[Note from Frolic: We are so excited to have writer Lisa Becker guest post on the site today. Take it away, Lisa!]
Ever fallen for the hero’s best friend? Or wish you knew more about the wacky neighbor, wise gal pal or domineering boss? Curious about the love triangle’s odd man out? Concerned that a story’s villain may just be misunderstood and in need of some TLC?
Sidekicks, secondary characters and foils are important elements in bringing a love story to life–rounding out main characters, offering advice, creating tension and drama and spurring reconciliation. Those characters are often a story’s most beloved and warrant time, attention and happily ever afters of their own.
So while standalones are wonderful, I love diving into a series. Here are three reasons why I enjoy them, and you should consider them when planning your TBR.
1. EASY – I’m often overwhelmed with all the book choices available to me: current bookstack, favorite authors’ backlists, Book of the Month picks, book club selections, new releases, ARCs. Call me lazy, but sometimes it’s just easier to read the next in a series if I’ve loved a book. It’s a low angst decision (compared to the others I routinely deal with daily having teenagers!) that rarely leaves me regretful.
2. FAMILIARITY – When a book is done right, I not only love the main story but become invested in the supporting characters. I want to know their back stories, their dreams, their heartaches and root for them to find love. With a book in a series, I’m already on board with the writing, style, pacing and other literary qualities which typically impact my enjoyment of a book.
3. MOMENTUM – Picking up the next in a series is like continuing a conversation with a good friend. You know what I mean. With good friends, it doesn’t matter how much time has passed—a day or a year—but you pick right up where you’ve left off without a hitch. I often wonder why I didn’t pick things up earlier because everything clicks into place and feels right. By continuing on with a series right away, I’m able to capitalize on the story’s momentum.
If you’re a fan of series or looking for a collection of stories to sink your teeth into, here are three romance series that I love.