OnlineBookClub.org

Hello online book club community and thanks in advance for your help

I have never been one to read on my leisure but am currently craving a good story. Unfortunately I do not have much time to set aside for reading so I don't want a large list to burn through. In the past I have picked up books but have had a hard time finishing them. My belief is that by starting with the "perfect" read for me, it might get me on board the reading train

Here are the things I am looking for in order from most important to least important (but still worth considering)
o Cute romance (preferably non-sexual)
o Significant character growth
o Charming cast (no one overly dramatic, oblivious, or evil)
o Comedy splashed throughout
o Complex antagonist or moral gray zones
o Fine with predictable, but not super cliche
o Prefer a fantasy setting with some action
o I would say my level of literacy is higher than high school but not by a whole lot

As a summary, I am looking for a generally light feel good read that isn't afraid to take me on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. If I had to choose, I would say I am more concerned with the characters than the actual plot (if that even makes sense). I definitely do enjoy stories that make me stop and think. Lastly, if at all possible, I am more of a guy who enjoys some action in a high fantasy setting.

Again, thanks for your time and help!

Are series okay?

Assuming so, what were you thinking?

Yup I would actually prefer a series if you know a good one!

I can think of two that I believe fit partially, though neither are high fantasy.

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, though this one has very little romance. It is still a strong series with a lot of world building.
And Seanan McGuire's Toby Daye series. This one has a bit of the romance, but is mainly an urban fantasy, so sirens less time on the relationship. It's also a very slow going romance, but very worth while.

Sorry if they don't work! I hope you find something!

The Rosie Project
Novel by Graeme Simsion, but it's not a fantasy setting.

There's the Between World series by Julia Crane and Talia Jager. Though I can't really come up with fantasy books with 'cute romance'. But for any fantasy cravings, Harry Potter series must suffice!

The Parasol Protectorate, a series by Gail Carriger is really good. It has a steampunk theme and supernatural characters. The follow-up series to this, The Custard Protocol, is also a super fun read.

pricklypurple wrote: ↑28 Jun 2018, 11:31 The Rosie Project
Novel by Graeme Simsion, but it's not a fantasy setting.

I was going to suggest the same! Super cute book.

Also, Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen. It's also not fantasy but has a bit of a Love Actually vibe.

You would love Leigh Bardugo's duology: Six of Crows. You'll have a cast of characters that each develop as the story progresses, who have quick witted sarcastic humor. The character Kaz is the most complicated character I have encountered in some time. Heck, just about all the characters are highly complex, and throughout the whole duology you piece together how they came to be how they are.

These are older books, but Steven Brust writes fun, funny fantasty fiction. I love Cowboy Feng's Space Bar & Grill. He also has a series that starts with The Book of Dragon. It's the Vlad Taltos series.

I liked The Fire Inside Us by Mylisa Anderson. It's a fun mystery-romance.