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?

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date (at least regarding the Italian translations) in the Mistborn series.


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
- I don't think I'll continue

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


5. Overall summary of your reading month?
It seems I'm finally out of my lockdown-induced reading slump! :D

Glad you're out of your reading slump, Giula!

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up-to-date on the Mercy Kilpatrick series by Kendra Elliot.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I read Playing The Odds which is the first book in the MacGregor series by Nora Roberts. It was okay, but I didn't like it enough to continue the series.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in six series:
Alphabet Mysteries by Sue Grafton
Scarlet Falls by Melinda Leigh
Mercy Kilpatrick by Kendra Elliot
Lucy Kincaid by Allison Brennan
Bareknuckle Bastards by Sarah MacLean
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I read two 5-Star books and three 4.5-Star books in August:
5-Stars:
4.5-Stars:

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I finished 10 books. Half of them were great. The other half were meh.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date in 1 series: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and completed 1 series: the Practical Magic trilogy by Alice Hoffman.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started The Forgotten Files series by Mary Burton in July and finished it this month.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in 2 series: the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger (#3) and the Lucy Kincaid series by Allison Brennan (#3).

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I had two 5 star books this month, but the one that really stood out was Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson. The Civil War setting was realistic and the story was tragic and heartwarming all at the same time.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I bumped up my goal for the year and then started getting worried that I wouldn't make it. 6 books this month proved my fears wrong.

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? How many?
I moved forward in one series - Rizzoli and Isles series
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
Beach Girls - Luanne Rice - I always enjoy her books, it was a nice summer read - 4/5
The Apprentice - Great book. I really enjoy this and can't wait to read more in the series - 4/5
5. Overall summary of your reading month?
My reading month went well - 3 books read. It doesn't see a lot but for me it is.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Completed: nope
Up-to-date : 4

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes. White Horse by Bijou Hunter. First time author and I just love her sense of humor in this series. And yes I will continue with this series. Jury still out about the rest.
I just started this a few days ago and think I might just continue with it. Seems I'm a sucker for Alien's that take a human bride/ mate. Zandian Masters by Renee Rose.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Up-to-date
Calluvia royalty
Montana Daddies
Harley Wylde MC world
Wraith kings

In death was the only one I loved forward in.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I didn't really have any standout reads. A lot of 4* and a standout new to me author.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
Although I read about 24 books. Most of that was a binge of old series I've read before. I really had a good month.

~ Giulia ~ wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date (at least regarding the Italian translations) in the Mistborn series.


2. ..."

Yay! As Robin said, congratulations Giulia on having moved out of your reading slump. It’s awful being there. And, good job in making progress in your series reading.

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up-to-date on the Mercy Kilpatrick series by Kendra Elliot.

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

Congrats Robin on your series progress! You rocked.

Sorry that half your reads were just okay. I’m going to continue The MacGregors and am sad that you’re dropping out. If I think you’d enjoy the next book, I’ll let you know.

Michelle wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Completed: nope
Up-to-date : 4

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes. White Horse by B..."

Well done, Michelle! I’m very happy you declared you had a good month. I always pay more attention to how you felt about it💜

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date in three series;
Mercy Kilpatrick by Kendra Elliot
The Lairds Most Likely by Anna Campbell
Alice Vega by Louisa Luna

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started three new series and though one was rocky, I plan to continue them all:
The MacGregors by Nora Roberts (rocky start)
Bishop Security by Debbie Baldwin
Garnet Run by Roan Parrish

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes, I moved forward in three:
Scarlet Falls by Melinda Leigh
Detective D. D. Warren by Lisa Gardner
Lucy Kincaid by Allison Brennan

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them? I only had one 5-star read, The Bell Jar, which was highly disturbing but an excellent piece of writing. Close runner up, though was the last book in Mercy Kilpatrick, A Merciful Promise. Great way to end a series!

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I enjoyed most of what I read this month and took a chance on a new author, which turned out really well. It was a good month for reading.

You're so right Jonetta. I've decided to not think about ratings. For me it has to be about the enjoyment. We all read for different reason so in the end it should be about that and not anything else I suppose.

I read The MacGregor years ago. Over 10 years ago I think. Both you and Robin didn't really like it. I think it worked when it first came out. Was it re-released?

Jonetta. I love when a new author work out Due to Laura I've been introduced to a few the last couple of months. And I really love them.

Michelle wrote: "You're so right Jonetta. I've decided to not think about ratings. For me it has to be about the enjoyment. We all read for different reason so in the end it should be about that and not anything el..."

Exactly!

Michelle wrote: "I read The MacGregor years ago. Over 10 years ago I think. Both you and Robin didn't really like it. I think it worked when it first came out. Was it re-released?"

The first half had a dated trope, similar to the old bodice rippers where the male main character was a bit grabby and wouldn’t accept “no” for an answer. It turned a corner in the second half, which I very much enjoyed, more like a typical Nora Roberts story.

