Historical Romance Book Club discussion

I have participated in several challenges to finish series, and I always finish some - and add just as many new ones to the pile. It sounds like you have the same problem :)

A question regarding your finishing The Bridgertons - does that include all the 2nd epilogues?

I really have too many series to choose from. But it's really impossible not to start new ones. I think I'll try to finish Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. Maybe I'll try and focus on series where I have only one to three books left - that should become a personal challenge for the rest of the year.


Maiden Lane
Duke of Pleasure
Once Upon a Christmas Eve
Duke of Desire

I have a few series with one book left to complete or be up to date:

I Have So Many Unfinished Series!!!! =^..^=
4/22
Next Book in the series:

Knights Miscellany Gaelen Foley
#3 Lord of Ice

The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Amelia Grey
✔ #2 The Earl Claims a Bride May 5 ★★★✰✰
#3 Wedding Night With the Earl

The Secret Life of Scoundrels Anna Harrington
#3 How I Married a Marquess

Hellions of Halstead Hall Sabrina Jeffries
#2 A Hellion in Her Bed

The Adventurers Quartet Stephanie Laurens
✔ #2 A Buccaneer at Heart June 16 ★★★✰✰
#3 The Daredevil Snared

Scandalous Caroline Linden
#3.5 A Study in Scandal

COMPLETED Badboys and Wallflowers Maya Rodale
✔ #3 What a Wallflower Wants May 7 ★★★✰✰

Keeping Up with the Cavendishes Maya Rodale
#3 Lady Claire Is All That

Marriage of Convenience Anne Gracie
#1 Marry in Haste

Season for Scandal Kelly Bowen
✔ #1 Duke of My Heart
#2
#3

- -

Yes. I'm in. I recently have read a few complete series. It's so much easier for me if I start a series after all books are out. In previous years, I read so many books out of order and not all the series. I am going to pick a series and come back with my specifics.

Ally, Thank you for starting this thread!

I usually read all the books in a series in order and try not to leave out any book. But I read only four books in Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James. So, I planned to pick it up again in June/July and finish with the latest release in the series.
This month, I am reading Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas.

Ally wrote: "OMG. You sound exactly like me. Do you think you'll read the next books in a single series or spring from one to the other?"

I used to always binge read a series, but with the advent of GR and the challenges, I have found that I can no longer allocate such a large block of time. I would like to read 3 books a month if I can. So 18 books, six months or by the end of the year at the latest.

But I probably won't be able to restrain myself from starting other new series.

Ally wrote: "Whoa, only one book? You can do that. By the end of the year? ."

Definitely! :0)

Mariana wrote: " It's so much easier for me if I start a series after all books are out."

Agreed. I hate waiting a year or more for the next book!

Ally wrote: "jaxnsmom wrote: "I have participated in several challenges to finish series, and I always finish some - and add just as many new ones to the pile. It sounds like you have the same problem :)

A que..."

LOL!

I have to say - I love your avatar. I clicked on it and realized it wasn't just the freaky skull :)

are my three books to finish reading what is available of these 3 Series.

Priya wrote: "Ally, Thank you for starting this thread!

I usually read all the books in a series in order and try not to leave out any book. But I read only four books in Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa Ja..."

Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James!? I am listening to the first in that series and so far and not sure I want to continue

Mariana wrote: "Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James!? I am listening to the first in that series and so far and not sure I want to continue ."

I've had the first one for ages but keep putting it off. I have to be in the mood for her writing style.

Lauren wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James!? I am listening to the first in that series and so far and not sure I want to continue ."

I've had the first one for ages but keep putti..."

I barely made it through the first in the series and started the second because I enjoyed the Fairy Tales series so much, but gave up.

There is one series I really enjoyed, the Bastion Club by Stephanie Laurens. Her more recent series just doesn't seem to have the power of this earlier one.

Mariana wrote: "Priya wrote: "Ally, Thank you for starting this thread!

I usually read all the books in a series in order and try not to leave out any book. But I read only four books in Desperate Duchesses serie..."

I too felt the same when I read the first book, but later I read When the Duke Returns and liked it. Then I read 2 more books in the series and now I want to read all the books.

Ally wrote: "jaxnsmom wrote: "I have to say - I love your avatar. I clicked on it and realized it wasn't just the freaky skull :) ..."

Fun, right? Most don't see it."

I was watching Sherlock Holmes the new series and he has this print on his wall. I told my husband that my GR friend uses this picture on her page.

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-0...

Ally wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James!? I am listening to the first in that series and so far and not sure I want to continue .."

EJ has some good books. But it seems those ar..."
I am listening to the very first one desperate duchess; and you are right, there's a whole slew of characters who are awful people. It seems there is no one for me to root for.

