Mad About Series Challenge - 2019

[Mariana]

Thanks! I am back on track. :)

[Priya]

Shaz wrote: "Thank you once again for your help, Priya. Back on track now."

You are welcome!

[jaxnsmom]

Addictive (Level 4) : SEVEN or MORE series

Enlightment by Joanna Chambers
1. Provoked 2/16
2. Beguiled 2/17
3. Enlightened 2/22
4. Unnatural 2/23

The Crofton Chronicles by Rebecca Cohen
2. Duty to the Crown 1/17
3. Forever Hold His Peace 1/18

Gambling on Love by Ava March
2. Sharp Love 4/29
3. Viscount's Wager

The Turner Series by Cat Sebastian
3. The Ruin of a Rake 3/3

Seducing the Sedgewicks by Cat Sebastian
1. It Takes Two to Tumble 2/17
2. A Gentleman Never Keeps Score 3/4

Gilded Lily by Vesper St Clair
1. Smoke & Mirrors 3/14
2. Black & Blue 3/31

Duke & Dandy by Zakarrie C.
1. The Duke & The Dandy Highwayman
2. The Potent Prince & The Prowler
3. The Incorrigible & The Count

[Mariana]

Welcome jaxnsmom.

[Priya]

Welcome to the challenge, Jaxnsmom!
I don't have access to my laptop currently. So, I shall add your name to the participants' list in a couple of days.

[Meredith]

I have finished my seven series, with the exception of a couple of novellas on Kindle. (Haven't used it before). I finished the Wescott series by Mary Balogh and Season for Scandal by Kelly Bowen. I did my own re-read of the rest of the Ravenels, skipping Cold Hearted Rake (not my fav) and adding Devil in Winter (Evie and Sebastian).
I really enjoyed the Ravenels series again, particularly Pandora and Garrett. If anyone has another series with interesting heroines breaking from their stereotypical roles, I would be interested in that recommendation.

I think "addictive" means I will still keep reading even after reaching this "goal."

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Way to go Meredith!

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Well done Meredith.

[Priya]

Meredith wrote: "I have finished my seven series, with the exception of a couple of novellas on Kindle. (Haven't used it before). I finished the Wescott series by Mary Balogh and Season for Scandal by Kelly Bowen. ..."

Seven series done and looking for more! That is great, Meredith!

[Mariana]

Meredith wrote: "I have finished my seven series, with the exception of a couple of novellas on Kindle. (Haven't used it before). I finished the Wescott series by Mary Balogh and Season for Scandal by Kelly Bowen. ..."

I agree. Addictive means adding another series until the year is up. :) I have been doing the same.

I see you have also already read The Hathaways, The Wallflowers, and Brothers Sinister, which were the first that came to my mind. I have recently become a fan of Amanda Forester and would recommend one of her series, but she is not to everone's taste. Caroline Linden is also reliably good. We are about to start a BR of The Truth About the Duke series, and you would be welcome to join.

[Meredith]

Darbella and Mariana
Thank you for the recommendations! I have written them down and will try them out. I agree that not all authors are to everyone's taste, but I think that is part of the fun of Goodreads. Sometimes I like some books by an author and not others.

[Jan]

Wow Meredith. Well done! What about Meredith Duran's Rules For The Reckless series? Although I didn't enjoy all of them, some of them are terrific e.g. Luck Be a Lady.

[Mariana]

Jan wrote: "Wow Meredith. Well done! What about Meredith Duran's Rules For The Reckless series? Although I didn't enjoy all of them, some of them are terrific e.g. Luck Be a Lady.
[bookcover:Lu..."

Meredith
I have not read this series, but I did enjoy Luck Be a Lady. Let me know if you go with this one because I may join you. I need to add a couple more series to my challenge.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Just completed my series Russian Royals of Kuban by Bronwyn Scott.
Now reading Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn, this will finish another series.

[Mariana]

Shaz wrote: "Just completed my series Russian Royals of Kuban by Bronwyn Scott.
Now reading Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn, this will finish another series."

Yay!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Shaz wrote: "Just completed my series Russian Royals of Kuban by Bronwyn Scott.
Now reading Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn, this will finish another series."

Way to go Shaz! The Russian Royals sounds interesting. Did you enjoy?

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Shaz wrote: "Just completed my series Russian Royals of Kuban by Bronwyn Scott.
Now reading Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn, this will finish another series."

Way to go Shaz! The Russian Royals..."

