2013 May Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Fran, Moderator]

Hi Katie!

I hope you find something you like! I had a good time going through your shelves :)


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -
Down London Road- out soon and you've read the other two in the series.
Exquisite- I am reading this one this month. Looks like fun and has gotten great reviews- buddy read?
If I Were You- I recently read this and loved it. Sexy mystery. And Lisa Renee Jones is joining us in a few weeks at Ask An Author :)

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger -
When Beauty Tamed the Beast- from your tbr and one of my faves.
At the Bride Hunt Ball- from your tbr.
Thief- from my tbr. looks really good- buddy read?

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs -
Evenfall- crazy long, from your tbr. noticed you are reading this for two other challenges.
Sinnerman- also on your tbr.
A Reason To Believe- I really liked this one, m/m and ghosts.
With a Kiss- I recently read this and loved it. A different twist on vampires and their 'pets'.

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane -
Other People's Weddings- your tbr, looks really good.
Let's Hear it for the Boy- come join us for a buddy read! This shortie but goodie is on tap for our May monthly m/m read.
Escaped- your tbr

[Fran, Moderator]

Brandilyn wrote: "Okay Fran here you go. I hope you find some that will work for you in this list.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Hot Head by Damon Suede. One of my first M/M books
Never a Hero by Marie Sexton well..."


Thanks so much for the great picks Brandilyn!

I'm not sure what I'm going to read yet. I really like the sound of Never a Hero so I may wait until the middle of the month when it comes out and read that one. If not that one, then maybe Into Deep Waters or Hot Head. Thanks again!

[Breann]

*butting in* Into Deep Waters, Fran! So, so good!

[Fran, Moderator]

LOL Breann! OK, I will read Into Deep Waters :)

[Dee]

Fran - make sure you have tissues handy - you are going to need them

[Angi]

Hello Erin, Here are your picks...I enjoyed looking through your TBR shelf. Hope you enjoy your picks and if you want me to repick anything please let me know.

Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Under His Command by Kristie Cayne

Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
Key of Solomon by Cassiel Knight
Almost Perfect by Denise Domning

Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren
Mercenary Abduction by Eve Langlais

Lorelei James/Amy Lane
Tigerland by Sean Kennedy
A Shared Range by Andrew Grey

[Paisley]

Hi Mistral!
Okay - remember I am a virgin in this group so I hope I have done this right. I picked more books that required but I figured you can have some choices that way. You have read a lot of stuff so it was a challenge to find new things for you! If you need me to re-pick anything just let me know okay? Here you go...
1.
Drawn Together ZA Maxfield (your list - contemporary/alpha hero) This one is one of my all time favorite M/M stories.
Gives Light Rose Christo (your list author letter C) I have had this book recommended to me by so many GR friends - they swear it’s the best thing they have read in years. Would love to know what you think of it.
The Vanguard (not on your lists author - T.A. Chase) This is the only book by this author I have ever really loved.
2.
Kindred Hearts (your list - historical) On my TR list too - I hear it’s great.
The Nobleman and the Spy Bonnie Dee (historical/kick ass hero - new to you) I have read a lot of historicals by this author. Although some of her others are more popular I liked this one better for some reason.
House of Mirrors Bonnie Dee (historical - new author for you)
3.
Eternal Samurai (your list - paranormal) I have this one on my TR list too - it sounds very intriguing.
Gravitational Attraction (new to you - author Angel Martinez) I love this story!
The Last Paladin 1-3 (new to you - urban fantasy) By Vaughn R. Demont - this is a really smutty story but I enjoyed it ;)
4.
Breathe (your list - LGTB) - a very emotional read, maybe the angstiest book I have ever read - I call it superangst! I didn’t loooove this one but so many of my GR friends really do.
Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts (LGTB author new to you - Lyn Gala) I just read this one and really enjoyed it.
Fettered LGTB author new to you - Lyn Gala) I also recently read this one and really enjoyed it
Okay - hopefully I did this right - let me know if I need to fix anything - happy reading!!!
P

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Hi MKat :) I'm not able to select your picks for another half a day or so - I'm away visiting but should be back home mid-pm. Looking forward to trawling your shelves ;)"

OK Jane, have fun! I'll be waiting patiently, I promise!

