What a delightful fifth book in the Sinful Suitors series. While the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the previous books. However, all of those books are good and I’d highly recommend reading them. The Secret of Flirting is fast-paced, interesting, well-written and the characters can easily become your new best friends. The book even comes with a lovely epilogue that has some definite sigh-worthy passages – just try this one – Gregory and Monique are speaking about her grandmother’s dementia and that she speaks about her deceased husband as if he were still with her. Gregory says to Monique -- “When you love someone, being apart is the worst punishment of all. I know that if I were here and you had gone on to the great beyond, I would pray to see your ghost every day, even if it meant I was insane.” Be still my heart!

Gregory Vyse, Baron of Fulkham is a very self-controlled and ambitious man. You’ll learn why he’s that way as you read the book. He loves his mother and he is determined to have a successful career in politics. The English government is switching parties, Wellington lost the election and is out as Prime Minister and Earl Grey will be replacing him. That means that a number of the cabinet ministers will be leaving office as well – including Gregory’s boss. Gregory is currently undersecretary to the Foreign Office and he wants to become Foreign Secretary. On the side, Gregory takes care of other little things for the crown – as in – he’s a spymaster. You met him in the previous books, but he didn’t play a huge role – just enough for you to become curious about him.

Monique Servais is an actress in Dieppe, France. She is solely responsible for the care of her elderly grandmother who has dementia and is getting worse every day. Monique rushes home from the theater as soon as the play is over in order to care for her grandmother. She has no social life at all, but that is okay with her because she loves her grandmother above all else. Monique’s grandmother was/is Princess Solange of Chanay. When Solange was young, she fell in love, ran away with, and married an actor. They were passionately in love their entire lives. However, Solange’s family disowned her and while Solange didn’t care about that at all, it would have been much easier on Monique to have some help with Solange’s care. Then, rescue comes in the most unexpected manner. She’s offered the role of a lifetime – all she has to do is pretend to be her cousin who is very ill. If she completes her task successfully, her grandmother will be taken back to Chanay and cared for.

Gregory met Monique backstage at the theater in 1827 while he was on a mission. That meeting did not go very well. There was an instant physical attraction, but they seemed to declare battle instantly. Just imagine Gregory’s surprise when, three years later, he is introduced to Princess Aurore of Chanay and he is absolutely sure that it is really Monique. He remembered every line of her face, her walk – he’d thought of her for three years. He is sure that it is Monique, but he has no proof and he’ll need to be sure before he creates a scandal.

Monique is an amazing actress and manages to confuse Gregory. His whole career and all of his ambitions are on the line. He must find out who she really is – and then there is an attempt on her life. As he protects her and tries to find the culprit they get to know each other. How can a man with high political aspirations marry an actress? The answer is – he can’t. He can make her his mistress, but not his wife.

Can they survive the villain? Can they find a way to love and marriage? You’ll just have to read this delightful book to find all of those answers – and more.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed this one. Jumping off from real historical events, this book is improbable at times, but the relationship between Fulkham and Monique is testy and witty and quite lovely.

THE STORY: Spymaster Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, is at a pivotal moment of his career when he is to participate in the choosing of the first royalty of Belgium. One of the contenders, Princess Aurore of Chanay, is the favorite. But Fulkham also believes her an imposter as he thinks he met her three years before when she was Monique Servais, an accomplished actress. Fulkham is entangled with trying to figure out what she is up to when an attempted assassination and Fulkham's own attraction to the purported princess threaten his career.

OPINION: The one was very enjoyable because of the relationship between the characters. I especially enjoyed the witty banter and verbal combat between the hero and heroine. These two are working on outsmarting one another from the moment they meet.

The strength of the story in this book is clearly that it is based on real events. Although, as acknowledged in the author's note, liberties are taken with the storyline, by giving this book true historical events gives it a grounding in its historical times. The book always feels time relevant with the issues and concerns of the times.

