October - Pick It For Me Challenge!

[Debbie]

good job guys, that was quick :)

[Leah]

Jim, I'm also able to do picks for some if you need anyone else :)

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Delicious Dee Challenge Addict wrote: "hi Elise

If I had to pick 1 for you to read, I would love for you to read The Cookbook Collector, but if you can't get it (the wait for it at my library was nearly a month), then I hope you read Pleasure Unbound
..."

I'll definitely order The Cookbook Collector and I can get Pleasure Unbound for sure, saw it last week :0) So I read which ever one I can get ahold of 1st. THX Dee

[Tania]

Hi Hina, Here's my picks for you - even though we have different star signs I think we have similar tastes in reading, although mine may head a little to the hotter side of the scale :)

A. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane
The last book I rated five stars was Devil's Bride which you also gave five stars. So I'll go with Coming Undone instead. This is a contemporary romance, although a little hotter than most :) Even though it's #2 of the Brown siblings you won't loose anything by reading this one first

B. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
First let me say that your to be read list is a source of envy and joy. It was really hard to pick one book. So I've gone with an author I normally enjoy, although I haven't read this series of hers. Plus I think this cover is just beautiful.

C. Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich
You enjoyed the first few Stephanie Plum novels but instead of getting you to continue with that series I thought I would suggest you try this series. As a side note - this book kicked off a whole nascar addiction for me. Didn't even know what it was until I read this.

D. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
This was actually a hard one to pick for me, mainly because there are no books out there I DON'T want to read. So I've selected one of the recent releases of one of my favourite authors that I can't wait to read instead.

E. Dogs and Goddesses by Jennifer Crusie and friends.
I normally don't like anthologies and usually hate books written with two or more authors with a passion. I find that they don't flow, are usually disjointed and that bad editing means that something that happened in one story line didn't happen at all in another story line etc. This was a surprise exception to that rule.

F. The Warlord Wants Forever + A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Your TBR gave me a list a mile long of books I want to read and this one just missed out first place. I've wanted to start Cole's Immortal's after Dark series for a while but given the number of PNR series I'm currently consuming it's gone to the back burner. I've added the second in the series as well because the first is only a novella.

I don't really have a favourite but I hope you'll pick Metro Girl - just cause it's a fun book! I hope you find something in this list to enjoy!

+

[Tania]

Photojim wrote: "Thank you!
Thank you!"

You're quite welcome. Actually doing this twice has highlighted the brilliance of the rules.

Three of my picks remained the same, because they were based on me and my reading preferences whereas three of my picks were completely different because of the recipients TBR list. Well done!

[Desperado]

Katherine,

1. My last 5 star book that you haven't read:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
This is actually my next to last 5 star book but I saw that it was on your TBR shelf, so why not? I'd never read anything by Andrews before-although I've heard nothing but good things from my friends-& I decided to start with this one. It has just enough action & kick ass for UF fans & just enough romance for PNR fans. I loved it!

2. Your TBR list:Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
This isn't my favorite book in the series but I loved it nonetheless. I love the demon lore & how all the heroines are self-sufficient. Don't get me wrong, the men are super alpha male-& not in a overbearing way. yay!-but the women don't wait around for the heroes to save them either.

3. Totally New to You:Black Ships by Jo Graham
I see you have alot of Philippa Gregory's historical fiction on your shelf & a bit of PNR too. This book combines both seamlessly. Jo Graham has definitely become one of my favorite authors & I know I can count on her when I want to read a great historical fiction novel with a supernatural twist.

4. A book I want to read but haven't read yet:The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
My friends have raved about this book for the longest time. I'm not much of a Jennifer Ashley fan but I do love historical romances. I've heard that the hero has a mental illness-won't spoil you with what it is-& that it really endears you to the hero & his love for the heroine.

5. Surprise Pleasure for Me:Black Ice by Anne Stuart
I am not really a fan of RS-romantic suspense-but I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this novel a few years ago at the library. The hero is a cold-blooded killer & the heroine actually has a bit of a backbone. Stuart doesn't sugarcoat the gruesome acts that the hero & the villian(s) commit & I respected her more for it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book.

