Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2010 Challenge Archive
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August - Pick It For Me! Challenge
Kristi :DFrom TBR:
1) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
2) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
3) Storm Front by Jim Butcher
4) Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Other:
5) A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands
6) Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
7) Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie
8) The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Giovanna,Thanks for your incredibly awesome recs :D I'm pretty sure I'll be reading all of them eventually!
And I'll start with Graceling, because I already have it on my Kindle! Just haven't gotten to reading it yet. And then I think I'll try Poison Study, because I'm pretty sure I've seen it in a bookstore somewhere around here before! (I have a similar problem to yours, because I can never be sure if the books I want will be sold here :( )
Oh, and then I think I'll try and get the Demon's Lexicon as well! (:
The books all look awesome :P
Hi BJ Rose,I loved looking through your list. I've just recently started getting into historical romances and your list gave me a lot of authors to look up :)
From your TBR:
Storm Glass - Maria V Snyder
The Scarletti Curse - Christine Feehan
She's No Faerie Princess - Christine Warren
By Possession - Madeline Hunter (I haven't actually read this one but my sister loved it and keeps telling me to read it so I'm passing on her reccommendation!)
New to you:
Shields of Pride - Elizabeth Chadwick
The Dark One - Ronda Thompson
Once a Wolf - Susan Krinard
My Demon's Kiss - Lucy Blue
Hope you find one you like :)
Hi! I'm in the re-mix, just a question. Do I recommend for Rossy as well? (She is rec-ing for me.) Thanks!
I'm still av ailable. I didn't see my name this time around but if anyone still needs recs let me know.
Hello there Emily! Thanks so much for your recs.I am still deciding what to choose.
Here are a few books I have picked for you:
From your TBR
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I just finished this last night and it was really good. Very suspenseful and somewhat disturbing. I highly recommend it, as you are a Stephen King fan and are no stranger to disturbing books.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Set during the Civil Rights era, this is about housemaids in Mississippi and the young writer who helps them subsversively rebel against their employers. This is a book I had trouble putting down.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. Not sure if you've seen the movie, but the book is much better.
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding. A very funny, entertaining read that is reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. Again, better than the film version (although I must say I adore Colin Firth!)
New to You
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger for a different kind of romance.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. A futuristic story of women who are made to be breeders by the Fundamentalist ruling class. An unforgettable book!
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Beautifully written and an original story. I read this for my book club and loved it.
And finally, since you are a huge Stephen King fan, why not try some Anne Rice? The Witching Hour is a book that will suck you in and make you believe the Mayfair witches are real. A very enjoyable read!
Hope you find something you like, Emily! Cheers!
Okay everyone (deep breath), I'm going in! Into Rossy's TBR list that is. If I'm not out in an hour or two throw in a life preserver, or better yet, a hunky lifeguard (but I have a feeling there's already one lurking around in there somewhere).Rossy, I'll have your recs up today!
Leave a trail of breadcrumbs KimK. It won't help you out, but it will feed the animals.
KimKirt wrote: "Hi! I'm in the re-mix, just a question. Do I recommend for Rossy as well? (She is rec-ing for me.) Thanks!"- yep, that is the plan.
If your original partner comes through with a selection of recommendations that is fine, but since the re-mix your part of the challenge is to select from what ever Rossy gives you.
Julie wrote: "I'm still av ailable. I didn't see my name this time around but if anyone still needs recs let me know."Julie, in the re-mix you were paired with Diane.
Nairabell wrote-No probs Pam! I know how irritating it is when your internet connection plays up. As I've just started The Darkest Night (which rules!) I'll read Nerd in Shining Armor as my pick :) What are you going to read?
Not sure yet...I'm going home on Thursday but am thinking either the Percy Jackson which my teaching partner loved and my neighbor has or Dead until Dark which I think my son has.