Monique is a woman who is accomplished, but her desire to care for her grandmother leads her into intrigue and Fulkham's world. I really enjoyed the combination of her worldliness and her naivety at the machinations of others. Her dignity and cleverness was a good match for Fulkham. And while some of the events in the story seem unbelievable, her innate believable actions as a character allow the events that seem improbable to work in the story. I liked Monique.

Fulkham is a man with many secrets -- some his country's and some his own. He becomes entwined with Monique as he tries to figure out what she is doing. He is a man who acts carefully and deliberately -- except when it comes to Monique. I loved that she gets under his skin and makes him act in all the ways he never expects. Fulkham's ultimate willingness to do whatever it takes to be with Monique is romantic and a fine comeuppance for the spymaster.

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing and development of the plot and the romance just worked so well for me. It never felt rushed or lagging. The series is coming to a conclusion on a definite high note.

WORTH MENTIONING: For fans of the series, there are small updates about the other couples and the setup for the final novella of the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE SECRET TO FLIRTING is the fifth book in the Sinful Suitors series. While there are overlapping characters, this book can be read on its own as it provides all the information about the characters that you need to enjoy it.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

When Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham, met the beautiful French actress, Monique Servais in Dieppe, she was impudent and seemed not at all concerned about his rank or station. Now three years later he is certain the woman he was just introduced to as the Princess Aurore of Chanay is the woman he has not been able to forget. The question is why she is masquerading in such a position and more importantly, who is trying to kill her.

Gregory has a background that hinders his ability to give his heart freely and yet it continues to yearn for the woman who has him in turmoil. Monique, holding her own in a profession that can leave a woman’s reputation in tatters, is simply determined to provide for her grandmother in what few years she may have remaining.

This hero was charming and fun, protective and seductive, and a bit confused how he was to make things work between him and his heroine. Monique was a strong heroine who held her own against him except when he turned the heat up. Then she found herself yielding or tempting him whichever the case may be.

I really enjoyed this romance filled with political intrigue, drama and suspense. There was a sprinkling of humor throughout, a cast of characters to throw suspicion around, and a villain that was not evident until revealed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Pocket Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Safe – oh so safe! No ow/om drama. Hero was celibate from the time he had met the heroine three years prior.
No apparent triggers

have liked this whole series. Gregory and Monique are great characters. We have watched Gregory in the other stories and I am glad to get his now. He always seems a little cold and aloof. But, Monique brings out the fire in him. He isn't able to keep his cool demeanor when she is around. After a bad introduction, he sees her again 3 years later. But, this time she is calling herself Princess Aurore. This can't be Princess Aurore, it is Monique. Gregory knows she is an actress, but why does she look so much like the princess and what is she doing? Will she try to take the throne for herself or is something else going on. Secrets are Gregory's specialty and he will get to the bottom of this secret.

In preparation of this ARC, I read/listened to the preceding novels in the series since I could get them through my library and to make sure I didn’t miss background information that may be relevant here. Having done that, I don’t believe it is necessary. Lord Fulkham, the hero, is a present but aloof character throughout the series, and Monique, the heroine, was new to the series. Having found my opinion of the books nearly steadily decreasing with each book, I was concerned that my opinion of this one would be adversely affected as a result of having read the preceding ones too soon before this one. The thing that becomes more noticeable with each read is the formula to the romance. I am not saying they are carbon copies of the next, but they do become predictable. However, when the subplot is intriguing, they can be good fun. This was thankfully one of those.

This one centered around choosing the leader of Belgium in 1830. At the end of the book, Jeffries wrote a note on where and how she took literary license. I appreciated that. It was an interesting setting and one that I know little about. Monique is an actress, the granddaughter of a Royal princess of Chanay, who had run away with an actor and had been cast out of the family. Monique is caring for her grandmother, who has dementia. While a talented actress, she does not have time for socializing and is annoyed when an English lord requests an audience with her after one of her shows. Her and Lord Fulkhum verbally spar but do not see each other again for 3 years. Monique had been brought back into the folds of the royal family with a promise to care for her grandmother if she will impersonate her cousin, who is the front runner to be the Belgium ruler and has suddenly fallen ill right before they travel to the conferences to choose the ruler in London. Everything is going well until she meets Fulkhum again and he recognizes her immediately.

