July 2021 Pick-it-For-Me Challenge

[☘KathyD☘]

Hi Heather! Here are your picks for July...I’ve read/listened to all but two of these books and they are all fantastic. Happy reading!

💧 Water! — Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
A Sweet Mess, Jayci Lee — published in July 2020 (tbr)
The Last Letter, Rebecca Yarros — water on the cover (new)

✈️ Vacation — Let’s get outta town!
Darkfever, Karen Marie Moning — set in Ireland (tbr)
Rock Chick, Kristen Ashley — place (Denver) I’d like to visit (new)

🍔 Grilling/BBQ time! — Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear — B, B, and Q in the title and author’s name (tbr)
Dirty Sexy Saint, Carly Phillipis & Erika Wilde — character runs a bar (new)

📚 Relaxing! — I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
Wolfsong, T.J. Klune — 400+ pages (tbr)
Year One, Nora Roberts — 400+ pages (new)

🍦 Cold Treats! — “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
Spider’s Bite, Jennifer Estep — something cold (knife) on the cover (tbr)
Miss Firecracker, Lorelei James — < 200 pages (new)

⚾️ Attend or Watch a Sporting Event! — “Take me out to the ballgame!”
Love Under Quarantine, Kylie Scott & Audrey Carlan — main character is an athlete (tbr)
Beyond the Highland Mist, Karen Marie Moning — part of a series (that connects with her Fever series (new)

🌳 Hiking/Camping! — “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
Kitty and the Midnight Hour, Carrie Vaughn — animal on the cover (tbr)
Not a Hero, Cherise Sinclair — scenic cover (new)

🎬 Movies/Concerts! — Let’s go to the movies!
Fatal Affair, Marie Force — tagged mystery (tbr)
Fashion Jungle, Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken — should totally be a movie or something! (new)

[Heather]

☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Hi Heather! Here are your picks for July...I’ve read/listened to all but two of these books and they are all fantastic. Happy reading!

💧 Water! — Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the w..."

This is terrific! Thank you, Kathy. <3

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Nikitha wrote: "Kat, I had a busy weekend but you’ll have your picks by tomorrow!"

Hope it was a fun weekend too! No rush. 😊

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Hi M, here are your picks! We have some overlap with books, but I was not as familiar with your more recent reads. So I struggled a bit with the new to you picks. They will likely be lighter books and a couple might be a little outside your norm. I did do one new and one from your TBR, so I hope with those options you find something you will love for July!

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
NEW: Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis
TBR: That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn

2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
NEW: The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J. Klune
TBR: British Bachelor by K.K. Allen

3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
NEW: Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox
TBR: Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
NEW: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
TBR: Return to Us by Corinne Michaels

5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
NEW: Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
TBR: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Amelia Wilde

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
NEW: Alex by Sawyer Bennett
TBR: Getting Schooled by Emma Chase

7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
NEW: Barely Breathing by Pamela Clare
TBR: Protecting You by Claire Kingsley

8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
NEW: Cake by J. Bengtsson
TBR: Fake by Kylie Scott

Happy Reading!!

[Sonja]

Hi Shan! Here are your picks for July. With a lot of books to choose from I ended up picking randomly or books I recognized. Hoping you like the new recommends, though!
Happy reading!

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR: Now You See Her (water on the cover)
NEW: Midnight at the Blackbird Café (published in July 2019) A coming home story with a magical little twist. Give it some time as once the stage is set, this book had me hooked!


2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
TBR: Love Like Her (all three) Sounds good!
NEW: The Cafe by the Sea (all three – and I would love to visit Scotland!) Really enjoyed this book and the series. It got me in all the feels!


3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
TBR: The Duke Who Didn't (sizzling cover) It’s on my PIFM list this month too and I love the author’s Brother’s Sinister series, so maybe we can buddy read?
NEW: Meg and Jo (food industry) If you’ve read Little Women, here’s the modern version. Really enjoyed this one!


4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
TBR: The Becoming (over 400 pages)
NEW: The NewlyFEDS (person lying down on cover) A fun read!