Lauren wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James!? I am listening to the first in that series and so far and not sure I want to continue ."

I've had the first one for ages but keep putti..."
I suppose starting with the first book is a good idea because it introduces the entire cast of characters for future books. However, I must say, I don't really want to read anymore about these characters.

Barbara wrote: "There is one series I really enjoyed, the Bastion Club by Stephanie Laurens. Her more recent series just doesn't seem to have the power of this earlier one."

Agree totally! I was so disappointed in the first of her latest The Adventurers quartet The Lady's Command, that I haven't touched the next three, and she used to be auto buy for me.

Loriidae wrote: "Barbara wrote: "There is one series I really enjoyed, the Bastion Club by Stephanie Laurens. Her more recent series just doesn't seem to have the power of this earlier one."

Agree totally! I was s..."
I listened to the adventurers quartet and I enjoyed the second and third books more than the first.

Ally wrote: "Gio wrote: "I was watching Sherlock Holmes the new series and he has this print on his wall. I told my husband that my GR friend uses this picture on her page. "

Benjamin can cumber my batch any d..."

Tehehehe!!!

One book (and series) down. Two to go. I think I'll add a forth and complete the Noble series by Katie MacAlister. I have read two of four.

I finished - I'm so glad Kleypas has returned to the HR genre.

Here's My GR Review

Thanks Ally.
Nope, I'm waiting for the next one to come out in 2018 :(

I'll have to console myself with other series :)

and Two more books and one series down. Two books to go.

Lauren wrote: "I finished - I'm so glad Kleypas has returned to the HR genre.

Here's My GR Review"

I agree! I love this series. It is one of the few I have been reading as the books are released rather than waiting and reading all at once.

Ally wrote: "2018???"

Unfortunately :(

I hate waiting so long between books in a series. That is usually why I wait until all the books are out before reading.

Mariana wrote: "It is one of the few I have been reading as the books are released rather than waiting and reading all at once. "

Me too! I can't help myself :)

Ally wrote: "How is everyone doing on finishing up their series? I am so in love with It's in His Kiss - I cannot see straight. One more book after this one and that series is done!"

Oh, that is a good one! In the top three in that series for me.

Ally wrote: "Mariana wrote: " and Two more books and one series down. Two books to go."

Ohhh those both look awesome! Now, I'm thinking ..."

Yes, do! I recommend.

I just finished the Chance sisters series by Anne Gracie. I plan to focus in the not too distant future on Loretta Chase's Carsington series- have read the first too - and Gaelen Foley's Knights of Miscellany series- have read the first and own the next two.

I love this series! Why did I take so long to read the final book?

Finished four books and three series. Only one book and series to go.

Joanna wrote: "I just finished the Chance sisters series by Anne Gracie. I plan to focus in the not too distant future on Loretta Chase's Carsington series- have read the first too - and Gaelen Foley's Knights of..."

Knights of miscellany is on my list. I have read the first two. Also Anne Gracie has a new book out last month Marry in Haste (bookk #1 new series) so that is on my list too.

This month I hope to finish up Amelia Grey's Heirs club of Scoundrels only Wedding Night With the Earl and to progress with Anna Nicole Harrington's The Secret life of Scoundrels aiming to read at least one, (two to go).

I'm planning to re-read Loretta Chase's Scoundrels Series... if that counts. I remember nothing about any book except Lord of Scoundrels.

Ally wrote: "How is everyone doing on finishing up their series? I am so in love with It's in His Kiss - I cannot see straight. One more book after this one and that series is done!"

I finished reading Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas. I hope to read Sarah MacLean's backlist by 2nd week of June so that I could read A Scot in the Dark ( our June BOTM). So far, I finished Love by Numbers series and now I am reading book#1 of her Rules of Scoundrels series.

Ally wrote: "Joanna wrote: "I just finished the Chance sisters series by Anne Gracie. I plan to focus in the not too distant future on Loretta Chase's Carsington series- have read the first too - and Gaelen Fol..."

Miss Wonderful and Mr. Impossible are the two I have read. Quite enjoyed both. I like the premise of the patriarch wanting to marry off his five sons because they are too expensive. Lord Perfect is next.

Sha wrote: "I'm planning to re-read Loretta Chase's Scoundrels Series... if that counts. I remember nothing about any book except Lord of Scoundrels."

I think I have only read Lord of Scoundrels from that series. Lovely book. It's recommended so often. I had no idea it was part of a series for the longest time.

Ally wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Sha wrote: "I'm planning to re-read Loretta Chase's Scoundrels Series... if that counts. I remember nothing about any book except Lord of Scoundrels."

