2-3-4 Challenge discussion

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
5. Overall summary of your reading month?

Tracey
Lieke
Veronica
Crystal
Mary Beth
Melissa
Robin
Jonetta
Laura
Stephanie
Lauren

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
No.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Only 1 - reread of the Harry Potter series which I will definitely continue!

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes by 9!

1. Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
2. Simon Serrailler by Susan Hill
3. Maggie O'Dell by Alex Kava
4. Sebastian St. Cyr by C S Harris
5. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin
6. The Naughtiest Girl by Enid Blyton x 2
7. Harry Bosch
8. Lorien Legacies

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson - I love reading Jacqueline Wilson books to my daughter. They are not usually happy ever after books and there is a lot of very real stuff about them. She has an amazing ability to draw you in to the characters and their lives.

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons by Stephen King. Loved the movie (don't know how many times I have seen it) and now love the book!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - I first read this in 2000 and so it was nice to pay a visit again to Harry and his world.

A Clash of Kings by George R R Martin. This was a hard slog but boy was it rewarding! Martin writes with such depth. I can see why it takes so long for him to write his books.

City of Bones by Michael Connelly. I love Harry. That is all.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?

I had an amazing month. I read 15 books in the month which is the most ever plus I progressed 8 series (1 with 2 books). Also lots of excellent reads. Long may it continue!

Just realised... shouldn't the heading be March Roundup?

Lol! Yes, I always worry that I'll do that. Thank you!

Tracey wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? No. 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? Only 1 - reread of the Harry Potter series which ..."

Congratulations, Tracey, in reaching a new milestone in your reading! And nine series is just crazy.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
no
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started reading Divergent, but I haven't finished the book yet so no ;)
3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, in two I reread Harry Potter 6 and Clash of Kings
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
My two rereads where great and I read a dutch book Universele Reisgids voor Moeilijke Landen a travel guide for difficult countries that was very funny.
5. Overall summary of your reading month?
It was good, hope to finish/get up to date in a few series in the next months.

Lieke wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? no 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started reading Divergent, but I ..."

Yay! Glad you had a good month and moved forward in two series. One of these days I'll get to Divergent.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I stayed current with four series but did not complete any.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I read the first books in two new series but didn't care enough about them to continue on with either one. I started another series and ended up binge reading all the books currently out (5), not sure if there will be more books after that.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I did not move forward with any of the series that I am behind on, unfortunately.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had two books that I rated 5 stars:
The Fellowship of the Ring - I just love the incredible world building and the creation and use of language. ETA: this was a re-read for me

Ex-Patriots - it was just the definition of a page turner for me and the plot twists caught me totally by surprise. A near perfect mash-up of two of my favorite sub-genres, superheores and zombies.

I also had a couple of four star reads:
When Falcons Fall - wonderfully done historical mystery; Sebastian never fails me. This could've easily been another five stars if it had just given me one or two more scenes that I was really craving.

Knight's Shadow - just a swashbuckling adventure with more surprising plot twists...and humor.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
It wasn't a bad reading month though I only read 13 books which is under my usual pace, but I really enjoyed most of the books I did read.

Veronica wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I stayed current with four series but did not complete any. 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you con..."

You've got such a rich update! Up to date in four series, started a new series but binged through to be up to date (that's a HUGE win in starting something new) and you read another Sebastian St. Cyr! Love your month:)

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1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I didn’t' complete any series this month.


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?

» Jack McEvoy by Michael Connelly - this 2 book series that ties into Harry Bosch

» Peter Grant aka Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch - I enjoyed the narration of this audiobook very much and is the reason that I listened to a total of 3 books in this series this month.

» Victorian Rebels by Kerrigan Byrne - I enjoyed and gave 3 stars. I'm waiting and hoping my library will get book 2 soon. I'll read it when they get it.

» The Expedition by Jason Lewis - Very, very exciting and entertaining.


3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, I'm very happy with my progress this month. I moved forward in __11__ series.

A. Dante Pirates aka Pirate Wolf by Marsha Canham = 1 book
B. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon = 1 book
C. Alex Cross by James Patterson = 1 book
D. Jane Yellowrock by Faith Hunter = 1 book
E. Maggie O'Dell by Alex Kava = 1 book
F. Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly = 2 books
G. In Death by J.D. Robb = 2 books
H. Peter Grant aka Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch = 4 books (this includes book 1 in the series)
I. Sebastian St. Cyr by C.S Harris = 1 book


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?

♥ A Breath of Snow and Ashes - 5 stars story ♫ 5 stars narration. Another awesome, amazing book in this epic series.

♥ The Poet - Another 5 star book from Connelly. I loved it.

♥ The Closers - I love Harry Bosch! This series just gets better and better. So much happens with Harry in this book and I just loved it!

♥ Why Mermaids Sing - This book just blew me away. I loved everything about it… most especially the fact that it is making me crazy to wait for the next book from my library! I have to have the next book NOW!

