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 (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
5. Overall summary of your reading month?

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes. 9 - 5 complete and 4 caught up


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes and no. I read the first book in a spin-off series, lol! I will continue


3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, 7 -


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
No 5 stars for any of my series reads but I have 5 stars to 2 standalones - oldies but goodies that hit all the high notes


5. Overall summary of your reading month? I read 22 books and finished several series I have been plodding away at, so I'm really happy about that.

How did I miss you reading Nalini Singh!? Have you read any of her other series?

22 books. That is really great Lauren. Keep plodding. Seems you're making real great headway

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes. 9 - 5 complete and 4 caught up
[bookcover:A Stranger i..."

Lauren, how outstanding!!! You’ve got to be feeling great about your series progress so congratulations! And, spinoffs get a pass😏

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date or completed four series:
Bow Street Bachelors by Kate Bateman (complete)
Morgan Dane by Melinda Leigh (complete)
Bishop Security by Debbie Bishop (up to date)
Blackberry Bay by Shannon Stacey (complete)

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started one, McGrath by Jennifer Ryan, and I plan to continue.

3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?
I moved forward in three series:
The MacGregors by Nora Roberts
DI Kim Stone by Angela Marsons
Lucy Kincaid by Allison Brennan

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had three standouts this month: Little Cruelties, Illicit Intent & The Good Sister.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
Despite some personal challenges, I did decently with my plan this month. I’m pleased with my series progress and the balance between those books and standalones.

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

I finished two series: Restoration (a trilogy) and Grave War (binge read)

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

I started three new series but I'm still reading two of them so will be carrying them over to April's reading round-up. Right now I'm leaning towards continuing both but I'll leave the final decision until next month.

The other new series I started is a maybe: Gallows Court.


3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?

Nope!

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

No five star books for me this month but I gave four stars to several books in the Alex Craft series that I binged this month: Grave Memory, Grave VisionsGrave DestinyGrave War

5. Overall summary of your reading month?

I think I had a good month. I enjoyed my binge read and I found a few new-to-me series that I think I'll be sticking with.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I read Lightning Game which put me up to date in the Ghostwalkers series and I read Hunting November which is the last book in the Killing November series.
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? I read The Keeper of Lost Causes which is the first book in the Department Q series, but I do not plan to continue with it.
3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many? I moved forward in 5 series. I read Dead By Midnight: An I-Team Christmas which is book 7.5 in the I-Team series, but I still plan to read book 8 to complete the series. I read two more books from the DI Kim Stone series, Blood Lines and Dead Souls and will continue reading that series throughout 2021. I read Wild Like the Wind which is Chaos series book 5. I do plan to read the last book in that series. I read The Right Swipe which is the first book in the Modern Love series, but I’m not sure if I want to continue with that or not. I read The Bride Test which is The Kiss Quotient series #2. I may continue with that series.
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them? I really liked 10 Blind Dates. Some of the dates that her family came up with were hilarious. Each book in the DI Kim Stone series is first rate. For the first time ever, I won one of those Goodreads Giveaways and won a copy of Love at First. It is a cute story, but didn’t quite rise to the level of 4 stars. Celebrity is a book that I had been wanting to read for a while, and even though it didn’t rate 4 stars, it was a very engrossing read.
5. Overall summary of your reading month? I read 20 books this month including 8 series.

Michelle wrote: "How did I miss you reading Nalini Singh!? Have you read any of her other series?

22 books. That is really great Lauren. Keep plodding. Seems you're making real great headway"

Thanks Melissa.

It has been a while since I read the last Psy-Changeling book. I took a long break and am now getting back into it.

Yes, I've also read the first few Guild Hunter books. I tend to take long breaks once I catch up with the last published book and then wait until there are several or until the series is complete. I hate waiting a year between each book so this works for me.

Jonetta wrote: "Lauren, how outstanding!!! You’ve got to be feeling great about your series progress so congratulations! And, spinoffs get a pass😏."

