I think the worst thing about being on deadline is that it leaves me no time to read. My To Be Read pile stares at me, whispering that reading something *I* haven’t written will be my reward for finishing my work-in-progress. At the top of my TBR pile is Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich. I get a big kick out of her Stephanie Plum series and am looking forward to reading the latest installment.
That got me to thinking about all the series of books out there, and how many hours I’ve spent enjoying the ones I’ve thus far discovered. I guess my love of series began with Nancy Drew.
Along those same lines, I also loved Cherry Ames (the nurse), Vickie Barr (the flight attendant), and Trixie Belden (the teenager). I think the first “grown-up” series I read was the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. I haven’t yet read the Harry Potter series (saw the movies, saving the books for when I have a two month-long stretch to read them), but I read and enjoyed the Twilight series (saw those movies, too).
As for romance, there are so many I’ve loved. The Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons, Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series, Connie Brockway’s Bridal series, our own Julia London’s Rogues of Regent Street, Judith McNaught’s Westmoreland books, and Stephanie Laurens’ Bar Cynsters–just to name a few.
One of my favorite series ever was Nora Roberts’ Chesapeake series. I loved the first book (Sea Swept), and the second book (Rising Tides) is on my list of Top Ten favorite books of all time. The LOVED the hero in that book. Loved the heroine as well. Just a fantastic read.
I also like writing series, or at least books that are connected. As a reader I enjoy re-visiting characters from previous books, and as I writer I enjoy it as well, although I’ve found it hard to let go. When I finished writing the final book in my Mayhem in Mayfair series, I felt as if I were saying good-bye to dear friends.
Good bye! I'll miss you, Mayhem in Mayfair characters!
Do you enjoy reading series? Writing them? What are some of your favorites? Which ones haven’t you read but are looking forward to? What is your favorite book in your favorite series? Any other Nancy Drew fans out there? And since I just saw the latest Twilight movie, Eclipse, I’ve gotta ask–Team Edward or Team Jacob?
In honor of YOU, dear readers, because we love you and we haven’t given anything away in the longest time, we’re giving away a Kindle Fire (or the gift card equivalent, in the event you have or don’t want a Kindle Fire) to one lucky commenter from now until February 13, when we will choose a winner at random from commenters, to be announced on Valentine’s Day. 
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Love reading series. Some already mentioned (Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Harry Potter, Twilight [Team Edward but more Lautner than Pattinson], Stephanie Plum, …); and some that have not been mentioned. Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden and his Codex Alera series, the Sookie Stackhouse (aka True Blood) series, Julie’s Demon-hunting Soccer Mom
and Feist’s Midkemia novels. Hmm, other than the Stephanie Plum series, all of the ones I mentioned have some fantasy/supernatural aspect to them. Escapist?? Me??
I adored Nancy Drew mysteries and read as many as the Canyon library had. But as an adult, I am too doltish to be a series fan. That is to say, I never remember I am reading a series and forget to buy the next books. Same goes for TV series. I remember I like that series when I’ve already missed a couple of episodes.
I have that problem with tv shows, too, Julia–especially after they move the time slot, which they always seem to do. I’ve gotten to the point where I like to just buy the whole season on DVD and watch the episodes back to back.
well, ain’t you sweet, Ms D’Al? I adore series–and not just in romance. I am wholly in love with Pendergast from the Child/Preston series. Have died a hundred deaths waiting for George RR Martin to finish his Fire and ICe series and will follow Anne Perry’s Monk to his grave or mine.
She is a sweetheart!
Hey Connie! So glad you stopped by! I actually have two books by Anne Perry but haven’t read them. Am making a mental note to move them up on the old TBR pile (mountain).
I love reading series, and I love writing series (but short series, not the never-ending series, which would cause me to lose all my hair).
It’s very hard for me to keep up with a lot of series anymore, so I’m not very disciplined about following them, although I do love the nora romance series. I’m on Book 21 of JD Robb, and then stopped. JD is like house painting. I go on a tear, and then have to sit back and take a breather. Eventually, I’ll hit it again, because I know there’s more painting (reading) to be done, but not today.
I did LOVE Nancy Drew when I was a kid. I downloaded one of them on the Kindle a few months back and started to read it, and I still enjoyed it (although I had no desire to re-read the series).
I read Twilight One, but not the others (I have Twilight Two) on my Kindle. I have trouble remembering a lot of titles, so I merely call them Series Name Book Number, and I wish all publishers would do this, because it would make my life a lot easier. I think I”m definitely Team Jacob, only because I didn’t care much for Edward. I do not want my men to sparkle; I believe it is against the laws of nature. Oddly enough, turning large and hairy and ripping things apart with their teeth doesn’t bother me as much.
And Robert Pattinson is in Water for Elephants???? I LOVED that book, but I wonder if that casting will work for me. For some reason, I had Mickey Rooney in my head. Obviously that is not possible, but when I read the book, that’s who popped in there.
OMG, Kathleen, I don’t know HOW I could have forgotten the JD Robb series! I’m a total fanatic. Seriously, I am at the store the day the latest installment comes out, and deadline or not, I read it.
