Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2011 Challenge Archive
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March - Pick It For Me Challenge
Cassie wrote: "Hey Sarah!Here's my picks for you. Hope you find something you'll want to read!
Places I'm Going
1. Culture Shock - Abithica by Susan Goldsmith - I've never heard of this book, bu..."
Thanks Cassie!! You were really quick and you did a great job picking for me!! I'm going to go with Abithica by Susan Goldsmith and if I have time I'll pick up the Wizard of Oz as well. :)
Hi BJ Rose! I hope you find something here for the month of March. :)
1. Culture Shock: Kristin Lavransdatter – Sigrid Undset (I didn’t recognize the title or author, and I am pretty sure I can’t even pronounce them.)
2. Airport Purchases: The Scarletti Curse – Christine Feehan
3. Making Those Connections: The Fiery Cross –Diana Gabaldon
4. Going back there for sure: His Wicked Kiss - Gaelen Foley (This has adventure in the jungle, the high seas, and England)
5. Making space in the luggage: Open Season – Linda Howard (I saw you have read some of her books and this one of my favorite books of all time.)
6. Heading home: Agnes and the Hitman- Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (Its light, funny, and filled with action. The dual authorship makes for interesting prose as well.)
7. Set in Japan: The Tokaido Road – Lucia St. Clair (I have been meaning to read this for about 5 years)
8. Set in Ireland: P.S. I Love You – Cecelia Ahern
Cathy here are my recs for you (I hope you find something you like!)Places I'm going
1. Culture Shock - Butterfly's Child: A Novel by Angela Davis-Gardner
2. Airport Purchases - In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix (She looks tough and it looks like a book I would pick up and read. Plus you read number one and must have liked it enough to add number 2 to your list)
3. Making Those Connections - The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (I recently read the first book and thought it was very unique so I'd love to hear what you have to say about the second book)
Places I've Been
4. Going back there for sure - Across the Universe by Beth Revis (It's set on a space ship so it might be a little impossible to travel to but I thought it was a very interesting concept and I loved the characters. If you pick this one I hope you enjoy it!)
5. Making space in the luggage – Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (This was one of the first Urban Fantasy books I'd ever read, and it got me completely hooked on the genre. I noticed you've read a few UF series but not this one. I was going to pick Outlander for this option but you have read it.)
6. Heading home - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I completed this book in one sitting, it was very captivating! So you could probably finish it in 8 hours or less.)
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7. Book set in England: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
8. Book set in Scotland: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Optional Pick
9. Audio book - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. (I noticed that you have read Outlander and liked it so I'm suggesting the audio book because you can hear what the Gaelic is supposed to sound like. The entire book is a different experience by listening to it. Plus the woman narrating has an English accent and does very well capturing each voice in the novel.)
Danielle (Italy) - here are your recommendations:Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes I've never heard of this author
2. Airport Purchases - Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
3. Making Those Connections - Shadowland (Immortals #3) by Alyson Noel (red cover like The Shattered Sylph, which you rated 5*, & it’s PNR which you seem to prefer)
Places I've Been (Books I've read)
4. Pick a book in an exotic locale: Egypt – Mr Impossible by Loretta Chase
5. Making space in the luggage – book I could never leave behind: Son of the Morning by Linda Howard
6. Heading home - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton - takes place in Australia and Cornwall, England - loved the fairy tales told by the mysterious Authoress
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
(It’s expected that if the person you’re picking for selects one of these that you’ll read it as well)
7. Book set in Ireland: Jewels of the Sun - book 1 in The Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy: I actually liked Tears of the Moon & Heart of the Sea better and would be happy to read any one of them with you (by Nora Roberts)
8. Book set in Italy – I know A Room With a View by E.M. Forster is a classic, but I thought Where Angels Fear to Tread by the same author sounded really interesting, and I'd be happy to read that with you. If you can't find that one, try Miss Garnet’s Angel by Salley Vickers
Optional Pick
9. Audio book - I'm suggesting two books here - I thought both of them were greatly enhanced in the audio version.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett has 3 narrators (I think), one for each of the women, and that made this such a great tale – each of the main characters is personalized in a beautiful way.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith begins a delightful series about Mma Ramotswe in Botswana. The narrator does such a great job on pronunciations of names and places, as well as the cadence of speech of the people.
Hey, Sinful! Hopefully you'll find something to enjoy in this list! : )Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock – The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge. At first I thought it was The Iron Duke, which I just finished a couple weeks ago, but I was clearly mistaken. I've never heard of the book or author but I'm sucker for steampunk, so I hope it's a good read for you.
