Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Contemporary Series

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Favorite Contemporary Series

Are we sensing a theme here? I haven't been feeling the TTT topics at all lately so I've been going rogue and doing my own thing for weeks now. And, after looking at the topics for the rest of the year, it's likely to continue for a while.

So this week I'm sharing my favorite contemporary series. I love a good standalone but when it comes to contemporary, and specifically contemporary romance (my genre of choice), it seems that series reign supreme. And I'm (usually) good with that. More to enjoy! So here are my favorites...

TEN TINY BREATHS SERIES

I remember reading Ten Tiny Breaths in 2014 and feeling like: please let this author have more books because I want to read them all. I enjoyed the entire series and even the novella, In Her Wake, was wonderful. 

WAIT FOR YOU SERIES

I already knew and loved Jennifer Armentrout (hello, Lux series!) when I picked up Wait for You so I expected I would like it. But what happened was that I loved it. I fell so hard for Avery and Cam's story, both individually and together. And while their story remains my favorite, I still inhaled the rest of the series and have such a soft spot for it.

STAGE DIVE SERIES

I read the Stage Dive series on audio when I was looking for something to entertain me during my commute. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much so I was surprised to find myself hooked. While Play was far and away my favorite, the whole series was a lot of fun and I totally enjoyed watching the story progress with each couple.

ROYALLY SERIES

Despite the cheesy covers, and despite the punny titles, I love this series. I expected lighthearted fun and some swoony/sexy bits, but what I didn't expect was the emotional aspect. There was a pivotal scene in the first book that had me sniffing back tears and made me think, okay, clearly there's more to these books than meets the eye. It helps that Andi Arndt and Shane East narrated the entire series and they are perfection.

MARKED MEN/SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES

Marked Men is another series I started on a whim. Something on audio for the commute. I ended up binge-listening to the entire series. And then I moved on to the spin-off series, Saints of Denver. I grew so attached to this tight-knit group of friends/found-family. There are scenes that bring me to tears (no matter how many times I've listened to them), characters that I love (and one or two that I tolerate LOL), and I love revisiting them again and again.

ROSEMARY BEACH SERIES

I loathe the term "guilty pleasure" because I don't feel guilty about anything I choose to read. But Abbi Glines in general, and the Rosemary Beach series in particular, is the closest I come to that. I call them my "brain candy" books. But despite the fact that they're not particularly well-written, and despite the fact that they can be a little over the top and ridiculous, when it comes to this series I eat it all up with a spoon. I was sucked right into the series from the first book and gobbled up each book after that, practically salivating over the wait for the last several books to release. These characters and their lives felt so real that I was positive I could drive across the state to Rosemary Beach (a real place) and find them all hanging out together. :)

GETTING SOME SERIES

  

Even though there are only two books in this series so far, I'm sold on it. I can even forgive the cover of the first book that is so cheesy it oozes Velveeta. These characters are so realistic and down to earth and they feel like they're people you could know or work with. The plots are just as relatable, nothing crazy or over the top, and it was easy to pull for these characters and truly feel for their stories. I really hope there's more to come in this series.

TRUE NORTH SERIES

Sarina Bowen is one of my go-to authors and her True North series is a big reason why. It started with my love of the Shipley clan in book one and grew from there. I get invested in every character and every couple and each story leaves me with a desire to visit Vermont and become friends with them all.

     

HOOPS SERIES

I only came to experience Kennedy Ryan for the first time this year, but that was enough to make me an instant fan. Long Shot was an incredibly powerful story. Ryan made these characters come to life and feel like living, breathing people that I was personally invested in. That led me to binge the other two books in the series and cemented all three as one of my newest favorite series.

ADDICTED/CALLOWAY SERIES

And I saved the best for last. :) For the last six years I have laughed and cried with these remarkable characters. Seen them through addictions, mental illness, tragedies and triumphs - both professional and personal, scandals, marriages and children... and loved every second of it. Over the span of ten books these characters became so real and I ached for them when the suffered and cheered for them when they overcame adversity. I cried for their losses and laughed at their antics. The final book, Some Kind of Perfect, was incredibly bittersweet. The Addicted series has been my favorite contemporary series for years and I can't imagine another taking its place.