5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
TBR: Southern Devotion (under 200 pages)
TBR: It Happened One Summer (heroine sips champagne – a cold beverage) Sounds good and definitely on my TBR now


6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
TBR: Take The Shot (all three!)
NEW: Enemies (athlete and equipment) This was a surprising hit for me!


7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
TBR: Well Met (characters work outdoors) This has been a fun series and I’m impatiently waiting for the third book at my library!
NEW: The Simple Wild (all three! Wild animals count!) I just finished the second in this series. The first one was tough and emotional but really good. And it keeps getting better!


8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
TBR: Memoirs of a Geisha (made into a movie) One of my favorites actually and when I saw it as the oldest book on your TBR, thought I’d bump it up for you.
NEW: Heartstone (paranormal and should be made into a movie IMHO!) A paranormal take on the classic Pride and Prejudice – with dragons! If you can get it, I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a fabulous job with multiple accents and voices!

[LaurLa]

Hi Darkness... It was hard to pick from such a large TBR but I hope you find some options here you like!

Happy Reading!


1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR: Chasing Perfect - water on cover
NEW: Meant to Be - water on cover


2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
TBR: Romancing the Duke - set in another country
NEW: Just This Once - set in another country


3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
TBR: Sleeping with My Boss - 'hot' cover
NEW: Death Below Stairs - mc is a cook/chef


4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
TBR: Beauty from Pain - lying down
NEW: Sommersgate House - 400+ pp


5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
TBR: 25 Days 'til Christmas - snow=cold on cover
NEW: Rain Shadow - under 200 pp


6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
TBR: Nova - athletic character
NEW: Causing Havoc - athletic character


7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
TBR: Archer's Voice - scenic or ‘natural’ cover
NEW: A New Leash on Love - dog on cover


8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
TBR: The Mighty Storm - sings
NEW: Backstage Pass - mc plays guitar

[M]

MountainKat wrote: "Hi M, here are your picks! We have some overlap with books, but I was not as familiar with your more recent reads. So I struggled a bit with the new to you picks. They will likely be lighter books ..."

Thanks so much! I see a few I can't wait to read. Cake sounds really good!

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

M wrote: "Hi 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥! We had quite a bit of books in common. I'm a lover of RH too!! Hope you find something good to read out of my picks for you.

1) Water!
TBR - Paradise Club (water on co..."

M, thanks so much, I'm so excited to read some of these especially . Soooo many good options now! We'll have to partner up in a future challenge so we can read RH to our hearts content :P

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Here are my picks for you Kelly. Hope you can find something awesome to spice up your summer :)

Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
Recommend a book where character goes swimming or wears a swim suit
TBR:
New:

Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
Recommend a book set in a city or country in a place you’d like to visit
TBR:
New:

Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
Recommend a book with a ‘sizzling hot’ or ‘yummy’ cover (your interpretation.
TBR: ~ Both are life changing reads!
New:

Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
Recommend a book with someone reclining on the cover.
TBR:
New: ----> Looooved this one!

Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD! !
Recommend a book where the character enjoys a cold beverage.
TBR:
New:

Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!” FYI both are standalones within a series!
Recommend a book that is part of a series.
TBR:
New:

Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba!
Recommend a book with a character who works outdoors or with a scenic or ‘natural’ cover.
TBR:
New: (Literally the best book EVER!!!)

Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
Recommend a book that has any of the following tags: Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal or Comedy.
TBR:
New:

[Nikitha]

Hi Kat, here are your July picks! Hope you enjoy them 😄

1. Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR- The Country Guesthouse- water on cover
New- Beach Read- swimsuit

2. Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
TBR- Lover Eternal- Set in another country
New- The Happy List- MC travels

3. Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
TBR- Death Below Stairs- MC is a cook
New- Garden Spells- MC is a caterer

4. Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
TBR- Maybe This Time- Lying down on cover
New- Forever Right Now- Lying down on cover

5. Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
TBR- Reunion in Death- it says the victim drinks champagne. Bit of a stretch but I couldn't find anything else that fit 🙈
New- Smash & Grab- Under 200 pages

6. Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
TBR- Emerald Blaze- part of a series
New- Things You Save in a Fire- athletic MC

7. Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
TBR- A Destiny of Dragons- animal in story and cover
New- Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating- animal in story

8. Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
TBR- Skin After Skin- Tagged paranormal
New- Marriage on Madison Avenue- should be a movie in my opinion!

