Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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2010 Challenge Archive
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January - Pick It For Me! Challenge
Ahrcadia ~(Fhantasie)~ wrote: "Great suggestions, Debbie. Since I'm a series kinda girl, I think I'll be reading Any Given Doomsday, despite my hatred of the name Liz.
"I am getting ready to read the second in the series that has been sitting on my tbr shelf for months.
Hope you enjoy it, it came with mixed reviews but I liked it. (for what it is worth)
Michelle wrote: "Ahrcadia ~(Fhantasie)~ wrote: "Michelle, I haven't read a lot of the things on your list, so I just based my recommendations on what I have read, and the descriptions for the rest. If you don't lik..."It's part of a series of stand-alones all set in the same town, so you don't have to read any of the others to understand it.
Michelle wrote: "LenoreAfter looking at your shelves, I'm hoping you might find at least one of these interesting:
1. Fallen by Lauren Kate
2. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
3. [..."
Thanks Michelle. Your're right. I've heard of and looked into all of those books, but for some reason have never given them a try. They all look interesting. Thanks! I actually have Slave to Sensation and I've had it for a while. I will probably read that one or Lament The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater. Thanks!
Mrs. Soule:I looked at our compared books, and I must say that you read a lot of books I do. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find a book that would interest you that you have not already read. I found a few!
Storm Born by Richelle Mead. I loved her YA series Vampire Academy, and although these books are very different they have a little for everyone. I cannot classify this UF or PNR. Just know that the protagonists are strong and likable, as well as its share of action and romance.
Stray by Rachel Vincent. This is one of my favorite series. Vincent has a way of making you feel every emotion of the characters when she writes. Prey made me cry. Lots of people have to warm up to Faythe, so if you decide to read it, I would give Rouge and maybe Pride (2nd and 3rd) a try before you give up :) However, that is up to you.
If you would prefer little romance, more like romantic tension sprinkled here and there, try Jennifer Rardin's Once Bitten Twice Shy The book itself is great and the characters and plot intriguing with plenty of action.
Lastly, Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells. This book did have the first-book-syndrome where it took it a while to get rolling, but showed promise for Mage in Black due 2010.
I know I can be a little long winded, but I hope you find one satisfactory. Happy Reading!
Okay UM, since I was late asking Kasia if I could pick for you, you are lucky and get 2 people picking for you. Good thing for you is Tosca and I both have excellent taste!
Here are the selections I chose for you:
Night Falls Darkly by Kim Lenox - A great first book in an excellent historical PNR series.
Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank - 1st book in a contemporary PNR series with yummy demons.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - a very sweet YA PNR.
Hope you see something you like!
Here are the selections I chose for you:
Night Falls Darkly by Kim Lenox - A great first book in an excellent historical PNR series.
Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank - 1st book in a contemporary PNR series with yummy demons.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - a very sweet YA PNR.
Hope you see something you like!
Annvelwis - Great recs! I'm either going to go with Soulless, which I already purchased but keep putting aside, or Naked in Death, which I can borrow from my mom. Thanks!
Jan wrote: "Okay UM, since I was late asking Kasia if I could pick for you, you are lucky and get 2 people picking for you. Good thing for you is Tosca and I both have excellent taste!Here are the selection..."
Ooooh, those look good. I have read Jacob already, but the other 2 look excellent! I've been eyeing Shiver but I'm going to add both to my bookshelf. I think I'll go with the new series book you listed, Night Falls Darkly . I can't wait to see what Tosca picks recommends as well. I read a lot so I am sure I can do one from each of you.
Thanks for thinking of me :)
I'm so glad you're going to read Night Falls Darkly. I asked Kasia if I could pick for you specifically so I could recommend that book. The second book in the series actually had an ending that surprised me, which is rare in PNR. I'm anxious to hear how you like it. :)
Jan wrote: "I'm so glad you're going to read Night Falls Darkly. I asked Kasia if I could pick for you specifically so I could recommend that book. The second book in the series actually had an..."I'm actually trying to track down a copy right now. If I can't find it I'll have to order and have it shipped. I'm very excited to try it. What would you compare it to? Is there an HEA romance
And feel free to recommend a book anytime!
Jan, Night Falls Darkly is on hold at Borders down the hill. I'll try to make it down tomorrow. I'm so excited!