♥ Portrait in Death - Loved it!


5. Overall summary of your reading month.

My goal was to read 13 books in a series and I read __16 books in a series__. I read of total of 22 books for the month. Not bad considering I had the flu/fever for 2+ weeks. I wasn't sure I'd ever get better. I missed quite a few reading days initially as I was really sick…. Then I got slightly better in that I could at least read since I couldn't do much else.


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❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "♦ ♦1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I didn’t' complete any series this month. 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?» ..."

I knew you were having a good month! Excellent!!

1. Did you complete or get up to date in any series?

Yes 4 I completed Kovac and Liska Series and up to date with Harry Bosch, DI Kim Stone series, and Grave Yard Queen.

2.Did you start any new series?

Yes 3 Sebastion St. Cyr, Kate Daniels, and Innkeeper Chronicles

3. Did you move forward in any series?
Yes 6. Smoky Garret #2, Grant County #2, Penryn and the End of Days #2 Will Trent #6 Detective DD Warren #6 Lucy Kendall #3

4. Any 5 star books?
Yes 2 Kisscut and The Face of Death

5. Overall summary of reading month.

I read 14 books which I have never got passed 8 so I think I did very well. I alnost doubled my books for the month. One was a standalone and 13 different series!

Mary wrote: "1. Did you complete or get up to date in any series? Yes 4 I completed Kovac and Liska Series and up to date with Harry Bosch, DI Kim Stone series, and Grave Yard Queen.
2.Did you start any new s..."

Wow, Mary Beth! I knew you'd done well from following your posts but this is great. And, if you had to start new series, you picked three perfect ones. Congrats!

Thanks Jonetta! Glad to know that the 3 series that I picked are perfect ones. I really love Sebastion St. Cyr. All the reading I did yeaterday I took a day off from reading lol! I did listen to The Good, the Bad, and the Undead The Hollows series. Its a fantastic audiobook.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
No

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I did. I read Riders by Veronica Rossi and I will definitely continue (once the next book comes out).

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I read book #2 in the Maggie O'Dell series by Alex Kava, book #4.5 in the Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangis and book #1.5 in the Divergent series by Veronica Roth.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
No 5 star reads this month, but I did enjoy finally reading Jaws by Peter Benchley.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I did better than I thought I would by adding in some short ebooks.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
One. I'm calling Marliss Melton's Navy SEALs Team Twelve series complete for me since I'm skipping the novellas.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started was the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I will definitely be reading more of it. I also read Tangled Up In You by Rachel Gibson. This book is part of two series, one I'm already reading and another I'm just starting.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward on seven series:
Maggie O'Dell by Alex Kava (#3)
Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill (#8.5)
Troubleshooters by Suzanne Brockmann (#3)
Navy SEALs Team Twelve by Marliss Melton (#7)
Truly, Idaho series by Rachel Gibson (#2)
The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly (#3)
Will Trent by Karin Slaughter (#6)

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had two five star books:


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I read a total of 10 which is more than most months. I'm happy with my March books.

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? No 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I did. I read Riders by [author:Ve..."

Good job, Melissa! Glad to see you were able to progress in three series.

How different was the book from the movie? (Jaws)

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
One. I'm calling Marliss Melton's Navy SEALs Team Twelve series complete for me since I'm skipping the novellas.

2. Did you star..."

You should be happy! And, looks like the seven series you moved forward in were good reading experiences, too.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes! I completed three series and got up to date in two:
Barefoot Bay Undercover by Roxanne St. Claire, Campbell Family by Holly Bush, Lopez Brothers by Rebecca Rogers Maher, Dashing Widows by Anna Campbell and You by Caroline Kepnes.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes, I started two new series and plan to continue both: Sullivan's Crossing by Robyn Carr and Need You by Lorelei James.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in six series:
Sebastian St. Cyr by C. S. Harris, Maggie O'Dell by Alex Kava, SEAL Team Twelve by Marliss Melton, I-Team by Pamela Clare, One-Eyed Jacks by Cindy Gerard and Highland Guard by Monica McCarty.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had three 5-star reads this month! Why Mermaids Sing was just simply outstanding in every aspect. Her Safe Harbor dealt with domestic abuse in the 19th century in an affluent family and it was so well portrayed. Barefoot with a Bad Boy had a very interesting and unconventional theme, exploring how important a person's external appearance is to their committed partner. It combined humor, suspense and heartbreaking romance.


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
This was my best month this year! I loved just about everything I read and am really grateful to everyone who weighed in when I asked for help in getting my reading mojo back. Your input shifted things and I can't thank you enough.

It sounds like a very successful month Jonetta. You're on a roll and I hope it continues.

Thanks, Crystal! I'm feeling good and love this month's plan.

Great job Jonetta in completing 3 series and getting up to date in two. That's excellent! You had a great reading month! Glad to hear that Why Mermaids Sing was a 5 star for you. I can't wait to read it.

Thanks, Mary Beth and you've got a real treat in store with that book.