What is your favorite series - contemporary or otherwise?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want to Re-Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Books I Want to Re-Read

This week's theme of favorite bookmarks didn't thrill me since a) half the books I read are on my Kindle so no bookmark needed and b) even when I do read physical books it's not like I have a favorite bookmark. So I'm doing my own thing... again.

I do not often re-read. There are so many books that I am excited to read (for the first time) that I don't often feel led to spend time reading something I've already read. But there are always exceptions. There are some books that made such an impact on me that I want to experience it again. There are stories that gave me all feels and I want more. Or characters that I want to revisit. So here are the books that I most want to re-read.

MAYBE SOMEDAY

Colleen Hoover

Why I want to re-read: Maybe Someday was the first Colleen Hoover book I read. And I was hooked. I fell in love with those characters and was completed sucked in to their story. That was in 2014 and the book still has a special place in my heart. I'd love to revisit and experience it all again. 

JEMIMA J

Jane Green

Why I want to re-read: At the time I read Jemima J (2001) it had a big impact on me. It may have been classified as "chick lit" but I connected with Jemima on a deep level and understood her so well. I'm interested in re-reading and seeing if I still feel the same.

A CANDLE IN HER ROOM

Ruth M. Arthur

Why I want to re-read: A Candle in Her Room was my favorite book as a child. I checked it out of the library over and over again. Many years ago I managed to track down a copy in a used bookstore and seeing it on my shelf always gives me a feeling on nostalgia. I'd like to re-read it and see how I view it as an adult.

THE KADIN

Bertrice Small

Why I want to re-read: Ten or twelve years ago I went through a brief phase of reading historical romances. Or, more accurately, reading several historical romances from Bertrice Small. I was absolutely captivated by the world-building in her novels and the attention to detail. Taking place in the 15th century and spanning the globe from Renaissance Europe to the Ottoman Empire, The Kadin was fascinating. I'd love to experience the journey again.

ON THE ISLAND

Tracey Garvis Graves

Why I want to re-read: When I read On the Island in 2012 I was completely taken with Anna and T.J.'s story. I continued to think about them weeks and even months after finishing the book, something I don't often do. I really want to relive their story all over again.

THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU

Jolene Perry

Why I want to re-read: I picked up The Summer I Found You on a whim when I was browsing in the library. I expected a sweet YA contemporary. What I got was a story that dealt with real issues in a emotional and realistic way and two main characters that I pulled for so hard. Aidan's story, in particular, touched my heart and I would like to share in their story again.

NINE MINUTES

Beth Flynn

Why I want to re-read: It wasn't until quite a while after I read Nine Minutes that I learned that the story continued. There are two more books that I'd love to read but I've forgotten so many details from Nine Minutes that I want to re-read it before moving on.

THE BRONZE HORSEMAN

Paullina Simons

Why I want to re-read: Reading The Bronze Horseman was one of the most emotionally draining reading experiences I've ever had. Like nothing else I'd read. And though I'd never been able to say I had one favorite book, after I read The Bronze Horseman it became just that. And yet... I've never continued on with the trilogy. Maybe because I fear they can't possibly live up to TBH? Maybe because I enjoy the anticipation? Either way, I do want to read the whole series and since it's been 5 years I want to re-read The Bronze Horseman before moving on.

SOME KIND OF PERFECT

Krista & Becca Ritchie

Why I want to re-read: Krista and Becca Ritchie's Addicted series is my all-time favorite contemporary series. Over the span of 10 books those characters began to feel like living, breathing people and I was completely invested in their lives. I am beyond ready to continue on with the spin-off series but before I do I want to re-read the final Addicted book, Some Kind of Perfect. Ideally I would re-read the entire series, but that is an insane time commitment.

AUTOBOYOGRAPHY

Christina Lauren

Why I want to re-read: Autoboyography is the first book I read from Christina Lauren and it was love at first sight. (I mean, just look at that cover.) It was also love at first page. I adored Tanner and Sebastian and fell head over heels in love with their story. I would love to relive it all over again.

Do you re-read books?
Do you have a favorite that you go back to again and again?

Top Ten Tuesday: Let's Be Friends (Book Characters I Want As My BFF)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Book Characters I Want As My BFF

There's not a lot to say about the topic this week so I'm just going to dive right in. Here are my picks for the characters I just know could be my best friends.

