Duchess was released, I couldn’t believe it. I was like, “No way! This will never work, because I hate the hero.” But, I ended up really liking the book. It went more into the mechanics of their relationship and how they had both made mistakes. However, I’m a total sucker for feeling and regret. Show me someone with deep regrets and feelings of remorse, and I’ll forgive them. Circumstance can make people do some crazy things. It’s all about thoughts, feelings, and usually misconceptions. It’s the grey area of life where most everyone lives.
WOW, that was deep! Haha.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Melissa wrote: "Lorien, since I read Devil In Winter first, I got more of Evie’s takes and realizations on the matter. For Instance, Evie States something about realizing that Sebastian would have never raped Lill..."

When I read this book, I thought Evie a very smart and strong heroine.

[Melissa]

Andrea, me too. I was so glad Evie found love with Sebastian. Out of all the heroines in that series, I was most anxious for Evie to find her true love. I wanted someone to take care of her. I thought Sebastian was perfect for her. She needed someone light and playful like him.

[Lorien]

No, I remember the bit about "Evie States something about realizing that Sebastian would have never raped Lillian", wasn't good enough for me, he still threatened to do it. I felt it was a really lazy writing on LK's part. Rape, even the just threat of rape is not a line easily redeemable once crossed.
I really liked Lillian too, so maybe I took it REALLY personally that he would even dare.
Plus I feel like his personality just shifted too fast, it was more a a light switch than real character growth.

I did really like Evie, and her drive to do what she had to to get out of her poor family situation.

The part I really liked about the book was reading about young Cam, whose story was my fist LK book if I recall.

In the books defense I think part of the reason I didn't get into it was the narrator. I might give the paper back another go. But my hearts not in it right now.