November - Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Fran, Moderator]

Penney wrote: "Hi Fran,
Paige PM'd me instead but I sent her a message with an explanation. You should get them tonight."

Thanks so much Penney!

[Debbie]

yeah, found them. Hope you get them soon Fran, let me know.

[Gigi]

Debbie wrote: "Photojim wrote: "Gigi, I know you missed the cutoff, but if I'm not asked to pick for someone else, I'll gladly PM some picks for you if you'd like."

If Gigi wants recommendations, we can add her ..."

Photojim wrote: "Gigi, I know you missed the cutoff, but if I'm not asked to pick for someone else, I'll gladly PM some picks for you if you'd like."

Oh wow! Thanks Photojim and Debbie! I always love getting (well, and giving) recs. I'm still trying to figure out how I missed the deadline. Anyway, if you need anyone else for a re-pairing, count me in. I would hate to make anyone do anything extra for me because I was too busy preparing for and being drunken batgirl for Halloween.

[Debbie]

Re - Mix time
Between the 6 remaining that have not received recommendations and the 2 additions, I have 8. I happened to have 9 offers for help (Thank you all so much) in giving out recommendations - so I used most of you who generously offered your book knowledge......

Buggy picks for Barbara
Anja picks for 32. Sue
LethalLovely picks for 62. Britta
Penney picks for 5. Fran
Debbie picks for Laila - private
Photojim picks for Gigi
D.G. picks for Oumiì - private
Elke picks for 59. Lauren - private

- Thanks for your patience and I hope that you are able to get your recommendations.

[Debbie]

Gigi wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Photojim wrote: "Gigi, I know you missed the cutoff, but if I'm not asked to pick for someone else, I'll gladly PM some picks for you if you'd like."

If Gigi wants recommendations, ..."

lol, bat girl huh :)
Not a problem, we had enough volunteers to cover
Thanks

[Gigi]

LOL! Thanks Debbie! ; )

[Debbie]

Wait to see what Jim recommends before you thank me - lol - just kidding :)

[BJ Rose]

Lindsey,
I'll definitely go with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake - Sarah MacLean is a new-to-me author, so this will let me know if I want to read more of her. As you noticed, I have not read anything by Kat Martin either, but I did recently pick up her Brides trilogy, so if I have time, I'll read one of those, and if I like it, I'll definitely add the two you mentioned to my wishlist. Also, my library has Lori Foster's Say No to Joe so I've requested that.

Lindsey wrote: "BJ Rose

From your TBR
1. One Scream Away one of my Goodread friends actually recommended this one to me and I loved it!

2. [book:Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake|6584134..."

[Penney]

Hey Fran,
I'm ready! I'm ready! Ok, I hope these are worth the wait...

From Your TBR
1. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie -one of my favs and it's usually recommended many times during every "pick-it". There's a very good reason for that.
2. Talk Me Down - Very funny and very sexy.

New To You
1. Passion - Loved it! Historical erotica...nuff said.
2. Midnight Man - I didnt expect to enjoy this series so much b/c it's the typical super alpha male rescues damsel in distress, but it's sweet and super sexy too.
3. *Bonus* - Memoirs of a Geisha - in case you want something very different, I recommend this one all the time. Although it has a strong romantic quality it's a historical novel where the setting and time period are as important as the main characters and plot.

From My TBR
1. The Darkest Hour - You like Maya Banks, I like Maya Banks & this looks like one of her good ones.
2. The Mane Event - I've been wanting to read this PNR for a long time. I've put it on the November Challenge, so this is the month, finally!
3. *Bonus* He Loves Lucy - technically this is no longer on my TBR since, based on your recommendation to me, I just started reading it today. I'm almost halfway through and I'm really, really enjoying it. So in case you want to read it with me....

I hope I've given you enough variety and you find something fun to read. Enjoy!

[Fran, Moderator]

Thanks so much Penney! So many good ones- so hard to choose!

I will start with He Loves Lucy- I will start tomorrow so that we can read it at the same time. If I can squeeze it in this month I will try for The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie or Passion. All the rest will go on my tbr list for sure. Thanks again for doing this for me at this late hour!