Thanks Jonetta!
Yes, my diligence is starting to pay off and I've finished some excellent series. I will miss them but now I can start some new ones :)

Jonetta wrote: "espite some personal challenges, I did decently with my plan this month. I’m pleased with my series progress and the balance between those books and standalones.."

That is wonderful, Jonetta. I know that real life has been getting in the way, so I'm glad you enjoyed your reading.

Veronica wrote: "I think I had a good month. I enjoyed my binge read and I found a few new-to-me series that I think I'll be sticking with."

I'm always jealous of those who are able to binge read. I find myself getting tired and worn out if I read too many in the same series back to back. Kudos to you!

Lynn wrote: "Overall summary of your reading month? I read 20 books this month including 8 series."

That's fantastic, Lynn!
So glad you had such a good month and congrats on the Goodreads Giveaway.

Lauren wrote: "Michelle wrote: "How did I miss you reading Nalini Singh!? Have you read any of her other series?

22 books. That is really great Lauren. Keep plodding. Seems you're making real great headway"

Tha..."

Think you meant Michelle? 😂
I understand waiting for a few books to be published. I generally am okay waiting but if it ends with cliffhanger or is a serialization? I have a few like that were I'm waiting for it to be completed because +- 120pg read ending with cliffhanger? Just no

I keep meaning to start her other series but I don't know what's keeping me from starting. I'll get to it. Eventually 😂

Lauren wrote: "Veronica wrote: "I think I had a good month. I enjoyed my binge read and I found a few new-to-me series that I think I'll be sticking with."

I'm always jealous of those who are able to binge read...."
All depends on the series. Some you can binge. Some are just to similar to Binge. I then make sure I have a few series that I can alternate with.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes 5 up-to-date
In death - J. D. Robb
Filthy Rich American - Nikki Sloane
Devil's Fury MC - Harley Wylde
MC Daddies - Laylah Roberts
Krave of Everton - Zoey Draven

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes I will continue these
He's mine - B. Jaycox
Nashville neighborhood - Nikki Sloane
Blood & Bones - Jeanne St James

3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?
In binging all Suzanne Wright series at the same time. Following it in the order of publication so I've moved forward in 4 series:
Dep in your vein
The Mercury pack
Dark in you
Phoenix pack
I also loved forward with the Boys of Lake Cliff by K. Sterling


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
23 books read this month. Overall I liked all the books I read this month, majority was part fo a bin standout was Faithless in death. But then I'm a sucker for Eve and Roarke.

Michelle wrote: "Think you meant Michelle? 😂."

I totally did!
Sorry Michelle :)

Michelle wrote: "I have a few like that were I'm waiting for it to be completed because +- 120pg read ending with cliffhanger? Just no."


Let's not even discuss cliffhangers, lol! If there is a cliffhanger, I will always wait until the entire series is out.

Michelle wrote: "I keep meaning to start her other series but I don't know what's keeping me from starting. I'll get to it. Eventually 😂"

It's amazing! Even better than Psy-Changeling. Singh has the most incredible world building skills. One of her only rivals is Ilona Andrews.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed 1 series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started 1 new series: Light as a Feather series by Zoe Aarsen. I will continue it, but I'm not in a hurry.

3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?
I moved forward in 2 series:
In Death by J.D. Robb (#12)
Lucy Kincaid series by Allison Brennan (#8 &9)

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
The Desolations of Devil’s Acre (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #6) by Ransom Riggs was most definitely a 5 star read, as all the books in the series have been. I'm sad to see it end.
I also really enjoyed the Lucy Kincaid books.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
Although I am behind in my yearly goal right now (I'll get caught up when I'm on vacation in June/July) I'm happy with the 5 i did read.

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes. 9 - 5 complete and 4 caught up
[bookcover:A Stranger i..."

Awesome progress, Lauren! It must feel pretty good to be able to check off those series as finished.

