May - Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Leah]

Yeah, I did, LOL. It was nice to be able to make choices that you would actually like to read, LOL. I'm glad you're liking it. I didn't really like Night Play too much because I don't like Vane, but we def. did good on our recs ;P

[Rossy]

Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Sorry guys! Totally distracted by work and offline for a few days.

I'll step out this month, sorry to disappoint you Pollyanna!

Thanks for the recs - I was going to suggest we could both read..."

I was wondering what happened to you. You are usually around, but i didn't hear from you at all this time. Sorry you've been so busy with work. Perhaps Pollyanna can read that book you mentioned, with you this month. Why don't you write her a PM and see?

[Kassa]

Ashley wrote: "Kassa wrote: "I forgot to check this thread so sorry if I'm late!

Here are your recommendations Ashley, hope you like them!

From your TBR list:

1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This is really g..."

You did! Thanks for the rec's. I'm going with Hell Cop (though it was a tough choice! My personal goal is to read all 4 but going to officially choose Hell Cop).

I read the first 3 offerings in the "new" list but I'm also going to read the 4th choice. Very interesting. Thank you!

[Pollyanna]

Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Sorry guys! Totally distracted by work and offline for a few days.

I'll step out this month, sorry to disappoint you Pollyanna!

Thanks for the recs - I was going to suggest we could both read..."

I would love to read Bitten with you as long as I can get it from Read it Swap it :)

[Ashley]

Kassa wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Kassa wrote: "I forgot to check this thread so sorry if I'm late!

Here are your recommendations Ashley, hope you like them!

From your TBR list:

1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman. T..."

Glad I found at least one you hadn't read!

So, since I'm so intrigued by your TBR and Read lists here on goodreads...as someone who seems to be the expert, I must ask if I want to try out a m/m romance...what should I START with?? :)

[Dee]

Hi Ashley - i'm not Kassa, but one M/M that I just read which I loved was More than Make-Believe by Tymber Dalton - its about a college student who needs money for school and ends up getting into the male porn industry and falling in love with one of the guys. It only came out last month. Another one I enjoyed, was Love Slave for Two: Beginnings - also by Tymber Dalton. There is a M/M romance group you can check out here as well who might have some more suggestions.

[Kassa]

Ashley wrote: "So, since I'm so intrigued by your TBR and Read lists here on goodreads...as someone who seems to be the expert, I must ask if I want to try out a m/m romance...what should I START with?? :) "

Ooo to start with.. all depends on preference (of course) but for contemporary romance Promises by Marie Sexton. For action, urban setting Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville. There's also State of Mind by Libby Drew (psychics running from government agency plot). Vintage by Steve Berman (YA Paranormal- ghosts!), A Strong & Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day (YA Urban Fantasy/Post-Apocalyptic).

I think those are somewhat in line with your other reading tastes, maybe?

[Rossy]

*butts in* I second the first two choices!LOL
The others i have yet to read but hve heard good things about.

[Angelique]

DONE!!! I really liked Darkfever and I've already started reading Bloodfever.

Thanks for the suggestion Penney!

[Gus]

I'm not sure if you'll see this Debbie (this thread is huge!) but I'm actually going to attempt to read all of your suggestions! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed reading one category that I get burned out, so this will be awesome! I've also never read a historical romance, so I want to see if I'll get addicted to that as well!

[Debbie]

I got ya - wouldn't that just be exactly what this challenge is all about. Getting out of your norm and trying something new. I hope you enjoy some of them.

[Debbie]

Had to double check what I had recommended. Yep - Lisa Kleypas is a good historical to start with. I really think you will like Truly, Madly and Stuck in Shangri-La , they are the light hearted ones of the group.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews]

Leah *~*Pherocious*~* wrote: "Angela, I know you've been waiting for your recs, hon, so here they are!

From your TBR:
1. Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Savor Me Slowly by Gena Showa..."

[Rossy]

5/10 Update: Congratulations!

51. Melanie(22)Finished
44. Angelique(21)Finished
32. Angela(26)Finished
18. Nairabell(23)Finished
27. Delicious Dee(28)Finished
6. Harper(28)Finished
3. Leah(17)Finished
15. Annvelwis(26)Finished
8. Debbie(39)Finished

[Debbie]

Congrats guys, way to get on it. :)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

I'm third on the list at the library for mine. I think I might have to just go and buy it already.

[Debbie]

I hate it when that happens. I waited for one book for 3 months, I finally gave up and found it on a trader site and about a week later library e-mailed me that it was waiting for me. ugh, good luck with that Jim

[Ashley]

Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "*butts in* I second the first two choices!LOL
The others i have yet to read but hve heard good things about."

