Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2010 Challenge Archive
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August - Pick It For Me! Challenge
Ari wrote: "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."
OMG, are you telling us that you already finished your recommendations?!
Hmmm, then perhaps you can help our Jim out? I think we need to show him how much we love him with a few recs....i wonder what he will do with more than 3 this month....ROFL
Rossy, I'll have you know that I've finished my FAC challenge and have the first three categories done on the monthly challenge. I can handle more than one recommendation. *what's that? Oh you were kidding.* Don't worry, I always feel the love.
Mister speed demon on a roll, I saw your post on the monthly challenge. You've read 1 for 1 and I haven't even read 1 - lol have a good day working tomorrow.
Diane--- I am happy to fill in and make recs for you! You are a busy girl with all of your reading and i am going to take lots more time when i am done to read through your list and add to mine! I hope that I can find something that you will enjoy but if not please let me know and i will definatley try again. I do have to warn you that I have totally been on a YA kick lately so sorry ahead of time if i overdue it in the youngester stuff! Its a great retreat!
New Book/author:
I have just started reading the Vampire Acadamy series
by Rachel Mead and i love it! Much better than the HON series (sorry if you liked it). It is about 2 different kind of vampires(good and evil) and the half human/half vamps who protect the good vampires. It is set in a school where they are learning magic and protection, etc. The bad vamps are like vampires you already read about the good vampires don't kill and they use magic only for good. Different twist! Next-
by joe Hill. He is actually Stephan King's son so as you can image it is kindof creepy. It is one of the best, most original ghost stories i have read in a long time. It had a totally different premise. a rich guy collects creepy things on the internet and he places a bid on an old suit. You need to read it to find out what happens. It is not gory like some of Stephan Kings stuff but it is a great ghost story.I see you have read a lot by Kelley Armstrong I love her YA series and you started it so you need to finish it.
Last one- I absolutely loved
by Seth Grahame-smith. He is the same guy who wrote/updated Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. It is funny withour being funny. Gives historical "facts" to support the backstory. He does a great job of weaving his story through actual historical facts. It was very intersteing- did he really free salves or was it part of a bigger plan to rif the world of vampires--I don't know you have to read to find out!From TBR shelf:
since you seem to like the paranormal stuff (me too). i saw Holly Black's Fay series. The first one being
. i really liked this series. i loved the charachters that she created in this world. It is a little more dark than some other YA stuff i have read lately. I was captured enough to read the whole series!Next- Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts. Of course Nora can write and i loved the paranormal/mythological take on this romance series.
Another- I love Charlaine Harris. i have NOT read any of the sookie boooks yet, but i have read all of her other series. I loved the the Grave Sight
series. Its about a women who was struck by lightning as a child and know she can senxe where dead bodies are buried and can sense the last few seconds before they died. Also loved the Liy Bard series. That one is not paranomal at all.
Its about a single lady who solves mysteries cause crazy stuff happens in her town. i thought both series were very wll written. Last one- Eragon by christopher Paolini
i loved this book- couldn't believe it was written by a TEENAGER. I believe he was between 15-19 when he wrote and then published this book. It is a sweeping story- much like Lord of the Rings. It has its own world, language, etc. It does get a bit wordy at times but all in all i thought it was a great read. I hope that you find something that you can enjoy- let me know. And again if there is nothing that you are interested in please let me know and i will try again1 Happy Reading
Rossy wrote: "Ari wrote: "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."
OMG, are yo..."
Hehe yes I did. I really didn't realize my speed. Usually it takes a week for me to get the book, and another to get myself to read it. This time I guess I was much faster....(It's only august 3rd?!)
If anyone needs recommendations just let me know.
Julie wrote: "Diane--- I am happy to fill in and make recs for you! You are a busy girl with all of your reading and i am going to take lots more time when i am done to read through your list and add to mine! I ..."Julie,
Thanks for the great recs. I think I'm going to go for Tithe, but I feel like I haven't read as many mysteries lately, so I'll probably read one of the ones by Charlaine Harris as well. I'm adding Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter to my wishlist and will eventually get to The Reckoning (I need to read the second one first).