Michelle wrote: "Jonetta. I love when a new author work out Due to Laura I've been introduced to a few the last couple of months. And I really love them."

I’ve followed your conversations with Laura and have to confess she's responsible for so many books on my shelf that I finally created a separate bookshelf for them...called Laura Books😏

The new author was Debbie Baldwin. I really liked her debut RS novel, False Front.

Michelle wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Completed: nope
Up-to-date : 4

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes. White Horse by B..."

Great month for you. Thanks for the reminder/push to get back to White Horse.

Robin wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up-to-date on the Mercy Kilpatrick series by Kendra Elliot.

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

The circus angle kept me from trying Kiss An Angel, but you’ve convinced me to give it a chance.

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date in three series;
Mercy Kilpatrick by Kendra Elliot
The Lairds Most Likely by Anna Campbell
Alice Vega by Louisa..."

Great month Jonetta! Your ability to keep up with all the group reads amazes me.

Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love and Stiletto by Lauren Layne

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? Ummm 13? I didn’t realize that til now YIKES - Yes I will continue
-

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

The Up In The Air Series that I started I read the first 3
King series I read the two prequels and the first 2
Grip series I read the first 2
Something In the way I’ll finish today so Im not totally hopeless.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
Very moving story typical Colleen Hoover
I love this series and am purposely reading it slow. I don’t want to catch up.
a brilliant psychological thriller I absolutely hated the ending and that is what made it so brilliant. Im still thinking about it.
no HEA here just a story about the destruction of a marriage.
great Rom Com, but I got conflicting info on this and it’s actually #6 in a series so I have to go back to the beginning now.
I love angst and drama and this delivered x10. I’m going to continue this series this month, but I needed a break after this one or I would have binged.
another marriage in trouble book that was sooo addicting. (And no my marriage is not in trouble)
- probably my top read, I easily could have started it over and re-read it on the spot.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
29 books Most if my choices were challenge driven. I discovered some new authors and series that way so it was worth all the new series I’ve gotten my self into.

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


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes 5. I will continue all. One is a spin-off


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?
and . I love a good love/hate relationship book.

5. Overall summary of your reading month? I read 20 books, which is my highest total this year. I'm really happy about finishing 4 series.

~ Giulia ~ wrote: "It seems I'm finally out of my lockdown-induced reading slump! :D"

That's fantastic, Giulia!

Robin wrote: "I finished 10 books. Half of them were great. The other half were meh."

50/50 isn't too bad. Focus on the great 50% ;)

Melissa wrote: "I bumped up my goal for the year and then started getting worried that I wouldn't make it. 6 books this month proved my fears wrong.."

That's great. I always worry about not finishing my goal.

Viki wrote: "1My reading month went well - 3 books read. It doesn't see a lot but for me it is.."

Everyone has their own pace. Just enjoy with no pressure :)

Michelle wrote: "Although I read about 24 books. Most of that was a binge of old series I've read before. I really had a good month.."

That's wonderful! Well done :)

Jonetta wrote: "I enjoyed most of what I read this month and took a chance on a new author, which turned out really well. It was a good month for reading"

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed your month so much :)

Laura wrote: "The circus angle kept me from trying Kiss An Angel, but you’ve convinced me to give it a chance..."

I'm also not a circus fan, but it is done so well in this book. The animals are charming :)

Laura wrote: "29 books Most if my choices were challenge driven. I discovered some new authors and series that way so it was worth all the new series I’ve gotten my self into."

Well done on 20 books, Laura!

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? How m..."

Woo hoo! Congrats on the three books, Viki, and on moving forward in a series💜 It is a big deal.

Laura wrote: "Great month Jonetta! Your ability to keep up with all the group reads amazes me...."

Thank you, Laura💜 It doesn’t hurt that the books are so good!

Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love and Stiletto by Lauren Layne

2. Did you start..."

Laura, you are a reading wonder!!! And 13 new series? Only topped by your series progress. Congratulations, lady💜

And, I know that feeling when you don’t want to catch up on a series. That’s where I was with the In Death series. *sigh*

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, 4
[bookcover:Magic Tr..."

Lauren, looks like August was magic for you (pardon the pun)💜 Lots of series progression, quantity and quality reading experiences. Kudos to you!

Jonetta wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Jonetta. I love when a new author work out Due to Laura I've been introduced to a few the last couple of months. And I really love them."

I’ve followed your conversations with Lau..."

That's is brilliant. I think I might have to steal that idea. Laura's books. 😂

Laura wrote: "The circus angle kept me from trying Kiss An Angel, but you’ve convinced me to give it a chance."

The circus angle was a selling point for me. I love when an author gives us something different. SEP always comes through. If you get a chance to try the audiobook, I highly recommend. The narrator is one of the best.