[Desperado]

Britta, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get your picks by the deadline. I hope that I'll be able to rec something you will enjoy. =)

From Your TBR
1.Strange Angels by Lilith Saintcrow: This was my first Saintcrow novel-& her first YA series-& I absolutely loved it. It's jam packed with action, kickass-ness & even a little romance. Saintcrow also has a UF series-beginning with Night Shift- that I've come to enjoy, as well.
2.Tithe by Holly Black: I read this book ages ago- at the age of 12, IIRC-& have reread it many times since then. It was one of my favorite paranormal YA novels growing up & helped reinforce my love for that genre.

New to You
3.Touch the Dark by Karen Chance: Since most of the books we have in common are paranormal YA novels, I wanted to rec a few adult UF novels. Cassie is a clairvoyant on the run from people trying to use her & her powers. Great series, IMO.
4.Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake: Another adult UF novel. I was rec'd this book last month & I am so happy I chose it. While there are vampires in this novel, the romance is at a minimum & the action is non-stop. Not to mention, it's very nice to see a protagonist who isn't a Mary Sue.
5.Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop: I got from your profile that you're very into fantasy. Well, this is one fantasy series I'd rec to anyone. I haven't come across a world quite like this one.
6.Abarat by Clive Barker: Another fantasy novel. Great storyline, characters & absolutely amazing illustrations.

From Our TBR
7.Glimmerglass by Jenna Black: I read the first book in Black's UF series-The Devil Inside-& I didn't enjoy it. But friend of mine-who didn't like Black's UF series either-recently read her foray into the YA genre & she thought it was pretty damn good. So I'm more than willing to give Black another go & hopefully you will too.
8.Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews: I haven't read Andrews' UF series yet. I keep hearing it is cool beans though so it is definitely going up on my list. If it's anything like her PNR series-which I have read-I'm in for a treat.



If you don't see anything here that your interested in, I'm more than happy to make new rec's. Enjoy! =)

[Penney]

Fran wrote: "Thanks so much Penney! So many good ones- so hard to choose!

I will start with He Loves Lucy- I will start tomorrow so that we can read it at the same time. If I can squeeze it i..."

Yea Fran! I'm glad you're joining me with He Loves Lucy. It was fun making picks for and really hard to choose just six, as you can tell :)

[Tania]

Hina wrote: "Hi Tania,

Sorry for the lateness of my picks. Btw, great TBR!

From your TBR:

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn. - I loved the story. Julia Quinn did a..."

Thanks for the great picks Hina - too many to choose from at the moment. I'm leaning towards the Kresley Cole but may need a historical fix after I do my monthly paranomal challenge so I'll see how I go.

Again - thanks heaps.

[D.G.]

I sent Oumiì a friend request. :)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Debbie wrote: "Wait to see what Jim recommends before you thank me - lol - just kidding :)"

I'm almost offended by that comment. Oh wait, no I'm not. :D

Nothing but novelized fanfic for you!

OK, seriously, let me look this morning and I'll have picks up within the hour.

[Debbie]

D.G. wrote: "I sent Oumiì a friend request. :)"

there are 3 that may not be able to get any, but thanks for trying :)

[Debbie]

Photojim wrote: "I'm almost offended by that comment. Oh wait, no I'm not. :D

Nothing but novelized fanfic for you!

O..."

- Well, no offense was intended, just teasing :)
the mood I was in wouldn't let me just say a basic "your welcome"

[D.G.]

Debbie wrote: "there are 3 that may not be able to get any, but thanks for trying :)"

If she doesn't respond, I'll assume she doesn't want to participate. :)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Gigi - "Thank heaven for little girls they grow up in the most delightful way!" you know I'll be talking with my Maurice Chevalier accent all day now.

From your TBR:

* Victoria Dahl's Start Me Up - You and I both gave the first one of these three stars. In my world that means I liked it. Nothing to go out and buy copies for your friends, but good none the less. This is based on Lori Love the mechanic friend. If you like a heroine with a sense of humor this is for you.

* Megan Hart's Dirty - You seem to like your books with a bit of heat in them and don't seem to mind shedding a few tears along the way. I've read Dirty and have Broken sitting here waiting for me (along with several hundred of it's closest friends). I'd be very interested in seeing what you think of this. Or, if you'd rather read Broken, I'll read it with you.