I think I have only read [book..."

From memory when we read it as a BOM last year, the others said it worked as a stand alone, and was the best in the series so most of us only read lord of Scoundrels

Loriidae wrote: "From memory when we read it as a BOM last year, the others said it worked as a stand alone, and was the best in the series so most of us only read lord of Scoundrels "

I read all the books in the series before and I remember liking one (possibly two) better than Lord of Scoundrels. I'm trying to see if that was accurate or a hallucination.

Onward to The Lion's Daughter!

Just finished the final series I planned to!

Ally,

How did you feel about "An Offer from a gentle?"

I started this book, but put it aside to return to it at a later day to give it another try.

Your review for the book was good.

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I started this book, but put it aside to return to it at a later day to give it another try.

Your review for the book was good."

From memory that was one of the weakest in the first six, I am pretty certain I read through to F, I enjoyed the The Duke and I and To Sir Phillip, With Love (I think that's the one you didn't like Ally)

There is this google spreadsheet made by a friend of mine that is absolutely amazing at keeping track of every stat you'll ever want. I adore it but am behind at entering in all of my books read this year. But I have kept my series part up to date. I'm currently out of control on all the series that I'm "currently reading". OUT OF CONTROL. So here is the link if you want to take a peak. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/... I don't have all of the "next books" entered in because I changed the way I did it halfway through. Also, in my free time I'm entering some other side projects in that aren't in the original spread sheet but I haven't completed them yet. Feel free to poke around though and let me know if you want a link to the original download. He's also made a youtube video about how to use it.

So with all that being said... what I'm working on right now is choosing the 2 series that were started the longest ago and working on those every month. I don't have to finish them, just make progress or decide to DNF. So it'll take me awhile to get to any HR because I've only been reading romance for a little over a year. But that's my current series goal. I seriously need to hammer down and finish some series. My ideal would be to not have any series that I haven't read a book from in the past year unless I'm waiting for a new release.

And in case you were wondering...yes. It does say that I have 61 ongoing series. 60 FREAKING 1. Please stop me from starting new series.

(it actually says 66 but there are a few that I've finished or DNF'd so far this year)

Giselle wrote: "There is this google spreadsheet made by a friend of mine that is absolutely amazing at keeping track of every stat you'll ever want. I adore it but am behind at entering in all of my books read th..."

Wow Giselle! 60-something series'!

Your are a busy little thing to be organized enough to keep so organized!

I really would like a copy of the spreadsheet and link to how-to youtube!

I've seen people on GR say they wished they had something like this, but I haven't heard from anyone who has created a spreadsheet like this.

Btw, what was your first HR you ever read?

My first HR was technically when I was like 14. It was new (2009, 2010) because it was in hardcover and she had a yellow dress on and was standing on a staircase. I have no idea what the book is. I know she was pregnant at the end and he comes and finds her and something or other. I feel like he was a major jerk and "rogue" might have been in the title? I didn't pick one up for about 6 more years or so. But the first one that I read last year that got me reading them was A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James. I just adore fairytale retellings. Like absolutely love them and was looking for a Cinderella retelling and found it. I laughed through the whole thing and had such a fun time that I picked up the rest of the series and some other HR that weren't fairytales. I just reread it last month and thought it was fun but I didn't like it as much as I did the first time. But it got the ball rolling and now I've read about 90 romances in the last year.

Thanks! I organized while listening to audiobooks so it's killing two birds with one stone!

I don't know if any of you are familiar with the BookTube community on YouTube but it's basically thousands of creators talking about books and making videos about them. This spreadsheet is from one of those creators. I've been watching his channel from the very beginning and he is absolutely amazing. This is his 3rd spreadsheet that he's made of it. 2015, 2016 and 2017. For 2017 he did a liveshow explaining the spreadsheet so it's quite a bit longer. But don't worry. I would start at 8:00 in and watch the first 10 minutes because it's the most important and then you can choose if you want to watch or skip around through the rest of it. I find that I don't care about a lot of the things that you can track through it. Like the publishers and stuff like that so I hide those tabs but don't delete them because it'll mess up the sheet. But go crazy and I hope it helps!

Liveshow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCypS...
Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
( I made a copy of it to start editing it for personal use.)
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/letsread/status/8...

Thanks Giselle!

I think I need two diff spreadsheets for HR and another genres that I read from.

I hadn't heard of book tube but I have seen a couple of book-trailers. I'll have to look into this book tube.

Thanks!

I hover at around 48 series, I seem to start one for every one I finish. Of course it doesn't help that I prowl around GR and check out all the recommendations.