Thoughts while in Rossy's TBR:"Good Lord it's like an Alice in Wonderland porno in here, everyone's running around madly and humping! WTHeckfire are those anime things chasing after me? There's actually books about those? Oh! There's Lori Foster, thank goodness someone I recognize, maybe I can get one of her SBC Fighter's to protect me. Lori! Lori! Over here! Well crap, two of my recs are on her 'currently reading' list. How can she be reading 26 books at once? Would someone get that frickin' werewolf/vampire/shapeshifter piece of fuzz off my leg? C'mon, there's gotta be a sharpshooter around here somewhere that can take it out or some kind-hearted vet with a cruelty free animal trap. Is it hot in here or is it just me? Passing through the smuttastics now. Talk about smokin'! Does anyone wear clothes in here? Quick! Someone throw some Catherine Anderson books on me to cool me down! Shhh, have to play nice, tiptoeing through the YA section. Okay, I'm outta there. Dude! Back off! Find someone else to spank 'k? Twink Lit? What's that? Okay, whew, Mr. Darcy's escorting me out . . ."
KimKirt wins post of the day and it's not even noon! Fantastic!
ROFLMAO!!! Kim you are just way to much!
Well, from a different viewpoint, it's already 6 in the evening, but I have to agree. There's no competition.
Julie wrote: "I'm still av ailable. I didn't see my name this time around but if anyone still needs recs let me know."Julie, the recs I made for you are in message 352. I hope you find something good there. :)
RossyOkay, I'm out. Had to take a cold shower before getting back to post my recs. Uh, it's actually hard to decipher all my scribbles and I think most of these are on your TBR, so I'm going to give you 8 straight, okay? Here they are:
Summer Breeze by Catherine Anderson. You've read others in this series. This is a historical and I LOVED the heroine in this one. Very well written.
Back in Black by Lori Foster. Again, you've read other's in the SBC Fighter series. This is #5. Can't go wrong with this series in my book.
Up Close and Dangerous: A Novel by Linda Howard. I really enjoy Ms. Howard's book. This one is about a pilot and his passenger who crash land in the mountains. Survival/Romance/Suspense.
Cry No More by Linda Howard. Not as much romance in this one (it's still there though). I walked around in a fog for a day after reading this one.
Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins. Chick-lity romance. I liked the heroine, she was a stalker to the wrong guy. Cute book.
Bet Me by Jennifer Cruisie. One of my favorites by this author.
Naked Edge by Pamela Clare. The hero in this book just pissed me off. Ha! But it has gotten great reviews so I could be odd man out. It's on your TBR.
In The Groove by Pamela Britton. This is actually the second in the series. Nascar romance. Hot cars, hot guys, can't beat it!
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. A historical. I just really liked this one. Loved the heroine, she hires a gigalo for herself for her 30th birthday, the book jumps right into that at the very beginning. Try it!
Okay, that was actually NINE recs. Thank you, thank you very much - Elvis is now leaving the building.
KimKirt wrote: "Thoughts while in Rossy's TBR:"Good Lord it's like an Alice in Wonderland porno in here, everyone's running around madly and humping! WTHeckfire are those anime things chasing after me? There'..."
Kim, that post was awesome! LOL
Annvelwis Hi again ;o)! Here's what I'd recommend:From your TBR:
1. Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins -- I liked this one even more than The Hunger Games.
3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
4. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
New to you:
1. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
3. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
4. The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey
BTW -- I'm about 100 pages into The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest ;o).
Thanks for the recs, Annvelwis. I think I'm going to start with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and go from there.
Kristi,You did it again... I don't know which to choose! I think I could finally read Catching Fire - it waits on my bookshelf for some time now for no reason at all. I loved Hunger Games and if you say Catching Fire is at least as good as first installment :D But, I really would like to read Gaiman, too! And Crusie (I love her sense of humour, her books always manage to lift my mood up). The Sugar Queen was recently translated to polish, hmm... It sounds fun but... it's a dangerous book to read, me with such a a sweet tooth ;D
Great picks! Thank you!
