Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2010 Challenge Archive
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December - Pick It For Me Challenge
AshleyAlexis wrote: "PamI'm so excited to pick for you! Hopefully at least one thing i recommend you'll like!
I think I'm going to go with the Christmas Past category unless you decide to go Tiny Tim on me :) So I'll try and get a hold of Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. I actually own a copy of The Hunger Games and I will read it at some point but not yet.
Home at last. Home at last. Thank God almighty, Home at last.I'm going through now to see who does and who does not have picks yet. Give me a few to fix the list.
If I've counted correctly, I have 10 people without recs yet and two who have finished.
Photojim wrote: "If I've counted correctly, I have 10 people without recs yet and two who have finished."I can help with recs:-) Swiss time though! So earliest anyone would get them is tomorrow morning(US time):-)
Would be happy to help with recs if needed!
The people without recs are:4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. Moondust
I'll take 64 Freya and she can take 63 Rachel. As I have a message from Freya in my inbox. I think Emily and Moondust can still pick for each other. If only one picks we'll find recs for the other.
That leaves the first six on the list in need of picks. Anyone who wants to grab a person and make some picks, please do so.
Thank you everybody for getting your picks out there and helping out when needed.
Jim
I will pick for Macwolf01 (Elise) if that's ok- we have a lot of books in common.
Freya, I have some picks for you. Hopefully you will find something you like. If not, let me know and I'll try a different tact.A. The Ghost of Reading Past -
1) Dune by Frank Herbert - I notice that you don't shy away from science fiction. An awesome classic that is a should read for everyone.
2) The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - You have a Ken Follett on your list, but not the most famous one. Give it a shot.
B. The Ghost of Reading Present -
1) Key of Light by Nora Roberts - Since I read this yesterday (finished in the wee hours of the morning actually) I would call that pretty present. I'm 70% of the way through book two now. Romance trilogy with a bit of Celtic god influence.
2) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - You seem to enjoy the classics. Also this is incredibly short but powerful for a children's story. I've given this book to more than a few people.
C. The Ghost of Reading Future -
1 & 2) Since you have so few books on your TBR (three) I'll make new picks for you.
Nation by Terry Pratchett - I have yet to have anyone read this that did not love it.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - another classic that is not to be missed. I love this book.
D. The Tiny Tim factor (totally optional but a worthwhile challenge)
1) Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas - It would also satisfy the featured author challenge if you happened to sign up for that one.
Thanks Fran. Five left. Volunteers?
I will gladly take care of Melissa's recommendations. Give me a few to look through her library - be right back :)
Hi Macwolf01 (Elise)-It was fun picking for you, hope you find something you like- if not, I would be happy to choose some more for you. Here goes-
Past-
1. Slave to Sensation- This is a favorite read of mine and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I was hooked from the first page.
2. He Loves Lucy- I can't remember if this was specifically recommended to me or if I just read somewhere in the RRRC threads how good this is. It really is great- you will be cheering for Lucy and her HEA will put a smile on your face.
Present-
1. I am reading Dead to the World right now, but it is in the middle of a series so I will suggest what I am reading next- Switch by Megan Hart. This can also count for the PA read if you do the monthly challenge. Looks steamy and good!
2. Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble- I bought this as a present to myself on my kindle- it was an unexpected treat. I loved every character and it was very clever and funny.
Future-
1. Seduce Me at Sunrise- In case you need a book for the author of the month and you have read the first one in this series so you may want to read the next one.
2. My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon- I have not read this but I want to. Looks good.
Tiny Tim-
1. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie- Melanie and I are going to try and read this together towards the end of the month- we would love you to join us!
2. Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story- I see you are a BDB fan like me- this is an awesome short and sweet read- Melanie and I are going to read this one too- hope you read it with us.
Photojim wrote: "Thanks Fran. Five left. Volunteers?"My pleasure! I sent Elise a PM and let her know I chose books for her.
Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. Moondust
I'll take 64 Frey..."
I can do picks for Lady Leah after dinner.
Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. Moondust
I'll take 64 Frey..."
Ok, I'll take Corrupt. Your picks are on their way!