New to You: (this category is somewhat harder since you have 800 freakin' books on your Mt. ToBeRead! But I'll give it a shot anyway.)

* Lisa Lutz's The Spellman Files - Not to be taken seriously, but a lot of fun. Think Janet Evanovich but less serious. I've read them all to date (four or five so far) and I've laughed every time.

Have to go take the dog to the vet, but I'll be back with three more picks shortly.

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

So where was I? Oh yeah, new to you picks. Let's see...


New to You: (part deux)

* I just did a search on your shelves. How is it possible that you have as of yet resisted the pull of the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) and the In Death series? This should probably be remedied. Naked in Death is the first. It's decent. But don't judge the whole series on the first book. The character growth and multi-book arcs are what really suck you in. Great stuff.


This third section is where I'm supposed to give you recs from my TBR shelf. Well, that's just tough as I don't keep one. I have a Mt. ToBeRead against one wall in my bedroom with a couple of low lying hills in other rooms of the house. I just don't keep track of them online. So instead I'll just list two more books I think you'll like regardless of where they are listed.

* Susan Mallery's Buchanans series. Four books, which start with Delicious. Light and fun contemporary romance.

* Rachel Gibson's Simply Irresistible Again a light and fun contemporary. You seem to like the SEP Chicago Stars books that you've read so far. Much in the same vein. Good and fun.


OK, so I kept it fairly clean and above board. But I also relied a bit heavily on contemporary romances as that is what I like best. So I'll throw out one historical that I rate as being in the 'Worst 10 Books Jim has Ever Read' list. Maybe I'm just prejudiced against weak heroines and equating rape with love. But some people actually like historical romance so I'll throw it out there and maybe you can tell me how wrong I am with my negative five star review. A Pirate's Love by Johanna Lindsey.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

BRITTA

First, I want to start off saying I'm so sorry again for the late choices. Life has been crazy, but you shouldn't have been kept waiting. I'm so sorry! Without further ado, here's my selections.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Magic Bites by Illona Andrews

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

If I could recommend one book for you to read it would be DARKFEVER. I warn you, though. The series is addicting, each book leaves with you a cliffhanger and the final book in the series isn't released until Spring. The wait is driving me crazy.

I've not personally read it, yet. But, a friend has read SLAVE TO SENSATION and gave it rave reviews. It's the first in a series, as well. I am looking forward to reading it.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

Drq wrote: "hey there Tina,

This is my 4th pick it for me challenge and I hope I'm getting better at this! You and I have some similar tastes in books so this one is kind of easy for me. As always I hope t..."

Thank you for your recommendations, DRQ. I can't wait to get started.

[Anja]

Hi, Sue.


From Your TBR:

There were only 3 books on your TBR that I’ve read so I’m going to pick them all.

1. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole. I love this series. It isn’t necessary to read the prequel novella first but if you want to, you can find it free online. This is also the book that most fans of the series say is their favorite.

2. Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb. This is the fifth book in the series and the next on the rotation for you. I’m up to book twenty-one so I can’t recall what this book was about but I remember liking the first ten books the best.

3. The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter. This is next in the series for you. I’m still mad at this book but I know many loved it.

New To You:

1. Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl. This is the third in the trilogy but you’ve read the second. This book was my favorite and I’ve reread it a few times. I loved the hero.

2. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. I didn’t see any futuristic space books on any of your lists so I wanted to recommend something completely different. I would like to try this series myself.

From My TBR (and yours):

1. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh. Technically this book isn’t on my TBR yet but the first in the series is. I am planning on reading the first book this month but I know I will love it and eventually get to this book. You’ve rated all but one of the books 5 stars so I’m sure you will want to read this book. I’ve read great reviews for it.

2. Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden. This is the first in a trilogy that I’ll be starting this month. I really liked her Midnight series.

[Miss]

wow D.G. that was fast! I'm really glad you liked Ruthless, I agree with you about the suspense plot, it was pretty obvious halfway through the book who the bad guy was. I think you'll like The Sexiest Man Alive even better, I couldn't find fault with it, it was written in a flowing, easy style and the humour was tasteful. It was the first Julie James book for me but it won't be the last.