Kassa wrote: "Ashley wrote: "So, since I'm so intrigued by your TBR and Read lists here on goodreads...as someone who seems to be the expert, I must ask if I want to try out a m/m romance...what should I START w..."

Delicious Dee wrote: "Hi Ashley - i'm not Kassa, but one M/M that I just read which I loved was More than Make-Believe by Tymber Dalton - its about a college student who needs money for school and ends up getting into t..."

Thanks for all the Recs ladies! I will be adding them to my TBR now! Yay! ;)

[booklovinrn]

Michelle wrote: "Hey Cathy!
I've finally got your list put together. So sorry it has taken me so long! I hope you find some of them interesting. There were many on your TBR list that I haven't even read and will be..."


Michelle,

Thanks for the rec's. I have chosen a couple for this month....

NEW
1. Redeeming Love by Francis Rivers 5/25/10
2. Ready by Lucy Monroe

TBR
1. Lover Mine by JR Ward 5/17/10
2. LOrd of the Highlands by Veronica Wolff

[Rossy]

Photojim wrote: "I'm third on the list at the library for mine. I think I might have to just go and buy it already."

Jim, why don't you try using paperbackswap.com or the Swap here in GR?

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "Jim, why don't you try using paperbackswap.com or the Swap here in GR?"

*I'll begin my three part reason for not doing so with some shameless sucking up to you.*

I appreciate the link and the suggestion. You are an inspiration and are wonderful!

*I'll continue with two bogus excuses.*
I don't use these sources because I'm a book hoarder. I don't ever want to get rid of any book I've ever read. Furthermore, I like to visit the library several times a week. I'm thinking the library ladies would forget about me if I wasn't always there with candy and a joke.

*then I'll tell you the real reason I don't use a swap service.*

Besides, I'm far too lazy to actually post and drive to the post office and blah, blah, blah. Just go to the used bookstore and buy it. If it's not there, stop at the regular bookstore and buy it.

[Rossy]

LOL! Interesting excuses....

I'll tell you my bogus excuse. I like my books brand new! Unless i can't find a book ANYWHERE new, i will not get it used.
Also, i have started to replace most of my paperbacks for ebooks. They last longer, take less space because i just upload them to my ereader and i can take them EVERYWHERE!

PS: I hate going to the post office too. I rather pay extra and have the UPS or FedEx guy come to my house!LOL

[Ashley]

Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "LOL! Interesting excuses....

I'll tell you my bogus excuse. I like my books brand new! Unless i can't find a book ANYWHERE new, i will not get it used.
Also, i have started to replace most of ..."

Sorry to butt in, I totally want to start with ebooks too...but like Photojim, I'm a book hoarder...and I feel like all an ebook reader would do is ensure I had BOTH digital and paperback of my books which wouldn't exactly be economical. How have you broken yourself from the mold of wanting a physical book in your hand Rossy??

[Rossy]

Well I keep one copy in my backup drive, another one in a pocket drive, and of course my elibrary from my Sony ereader.

When i take into account the amount i pay for shipping books, or that i have to wait to get a book i want at that moment. Not to mention that it helps when i travel to have the books on ebook. I don't have to pack massive amount of luggage, or worry that i'm not in the mood for any of the books i took with me.

Want to do a re-read but don't feel like going through your mountain bookshelf? Simply type name of the book/author in the computer, and voila! No matter which drive i carry with me at the moment, i'll have access to ALL my books. The pocket drives are small so you can carry them as you would a small wallet. Some can go for 500GB or more.

Oh yes, have you seen the size of an ereader? They can be as small as a paperback if not smaller. I'm a bookaholic, so i'm always buying books that i will probably not read months if not years later. Can you imagine how many books i have in my elibrary? Last count it was over 2000. Not counting those out of stock old paperbacks that publishers are now releasing in ebooks, some even in bundles.

[Michelle B]

Cathy,

Thanks for the rec's I find them all interesting and will eventually read them all but for this month I'll try and read these:

TBR:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

NEW:
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

[Melanie]

Photojim wrote: "Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "Jim, why don't you try using paperbackswap.com or the Swap here in GR?"

*I'll begin my three part reason for not doing so with some shameless sucking up to you.*

I..."

If you really want to be lazy and can't find it at the bookstore, bookdepository.co.uk is great! :-) no shipping costs anywhere in the world! :-)

[Melanie]

Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "Well I keep one copy in my backup drive, another one in a pocket drive, and of course my elibrary from my Sony ereader.

When i take into account the amount i pay for shipping books, or that i h..."