I will admit that the plot felt quite convoluted for a bit in the first half, but it worked out to my satisfaction and I found myself enjoying the story. Monique was a likable heroine, and I thought them well matched. In my opinion, this was the strongest novel of the series. It was interesting, well paced and the conflicts resolved nicely. There was also a coherent discussion on consent and consequences of an affair where the two parties are not of equal footing that I thought well done. All in all a good story that I would recommend to someone looking for intrigue to go with their historical romance.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars. This was the best one so far in the series. I had some issues with how it wrapped up mainly because it went from heaps of drama to a quick scene or two of love confessions and confessions from the bad guy all coming out at once but this is a regular thing for me to have an issue with and it’s probably just because I’m picky.

It actually took me a while to come to conclusions with this one which doesn’t often happen. I usually pick up on certain people in the background, but I was so focused on other things it never really came to me until it became quite obvious what was going on.

Definitely going to continue this series, I’m eager to read Hart’s book and really want to know where this series is going to go now that nearly all the main people we met are done. (P.S. will be upset if Hart’s book is a novella)

I approached this book with some trepidation as I really dislike romances that portray a) royalty and b) switched identities. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the content. It was a good book, interesting characters, if at times a tad too melodramatic.

4.5 stars

The first time Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham and Monique Servais meet after he sees her in a play, it is definitely not love at first sight, yet neither ever forgets the other.

Three years later Monique is still an actress in Dieppe, France, but due to the decline of her grandmother, she no longer has the lead roles, she wonders how much longer she can care for her grandmother working as an actress. Life has not always been kind to Monique and she doesn't trust love, from her perspective love equals pain. But just when it seems she will have to do the unthinkable to support her grandmother, she gets a surprise visit from her grand-uncle, Count de Beaumonde comes to see her and makes her an offer that could solve all her problems. Her grandmother is Princess Solange of the royal family of Chanay. Her family disowned her when she married an actor, but now the Count (Solange's BIL) will take them back to the palace and see to Solange's care, if Monique will impersonate her cousin Princess Aurore and travel to England for the selection of the new monarch of Belgium - Aurore is the top candidate, but is deathly ill since arriving in France. Monique agrees, she and Aurore look almost identical and she is already familiar with Chanay thanks to her grandmother - what could go wrong?

The first gathering she attends, Monique discovers exactly what could go wrong - Baron Fulkham! Gregory can't believe his eyes, the actress from Dieppe is impersonating Princess Aurore and as a member of the delegation, he cannot not let this imposter take the throne - but first he wants to know what their scheme is and sets out to unmask Monique.

Monique and Gregory are priceless together, he trying to get her to confess that she is Monique and her maintaining her role. But when her life is put in danger, Gregory doesn't care who she is, he will protect her. Monique tells Gregory the truth of her ruse and begs him not to reveal the deception. Gregory agrees, but he will find out who is trying to kill the princess.

When Gregory learns that some is looking into his past trying to uncover his secrets and another attempt on Monique's life is made, Gregory forms a plan. A plan that ends in him marrying Monique, but will she agree?

This is a very fast paced, well written story with wonderful characters, witty dialogue, steamy love scenes, a bit of intrigue, secrets and seemingly no chance for a HEA. But this is Sabrina Jeffries and she is able to make the impossible possible - with a surprising twist!

This is the fifth book in the series, but it is very loosely tied to the previous books and could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Hart's story.

The next book in the Sinful Suitors series brings us the very serious and often times rigid rule follower, Gregory Fulkham. He is the spymaster for the British government and he has been placed in charge of a conference to select a king or queen for the newly independent country of Belgium. What he never expected to see was the French actress that captivated him three years ago walk into the ballroom and be called the Princess Aurore of Chanay. He knows it is her but she insists on the farce and will not come clean. When her life is threatened, he whisks her off to his country estate where their chemistry heats up the page and their confrontation with the truth peaks. The story was great. The interactions between the two main characters was dynamic, explosive, humorous, and sweet. Loved every minute of Monique winning the rigidly standoffish Gregory and help him break many of his own rules. I loved it and it is another great Sabrina Jeffries story.