All the "new" books are ones I've read and enjoyed so I hope you find something you like from them too. Happy reading 🤗

[Sonja]

Updated to here with about one more day to go!

[Sonja]

HeatherMarie wrote: "Hey Sonja
Thanks for hosting this month! Saw on your five star reads shelf a lot of your favorites were historical romances so I went whole hog into that avenue. If you would like a more varied sel..."

Hey HeatherMarie!
Finally got a chance to browse my picks - THANK YOU! Yep, my first love is historical romance and you nailed it! There's no way I'll be able to fully do justice to your fantastic picks, but I'll sure try!
FYI, I'm going to swap Blush for Me for Savor You since I've only read the first two in the series and am kind of OCD about reading in order. LOL! It still qualifies though!

Thank you again so much for your time and attention on these picks!

[Adi Rocks Socks]

Arianna wrote: "Hi Adi Rocks Socks. Some of the books are only one of your favorite genres but I figured many be you would like them. Hope that you like the books I picked for you.

1. Water: We Were Lairs by E. ..."

Hi Arianna, thank you for posting your picks. I’ll look them up when I’m using my laptop later today — I’ve added so many books to my tbr that I sometimes have no idea what’s on there.

My friend and I are planning to buddy read Selection this month! :) :) So I’ll most likely be starting with that!

[Adi Rocks Socks]

@LaurLa, I’m done with most of my picks, just have to finalise them for the last two rules. I’ll post them later today! Apologies for the delay; I haven’t had access to my laptop where I made your list for the past couple of days. I hope you’ll like what I’ve picked for you. :)

[M]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "M wrote: "Hi 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥! We had quite a bit of books in common. I'm a lover of RH too!! Hope you find something good to read out of my picks for you.

1) Water!
TBR - Paradise Club (w..."

0h I hope like it and others books if you decide to read them!! I'm down for a RH read. Maybe a buddy read sometime :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Nikitha wrote: "Hi Kat, here are your July picks! Hope you enjoy them 😄

1. Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR- The Country Guesthouse- water on cover
New- [book:Bea..."

Thanks Nikitha! Lots there to pick from. 😊 I will go check out the new books now. Hopefully I'll have time for something new before the month ends, if not they can get added to the list for the future!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

M wrote: "Thanks so much! I see a few I can't wait to read. Cake sounds really good! "

If you like audiobooks, it is really good in audio!

[Romanticbookworm]

Hi Nancy here are your picks for the month. If you need any further picks just let me know 😁.

1) Water! Whatever it is
Recommend a book where the character goes swimming or wears a swim suit; or has water on the cover; or is published in July of any year.

TBR - Grave Expectations (Water on Cover)

NEW- Mixtape (July release) or
Three Words of Goodbye (July release) - I have mixtape on my TBR and like the sound of the other book too 😁.

2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
Recommend a book set in a city or country other than where you live; or where the character is on vacation or travels for any reason; or in a place you’d like to visit (even if it’s in your own country).

TBR -Paris is always a good idea (Not my country)

NEW - Storm the castle (set in the Scottish Highlands) - ( my country on my bucket list)

3) Grilling/BBQ time!

Recommend a book where a character works in the food industry; or with a ‘sizzling hot’ or ‘yummy’ cover (your interpretation!); or with all the letters B, B, and Q in the title, series or author’s name.

TBR- (Yummy cover)

NEW- The Rocker that holds me or Always and Forever (both yummy covers😍)

4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!

Recommend a book with someone lying down or reclining on the cover; or with a character that is considered ‘lazy’; or a long story (over 400 pages) that you can kick back and relax with.

