July - Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Melanie - I just finished Dying Bites and enjoyed the different take it offered. Thanks for moving it up my TBR.

[Carolyn F.]

DONE!!!!

Lover Enshrined

I kept putting off reading this book and ended up enjoying it. Not the best of the series but I like all the different stories and ended up even reading the Omega parts.

[Fran, Moderator]

Carolyn, thanks for recommending Real Men Last All Night. I really like anthologies and this was a super hot, fun read. I especially enjoyed the Lori Foster short story with the 2 40ish year olds- love to read about passion and love btw. people in my own age bracket!

[KimKirt]

Arzu,

I think I'm going to read Someone Knows My Name. It's the only one my library has from the ones you recommended.

I really want to read Finding Zach, but it's a little too pricey for me right now and my library doesn't carry it. It would be my first M/M as well. So I'm going to keep it on my TBR list and check sites periodically.

I'll give an update when I'm done reading one of your picks. Thanks!

[D.G.]

SheSwitches wrote: "I haven't read a lot of historicals. I don't have much to compare it with but this book was right up my alley. I had some small -Meh-OK-Moving On Now- issues with the cervix/womb/taking the whole thing, fascination but not so that it had a negative impact on my read or anything. "

LOLOLOL!!! OMG! I read that book like 90 years ago and I still remember thinking 'ouch' 'ouch'! LOLOL!

[Michelle B]

Macwolf01 (Elise),

Thanks for my recs I can't wait to enjoy them all!
I'm currently waiting on these to arrive though.

[Debbie]

Angie wrote: "Hi Debbie

I had lots of fun looking at your book lists - we have very similar tastes. I have picked the following for you:
..."

Done - Jacob ****

I chose Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank, who is a new author to me. I really enjoyed this one, it wasn't quite the normal paranormal romance that I am so used to. I now I am going to continue the series.
Thanks Angie for a great recommendation.

[Carolyn F.]

Fran wrote: "Carolyn, thanks for recommending Real Men Last All Night. I really like anthologies and this was a super hot, fun read. I especially enjoyed the Lori Foster short story with the 2 40..."

I'm glad you liked it Fran. I'm in my 40s too and liked that story too.

[Regina]

SheSwitches wrote: "I finished Passion from my 'new to me' picks.

Wooo-Weee That was HOT-HOT-HOT read Regina! {fans self}
Thank you for suggesting that!

I haven't read a lot of historicals. I don't hav..."

Hi,SheSwitches

I`m glad you enjoy the book! I love this story too!

You should try Patience - it´s also a great book, I loved it too, altough it´s more D/s and some people don´t liked it so much

[Kristina Simon]

From my TBR shelf, I finished Sweet Revenge by Jenna Ryan picked for me by Buggy. I really, really enjoyed this older Harlequin Intrigue. A well done mystery set in London's East End, this book was a treat. There were many literary references, especially to the work of Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist, Little Dorrit, A Christmas Carol, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels & 56 Short Stories, and The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales were all mentioned or alluded to in some way. I was happy to find that I have several other books by Jenna Ryan on my shelf. I'm looking forward to them.

I also finished The Fifth Victim by Beverly Barton. This was a new-to-me book and author picked by Ari. Unfortunately, this one wasn't as good. The serial killer plot was done pretty well, but the writing was really clunky (lots of backstory that wasn't needed, characters saying things that no normal human would say, that sort of thing...). Oh well, we can't like 'em all and now I know ;o). I don't think I'll be picking up Barton again.

Thanks for the picks!

[Dee]

I finished reading Pack Challenge which was a rec from Chelsea - overall I enjoyed it - it had some funny moments, I noticed it was also on the list of funny books, but I don't know if it personally made it to that level for me.

I still have to read my second rec from Shelley though and hope to get to it in the next couple of days

[Ceej]

Gigi wrote: "Hi DrqAngel

TBR Recs
Vows by Rochelle Alers (this looks good. I've heard really good things about Rochelle Alers).
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas (you can't go wr..."

GiGi

I read Vows and loved it. I've read most all of the Hideaway saga by Rochelle Alers. So, if you decide to read them, I will surely share them with you. I have all but 3 or 4, with one coming to me at the beginning of August.

I also read Tall Dark and Cajun. Too funny and a very cute story. I found myself insinuating that cajun accent into their voices in my head lol

Now for the finale. I read Color of Love. I liked it but I have some unresolved issues with Gail and Allen. My problem is, when I read a book, the characters are real to me. So imagine that I'm reading this and saying "oh gawd her sister is such a b____" lol

Thanks for the recs and you did a good job!

[Ari]

Kristi,
I finished The Fire Rose and loved it. Thanks so much. It had science fiction-y elements while also a lovely romance. 4 stars.

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Michelle wrote: "Macwolf01 (Elise),

Thanks for my recs I can't wait to enjoy them all!
I'm currently waiting on these to arrive though.

[boo..."

I hope you do enjoy them ... I really liked all of them ;0) so let me know what you think

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

D.G. just finished Poison Study, I really liked it too I'm going read the rest of the series I ordered Magic Study from the library.