When spymaster Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Aurore of Chanay, he's sure he's met her before, in Dieppe three years previously, where she was an actress called Monique Servais. As he pursues his suspicions, he uncovers a plot of attempted assassination and betrayals that could very well destroy his career, expose his own dark secrets and ruin the woman he's rapidly falling for.
Forced by her great-uncle to cover for a cousin she's never met, stage actress Monique Servais is playing the role of a lifetime as Princess Aurore.
This is the fifth book in the series, it could well be read by itself but as the whole series is so very good I’d recommend reading from the start. I’ve been hoping that Gregory would have his story & find a woman who could bring him to his knees & he’s certainly found her in Monique. I love the author’s books & she’s one of my must read authors, this book lives up to her high standard. The characters are so very well portrayed, the plots are well paced & draw you in from the start. I also love her attention to detail & knowledge of the era. There are plenty of secrets & misunderstandings as that all add to this engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Title and author: The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries

Series: Sinful Suitors – Book 5

Publisher: Pocket Books

Releases: March 27, 2018

Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/ybj3otwy

Genre: Historical

Author website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/

Rating: 4.5 Stars

In the fifth novel of the Sinful Suitors series, Sabrina Jeffries interweaves historical events with her own imaginative concepts, and the result is a romance filled with believable characters and developments. I always enjoy stories written by this author, as I know every scene in the book will be realistic and definitely entertaining. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING has moments where laughter cannot be contained, while other situations are touchingly dramatic and cause much empathy. From the instant the story was begun, I was drawn into the lives of the main couple and truly cared about these two dynamic individuals.

When Gregory Vyse gets the chance to spend a short time with a French actress after her brilliant performance, the two exchange rather unkind words. Though the Baron of Fulkham does not like to lose control, Monique Servais brought out the worst in him. But the government agent has more crucial matters that need his attention, so Gregory tries to put the impertinent woman out of his mind.

Three years later, Monique is offered a role which could alter her life if she demonstrates her ability to be a competent actress. At a gathering of very important people, Gregory comes in contact with the Princess Aurore of Chanay, and he notices some similarities to the actress whom he previously met. Yet proving what he suspects is not at all easy, as the woman is particularly cunning plus tempts him to lose his ironclad control.

Gregory has personal ambitions that he would like to accomplish, and nothing has every gotten in his way when he wants to reach a certain goal. But crossing paths with Monique a second time makes him question many aspects of his life. He is often frustrated by her actions, and this led to numerous moments where conversations are delightfully candid and frequently include much banter. Neither hold back when they have something to say, and I received much reading pleasure when Gregory and Monique tried to outsmart the other. They are very passionate when it comes to expressing their feelings, and this trait is definitely evident when desire for one another takes over their reactions.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is intriguing throughout, because danger unexpectedly arises while secrets abound. Monique is facing some issues which affect her responses to a surprising proposal, and now details about herself must be hidden. Gregory also has several facts that must not be revealed for his own wellbeing. Watching them dance around the truth was always enjoyable, as it was almost like a game where there could only be one winner. Sabrina Jeffries had me cheering the couple on since both were so likable, yet I knew how things ended could have dire consequences for either. To discover what would ultimately happen to Gregory and Monique kept me reading and not wanting to stop. The book stands alone, but getting to see how couples from prior books in the series were faring was a wonderful bonus.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher, and all comments are my honest opinionIn the fifth novel of the Sinful Suitors series, Sabrina Jeffries interweaves historical events with her own imaginative concepts, and the result is a romance filled with believable characters and developments. I always enjoy stories written by this author, as I know every scene in the book will be realistic and definitely entertaining. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING has moments where laughter cannot be contained, while other situations are touchingly dramatic and cause much empathy. From the instant the story was begun, I was drawn into the lives of the main couple and truly cared about these two dynamic individuals.