AngieI'm guessing that your favorite genre is Paranormal - I wonder what gave me that idea!! **big grin**
From Your TBR:
1. Dreamveil by Lynn Viehl - I read this last month - I love her books!
2. & 3. Blaze of Memory & Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh - I'm currently reading BoJ - I love the world she's created!
4. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong - I've been on the waiting list at the library for over a month & finally have it, so I'll be reading it soon
5. Moonlight Warrior by Janet Chapman - this is book 1 of her Midnight Bay series. I haven't read it yet, but it's on my Wishlist. However, the hero in this one is the brother of a hero in her Pine Creek Highlander series, so I strongly recommend that you read those first. That series begins with Charming the Highlander. I think the book with the brother is Only With a Highlander. The series is about time-traveling Highlanders, a druidh or two, and magic.
New to You
I guess you figured out that historical romance is my favorite genre, so I'll start with a couple from one of my favorite HR authors - Julie Garwood.
1. Saving Grace - highland warriors again! I just reread this for the 3rd time, and enjoy the humor in it more with each reading.
2. For the Roses - four young street orphans find a girl baby who's been thrown on a trash heap. The boys decide to keep her, and they all hop a train for the west. In the process of raising her, they all become a family. It's a lovely and funny story that I've read at least 3 times.
And here are two cozy-mysteries:
3. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
4. Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton
5. And a contemporary romance/suspense story: Angels Fall by Nora Roberts
Now back to look at your recommendations for me!
Angie,Thanks for the recommendations.
I'm going to pick one TBR rec and one New-to-Me rec:
I know I should pick The Scarletti Curse because it's been on my TBR for so long (why do I keep pushing that aside?!), but I'm going with She's No Faerie Princess: A Novel of the Others
All of the authors in the New recommendations are new to me, so this took some thinking, but I'm going with Once a Wolf and adding My Demon's Kiss to my wishlist, because I love medievals, even with vampires!
Emily, I will read Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2) from my TBR. If I finish my other challenges for August I'll also try to sneak in Perfect Chemistry. Thanks again!
♠LethalLovely~HBBIC♠ wrote: "Thank you so very much for re-pairing the people without rec's, Debbie! I really appreciate it & I'll try to have my partner's rec's tonight.On side note, I'm a little upset right now. It just ..."
Rant away, LL. That is what really upsets me too, that i feel bad that you guys go through the trouble of selecting options for your partners and then they don't show. While we understand that life happens, i just wish they can take 5 minutes to notify me so that you're not left waiting until the last minute.
KimKirt wrote: "Hi! I'm in the re-mix, just a question. Do I recommend for Rossy as well? (She is rec-ing for me.) Thanks!"You know, am scratching my head how i ended up there....*looks pointedly at Debbie* LOL
KimKirt wrote: "Okay everyone (deep breath), I'm going in! Into Rossy's TBR list that is. If I'm not out in an hour or two throw in a life preserver, or better yet, a hunky lifeguard (but I have a feeling there's ..."ROFLMAO! Why is everyone so afraid of my mountain TBR. It's just a bit crowded in there....LOL
KimKirt wrote: "Thoughts while in Rossy's TBR:"Good Lord it's like an Alice in Wonderland porno in here, everyone's running around madly and humping! WTHeckfire are those anime things chasing after me? There'..."
OMFG!! [image error]
KimKirt wrote: "RossyOkay, I'm out. Had to take a cold shower before getting back to post my recs. Uh, it's actually hard to decipher all my scribbles and I think most of these are on your TBR, so I'm going t..."
Wow, am impress you made it through!LOL
Thank you for the recommendations. I'm on a plane right now, so give me a few minutes and i should have your recommendations soon.
Regina wrote: "Hi, MissLove all yours recs - so much I couldn´t decide which to choose, but I´m going to read Her best friend´s Lover. And maybe The Smoke Thief.
Thanks!"
Hi Regina, I am so glad that you like my recs, if you finish them I will be happy to suggest some other books.
I am still reading Wicked Ties which I really like so far...
Britta wrote: "Giovanna,
Thanks for your incredibly awesome recs :D I'm pretty sure I'll be reading all of them eventually!
