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?


Christina
Giulia
Jessika
Jonetta
Laura
Lauren
Melissa
Robin
Veronica
Vittoria

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

I completed one series, a trilogy. Ship of Destiny

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

I started three new series and will definitely be keeping up with two of them. Raven Black Flesh and Spirit

The third one is a "maybe". Feed

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

I moved forward in two series. Dead Cold Queen of Hearts

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

No five star books for me this month but a trio of four star ones.

Dead Cold - enjoy the writing, the characters, and the setting.

Raven Black - same as above...writing, characters, setting...and an ending I didn't expect.

Queen of Hearts - just a fun listen on audiobook

5. Overall summary of your reading month?

I think I had a good reading month. I was able to mix in some contemporary mysteries this time which was nice.

I think you had a great month, too, Veronica!! I’m dying to start the Shetland Island series so I’m really glad to see you enjoyed Raven Black.

Kudos!

1. The only series I completed was The Book Boyfriend trilogy. I binged it.

2. I started 3 new series I will continue all


3. I moved forward in these series

. Hate to say it but The KGI series is really going downhill towards the end.

4. My standout books -
This May be the book of the year for me. It’s billed as a rom com but no way, I was as much teary an choked up as I was laughing. Tough subject matter- Drunk driving and the hero was a single dad raising an autistic child. I cannot recommend this enough!

These books really moved me and should be required reading in high school maybe. The subject matter is drunk driving and it really got me thinking and changed my entire viewpoint.

This lived up to the hype

this was unique as the heroine is on the autism spectrum. I thought it ended abruptly though.

I binged the first four of this series this month. Love it. The heroine has a history of mental illness which makes it different then the typical billionaire book.

I love Kylie Scott. This is a blast. Far fetched but a fun read.

in this the heroine is a romance book blogger and the hero is a romance writer. What’s not to love about that. I read the series in 3 days.

5. Summary of my month-
19 books- Totally unorganized but I loved what I read. My plan only had 10 books on it so I was really free to binge and mood read.
Looking back I was really on a drunk driving/autism/ mental illness kick this month. I didn’t even realize it til now.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed the No Evil trilogy by Allison Brennan

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

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 2 series:
Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare
Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had 3 5 ★ reads this month:
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Fear No Evil by Allison Brennan

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
5 books - pretty good since I was on vacation for 3 weeks (went home to NH to visit family).

Great reading month, Veronica!
I'm on the wait list for Raven Black. It's quite popular.

Wonderful progress on your series, Laura!

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, I finished the Charley Davidson series and not a moment too soon!
I also completed the Evil Trilogy, but this is a connected series so I'm not considering it 100% done.


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes -3. That said, one is a series that spins off into a different series that I've read a couple of books in already, so I'm not sure it counts :)


Will continue with Barb Han and Jayne Castle's series (connected to the Arcane series), but not the Susan Wiggs one. Just not my cup of tea.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, 8 -


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
Yes although it isn't a series book - . A fantastic book with very real characters.

5. Overall summary of your reading month? Another good month with 16 books read.

Jessika 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? H..."

Jessika, I get your disappointment with the quantity of books you read but to have all be good reading experiences? That is a win!! With all the challenges you faced last month, getting three books read was an achievement.

Laura wrote: "1. The only series I completed was The Book Boyfriend trilogy. I binged it.

2. I started 3 new series I will continue all
[book..."

Wow, Laura! I loved looking at your summary of your outstanding reads, which is adding to my TBR. You had a fantastic month just because of all the reading love💕 And congratulations on your series progress. I got excited just reading your book summaries.

Oh! There are a number of us here that either stalled or abandoned KGI (I stalled). Such a shame because it had such a strong start.

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed the No Evil trilogy by Allison Brennan

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
No..."

Congrats, Melissa, on a strong month! We shared love for two of the books, Clockwork Princess & Fear No Evil! Working on the discussion topics today.

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, I finished the Charley Davidson series and not a moment too soon!
I also completed the Evil Trilogy, but this is a connected..."

Great month, Lauren, and congrats on finishing Charley Davidson! I’m also glad to see you read Big Little Lies. Have you seen the TV series?

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I finished one series, the No Evil Trilogy by Allison Brennan.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
No new series!