6. Extra Pick - Totally New to You:Touch the Dark by Karen Chance
I absolutely loved this book. Yes, it suffers a little from FIS (First-in-Series) syndrome but I was more than able to keep up. This was one of the first UF novels I liked after Laurell K. Hamilton completely went off the deep end. The world-building is amazing, the protagonist & supporting characters are strong & humorous & there's even a little romance.

The book I'm most hoping you'll pick is On the Edge, but to be honest, I'd be excited with you picking any of my other rec's. If you don't something your into, I am more than happy to give more recommendations.



I hope you enjoy!

[Katherine]

LethalLovely~You keep on crying, baby, wrote: "Katherine,

1. My last 5 star book that you haven't read:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
This is actually my next to last 5 star book but I saw that it was on your TBR..."

Thanks for the rec's! I think I will go with On The Edge, and Black Ships sounds really interesting. I hope I can get both in!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Looks like all the recs are in, so it must be time for some stats. I definitely noticed more unusual books being recommended with the new rules this time. Although the top authors stayed pretty consistent.

And the most popular author this month is....
Suzanne Collins - 12

followed by:
2. Nalini Singh - 10
2. Gena Showalter - 10
4. J.R. Ward - 9
4. Richelle Mead - 9
6. Jeaniene Frost - 8
7. Nora Roberts - 7
7. Lisa Kleypas - 7
7. Teresa Medeiros - 7
7. Stieg Larsson - 7

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Thanks for that Diane!

I think for the most part the rule change worked well. But it is just for this month. We'll see what the rules are for next month.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Well, with Suzanne Collins being the top author recommendation, it is probably no surprise which book was the most recommended.

1.The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 12
2. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost - 7
2. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - 7
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - 6
5. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione - 5
5. The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter - 5
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - 4
6. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean - 4
6. Covet by J.R. Ward - 4
6. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley - 4
6. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - 4
6. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole - 4
6. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - 4

It looks like historical romances are breaking up the stranglehold PNR/UF seemed to have on the top recommendations with two new entries this month.

Halfway to the Grave seems to have some real staying power as it has been in the top 3 for the last 3 months. While The Hunger Games has taken the top prize the last 2 months.

There were 430 recommendations this month.

[D.G.]

Love the stats, Diane!

I only recommended one of the most recommended books but got two of the most popular.

[D.G.]

And I loved the new format, Jim. At the beginning I was nervous that I wouldn't get enough TBR choices (I cannot request mmpb books from other library branches and a lot of romance only comes in that format!) but Jess did a great job of mixing it up.

Also, I had to think a lot about my choices so I could find books that I thought Megan would like that fit the categories.

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Now that things seem to have leveled off for me and around here, I get to have a good look at my picks - both those given and received.

It looks like I recommended three of the most popular authors but only one of the most popular books. It's like taking a less often traveled branch of a very popular road.

As for the picks for me, they all look wonderful. I haven't read any JA Krentz and this might be the perfect start to a new author. I've heard of the Beyond Heaving Bosoms of course and the Crusie. Each of the picks sounds great to me. i guess i'll just have to see which I find first.

[Debbie]

changing the rules of recs definately worked well. Good thinking Jim, Thanks for running a great challenge :)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Happy to help. I don't know who is running the November challenge yet, but they might want to let the categories stand for another month with new pairings. I wanted to narrow the choices a little as I've always felt that eight picks was just a couple too many. And usually there is one or two books that you REALLY want the person to read. This is just a way to point that out.

Unfortunately, I didn't narrow the field enough apparently. I have six picks that all sound great to me. I usually think that two or three of the eight sound like something I really want to read and I just see whatever comes in first from the library or I find at Half-Price Books. This is the first month where I actually want to read EVERY book on my list.

We are only on the third and everybody had picks by 49 hours into the month. And there are even some who've finished picks already. Good times.

[Penney]

See Jim, maybe there really is something to this astrology thing...