And I'll start with Graceling, because I already have it on my Kindle! Just haven't go..."
Hey Britta, i also second The Demon's Lexicon, it was the best read of the year for me and the next book in the series is just as good!
KimKirt wrote: "Thoughts while in Rossy's TBR:
"Good Lord it's like an Alice in Wonderland porno in here, everyone's running around madly and humping! WTHeckfire are those anime things chasing after me? There'..."
LOL KimKirt!!! :)))
Debbie wrote: "Julie wrote: "I'm still av ailable. I didn't see my name this time around but if anyone still needs recs let me know."Julie, in the re-mix you were paired with Diane."
I think that is a different Julie since they already have some rec's....
It was so much fun going through your shelves, Kim! Here are my recs for you:From your TBR:
1. Just the Sexiest Man Alive or Something About You by Julie James (My OCD wouldn't let me recommend the 3rd book without first mentioning the first)LOL
2. Don't Tell by Karen Rose (Have not read this series, but it comes so highly recommended, i bought all 11 books at once)
3. Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson (It's on my keepers shelf, enough said!)LOL I can't believe that you have not read Baby Love, it's the first in the series you started and the best as far as am concerned.
4. Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard (Such fantastic characters, i loved it!) or Squeeze Play by Angell, Kate (Since you already know about Howard's books, you may want to try this one instead)
New to you:
1. Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes (Did you hear my OCD screaming? This is not the first in the series, but i think it's the best)
2. The House on Olive Street by Robyn Carr (I know you tried the author's other works and didn't much like it, but this one is very different from her series)
3. The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal (Awesome recipes, fantastic characters, all around great read!)
4. Wedding Ring (Shenandoah Album) by Emilie Richards (I'm surprised you have not heard about this author. It's a fantastic series so am recommending the 1st book!)
Here are two bonus recs, because i had to rip myself away (LOL!): Twisted Creek & Summer At Willow Lake
I am just so so so so sorry i didn't get back before the deadline! We have been out at the lake since Wednesday of last week and I don't know that it even occurred to me that it was already August! While I know I didn't make it in time i would still be more than willing to participate if there is anyone left who will have me!
Lindsey wrote: "I am just so so so so sorry i didn't get back before the deadline! We have been out at the lake since Wednesday of last week and I don't know that it even occurred to me that it was already August!..."Hi Lindsey! Please see post #153 for your recs. If you want to give me more, that's just fine too. Hope you enjoyed the lake since it's hotter than Hades in Texas!
Gigi,thank you so very much for your rec's. They were just fine ☺. It's been awhile since I've read African-American fiction so I'm narrowing it down to either The Other Woman or Kindred. I put both on hold & I'll read whichever comes first.BTW, my favorite EJD novel is Between Lovers.
Lethal You're very welcome. Oh good, Between Lovers was good! I can't wait to hear what you think of which ever book you choose. I'm secretly hoping that you get The Other Woman first. Hee hee. Lethal, your recs were so good that I'm struggling between 6 of them.
Wicked Ties
Suddenly You
Perfect
Talk Me Down (I think I'm leaning more towards this, but sadly enough no library copies available. There must be a reason we both picked it for each other. LOL).
Flat-Out Sexy
North of Beautiful
Awesome recs Lethal. I'll let you know what I pick once I figure out what I'm doing. LOL
Sandy- you are a doll! thanks so much! I do have a few suggestions for you if you would like them... from your T B R
Lynsay Sands- A Quick bite... I just love her writing! it's funny and a different approach to Vamps!
Susan Elizabeth Phillips- Heaven Texas, Cause she is great anyway but hello Texas??
Christine Feehan- Shadow Game, I have read all of this series and although this first one isn't my fave... it's still pretty good.
Gregory Maguire- Wicked, I liked this books dry humor and a new look on an old classic.
and something new to you ...