I did enjoy, though book one was not my fav. I did read them out of order.
Series is about 4 Russian Princes, who are all friends

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Completed another series.
Just Ask Reeves by Karen Hawkins.
5 series completed .

[Jan]

Well done Shaz! I need to get going on this challenge again.

[Mariana]

I need to update. Been offline for a couple weeks.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Just completed my 6 series Rule of Scoundrels by Sarah Maclean.

I enjoyed this series of books. about Bourne, Cross, Temple, and Chase .

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Darbella wrote: "Shaz, in book one did you [spoilers removed]"

I was wondering by book 3 if Chase was a woman. I did not know about her brother. But remember that something was mentioned in I think it was books 1, about a Duke and his sister's scandal.
Will look into reading Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart.

[Tanya]

I've managed to wrap up one series! Wicked Duke's series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke.

I enjoyed all the books (though they're almost novellas) in this series, I've a new found liking for Miss Ridley's book that I never quite connected to before. If anyone is looking for a quick, sweet and fun read then I suggest go for this series. All the heroes are wonderful, beta heroes that are sexy and alluring without being prolific rakes or douchebags.

Refresing!

[Mariana]

Tanya wrote: "I've managed to wrap up one series! Wicked Duke's series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke.

I enjoyed all the books (though they're almost novellas) in this series, I've a new found liking for Miss ..."

I've read and enjoyed a few books by Erica Ridley. Did Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke write then together or alternate books?

[Tanya]

Mariana wrote: "Tanya wrote: "I've managed to wrap up one series! Wicked Duke's series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke.

I enjoyed all the books (though they're almost novellas) in this series, I've a new found li..."

Yes they alternate the book - there are 6 in the series total and each author has written 3 books. You can check out the first one One Night for Seduction - it isn't my favorite of the series but it sets up the series quite well.

[Mariana]

Tanya wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Tanya wrote: "I've managed to wrap up one series! Wicked Duke's series by Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke.

I enjoyed all the books (though they're almost novellas) in this series, I'v..."

Interesting concept. I am intrigued.

[Priya]

I finished 4 series.
With almost half a year left, I am looking for another series to read. I am not sure, yet, but seriously considering Pennyroyal Green series.
I am usually wary of long series (this one is 10+ books long!) but I see many participants have it on their lists and they seem to be enjoying the series.

[Jan]

The Pennyroyal books are decent. Long is a good writer. But it is a big series and would be a lot to bite off to finish in 6 months. I have the series on my list but am taking a break. Have read a few of them and liked them, though.

Have you read Jo Bourne's Spymasters? A shorter but really good series. Or maybe one of Mary Balogh's series, such as Bedwyns? Her Mistress series is only three books - does that count as a series LOL?

[Jan]

Darbella wrote: "Jan, I hope short ones count. I think I have a couple two series books on my list. LOL"

Ha ha. That's fine. Why not?

[Priya]

Jan wrote: "The Pennyroyal books are decent. Long is a good writer. But it is a big series and would be a lot to bite off to finish in 6 months. I have the series on my list but am taking a break. Have read a ..."

Thanks for the heads up on Pennyroyal series.
Jo Bourne - is new to me. I will take a look
Mary Balogh - I am planning to read all her books/series next year. Maybe I should take your advice and start with Bedwyns.

Thank you for the recommendations.

[Priya]

Darbella wrote: "Jan, I hope short ones count. I think I have a couple two series books on my list. LOL"

It surely counts.

[Jan]

Priya wrote: "Thanks for the heads up on Pennyroyal series.
Jo Bourne - is new to me. I will take a look
Mary Balogh - I am planning to read all her books/series next year. Maybe I should take your advice and start with Bedwyns."

I'm not normally a fan of the spy trope, but I really like the Spymasters series (although I'm taking a break from it at the moment). Very well written, and different from the usual HR. I'm reading them in chronological order, although they weren't written that way. The Forbidden Rose is first if you read that way.

The Bedwyn series is well worth reading. This is one series it's best to read in order, IMO, as there is some overarching story building throughout. Some of the books were only 3 to 3.5 for me, but it all hangs together so well. Then the final book, Slightly Dangerous is one of my all time fav HRs. Yes, it's that good. But, part of its power comes from the build up through the rest of the series. You SO want Wulfric to get his own HEA.

IMO some of Balogh's work is not terrific. She can be hit-or-miss, so if you try one of her books and don't like it, don't give up on her too easily. She has also written some of my fav HRs.

