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A collection of the pilot books for popular series, for those of us who love to follow a character's journey for as long as an author will let us! Some of the below series have heavily debated starting points and book read orders--in those cases the pilot was selected based on what seems to be the most popular approach.
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Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is a sharply witty, deliciously romantic enemies-to-lovers story that had me hooked from the first page. Bethany Turner’s dry humor shines through in every snappy exchange, making their feud as entertaining as it is charged with chemistry. I’ve seen some readers struggle with Brynn as a protagonist, but to me, her flaws were what made her compelling. She’s messy, ambitious, and unapologetically human—not your typical “likeable” heroine, but all the more real for it. Sebastian, with his gruff charm and hidden soft spots, is the perfect foil for her, and their slow-burn tension is pure catnip for romance lovers. The small-town setting adds warmth and humor, balancing out the sharper edges of their dynamic. And while the banter is top-tier, Turner doesn’t shy away from emotional depth, giving both characters meaningful growth. If you love romance with bite, complex characters, and a love story that feels earned, this one’s for you. A standout for fans of The Hating Game or Beach Read—just with more small-town chaos and gloriously petty grudges. Highly recommend! Perfect for readers who enjoy heroines who aren’t always “nice” but are always interesting!
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Erica Ridley’s A Waltz on the Wild Side is a charming historical romance with just the right mix of intrigue, wit, and swoon-worthy moments. While it’s part of a series, Ridley expertly weaves the story so that newcomers (like me!) can dive in without feeling lost—though I loved it enough that I’ll absolutely be going back to read the previous books. The mystery is compelling, with enough twists to keep you guessing, and the romance is sweetly developed with a dash of spice that feels perfectly balanced. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their banter had me grinning more than once. Ridley’s writing is lush and immersive, making the historical setting come alive without ever bogging down the pacing. If you’re looking for a romance that delivers both heart and intrigue—with a side of playful sensuality—this book is a winner. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just dipping your toes in, A Waltz on the Wild Side is a standalone treat. Highly recommend for historical romance lovers!
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I picked up Not You Again by Erin La Rosa because of its adorable cover (seriously, how could I resist?), but what I got was so much more than just a cute romance. This book delivers laugh-out-loud banter, sizzling chemistry, and a surprisingly deep emotional core—all wrapped up in a clever time-loop premise that actually makes sense. Unlike some time-loop stories where the mechanics are handwaved away, La Rosa’s characters actively try to solve their predicament with science, logic, and even a little desperation. And just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, the author introduced a fresh, unexpected variable that made me pause and go, “Wait… that’s genius.” (No spoilers, but trust me—it’s a game-changer.) The romance? Chef’s kiss. The steam? Off-the-charts hot. The emotional payoff? Perfect. La Rosa balances humor and heartbreak so well that I found myself equally invested in the characters’ personal growth as I was in their steamy scenes. If you love rom-coms with a sci-fi twist, Not You Again is a must-read. It’s smart, sexy, and impossible to put down—exactly the kind of book you’ll want to gush about to friends.