2. Airport Purchases - The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. Wow, just look at that tattoo!
3. Making Those Connections – Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead. I saw that you read the first. Why not move onto the secon?
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure - Warrior by Zoe Archer. The first book in the Blades of the Rose series, all of which have stunning locations.
5. Making space in the luggage - Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. I might even suggest ditching my mom or another family member for the sake of this book.
6. Heading home - The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. My first introduction to historical fiction and boy, was it unforgettable!
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7. Switzerland - Chains of Fire by Christina Dodd. I've never read any of her works, but I did notice you had one of her books on your TBR. Also...Switzerland is a surprisingly difficult place to track down when it comes to book settings.
8. Italy - Lyon by Elizabeth Amber. The series looks really interesting, especially since I can't recall satyr's being too popular among PNR books. I'm also a sucker for fey characters.
Delicious Dee Challenge Addict wrote: "lol...i'm trying to find you some good stuff right now!aight - here you go!!
Places I'm Going
1. Culture Shock - Seven Nights of Sin - i've heard of Lacey Alexander but never ..."
Well hell, DD! You did too well of a job. Now I don't know what to read. I want to read them all! LOL!
I've narrowed it down to either The Perfect Play, Sinful, Slave to Sensation or Warrior. Yes, that is really me narrowing it down. I have no idea which one I'm going to actually pick but that's that!
Hey D.G.Recommendations for you
Places I'm going (Books from your TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - The Knife of Never Letting Go I have never heard of this book but based on your short list you want to read it.
2. Airport Purchases - I was in an airport today and from your list I would choose either Truly, Madly or The Sweet Gum Tree depending on how light a book I felt like reading
3. Making Those Connections - You've read Jennifer Donnelly so how about Revolution
Places I've Been (Books I've read)
4. Going back there for sure - Not exotic but I recently finished Free Fire which took place in Yellowstone and made me want to visit there.
5. Making space in the luggage – I could NEVER leave a Dana Stabenow anywhere. My favorite is Whisper To The Blood but I do believe you have to start this series at the beginning with A Cold Day for Murder
6. Heading home - Anything by Nora Roberts most recently Happy Ever After or John Sandford Bad Blood
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7. Australia One for the Road: Revised Edition or On the Jellicoe Road
8. Peru At Play in the Fields of the Lord or Bel Canto
Optional Pick
9. Audio book - my favorite audiobook of all time is Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
:) glad I could oblige LL hopefully u can read more than one
hey sandy!! i hope you find something good in here :)Places I'm Going:
1. Culture Shock -
2. Airport Purchases - Infinite Jest - i'm drawn to colorful covers :)
3. Making Those Connections - The Outlandish Companion - it looks like you've really enjoyed other books by this author...so i'm thinking you might like this one, too.
Places I've Been:
4. Going Back There for Sure - Relentless Passion - this book takes place in italy. though i've been there before, i would so love to go back!! also, this is an m/m book.
5. Making Space in the Luggage - All the Weyrs of Pern, Dragonflight - with ebooks at your fingertips these days there aren't many books i feel that strongly attached to, but Anne McCaffrey has been a favorite of mine since high school. All the Weyrs of Pern is my suggestion, but it's #8 in the series so i included Dragonflight in case you want to start at the beginning :)
6. Heading Home - The Archer - hands down, this is one of my all time favorite books. it's another m/m that has one of the most interesting story lines i've read. it's incredibly funny and will keep you guessing til the end.
Planning the Next Trip:
7. New Zealand - What the Librarian Did - i found this book on the goodreads bookshelves. i've never read it or heard of it, but it's set in new zealand, so there you go :)
8. England - Dreaming of You - this was my first Lisa Kleypas historical romance and i still love it. i haven't read it in awhile and would be happy to read it again with you!
Jennifer, thanks for the prompt recs - I know what you mean about Kristin Lavransdatter 2: The Wife! I have to be in the right mood for that one (it's actually book 2 of 3 & I did read the first one), so I'll pass on that for now. In fact, I'm going to pass on all three recs from my TBR and go with your reads. My library has both Open Season & Agnes and the Hitman, so I've requested them both, and will read whichever comes in first.
Megan- I hope you like my recommendations...Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Nightshade
2. Airport Purchases - Wither Beautiful and interesting cover.
3. Making Those Connections - The Rogue Hunter (Rogue Hunter, #1) You rated the first 10 books really high so I figured that I couldn't go wrong with this one.