TBR - Part time Lover - (reclining on cover)

NEW- Royally Screwed or Mr Garcia

5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
Another epic way to cool off during those Dog Days is with your favorite cold or frozen treat! Popsicles and ice cream; margaritas, pina coladas and daiquiris, or just an ice cold soda or beer, beat the heat with a frozen treat!
Recommend a book where the character enjoys a cold beverage or treat; or with something cold on the cover; or a short story (under 200 pages) because in that summer heat, you better eat it fast before it melts!

TBR- Witch Hunter (cold cover)

NEW- Deep Freeze - (Cold Cover)

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
Okay so maybe this doesn’t exactly beat the heat, but it’s definitely an enjoyable way to spend a summer day or night! Attending baseball games in the United States is an enjoyable pastime. World Cup 2022 qualifier and tournament matches are in full swing all around the world. And with the Summer Olympics in Tokyo finally coming back in July, we’re in for some exciting sports events indeed!
Recommend a book with an athletic character in the story; or that is part of a series; or with some kind of ‘equipment’ item on the cover (your interpretation).

TBR - Monastery Murder (part of a series)

NEW -Talk Me Down (part of a series) or Grinder (Athlete)



7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
“Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul,” said John Muir. Whether you camp in a tent, an RV, a yurt or just make a day trip of it, getting out into nature is definitely a great way to beat the heat.
Recommend a book with a character who works outdoors; or with a scenic or ‘natural’ cover; or with an animal in the story or on the cover.

TBR - Rules of the Road - (scenic cover)

NEW- lumberjack or Crash and burn (work outdoors)

8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
What better way to beat the heat than an air-conditioned movie theater? (Once they’re reopened of course…) Summertime is also the time for concerts and it looks like many bands and musicians are getting ready to start touring again. Good music or a good movie, some snacks and a beverage – great way to spend a day or night!
Recommend a book with someone who plays an instrument or sings; or that has been made into a movie or TV series – or should be (your interpretation); or has any of the following tags: Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal or Comedy.

TBR - (Thriller)

New - Kingdom of Dreams ( made into series or movie) or Child Queen (made into a movie)

I hope you find something to enjoy. If you need any repicks let me know. Happy reading 😁.

[Romanticbookworm]

Mariana wrote: "Hi, Romanticbookworm! Here are my picks for you, hope you enjoy them. Let me know if you needd repicks!

1) Water:
TBR - We Were Liars (character goes swimming)
new - [book:The Po..."

Hi Mariana thanks for the picks they look great 😁. I might need to use the series rule for a couple but they look amazing spoilt for choice 😁

[Shan ~A~]

Sonja wrote: "Hi Shan! Here are your picks for July. With a lot of books to choose from I ended up picking randomly or books I recognized. Hoping you like the new recommends, though!
Happy reading!


1) Wate..."

Sonja, thank you for the awesome picks.

[M]

MountainKat wrote: "M wrote: "Thanks so much! I see a few I can't wait to read. Cake sounds really good! "

If you like audiobooks, it is really good in audio!"

I am really enjoying them lately. Good to know :)

[Adi Rocks Socks]

Hi LaurLa! Here are your picks!

---

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!

New: Beach Read - There's water on the cover, and I'm pretty sure they go swimming at some point (I've forgotten. sorry!!)

TBR: The Somerset Girls - Water on the cover, and these women seem to be having fun by the pool. :D

---

2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!

New: People We Meet on Vacation - Poppy is a travel blogger, so she's always traveling! I just read this book, and I loved it!

TBR: Marrying Mr. Wrong - I've always wanted to go Vegas. :D Have you ever been there?

---

3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!

New: The Opposite of You - Both the MCs are chefs. :)

TBR: Daggers, Deception & Delicious Little Lies - That cover is sizzling! ;)

---

4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!

(I wanted to recommend The Spellman Files for this, but I saw you've given this series 4-5 stars! I'm currently on the third book. :D)

New: The Ugly Stepsister - Has 452 pages. This isn't a genre that I found often on your shelves, so I'm not sure if you'll like it, but this was a very interesting retelling (for me), and I figured I'd include it here nevertheless.