[Debbie]

D.G. wrote: If she doesn't respond, I'll assume she doesn't want to participate. :)"

Thats the best you can do for the ones marked private, thanks again :)

[D.G.]

Miss wrote: "wow D.G. that was fast! I'm really glad you liked Ruthless, I agree with you about the suspense plot, it was pretty obvious halfway through the book who the bad guy was. I think you'll like The Sex..."

LOL, Miss...I told you I felt like reading it. It helped that I was off on Monday so I spent most of the day reading. :)

This will be my second book by Julie James and I'm looking forward to it. :)

[Melanie]

Carolyn F. wrote: "Okay Melanie - I hope I picked something good for you.

From your TBR -
Untouched - I gave this book 5 *s
Outlander - You have this listed as Cross Stitch - my favorit..."

Ooh great picks Carolyn, thanks! I received Crown of Crystal Flame yesterday and read it last night, so Debbie I'm done with my pick:-)

I think I'll also try to read A Wallflower Christmas and Untouched (since I have them), and I'm adding Hawksong and Caleb to my TBR/to-buy list:-)

Thanks Carolyn!! CoCF was a great ending to the Tairen Soul series... I'm now looking forwards to Gaelen's story, and maybe Kieran, Kiel and the twins?:-)

[Debbie]

good to know, we have several that have alread read their recommendations.

Congrats :)

[Sue]

Anja wrote: "Hi, Sue.


From Your TBR:

There were only 3 books on your TBR that I’ve read so I’m going to pick them all..."

Thank you Anja for the recommendations! I didn't realize the new psy book
Play of Passion is out - so I definitely want to read that one this month! And since I am trying to read more books than paranormal romance again, I am going to try Grimspace as well.

Thanks!

[Gigi]

Photojim wrote: "So where was I? Oh yeah, new to you picks. Let's see...


New to You: (part deux)

* I just did a search on your shelves. How is it possible that you have as of yet resisted the pull of the J.D..."

Hi PhotoJim!

My dad loves the movie, hence the name. So, I know that song well and I've actually become a fan of the movie as well. LOL

Thanks again for the great recs! I really appreciate it! I'm sorry that I'm just getting back to you. I know, I really need to clean out mount TBR (its getting ridiculous lol).

Well, I'm torn between Dirty and Naked in Death. I definitely love my erotica! So, I've ordered Dirty from Alibris.com. I also wanted to read something out of my comfort zone which is definitely sci-fi so, I'm probably going to audiobook Naked in Death from the library.

I do love my HR, but.....as for A Pirate's Love....um, maybe another time. I trust your hilarious review which literally had me laughing out loud. I will probably pick it up at some point from the library out of curiosity. Thanks again!

[Gigi]

Thanks again Debbie!!!!

[Stormy]

Gigi wrote: "Photojim wrote: "So where was I? Oh yeah, new to you picks. Let's see...


New to You: (part deux)

* I just did a search on your shelves. How is it possible that you have as of yet resist..."


I just had to chime in here on A Pirate's Love, this book is something that I've enjoyed a number of times and is one of the few that's traveled with me over the years, despite moving 10 times (yup, I appear to be part gypsy) I can still put my hands right on it today. Shrug. I like pirates and this story hits the spot for me. I'll have to check out Jim's review. Grin.

[Buggy]

Hi Barbra. SO,so sorry I haven't been watching this thread as I'm not participating this month and only just got the memo that I'm being used as a re-mixer.

I'm on my way to work right now but promise as soon as I can I'll get your picks for you, so by tomorrow morning for sure Okay.

[Debbie]

Buggy wrote: "Hi Barbra. SO,so sorry I haven't been watching this thread as I'm not participating this month and only just got the memo that I'm being used as a re-mixer.

I'm on my way to work right now but ..."

Thanks for stepping in and helping out Buggy -
re-mix just went up last night. And she was an add on also, middle of the picking she asked to be added and was asked to wait till re-mix.

[Gigi]

Debbie, I'm also available for picking recs if you need anyone else to pick as well.