Debbie wrote: "I will gladly take care of Melissa's recommendations. Give me a few to look through her library - be right back :)"
Thanks so much, Debbie!
I can do recs for someone else...looks like Valerie still needs suggestions.
Pam,Thanks for the sugesstions so many sound intresting. i really wanted to check out Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here but none of the libraries in my area seem to have it. = ( So i decided to go with Midnight Crystal and if i have some extra time. I'll pick up The Wild Child
=)
Carolyn F. wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Carolyn F. wrote: "I'm so glad you haven't picked yet Gigi! I'm usually just sliding it at the gate (or is that the base?).A - 1 Mr. Cavendish, I Presume
A - 2 [bo..."
Oh great! I've heard such great things about Hunger Games. I'm dying to hear what you think! Well, I'm still torn- I'm down to 3 now- Mr. Cavendish, Silver Metal Lover and Nicholas. I'll keep you posted. And having Nicholas as an option has nothing at all to do with the cover! LOL
ValerieHere's some recommendations...hope you find something you feel like reading!
The Ghost of Reading Past
1)Dark Prince - I am a sucker for these type of paranormal romances with the fated couple, add the vampires and that they are the good guys and I always come back for more - I love these books so I think you should give it a shot
2)Catalyst - one of my favorites by this author, my best friend recommended this way back when and this made me read everything else she's written - don't know if it's my favorite because it was my first by her or if it's her best, but I think you'll like it
The Ghost of Reading Present
1)The Iron King - just picked this up today, it's the Urban Fantasy's group read this month and a book that I've been thinking of buying for awhile now because I've heard it's good
2)Shadowland - this book and the other 5 in the series are on the tippy top of my favorite books of all time! I've read the series twice and a few of the books more than that. Quick, funny paranormal romance. If you don't read it this month, you should soon!
The Ghost of Reading Future
1)Storm Born - great start to this series, I really liked the second book, too, which is always iffy when the first is as good as this one
2)A Kiss of Shadows - the first book in another series that is high on my favorites of all time list - such a cool world with great characters that make it hard to wait for each new book
The Tiny Tim Factor
1)Stray - a book I own (and have owned for a long time) but have yet to read even though I've heard great things (hence me buying it) - totally ready to read it if you will too
2)Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson - the first book in a hilarious, young adult series written in diary form - another series that I reread often - quick with lovable characters - I am willing to reread it if you want to give it a go
Thank you everyone who came through for this. If there is someone who still needs something, just post and I'll make sure it is taken care of in the morning.
Hey Melissa, sorry it took so long to get back - I lost internet connection, anyways... I have a few recommendations for you, I hope you can find something that interests you.
Ghost of Reading Past:
1) The Hunger Games - just finished this one a few days ago, it is a different type of YA. It is a little more violent and the adventure is of a strange survivor style game.
2) Hannah's List - I am a big Debbie Macomber fan. This is a contemporary romance and even though this is the 7th of series, it would work as a stand alone just fine.
Ghost of Reading Present:
1) Wicked Appetite - I see you have quite a few Janet Evanovich's in your library. This one is a spin off of #'s (Stephanie Plum) - well actually it is a story that basically revolves around Diesel and a girl that has some strange abilities too. Very cute in a way that only Janet can do.
2) Maybe This Time - I luckily got this as a reviewer copy, so fun. Crusie at her supernatural best, with a small minor side story of a rekindled romance.
Ghost of Reading Future:
1) Kiss of Midnight - You have several pnr and this is anther that has it's own take on being a vampire and it's own set of rules and laws to follow.
2) Lover Eternal - I noticed you have read the first of the BDB series, personally I enjoyed several others better than the first, so I think you might want to try the next one.
Tiny Tim Factor:
1) Bitten - this one seems to have been on both of our TBR's for quite some time. I have heard it is pretty good. We could read it together if you wanted.
2) Truly, Madly - I am actually getting ready for the second, but the first one was so good I could read it again first. This Heather Webber is similar to a Evanovich or Crusie, it has a bit of mystery with comedy littered through out.
I tried to give you a couple different genres to work with and this is what I got for you, I hope you can find something that strikes an interest for you.