Lol Rossy, I totally get you on the benefits of having ebooks, I have over 4000 on my own computer... It's wonderful, especially when travelling, which I do a lot of..

But, I do prefer physical books... So even if I do read a book on my Kindle, if I like it, chances are I'll go ahead and buy the paper version... It's just something about having it in hand...lol.. I'm also a book hoarder, like Jim and Ashley...

However, if you want to save on shipping costs, try www.bookdepository.co.uk...It's amazing: No shipping costs at all, anywhere in the world, and although the books arrive one enveloppe at a time, they get to your place in around 4 days... I've saved SOOOOO much money instead of using Amazon (for the rarer books though, I do buy them off Amazon, used if I have to, although I prefer NEW books as well Rossy:-p) And honestly, the prices are pretty decent, often(not always) better than Amazon!

[Melanie]

Michelle wrote: "Cathy,

Thanks for the rec's I find them all interesting and will eventually read them all but for this month I'll try and read these:

TBR:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Kiss of Midnight by La..."

Oh Michelle - you should start with Jeanine Frost, you'll get hooked!!!! I hope there'll be a fifth book!

[Nairabell]

Photojim wrote: "I'm thinking the library ladies would forget about me if I wasn't always there with candy and a joke."

You bribe your library ladies with candy????

[Nairabell]

Cher, I'm all done with A Hunger Like No Other. It rocked! I really enjoyed it and have put the rest of the series on my wishlist. Thanks for the rec :)

[Dee]

I've finished two of my recs:
The MacGregors: Serena & Caine which was my rec from Angie
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever which was my rec from Melanie

I liked both of them - Nora Roberts who wrote Serena and Caine has been a long time favorite of mine, but I hadn't read much of her stuff recently, so it was nice to read an older one of hers - I think I had read it previously, but don't remember too much about it (if I had it likely would have been like 10 years old when it came out). Julia Quinn is also a perenial favorite of mine - I had never read this one before, but its actually the first book in her Bevelstoke trilogy that she is still writing and enjoyed it.

I'm going to keep working on the other recs from both Angie and Melanie when I get the opportunity

[Rossy]

You guys are starting to scare me. Shouldn't you procrastinate at least until the middle of the month?

Cathy & Michelle- You ladies are going to read all of those this month? Really?

[Rossy]

Melanie wrote: "However, if you want to save on shipping costs, try www.bookdepository.co.uk...It's amazing: No shipping costs at all, anywhere in the world, and although the books arrive one enveloppe at a time, they get to your place in around 4 days... I've saved SOOOOO much money instead of using Amazon (for the rarer books though, I do buy them off Amazon, used if I have to, although I prefer NEW books as well Rossy:-p) And honestly, the prices are pretty decent, often(not always) better than Amazon! "

A GR friend recommended it to me just last month, thanks. I plan on placing some orders from them just this weekend. Mostly though, i will be ordering books from European publishers that would cost me an arm and a leg from Amazon.

You know, just this morning i was thinking how there are still some books i need to have in both ebook and hardback. The covers are just so polished and pretty, that you just can't help but get it from the bookstore. I'm a total cover hussy and proud of it!LOL

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Nairabell wrote: "Photojim wrote: "I'm thinking the library ladies would forget about me if I wasn't always there with candy and a joke."

You bribe your library ladies with candy????"

Of course I do! I buy them gifts when they retire too. I think I know everyone who works there by name and trade books with them as well. It's just a nice thing to do.

[Ѽ Cher Ѽ]

Nairabell wrote: "Cher, I'm all done with A Hunger Like No Other. It rocked! I really enjoyed it and have put the rest of the series on my wishlist. Thanks for the rec :)"

Awesome Nairabell! glad you enjoyed the read ... didn`t you just love Lachlain. Scoop him up with a spoon uh ... he he he *smiles*

[Ez]

I just finished my first recommendation, Lips Touch: Three Times, which was suggested to me by Tatiana. I loved it and gave it 5 stars! (My review.)

This is probably my second favorite book so far this year, behind Soulless (coincidentally, that book was chosen for me during my first "Pick It For Me! Challenge" in February). I saw some reviews complaining that the stories in "Lips Touch: Three Times" were too simple. To that I only have two things to say: 1) the vast majority of fairy-tales are simple stories, and these were clearly intended to be fairy-tales (if you go back and read any of the fairy-tales by the Brothers Grimm, they were often extremely short and simply told); 2), this book was written for young adults and labeled "juvenile fiction." It can definitely be appreciated and enjoyed by adults, but you have to go into it with the understanding that this book was written with a teenage audience in mind. If you’re a fan of folklore or fairy-tales and you go into this with an open mind, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. In my opinion, a story doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

[Ez]

Nairabell wrote: "Cher, I'm all done with A Hunger Like No Other. It rocked! I really enjoyed it and have put the rest of the series on my wishlist. Thanks for the rec :)"

Glad you liked it, Nairabell! Way to recruit another fan for the IAD team, Cher. ;)

[Leah]

I finished Dance with the Devil, one of my recs from Ang. One down, two to go!