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure - Nights in Rodanthe I haven't read to many books that are in exotic places but I did enjoy this beach book.
5. Making space in the luggage – One for the Money This is one of my favorite series which will keep you laughing!
6. Heading home - The Passage This is not a book I would typically choose to read but I'm glad I did. If you decide to read this one let me know what you think.
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7. Italy- Breathing Room
8. New Zealand- Mistaken Mistress (The Saxon Brides, #1) It took me a while to find this one!
Delicious Dee, I'll get your picks out to you as soon as possible tomorrow :)
AshleyAlexis,I hope you find something that sounds good.
Places I'm going
1. Culture Shock - Dreamweaver by Kathleen Kane.
2. Airport Purchase - Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Very intriguing cover.
3. Making Those Connections - Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. You really liked the spin-off book (Hunting Ground), so check out how it started with Mercy.
Places I've been
4. Going back there for sure - A Tale of Two Demon Slayers by Angie Fox would have been my pick as she makes Greece sound amazing, but it is book three, so instead I went with Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur which eventually heads to Scotland. Nice and unique premise as well.
5. Making space in the luggage - this was hard as I have so many books I love. I decided to go with the one I've owned the longest. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. This is a interesting YA mystery. I think I've had this copy since I was about 10.
6. Heading home - The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. I just re-read this recently and stayed glued to it again. Madcap family of PIs that is told in a unique style.
Planning the Next Trip
Wow, these weren't easy countries to come up with something.
7. Germany - Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend by Katie Macalister. I have the original 2 books that were compiled for this one and wouldn't mind reading them again. I'm not sure how much of the story happens in Germany, but I know the Goth Faire is in the general area. A fun, YA book about trying to fit in. The book has witches, vampires and very funny viking ghosts.
8. Japan - Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. I've seen a lot of reviews that compare this to The Hunger Games, which I really enjoyed.
Hi Melissa! Just had a fun couple of hours looking, selecting and pondering your reading shelves and options. My picks follow, but feel free to ask me to pick again.Places I'm Going (from your TBR)
1. Culture shock: Obsession Untamed by Pamela Palmer. You seem to have enjoyed some of her books but I've never heard of her or the books! (Perhaps I live under a rock?)
2. Airport purchase: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Love this cover.
3. Connections: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison. A new release from an author that you really enjoy (I think!).
Places I've Been (Books I've read)
4. Exotic location: After Dark by Jayne Castle. This is futuristic romance with some great paranormal stuff happening. It has the cutest dust bunnies and great H/hs. It's just a fun series with a mystery to solve each time. OR Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. I loved this book and would love to go to Ireland and meet Jericho Barrons!! :)
5. Luggage space not negotiable: Anything by Nalini Singh! So my recommendation for you is Angels' Blood or Slave to Sensation
6. Heading home - keep me happy as larry in economy: Dark Lover by JR Ward or Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. I love these two authors and the worlds they have created. These series become addicting!!
Planning The Next Trip (Buddy reads)
6. Set in USA: Menage by Emma Holly
7. Set in Australia: Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
I've been meaning to read both these books for ages and I thought that they may interest you. The first because you have a Shayla Black book (which I suspect is similar to Menage) on your TBR list, and the second because it is a YA book of which you have a few on your read list.
Optional Pick
9. Audiobook: I listen to HEAPS of audiobooks because I do a lot of driving. So I have picked the first in a great series that I enjoy and the second from an author that I have loved since I was a teenager and go back and reread all the time. Both are really well narrated.
Naked in Death by JD Robb
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer
Yeah! Yz the Whyz has such fun shelves! I look forward to checking them out!Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Lilith Unbound by Elaine Cunningham (I have never heard of her, so it fits! LOL)
2. Airport Purchases - For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper (it looks cute with a neat cover)
3. Making Those Connections - Tall, Dark, and Cajun by Sandra Hill (You gave the first book in the series 5 stars)
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure - Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake (In this first book of a great UF series, the main characters travel to Italy and Egypt)
5. Making space in the luggage – The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede (This is my all-time favourite book! It is about one of the few great events that happened on 9/11)
6. Heading home - The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton ( Heck, I could make it through eight hours in economy just looking at the cover! But the book is pretty good, too)
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7. England - Kiss of the Rose by Kate Pearce (Tudor England. Romance. Vampires. What's not to love?)