Yay! There's definitely an HEA. It's set in Victorian England, and it's very gaslight-y, if that makes sense. It's hard to compare it, because I've never read anything else like it. As far as the mix of action and romance, I would probably compare it to the Demonica books.
Jan wrote: "Yay! There's definitely an HEA. It's set in Victorian England, and it's very gaslight-y, if that makes sense. It's hard to compare it, because I've never read anything else like it. As far as th..."YAY! **does the happy dance** I'll be starting it soon :)
UM - LOL@Jan lucky UM to get 2 ppl to pick from! I'd love that :) Ok my picks are all urban fantasy/paranormal romance, two are anthologies and one is a novella. I double checked that none of them were listed on your shelves but feel free to add them all to your TBR if you'd like to pick Jan's books (I'm telling you now, I intend to add Jan's picks to my TBR LOL):1. Strange Brew edited by P.N. Elrod - short story anthology
2. Must Love Hellhounds edited by Ilona Andrews - short story anthology
3. Magic in the Wind (Drake Sisters, #1) by Christine Feehan - book 1 in the Drake Sisters series
Yz the Whyz wrote: "tosca wrote: "Oohh I'm anticipating this will be an interesting month for Pick It For Me! Not only do I get to choose for UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* but Yz gets to select a title for me *squeals* ..."Hey Yz :) Happy new year! I'm going to go with Zusak's title. Have been meaning to read it for ages and never gotten around to it. Lyons' book I've read and enjoyed and, for now, am going to add Knight's book to my ever-expanding TBR. YAY! Looking forward to it :)
Tosca,Thank you! I've added them all to my TBR lists. I have a question for you... the anthologies, will I understand the stories since I've never read any of the authors before?
I will likely go with Feehan's as I've enjoyed her other writing but never read Drake Sisters.
Tosca - LOL! Well I hope you enjoy them too!
Oooh, Tosca - I discovered I have the anthology Lover Beware and Magic In The Wind is in there so that is what I will read!
UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Tosca,Thank you! I've added them all to my TBR lists. I have a question for you... the anthologies, will I understand the stories since I've never read any of the authors before?
A few of the stories contained in the anthologies I'd never heard of and, if anything, the short snippets got me hooked on the series so am starting a few from the beginning. They weren't so confusing as to be totally hard to understand, although you did get the gist that there was quite a backstory. My TBR list is out of my control hah
I hope you enjoy the Drake Sisters story - I don't meet a whole heap of ppl who've read them. Her Dark & Ghostwalker series yes, but not so much the Drake ones.
Jan wrote: "Tosca - LOL! Well I hope you enjoy them too!"Weirdly - or else I have all the taste of a sewer rat - I seem to enjoy most books I come across. Probably only one or two that've made me go 'What the...?!' Maybe I'm just totally indiscriminate about books LOL
Melissa (So Cal Gal) wrote: "Annvilwise,I see you really like vampire themed books (I love the Sookie Stackhouse ones), so I did a little research on some that have had good reviews and you may enjoy and came to these few:..."
Thanks Melissa :) I'm in mood for Nora Roberts ;D I'll go with it :)
Mary,I finally came to a decision. I'm going for Faith Hunter's Skinwalker. I've already requested it from the library.
As for the other titles, they are all going to my TBR list.
Again, thanks for the great recs.
Debbie. I noticed you like paranormal romance, so I'm recommending two I think you haven't read.1. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
or
2. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
If those don't interest you, here are a few other random choices.
3.To See You Again A True Story of Love in a Time of War by Betty Schimmel. This book was well-written, touching, without being overdone.
4. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. This book features romance and ghosts, and was very enjoyable. It falls toward the young adult, which I noticed you have a number of on your shelves.
5. Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts. This is a romance book with a bit of Irish lore to it. I noticed you have some Nora Roberts, which is another reason I chose this one.
If none of those are interesting to you, let me know. I will come up with other suggestions.
Rossy wrote: "Katherine, it seems like you enjoy paranormal so i'm recommending one not on your TBR shelf. 1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
I have also recommended other ..."
Thank you so much for the suggestions. I'm definitely going to read Kiss of Midnight and Saffron Skies. Thanks again!
Woo Hoo, enjoy!Hey Kasia, have you heard from Mrs. Soule?