BTW, I did make recommendations for you in message 352 and I hope you find something to inspire you.
Photojim wrote: "Rossy, I'll have you know that I've finished my FAC challenge and have the first three categories done on the monthly challenge. I can handle more than one recommendation. *what's that? Oh you we..."Ok Photojim, I'm taking you at your word. I like your sense of humor on the threads so you are one of the few people I can make some of these recommendations for and not worry about it. If you get Courtney Mae's recs, feel free to ignore mine. They are all (hopefully) new to you. Some are a bit older, so I'm giving you more than 8 to choose from.
1. Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book: A Primer for Adults Only by Shel Silverstein. I love this book and think it will hit a sweet spot with your sense of humor.
2. Red Dwarf Omnibus by Grant Naylor. If you love Hitch-hikers, then you will love this.
3. Phule's Company by Robert Asprin. I saw you had a lot of Piers Anthony and should like early Asprin. This book is a great, fun read that gives some good life lessons.
4. You have a lot of Jennifer Crusie, who I love and I think both these authors are similar in their approach to humor. Hot by Julia Harper or Weddings Can Be Murder by Christie Craig.
5. Speaking of Crusie, I noticed a couple of her good ones you were missing - Faking It and Don't Look Down.
6. Another fun romance author with a bit more suspense is Marianne Stillings. These are two of my favorites by her - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evie and The Damsel in This Dress.
7. I didn't notice any UF on your shelves, but I'd be remiss if I didn't try to tempt you with Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. There isn't a lot of romance for this coyote shape-shifter (who is part Native American if you need one for the monthly challenge) at first, but the characters and stories are great. If you can't stomach UF, you might try her PNR series in the same world starting with the short story in On the Prowl.
8. Your bio mentioned you liked movies and this is a great biography of an actor that was extremely interesting to read - If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce L. Campbell.
9. I didn't see anything by my all-time favorite author, Jayne Ann Krentz, on your shelves. These are two of my favorites (you will probably have to find them used) - Gift of Gold and Perfect Partners.
So back on the first day we were picking I thought I was seeing a lot of Moon Called and wondered if it was the most recommended book of the month. So I put everyone's picks (except my last to PhotoJim) in Excel and did a pivot. I was close, Moon Called was second most recommended. Turns out we really like our PNR/UF.Book recommendations this month
1. Dark Lover - 11 times
2. Moon Called - 10 times
3. Halfway to the Grave - 9 times
4. Bitten - 8 times
4. The Hunger Games - 8 times
5. Poison Study - 7 times
5. Soulless - 7 times
6. Dead Until Dark - 6 times
6 books were recommended 5 times - The Book Thief, Succubus Blues, Magic Bites, Pleasure Unbound, City of Bones and Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
I also wondered about what authors were recommended most. The queen of romance got first place. No pseudonyms were combined.Top recommended authors for the month
1. Nora Roberts - 16 times
2. J.R. Ward - 15 times
3. Jeaniene Frost - 12 times
4. Kelley Armstrong - 11 times
4. Patricia Briggs - 11 times
4. Sherrilyn Kenyon - 11 times
5. Richelle Mead - 10 times
6. Jennifer Crusie - 9 times
6. Nalini Singh - 9 times
6. Suzanne Collins - 9 times
5 authors were recommended 8 times - Charlaine Harris, Gena Showalter, Linda Howard, Lisa Kleypas and Maria V. Snyder
Just some interesting information I thought I'd share.
Diane, thank you very much. I can now grab a couple of hours of sleep knowing that I have new recs waiting for me.Shel Silverstein is awesome. I'll have to find this.
I've seen plenty of Red Dwarf on the old BBC show but never read any. Great reco.
I've read the Asprin. Yep I liked it.