8. Ireland - Quentins by Maeve Binchy (My co-worker read and loved this book. Binchy is always good for an Irish read)
Optional Pick
9. Audio book - Naughty and Nice (This is my first, and so far, only audio book. It helped me get through some intense workouts. As well, this anthology includes both Jaci Burton and Lauren Dane, two authors on your TBR list, and whom I love)
There they are! Hope there is a goodie in here that tempts you. ;-)
Hi Elke!I hope you find something you like!
Places I'm Going
1. Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson (never heard of)
2. One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare (pretty cover)
3. Changeless by Gail Carriger (continue with author/series, etc)
Places I've Been
4. Black Ice by Anne Stuart (I just finished this book and liked it. Its set in Paris.)
5. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James (No way would I leave this book behind if I needed more luggage space).
6. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks (This book was a really sweet love story. It made me take a minute to analyze my relationship and play the what if game. I'm glad I read it!)
Planning The Next Trip
Wow, sorry I had a hard time picking one for each.
7. (my choice was England) A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux (an excellent time-travel novel and a great story, not a typical romance novel) or A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (A medieval love story which started my addiction to Judith McNaught)
8 (your choice was Italy) The Wedding Officer: A Novel of Culinary Seduction by Anthony Capella or Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs (RITA winner) or Wings of the Falcon by Barbara Michaels
Optional (Audiobook)
9. I've recently become addicted to audiobooks. However, the one narrator who I really enjoyed was the narrator for PS, I Love You by Cecilia Ahern.
Happy Reading!
Hey Shelley!!!We have somewhat diverse taste, but I hope you can find some interesting reads anyway!
Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Bitten by Kelley Armstrong- Paranormal is definitely something I am new to and I have heard of neither this author nor the book.
2. Airport Purchases - Don’t Tempt Me by Dawn Atkins- Ummm, it should be obvious why this particular cover caught my eye. ;D
3. Making Those Connections - Black Magic by Cherry Adair- Looks like you have rated lots of Cherry Adair books highly, and this one looks interesting.
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure - Memoirs of a Geisha by – I’ve never had much interest in traveling to Asia, but this book never fails to make me want to go.
5. Making space in the luggage –The Virgin’s Lover by Philippa Gregory- I am in the midst of this book and cannot put it down! Thus, I would throw out anything else in my suitcase besides my current page-turner of the month. Also, this book has some of the steamiest scenes Gregory has ever written!
6. Heading home - Remembrance by Jude Deveraux- Another page-turner that I get totally immersed in every time I read it. I could definitely read this one in one sitting and forget where I was.
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
Both you and your selectee chose a country you would like to go to. Pick:
7. Italy- Angels & Demons by Dan Brown- I loved this book and definitely wouldn’t mind reading it again with you.
8. USA- The Bikini Diaries by Lacey Alexander- Set in Florida and it sounds hot, hot, hot!
Jennifer I hope you like the picks.Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock -
I have never heard of this book but after reading the description it looks very interesting and the sort of book I would like to read.2. Airport Purchases -
This book caught my eye while looking at your TBR list3. Making Those Connections -
I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and this book lookd to be just as goodPlaces I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure -
Cincinnati, Ohio (United States) I would love to go to the US5. Making space in the luggage –
this book was just amazing.6. Heading home -
This is an exceptional book, I loved it from beginning to endPlanning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
7.
8.
Optional Pick
9. Audio book -
I read the book and listend to the audiobook and preferred the audio
Hey Katherine, here are your picks:Places I'm going
1. Culture Shock - Witch Fire by Anya Bast a pnr to start :)
2. Airport Purchases - Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
3. Making Those Connections - Vittorio: The Vampire by Anne Rice
Places I've Been
4. Going back there for sure - Cuban Heels by Emily Barr
5. Making space in the luggage – The Help by Kathryn Stockett - only just read it and I loved it so much it has become one of my favourite books.
6. Heading home - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown I noticed you have this on your tbr and I found this a real page turner.
Planning the Next Trip
Both you and your selectee chose a country you would like to go to. Pick:
7. Night in Eden by Candice Proctor (Australia)
8. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (Ireland)
Ive decided to start with reading Moon Called, several people have recommended it to me in the past. Thanks Diane
Inga wrote: "Fran, thanks for wonderful picks one more time! Here are my choices:
I also add..."
Inga, I'm so glad you like my picks!! Happy Reading!!