No, both Mrs.Soule and Cathy haven't been online since the sign-up was closed. Which I think is understandable with the end of the year and all... I would give it a couple more days.
Ahrcadia ~(Fhantasie)~ wrote: "Michelle, I haven't read a lot of the things on your list, so I just based my recommendations on what I have read, and the descriptions for the rest. If you don't like my suggestions, then just hit..."I've decided to go with Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter for this month. It's the only one that the used bookstore had in. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Michelle wrote: "Ahrcadia ~(Fhantasie)~ wrote: "Michelle, I haven't read a lot of the things on your list, so I just based my recommendations on what I have read, and the descriptions for the rest. If you don't lik..."Good choice! I'll be starting the third book in that series this month for another challenge, and the first two were great :)
OK, Library Lass. Now that I am no longer on a 56k dial-up modem, I can look at your bookshelves and try to get a feel for your interests.I see a fair number of YA books. I know that I recommended this before for one of your fellow Kiwi librarians, but if you have not, you really should read Nation by Terry Pratchett. I simply love this story.
If you are looking for a PrnRom, read the second book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Lover Eternal by JR Ward.
If you are looking for a ConRom, read the Simply series by Carly Phillips. I see that you have them on your shelves but have yet to read them. I have not read these yet, but I've read and enjoyed a number of other Carly Phillips books. She has yet to really disappoint.
I can't give you a HisRom recommendation as I really can't get into them. I've read a handful and hated almost every one.
If none of these appeals, let me know and I'll send out some more for you.
Thanks Photojim. Glad to see you back in the fast lane! I'm gonna go with one of the Simply series as I am trying to read some of my own books and get my (owned) pile of over 1,000 unread books down. Tis getting ridiculous! Although I am buying very few books nowadays and when I do they are usually s/h. Anyway, thanks again and I'll let you know how it turns out.
Katherine wrote: "Debbie. I noticed you like paranormal romance, so I'm recommending two I think you haven't read.1. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
or
2. [book:Slave to Sensation|178476..."
The problem is that they all interest me. I will have to see what I can get my hands on whether it's through the library or the book store. Eventually I will probably read them all. I have such a TBR! lol - I love it - Thanks
Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Hi Photojim - hope you are having / had fun with the family.I get to return the favour!"
So I tried to find Overtime by Tom Holt today. None of the library systems have it in. The first three bookstores I hit today didn't have it either. I went ahead and ordered Beguilement from the library, but I might still get Overtime from somewhere online before the end of the month. I've read Tom Holt before and this is a perfect suggestion. If only I can find it.
Rossy wrote: "I'm back, so am in!LOL"Rossy, I can't see your booklists to make sure I don't recommend something you've already read! Do you think you could add me as a friend or publicize your profile? Thanks!
Lenore wrote: "Mrs. Soule:I looked at our compared books, and I must say that you read a lot of books I do...."
Lenore, thank you so much!! All these books look great and I'll probably end up trying all of them, especially Stray. I was so scared I'd end up with someone who only likes historical or cowboy romances and spend the month beating my head against the wall. :)
Melissa(So Cal Gal) Sorry it has taken me so long to get my recommendations posted. I am a NICU nurse and had to work the last 4 nights. Better late than never right...
1. Sudden Death by Allison Brennan...I noticed you read some romantic suspense. This the first in a trilogy about female FBI agents.
2. Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen...This is the first in a fast paced, fun romantic suspense.
3. Only By Your Touch by Catherine Anderson...I am recommending this book because Catherine Anderson writes great love stories.
4. Naked in Death by J D Robb...I noticed you have read some of Nora Roberts and seem to like series mysteries. Well this is the best of both worlds, J D Robb is her pseudonym and this is the first in a long best selling series. The books are set about 15 years in the future but there is nothing sci-fi about them.
If none of these interest you let me know and I will find some other suggestions.
Cathy,Thanks for the suggestions, I think I am going to read "Sudden Death" by Allison Brennan.
Mrs.soule wrote: "Rossy wrote: "I'm back, so am in!LOL"Rossy, I can't see your booklists to make sure I don't recommend something you've already read! Do you think you could add me as a friend or publicize your p..."
Sorry forgot about that. Done!