You have the ENTIRE Nancy Drew series on your Kindle?? I am pea green with envy. Didn’t really covet a Kindle until you told me that, LOL!
Yes, Pattinson is in it, and I didn’t believe it would work, either. But I’ve seen some pictures from the set and I really believe he can pull it off now, with a much better haircut for the role. And Reese Witherspoon as Marina, with Christophe Waltz as her husband. Incredible cast, really. Mickey Rooney, hahaha. He did have the look for it when he was younger.
I love Reese Witherspoon. I think I’d watch any movie she was in, even if it wasn’t something I wanted to watch. She’s that good.
Well, not the ENTIRE series, but a few of them. I was just curious how Nancy would come across if I read her as an adult, and she was a lot sassier than I remembered.
You should get a Kindle. They have the refurb’s from Amazon for like $139.
I adore series. And loved both Nancy Drew the book and the series with the woman who went to play the first Fallon on Dynasty. Pamela Sue Martin. And I too had a love affair with the Hardy Boys — but I’m with Jackie — it was Parker all the way (of course I’m older and once loved David Cassidy–so maybe that’s why I never could go for Shuan). Loved Trixie Beldon, too. Used to try to do “Rabbit, Rabbit” (saying it on the first day of the month for luck). She was fiestier than Nancy, I always thought so I liked her a little better.
I also loved the Wrinkle in Time Series. And the Chronicles of Narnia, and the Lord of the Rings. And I devoured the Harry Potter series — reading almost all of them aloud to my daughter. And like Jacquie, I hate to see them end
For romance loved the first three in the Outlander Series. And all of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. And adore the Draycott Abby Series (Christina Skye). Bourne series (the books)-Robert Ludlum. And both Jurassic Park books – Crichton. Never got into Stephanie Plum, but did like the first book, so probably would like the rest. Just never got around to it. Series I’d like to read. JD Robb. But having never read one it seems a tad overwhelming to start!
Forgot about Teams. Neither. Haven’t read any of the books. I know totally out of touch!
BUT! I saw the actors on Oprah — and so totally team Jacob if that’s our measuring stick.
That’s a good enough measuring stick, LOL! Looks like the warm werewolf is winning out over the icy vampire. Interesting.
Never read Wrinkle in Time. Is is YA? Fantasy?
You MUST get started on JD Robb, Dee. I was reluctant at first–futuristics aren’t normally my first choice–but a friend kept insisting I try one and I finally did and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Yes, A Wrinkle in Time is YA. Madeline L’Engle. Newberry winner. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK! (well at least one of the top five).
Thanks for the rec, Dee–I’ll add it to my growing Amazon list
But Jacob looks like he’s ten. I mean, his face does. His body, not so much. But I just can’t go there.
I love series! I grew up reading Nancy Drew, the Dana Sisters, and Encylopedia Brown. My favorite besides Stephanie Plum was Nancy Martin’s Blackbird Sisters Mysteries series. I’m also a huge fan of The Gossip Girl series as well as Melissa de la Cruz’s Blue Blood series. I hope to one day create a series of my own.
Oh, I loved Dana Girls, too, Elizabeth! I know Gossip Girl is a tv show–but didn’t know there were Gossip Girl books. Which came first?
I love reading series, and I’ve always wanted to write one but haven’t had the chance yet. Well, I guess my paranormal Hell books might have been a series, but I stopped at two- it all wrapped up so nicely there. I did love Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys– and they became TV shows when I was a kid, with Shawn Cassidy as one of the Hardy Boys and I had a brief thing for him.
I also love Janet’s Stephanie Plum, but I stopped reading at 11 and I have some catching up to do. I read that Nora series, Jacquie, and it was pretty good, though not as memorable for me. I’m pretty sure Rising Tides was my favorite of the three. I read the first Twilight and couldn’t go on. Edward seemed kind of creepy stalker and I hated that Bella was so Mary Sue. But now I’ve seen pictures of Robert Pattinson on the set of Water for Elephants (book I loved!) and he looks just about perfect. Team Edward!
I was in 10th grade when the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys series came on tv and NOTHING could get in the way of me watching it (where was TiVo when you needed it?). I was totally torn between Shaun Cassidy and Parker Stevenson. Parker was more my type, but there was just something about Shaun. Plus, he could sing.
I’m also torn between Edward and Jacob. A tough choice–dreamy Edward or hot, hunky Jacob. Since I hate being cold I’m going with Jacob. He’s definitely a handy guy to have around during a snow storm. I’ve seen the pics of Pattinson on the Water for Elephants set. He looks great with the short hair and w/out the pale vampire make-up. I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to see the movie.
I loved Shawn Cassidy, too. No idea, why.
I think it was the hair. He had fabulous hair. And then there was the whole DaDoRonRon thing. Gotta love a guy who can dance and sing about meeting you on a Monday and his heart stood still
I was nine. That’s my excuse.
Da-do-run-run-run, da-do run-run. LOL. Now I’m going to be humming that song all day.
That said, I did love his hair. I was never much into blond men, but his was special. I think it’s blond hair and brown eyes. Hmmm…