Laura wrote: "Megan- I hope you like my recommendations...Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Nightshade
2. Airport Purchases - Wither Beautiful ..."
Thanks Laura!! I'm going to definitely try for Nightshade this time around, and may get to some of the others. Breathing Room, Wither, and One For the Money are also catching my eye!
Pam wrote: "Hey D.G."Thanks for the recs, Pam. I'll definitely read The Knife of Never Letting Go but I'll see if I can fit any of the your other recs, specially those from my TBR. I'm working on reducing my TBR this month. :)
Hey Aleksandra,I am picking for you... I will send your picks shortly :)
Charlotte, I'm hoping I found a winner somewhere in here for you. You don't have a huge backlog of books on your read shelf for me to get a decent idea of what it is you generally read so I made a few guesses along the way.Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Rapunzel's Revenge - I know nothing of Shannon Hale, but you apparently like her books. And since this is the first in a series, its a good place to start.
2. Airport Purchases - Mockingjay - Yes, I've already read it, but it could use a re-reading. clean crisp cover that draws the attention. And you really should read through the end of the saga.
3. Making Those Connections - Pretties - I've heard good things about the series and you certainly seemed to enjoy the first one.
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4. Going back there for sure - Nation - made me want to visit the islands of the South Pacific. I keep recommending this book and people keep liking it. YA at it's best.
5. Making space in the luggage – Stranger in a Strange Land - It is dated. It is incredibly sexist. It deals with the topic of organized religion in a less than favorable light. But yet I re-read this book every 5-10 years to see how my opinion has changed. I always get something different from it. My eldest son read this when he was in eighth grade. Now that he's graduating HS. he re-read it. We talked for a bit and while we agree it is a flawed work, it is pretty interesting.
6. Heading home - Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal - If I'm sitting for a long time trapped in a seat next to someone with questionable hygiene and limited social skills, I want something funny. This makes me laugh and helps me take all things in stride.
Planning the Next Trip (buddy reads)
I'll see about the buddy read as my schedule is pretty full already this month.
Both you and your selectee chose a country you would like to go to. Pick:
7. I can't think of a single book set in New Zealand (other than a few Harlequins) so I'll go with a book that was filmed in New Zealand - The Fellowship of the Ring. Everyone should read this at least once.
8. England - Bridget Jones's Diary - I've seen the movie and hear the book is better. I'm willing to try and track this down if you are.
Optional Pick
9. Audio book - If you've never read one of J.D. Robb's In Death books, they are fantastic. I normally hate audio books but the woman who gave voice to most of these is fantastic. I recommend starting at the beginning with Naked in Death.
Hello , Becky!I hope you find something here:
Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1.Culture Shock – The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne
2.Airport Purchases – City of Bones by Cassandra Clare- I like the cover, really apocalyptic *laugh*
3.Making Those Connections –Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh - One of the best books I've read :)
Places I've Been (Books you’ve read)
4.Going back there for sure – Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts - After this book,you'll want to pack your luggage and run to Ireland .
5.Making space in the luggage –The Wedding by Julie Garwood - A very fun historical,loved the heroine.
6.Heading home – About A Dragon by G.A.Aiken - This book always puts me in a good mood.
Planning the Next Trip
7.One book set in Austria –The Passions of the Mind by Irving Stone - It has a different style but I enjoy the writer's works.
8.One book set in England – What I Did For a Duke by Julie Anne Long
Have fun!
Gigi wrote: "Hi Elke!I hope you find something you like!
Places I'm Going
1. Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson (never heard of)
2. One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare (pretty cover)
..."
thanks so much Gigi for the recs!! Not sure what to pick yet...but I will let you know!!!
AlbertaJenn wrote: "Yeah! Yz the Whyz has such fun shelves! I look forward to checking them out!Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Lilith Unbound by [author:Elaine Cu..."
Great choices, AlbertaJenn.
Now just need to know which one I can get my hands on.
I'm picking again for you this month, Cassie! I hope I found something you might like!Places I'm going (Books from your TBR shelf)
1.Culture Shock: Highlander in Her Dreams by Allie Mackay - I've never heard of this author or this book, but it's going on my TBR!
2.Airport Purchases: Love Is Blind by Lynsay Sands - Beautiful cover, fun book, great author!
3.Making Those Connections: Awakening by Cate Tiernan - I really enjoyed the Sweep series and it looks like you've enjoyed it so far, so keep on going!
