2013 May Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Dee wrote: "okie dokie, Dawn (kat'n'hat) - are you ready???..."


Forged in Fire, I am reading right now for the April PIFM. Two months in a row I really need to get on it.


The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is definitely in the line up

I added Summer At Willow Lake to the TBR pile, maybe it will fit in this month.

[Ashley]

Hi Macwolf01,
Here are my picks for you. I hope you emjoy please tell me if you want me to make any repicks.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
Talk Me Down by Dahl, Victoria- Light and fluffy Contemporary Romance.


Mr. Perfect by Howard, Linda- Romantic Suspense


2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
Then Came You by Kleypas, Lisa- Historical Romance and starts with K.


A Kingdom of Dreams by McNaught, Judith- Awesome historical romance.


3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen- This is my favorite book by Allen. It is one of those books that just makes you smile.


Chasing Fire by Roberts, Nora- Female firefighter


4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
Dawn's Awakening by Leigh, Lora- Erotica


Captive in the Dark by Roberts, C.J.- Dark erotica that gave me a case of Stockholm syndrome.

[Lacy]

I can help with repicks if you need me!

[Carla]

Dawn (Kat N Hat) wrote: "Picks for Carla


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare -

The Sweetest Thing- Jill Shalvis is my favorite new find.
Rock Chick- I just ..."

Thanks for the great picks--I'll let you know what I end up reading.

[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,..."

Okay, so I have decided to start with Lucky in Love which is funny since it is so rare for me to read m/f nowdays, but I am on a roll so that's where I am gonna start. I really, really love Jill Shalvis and have read her stuff for a lot of years.

I will definitely be reading several more from your list. I think I will wait to announce those as my mood strikes. But for sure later in the month I wanna do Tigerland as I mentioned I have never done a buddy read or do I understand exactly what it entails but it is certainly has been on my list of things I wanna try.

Thanks again Karen for your picks - I love this group, it's very fun and everyone seems really nice.
P

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Lacy wrote: "I can help with repicks if you need me!"

Thanks, Lacy - I'll add you to the list, although I think I've already got as many volunteers as people who haven't received picks, and there's still another day to go! Yay!

[Brett]

Suzanne wrote: "Hi Brett! Here are your picks for this month!

Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare:
Vanished by Karen Robards
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

Lisa Kleypas/Gail Car..."

Thanks for the picks! I just bought so I think I'm going to go with that one for sure and I have waiting for me, too.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Paisley wrote: "~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…)...."

Glad to hear you're enjoying the group, Paisley - and you're right, there are a lot of really nice people here!

FYI, unlike some challenges I've seen, it's not necessary to post which book you're going to be reading next, or going to start with for that matter - you're certainly welcome to of course, but it's definitely not a requirement. Most people don't bother, just wait and post when they finish a book.

I've seen a couple other mentions of people reading Tigerland this month, so I'll open a thread in the Buddy Reads section and we can discuss there. That way anyone else who might want to join in will be able to. I should be able to start it anytime after about the 20th, maybe a little earlier...I'll keep you posted. I'm looking forward to it!

[Skandia]

Am I the last one without picks or just the most unpatient one?
Wish it was the repicks day already ...

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Skandia wrote: "Am I the last one without picks or just the most unpatient one?
Wish it was the repicks day already ..."

No, you're not alone, there are a few others still waiting. :( I'm going to send reminder emails out tomorrow morning, so hopefully that will nudge people a bit.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

~KarenH~ wrote: "Paisley wrote: "~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 ass..."

I was just thinking that there could be a few members interested in buddy-reading Tigerland. Me being one of them ;). Thanks Karen!

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Jane (PS) wrote: "I was just thinking that there could be a few members interested in buddy-reading Tigerland. Me being one of them ;). Thanks Karen!"

You're welcome! I was thinking you were one that I'd seen talking about it, but couldn't remember for sure...

[Vi]

Hi Shelley!
I don't know what I was doing but I thought I was supposed to pick for JoJo! I even started on her list but then I fell sick yesterday. Luckily, I did a check again today and realised I had to pick for you. Whew! That was a very near-miss.

I went through your bookshelf and man, you've read authors that I've read too, that too, contemporary. I've read most of Sandra Brown, SEP and NR; it was like a mind-meld. I had loads of fun picking for you and I inserted some of my favourites books. If I've missed anything, let me know and I'll do a re-pick.

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare:
About That Night by Julie James - I see you've enjoyed the other books by her - why don't you continue? The latest book was very good.
Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - An awesome PNR series by a gifted author. Really - the world building is so good.

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger:
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - I just finished DiA and plan to start this book soon. Would you like to do a buddy read?
Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner - I read this western earlier this year and I loved it.

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs:
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews - Ranks one of my top UF series along with the October Daye series below
Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson - OK so while technically not PNR or UF, this is a straight fantasy-romance. But I had to recommend this!

