u/ideasnstuff

I'm looking for a long series (3+ books) with the same main characters, and I'm struggling to find a new one. Please help!

Series I LOVED:

Kate Daniels, Hidden Legacy by Illona Andrews

Empire of the Stars by Mellisa Cove

Blood Grace by Vela Roth

Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy

Lord of The Fading Lands by CL Wilson

Villians and Virtues by AK Caggiano

Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen

Mages of the Wheel by JD Evans

Series I read but didn't like:

Kushiels Dart

Legends of Thezmarr

ACOTAR & TOG

Daughter of No Worlds

I don't like love triangles or immature characters, but beyond that, anything goes! I looked through some older rec posts here but I have read most of the recommendations already.

I'm obsessed with this show and it's phenomenal cast. I LOVED all the S1 press and interviews. The cast was adorable and did a great job promoting the show.

I'm now seeing clips of a new promo event, with multiple interviews and honestly, the cast looks exhausted. There's so much micro analyzing going on, but to me they just look the same way I do after my toddler had a whole day of tantrums. Tired and emotionally drained.

Does anyone else feel that this recent event is unnecessary? These actors just finished filming and promoting S1, and then jumped straight into s2. That itself sounds exhausting let alone having to go to more press and "perform" there as well.

I am curious about how much contractual obligation the network has for press, and what fans think about it. Personally, I love the show and have little interest in the actor's personal lives. It's nice to see some interviews about their experience filming, and see them as artists out of character for 3-4 interviews, but in my opinion, thats more than enough.

Parasocial fan behaviour is a known phenomenon, and this show has already had enough of it that the network literally had to release a statement. It feels exploitative that the cast is still required to do press while filming S2, while dealing with parasocial fallout, and being pressured to sell the "we're such besties" narrative to continue to feed the parasocial behaviour and increase engagement for the network.

I'd love to have a discussion about what press means to fans, and if the amount we're getting is actually necessary. I am a die hard fan of this show, and I do not require my social media to be bombarded with cast press for me to watch s2. I actually would feel better about it knowing that the cast is well rested, happy, and have healthy boundaries between their jobs and personal lives.

I am initiating this discussion in good faith, as an older fan who watched multiple seasons of shows in the past where social media wasn't as big, and this kind of promo didn't exist.

The first time I watched it, I wasn't a fan of the song, it fell flat. However, when it came up on the spotify Playlist, I actually really enjoyed it. It's got a catchy melody, and the lyrics are pretty good!

After multiple rewatches, I think the issue is that Hannah performed the song like a composer, not a performer. That's why the scene is a little awkward. She's mixing, juggling multiple instruments, as well as singing, and she's doing it in character.

As a millennial, I think I'm used to seeing big showy performances in popular TV shows and movies, so this one seemed less spectacular in comparison. But in context of the show, is it meant to be? It's meant to showcase the songwriting and composition, and I thought it did so really well!

I have zero problems with an ensemble show, and I'm excited for Dean/Allie next season. BUT I'm getting mixed signals from the cast and showrunner about Hannah and Garrett's role in future seasons. Louisa (showrunner) implied that their story is complete and we'll get lighter scenes of them navigating their relationship. Belmont's comments hinted at a continuation of their story.

Am I the only one who thinks that Hannah+Garrett also ended on a cliffhanger? Garrett's disqualification is a significant plot point that made zero sense in S1. Other people have commented here that it's unrealistic for BU to not contest that ruling. I am convinced that Garrett's dad is the architect behind it, to get back at Garrett for their last fight, and force Garrett to come to him to resolve it. It also makes no sense for his dad to allow Garrett to leave that video on his SM and encourage Garrett to socialize with the Bruinns if it truly would jeopardize his career. If they didn't intend to follow up on it, the Bruinns-disqualification is kind of a plot hole.

Delaney is the other open issue. BU is going to play them again, so how will H&G navigate that? In her showcase song, Hannah was al about "speaking and sharing her truth". Does that mean she's ready to speak about her assault and be more confrontational with Delaney about it? Or was that more of an internal thing where she just is reaching a new level of acceptance of her past within her mind.

I fully expected s2 to continue these major plots from s1 as a subplot when I finished the season. But it's not consistent with the recent "lighter presence of H&G" comments. I would be very disappointed if H&G are reduced to cheesy supporting characters (like Bridgerton) who are only around for fan service. It also feels like a bait-and-switch for the showrunner to commit to the serious themes in S1, without bringing them to a satisfying conclusion.

What are your thoughts? Do you think their story is complete?

I am seeing a lot of comments along the lines of "why would the hockey guys want the gossip hanging around them all the time?"

My question is - why are we assuming that Jules would post anything damaging to the team? I took them as a PR role. Creating buzz and engagement with the hockey team to drive up popularity. This includes hockey highlights and personal posts of the players. Similar to any celebrity PR team.

Jules has a lot riding on the success of team because it's their family's financial lifeline, and they are clearly extremely close to Logan and need each other for support due to their difficult childhood.

They are a family member, and personally invested in the team's success. It's the perfect person to run socials because they are trustworthy, and since they are family and much younger, not at risk of starting up a relationship with anyone and making things complicated.