Places I've Been (Books I’ve read)
4.Going back there for sure: The Villa by Nora Roberts - I really enjoyed this book by NR that is set on beautiful vineyards in the US and in Italy. It is about a whole family, and there are multiple love stories.
5.Making space in the luggage: Saving Grace by Julie Garwood - JG is my comfort author, and this is one of my favorites! You have none of her in your TBR and it broke my heart.
6.Heading home: Don't Tell by Karen Rose - I saw that you like suspense books, and Karen Rose is my favorite suspense author. This is the first in the series...most of them could be read stand-alone, but they do have connecting characters, so I always like to start from the beginning!
Planning the Next Trip
7.I picked New Zealand: What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss - I got this picked for me and I'll probably be reading it as I have a copy already. I saw you're not opposed to Harlequins, so maybe you'd like to read it too?
8.You picked Ireland: Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts - the beginning of a beautiful NR trilogy set in Ireland. The second book is actually my favorite, but this one is really good, too!
Optional audiobook:
I do quite a bit of audiobooks, so I'll recommend a couple. The best audiobook I've possibly ever listened to is Soulless by Gail Carriger. I read the next two books in the series, and it just wasn't quite the same. The narrator is fantastic, and it adds so much to this already brilliant book.
I also just recently enjoyed See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson on audio. Another great job by the narrator, and Luc Martineau is to die for!
Tugce Nida,Here are my recs for you:
1. Culture Shock: India Black by Carol K. Carr (Totally unfamiliar with both book and author, but the cover and the blurb caught my eye).
2. Airport Purchase - Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (The color purple just calls to me. Hope the story lives up to the cover).
3. Making those Connections - Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning (I did not see the first book in your shelves, so I will assume you have read it. Time to continue the series, then. It's fantastic.)
4. Place I Want to Travel - Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts (Ireland just sounds lovely to me)
5. A Book I Will Never Leave Behind - Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (You don't need to buy into the philosophy. The storyline is just fun.)
6. A Book that Will Get You Through a Long Flight - Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh (I'm taking the 2nd book on my plane trip this Monday, so that should speak for itself. : ) )
7. (Ireland) - Born in Fire by Nora Roberts (Another trilogy set in Ireland that I would want to read)
8. (England) - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (I haven't read a Gaiman book yet, and this sounds interesting).
9. (Optional) Audiobook - Naked in Death by JD Robb - (One of my top favorite series, narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Susan Erickssen).
I hope you'll find something that interests you in the list.
Happy reading!
Hi Rebecca! I completely want to read all the books you recommended! I'm going to start with Dead Witch Walking because it has been recommended to me multiple times. That's probably a sign that I will enjoy it. I will also read Kafka on the Shore this month. I bought it in the summer of 2009 and it has been languishing on my shelf ever since. I definitely needed an impetus to read it, so Thanks!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Hi Melissa! Just had a fun couple of hours looking, selecting and pondering your reading shelves and options. My picks follow, but feel free to ask me to pick again.Places I'm Going (from your T..."
Hi Jane!! The picks are perfect!! I actually have Obsession Untamed already checked out from the library and Pale Demon has been requested. So, I definitley will be reading those. As far as the other books I have been thinking about reading Darkfever and Dark Lover for a while so they are definite yeses too. I'm very interested in Slave to Sensation and maybe we could buddy read Tomorrow, When the War Began. I've never listened to any audio versions. I'm sure this is because I only live 5 minutes from I work and that is the only time I'm alone in my car. So, anyway I look foward to all the books I will be reading!!! I was also wondering how you were liking The Night Hunterss Series?
Megan, thanks for the picks! I think I'm going to go with Awakening by Cate Tiernan. I read the first 4 in high school, and I just hope I'm able to pick up where I left off with book number 5!
~Sara~It was a pleasure to pick for you this month! We seem to have similar tastes (I was amazed how many books we rated the same) and we also read all sorts of different genres. :) You'll notice that I gave you more than 9 recommendations. It's just that in some instances I went with something already from your TBR but decided to give you a second choice just in case you wanted something new. Hope you find something you like but if you don't, please let me know and I'll find new stuff for you. :)
PLACES I'M GOING (FROM YOUR TBR)
1. Culture Shock - Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson. Never heard of this book but the description sounds interesting and it has such a good rating!