[Paisley]

~KarenH~ wrote: "Hi, Paisley - Hope you have fun with your first PIFM! I enjoyed going through your shelves, picked up a few ideas that I need to add to my own (like I need any assistance there…). As you can see,..."

Karen - thank you so much for my great picks - I am really excited. I do want to buddy read Tigerland (I have never done a buddy read before but have always wanted to so I will PM you) Anyway tomorrow when I am more clearheaded I will sit down and think about where I am going to start. Thanks again!!! P

[Ruth Ann]

Hi Tiff!

Hope you find something you like. We have similar taste in books-Alpha Males :-)

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Twisted Perfection
Surrender Your Love

2. Lisa Klypas/Gail Carriger
The Lion's Lady
Bad Boys In Kilts

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
Wrath
Slave to Sensation

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
Connected
The Siren

If you want to do a buddy read with
I would love it. I have been wanting to read this book.

Let me know if I need to do any re-picks for you!

[Brandilyn]

Yes Fran have tissues handy WHEN you read into deep waters...

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Penney wrote: "Macwolf01 [Elise] wrote: "Hi Penney

Thanks for the fast picks Elise! Echoes at D..."

I think it was because I was so happy to have been able to participate this month ... I was away in Jan and kept missing sign up the last few months.

Let me know what you think of the Steampunk/YA I added it for myself ... heck all of the one you decided on I think I've only read one

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Oh dear! Life had been so crazy, I can't believe I missed the sign-up for Pick-it-for Me.

Karen, if you have a repick pool, please throw me in....please... : )

I'm a C.

If not, I guess, better luck next time.

[Dee]

Oh yeah sign me up for re-picks if needed ;)

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Yz the Whyz wrote: "Oh dear! Life had been so crazy, I can't believe I missed the sign-up for Pick-it-for Me.

Karen, if you have a repick pool, please throw me in....please... : )

I'm a C.

If not, I guess, better ..."

No problem, Yz, I'll make sure you get picks!

Dee wrote: "Oh yeah sign me up for re-picks if needed ;)"

Thanks, Dee!

[Skandia]

Hi Vi,

here are my picks for you. I hope you find something you want to read!

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
I read this book recently and loved it!
On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves (Your TBR)
A Beautiful Lie by T.E.Sivec
Very good romantic suspense book with a lot of twists

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger -
Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase (Your TBR)
At the Queen's Summons by Susan Wiggs
Very good historical trilogy and Susan Wiggs is FAC author in May
Wicked as They Come by Delilah S. Dawson
some steampunk

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs -
The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams (your TBR)
Angelfall by Susan Ee (new author to try)

4. 4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
I don't know anything about GLBT genre, so I pick some erotical romances for you
Broken by Megan Hart (your TBR)
Riding Wild by Jaci Burton
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

[Marcela]

Auch, I couldn't sign. count with me for the next

[Zara's Retreat]

Hi Karen

Here are my picks for you. I hope you can find something you can read from the selection.

Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Red Hot Lies by Laura Caldwell (author initials: "C")
Airhead by Meg Cabot (humorous. My daughter absolutely loved this series)
Wrapped Up in You Carole Matthews (new to you author; humorous romantic fiction. I loved this book. Carole's descriptions are really good)
Bella's Run by Margareta Osborn (contemporary romance)

Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory (new to you author; Historical; strong heroine. This is a great read)
And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke (historical romance)
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson (author initials "G". I've also added this book to my TBR list)
Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke (close-knit family; Christian romance; new to you author)

Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin (fantasy)
Special Forces - Soldiers (military)
The Valley by Di Morrissey (new to you author; woman in a traditional male role for the time - she was a ranch handler at a time when only men were)
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton (author initials "B")

Lorelei James/Amy Lane
Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning (erotica)
The Gunslinger by Stephen King (western)
Potent Pleasures by Eloisa James (author initials "J")

[Zara's Retreat]

Sandy wrote: "Zara, I adore your bookshelves!
I enjoyed picking for you, but if none of these will work for you I'm happy to try again. Most are from your TBR.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare:
Firefly Lane
Unspeak..."