When Gregory Vyse gets the chance to spend a short time with a French actress after her brilliant performance, the two exchange rather unkind words. Though the Baron of Fulkham does not like to lose control, Monique Servais brought out the worst in him. But the government agent has more crucial matters that need his attention, so Gregory tries to put the impertinent woman out of his mind.

Three years later, Monique is offered a role which could alter her life if she demonstrates her ability to be a competent actress. At a gathering of very important people, Gregory comes in contact with the Princess Aurore of Chanay, and he notices some similarities to the actress whom he previously met. Yet proving what he suspects is not at all easy, as the woman is particularly cunning plus tempts him to lose his ironclad control.

Gregory has personal ambitions that he would like to accomplish, and nothing has every gotten in his way when he wants to reach a certain goal. But crossing paths with Monique a second time makes him question many aspects of his life. He is often frustrated by her actions, and this led to numerous moments where conversations are delightfully candid and frequently include much banter. Neither hold back when they have something to say, and I received much reading pleasure when Gregory and Monique tried to outsmart the other. They are very passionate when it comes to expressing their feelings, and this trait is definitely evident when desire for one another takes over their reactions.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is intriguing throughout, because danger unexpectedly arises while secrets abound. Monique is facing some issues which affect her responses to a surprising proposal, and now details about herself must be hidden. Gregory also has several facts that must not be revealed for his own wellbeing. Watching them dance around the truth was always enjoyable, as it was almost like a game where there could only be one winner. Sabrina Jeffries had me cheering the couple on since both were so likable, yet I knew how things ended could have dire consequences for either. To discover what would ultimately happen to Gregory and Monique kept me reading and not wanting to stop. The book stands alone, but getting to see how couples from prior books in the series were faring was a wonderful bonus.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher, and all comments are my honest opinion

This book was a fantastic surprise! I was expecting romance, but the mystery and intrigue were a pleasant addition to the romance!

This book also stood out to me because there was no blow up at the end that Monique and Gregory had to resolve. Neither one of them acted like children about their relationship and it was quite refreshing. They worked together to solve the big mystery and their chemistry was off the charts!

This was a truly smart historical romance that I loved with great writing and characters!

I really like Sabrina Jeffries’ writing. Her Regency romances always are among the best in the genre. The Secret of Flirting is no exception. Although part of the Sinful Suitors Series, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. The author not only gives the reader a wonderful love story with great characters, but also a bit of political intrigue to keep you guessing. I’m always impressed by the amount of research good romance writers must do in order to deliver top notch novels. I’m not sure how many more books will be in this series, but I’ll definitely be reading them.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pocket Books for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Gregory and Monique's story!!

At first appearances, Gregory and Monique don't like each other at all when they meet at the theater, but why is it that neither has forgotten about the other three years after their first meeting? When they meet up again, Monique is playing the part of her cousin, the Princess of Chanay, who is bedridden with some illness and can't make the trip to London. Gregory is certain that the princess is the woman that he met three years ago, but Monique won't admit to the charade.

As they spend more time together, the truth finally comes out, but at this point, someone is trying to kill Monique (the princess) and Gregory is not about to let anything happen to her. Can they find the person who is trying to kill the princess and get their HEA?

I've really enjoyed this series and am really looking forward to Hartley's story, which comes out in July!

When spymaster Gregory Faulkner meets Princess Aurore of Chanay he is almost certain she is Monique Servais, a French actress he met and hasn't been able to get out of his mind. To complicate matters her life appears to be in danger. While trying to solve the puzzle of why Monique is masquerading as the Princess, Lord Faulkner falls further under her spell.
This is quick paced with well developed characters and enough mystery to keep you intrigued. Although it of a series, this can be read as a stand alone book. You certainly will get some interaction from characters from previous books, but it doesn't detract from the story.