[Gigi]

I loved the categories. Jim, this was great. However, for me, I definitely missed having 8 picks though. It just gives you more, a couple more, options to choose from. And I love looking for recs so, 8 recs were never a challenge for me JMHO. Loved the categories. Thanks Jim for a great pick it for me challenge!

[Debbie]

That is a great idea Jim, to use the new rec suggestions - thanks for the input Gigi. Maybe a variation of the old and the new.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Photojim wrote: "...Unfortunately, I didn't narrow the field enough apparently. I have six picks that all sound great to me. I usually think that two or three of the eight sound like something I really want to read and I just see whatever comes in first from the library or I find at Half-Price Books. This is the first month where I actually want to read EVERY book on my list...."

I'm glad you like your picks. :)

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews]

i read one of my picks

[Joyce]

Katherine wrote: "Hi Joyce! I will be taking over your recommendations. Hope you like them! "

Thank you Katherine. I love your recommendations. I think I'll start with

Greywalker because I've been wanting to start reading this forever.

I also noticed that your Birthday is 9/21. That is my favorite niece's birthday and we get along very well. I have a lot of Virgo friends and family.

[Desperado]

Katherine wrote: "LethalLovely~You keep on crying, baby, wrote: "Katherine,

1. My last 5 star book that you haven't read:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
This is actually my next to last 5..."

Yay! I hope you like it/them, Katherine!

[D.G.]

Debbie wrote: "That is a great idea Jim, to use the new rec suggestions - thanks for the input Gigi. Maybe a variation of the old and the new."

Yes, I'd also like the idea of going with Jim's method a second time around!

[Melissa]

I, too, like the specific "themes" to the recommendations and hope to see them again.

[Taylor]

29/7 Leo! :)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Sorry Taylor. you are just going to have to wait until next month. The P.I.F.M. Challenge thread usually opens up around the 23rd of the month for sign-ups. It almost always closes on the 29th so people can be paired and the picks made. Look for it toward the end of October for the November challenge.

[Rossy]

Photojim wrote: "Happy to help. I don't know who is running the November challenge yet, but they might want to let the categories stand for another month with new pairings. I wanted to narrow the choices a little ..."

You did a fantastic job, Jim. I have been catching up on posts and i have not laughed this hard in weeks! I have to say that i also love the new rules, i'll give it some thought and see if we can mix the old and new together. *hugs & kisses*

Our next month volunteer to lead the challenge has already been picked. She has a great idea for the pairing that i think you will all like.

BTW, if anyone has a new pairing idea and would like to host the challenge for December, please send me a PM.

[Hina]

Hi Sheswitches,

It was no trouble at all, I had fun and gave me books to add to my TBR. My top pick would be Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Since that is my very favorite.

[Hina]

Tania wrote: "Hi Hina, Here's my picks for you - even though we have different star signs I think we have similar tastes in reading, although mine may head a little to the hotter side of the scale :)

A. C..."</i>

Hi Tania,

Thanks so much for the picks, most of them ended up on my TBR if I don't get to them in this challenge. But the books I will try to read for this challenge is:

[book:Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich.
The Warlord Wants Forever + A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole.

[Gail]

KimKirt wrote: "GAIL! - Maybe Jim does have something up his sleeve with this pairing, first, I love Springsteen and had to smile at your avatar. Next, I'm a loan processor so our professions are close. The only t..."

Kim
Thank you . I actually have Cry No More on my to be read bookshelf at home but do not have it listed in goodreads. Its really funny you put water for the elephants because that is also one I have wanted to read. Someone just gave me a Lori Foster book to read but I do not think that was a title.

I will try Cry NO More as I happen to own it and you recommend it as your top pick.
Thank YOu

[Annie]

Gigi wrote: "Annie (a mad hamster) wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Hi Annie!

A. My latest 5 star read: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I couldn't put this book down. And if you choose this one, you should ge..."

Hi Gigi - not a problem! I'll go with these and see what happens next...
Not sure when I'll EVER get around to updating my shelves!

[Hina]

I hope you enjoy it!!

[~~*Julie]

Miss wrote: "Thanks for the great recs Julie. I will be hapy to read The Shack with you. Also the Dracula book sounds interesting. Thank you so much!