Hi again Sandy.

I'm glad you liked picking for me. You have a huge selection of books for me to choose from. The good news is that I can get many of them from my local libraries as audio books (I've recently discovered why everyone raves about audio books. I'm totally addicted to them now and I've got both my children addicted to them as well!!).

So the books I'm going to read are:



Then if I have time and

That should keep me busy for the month. LOL

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Marcela wrote: "Auch, I couldn't sign. count with me for the next"

Marcela, I can add you in with Yz and anyone who doesn't happen to get their picks by the 1st, so you can still get picks.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Oh boy, that was harder than I thought! ~KarenH~, here are your picks. I tried to give you a few not on your radar and a few new-to-you authors that are but you haven't read yet along with some I know you want to read next month.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare: I have to recommend a JS and a PC here! So maybe a new JS series - Instant Attraction? And I know you've read this one, but the audio comes out this week - Skin Deep! I know you are a little OCD about reading in order so perhaps you want to listen to Breaking Point first. I know we both are waiting for Down London Road too. A couple of new authors for you, Lumberjack In Love by Penny Watson and How to Misbehave by Ruthie Knox - both of those are super sweet! One of my favorite authors from years ago is Elizabeth Lowell. We've gone back and read some of her historicals and we've both loved them, so maybe you will like her RS too. I really enjoyed her Donovan series when I read them before, they begin with Amber Beach.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger: I have to recommend Carriger's Heartless here - I'm looking forward to getting back to this series! A new author for you, and also the FAC, is Susan Wiggs and you have The Charm School on your shelves. Or maybe Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick - neither of us has started this series yet.

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs: Lots of us are rereading the BDB series this year, next up for you is Lover Avenged. A couple of new ones for you are Fated by Rebecca Zanetti and Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison. Or maybe you want to get back to LL's Breeds with The Breed Next Door?

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane: Oh boy - lots of suggestions here! I know Let's Hear it for the Boy and Country Mouse are on your schedule for May, so I will include them for you. You ought to think about My Summer of Wes by Missy Welch too - so sweet. Or perhaps you want to get back to Ty and Zane with Armed & Dangerous. I have to recommend Kissin' Tell too, not my favorite but knowing you, you have to read it before you will get to Gone Country and that one was good! I also like LJ's Blacktop Cowboy series, I'm reading one right now! It starts with Corralled, not the best but you need to start at the beginning. Maybe a trip back LL's Nauti world is what you are looking for this month - you haven't read Nauti Temptress yet!

Happy Reading!

[Erin]

Angi wrote: "Hello Erin, Here are your picks...I enjoyed looking through your TBR shelf. Hope you enjoy your picks and if you want me to repick anything please let me know.

Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Seduction ..."

Thanks for the picks Angi! I think I'm gonna try for and if I can get a hold of it in time. I'm eyeing a couple of the others there, but I don't know how many I'll have time for this month.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Wow, Kat - you gave me a TON of choices...and they all look good, of course! This is going to be fun!!! :D

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Paisley wrote: "Karen - thank you so much for my great picks - I am really excited. I do want to buddy read Tigerland (I have never done a buddy read before but have always wanted to so I will PM you) Anyway tomorrow when I am more clearheaded I will sit down and think about where I am going to start. Thanks again!!! P"

I'm glad you liked the picks, Paisley - I had a blast making them! I'm looking forward to Tigerland, but probably won't be able to fit it in until the last half of the month...

[Isha]

Hi Amy! Here are your picks... Hope you find something you like.