Michelle wrote: "I read The MacGregor years ago. Over 10 years ago I think. Both you and Robin didn't really like it. I think it worked when it first came out. Was it re-released?"

The Nora Roberts Group started reading the MacGregor series in August. I had the first book, so I joined in. The first half of the book was very dated and just dragged for me. The writing felt like standard 1980s romance writing, which I don't care for. As Jonetta mentioned, the second half of the book improved immensely.

Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love and Stiletto by Lauren Layne

2. Did you start..."

Jonetta wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I read The MacGregor years ago. Over 10 years ago I think. Both you and Robin didn't really like it. I think it worked when it first came out. Was it re-released?"

The first half ..."

I'm always so hesitant with reading books that were written in the way back. Or just rereading them. I've changed and times have changed. Sometime it just doesn't read like the enjoyment it was the first time round.

It always fascinated me when I see a book I read a long time ago being picked by someone now. I have found memories of the book. But the comments are always so so so. Either liked or just okay.


You really had a great month. And now I have to go check out your reviews. Somehow I miss almost all of them. Most of them I have on my shelf as well

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, 4
[bookcover:Magic Tr..."


WooHoo 🥂 great Lauren.

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, 4
[bookcover:Magic Tr..."

OMG I love Beautiful Bastard! I love Christina Lauren! Great month for you.

Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love and Stiletto by Lauren Layne

2...."

I was late to the kindle game so I have tons of older series I want to get to. I just can’t do book books anymore.
Lately I’ve been unmotivated ( lazy) with reviews so if you want to know about a book and I didn’t write one let me know and I’ll fill you in.

Laura wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love and Stiletto by ..."


No problem. Most of them I've read already and just wanted to know what you thought of it. Most of the time we have the same thoughts about a book.
Besides if you're unmotivated I don't want to know what I am. I hardly ever write a review.

As for holding a book. 😂 I've been reading on a tablet for so long I have the same problem when I hil da book. Yes I miss the smell and feel of paper but with a tablet I can adjust the font size, even the font itself. Among other the things. So enjoy your kindle.

Lauren wrote: "Excellent! Glad you enjoyed your month so much :)..."

Thanks, Lauren!

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I got up to date in 1 series: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and completed 1 series: the Practical Magic trilogy by Alice Hoffm..."

Somehow I missed your update!

Congrats on getting current with The Dresden Files!!! I remember when you started. And kudos to you for starting and finishing a series in the same month💜

Great month, Melissa!

Robin wrote: "Laura wrote: "The circus angle kept me from trying Kiss An Angel, but you’ve convinced me to give it a chance."

The circus angle was a selling point for me. I love when an author gives us somethin..."

SEP always does come through. I shouldn’t doubt the book.

Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? 2
I binged the Breathless Trilogy By Maya Banks and loved it.
And finished Sex Love an..."

All your comments on your monthly plan about each book sound like reviews to me.

Thanx Laura. I don't know what keep me from posting it as review. Fear mostly but this way I also know only friends see them. I've only recent started really making myself write those. One day I'll get over my silly fear.

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


2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Yes I started 4. I liked all well enough (rated 3 of them 3-3.5 stars) to continue except I only gave No Limits by Lori Foster 2.5 Stars...I find Foster a bit hit or miss and this one was a definite miss but I have higher hopes for the rest....MMA fighters and it ties in to both her SBC and the Love Undercover series.


3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Yes. I moved forward in 8 series.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
No 5 star reads but three 4.5 star reads.
--The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne...I read the 5th book in the series last year and went back to catch up on the rest of the series starting with this one. I love a tortured hero and I love the foundation Byrne designed for the romance which all started with Dugan and his fairy.
--With a Hitch by RC Boldt...a new to me author and one I will definitely read again. A spicy sexy sports romance. I listened to it and the narrators brought the story up a notch. Jennifer Mack and JF Harding were new to me as well.
--The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros...another new to me author who delivered a powerful novel full of feelers. I ugly cried during this one and even though I rated it 4.5 Stars it was just too much. So many bad things happening to one person....it was just wayyyy too much. For that reason I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to my friends nor will I read another book by Yarros. Unfortunate really.

5. Overall summary of your reading month?
I read and/or listened to 19 books in August. Several were stand-alones and I moved forward in quite a few series. Half were 4.5-4 star books. Only 3 were 2.5-2 star reads. No blatantly horrid 1 star books....so I am pleased with my overall August reading.

Michelle wrote: "Thanx Laura. I don't know what keep me from posting it as review. Fear mostly but this way I also know only friends see them. I've only recent started really making myself write those. One day I'll..."

I really enjoy reading your comments, and other people would too.

Christina T wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Up to date in one series and finished one


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

Congrats on moving forward in 8 series. Looks like you had a good mix. New to you authors and moving forward.
I've never given 1*, not that I remember. I've not given any stars but that was because I really didn't know what to rate or think of it. Or dnf it. To me if that happened it doesn't deserve a star