[Debbie]

Thanks Gigi, I think I do have enough though - there are 3 set to private, they are the only ones that I am not sure about and Barbara was an add on also. I think everyone else has already gotten theirs.

Yeah, only 4 remaining :)

[Gigi]

Ok. You're welcome. Great challenge Debbie!

[Elke]

Hi Lauren,

So glad to be picking for you! Hope you find something you like! If not let me know and I will try again! Happy Reading! :)

Your TBR

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: This is a very unique story. Even though it is fiction it did open my eyes on how others live!
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong: I have never read this but it sounds very interesting and the reviews seem pretty good!

New To You

Dancing with the Devil by Laura Drewry: I saw that you have read a few paranormal books on your lists...so this is one that mixes PNR and HR! It is a quick fun read!
Truth Or Dare by Lori Foster: Lori is one of my favorite authors...but this book is good! It has 3 different juicy stories about 3 best friends!

My TBR

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson: I just finished the first one in the series...although it was a little slow in the beginning it is worth it!
Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips: It seems it can be a good story!

[D.G.]

Oumiì,

I see you read mostly YA so my suggestions are along the same vein. ;) I've read the picks from your TBR and the new to you and I loved them all (there are 3 5-stars among the bunch and I'm very stingy with them.) I hope you find something here you like; if not, feel free to let me know and I can add more picks to my recommendations. :)

From Your TBR:
1. The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins
2. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

New To You:
1. A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

From Our TBRs:
2. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
2. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

[Tatiana]

Just finished my pick - Ender's Game. Let's say, I am glad I finally got it off my TBR (it's been there forever), but I didn't enjoy it very much, unfortunately.

[Rossy]

I can't believe you guys are getting started and already a few of you have finished?! *gasp* What in the world!LOL

Great job, Debbie! I'll also join my thanks for the volunteers. You guys make me so proud! *beams*

[Debbie]

Thanks Gigi :)

down to 2 yeah!

well, Tatiana, glad you got it read and off your tbr, at least now you know.

[Debbie]

Thanks Rossy, this group has made it easy. So many have stepped up to help.

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Debbie, I felt the same way last month. With everyone being so helpful, this was a joy.

You are doing a great job!

[Pam]

Do you think anyone would notice if I just stayed home the next two days and read? I am sooooo far behind in what I WANT to read. And you guys keeping adding to that list.

[Rossy]

Just do like i have to when i need a break. Lock your doors, disconnect the phone, turn off the computer and voila!LOL

[Debbie]

Thanks Photojim, it seems to have gone fairly smoothly.

Can I join you Pam, I have a few things I would like to read also.

[Buggy]

Barbara here's your picks, better late then never. I hope you can find some happy reading here

From your TBR shelf
Casanegra-Blair Underwood-Come on This sounds hot, steamy and delicious
Roots-Well everyone should read this book

New To You
She's Come Undone I've read this a couple of times, its amazing
Foxy: My Life in Three Acts- Don't know if you read Biographies but this is a good one about a super interesting lady

From My TBR shelf
Naked- I see you are a Meghan Hart fan, this is new
Water for Elephants, Great book, run away and join the circus

[Britta]

*Noticed Pam's comment :_:*

Pam,

Alright! Good choices :D Let me know what you choose! (:


And it seems that I've gotten two lists of recs :-: Can I read two books then? :D I feel speshul xD


LethalLovely & Tina

Love the picks :D
Sadly, here in Estonia it's not exactly that I can just get up and walk to the bookstore and get whatever I want :_: We don't have that much of a choice - though I have to admit that it's a LOT better than what I was expecting :3 - Buuut I'm going to write them all down and visit the two main bookstores, and also make my friend show me the library, and we'll see what we have here :3
Tithe will be at the top of my list though. I've been meaning to read it for positively ages. And Magic Bites too. That's been getting a lot of good reviews (:
Oh, and Dead Until Dark. Everyone's always telling me to read Sookie Stackhouse :D
If I'm lucky, I'll get to read all of those books in the end :D They all look awesome.. *Drools*

Now I really want to read something C: I'll drag myself off the computer soon so I can go read :3

[Debbie]

Thanks Buggy, appreciate you stepping in :)