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date or completed four series:
Bow Street Bachelors by Kate Bateman (complete)
Morgan Dane by Melinda Leigh (complete..."

Great job with your finished/up-to-date series, Jonetta. I hardly ever come across standalone books anymore.

Lynn wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I read Lightning Game which put me up to date in the Ghostwalkers series and I read [book:Hunting November|510524..."

Congrats on winning a book through GR Giveaways! I've won twice but it's been years now.

Lauren wrote: "I'm always jealous of those who are able to binge read. I find myself getting tired and worn out if I read too many in the same series back to back. Kudos to you!"

Thanks, Lauren. I agree with Michelle though in that it depends on the series. Some of my fantasy book are 1000+ pages so not binging those, lol. In general though, I like to stay immersed with a group of characters in whatever world the author has created. I find that if I stop to go read something else then I lose forward momentum and it becomes hard for me to get back. But I totally get your point, too.

Michelle wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes 5 up-to-date
In death - J. D. Robb
Filthy Rich American - Nikki Sloane
Devil's Fury MC - Harley Wylde
MC Daddies - Laylah ..."

23 books is an excellent reading month!

Lauren wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I keep meaning to start her other series but I don't know what's keeping me from starting. I'll get to it. Eventually 😂"

It's amazing! Even better than Psy-Changeling. Singh has t..."

Have you tried her latest books? She's moving into another genre
&

The reviews aren't helping and it nits. A genre I usually read so 🤷

And. Thank you. I will be moving it up the groaning pile of books waiting to be read

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed 1 series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what we..."

That year long challenge is driving me crazy this year! That will teach me to up my number of books to read.

Veronica wrote: "Lynn wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I read Lightning Game which put me up to date in the Ghostwalkers series and I read [book:Hunting No..."

Congrats on winning.

I so wish I could also participate. I use to enter, thinking they might get the other countries that publish the books to have participate. You know open it up so everyone, internationally. I suppose one lonely entry makes no difference. Just get lost in it all.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I became up-to-date on the Innocent Prisoners Project series by Marti Green; and I finished two series: Morgan Dane series by Melinda Leigh and Dr. Katie LeClair series by Dawn Eastman.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
None

3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many?
Besides the series I finished or caught up, I moved forward in three series:
D.I. Kim Stone by Angela Marsons
Lucy Kincaid by Allison Brennan
Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
My only 5-Star book in March was . I had three others that I gave 4.5 Stars:

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I had a good month and finished 12 books. Five of the books were standalone, so I'm finally making a dent in those books too.

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes. 9 - 5 complete and 4 caught up
[bookcover:A Stranger i..."

Congratulations Lauren! Wrapping up that many series in one month is a feat!

I saw you liked Linda Howard's Up Close and Dangerous. It's one of my favorites.

Congrats Robin one finding 5 standalones. It feel like those you really have to search for nowadays

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date or completed four series:
Bow Street Bachelors by Kate Bateman (complete)
Morgan Dane by Melinda Leigh (complete..."

Even with real-life getting in the way, it looks like you had a great reading month!

Veronica wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?

I finished two series: Restoration (a trilogy) and Grave War (binge read)

2. Did you start any ne..."

It looks like you had a good month. I'm with Lauren. I can't binge read a bunch of books by the same author. I keep seeing repetitive phrases and start picking the books apart instead of enjoying them.

Lynn wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I read Lightning Game which put me up to date in the Ghostwalkers series and I read [book:Hunting November|510524..."

Looks like you had a fantastic month! I loved Pamela Clare's I-Team series. You make me want to read it again.

Michelle wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Yes 5 up-to-date
In death - J. D. Robb
Filthy Rich American - Nikki Sloane
Devil's Fury MC - Harley Wylde
MC Daddies - Laylah ..."

Congratulations on getting caught up on the In Death series. That's a feat in itself!!!

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed 1 series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what we..."

It looks like you had another good month! I'm enjoying our group discussions on the Lucy Kincaid books.