[Jan]

I finished another of the Bridgertons books, When He Was Wicked. Only two to go in this series now. Yay!

[Sam I]

Jan wrote: "I finished another of the Bridgertons books, When He Was Wicked. Only two to go in this series now. Yay!
"

Jan, I just decided to start the Bridgerton series. I thought I didn't like Quinn much, but I have read two and they have higher ratings so we'll see. Enjoy your last 2!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Jan wrote: "I finished another of the Bridgertons books, When He Was Wicked. Only two to go in this series now. Yay!
"

Jan, I just decided to sta..."

Have you started this series Sam?

[Sam I]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Jan wrote: "I finished another of the Bridgertons books, When He Was Wicked. Only two to go in this series now. Yay!
"

Ja..."

I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday.

[Jan]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday."

LOL. It is a pretty long series. I'm not as in love with the books as much as a lot of people, but on the whole I've been enjoying them, and I'm quite looking forward to the Netflix series.

My fav out of the series so far is #2, The Viscount Who Loved Me. I also like #3, An Offer From a Gentleman, which is a Cinderella retelling, and #4, Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

Overall the tone of the series is sweet and cute. I normally like a more serious tone in my HRs (just call me The Grinch), but these are pleasant, light entertainment.

[Sam I]

Jan wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday."

LOL. It is a pretty long series. I'm not as in love with the books as much as a lot of people, but on the whole I've b..."

This is really good to know! I definitely do not have to finish it but thought I'd give the first couple a shot anyway!

[Jan]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "This is really good to know! I definitely do not have to finish it but thought I'd give the first couple a shot anyway! "

Yeah, definitely go for it.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Jan wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday."

LOL. It is a pretty long series. I'm not as in love with the books as much as a lot of people, but on the ..."

I am planning to reread / listen at some point prior to the TV series. Let me know if you want a reading buddy.

I like her writing style, and I typically feel in good hands when I read her books. I really enjoyed this series the first time I read it, but I have read many books since. Some of that enjoyment comes from the family dynamics, which creates a certain atmosphere for the books.

[Sam I]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Jan wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday."

LOL. It is a pretty long series. I'm not as in love with the books as much as a lo..."

Of course! Know you're busy though so no pressure :)

[Priya]

@Jan,
I finally decided to read Bedwyn series. I already read the 2 prequels and Aidan's book. So, I am starting with the 2nd book.

[Tanya]

I started and finished Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake - enjoyed it a lot even though I have a few problems with the hero at times.

Sarah Maclean sure can write angst, but all her books seems to follow the same theme. Anywho, will be reading the next soon :)

[Missy]

I just recently completed the Bedwyn series (except for the first prequel) and I agree with Jan that it is best to read the books in order, especially Morgan and Alleyne's books.

[Jan]

Priya wrote: "@Jan,
I finally decided to read Bedwyn series. I already read the 2 prequels and Aidan's book. So, I am starting with the 2nd book."

Enjoy!

[Meredith]

I have been reading some other stuff lately but picked up historical romance again. I just finished the Highland Grooms series by Julia London. I liked Hard Hearted Highlander best and Devil in Tartan least.
I started The Dressmaker series by Loretta Chase.

I second the recommendation of the Bedwyn series and agree with Jan that the last one is one of my all time favorites. And loved the Bridgerton series. I found that I liked the series better than each individual book in them. (I recall not liking the first book int he Bridgerton series very well.)

[Mariana]

Priya wrote: "@Jan,
I finally decided to read Bedwyn series. I already read the 2 prequels and Aidan's book. So, I am starting with the 2nd book."

I think you will enjoy the series. I know I preferred the main books to the prequels.

[Jan]

Meredith wrote: "I found that I liked the series better than each individual book in them.."

Yes! This happens to me too. e.g. Maiden Lane series, Bedwyn series, even Pennyroyal Green series (which I'm currently reading). I like the ongoing/developing storylines and the revisits of characters from previous books. You kinda get happily lost in that world, and feel as if you are really getting to know and understand the characters.

I haven't read much Julia London. I like some of Loretta Chase's books, but haven't read the dressmakers.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Jan wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I haven't, I basically decided "oh, fine" on Friday."

LOL. It is a pretty long series. I'm not as in love w..."

I probably will listen so I can likely do it whenever. I am not sure what I am going to listen to next. I am starting to free up.

[Mariana]

All my series have been relatively short, so I am now up to 14 series.