TBR: Lady Luck - Has 643 pages!

---

5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”

New: Naughty Boss - a super short but steamy romance book. :)

TBR: A Naughty Noelle - 51 pages only. :D

---

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”

New: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me - MC plays football (as you guys say it), or rugby (as we say it).

TBR: When You Kiss Me - Part of a series. :)

---

7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba

New: Spoiler Alert - MC works as a geologist.

TBR: Zane - MC works as a rancher.

---

8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!

New: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs -- I saw that you liked the Sookie Stackhouse series, and Molly Harper's werewolf series, so I hope you like this. :)

TBR: Bonefire of the Vanities -- Mystery MPG

---

I hope you like these picks, happy reading! xx

[Nancy H]

Hi Romanticbookworm,
These look GREAT! Thank you! I just want to read them ALL - immediately - lol! It is going to be hard to decide what to begin with, but I am sure I will pick two or three or more!

Happy Reading to you this month, also. Thanks for great picks!



Romanticbookworm wrote: "Hi Nancy here are your picks for the month. If you need any further picks just let me know 😁.

1) Water! Whatever it is
Recommend a book where the character goes swimming or wears a swim suit; or h..."

[Sonja]

Updated to here! Just a couple more hours left to go for picks!

[LaurLa]

Adi Rocks Socks wrote: "Hi LaurLa! Here are your picks!

---

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!

New: Beach Read - There's water on the cover, and I'm pretty sure they go sw..."

Excellent choices!! Thank you so much!!

[Darkness]

For Aimee

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!

Prompt-Water on cover

Ugly Love

2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!

Prompt-Set in city or country other than where you live

Beach Read

3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!

Prompt-Works in the food industry. So for this one, the main character works at a pizza place in the beginning but she got fired.

By a Thread

4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!

Prompt-Lying down on the cover.

Heartstopper: Volume Two

5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream!

Prompts- Cold cover.

When Wishes Bleed

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”

Prompt- Athletic character (it's sports romance), part of a series (first book) and hockey equipment on the cover.

Him

7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rested. It’s nature.”

Prompts-Animal on the cover and in the story. Oh, and they do go camping in the story.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown

8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!

Prompts-Tv series or movie adaptation. This adaptation is not out in public but they finished filming this book so it is an adaptation.

Heartstopper: Volume One

Have fun reading!!

[Sonja]

Okay later than planned but it looks like I still have Mony who doesn’t have picks yet. I’ve messaged Aimee already but is there anyone who can do a repick tomorrow morning (Wednesday morning) for Mony?
Please let me know!

Aimee, you’re more than welcome to do picks for Mony too and Mony will have double picks! No worries! Thanks all!

[Mony]

Sonja wrote: "Okay later than planned but it looks like I still have Mony who doesn’t have picks yet. I’ve messaged Aimee already but is there anyone who can do a repick tomorrow morning (Wednesday morning) for ..."

Sounds great Sonja. Thanks!

[Fran, Moderator]

I can pick for Mony now if you need me to!

[Fran, Moderator]

Hi Mony!
Here are your recs for July- I hope you find a goodie or two here! I added several from your tbr to my own :)

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR: Travis- water on cover, pub. in July
NEW: Below Deck- water on cover

2) Vacation! Let’s get outta town!
TBR: Float Plan- travel in story
NEW: Loveboat, Taipei- travel in story and I would love to visit Taiwan

3) Grilling/BBQ time! Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
TBR: Tell Me Three Things- food on cover
NEW: Once Upon a Real Good Time- hot cover

4) Relaxing! I’m not lazy, I’m on power-saving mode!
TBR: Off the Clock- 434 pages
NEW: Tempt the Devil- slight recline on cover

5) Cold Treats! “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
TBR: Bliss & Other Stories- 176 pages
NEW: Personal Delivery- 176 pages

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
TBR: Room 4 Rent- athlete in story
NEW: First Touch- part of a series

7) Hiking/Camping! “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
TBR: The Next Mrs Russo- animal in story, humor
NEW: Lovebug- outdoorsy cover

8) Movies/Concerts! Let’s go to the movies!
TBR: The Tyrant- tagged 'mystery'
NEW: Show Time- they are shooting a reality show in the story :)

Happy Reading!