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in three:
Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson
Promise Falls by Linwood Barclay
Hostage Rescue Team by Kaylea Cross

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had a LOT of standouts this month!!! First, my 5 star titles.
The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets is the first book by Molly O’Keefe under her real name, Molly Fader, and it was just wonderful. Her recent books have teetered towards contemporary fiction and with this book, she made the successful leap. Just Love is Prescott Lane’s latest success. I’m not a big fan of the New Adult genre but this author just always gets it right. An amazing story. Evidence of the Affair was only 1 hour & 19 minutes but it was “unputdownable.” I think if you buy the kindle book the Audible book is free. If so, grab it. Once Upon a River just entranced me. Fear No Evil tore me to shreds. And Mine grabbed me early and never let go. I finished listening to it in one sitting. I also had some outstanding 4.5 star reads: An Anonymous GirlThe One & Under Currents

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
This was one of the best reading months I can recall ever having. While I didn’t do a lot of series reading, my single titles were just outstanding. I read 16 books but it wasn’t the quantity that I’m happy about (though I am), it’s the magic of what I read that has me so very satisfied.

Lauren wrote: "Wonderful progress on your series, Laura!"

Thanks Lauren!

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, I finished the Charley Davidson series and not a moment too soon!
I also completed the Evil Trilogy, but this is a connected..."

Great month for you!

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I finished one series, the No Evil Trilogy by Allison Brennan.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you..."
Great sounding books here. Happy you loved your books. No new series? Whats your secret? Lol. I’m glad you all are adding all of Allison Brennan’s trilogies to your group read. I have read them all and loved them. Mine is up after the trilogy I’m reading this weekend. I also bought Just Love, that sounds great.

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?
No.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 6 series:
Phryne Fisher by Kerry Greenwood;
Daisy Dalrymple by Carola Dunn;
Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates;
Lady Emily by Tasha Alexander;
Library Lover's Mystery by Jenn McKinlay;
Rannoch Fraser Mysteries by Tracy Grant.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I've rated 5 stars Imperial Scandal by Tracy Grant, whose deeply developed characters and meticulous research made this book hard to put down.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
A fantastic reading month, couldn't ask for more.

Laura wrote: "Great sounding books here. Happy you loved your books. No new series? Whats your secret? Lol. I’m glad you all are adding all of Allison Brennan’s trilogies to your group read. I have read them all and loved them. Mine is up after the trilogy I’m reading this weekend. I also bought Just Love, that sounds great...."

I have a lot of standalone titles for audio review that are turning out to be wonderful! I learned that I have to mix it up. It’s turning out to be a great mix for me.

Oh, I hope you enjoy both Mine and Just Love!

✨ Vittoria ✨ 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?
No.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How ..."

Oh, it warms my heart to see you declare this a fantastic reading month!! Congratulations, Vittoria🎉 And! You moved forward in six series💜

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I became up-to-date or completed 4 series:
Innocent Prisoners Project - Marti Green
In Too Deep - Jo Leigh
A Dark Lure series - Loreth Anne White
Rogue River Novellas - Kendra Elliot & Melinda Leigh


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started 2 series:
Kenleigh/Blackwell series - Pamela Clare
Jessica Shaw series - Lisa Gray

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 7 series:
Innocent Prisoners Project - Marti Green
Kate Burkholder series - Linda Castillo
Gaslight Mysteries - Victoria Thompson
In Too Deep series - Jo Leigh
Rogue River Novellas - Kendra Elliot & Melinda Leigh
A Dark Lure series - Loreth Anne White
King & Maxwell series - David Baldacci

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


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
Since I finally had time to read (any several of the books were on the short side), I finished 16 books. Most of them were pretty good in the 3.5 - 4 star range.

Jonetta wrote: "Oh! There are a number of us here that either stalled or abandoned KGI (I stalled). Such a shame because it had such a strong start. ."

Yeah, I abandoned it at book #8, which I really struggled to finish. The writing and plotting were appalling.

Jonetta wrote: "Great month, Lauren, and congrats on finishing Charley Davidson! I’m also glad to see you read Big Little Lies. Have you seen the TV series? ."

Thanks Jonetta.
I watched the first episode of the TV show, but as is often the case, it was so different to the book that I didn't continue. That said, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were very well cast.

Jonetta wrote: "This was one of the best reading months I can recall ever having. "

That is fantastic, Jonetta!. So glad you had such a wonderful month.

Robin wrote: "Since I finally had time to read (any several of the books were on the short side), I finished 16 books. Most of them were pretty good in the 3.5 - 4 star range."

That's great. 16 seems to be a common number this month.

Lauren wrote: "That is fantastic, Jonetta!. So glad you had such a wonderful month."

Thank you!

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I became up-to-date or completed 4 series:
Innocent Prisoners Project - Marti Green
In Too Deep - Jo Leigh
A Dark Lure series - L..."

Great month, Robin! I also loved The Witness. Glad you’re enjoying your new spare time💜

Lauren wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Oh! There are a number of us here that either stalled or abandoned KGI (I stalled). Such a shame because it had such a strong start. ."

Yeah, I abandoned it at book #8, which I rea..."

I actually liked book 8 not sure why, Donovan’s dialog was cringeworthy.
I’m stubborn, I’m almost caught up I can’t quit now!