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane:
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier - A very emotional read - one of my all-time favorites.
Nauti Intentions by Lora Leigh - Author starting with 'L' - why don't you continue the series?




Happy Reading, Shelley!

[Zara's Retreat]

I've started reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and I'm surprised by how much I've been enjoying it. Thanks Sandy for the suggestion. It's a good book.

[Inge]

Hi Jennie,

Looks like I'm picking for you again this month. Since your To Read shelf is pretty big I hope this month you can clear it up a bit, if only a teeny tiny bit :)
I'm going to pick some from your To-Read shelf and try to recommend a completely new to you for each category as well. Hope you like your picks.

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.
In Flight You haven't read any of these yet and they're pretty good. All three are out so you won't have to wait for a sequel.
The Envelope Looks really good
Consequences I loved it!
Full Count From your To-Read, looks good!

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.
Secret Ways
The Bronze Horseman One of my favorite books!
A Thirty-Something Girl

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.
Dead Until Dark
Indivisible Involves military
A Discovery of Witches I've wanted to read this for a while, it's got great reviews.

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.
The Reluctant Dom - I think I recommended this last month, but I don't think you were able to get to it, so here it goes again.
Sweet Surrender I really want to read this one, maybe we can do a buddy read?
Pulled Sounds like a roller-coaster!
The Siren Really erotic and intense story.

[Becca]

Thanks for the picks Regina! Sorry it's taken me so long to get on here! I wasn't following the discussion I guess and school's been crazy so I didn't think to check back! FAIL!! I'm going through picks for Amy right now!

[Inge]

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks so much for the picks, I will definitely read Cry No More, Lucky in LoveNot Quite a Husband and Cowgirl Up and Ride.
I would love to do a BR for Sins & Needles but I know ot ends in a cliffhanger and am trying to wait until the sequel comes out. I just have too many unfinished series!

Thanks for the recs, I'll let you know how I enjoy the books.

[Becca]

Hey Amy! You have a million and a half books to sift through! I love your list! I had to keep telling myself not to add everything as I went through your read and tbr lists! I hope you enjoy your picks this month! I mainly went from your tbr since there were so many choices but I threw in a few that weren't on it too! Have fun!
1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger

3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Ok, I've sent reminders to everyone who hasn't posted picks, so hopefully those of you still waiting will here something soon. Rebecca, I did see your first post before I sent the messages, but didn't get you crossed off my list...sorry! ;)

[Dee]

that's actually pretty good - only 5 ppl by my count who haven't done picks yet -and then a couple of late comers

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Dee wrote: "that's actually pretty good - only 5 ppl by my count who haven't done picks yet -and then a couple of late comers"

Not too bad I guess, but hopefully more will post before tomorrow!

[Becca]

I'm really sorry for posting so late! I know how much everyone likes to plan ahead!!!!

[Amy J.]

Rebecca wrote: "Hey Amy! You have a million and a half books to sift through! I love your list! I had to keep telling myself not to add everything as I went through your read and tbr lists! I hope you enjoy yo..."


City of Heavenly Fire doesn't come out until 4/2014. and The Ocean at the End of the Lane comes out in June. Other than that, the picks look great.

I'll definitely read Masquerade because I know I can get a hold of it. Other books will require availability checks.

Thanks again for your recs and I hope your TBR pile didn't grow too much.

[Ezi]

Hi Suzanne,
Here are some recommendations that I hope pique your interest. I tried to get a mix between your TBR & your already owned list. Enjoy your pick:

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
by Tracey Garvis-Graves (I have heard great things about this one)
by Tara Sivec (you enjoyed the prior 2 books in the series, so keep going)
by Alice Clayton (I LOVED this one)


2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
by Maya Banks (Reading book 1 right now, and it is good!)
by Lisa Kleypas (one of my favorite LK books. Love this one)
by Jennifer Ashley (Also love this one. Great series)


3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
by Anne Bishop (GR friends keep raving about this one)
by Patricia Briggs (It's PB, enough said!)
by Lynn Viehl (A truly underrated series. Dark but well written)


4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
by Cherise Sinclair (Loved this series, well written & tastefully done)
by Samantha Young (Excellent book, I will be reading the sequel this month)
by E.L. James (I enjoyed this one, engaging story, not the best writing style, but a captivating read)

[Ezi]

Sue wrote: "Ezinwanyi,

Sorry to take so long for your recommendations! I needed to wait for lunch time at work to look things up properly this time. Anyhow, here are your recommendations. I hope there is some..."

thank you. I will start with by Lynsay Sands. I think I would really love to revist that series

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Ashley wrote: "Hi Macwolf01,
Here are my picks for you. I hope you emjoy please tell me if you want me to make any repicks..."

Thanks Ashley, I put most of the books that I didn't have on my TBR list ... I will read and I'll try to get too .