[Sonja]

Thank you so much Fran! Really appreciate you stepping in and doing them!

Aimee, if you’d still like to give a few picks to Mony, I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem! Thanks!

[Sonja]

Okay, that’s it! Everyone’s picked for! I can’t update the check marks but will get to it hopefully later today. In the meantime, I’m finishing packing because I’m going to Disneyland! 😁👏🏻

[☘KathyD☘]

Nancy H wrote: "Hi KathyD,
I have checked all of my picks for you and they are all either on your TBR Audio list or available in Audiobooks, so I hope they suit what you want. I don't do a lot of Audiobooks, so ..."

thank you Nancy! these look great...only have to get through today before I can jump in! =)

[Mony]

Fran wrote: "Hi Mony!
Here are your recs for July- I hope you find a goodie or two here! I added several from your tbr to my own :)

1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
TBR: [book:..."

A big thank you Fran for my picks...excited to look into the new books!
Wishing you a happy July! ツ

[Mony]

Sonja wrote: "Thank you so much Fran! Really appreciate you stepping in and doing them!

Aimee, if you’d still like to give a few picks to Mony, I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem! Thanks!"

Sonja, thanks for all your work on the challenge!

[Romanticbookworm]

Nancy H wrote: "Hi Romanticbookworm,
These look GREAT! Thank you! I just want to read them ALL - immediately - lol! It is going to be hard to decide what to begin with, but I am sure I will pick two or three or m..."

No problem Nancy glad you like your picks😁. Sonja thanks for the great challenge 🙂.

[Darkness]

LaurLa wrote: "Hi Darkness... It was hard to pick from such a large TBR but I hope you find some options here you like!

Happy Reading!



1) Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!

TBR..."

Thank you LaurLa for picks. I know my tbr is huge. Curenty editing and deleting stuff I will not read.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

M wrote: "MountainKat wrote: "If you like audiobooks, it is really good in audio!"

I am really enjoying them lately. Good to know :) "

Well, then I think everything that was on the new side I've listened to and enjoyed. 😂

[Fran, Moderator]

Shan ~A~ wrote: "Now to Fran.... My picks for you are below. Let me know if I need to do a repick (is that a word? or should it be re-pick?)..."

Hi Shan!

I finished Flakes from your list for me. It was so adorably cute and sweet! I loved it....thanks again for the great picks. I hope to get in another one this month- maybe I will get lucky and one will work for the Bachelor Challenge as well :)

[Sonja]

Thank you all!
Finally got a chance to update the first page.
Almost done with my first book from July's picks!

[Adi Rocks Socks]

Arianna wrote: "Hi Adi Rocks Socks. Some of the books are only one of your favorite genres but I figured many be you would like them. Hope that you like the books I picked for you.."

Completion Post

Hi Arianna, I finished Since You've Been Gone from my tbr shelf day before; 5 star read for me. I'll share my thoughts via PM.

My Realm Breaker hold is finally ready. Not sure if I'll finish it this month, but I'll try.

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Kelly wrote: "❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Here are my picks for you Kelly. Hope you can find something awesome to spice up your summer :)

Water! Whatever it is, let’s cool off with a dip in the water!
Recommend a bo..."

Omg this makes me sooooo happy. It’s really a favorite of mine and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Haven’t read the People we Meet on Vacation yet but I highly doubt it’ll be nearly as good 😉 but I hope it’s decent at least 🤓🤓

[Fran, Moderator]

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the fantastic July PIFM!

I am hosting the August PIFM and have posted the sign-up link.
Please stop by and join us for another great round of PIFM!!

Here's the link- August PIFM

[Sonja]

HeatherMarie wrote: "Hey Sonja
Thanks for hosting this month! Saw on your five star reads shelf a lot of your favorites were historical romances so I went whole hog into that avenue. If you would like a more varied sel..."