Jonetta wrote: "Thanks, Mary Beth and you've got a real treat in store with that book."

It was such a GREAT book. I loved it as well. I'm still on hold for the next and I want it now.

Wow! You both are making me want it NOW! I only read the first one but if I can fit it in, I just might have to read the next two.

Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?

I finished Christy Reece Last Chance rescue series and Got up to date with Jaci Burton Play By Play series this is book 11 and I still love it.
I had been working on both series for about a year.
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started 3 new series and will continue all

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 7 series

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?I had 7 5 star reads this month.
.
5. Overall summary of your reading month? 11 books which is my usual.
I had a great month. I loved everything I read. Very heavy in contemporary romance which I love. The Pucked series which I will finish/ or catch up with tomorrow was unexpected gem.

Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I finished Christy Reece Last Chance rescue series and Got up to date with Jaci Burton Play By Play..."

You finished two 10+ book series so big YAY!

You've now got me intrigued about this Pucked series:)

Jonetta wrote: "Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I finished Christy Reece Last Chance rescue series and Got up to date with Jaci Burton..."

I started Pucked not knowing it was a series, and I've been hooked and reading it all week, back to back. Each stands alone, but they flow into each other with recurring characters. From other comments and reviews people either love it or hate it.

Stephanie wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I didn't complete any series, but got up to date with D. I. Kim Stone series. This will be a short-lived catch-up as the next boo..."

Congrats on a good month! I echo your caution about NetGalley...been there:)

Stephanie wrote: "Thanks, Jonetta! Complete newbie to NetGalley and thinking 1 or so per month may be a good rule of thumb for me.... :D..."

That's smart, Stephanie. Wish I'd established some limits as I'm still under water. I'm much better now, though.

Isn't that the truth!

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes, 2
Kurland Hall Mysteries by Catherine Lloyd
Dream Man by Kristen Ashley

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes, 2 but I won't be continuing with either.
Jaguar Warriors by Juliana Stone
H.O.T. Cops by Lacey Alexander

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, 11


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
16 books read this month. The year has started well. I'm especially pleased that I knocked 4 series off my TBR - two finished and 2 not continuing. Of course, I added more books that I got rid of, lol!

Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?."

Congrats on moving forward with 7 series, Laura. Great work!

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, 2 Kurland Hall Mysteries by Catherine Lloyd
Dream Man by Kristen Ashley 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were t..."

You are indeed having a great year and this month was wonderful! Eleven series? Awesome.

FYI, you're now responsible for me adding Dream Man onto my list:)

Lauren wrote: "Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?."

Congrats on moving forward with 7 series, Laura. Great work!"

Same to you with 11 Wow! How did you like The Dream man series? That has been in my TBR forever. Also what about H.O.T. Cops, not good?

Stephanie wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I didn't complete any series, but got up to date with D. I. Kim Stone series. This will be a short-lived catch-up as the next boo..."

I have not read any Kristin Hannah since Firefly Lane. That book was the ugly cry of all ugly cries. I look forward to your take on book 2.

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes! I completed three series and got up to date in two:
Barefoot Bay Undercover by Roxanne St. Claire, Campbell Family by Holly ..."

Great reading month for you. I will definitely be reading Barefoot Bay series (the first one) someday, since you've liked them all so much. . You do so well keeping up with group reads. I'm a failure at that, except for Karen Rose series that is.

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
One. I'm calling Marliss Melton's Navy SEALs Team Twelve series complete for me since I'm skipping the novellas.

2. Did you star..."

Great in moving forward in 7 series. Rachel Gibson is one of my faves.

Tracey wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
No.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Only 1 - reread of the Harry Potter series which ..."

Great reading month for you!!

Laura wrote: "Great reading month for you. I will definitely be reading Barefoot Bay series (the first one) someday, since you've liked them all so much. . You do so well keeping up with group reads. I'm a failure at that, except for Karen Rose series that is..."

Thanks, Laura! I think you'll enjoy Barefoot Bay.

For three years, I was reading so many author review requests my shelf suffered. One reason I'm keeping up with these group reads is because they're on my shelf and it's like coming back home. Loving it!

Jonetta wrote: "FYI, you're now responsible for me adding Dream Man onto my list:)."


I can live with that ... I think :0)

Laura wrote: "Same to you with 11 Wow! How did you like The Dream man series? That has been in my TBR forever. Also what about H.O.T. Cops, not good? "

Loved the Dream Man series. KA writes some of the most yummalicious heroes :0)

H.O.T. Cops was OK. It has one or two tropes that irritate me so I've decided not to continue.

Jonetta wrote: "Good job, Melissa! Glad to see you were able to progress in three series.

How different was the book from the movie? (Jaws) "

The ending was different (if I'm remembered correctly) and there is a lot more about the characters in the book. You learn about their earlier years as young adults. I also don't feel that they did a very accurate job in casting.

Such is normally the case in casting:(

Wow catching up on posts and it looks like everyone had a great month!