2. Airport Purchases - Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. With the exception of The Perfect Play, I've never gotten a book based on the cover (this is not in your TBR but I definitely recommend it based on the cover, LOL!). Anyhow, the cover on Clockwork Angel would definitely make me pick it up and read the description to see if it's something that would interest me. It definitely does and I'm planning to read it one of these days. :)
3. Making Those Connections - One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. I saw you read the first in the series and liked it so why not continue? I'm sure you're dying to know how Bones and Cat continue their love affair (oh Bones...sigh...:)
PLACES I'VE BEEN (BOOKS I'VE READ)
4. Going Back There For Sure - As You Desire by Connie Brockway or Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase (both set in Egypt.) The descriptions of Egypt in As You Desire definitely made me want to visit and the story is so romantic...but Mr. Impossible is just sooo funny and I see you have it in your TBR. MI is the second in a series but it's really not connected to the first book so you won't lose anything if you read it out of order.
5. Making Space In The Luggage – The Moving Finger or And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan so I could never leave her books behind. These two are among my favorites (I have like 10 favorites by her) and one of them is in your TBR.
6. Heading Home -The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. This book was my companion in the stupidest flights I've taken: Malaga-Frankfurt-Paris-NY (I say stupid because there are direct flights Malaga-NY but the stupid assistant at work picked the cheapest option and had me traveling for like 18 hrs to save $50 bucks!!) I don't know what I would have done without TTR during that trip even if the book made me cry. :)
PLANNING THE NEXT TRIP (BUDDY READS)
If you pick one of these, I'll do my best to join you in a buddy read.
7. Set in Peru: Red April by Santiago Roncagliolo. I've never heard of this book until I started looking for books set in Peru. I picked it for you because it adds a different genre to the mix (contemporary mystery) and it was originally written in Spanish. If you pick it, I'll try to join you but reading the Spanish version. :)
8. Set in Canada: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. Another one of those series that I mean to start one of these days...so many books, so little time!
OPTIONAL PICK
9. Audio book - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Potter. This is, without a doubt, the best audiobook I've ever listened (I'm glad you haven't read the book yet so I can recommend it.) The narrator does an incredible job with the voices and accents which was very helpful because there was no way I would have known how to pronounce those Scottish names. Just beware...starting this series listening to the audiobook is addicting. I just CANNOT read the books now!
Megan wrote: "Laura wrote: "Megan- I hope you like my recommendations...Places I'm going (Books from their TBR shelf)
1. Culture Shock - Nightshade
2. Airport Purchases - [book:Wither|85255..."
Meagan- I didn't recommend any Audio books because I have never listened to one. Sorry, I hope you aren't disappointed!
Kami,Here are my recs...if you can't find anything you like let me know and I will try again!
Happy Reading!!
Places I'm going
1: Autumn Wow...major culture shock with this one! lol!
2: Fairy Tale This one would definitely catch my eye...pretty!
3: Water for Elephants This one was a little hard...we really don't have a lot of books in common. This one I read and liked a lot.
Places I've been
4: A Better View of Paradise: A Novel Set in Hawaii...who wouldn't want to go there! ;)
5: Too Much Temptation loved this book, got me reading more books by Lori Foster!
6: Bet Me this was a fun and relaxing read!
Planning the Next trip
7: I chose Italy- Juliet I am actually reading this one now!
8: You chose France- Black Ice one of the more interesting ones I can find set in France!
Debbie I'm so sorry! I'm usually much more on top of this challenge. Let me go over your shelves and make you pick now... Shouldn't be but a minute, or two (or three) ;-)
Ok Lady Leah I hope you like these picks!!Places I'm Going:
Culture Shock - An Enchanted Season
Airport Purchase - Addicted I've read this and it was good.
Making Those Connections - Leaving Paradise I loved the Perfect Chemistry books and I've also read this one and liked it too.
Places I'm Going:
Going Back There For Sure - Anna and the French Kiss It's pretty much the only book I have read located in different country. That being said I would definitley read it again.
Making Space - Welcome to Temptation Very funny bookk! I love any book that will make me laugh!!
Heading Home - The Passage It is a VERY long book and the first 100 pages were a little bit confusing but once you get past that everything falls in to place.
Buddy Read
Scotland - The Wedding
Australia - Tomorrow, When the War Began
Laura wrote: "Meagan- I didn't recommend any Audio books because I have never listened to one. Sorry, I hope you aren't disappointed! "Nope that's cool! I'm happy with my picks! :)
Elke wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Hi Elke!I hope you find something you like!
Places I'm Going
1. Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson (never heard of)
2. One Dance with a Duke by Tessa D..."
Ok Gigi...I took a better look at your recs...and I choose Changeless!