Hi HeatherMarie,
So far I've read 2 in July despite a very busy month, including two birthdays, a DIY home project and travelling with the kids for vacation now. I'm trying to get through one or two more though while we're RV camping!

DONE


In process


I was trying with The Duke Who Didn't, but I was really struggling with it and then lost it to my library return. I'm hoping to try again when I get it back!

[Mariana]

Hi Heather! I read three of the books, and while I only loved one of them, I had a fun time doing this. Thanks for the picks once again!

Take a Number - 4 stars
Can I Come Over? - 2 stars
To Love Jason Thorn - 1 star

[Heather]

Mariana wrote: "Hi Heather! I read three of the books, and while I only loved one of them, I had a fun time doing this. Thanks for the picks once again!

Take a Number - 4 stars
[book:Can I Come Ov..."

I'm glad you enjoyed one of them! I was able to read 4 of my picks as well.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Hi Nikitha! Thank you for the great picks - I was able to read lots of really good books in July! I was hoping to get in another of the new picks, but there was a long wait at the library.

Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb (read in June) 6.30.2021 - Oops, read this one early! 😂
The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr 7.2.2021 - So good!
Skin After Skin by Jordan Castillo Price 7.6.2021 - This one was different than others in the series, but once I got into it I enjoyed it!
Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley 7.9.2021 - I'm enjoying this series!
Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward 7.15.2021 - Enjoying rereading this series!
Purity in Death by J.D. Robb (series rule) 7.17.2021 - Had to have more Roarke and Eve!
Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews 7.19.2021 - Loving this series!
Maybe This Time by Lauren Blakely 7.20.2021 - Really good!
A Destiny of Dragons by T.J. Klune 7.22.2021 - LOVED!
Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb (series rule) 7.27.2021 - More Roarke and Eve! 😂
Smash & Grab by Maz Maddox 7.27.2021 - This was so much fun - I can't wait to read the next one!

Thanks again!!

[☘KathyD☘]

OK...I have been horrible at posting follow-up messages this year...so here are the books I finished for the first half of the year...thank you for all the amazing picks!

January — Picked by: Romanticbookworm
🐶 Poodle
Look the Part, Jewel E. Ann – 1/26/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🐶 Cocker Spaniel
Next In Line, Amy Daws – 1/30/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🐶 Vizsla
I Wanna Text You Up, Tegan Hunter – 1/25/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr


February — Picked by: M
1. During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe.
Redneck Romeo, Lorelei James – 2/22/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮ — tbr

3. Amidst the snow and trees, Lucy meets Mr. Tumnus, a faun! He gives her cookies and tea, and lulls her to sleep with his magical flute. He plans to turn her over to the White Witch (gasp!) but his conscience gets the better of him. He quickly helps Lucy find her way back home.
One Moment Please, Amy Daws – 2/7/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮s — tbr

4. Lucy soon makes a habit of visiting Mr. Tumnus. One such time, Edmund, her brother, follows her into Narnia where he runs into sleigh drawn by reindeer, driven by a dwarf and the Queen of Narnia a.k.a., the White Witch as the passenger. She charms Edmund into returning to Narnia with all his siblings.
Entice, Rachel Van Dyken – 2/11/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

6. All will be set to rights in Narnia when the two daughters of Eve and the two sons of Adam sit on the throne in castle Cair Paravel. The beavers whisk the kids away to the Stone Table to meet Aslan the Lion. Enroute, Edmund slips away to find the White Witch. He soon discovers that the witch only wanted to kill them all and ends up in prison in the witch’s castle.
The Bride Test, Helen Hoang – 2/26/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮ — tbr


March — Picked by: LaurLa
📅 3. Occurring on March 21, 2021
Dirty Sexy Cuffed, Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde – 3/9/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🌼 4. Equinox Brings About a Change in Seasons
Vampire’s Faith, Rebecca Zanetti – 3/20/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