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Kiss An Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb



2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger

Second Sight by Amanda Quick
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
Soulless by Gail Carriger



3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh



4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane

Rock hard by Olivia Cunning
Claimed by Evangeline Anderson
Three To Ride by Sophie Oak
Laid Bare by Lauren Dane
Cut Run by Abigail Roux

[[deleted user]]

Penney

I will read these books
The next always by Nora Roberts and
Angelfall by Susan EE

[Tiff]

Ruth Ann wrote: "Hi Tiff!

Hope you find something you like. We have similar taste in books-Alpha Males :-)

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Twisted Perfection
Surrender Your Love

2. Lisa Klypas/Gail Carriger
The Lio..."

Hey Ruth Ann!! Thanks so much for the picks!! I'm looking forward to reading them. ;) Actually, I'm reading Wrath already (what a coincidence) ;) I'm interested in doing a buddy read, just tell me when. :)

[Erin]

Hi Jane(PS)! Here are your picks. I hope you find something here that interests you this month, but if not let me know and I can pick some others.

1. Pamela Clare/Jill Shalvis:
Under My Skin II by M.L. Rhodes
You have the first book on you favorites shelf, so you should definitely give this one a try. I liked both myself.
He Completes Me by Cardeno C.
For some reason I've read this series completely out of order, so I haven't actually gotten to this one yet, but if its anything like the rest of the series, it should be a good read.
In Too Deep (Arcane Society, #10) by Jayne Ann Krentz
I love the Arcane Society series and I particularly liked this installment about Fallon and Isabella.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
This is probably my favorite Linda Howard and one I highly recommend.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger:
Mystique by Amanda Quick
I don't read many historicals, but this one sounds pretty good, and I like this author, whatever name she happens to be using.
Alien Tango by Gini Koch
This first in this series was really fun and this second books sounds equally so.
Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
I've heard a lot of good things about this series, and you gave the first one a 4 out of 5.
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
Of the few historical romances I have read, this one stands out as one of the best.

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs:
Finding Forgiveness by Dana Marie Bell
I picked this up on a whim, and mainly because it took place in part at Disney World, but ended up really enjoying it.
Touch & Geaux by Abigail Roux
While I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Stars & Stripes, you can't really go wrong with Ty and Zane. Of course reading it now makes the wait for book 8 just that much longer.
Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston
If you don't mind reading a series out of order, this is my favorite of the Pride series and actually the first one that I read. I love the main character, Blayne, and have read this one many times. If you prefer to start at the beginning, The Mane Event is a fun read as well.
Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langlais
This was recommended to me for this challenge last year and I loved it. A really funny PNR involving a group of shapeshifters. Plus, there is a sabertoothed werebunny who loves carrot cake.

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane:
Gambling Men: The Novel by Amy Lane
I wasn't sure about all of the poker talk in this, but otherwise I thought it was excellent.
Somebody Killed His Editor by Josh Lanyon
This one is on your tbr and it sounds very promising.
After the End by Alex Kidwell
I haven't quite gotten to this one yet, but I hear good things.
Summer's Lease by Drew Hunt
I won a copy of this here on Goodreads and thought it was a really sweet story about two men recovering from loss and getting a second chance at love.
Tigerland by Sean Kennedy
We both gave Tigers and Devils 4 stars and I have high hopes for this sequel.

[Tiff]

Hi Valerie !
I had fun looking through your shelfs. A lot of them are M/M and books I'm not familiar with but hopefully, you'll find something you like among my picks. Here are your picks:

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
(NEW): Protecting What's His by Tessa Bailey- I read this a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It's a romantic suspense with the best kind of alpha male there is!
(TBR): Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon- A FBI agent, a Deputy Sheriff and a serial killer in snow-bound Oregon? Sounds hot. ;)
(TBR): The Coil by L.A. GIlbert- This sound pretty cool.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
(NEW): The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley- I got hooked on this series a few months ago (around the New Year). Ian is my favourite out of all the Mackenzies because of his besotted-ness with the h, Beth. :)
(TBR): Leather+Lace by A.B. Gayle- Author that has G as part of her initial
(TBR): A Wild Ride by Andrew Grey- Cowboys? OHWEE.