Laura wrote: "I’m stubborn, I’m almost caught up I can’t quit now! ."
I felt that way about Charley Davidson. I had gotten so far in, I had to finish despite the huge plot holes and ridiculous character development or lack thereof.

Lauren wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Oh! There are a number of us here that either stalled or abandoned KGI (I stalled). Such a shame because it had such a strong start. ."

Yeah, I abandoned it at book #8, which I rea..."

Can I add my name to that list. I can't even remember at which # I stopped. This is an author that I wish knows when to end a series. I have divorced this author for that reason. Not knowing when to end a series.

Laura wrote: "1. The only series I completed was The Book Boyfriend trilogy. I binged it.

2. I started 3 new series I will continue all
[book..."

Laura you have me binging Fixed saga. It's only been a week. That's after you got me hooked on Giana Darling. Binged that as well. I can already see that I'm going to be hesitant in th future reading you round ups because I find some gems in your list.

KGI is still on my series list but I stalled some time ago at #6. Maybe someday...

Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "1. The only series I completed was The Book Boyfriend trilogy. I binged it.

2. I started 3 new series I will continue all
[bookcover:Fix Her Up|..."

Lol, we do have similar tastes, When you finish Hudson let me so we can discuss. I had to take a break after that one.

I took a break before and now I'm thinking I shouldn't have.
But I'll let you know when I'm done. at this rate we should probably open a thread to discuss as we go

Jonetta wrote: "I think you had a great month, too, Veronica!! I’m dying to start the Shetland Island series so I’m really glad to see you enjoyed Raven Black.

Kudos!"


Thanks!

Lauren wrote: "Great reading month, Veronica!
I'm on the wait list for Raven Black. It's quite popular."

I hope you like it, 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?
No

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 3 series:
Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue
City of Fallen Angels
Edgedancer

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
This was a reread, but I can't not mention one of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors: Words of Radiance.
I also appreciated the novella Edgedancer. Now I'm finally ready for book #3 that's just come out in my country!

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
This month I read a few standalone books and that was a nice change of pace :)

~ Giulia ~ 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?
No

3. Did you move forward in any series? How man..."

Congrats on moving forward in three series, Vittoria! There are so many good standalones being released these days, too.

Now that August is almost over I'm going to update my July reading LOL. I actually was in the process of doing this at the beginning of the month but my computer froze and I had to reboot it in the middle of my updating. I'm currently using my TV and a wireless keyboard to do some online things and I'm not super happy with the way GoodReads comes out on this TV browser. I don't have the capabilities the desktop version has...like adding book links and such. I also can't copy text. Anyway, here are my answers to my July reading...

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?
Yes. I started a cozy mystery series by Heather Webber. I will continue. It was an average cozy but I actually liked Nina Quinn's job as a landscape designer.

3-Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes. I moved forward in 3 series. The Cassandra Clare Mortal Instruments/Infernal Devices series, the Rizzoli/Isles series by Tess Gerritsen, and the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

4-Any standout or 5 Star Books read? Why did you like/love them?
Yes. I gave either 4.5 stars or 5 stars to 3 books. Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen. Magic Strikes and also Magic Bleeds both by Ilona Andrews. With Ice Cold I found I really liked being back with Maura and having the added tension of being snowed in during a hostile environment made it even better for me. Even though I gave the very early books in this series as many stars as I did Ice Cold this might even be my favorite book in the series. With Kate Daniels I just absolutely love Curran and Kate together. I love Kate as an individual as well but I love their dynamics together so much more. With Magic Strikes we see a gladiator type games called the Midnight Games. They were to the death and lots of things died but I loved every second of them. Plus the weirdness that is Saiman (which I teeter between saying Simon and Sayman in my head when reading it) became so much more. He's so odd but his origins came out. AMAZING! I think I love the different lore involved in these books. There isn't just a set region. There's a little Norse Mythology, a little Celt, a little East Indian. In a nutshell, a little of everything. I like it!
Oh and a side note...I do not binge read. I don't like to binge read because I get tired of the series after one or two books. In July I read 3 Kate Daniels books and wanted more. That will tell you how much I love them.

5-Over all summary of your reading month.
I read a total of 9 books.
Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen 4.5 Stars
Magic Strikes By Ilona Andrews 5 Stars
The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare 3 Stars
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews 5 Stars
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty 3 Stars
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare 4 Stars
A Hoe Lot of Trouble by Heather Webber 3 Stars
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews 4 Stars
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting 4 Stars

Christina T wrote: "Now that August is almost over I'm going to update my July reading LOL. I actually was in the process of doing this at the beginning of the month but my computer froze and I had to reboot it in the..."

Congrats on a great month, Christina, despite your tech issues💜