Veronica wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?

I finished two series: Restoration (a trilogy) and Grave War (binge read)

2. Did you start any ne..."

I think you had a good month, too, Veronica! Finishing two series, one of them a binge read, sounds like happy reading vibes😏

Lauren wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "espite some personal challenges, I did decently with my plan this month. I’m pleased with my series progress and the balance between those books and standalones.."

That is wonderfu..."

Thanks, Lauren!

Lynn wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? I read Lightning Game which put me up to date in the Ghostwalkers series and I read [book:Hunting November|510524..."

Looks like you had a great month, Lynn! I’m glad you’re enjoying the DI Kim Stone series and participating in the group read. That’s turned out to be such a good choice.

One of these days I’ll resume reading KA. I really enjoy her books.

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed 1 series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what we..."

Yay Melissa! Now you’ve got me thinking about the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. It’s been on my shelf for a long time.

Congrats on your month of good reading!

Veronica wrote: "Great job with your finished/up-to-date series, Jonetta. I hardly ever come across standalone books anymore. ..."

Thanks, Veronica! I’ve a host of authors in the mystery/thriller category on my favorites list that only write standalones. Sometimes it’s nice to be one-and-done, palate cleaners for my series reading.

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I became up-to-date on the Innocent Prisoners Project series by Marti Green; and I finished two series: Morgan Dane series by Mel..."

Well done, Robin! I’m impressed that you also restrained from starting any new series. And thanks for that 5-star recommendation. My library had the audiobook. I love the sound of it.

Robin wrote: "Even with real-life getting in the way, it looks like you had a great reading month!..."

I did! I was worried for a bit but good books have a way of saving the day.

Michelle wrote: "Congrats Robin one finding 5 standalones. It feel like those you really have to search for nowadays"

I'm so used to concentrating on series that I was ignoring the standalones. I'm trying to read a couple of them each month.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Nope
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? Nope
3. Did you move forward in any series (that you didn’t complete or finish)? How many? I move forward in 3 series.
- The Elm Creek Quilt series - It was ok book, not sure if I am going to continue the series or not
Bishop/SCU by Kay Hooper - Love this book and this series. Can't wait to read more
Shopoholic series by Sophie Kinsella - This is such a fun series, it is silly but I like that sometimes when reading.


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
My favourite book of this book would have to be Hiding in the Shadows. It was a great book, it had lots of suspense. I really love the book. I can't wait to continue the series. This is a reread series for me but I am still enjoying it.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I read three books this month which is pretty good for me.

Veronica wrote: "Awesome progress, Lauren! It must feel pretty good to be able to check off those series as finished.."

Thanks Veronica.
Yes, it was very cathartic :)

Michelle wrote: "Have you tried her latest books? She's moving into another genre."

I have seen these but, as you say, the reviews are not positive. It is very difficult for an author so well established in one genre to switch to another. Perhaps she would have been better off with a pseudonym like Nora Roberts and J.K. Rowling.

Robin wrote: " had a good month and finished 12 books. Five of the books were standalone, so I'm finally making a dent in those books too..."

Great month, Robin. Well done!
I've been reading more stand alone books recently as well. It's good to get away from the series sometimes and just have something be one and done!

Robin wrote: "I saw you liked Linda Howard's Up Close and Dangerous. It's one of my favorites."

Yes! I was wary at first because the blurb is so misleading, but I loved it!

Viki wrote: "Bishop/SCU by Kay Hooper - Love this book and this series. Can't wait to read more."

I really like these books too. I tend to read one and then for some reason don't read another until months or even years later. I need to move it up on my list of priorities.

Viki wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Nope
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? Nope
3. Did you move forward in any series (that ..."

Viki I loved those first 3 trilogies of Kay Hooper. I know that it went beyond that but somehow I just never read further. For that time when the books first came out, it was great how it l worked. Mmmmm. Maybe I should find them again myself.