LILY | ADDICTED/CALLOWAY SISTERS SERIES
Krista & Becca Ritchie
I've always felt such an affinity with Lily. Rose could be fierce and intimidating. Daisy was a daredevil. But Lily... she was sweet, a little shy, she loved fiercely, a little nerdy (in the best way possible), and, even with her amazing growth as a character, she depended heavily on Loren. I could so be best friends with this sweetheart.

MOLLY | THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED
Becky Albertalli
When I read The Upside of Unrequited I felt as if Becky somehow got a peak inside my memories and was writing about seventeen year old me. I related so much to Molly and for that alone I would want to be friends.

MONTY | THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE
Mackenzi Lee
Monty managed to be completely self-absorbed and yet still totally lovable. He was witty and sarcastic and with him as a BFF there would never be a dull moment.

MEREDITH | AWAKENING AUTUMN
Lora Richardson
You know that one special friend you had when you were younger? The one who totally accepted you without judgment, was loyal and trustworthy, and you were so close you felt more like family than friends? That would be Meredith. I loved this girl for so many reasons and would love to call her my best friend.

HAZEL | JOSH & HAZEL'S GUIDE TO NOT DATING
Christina Lauren
Hazel is an absolute ray of sunshine and I would love to have her as a friend. She's quirky and fun and I love to be around people who tend to be as positive and upbeat as I am.

CORA, SHAW, SAINT, ROYAL & AYDEN | THE MARKED MEN SERIES
Jay Crownover
I want to be friends with these women! They were such a tight-knit group and were there for one another through good times and bad. These were the friends who could call each other any time and they would drop everything to be there for one another. (If you're a Marked Men fan you'll notice that Salem isn't listed. That's because I never liked her and I've kicked her out of the squad. LOL)

WARREN | MAYBE SOMEDAY and MAYBE NOW
Colleen Hoover
This guy... he's a hot mess but I love him. He proved himself to be such a good friend to Sydney - even though he'd been friends with Ridge for much longer. He was brutally honest when he needed to be, but also stood by her when things went bad (without any I told you so's). He's the jokester in the crowd but he's also a fantastic friend with a good heart.

KATY & DEE | THE LUX SERIES
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Katy and Dee are such down to earth girls. Well, one is an alien and one is a hybrid... but they're still down to earth. Katy is a book blogger who gets totally excited over book mail and new releases and who can't relate to that. She and Dee have been through A LOT but they're great friends and I want to be a part of their friend group.

TINK | THE WICKED SERIES
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Okay, so Tink isn't even human, but I'm not holding that against him. He's sassy and overly dramatic and has a serious addition to Amazon Prime, but he's also loyal beyond measure and simply hilarious. I so want Tink as my BFF.

THE INNER CIRCLE | THE ACOTAR SERIES
Sarah J. Maas
This is the ultimate friend group. They are total squad goals. Rhysand, Feyre, Morrigan, Cassian, Azriel, Amren... this tight-knit group is fiercely loyal and have seen each other through war, death, betrayals, separations, heartbreak, and more. There is a familiarity among them that comes from many years of togetherness and they are more family than friends. And even though Amren would terrify me... I still want to be friends with this amazing group.

WOULD ANY OF THESE MAKE IT AS YOUR BFF?

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Settings I'd Love to Visit

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme 

created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR
As I was compiling my list for this week's theme something occurred to me. While I've always been a very character-focused reader, I never realized quite how much characters take the focus above all else for me - even setting. Because even though there are some settings listed here that I truly do want to visit (I'm looking at you, Scotland), more often than not it's the characters that I want to spend time with. So here are my picks for bookish setting I want to visit - sometimes as big as a entire country, sometimes as specific as a store. And off we go...

Imperial Russia: The Crown's Game
I've long had a fascination with Russia - the history, the culture, the language. The Crown's Game did a phenomenal job of bringing Imperial Russia to life. 

Rosemary Beach, FL: The Rosemary Beach series
So here's the first case of it being more about the people I want to visit and the setting just happens to be Rosemary Beach. Because, despite being a native Floridian, I don't especially like the beach. But I'd make an exception to hang out with Rush, Blaire and all the rest.