[Rossy]

Wow, you guys are amazing reading 1 or more books this month...particularly when i know some of you are also doing other challenges! Congratulations!!!

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Danielle,

I finally got done with Wings in the Night. Took me some time to finish it, since its 3-book-in-one.

It was started paranormal romance fare, but I had a grand time reading. I like the characters and would like to see them again, so I will be continuing with this series.

Thanks for the rec.

[Gigi]

Drq wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Hi DrqAngel

TBR Recs
Vows by Rochelle Alers (this looks good. I've heard really good things about Rochelle Alers).
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas (yo..."

Oh good! I'm glad you enjoyed the recs! Yayyyy! I'm so glad you read color of love. LOL!! I agree with you about Gail and Allen. However, I just loved Leah and Jason's story- that whole love conquering all message and overcoming ignorance.

[Kristina Simon]

Ari wrote: "Kristi,
I finished The Fire Rose and loved it. Thanks so much. It had science fiction-y elements while also a lovely romance. 4 stars."

Glad you liked it, Ari. I still don't read many of those types of books but any time I have a challenge that calls for a fairy tale-like book (like this month's as a matter of fact), Lackey is my go-to author ;o).

[Kristina Simon]

Rossy wrote: "Wow, you guys are amazing reading 1 or more books this month...particularly when i know some of you are also doing other challenges! Congratulations!!!"

I don't know about others, but I was able to finagle both the books I read this month into other challenges, too. Nothing I like better than killing two (or more) challenges with one book ;o).

[D.G.]

Macwolf01 [Elise:] wrote: "D.G. just finished Poison Study, I really liked it too I'm going read the rest of the series I ordered Magic Study from the library."

I'm glad you liked it too. :) I haven't read the rest of the books in the series...I probably should request it from the library one of these days!

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Rossy wrote: "Wow, you guys are amazing reading 1 or more books this month...particularly when i know some of you are also doing other challenges! Congratulations!!!"

I try to do most of the challenges ... sadly my competitive nature doesn't allow for anything else ;0)

[Annie]

Macwolf01 [Elise:] wrote: "I try to do most of the challenges ... sadly my competitive nature doesn't allow for anything else ;0)"

We could start a support group?
I've managed to NOT complete 10 books a month for the past couple of months, and reducing the challenges I'm in - by being so busy with other things I had no other choice.

I must say, tho' - that it's tough... all those people beating me on the leaderboard.

All those challenges unfulfilled...

*Sigh* if I start thinking about it, I'll become obsessed and depressed

[Rossy]

I'm right there with you Annie. I have started to cut back on challenges by only doing the yearly or quaterly ones. This challenge also helps, since we only have to read 1 book in a month...still though, i look at that leaderboard and groan in distress. *sobs*

[Lili]

Yz, I just finished Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs and it is a... very interesting book.

You were right, I like that kind of characters, strong, very male and super alpha, but this story got my interest because of the plot.
Mostly, the heroe's beast is a wolf, panther, lion, coyote... but I had never read a book with dinosaurs!
LOL
A T-rex, a Quetzalcoatl (COOL!!), Gigantosaurus or whatever... I'll admit it, I google some of them so I knew what they look like.

The idea for a plot was interesting but the writing is not very good, I've noticed this happens sometimes with the first book of a series and then they get pretty good, I'll probably read the next one.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Lili wrote: Yz, I just finished Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs and it is a... very interesting book.

You were right, I like that kind of characters, strong, very male and super alpha, but this story got my interest because of the plot.
Mostly, the heroe's beast is a wolf, panther, lion, coyote... but I had never read a book with dinosaurs!
LOL
A T-rex, a Quetzalcoatl (COOL!!), Gigantosaurus or whatever... I'll admit it, I google some of them so I knew what they look like.

The idea for a plot was interesting but the writing is not very good, I've noticed this happens sometimes with the first book of a series and then they get pretty good, I'll probably read the next one. ."

That's the right word, Lili, interesting.

I thought the premise was unique enough to be different, but with enough familiar elements as a paranormal romance to make it comfortable.

I always associate Nina Bangs more for funny, slight over-the-top, cheesy writing, like her Castle of Dark Dreams series.

Eternal Pleasure is probably the first books of hers I read that has a more serious, darker bent.

[D.G.]

I finished a second pick...Carnal Desires by Crystal Jordan. It was ok...but I'm not that into anthologies. ;)

[SandyC]

I have completed the challenge.
I read Mine Till Midnight and Interpreter of Maladies. I really enjoyed both of them. Hina, thanks for helping me move these off my TBR shelf. I really liked the Lisa Kleypas book -- a cheese-free historical romance! I would definitely read more of her works. The Lahiri book is a compilation of beautifully written short stories -- very memorable characters.
Looking forward to the August challenge...

[BJ Rose]

Elke, I finished one of your recommendations, Savor the Moment, and thank you for moving it up on my TBR list - I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to find time to also read one of your new-to-me recommendations.

[Nairabell]

Hi Annvelwis! I'm all done with Soulless which totally rocked and absolutely blew me away. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for the sequel! Thanks for the rec :)

[Angie]

Hi Rebecca,

I have finished Covet and I am really glad I finally got round to reading it so thank you!