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
(NEW): Amaryllis by Jayne Castle- I read this last month for the April PIFM and enjoyed the paranormal twist.
(NEW): Fury by Laurann Dohner- This is a pretty good series! :)
(TBR): Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh- I heard a lot about this author and since it's on your TBR, go on ahead! :)

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
(NEW): Spot Me by Andrew Grey
(TBR): Six Ways from Sunday by Mercy Celeste
(TBR): Second Time Lucky by Ethan Day

I tried to get as much from your TBR-MM shelf. Just tell me if I need to re-pick! Hope you enjoy! :)

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Hey there MountainKat! I had a heap of fun working out my recommendations to you; how to prioritise the books - I wanted to pick out so many MORE! So, in the end I have for each category one book from your TBR that matches the category (1-4), one from the TBR that matches our selected grouping *D* and at least one new to you book that matches the category AND grouping :)

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Lady Luck - contemporary TBR. I've only just read my first Kristen Ashley book, but I thought I'd try this series next :)
Country Mouse - contemporary MM TBR. On our RRRC MM buddy read list of course!
American Love Songs - contemporary MM NEW. (Audiobook) I've just finished listening to this book, narrated by Sean Crisden. Whilst he isn't the best MM narrator, he does a decent job of the MC characterisation. Jake (MC) has a dry sense of humour and the band members keep you smiling throughout.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
Heartless - steampunk TBR. (Audiobook I think) LOVE Gail Carriger's work and have to get back into it myself!
Between Sinners and Saints - family MM TBR. An M/M chock-a-block full of one MC's family and their religion, but I just loved it!
Gaven - medieval (OK it's also PNRish) MM NEW. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a harsh world that they live in, but I loved the friction and bravery that accompanied this journey.
The Charm School - historical TBR. (Audiobook) Included because Susan is our FAC author, is joining us is a couple of days for Ask An Author and is on your TBR list :)

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night - PNR TBR. (Audiobook) My absolute fav in this series, with the double bonus of having Robert Petkoff's voice ;)
Sticks & Stones - Military MM TBR. (Audiobook) Get on to this book MKat! This is the possibly the best one in the series! (Such a huge call, but it'll seriously hook you into this series, if the first one didn't :) And the authors have their timing and character integration better melded.
Prey - Urban Fantasy MM NEW. I love this series even though it is taking me forever to get to it (too many challenges to fit books to!)... You'll love Roan (the cat detective!) and Paris (his partner). Romance isn't it's strong point. World setting, humour and characterisation are definitely the winners here.

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
Breaking Free - erotica TBR. Yum!
Let's Hear it for the Boy - MM TBR. Our very short official RRRC MM buddy read :)
Touch Me Gently - Western and emotional MM NEW. (Audiobook) I have this down as a book I'll want to reread when I'm looking for a hurt/comfort book. Not sure how long I'll last before I pick it up for the second time ;) (I didn't listen to this one, so I can't comment on narration.)
Special Delivery - BDSM MM NEW. (Audiobook) A bonus recommendation for our D grouping. Follow a young man's journey of self-discovery, struggling to accept his needs and desires. Audio is narrated by Robert Nieman - he has some strange pauses and lacks characterisation, but it didn't stop me rating this story highly.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Erin wrote: "Hi Jane(PS)! Here are your picks. I hope you find something here that interests you this month, but if not let me know and I can pick some others.

1. Pamela Clare/Jill Shalvis:
Under My Skin II..."

Ooohh wow - thanks Erin. I know for sure that I'll read Touch & Geaux, He Completes Me and almost certainly Somebody Killed His Editor and Tigerland. I've moved Under My Skin II up my buy list and I'll be checking out all the other recs to see what I can squash into my challenge lists :) I really want to fit in Mystique, Mr Perfect and maybe Alien Tango or In Too Deep. So many to choose from! ;)

[Mistral]

Hi Paisley, thank you so much for the great picks! I loved them and I can't wait to start reading!!
I think I'm going to go with and .
Then, if I have time, I'll read and .