The Host, Stephanie Meyer- You have read all of the twilight books and this one is really good too, just don't give up before chapter 7 :)
The Face of Deception, Iris Johansan- She is an author that I would recommend to just about anyone, but this book in particular was really good.
Third Degree, Greg Iles- I Haven't read anything by him yet however I have wanted to and my sister has read all of his books and gives rave reviews... I am passing that nugget along to you!
And Finally...
Christina Dodd- Trouble in High heels... I have loved all of her books! she has a series of paranormal romances and they are great too!
Thanks, Lindsey. I put all of your recs on my TBR. (I can't believe The Host wasn't already on there.) I am planning to read Heaven, Texas for my August challenge. I may also try The Face of Deception (sounds really good!). As for Christine Feehan, does she really get better? I read Dark Prince and it was one of the most tedious books I have ever read so I have been reluctant to try her again. She has a big following, though, so her works can't be all bad, I suppose! Thanks again!
Sandy,IMHO, Christine Feehan has her moments, I tried to like her Carpathian Series and just can't get into them... however her ghost walker series is mostly really good, i think my favorite of those books though is Mind Game or even night game... I am so excited to read your recs! thanks so much for that BTW. next month I won't be late!
Well, I will take your word for it and try a Ghost Walker book one of these days! Also, not sure if you're aware, you only need to read one book for this challenge. Several members will read 2 or 3 (or more!), but only one is required to complete the challenge. Have fun!
I have a major problem, and i will tell you only cause i'm among friends..... but im an Addict! I know that I probably should only get one of your recs, however all my good intentions fly out the window the minute that wonderful paper and ink smell hits my nose at the store! so for now I will try to control myself but if I get down to one or two unread books in my house all bets are off!!!!
Thanks for the recomendations BJ Rose. I'm going to have a think about which to read and add all the new ones to my wishlist :)
Julie wrote: I think that is a different Julie since they already have some rec's.... .."
- Julie, you are paired with Diane after the re-mix, I think she had made recs for her original partner and I know she has made recs for you, but I don't find any recs made for Diane.
Rossy wrote: You know, am scratching my head how i ended up there....*looks pointed..."- Sorry, your name is on the yes tab of the invite page, guess I didn't even think to ask if that was you or just because you made the invite, my mistake :} lol - thanks for being a good sport and posting recs for KimKirt ---- forgive me - ppplllllleeease ???
Lindsey wrote: "I am just so so so so sorry i didn't get back before the deadline! We have been out at the lake since Wednesday of last week and I don't know that it even occurred to me that it was already August!..."- glad you could make it back, July got away from a lot of us. I see Sandy already posted the best answer for you.
Amanda-I just finished enjoying the Poison Study and look forward to the sequel! Thanks for the recommendation. I loved that one of the characters was named Ari! xD.
I know Courtney Mae is having troubles with her internet connection. And I know she said she wouldn't have the new recs out until today. But I work tomorrow and was at the library and two bookstores today. It certainly would have been helpful to have the rec before I went.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Fledgling (other topics)Lilith's Brood (other topics)
Kindred (other topics)
Kindred (other topics)
City of Bones (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
J.R. Ward (other topics)Lisa See (other topics)
Jennifer Crusie (other topics)
Lynsay Sands (other topics)
Lynsay Sands (other topics)
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From Your TBR Shelf:
1.Be With Me by Maya Banks~Erotic Romance
2.Wicked Ties by Shayla Black~Erotic Romance
3.The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham~Historical Romance
4.Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas~Historical Romance
5.Perfect by Judith McNaught~Contemporary Romance
6.Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl~Contemporary Romance(I haven't actually read this one yet but I've read the 2nd & 3rd book in this series & I thought they were great!)
7.A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole~Paranormal Romance
8.Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost~Paranormal Romance
New To You:
1.Enslave: The Taming of the Beast by Cathy Yardley~Erotic Romance
2.Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas~Historical Romance
3.Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy~Contemporary Romance
4.Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh~Paranormal Romance
5.North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley~Young Adult
ETA: Hey! We both recommended Talk Me Down to each other. Hahaha.