Enjoy, Happy Reading :)
Lady LeahI'm sorry you had to wait for your picks. I hope you find something you like.
The Ghost of Reading Past
1. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Mercy is one of my favorite heroines. She is not all-powerful, but still finds a way to save anyone she cares for. A very interesting world as well.
2. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean was recommended to me last month in this challenge. I enjoyed it even though I'm not a big historical romance reader.
The Ghost of Reading Present
3. Nothing on your TBR fit, so I'm going with the book I'm almost done with - Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken. The heroine is great (a warrior trying to remove her crazy brother from the throne) and the dragon family interaction is a lot of fun. Plus lots of steam.
4. Sunshine by Robin McKinley - UF where vampires are very, very scary.
The Ghost of Reading Future
5. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong - you've read and liked the first two, why not finish off the trilogy.
6. Falling for Gracie by Susan Mallery - one of my favorites by her and she looks to be one of your favorite authors.
The Tiny Tim factor
7. Neither of us have read Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I hear its a good book and I just recently got it from the library, so I'm in this month no matter what.
8. Jennifer Crusie is one of the authors I re-read all the time. I'm willing to do so again for either Faking It or Bet Me (two of my favorites) if you would like company while reading.
Britta wrote: "Photojim*The Ghost of Reading Past*
1. Procession of the Dead by Darren Shan.
Now I'm not a 100 percent sure this is your type, but it was a.. (*Racks brains for another word besi..."
Britta, I ordered Procession of the Dead today from the library. Hopefully I'll get it some time next week.
Diane ~Firefly~, thank you for making the picks for me! I'm going to go with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake as I just received it in the mail from my friend today! And I'm going to try for The Reckoning. Thanks again! :)
Annvelwis wrote: "Elke, I'm so very sorry for such a late response. I hate that I kept you waiting. I love your picks :D I actually read The Hunger Games a while back and I loved it so I can recommend it, too :D I'm..."Oh gosh no worries! Ok...all your picks are really good! Soulless has been recommended to me 2 times...this being the 3rd! So that is the one I will choose to read!!
thanks again!!
Debbie wrote: "Hey Melissa, sorry it took so long to get back - I lost internet connection, anyways... I have a few recommendations for you, I hope you can find something that interests you.
I am now 5th in line for one of the two copies my library has of Maybe This Time...sooooo, Maybe NOT This Time...good choice though. I didn't even know this was out already. I will definitely read it when I do finally get my hands on a copy.
I will definitely read Wicked Appetite. I even got it signed by Janet herself the day it was released. Not sure why I haven't read it yet! I love Diesel!
I'm willing to (finally) give Bitten a go, too. I don't even want to look to see just how long I've owned this book (and several of the ones after it), but I know I had to have it once upon a time so I must have heard good things about it.
I have plans to read Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay as soon as my kids finish them and let me have them back! They said for my Christmas gift they will finish MY books and give them back. HA! Teenagers!
I will put Truly, Madly on my list of books to hunt down later since my library doesn't have it.
Thanks for stepping in and giving me great recommendations! I'll let you know when I start Bitten. :)
Elke wrote: "Annvelwis wrote: "Elke, I'm so very sorry for such a late response. I hate that I kept you waiting. I love your picks :D I actually read The Hunger Games a while back and I loved it so I can recomm..."Really? I'm on the waiting list for Soulless. I can't wait to get a hold of it.
CorruptSorry for the delay! I hope you find something you enjoy!
Past
A-1
by Lara Adrian (loved it)A-2
by Kelley Armstrong (rec'ed for me by a few people- must be good!)Present
B-1
by J.D. Robb (rec'ed for me last month and I'm now hooked on the series--I get all of the Roarke talk--yum yum!)B-2
by Linda Howard (bought with a gift card--haven't read it yet but heard the book is one of her best!)TBR
C-1
by Nicholas Sparks C-2
by Peter S. BeagleTiny Tim
D-1
by Suzanne Brockmann or
by Julie JamesD-2
by Lora Leigh (the best breed book in the series IMO) or
by Linda Howard (I'm always up for a re-read of this love story!!!)
