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Diving into Worlds: The Ultimate Guide to Book Series You Can’t Miss- Part 1

My Favorite Must-Read Book Series: Part 1

When it comes to discovering a captivating book series, there’s a unique joy in finding stories that seize your imagination and beckon you back time and again. In this article, I’m eager to share some of my all-time favorite literary series. These collections, spanning various genres and styles, are those I find myself returning to repeatedly, uncovering new joys with each read.

It’s essential to acknowledge that literary tastes are as diverse as the readers themselves. What I hold dear in a series may not resonate with you in the same manner. Yet, therein lies the beauty of reading – the vast, diverse universe of choices. I hope that among these series, you’ll find at least a few that spark your curiosity.

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Now, without further ado, let’s explore some of the book series that have captured my heart and mind:

THE SENTINEL WORLD by Ivy Asher:

Ivy Asher The Lost Sentinel Series Cover Photos

This is actually a combination of a few trilogies in the same world. I absolutely love the main female characters the author has written into this ‘world’. You have humor, strength, snark, some vulnerability, and (perhaps not for everyone) – a multiple love/why choose romance aspect. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Magnus Pack, Pride Series, Honey Badger Chronicles by Shelly Laurenston:

Shelly Laurenston Magnus Pack, Pride Series, and Honey Badger Chronicles book covers

These series are so enjoyable. They have ridiculously strong female characters, well rounded and strong male characters, and the humor and snark is amazing. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Magiford Supernatural City Series by K.M. Shea:

This series caught me by surprise. I was not expecting to fall into love with this take on magic in the contemporary world. From the book description – these series take place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe and features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! These books are packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romances. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews:

From the authors website – ‘The world has suffered a magic apocalypse. It comes in waves, without warning, and vanishes as suddenly as it appears. When magic is up, planes drop out of the sky, cars stall, and electricity dies. When magic is down, guns work and spells fail. In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight.Β  But sometimes even trained killers make friends and fall in love, and when the universe tries to kick them in the face, they kick back.’ Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Hidden Legacy Series by Ilona Andrews:

I enjoyed this series very much. A quick overview from the authors’ website – Hidden Legacy is set in the world much like our own, where over a hundred years ago several countries developed Osiris Serum, a solution that awakened one’s latent magical powers.The magical powers turned out to be hereditary. Now the world is ruled by magical dynasties, powerful Houses, who marry for magic, maintain private armies, and own global corporations. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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The Pyte/Sentinel Series by R.L. Mathewson:

A supernatural series set in contemporary times. I enjoyed that this was a different take on the vampires, shifters, and other creatures that go bump in the night. The world building, the characters, and the story arcs pulled me in and made this series a re-read for me (many times). Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series.

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Neighbors from Hell Series by R.L. Mathewson:

Contemporary Romance series with quirky main characters whose stories are all entertaining and unique. Each of the romantic characters start with a little friction between. The levels of friction change for each book. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series.

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Immortals After Dark Series by Kresley Cole:

Kresley Cole Immortals after dark series book covers

This is one of my top favorite series. I have re-read this series at least 10 times. I have the paperback, ebook, and audio books for this series. It is engaging, entertaining, and the characters are unique. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Redemption Series by Sarah Castille:

Sarah Castille's Redemption book series covers.

Gritty contemporary romance series about the unique characters who train, work, or are involved with Redemption, a UFC fighting gym. The characters are real, somewhat damaged, and very strong. The stories is engaging and unique to the characters within (they are not replicated/cookie cutter templates).Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Chicago Stars by Susan Elizabeth Phillips:

Contemporary Romance series that revolves around the Chicago Stars Football Organization. The players, owners, coaches and their families. I enjoyed each of the books in this series, and I loved seeing characters in later books as the series developed. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Chase Brothers/Petal,Georgia Series by Lauren Dane:

A contemporary romance series based in Petal Georgia. The focus of the series is around the Chase brothers, four strapping and famously eligible bachelors. Each book covers not only the journey of the main characters falling into love, but also an intriguing mystery. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost:

I love this series! Our main female character is a half vampire half human with an interesting backstory. She starts out not know much about her ‘other’ side, but meets our male main character who is a full vampire. There is humor, and snark, and a slow build romance. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Sons of the Survivalist series by Cherise Sinclair:

This series is one of my favorites because of the backstory of the men and women in the stories. These four men met in foster care and were ‘rescued’ by a slightly troubled veteran who took them and raised them off the grid. They become amazing men and all return to Alaska after the death of their adopted father where each meet their significant others and deal with mystery/intrigue.
Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


In Death Series by J.D. Robb:

A futuristic suspense series where we follow police lieutenant Eve Dallas as she investigates murders in 2050’s New York. She meets her match in Roarke, an Irish billionaire. Each has a interesting and damaged backstory, that leads to the dogged and determined individuals lead this series. More characters who I also love, are brought in as the series builds. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn:

I loved this series even before it became the international Netflix sensation. The stories are intriguing, I love the family and I love how each person gets brought into the family in their own unique storyline.
Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Hemlock Academy by Kelsey Soliz:

Bearing in mind the grammar and editing issues of this book, this is still another of my favorites. Our main character is spunky, snarky, and comfortable in her own strengths. This world has magic of many varieties, and has an added layer where there are women who are chosen to complete a circuit with a certain number of mates. There is even more intrigue for our characters in this series. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning:

The series revolves around MacKayla Lane, a seemingly normal girl of 20-something living in small-town Georgia, USA. When her sister, Alina, is brutally murdered while studying abroad in Ireland, MacKayla resolves to track down the killer by travelling to Dublin. She encounters mystery, intrigue, and the supernatural as she tracks her sisters killer down. The series continues with crazy revelations about her and those around her. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Breed Series by Lora Leigh:

This series is about genetically engineered super soldiers freed from enslavement and now setting the world, and their mates, on fire. I love the world building, the stories, and the intrigue. There are story arcs that span multi books, while each individual book resolves its a mystery and love story. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake:

A racy and spicy series – be forewarned for those that like it lighter! I love this series for its suspense and intrigue. It follows spies and security professionals. The unique aspect is that each of these individuals are involved in some way with the BDSM lifestyle. It doesn’t take over the series but it is a focus on. A spy thriller mixed with erotic romance that pulls you in from the very beginning. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Rough Riders Series by Lorelei James:

Considered a western contemporary romance, this series has a lot of spice. It also has some tropes and spice that might not work for some people. I very much enjoy the characters in this series. They were flawed and at times I wanted to smack them, but they made for great emotional reads with some saucy spice. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Pizza Shop Exorcist by Dakota Brown:

A random kindle recommendation that I decided to try and I was very glad I did. You open the story with a quirky pizza shop owner who also happens to have a back story of performing exorcisms. She had a special talent, but in her hubris she believes she caused the deaths of her family. She quits, but is pulled back into it by an old friend. She meets a multitude of characters and deals with crazy mysteries throughout the series. This is a why choose romance. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Thirteenth Sign Series by Debbie Cassidy:

I’ve reread this series a few times. I will admit there are a few grammatical errors, but mostly I fell in love with the story. You have a female main character who has a very unique backstory. She finds out that she is needed to help save the world by binding herself mystically to three strong wolves to help keep at bay a great threat to the world. Mystery, suspense, drama, and interesting twists make this series a new favorite for me. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Cocker Brothers Series by Faleena Hopkins:

From the author – This series starts with six Brothers in Atlanta, Georgia, where each get their own true love story as varied as they are, moving forward in time with all of your favorite characters returning time and again. It’s all about family, and the series is steamy. Because steam comes fromΒ true love’s fire. I loved reading this series and recommend this as a great contemporary romance read. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

Get the series on Amazon


Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham & Suzanne Valenti:

The blurb says it best – This is a dark, bully romance. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride. This series is gripping and dark, but absolutely pulls you in and gets you absolutely addicted. Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling:

I know that the inclusion of this series on this list could be controversial, but this series has always had a special place in my literary heart. I love having this on audiobook in the background, or reading this while traveling.
Find out more about this author in our ‘my Favorite Authors‘ series

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Conclusion

Please note, the order of these series is not a ranking; each holds its own unique place in my heart for varied reasons. I invite you to explore them at your leisure.

Whether you’re a devotee of fantasy, mystery, romance, or any other genre, there’s likely a series out there that will resonate with you. These series have provided me with countless hours of joy, and my hope is that by sharing them, you too will find literary gems to treasure.

Remember, reading is a deeply personal journey. The books we choose not only entertain us but can also shape our perspectives and experiences. So, venture forth into a new series and allow the transformative power of storytelling to whisk you away to uncharted worlds and adventures.

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