I finished Magic in the Wind (Drake Sisters, #1) by Christine Feehan and will be starting Night Falls Darkly very soon!
That's SO fast UniquelyMoi! I feel like a slacker ;)
LOL Magic was less than 100 pages.
LibraryLass wrote: "Hey Annie, Happy New Year!!!! I've been having a browse through your shelves. What an eclectic collect..."Hi LibraryLass! Thanks for the recommendations. I have read I am not Esther years ago, but haven't added it to my shelves...
I will try End of the alphabet, because I'm meant to have already read it!
But will also give The Duke and I a go, too... works for the Royal challenge. Bonus!
Photojim wrote: "Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Hi Photojim - hope you are having / had fun with the family.I get to return the favour!"
So I tried to find Overtime by Tom Holt today. None of the library systems..."
I know! That's the problem with really liking something and it goes out of print... damn it!
Hi Rossy - here's your list finally!I noticed you haven't read any Laurell K. Hamilton - based on your reading list I think the Anita Blake series would start off too slow for you (more borderline erotica moments don't start happening til #10, Narcissus in Chains), but her Meredith Gentry series charges right in to all the, um, multi-personal relationships. First one is A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry, #1).
On the manga front, you've read most everything I'd recommend, except for the entire Fushigi Yugi series. Have you read them all and only marked one off or did you stop after the first one? The rest of the series is definitely worth the read and, in my opinion, got better as it went along. You might also enjoy CLAMP's Chobits, Volume 1 which is kind of like a more adult Absolute Boyfriend (but Chobits came out way before AB did!).
Everything else I thought you might like you've already read or added to your TR list, so I'm just going to recommend some of my favorites you might like to check out:
Next To Die and Don't Let Go by Marliss Melton are, in my opinion, the best in her SEALs series. Next to Die because it introduces Solomon McGuire and Don't Let Go because he's the hero. Hot Target by Suzanne Brockmann is excellent military/body guard romance with a side plot about two of the gay ongoing characters in her Troubleshooters series.
Hope at least a few of these hit the spot for you!
Hi PhotoJim... if you do want to go down the Tom Holt route, my other favourite titles are: Expecting Someone Taller, Faust Among Equals and Who's Afraid of Beowulf?.
Must be my years of studying Old English & Norse!
Thanks Mrs.soule!Laurell K. Hamilton's books have actually caught my eyes a time or two, but i have some issues with same main character series. Are all the books first person? Does her love interest change in every book?
I'm taking a break from mangas for a bit, but i'll add the recs to my TBR.
I'll go with Suzanne Brockmann since i've been meaning to star the series and will follow up after with Marliss Melton. Those books seem really good, i'm a bit OCD with order, so i'll start with the first book in each series.LOL
Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Hi PhotoJim... if you do want to go down the Tom Holt route, my other favourite titles are: Expecting Someone Taller, Faust Among Equals and [book:Who's Afraid of Be..."
I've read Faust Among Equals and Who's Afraid of Beowulf?.. That is why the Tom Holt had my interest. I'll just get the book I ordered from the library. but thanks anyway.
Photojim wrote: "I've read Faust Among Equals and Who's Afraid of Beowulf?.. That is why the Tom Holt had my interest. I'll just get the book I ordered from the library. but thanks anyway."It's the librarian in me - just can't stop recommending books. Sorry!
Rossy wrote: "Laurell K. Hamilton's books ...Are all the books first person?..."Both of Hamilton's series are in first person and she's NOT exclusive to any one lover in any one book. Each book adds at least two more fey warriors to her life. The effect is a little dizzying at times. In her defense :-) , she's needs to get pregnant, but no fairies have had children since she was born...and she's half human.
Yeah, I found a copy of Slave to Sensation, Nalini Singh is a new author for me but I have heard about her writing, I am eager to get it started.
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Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Book Thief (other topics)The Book Thief (other topics)
Skinwalker (other topics)
The Bride (other topics)
The Bride (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Suzanne Brockmann (other topics)Lori Handeland (other topics)
Nalini Singh (other topics)
Lara Adrian (other topics)
Betty Schimmel (other topics)
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LL, It is good. I'm reading it now and enjoying it quite a bit.
I'll have a good reco for you tommorrow. I just can't spend that much time going through anything on this dial-up connection. Maybe I can take my laptop and find a coffee shop later.