:-)

[Brandilyn]

Bre wrote: "Hey Brandilyn,

Here's what I picked for you, hopefully you can find something you want to read! Have fun!

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -
Houseboat on the Nile - Romantic Suspense
Playing for..."

Thanks for the great picks. I will definitely read A Wild Ride, but will read others if I get time.

[Shatan]

Katie wrote: "Hi Shatan! Here are my picks for you...hope you're able to find something that interests you. :)


Thanks Katie! I look forward to trying these out!

[Carrie]

Hey Ashley,
I have your picks, I hope you find something you want to read. Each section has a book that is from your tbr and a new one for you. All books I have read myself, with the exception of two of them.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare: Recommend books that fall into the Contemporary or Romantic Suspense genres, are humorous or have an alpha hero, or have a title or author with one of the following initials: S or C.

CR:Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
RS:The Housewife Assassin's Handbook by Josie Brown (also humorous)

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger: Recommend books that fall into the Historical or Steampunk genres, have a close-knit group of family or friends, have a strong, kick-ass heroine, or have a title or author with one of the following initials: K or G.

HR:The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Reassigned by Tanjlisa Marie (Strong, kick-ass heroine)

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs: Recommend books that fall into the Paranormal or Urban Fantasy genres, have a story involving military or paramilitary characters, a character with an occupation traditionally dominated by the opposite sex(ex: male nurse, female firefighter), or a title or author with one of the following initials: A or B.

Wild Card by Lora Leigh (military)
PNR:Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane: Recommend books that fall into the Erotica or LGBT genres, is a western or very emotional, or has a title or author with one of the following initals: J or L.

I'm picking three books for this group because one of them is short.
Erotica:More than Meets the Ink by Elle Aycart
LGBT:Yes, Sir by Ellis Carrington (Short story)
Easy by Tammara Webber (emotional, grab a tissue)

Happy Reading!

[Sassafrass]

Dee wrote: "Fran - make sure you have tissues handy - you are going to need them"

I agree. It was so good though. :)

[Sassafrass]

Angi wrote: "Thanks for the picks!! I am going to start with Not His Kiss to Take so if you wanted to do a buddy read still let me know.
"

I still would like to do a buddy read. Let me know when you want to read it, I've already got it on my kindle, so I'm good to go at any time.

[SandyC]

Zara wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Zara, I adore your bookshelves!
I enjoyed picking for you, but if none of these will work for you I'm happy to try again. Most are from your TBR.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare:
Firefl..."

Hi Zara. Just saw your note about re-picking for groups 4 & 5. Do you still need me to do that?

Of the group of books you selected, I've read all but the Kinsella, so I can say that no matter which one you read it'll be good!

[Gigi]

Hi Dee!!!

Sorry for the delay, the shower ended at 11pm and I fell asleep (once again) with my laptop on my bed while gathering recs on GR. Anyway, I hope you find something you like. If not, I'll be happy to pick again.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -
Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard (TBR)
Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec (TBR)
The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton (NEW)
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (NEW)

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger -
Hummingbird by Lavyrle Spencer (TBR)
Dangerous by Amanda Quick (TBR)
A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (NEW)
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean (NEW)

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs -
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (TBR)
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (TBR)
Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep (NEW)
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (NEW)

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane -
Do Over by Mari Carr (TBR)
Doms of Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair (TBR)
Dirty by Megan Hart (NEW)
Life After Joe by Harper Fox (NEW)
Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas (NEW)
Menage by Emma Holly (NEW)

Happy Reading!!

[Pam]

For Laura-
From Your TBR
Contemporary-Simply Irresistible or Heaven, Texas . The first one has been recommended to me many times on the challenge and I just like Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Historical/Steampunk-Clockwork Angel I have students who love this series.

PNR/UF-Touched by an Alien or Twice Tempted

Erotica/LGBT: Not a large category for you or me so I'll go into the emotional and recommend Where She Went. I read this in one sitting last summer and immediately went out and bought the sequel.