~~*Julie wrote: "Miss--
I was very happy to go through your..."

Let me know and I will get it from the library!

[Miss]

Ok Julie, I will let you know when i will start reading The Shack.

[KimKirt]

Gail wrote: "I will try Cry NO More as I happen to own it and you recommend it as your top pick.
Thank YOu "

Looking forward to your review!

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

I really enjoy this series, She. The first one was meh for me too. But, I am so glad I stuck to it. Some I like better than others, but I loved some of them.

[Dee]

BJ Rose - I finished up The Housekeeper and the Professor which was your out of my comfort zone read, but i ended up really enjoying it - thank you for the recommendation...the psychological aspect of it was awesome (especially after I took a class featuring stuff on this a couple of semesters ago)

[Ari]

Becky:
I just finished The Host within the hour. It was great! What a complex story. Thanks for the rec. Going to try another of yours next. Let you know how I like.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

What did you think about it, Ang?

~Ang~♡♥ The Saucy Aussie♥♡~~ wrote: "i read one of my picks
"

[Leah]

I've read one of my picks, Dead Until Dark, and I still love it. I'm hoping to also read Eat, Pray, Love, but I don't know if I'll get to it.

[Becky]

So happy you liked it!!

[Ann]

Leah *~*Savitar's Surfer Girl*~* wrote: "I've read one of my picks, Dead Until Dark, and I still love it. I'm hoping to also read Eat, Pray, Love, but I don't know if I'll get to it."

I'm reading Eat Pray Love right now. I'm about 70 pages in and I really like it so far! I think it is going to take me awhile though!

[Leah]

Ann wrote: "I'm reading Eat Pray Love right now. I'm about 70 pages in and I really like it so far! I think it is going to take me awhile though!"

I've heard that it's really good. A friend of my family suggested to me and said she's read it multiple times. My grandma has seen the movie a couple times and said that one was good, too.

[Melissa]

Alright, Ang...I just finished Pack Challenge and really, really enjoyed it. Hot and Steamy! And great characters. I will definitely be reading the others. This was a quick read and one that I kept getting mad when someone would interrupt my reading...my poor kids! Thanks for the recommendation!

[BJ Rose]

Delicious Dee Challenge Addict wrote: "BJ Rose - I finished up The Housekeeper and the Professor which was your out of my comfort zone read, but i ended up really enjoying it - thank you for the recommendation...the psych..."

Dee, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[Annvelwis]

Carolyn F.
I finished Changeless by Gail Carriger yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic :D You were also right to advise having next book in the series at hand, hah. Such an ending!
Thank you for wonderful recommendation!

[Carolyn F.]

Annvelwis wrote: "Carolyn F.
I finished Changeless by Gail Carriger yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic :D You were also right to advise having next book in the series at hand, hah. Such an endi..."

I'm glad you liked Annvelwis, that is one of my favorite series. I can't wait until book #4 comes out.

[Coffeentea]

FlibBityFLooB
Thanks for your recommendations. I'll read One for the Money for this challenge and put the rest of the recommendations on my TBR list. That will add a little variety in my reading. If I finish reading for my October monthly challenge, I'll definitely start on the Yours Until Dawn and Moon Called. Not sure when I'll read The Hunger Game since I am 122 on the waiting list at my library.

[Hina]

SheSwitches wrote: "Hello Hina.

I finished Night Pleasures last night and I liked it-3 stars. I was a little hesitant to read this because Fantasy Lover was just meh for me-2 stars{I know I have to add i..."

Hi She,

I am glad you liked the book. I agree with you on the Fantasy Lover, it doesn't make you really want to read the next series, lucky for me I picked this book up first and read fantasy lover much later. Some of them in the series are awesome and some are just good. I hope this book provided you enough interest to keep reading the series.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Sue,

I read Slave to Sensation and enjoyed it. Thanks for moving it up my TBR. I wasn't too sure when I first started as the Psy are so cold, but everything soon warmed up. :)

My UBS is having a sale, so I managed to get a couple others from the series as well.