I love the premise of this book. The Princess of Chanay is in the running to be the new Queen of Belgium, but she's fallen suddenly ill so her long-lost cousin, the French actress Monique who bears a striking resemblance to the real princess, is called upon to take the princess's place... Ooh, intrigue! The potential for mistaken identities to wreak havoc! My catnip. :)

I liked Monique a lot. She's such a strong woman, as well as caring so much for her grandmother. I do love a feisty leading lady, and I love the way she repeatedly challenges Gregory. Him, I had more problems with, but I appreciate the growth he goes through as he realizes that by shutting his emotions away to avoid painful memories, he is also shutting out the positive emotions like joy and love. Both of them let their own pride, insecurity, and fear get in the way of what they both really want, and there were a few moments that my heart positively ached for these somewhat star-crossed lovers. I also really liked the inclusion of Lady Ursula and her situation, as you don't often see many [spoilers removed] in Regency romances.

There was a section of this book where Gregory kept calling Monique "my sweet" in every dang sentence, which was like nails on a chalkboard to me for some reason. Ugh. For the most part, though, this book kept me enthralled and I hated to put it down, and I now must immediately go read the first four books in the series.

This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Characters from the previous books are minor side characters in this one, and the only real benefit to reading the other books first would be so you're not horribly confused about all these established couples chattering about. The epilogue also sets up a bit the idea that the sixth book will be about Gregory's friend Hart.

I enjoyed this read and am glad that I took a chance on an author who is new to me. I liked the chemistry between the h and H. The mystery behind the assassination attempts was interesting as well. This was a read I enjoyed and would recommend.

Publisher's Description:

“Quick pacing, witty dialogue, and charmingly original characters set Jeffries’ books apart” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), and The Secret of Flirting is the next thrilling romance in the bestselling Sinful Suitors series!

The moment spymaster Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Aurore of Chanay, he's positive her royal persona is a ruse and that she's actually Monique Servais, the mysterious actress he met three years before in Dieppe. But as he pursues his suspicions, he uncovers a plot of attempted assassination and betrayal that could very well destroy his career, expose his own secrets...and ruin the woman he's rapidly coming to love.

The Secret of Flirting is a sizzling historical romance filled with fast-paced storytelling, an enchanting heroine, and a sexy hero, perfect for fans of Regency romance.

My Thoughts:
Sabrina Jeffries always manages to captivate me with her well written and witty romance novels.
This one is no exception.
This is book #5 of The Sinful Suitors series with a couple of novellas thrown in for good measure.

We have another Spymaster and a stunning Princess he is certain is not a Princess at all.
Is she in fact Monique Servais, the mysterious actress he met three years before or is he mistaken?
Will his pursuit of his suspicions lead to his own destruction and reveal his own secrets, plus destroy this woman he is coming to love?
This book and the others in this series are not to be missed. Ms. Jeffries creates a well written story with engaging characters, snappy dialog and a plot that will hold your interest.
There is at least one more title, a novella to come; The Risk of Rogues, A Sinful Suitors Novella, Book 5.5, Available July 2, 2018. I look forward to reading it also. I try to be on the lookout for anything upcoming by this author and subscribe to her newsletter. I have been reading her books since before I knew what an E-Book was.

I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. These stories aren't bedroom romps but they do include some sexy scenarios.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title via NetGalley from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Most of the character, were introduced in earlier books, including Gregory Vyse, Baron of Fulkham and a spymaster for Britain, the Hero of this book. The story begins, before the previous books, on a night that will come back to haunt him. While meeting his brother's friend, Lord Hartley Corry to recruit him in a bit of espionage, he meets an actress, Monique Servais, and learns his younger brother, John, has been murdered. Several years later he sees Monique again, but now she claims that she is Princess Aurore of Chanay, one of the candidates to rule Belgium. His attraction to the actress has not diminished, but his career comes first and he is going to get to the bottom of this mystery. Lots of intrigue, attempted murders, blackmail, sizzling attractions all woven together with interesting and well developed characters, researched and rich history and beautifully described settings. A lovely addition to the series.