I'll definitely look for the Harper and Craig books.
Don't look down is new to me but Faking it was the first Crusie I read.
Haven't heard of Stillings but will keep an eye out for her.
I have a little UF on my shelves, but it is a new genre for me. I'll definitely keep these in mind.
I'm normally not a biography fan, but Army of Darkness was GREAT
And you are correct, i have yet to read a Krentz book. I keep thinking she'll be the FAC challenge soon.
Given these, maybe Moon Called is crying out to me. But I'll have to see what I can find.
Thank you again!
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "Turns out we really like our PNR/UF."Uh, speak for yourself! LOL! Though I am going to attempt a J.R. Ward because of the author challenge this month. Will she like it? Or will she forever run screaming from the paranormal genre?
Debbie wrote: "Rossy wrote: You know, am scratching my head how i ended up there....*looks pointed..."- thanks for being a good sport and posting recs for KimKirt ---- forgive me - ppplllllleeease ??? "
GASP!!! Y-y-you mean you threw me into Rossy's TBR accidentally? I was still having the shakes from being in there last month! I joined the Alice in Wonderland orgy for nothin'? Well, at least I escaped right as the Red Queen was yelling "Off with their heads! And considering where I was, I think I know which head she as talking about - OMG - (sorry Jim, just be warned if you have to go in there next month).
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "So back on the first day we were picking I thought I was seeing a lot of Moon Called and wondered if it was the most recommended book of the month. So I put everyone's picks (except m..."Great research, Diane!
I love the insight.
Thanks for doing the legwork.
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "So back on the first day we were picking I thought I was seeing a lot of Moon Called and wondered if it was the most recommended book of the month. So I put everyone's picks (except m..."Wow! this list has 4 of the books recommended to me. :p
KimKirt wrote: "Diane (deebotte) wrote: "Turns out we really like our PNR/UF."Uh, speak for yourself! LOL! Though I am going to attempt a J.R. Ward because of the author challenge this month. Will she like it?..."
LOL! Kim, I'm not a huge PNR/UF fan either. However, I gave JR Ward a shot and actually enjoyed most of her BDB series. I wouldn't say that made me a PNR fan though. LOL So, I'm dying to hear whether you like that book you chose for the FAC.
Diane, those are really interesting numbers! Wow!
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "Julie KNice to be re-paired with you. :)
Some suggestions after checking out your bookshelves. I hope something sounds good.
TBR
1. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - YA mystery that I love. ..."
I think I have to go with Bitten as I have just got an ebook copy!
I am always down for a good Mystery so if I have time I will read the westing game- I don't even remeber that being on my list!
I am also really intersted in reading the Nora Roberts one Dance on air. I thought I had picked up all of her paranormal romances.
I love reading recs from other people. I have picked up some great books that I may not have read otherwise. Thanks so much!
Photojim wrote: "Diane, thank you very much. I can now grab a couple of hours of sleep knowing that I have new recs waiting for me.Shel Silverstein is awesome. I'll have to find this.
I've seen plenty of Red D..."
Glad I could help and you can grab some z's.
Julie, I was thrilled to see The Westing Game on your TBR list. It is one of my favorite all time books and is probably the book I've owned the longest as I got it in middle school and still have through many, many moves.
I hope you really enjoy Bitten. Some people think it starts slow, but it is necessary info to understand where Elena is coming from as she decides which world to live in.
You're missing at least one other Nora Roberts paranormal trilogy - Key of Light as well as the paranormal mystery/romance series she writes as J.D. Robb - Naked in Death both of which I also highly recommend. :)
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "So back on the first day we were picking I thought I was seeing a lot of Moon Called and wondered if it was the most recommended book of the month. So I put everyone's picks (except m..."Wow Diane, that's awesome!
KimKirt wrote: "Diane (deebotte) wrote: "Turns out we really like our PNR/UF."Uh, speak for yourself! LOL! Though I am going to attempt a J.R. Ward because of the author challenge this month. Will she like it?..."