👿 5. A Gateway to Hell
Lessons from a One-Night Stand, Piper Rayne – 3/10/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🥂 6. The Cybele Cult
Cowboy Take Me Away, Lorelei James – 3/5/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮ — tbr


April — Picked by: Fran
🐣 Peeps Delights
The Dream Guy Next Door, Lauren Blakely – 4/2/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr
Somehow, Some Way, Jennifer Probst – 4/25/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — new

🐣 Cotton Candy Peeps
Beautiful Boss, Christina Lauren – 4/5/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — new


May — Picked by: Mary-Megan
Peony (Species: Paeonia officinalis)
One Night with You, Marie Force – 5/5/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Bird of Paradise (Species: Strelitzia Reginae)
Right, Jana Aston – 5/10/21 – ✮✮✮✰✰ — tbr

Poppy (Family: Papaveraceae)
Beneath This Mask, Meghan March – 5/23/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Pansy (Genus: Viola)
Trigger, M. Piper – 5/31/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Lilac (Species: Syringa vulgaris)
American Queen, Sierra Simone – 5/7/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Magnolia (Family: Magnoliaceae)
Kitty and the Silver Bullet, Carrie Vaughn – 5/3/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Sweet Pea (Genus: Lathyrus)
Wylde, Sawyer Bennett – 5/2/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

Orchid (Family: Orchidaceae)
Her Lucky Love, Carrie Ann Ryan – 5/25/21 – ✮✮✮✰✰ — tbr


June — Picked by: Kelly
🍭 Peppermint
A Warm Heart in Winter, J.R. Ward – 6/20/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🍬 Gummy Bears
All or Nothing at All, Jennifer Probst – 6/24/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🍫 Chocolate
Closer, Kylie Scott – 6/16/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🍭 Lollipop
Elicit, Rachel Van Dyken – 6/12/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr


July — Picked by: Nancy
✈️ Vacation — Let’s get outta town!
Mr. Rook, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff – 7/27/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr
Shelter for Elizabeth, Susan Stoker – 7/7/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🍔 Grilling/BBQ time! — Break out the bar-be-que and let’s get grilling!
Blush for Me, Kristen Proby – 7/17/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr
The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister, Meghan Quinn – 7/15/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🍦 Cold Treats! — “I scream! You scream! We all scream for something COLD!”
Welcome to the Cameo Hotel, K.I. Lynn – 7/21/21 – ✮✮✰✰✰ — tbr

⚾️ Attend or Watch a Sporting Event! — “Take me out to the ballgame!”
Something Just Like This, Jennifer Probst – 7/11/21 – ✮✮✮✮✰ — tbr

🌳 Hiking/Camping! — “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” ~ Shikoba
Lovebug, Erin Mallon – 7/19/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮ — tbr

🎬 Movies/Concerts! — Let’s go to the movies!
The Last Move, Mary Burton – 7/11/21 – ✮✮✮✮✮ — tbr

[Shan ~A~]

Completion Post
Sonja, thanks for the picks. This challenge made me realize that there are books on my tbr that I need to reevaluate and possibly delete.

6) Attend or watch a Sporting Event! “Take me out to the ballgame!”
Take The Shot by Danica Flynn
Finished: 07/30
This book was a freebie that I had on bookfunnel. I honestly can't remember who gave it to me, but it was most likely a freebie in one of the many newsletters I subscribe to.

I ended up listening to the audio version. Narrators were good, the story wasn't really my cuppa.

There seemed to be a lot of tell, and no show. I was told that this man loved this woman, but I didn't feel an ounce of chemistry.

There also seemed to be a lot of repetitive conversations, and some slight inconsistencies. I can't count the number of times I rolled my eyes while listening. I just kept thinking, "Make it make sense."

[Sonja]

☘KathyD☘ wrote: "OK...I have been horrible at posting follow-up messages this year...so here are the books I finished for the first half of the year...thank you for all the amazing picks!

January — Picked by: Roma..."

Kathy, you had me for a second there... I thought you'd read ALL of those this month - until I saw the top of your post! LOL! Whew! I was gobsmacked! LOL Great reading anyway though!