Seemingly New to You
Contemporary. We both read Evanovich and Lutz (but are you are a Ranger or Morelli fan?) Recently I've been enjoying Shannon Stacey recently Exclusively Yours. This one has laugh out loud moments and is the first in the series.

Historical: I recommend Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn's historical--some of them I find Laugh Out Loud Funny. First in series include Secrets of a Summer Night and The Duke and I. Or embrace Outlander

PNR/UFR Here I'm going to recommend you read Magic Burns. You read the first one-gave it 3 stars as did I. This is a series that only gets better. The relationship between Kate and Curran is hysterical. Another option is to try Darynda Jones: either First Grave on the Right or Death and the Girl Next Door in her new YA series. Both are firsts in series.

Erotica/LGBT: If I stick with the emotional component try The Adoration of Jenna Fox. If I go with the intent of the category, I didn't hate On Dublin Street and really liked the characters in Laid Bare.

[Katie]

Fran wrote: "Hi Katie!

I hope you find something you like! I had a good time going through your shelves :)


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -
Down London Road- out soon and you've read the other two in the serie..."

Great picks, Fran! I'll definitely be getting to Evenfall and Sinnerman this month. I'll try for Escaped and Other People's Weddings, too. Depending on how much time I have and how my book buying funds are looking, I might try for some of those books from my to-buy list that you suggested...Down London Road, Exquisite, When Beauty Tamed the Beast, At the Bride Hunt Ball, and A Reason to Believe. :)

[Kate]

Radu
I did my best choosing a variety of books for you. It was hard since all you had listed as to-read where Nicolas Sparks books. I stretched to include one in each category. I included a bunch books that I have read, the only I haven't was Gone Girl but my husband said it is good. I hope you find something on this list that you would like to read.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare: The Choice, Extreme Exposure, Double Play

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger: The Guardian, Gone Girl, Knight

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs: True Believer, Mockingjay, Dead Until Dark

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane: The Wedding, Long Hard Ride, Caught Running

[Mimmy]

Hi Elizabeth,

Here are the May picks. I hope you find something you like!

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare - Hush by Cherry Adair. I read this recently and thought it had some fun plot twists. I’m going to read book two of this trilogy for this month’s challenge. Breaking Point, I-Team #5 by Pamela Clare, from your TBR.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger – The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross or When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs -Written in Red by Anne Bishop or Frost Burned, Mercy Thompson #7, by Patricia Briggs.

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane - Real (Real, Ripped and Raw #1) by Katy Evans or
Shattered Glass by Dani Alexander

Happy Reading!

[Shatan]

Hi Ruth Ann,

Here's what I picked for you, hopefully you can find something you want to read! (Forewarning: This is my first time participating in this challenge, however I think I did good! ;-)

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -

Playing for Keeps (A Neighbor from Hell, #1) by R.L. Mathewson (humorous) (TBR) - Very funny! Read the entire series and loved it!

Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding, #1) by K.A. Linde (initial C for title) - Literally could not put this book down.

A Beautiful Lie by T.E.Sivec - (Romantic Suspense) Want to Buddy Read? I heard this was really good!

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger -

The Dark Highlander (Highlander, #5) by Karen Marie Moning - (Kick Ass Heroine) (TBR)

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman - (Close knit grp or family) I read this for my book club last month and it's excellent! I can totally understand why it was voted #1 2012 Historical Fiction.

http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards...

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs -

Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1) by Richelle Mead (initial B) - This looks really good. I think I might read it myself.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, #1) by C.C. Hunter (initial B) - A friend of mine has read and enjoyed this book.

(This isn't a genre I normally read but these books seem to be interesting!)

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane -

Fallen Too Far (Too Far, #1) by Abbi Glines (TBR) (Emotional, but one of the best books I have read this year and I've read close to 50 books so far this year. I can't recommend this one enough!)