Thanks again E

[Jennie]

Skandia,
Sorry this took me a bit. I got lost in your to read list! It was great found a bunch of new titles I am interested in! Hope you like the picks, if not let me know and I will find others for you!

Enjoy
Jennie

Extreme ExposureExtreme exposure Pamela clare (your list)
Reflected in YouReflected in You Sylvia Day (your list)
A Beautiful LieA Beautiful Lie T.E. Sivec (my recommendation)

Soulless Soulless Gail Carriger (your list)
The Girl in the Steel CorsetThe Girl in the Steel Corset Kady Cross(my recommendation)

Moon CalledMoon Called Patricia Briggs (your list)
Dark PrinceDark Prince Christine Feehan(my recommendation)

Long Hard RideLong Hard Ride Lorelei James (your list)
If I Were YouIf I were you Lisa Renee Jones (your list)
The Edge of CourageThe edge of courage Elaine Levine(my recommendation)

[Tiff]

HEYHO. It's finally May here! :) Am I allowed to start reading my picks? :o

[simpp]

Hi Nikita,
I'm new to this and tried my best to give you a few choices. If you don't like any of them, I can always look for other ones! (I hope you don't mind Nicholas Sparks!)

A:
The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks -> It kept be on the edge of my sit and there's an alpha hero (I hope alpha means manly, because he is)
The Gamble by Kristen Ashley -> It looks really interesting and I actually think I'm going to read it after the challenge, haha!

B:
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks -> Couldn't find anything I know of for this section, so I chose something starting with G. I didn't read it, but my girlfriend did and she says she really liked it!
The Bride by Julie Garwood -> I'm not really a fan of historical stories, but this one doesn't look too bad!

C:
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks -> Ok, I promise! It's the last NS novel! The main character is in the US army. I also really liked the story and movie!
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout -> Once again, paranormal isn't really my type, but it definitely sparked my girlfriend's interest and maybe it will spark yours too!

D:
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -> Honestly, this story is so sad, but so good! I absolutely loved it!
Fated by S.M. Kolee -> The synopsis looked interesting, I may read this one too!

Again, I hope I did this well and if you want me to give you some other choices, tell me!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Tiff wrote: "HEYHO. It's finally May here! :) Am I allowed to start reading my picks? :o"

Lucky! I still have to wait hours!!!

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

MountainKat wrote: "Tiff wrote: "HEYHO. It's finally May here! :) Am I allowed to start reading my picks? :o"

Lucky! I still have to wait hours!!!"

Me, too - but then I need those hours to finish up both the book I'm reading and the one I'm listening to...

And in case you didn't figure it out from Kat's whining :D - Go for it!!!

[Skandia]

Jennie wrote: "Skandia,
Sorry this took me a bit. I got lost in your to read list! It was great found a bunch of new titles I am interested in! Hope you like the picks, if not let me know and I will find others f..."

Thanks for the recs Jennie!

I have actually read a A Beautiful Lie already but thats ok. No need to re-pick.
I probably decide between Long Hard Ride or If I Were You

[[deleted user]]

Penney

I have started reading

[Tiff]

~KarenH~ wrote: "MountainKat wrote: "Tiff wrote: "HEYHO. It's finally May here! :) Am I allowed to start reading my picks? :o"

Lucky! I still have to wait hours!!!"

Me, too - but then I need those hours to finis..."

LOL, MountainKat and Karen! Thanks!!

Ruth Ann,
Hi!! I don't think you saw my other post. :( Anyway, I'm going to start by reading ! Too excited! :)

[Penney]

Arena wrote: "Penney

I have started reading
"

I did that series on audio and loved it, I really hope you enjoy it too Arena :))

[Brittany Lynn]

Kate, here are the picks for you. I hope you like them!

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare
A. Whirlwind by Robin DeJarnett
B. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young



2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger
A. Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
B. Married By Morning by Lisa Kleypas



3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs
A. Lover At Last by J.R. Ward
B. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor



4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane
A. Honor Student by Teresa Mummert
B. Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

[Brittany Lynn]

There is a few I'd like to buddy read! Thanks for the picks!

Amy J. wrote: " For Brittney

I enjoyed going through your books. I hope you find a book (or two...) that look good for May.

* indicates a book I'm willing to buddy read.

Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspe..."

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Wow Brittany - you just barely slid in under the wire! :D

It's time to assign repicks for those who have been waiting so patiently...

Nancy picks for Marcela
Yz the Whyz picks for Regina
Dee picks for Nancy
Ty picks for Yz the Whyz

[Nancy H]

Marcela,
Here are your picks. There were quite a few that looked really, really good on your TBR list, but when I checked, they aren't out yet, sadly. I have included a variety and quite a few choices, but if you don't see anything you like, please let me know and I will find more.