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews]

Yay Go Leah!!

[Leah]

LOL. Thanks, honey ;)

[Annvelwis]

Gigi

I finished Lover Mine yesterday.
JM is probably one of my fav characters in Ward's BDB :) And he's only more so after reading his story. I didn't care much about a handful of things, but ultimately it was a great read I will come back to it after some time. As always, there's a lot of background events - some I liked a lot (Q&B!), others I had to fight with myself to follow (PI?).
Thanks so much for the rec, Gigi :)) I'll try to get to Gaiman soon, too.

[Gigi]

Annvelwis

Oh good! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm still working my way to Lover Mine myself. I'm on Lover Revealed right now. I like JM also. So, I'm looking forward to getting to his story. I've heard about (Q&B) and it sounds very interesting.

Let me know what you think about Gaiman.

[Debbie]

Done with Undead and Unwed, this had been on my tbr for a long time, glad I finally got to it.
I understand this is a funny version of vampires, but (now maybe it is because I am not a shoe hound) it didn't do much for me. It had some really funny parts that had me literally laughing out loud (got a few strange looks). A distraction from everyday paranormal, nothing like a romance even existed in it, but the laughs might be worth giving the series at least one more try - overall ★★★☆☆

I will continue to look for some of the new to me books that Gus suggested, but since I still have not found an available copy, this may be the only one I can get to this month. Thanks for letting me get a long standing tbr taken care of.

[Sheila]

I'm sorry I missed this challenge. Maybe the next time I can participate.

[Rossy]

Sheila wrote: "I'm sorry I missed this challenge. Maybe the next time I can participate."

I will open the thread to sign up for next month, around the 20th. So i hope you can join us then!

[Melanie]

Hey Sheila... I don't know if Rossy can add you in, but I had a quick browse through your TBR, and I would recommend:

from your TBR:

Don't Look Down - Jennifer Crusie: I think she's a hilarious author, and I really enjoyed this book: it's light and fun, with a HEA..
Stardust - Neil Gaiman: I loved this book... Totally out there, a mix of fantasy and romance that was so sweet.. I wish the book had been longer!
Heartbreaker - Heard a lot of good things about Julie Garwood's Buchanans: I just ordered it myself:-)
Real Vampires Have Curves - Gail Carriger : This debut novel rocked!! Alexia and Maccon have such great chemistry!
Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson: gotta add this one, although it has nothing to do with romance.. It's a great book (which I've read about 5 times), about a girl finding herself and finally speaking out after being attacked...

New books: I saw you loved mysteries/thrillers, so I try to accomodate:-)
The Prey - Allison Brennan : I love AB's books.. They're gripping, but romantic suspense: this book isn't real graphic as some of her others, so a good way to start off the series..
Naked in Death - JD Robb: Gotta recommend this one! It was recommended to me for this challenge, by Yz, and I devoured the first four books of the series in three days: now I'm desperately waiting for books 5 through 10 to arrive so that I can read more about Roarke.. Every book has a great mystery to solve, and you see Eve and Roarke's relationship develop from book to book.. Love it!!!
No Regrets and/or Love You to Death - Shannon K. Butcher: amazing romantic suspense with good plots and great tension between H/h..

Off the top of my head, that's it... If you decide to join in, hope you find smt:-)

[Rossy]

Thanks Melanie! I sent your response to her via PM.

[Sheila]

Thanks Rossy and Melanie. I really didn't expect to be able to join in the challenge this month since I found your group so late. Melanie I appreciate your suggestions and actually just started Immortal in Death today which is the 3rd in the J.D. Robb series for the May Challenge/futuristic task.

I very much appreciate the recommendations and will probably read each and every one of them.

Thanks

ps. had a quick questions on page 1 where names are listed there is a number in (). What does that mean and why does it matter what format the person prefers althought I suppose there are books that are only available in 1 format or another. I'm a library person myself.

[Rossy]

The number in the parentheses is the age of the member. I did the pairing using a different generation method, for this month.
I noted the paperback and ebook format, because there are times that books are only available in a single format. The members listed there will ONLY read those formats noted and nothing else.

[Sheila]

OK Rossy, Thanks for clearing that up for me.