[Rebecca]

Angie, I am glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was a little slow at times but an overall good read.

[Elke]

BJ Rose wrote: "Elke, I finished one of your recommendations, Savor the Moment, and thank you for moving it up on my TBR list - I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to find time to also read one of your ..."


Bj Rose,
I am glad you liked Savor the Moment! If you do read another one let me know!!

[Ari]

Kristi:

Aww, sorry it wasn't too good. Want another pick? (Though I see how lucky you got with so many recommendations lol.)

[Kristina Simon]

Ari wrote: "Kristi:

Aww, sorry it wasn't too good. Want another pick? (Though I see how lucky you got with so many recommendations lol.)"

That's okay, Ari. Like I said, we can't love 'em all ;o). The blurb sounded so good, too! Besides, I was able to use the book in another challenge I'm doing, so it was worth it for that if nothing else ;o).

[Carolyn F.]

Nairabell wrote: "Hi Annvelwis! I'm all done with Soulless which totally rocked and absolutely blew me away. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for the sequel! Thanks for the rec :)"

That was one of my favorite books of 2009. I'll just warn you, the 2nd book has a major cliffhanger. Some people have heard about it and are waiting until book #3 comes out to read book #2.

[D.G.]

Thanks for the warning Carolyn! I may do the same then and wait for book 3 before even attempting to get book 2...I hate clifhangers.

[Nairabell]

Thanks Carolyn! Luckily as I'm in the UK I'll be picking up books 2 and 3 together when the UK editions are out on September 2nd :)

[Danielle]

Thanks LL! I just finished and I really liked it. The ending was sad but not all good books have to have a happy ever after. I love a good historical and this one had a touch of paranormal. Great book!

Now I'm going to start from my TBR recommendations.

[Desperado]

Danielle wrote: "Thanks LL! I just finished and I really liked it. The ending was sad but not all good books have to have a happy ever after. I love a good historical and this one ha..."

I'm so happy you liked it Danielle! I was a little worried about rec'ing it because I didn't know if you needed a guaranteed HEA but I'm so happy you did! The ending is pretty bittersweet & it will definitely have you close to tears. Graham also has another novel loosely connected to this one,Hand of Isis & I thought that was really good(& bittersweet) too.

As for Vampire Academy, I hope you enjoy it! I'm actually reading the 5th book in the series,Spirit Bound right now. What a coincidence!

[Rebecca]

Done

Ari,

I have finished Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Notebook.

I really enjoyed Girl with a Pearl Earring. It wasn't something I would have picked up on my own but it was a quick and good read.

I loved The Notebook! I am so glad you suggested I read this. I can't believe I have waited so long.

Thanks you for the excellent picks!

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Time to sign up for August yet? If so, put me in.

[Hina]

Sandy wrote: "I have completed the challenge.
I read Mine Till Midnight and Interpreter of Maladies. I really enjoyed both of them. Hina, thanks for helping me move these off my TBR sh..."

I am glad you liked them. :)

[Hina]

HiNjdall,

I just finished
The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber. I never read this author before, and I really ended up liking her. I am going to read To Catch an Heiress next, but I wanted to tell you that I am also going to finish up the Manning series as soon as I have time. Great Suggestion!

[KimKirt]

I'm still waiting for my book from the library. Sheesh!

[Tatiana]

I am done with the first of my book rec's.

Personal Demon

It was a solid read, not Kelley Armstrong's best, but I enjoyed it. Made me want to read more of the series.

[Desperado]

Cher, I just finished Mr. Fix-It & I thought it was pretty good. It was a very sweet (a little saccharine sweet) romance & I will definitely try other novels by Hubbard. Thank you so very much for the rec!

[Rossy]

7/30 Update: Congratulations!

49. Elke-Finished
36. Mahyar-Finished
8. D.G.-Finished
23. Nandar-Finished
56. Annie-Finished
22. Photojim-Finished
43. Macwolf01-Finished
7. Penney-Finished
35. Annvelwis-Finished
9. Diane-Finished
11. Carolyn F-Finished
42. SheSwitches-Finished
16. Fran-Finished
2. Debbie-Finished
24. Kristi-Finished
10. Delicious Dee-Finished
41. Drqangel-Finished
48. Ari-Finished
20. Yz the Whyz-Finished
45. Lili-Finished
6. Sandy-Finished
30. BJ Rose-Finished
47. Nairabell-Finished
12. Angie-Finished
1. Danielle-Finished
40. Rebecca-Finished
3. Hina-Finished
15. Tatiana-Finished
32. LethalLovely-Finished
21. Cher-Finished
39. Angelique-Finished
27. Ang-Finished
14. Gus-Finished
13. Pollyanna-Finished
Sherri-Finished
Chloe-Finished

[Rossy]

Photojim wrote: "Time to sign up for August yet? If so, put me in."

I'm going to make the thread right now. Trying to catch up this month after my vacation, so am running behind. Sorry! ^.^

[Gigi]

So, is there a penalty for pairing people and then being unable to finish your pick before July? LOL