Courtney wrote: "Elke wrote: "Annvelwis wrote: "Elke, I'm so very sorry for such a late response. I hate that I kept you waiting. I love your picks :D I actually read The Hunger Games a while back and I loved it so..."I have actually taken it out from the library...but I always have to return it before I read it! Hopefully this month I will finish it!
Melissa wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Hey Melissa, sorry it took so long to get back - I lost internet connection, anyways... I have a few recommendations for you, I hope you can find something that interests you.
..."
lol, I have the opposite problem, I am trying to get my kids to read all of my YA books and finally my oldest picked up Harry Potter (I haven't even read that one yet) - I have tweens though so some of them are too much for them just yet anyways. I like to read them first, I have found a couple of YA's that I don't think I want them reading till they are older. Let me know about Bitten, I will dig mine out as well.
AshleyAlexis wrote: "Pam,Thanks for the sugesstions so many sound intresting. i really wanted to check out Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here but none of the libraries in my area seem to have it. = ( So..."
I confess-I bought this at Target last week on a whim and I'm pretty sure it's a pretty recent publication. I've been trying to use the library, and stay out of bookstores, but the lure of the book aisle in the supermarket and I had to walk by the books in Target on my way to the dog food even if they are in opposite corners of the store! Not any farther in it...Have been writing college recommendations. I thought the end was in sight but another student came and asked today. I did like Midnight Crystal. Read it very quickly! Enjoy.
Debbie...I know what you mean about reading before them! I have a 14 year old son, 12 year old daughter, and a 9 year old son. My older two have always been leaps and bounds ahead of their grade level when it comes to reading and it's hard to find challenging books for them that are appropriate. My 9 year old is monkey see, monkey do and thinks he should be reading what the other two are so that's fun for me (not). My daughter is into Shakespeare and my youngest always tries to read it too and says "this isn't even real english!" With Harry Potter, I resisted but finally caved after everyone but me (and the youngest) were the only ones who didn't know what all the hype was about. I gotta admit they are worth the hype.
Penney, I finished Dragon Actually today. Thanks for the recommendation. It's been on my shelf for a long time and your synopsis renewed my interest in it.
Lady Leah Westcliff wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~, thank you for making the picks for me! I'm going to go with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake as I just received it in the mail from my friend today! And I'm going to try f..."I hope you enjoy it!
Melissa, my oldest is 11 and just finished book 1 - I keep saying I will get to it. I couldn't imagine them reading Shakespeare though, that is great - I think. My 9 year old still struggles with fluency so I try to find things that interest her so she will stick with it. So far Chocolate Fever seems to be working and the Magic Tree House series (Mary Pope Osborne). I can't interest either one in Hunger Games (which I recently finished) but I will keep trying :)
Katie (CA),A. The Ghost of Reading Past -
1) list a book that you really liked that your pickee has not read - Surrender - this is a bit hardcore but if you're into erotica, it is well written.
2) List a book that was recommended to you - Voyeur - I needed a book starting with V for a challenge and this was recommended to me, it is a good read.
B. The Ghost of Reading Present -
1) List whatever book you are currently reading/read recently - Switch - this book was about a woman who gets a letter by accident which changes her life.
2) List a book that you received as a present - The Vampire Lestat - i thought this one was better than Interview with a vampire, you must love Lestat, he's not so whiny as Louis!
C. The Ghost of Reading Future -
1)Lover Eternal - book two is much better than Dark Lover, give it a try!
2)Counterpoint - I don't usually read MM novels, but this sounded so interesting that I also added it to my wishlist.
D. The Tiny Tim factor
1) List a book that neither you nor your pickee has read - If I Must - this has been on my radar for some time,ever since i discovered Amy Lane's Little Goddess series, which was absolutely amazing, so if you pick this we can read it together.
2) List a book that you have read but your pickee has not - The Lady's Tutor - I loved that book and i would happily read it again.
Hope you find something here that you like, and I am sorry that you only got 4 books from your TBR, but i haven't read that many books from it and didn't recognise them. So here it is:
Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. Moondust
..."