Hmmm, i can't wait to read about it so you must do a review when done.
KimKirt wrote: "GASP!!! Y-y-you mean you threw me into Rossy's TBR accidentally? I was still having the shakes from being in there last month! I joined the Alice in Wonderland orgy for nothin'? Well, at least I escaped right as the Red Queen was yelling "Off with their heads! And considering where I was, I think I know which head she as talking about - OMG - (sorry Jim, just be warned if you have to go in there next month). "I think it was fated that you were to venture into my realm! ROFLMAO
There are usually 2 reactions people have when going through my shelves. They are either VERY happy that they found some really interesting books, but not so much about the amount of money spent....Or they want to run away as quick as possible....which reminds me, i need to apologize for not warning you about my taboo shelf. I know it has given a few of my friends nightmares. ^.^
Update 8/04 - Congratulations!Ari-Finished
Melanie-Finished
Rossy wrote: "Update 8/04 - Congratulations!Ari-Finished"
Hey Rossy:-) Check post 246, lol... I finished too:-)
hey Rachel - I think the world is conspiring against me...I ordered Goddess of the Rose from a seller on Amazon and then it was sold out and my local bookstore didn't have it...I was able to get Goddess of Light and I have Goddess of the Sea at home already - so if you don't mind, I might read one of those...although i'm going to keep trying to get Goddess of the RoseRachel wrote: " Delicious Dee!!!
Not exactly 4 and 4....
From TBR:
1.Halfway to the Grave- loved this book so much that I'm re-reading it and the rest of the series when book #5 releases next year..."
Melanie wrote: "Rossy wrote: "Update 8/04 - Congratulations!Ari-Finished"
Hey Rossy:-) Check post 246, lol... I finished too:-)"
LOL! Sorry toots, am just getting around to checking my notification emails so i'll probably see that post soon. I changed it though, thanks for the heads-up.
KimKirt wrote: GASP!!! Y-y-you mean you threw me into Rossy's TBR accidentally? I was still having the shakes from being in there last month! I joined the Alice in Wonderland orgy for nothin'?..."- So sorry, sounds like I should beg your forgiveness too. Look at it this way, the worst is over. From here on out everything else is just easy. lol
ugh computer problems had me down for most of the day, thanks Rossy for doing the updates :)
Diane (deebotte) wrote: "So back on the first day we were picking I thought I was seeing a lot of Moon Called and wondered if it was the most recommended book of the month. So I put everyone's picks (except m..."- Love the stats Diane, makes for an interesting recommendation all on it's own.
Hey Rossy! Shocked as I was, my library had Wedding Ring (Shenandoah Album) when I went today, so that is going to be the first of your recs I read. The librarian was gushing about it. My library never seems to have any of the recs, so I was super happy.No worries about the taboo shelf, I'm a big girl, I can take it! LOL!
Hi there DebbieMy partner recommended some great books for me!
I have chosen You Slay Me Katie MacAlister but also I have found two books in the library from two other authors in Penney's list :)Moning, Karen Marie and Diana Gabaldon
KimKirt wrote: "Hey Rossy! Shocked as I was, my library had Wedding Ring (Shenandoah Album) when I went today, so that is going to be the first of your recs I read. The librarian was gushing about it..."I honestly think you'll love it. So many of its great qualities in character and story development, are just the kind you enjoy.
Delicious Dee the book slut wrote: "but taboo shelves are soo much fun!!"Aren't they? But alas, mine are not for the faint of heart.LOL
Rossy I loved yours...but then we have very similar tastes...except for all that Manga and Yaoi you have on yours ;)
Well, I ordered four of the books recommended for me through the library. I'll read whichever comes in first. I'll probably read one or two of the others as well, but I'll start with that.