Velaris: A Court of Mist and Fury

This pick combines the perfect blend of setting and characters. Because I would love to see the City of Starlight and stroll through its streets. At the same time I could hang out with Rhys and Feyre, Cassian and Azriel, Mor and Amren. Perfection.
Scotland: Outlander
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Outlander and it ignited an interest in Scotland that has continued all these years. If I visited it would be fun to see Castle Leoch and Lallybroch (assuming they really existed) and then finish off in modern-day Edingburgh.

The Palace in Illéa: The Selection series
Not a fan of the caste system that was in place, or the rebel attacks... but I'd be all for visiting the royal palace.  The women's room, the gardens, the overall opulence - and a tour by Maxon. 

New Orleans: The Wicked trilogy
Considering it's actually within driving distance, I'm surprised I've never visited New Orleans. It seems a lot more interesting if I could go and hang out with Ivy and Ren. And of course eat beignets with Tink.

Denver: The Marked Men series
Okay, no offense to anyone who lives in Denver but I can't say I've ever had a burning desire to visit. But I definitely would like to hang with the Marked gang and since they're in Denver... so be it. I want to visit the tattoo shop(s) and see Rule and Nash and Rowdy at work. I want to go to The Bar and see Rome and Asa. And I totally want to have a girls night out with Shaw, Saint, Cora, Ayden and Royal (Salem isn't invited to my girls night LOL).

Barbary Lane, San Francisco: Tales of the City series
I have so much love for this series and such nostalgia for the unforgettable characters. I want to visit 28 Barbary Lane and spend time with all the inhabitants there: Michael (Mouse) Tolliver, Mary Ann, Mrs. Madrigal, Mona, Brian and all the rest. 

Philadelphia: The Addicted series
Not gonna lie - this one is all about the characters. Philly is just the backdrop for my favorite contemporary series of all time. I'd go anywhere to spend time with these complicated, flawed, amazing people.

Howling Good Reads: The Others series
While I find the world Anne Bishop created in The Others series fascinating, it's also filled with danger so not really a place I'd want to visit. But I'd make an exception for the Lakeside Courtyard and Howling Good Reads. Running into Simon Wolfgard and Vladimir Sanguinati while browsing for a book? Hanging out with Meg at the liaison's office? Getting something to eat from Tess at A Little Bite? Yes, please!

What bookish setting tops your list?

The Character Fight to the Death Tag

The lovely Amy @ A Magical World of Words tagged me to take part in this one so let's see how it goes.

Here are the rules:
- Write down the names of 30 characters
- For every question randomly draw two names
- Answer the question using the two names drawn

Here are my characters:
Alexander Belov, Alina Starkov, America Singer, Amren, Bellatrix Lestrange, Cath, Connor Cobalt, Daemon Black, Dimple Shah, Feyre, Four, Hermione Granger, Jace Herondale, Jamie Fraser, Juliette Ferrars, Katniss Everdeen, Kenji Kishimoto, Lisbeth Salander, Magnus Bane, Meg Corbyn, Molly Peskin, Myrnin, Peeta Mellark, Prince Maxon, Rhysand, Rose Calloway, Simon Spier, Tessa Gray, The Darkling, Vladimir Sanguinati

And here we go...

You only have one more spot on your spelling bee team. 
Who gets it?

  

Rose Calloway (The Addicted Series) 

VS 

Jace Herondale (The Mortal Instruments)

Sorry Jace, but Rose wins this one hands down. Rose is brilliant, focused and competitive. 

She'd slay in a spelling bee.

Both characters want to kill you. 
Who would you kill first to have a better chance of survival?

    

Vladimir Sanguinati (The Others Series)

VS

Myrnin (The Morganville Vampires)

Seriously? I managed to pull two vampires? I am so screwed.

Well, assuming I could kill a vampire, I'd try to off Vlad first. 

Myrnin was often less scary and just... eccentric. On a good day.

You're on The Bachelor/Bachelorette and down to two characters. 
Who gets your rose?

   

Amren (A Court of Mist and Fury)

VS

Jamie Fraser (Outlander)

Having never seen a single episode of The Bachelor, I'm assuming giving a rose means you pick that person?

I like Amren, but frankly she scares me. LOL And Jamie is, well... it's Jamie Fraser people. Need I say more?

You've been chosen for the Hunger Games. 
Who's most likely to volunteer in your place?