Photojim, I picked for Katie (CA), and also sent her a message about it.
Hope everyone is set now. :)
Hi RachelSorry to have kept you waitng... Had numerous hitches starting with being Blind to my name on the list :D totally missed it. Here are my choices...
A. The Ghost of Reading Past -
1)
The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer - Sorry Jim, its HR but I was introduced to Heyer a short while back and after this first I devoured her other books.2)
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella - Its been recommended oh so often and I've been meaning to read this for a while but I just haven't got down to it.B. The Ghost of Reading Present -
1)
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett - Currently reading this and I found it quite gripping.2) Keep off the Grass OR Johnny Gone Down by Karan Bajaj - An option of two books. Both I recieved as gifts over the last few months and I enjoyed them both.
C. The Ghost of Reading Future -
1) The White Rajah by Tom Williams
2) The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel by Paulo Coelho
D. The Tiny Tim factor
1) Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx - been meaning to read this for a while.
2)
The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye - This is one of my all time favourite romances. I lived the story as I read it :)I hope you find something in this Rachel... Its the first time I chose for someone else and it definitely got me thinking hard :)
Jim - I have included a lot of covers. I hope thats ok. :)
Hi JimThanks for those great choices...
I have already read Pillars of the Earth and loved it :) Sorry my books list is very incomplete, just too new on GoodReads so not much added. :(
I short-listed these two - Key of Light by Nora Roberts & Nation by Terry Pratchett. But the Celtic influence clinched the deal.
Key of Light it is. :) I better get cracking on getting it!
Argh, I passed out last night without making picks. Is it too late?
Freya, thanks for the picks, but I don't think any of those are on my TBR, which was why I joined this challenge (I want to get through my pile!) :-p Any recommendations from there? If not, I'll probably pick up Brokeback, as I too have been meaning to read it for a while.
Jeez sorry RachelThought I saw these three on your TBR
1) The White Rajah by Tom Williams
2) The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel by Paulo Coelho
3) Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
But go ahead and pick up Brokeback Mountain and I'll try and get it too! :)
Hm, you know, it is entirely possible that I put them there and promptly forgot about them. But let's do Brokeback; I'm totally game for that :D
Photojim,Lovely, I hope you'll like it :3
Great Rachel... Brokeback isn't at my local library... let me see where I can get a copy... But it's on :)
Freya wrote: "Great Rachel... Brokeback isn't at my local library... let me see where I can get a copy... But it's on :)"Wow, that really surprises me. Even in the heart of the bible belt I'd expect to find it, given its award-winning major motion picture status. I sucked it up and bought it, but mostly because I'm impatient :-p
sabrina, please don't worry about it! things happen :) thank you miss, for the wonderful picks! i'm going to try to read a couple of these. first, i've already chosen If I Must (from your shelves, actually) for the monthly challenge here, so that will definitely be read this month. i think i'll also try to squeeze in Lover Eternal. i've been wanting to read that one for awhile now.
Oh well, I was just sending Corrupt a message telling how sorry I was for being so late with my recommendations. I just found out that Gigi had already done my job, and again, I'm very sorry but I got caught up with work and family stuff that kept me away from GR.Thanks a lot for your recommendations, Corrupt, and for your help, Gigi.
Freya wrote: "Hi JimThanks for those great choices...
I have already read Pillars of the Earth and loved it :) Sorry my books list is very incomplete, just too new on GoodReads so not much added. :(
I short-..."
Just so you know, Nation is the better book. Key of Light is good, but I LOVED Nation.
Anyone need anything?
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Lover Eternal (other topics)Neverwhere (other topics)
Vegan Brunch (other topics)
Jane Eyre (other topics)
Key of Light (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Suzanne Collins (other topics)Jeaniene Frost (other topics)
Cassandra Clare (other topics)
Karen Marie Moning (other topics)
Jennifer Crusie (other topics)
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I just finished Pleasure Unbound and really like it. But I am a little disappointed that Cam and Ky won't be getting together--I took a sneak peek at the rest of the books. Hopefully I get to lover revealed a little later on in the week.