Angie, my library doesn't have the Susan Krinard book you recommended, but they do have others of hers, so I requested book 1 of that series - if I like it, I'll buy Once a Wolf because it does sound intriguing. The library does have Lucy Blue's My Demon's Kiss, so I'll begin with that when it arrives.
Grrr...I usually like to read one of my recommendations first thing in the month so I have the option of reading at least two. This time, it will have to wait until I return from vacation so most likely I'll just be able to finish one.
Debbie wrote: "Courtney Mae wrote: "Photojimsorry if my lack of responce as been anything but good. Internet problems sadly. So I'm at a local library tryig to type this on my iPod. Thus far it has been interes..."
Thanks lol. I finally got around to begging for a ride to the next town over where my brother works and I can get on the computer regardless. So this just made my day! :D
Courtney Mae, if you throw a couple new recs my way, I'll be happy to read one. Looking forward to it actually. If not, that's cool too.I bought Moon Called today to satisfy my required read for the month. We'll see what happens after that.
So i just finished reading The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands suggested to me by Rachael. Originally i was going to give it a 3 out of 5 but the last few chapters were so hilarious i had to bump it up to 3.5 I'm a really big vampire buff and i actually know a lot of vampire lore because i find it all amusing. At first i was really put off by the blatant disregard to "traditional" vamp myths and then i finally got over the dislike of this authors creative interpretation. I thought the story was cute and the cast of characters were amusing. Like i said before, the last couple chapters had me laughing out loud. i'd recommend this book for someone wanting some giggles but not for the ordinary vampi..."immortal" buff
but Rachael! Thanks so much for the recommendation, this was a fun challenge = )
Hi, guys! I had so much fun with this month's challenge and it's all because of Danielle and her awesome recs. I finished Linger and Poison Study and loved them both. If I have time, I may even read some more of the books she picked for me.Thanks, Danielle, really!!!
I added four new books to my first comment, I should have added them as a new comment sorry photojim.
Update 8/07 - Congratulations!SheSwitches-Finished
Ari-Finished
Melanie-Finished
AshleyAlexis-Finished
Polina-Finished
AshleyAlexis wrote: "So i just finished reading The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands suggested to me by Rachael. Originally i was going to give it a 3 out of 5 but the last few chapter..."
Funny, i really like this series because it's different from other vampire myths. I agree that the humor in this particular book is great.
Polina wrote: "Hi, guys! I had so much fun with this month's challenge and it's all because of Danielle and her awesome recs. I finished Linger and Poison Study and loved them both. If I have time, I may even rea..."So glad to hear you're enjoying your recs!
Everyone did such a good job with the recommendations, am looking through past posts and adding to my TBR.LOL
Rossy wrote: "AshleyAlexis wrote: "So i just finished reading The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands suggested to me by Rachael. Originally i was going to give it a 3 out of 5 b..."
other than my disagreement with the portrayal of the vampires i thought it was a very good read ^_^ Several people in this thread said the series was great so i plan to read another book from the series, maybe that will help me get over my prejudices =p
I would recommend the 9th book, but it's kind of the final arc in the series.....you may have to read them in order?
Courtney Mae wrote: "I added four new books to my first comment, I should have added them as a new comment sorry photojim."It's all good Courtney Mae. I've been meaning to read Bitten for a while now. This just might be my impetus to do so. Thanks for the recs.
Of the books I picked for you, I think that
Covet would be a good choice. Which are you reading this month?
Bitten is amazing. As well as Dark Lover, I'm currently about to start the 5th book in the series. I love the series, and each narrator so far continues to hold Armstrong's writing talent. Although Bitten isn't as well written, the characters are amazing and stay my favorites in the entire series.Picking up Dark Lover tomorrow, or Monday! Can't wait!
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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- 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..."
*snort* Like that needs to be forgiven? I have actually been leaving myself out of the sign up list for this very reason. I want to jump in if needed and am glad that you took the initiative since i was a bit out of it for the past few days. Thank you o' wise one!!LOL