    

Tessa Gray (The Infernal Devices)
VS

Alina Starkov (The Grisha Trilogy)

Oh wow, I could see either of these characters volunteering to take someone's place.

They are both strong, brave, headstrong and fearless. And they both have compassion.

It's really a toss-up but I'll go with Alina.

You're stranded on an island and must engage in cannibalism to survive. 
Who do you eat?

    

Lisbeth Salander (The Millennium Trilogy)

VS
Four (Divergent)

Bahahaha!! Do I even need to think about this one? Sorry, Lisbeth.

I know you've had a hard life, but you're about to be served up while I kick back island-style with Four. 

You're the next Marvel superhero (with your own TV show, of course). 
Who's your sidekick?

    

Bellatrix Lestrange (Harry Potter)

VS
Magnus Bane (The Mortal Instruments)

Another no-brainer. I'll take the wickedly cool Magnus Bane over Miss Crazy Pants any day.

You're a manager of an avocado company. 
Who would you fire for poor communication skills?

    

The Darkling (The Grisha Trilogy)

VS

Meg Corbyn (The Others Series)

An avocado company? WTH? But okay... 

I've only read the first book in the Grisha trilogy so far but already it seems that the Darkling is secretive and manipulative and not exactly forthcoming with the truth. Whereas Meg is open and honest and has managed to ingratiate herself with all different types of people (and species).

Darkling... you're fired.

You've just finished a book in which your favorite character dies. 
Which of these two characters is more likely to comfort you?

    

Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)

VS
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Katniss has a good heart but isn't exactly warm and fuzzy. Hermione would be a lot more likely to hold my hand and give me a hug.

Ugh, it's high school. 
Who would most likely be part of the popular clique?

    

Rhysnad (A Court of Mist and Fury)

VS
Juliette Ferrars (The Shatter Me Trilogy)

I think it goes without saying that Rhys would rule the school. LOL

The day has arrived - you're finally a year older. 
Who would have the nerve to forget your birthday?

    

Prince Maxon (The Selection Series)
VS

Cath (Fangirl)

Maxon is a total sweetheart and would probably plan some super elaborate surprise for my birthday.

Cath, on the other hand, would be in the midst of writing Simon Snow fanfic and completely forget I existed.

You've just found an up and coming YouTube star. 
Who is it more likely to be?

    

Kenji Kishimoto (The Shatter Me Trilogy)

VS

Feyre (A Court of Thorns and Roses)

Kenji! I could totally see Kenji becoming a YouTube sensation. He make a name for himself doing stand-up comedy or hosting some cheesy dating show. LOL Feyre? Not so much.

Sleepover time! Unfortunately you can invite only one person. 
Who will it be?

    

Simon Spier (Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda)

VS
America Singer (The Selection Trilogy)

America Singer is NOT invited to my sleepover. She would work my last nerve and I'd end up booting her out before midnight. But Simon... we could totally hang. We'd stay up all night talking about boys and eating Oreos.

Bam, you're pregnant. Who's the father/mother?

    

Molly Peskin (The Upside of Unrequited)

VS
Connor Cobalt (The Addicted Series)

Bam, I'm pregnant? Did I at least get dinner first? Geez.

Sorry Molly. I like you, I relate to you, but we're talking Connor Cobalt.

Narcissist. Genius. Smartass. And apparently the father of my non-existent child.

You've just sent a super important text. 
Who would see it and not reply?

    

Daemon Black (The Lux Series )
VS

Alexander Belov (The Bronze Horseman)

Oh, this is a good one. It could go either way. Daemon would totally blow off a text if he wasn't in the mood to deal with it. And if asked about it he'd even say, "Yeah, I saw it." Alexander would ignore the text because the technology would confound him, seeing as how he's in Russia in the 1940's. But I'm going with Daemon because it's likely he would not reply just to be a jerk. LOL

You've just woken up and it's time for breakfast. 
Your mom has been replaced by... ?

    

Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games)
VS
Dimple Shah (When Dimple Met Rishi

Wow, my mom probably hasn't made me breakfast in 25 years but okay, that's cool. :)

Dimple may seem like the obvious choice, just based on gender, but I'm going with Peeta.

He's an absolute sweetheart and could bake me all sorts of yummy breakfast breads.

So there you have it. Did any answers surprise you? :)

I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you feel like playing along

then consider yourself tagged!