1.Contemporary /Romantic Suspense
Forever Black (#1) by Sandi Lynn
Rock Chick (#1) by Kristen Ashley (this could fit into several of these categories!)
After Tuesday by Renee Ericson (this one will be released May 7- which is actually Tuesday!!)

Historical/Steampunk/ letter K or G
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (I saw you liked others by him.)
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld - for something different in the steampunk genre - quite good!
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo - I added this one because she is one of my favorite historical women.

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/military
Nevermore (Supernatural #1)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Code Name: Nanny by Christina Skye (sexy military characters!)This is one of many in this series but you don't have to read them in any order and they are all fun!

Erotica/LGBT
Damaged by H.M.Ward
Baby Love (Baby Series #2) by Andrea Smith
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Speechless by Hannah Harrington Both of these last two are really excellent.

Hope you can find something you like here. If not, please let me know

[Ty]

Hey Yz the Whyz!

It was great looking through your lists. Hopefully, you can find something to fit into your reading this month. Please let me know if you need any repicks. Enjoy!


1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare

(new) Protecting What's His - Tessa Bailey - This one has a super possessive hawt alpha male!

(tbr) He Loves Lucy - Susan Donovan - very cute and sweet contemporary romance. You are definitely rooting for both the main characters


2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger

(new) As You Desire - connie Brockway - one of fave HR ever. So unique and refreshing. Set in Egypt and has a great cast of characters.

(tbr) The Secret Pearl - Mary Balogh - She is my most read author. This is a great book but also try Heartless!


3. Lara Adrian/Patricia Briggs

(new) The Darkest Hour - Maya Banks - quasi military family story that's really almost slightly a tearjerker. almost.

(tbr) Gunmetal Magic - Ilona Andrews - I freaking LOVED this book. Andrea kicks sooo much ass! Plus, you gotta read it before Magic Rises comes out in July!

4. Lorelei James/Amy Lane

(new - J) The Immortal Rules - Julie Kagawa - the 2nd book just came out and I'm so excited! The series definitely has promise and is a twist on the urban fantasy/vampire/dystopian field. Her Iron Fey series greatly improved with each successive book and I'm hoping this series eventually cures cancer.

(tbr) Master of the Abyss - Cherise Sinclair - this is also on my TBR. Cherise writes some hawt stuff!

[Amy J.]

Brittany wrote: "There is a few I'd like to buddy read! Thanks for the picks!

Amy J. wrote: " For Brittney

I enjoyed going through your books. I hope you find a book (or two...) that look good for May.

* indica..."

Which one(s) did you want to buddy read. I'll have to order the books

[Dee]

Hi Nancy - I'll get you your picks in the next couple of hours :)

[Marcela]

Nancy wrote: "Marcela,
Here are your picks. There were quite a few that looked really, really good on your TBR list, but when I checked, they aren't out yet, sadly. I have included a variety and quite a few cho..."


Great picks, but I already read several books about Frida including that one, and I love Flaubert, so I also read Madame Bovary and Baby love 2. but thanks. I'll start tomorrow :P

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I finished my first pick, of what I'm sure will be many - thanks Jane! I read Let's Hear it for the Boy, it was great and I think I will stop crying sometime tonight...

[Nancy H]

Marcela wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Marcela,
Here are your picks. There were quite a few that looked really, really good on your TBR list, but when I checked, they aren't out yet, sadly. I have included a variety and q..."

I am so sorry about the repeats, Marcela. I must have looked at your To-be-read list wrong. I can easily come up with some extra titles, so I will post them soon.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Hey REGINA!

I got your picks. Hope you'll find something you'll like to read. :)

1. Jill Shalvis/Pamela Clare

Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare
Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

2. Lisa Kleypas/Gail Carriger

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Soulless by Gail Carriger

3. Lara Adrian or Patricia Briggs

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs

4. Lorelie James or Amy Lane

Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair
Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville

Happy reading!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

MountainKat wrote: "I finished my first pick, of what I'm sure will be many - thanks Jane! I read Let's Hear it for the Boy, it was great and I think I will stop crying sometime tonight..."

Gawd - better pull out the tissues when I pick it up!

[Breann]

Didn't I see somewhere (maybe in the MM group) that you're also reading Into Deep Waters, Jane? You better spread those two out! Or get them & the crying done all at once :D

[Jennie]

I finished one of my picks! Indivisible

I really liked it. Loved how one misinterpretation caused lots of chaos. Great read.

[Fran, Moderator]

Breann wrote: "Didn't I see somewhere (maybe in the MM group) that you're also reading Into Deep Waters, Jane? You better spread those two out! Or get them & the crying done all at once :D"


It's me Breann! I am reading Into Deep Waters! Right now as a matter of fact. And I am super nervous about starting this next sobfest of a story! Maybe I will wait for next week and get some more tissues...