The Future of Our Past (The Remembrance Trilogy, #1)
by Kahlen Aymes - (Emotional, but it's not that way throughout the entire book. I recently read this book and really enjoyed it however I like this book more than the second, the third book isn't out yet, but I'm definitely going to read it.)

I hope you enjoy!

[Zara's Retreat]

Sandy wrote: "Zara wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Zara, I adore your bookshelves!
I enjoyed picking for you, but if none of these will work for you I'm happy to try again. Most are from your TBR.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela ..."

Hi Sandy,

I think I'll see how I go with the books I have selected so far. If I finish them and still have time to read some more I may come back and ask you to pick some more for me. Would that work for you?

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Hey there MountainKat! I had a heap of fun working out my recommendations to you; how to prioritise the books - I wanted to pick out so many MORE! So, in the end I have for each category one book..."

Wow Jane! You can pick for me anytime!! So many to choose from and so many more to add to my shelves!

I know I am going to read Country Mouse, Heartless, The Charm School and Let's Hear it for the Boy - those are already penciled in for May. I am currently reading Sticks & Stones so I am just going to pretend you picked the next one Fish & Chips if that's ok? I'll probably read that one too! There are about 5 or 6 more that I want to read if I can find the time - oh who am I kidding I want to read them all! Let's see how many I can fit in! Thanks again, I am so excited for May!!

[Ty]

Gigi,

We scarily have lots of book in common, especially some of our faves! XD
Every time I looked at a book to rec to you, it was already on your lists (your TBR is ginormous)! Awesome sauce! So, I hope you like what I picked. If you need repicks, please let me know!


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
(funny) Wallbanger - Alice Clayton - funny, funny, book with great characters
(contemporary) Mackenzie's Mountain - Linda Howard - WHY have you not read this yet? Absolute classic!
(Judith - yes, she is her own category) Paradise - of the two, I prefer Perfect and have read that a million times. But Paradise is awesome too!

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
(historical) Once in a Blue Moon - Penelope Williamson - hands down my favorite historical ever
(steampunk) The Iron Duke - Meljean Brooks - okay, I noticed you said "less steampunk" but this is really a great book of that genre. Along with Soulless by Gail Carriger. Either one works! :D

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
I don't see a lot of paranormal on your lists, but I tried to go for military-ish
Midnight Rainbow - Linda Howard - loooooooove this book.
The Darkest Hour - Maya Banks - I might've sniffled a bit at this one. I do like the family!

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
(emotional) The Fault in Our Stars - John Green - Just finished this a few days ago. I still have not recovered enough to discuss it (like, curled in a fetal ball in the corner slowly rocking and keening). Needless to say, grab lots and lots and lots of tissues.
(erotica) - Styx's Storm - Lora Leigh - I see some of this series has made it to your faves list. I believe this is the next book that you haven't read. I've been meaning to pick up the first one myself. Enjoy!

[Gigi]

Ty wrote: "Gigi,

We scarily have lots of book in common, especially some of our faves! XD
Every time I looked at a book to rec to you, it was already on your lists (your TBR is ginormous)! Awesome sauce! So..."

Thanks Ty! LOL! I know and I'm always adding more to it. LOL I've just ordered Once in a Blue Moon from Alibris. Thank you!

[Ruth Ann]

Shatan wrote: "Hi Ruth Ann,

Here's what I picked for you, hopefully you can find something you want to read! (Forewarning: This is my first time participating in this challenge, however I think I did good! ;-) ..."

Hi Shatan-I love your picks. You picked great books for a newcomer!! Welcome to the "Monthly Pick It For Me"!

I know I want to read Playing for Keeps(A Neighbor from Hell#1) R.L. Mathewson. I will begin with that one...And I will read A Beautiful Lie T.E. Sivec. I would love to try to read a couple more If I can. I will let you know which ones as I go.

I would love to Buddy read A Beautiful Lie T.E. Sivec with you. Let me know when you will have time.

[Elizabeth]

Roxy,
thank you so much for the picks! I'm not sure what I'm going to read, probably I'll start with but I would like to check some of the new authors, as well.