Thanks again!!
Elke wrote: "Kami,Here are my recs...if you can't find anything you like let me know and I will try again!
Happy Reading!!
Places I'm going
1: Autumn Wow...major culture shock with this..."
Thank you for the recs. I think I will probably read Fairy Tale and Autumn.
Katie wrote: "hey sandy!! i hope you find something good in here :)Places I'm Going:
1. Culture Shock - Bloodlines - i just went with the highest rated book i've never heard of. well, i've ju..."
Hi Katie! Thanks for the recs. I sure wish Bloodlines was out already! I will read Dreaming of You since Lisa Kleypas has never disappointed me.
@ Inga and Sue - I just finished up Blood of the Wicked and really enjoyed it - i'll be def. reading more of the series in the future.
Katie wrote: "Hi Skena! These are my picks for you. I hope you find something you'll like!Places I'm Going:
1. Black Dog And Rebel Rose
2. [boo..."
wow,what a great books to pick :)
I'd love to read it all .but I don't think I'll be to afford buying new books this month so, that leaves me with 5 of your picks;
1. Black Dog And Rebel Rose.(I won a copy but didn't got it yet .but who knows,maybe it'd arrive this days)
2. Dragon's Oath.(I found out that I could read it here)
3. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass.(I found out that I could read it here)
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.(I LOVE all this series .really .but the problem is that this particular book is so hard for me to read because of the death of Serius black -my favorite character-at the end of it:( .
8. Italy- Romeo and Juliet.(I found out that I could read it here).
I'll try to read at least two of them .and will start with "[book:Romeo and Juliet|99473]"
thanks a lot .I'll send my picks for you this night :)
its got quite a bit of killing and violence in it, corrupt cops and that sort of stuff, but i think it was tied up nicely in the end
Rebecca,here are your picks. I hope you can find something you like.
Places I'm Going
1. Culture Shock: Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty; I've never seen this book but every once in a while I really enjoy a fantastically sexy man-in-a-kilt romance. :)
2. Airport Purchases: Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr; I always loved the covers for the Wicked Lovely series. They're just absolutely gorgeous.
3. Making Those Connections: Ill Wind by Rachel Caine; I noticed that you enjoyed her Morganville Vampire series. I enjoyed the MV series and this book as well.
Places I've Been
4. Going Back There For Sure: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead; I love Richelle Mead's books. I've read all 3 of her series and I saw that you enjoyed her Vampire Academy series. Succubus Blues is set in the state of Washington, and since I hope to move there in the next couple of months it was absolutely perfect for this category.
5. Making Space in the Luggage: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh; she is one of my favorite authors and my bookshelves would feel sad and lonely without her books there. Slave to Sensation is the first in her Psy/Changling series. Don't let the cheesy cover fool you; it's a great read.
6. Heading Home: Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister; I don't know about you but when I travel I have a rambunctious little one to entertain on one side and a husband who doesn't like to travel on the other side. So, I really can't get into anything too deep or emotional or long. A light, quick, hilarious read is perfect for dealing with the stresses of traveling. Katie MacAlister is an author I go to for those quick and fun reads. You've read the first in the series, and this is the second. I've read the whole series and her Silver Dragons series and the hilarity just keeps going.
Planning the Next Trip
Vietnam: Omygoodness, this one was a really hard category. Not too many books set here that I could find, but I did find this one that could potentially be interesting: Never Say Die by Tess Garritsen.
Italy: A little bit easier to find. I've had this book on my tbr pile next to my bed for a couple of years now: Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayes.
9. I've never listened to an audiobook, so I don't have a pick for you for this category. I just barely got into ebooks this past month after a couple of years of resisting. Sorry!
![Macwolf01 [Elise] (macwolf01) | 1012 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1277511172p1/2680059.jpg)
Juana "Darkness", can you either friend me or go public. Thanks Elise
Penney,I will try to get your picks up tonight, but if not, then tomorrow at the latest.
Thanks for your patience!
Pam,Places I'm going
1. Culture Shock - Listography Journal: Your Life in Lists - I love lists and this books looks interesting!
2. Airport Purchases - The Adoration of Jenna Fox - Butterflies remind me of my youngest daughter, so I would have picked this one up to look at.
3. Making Those Connections - What's the Big Idea?: Question-Driven Units to Motivate Reading, Writing, and Thinking - I actually had a bit of trouble picking one for this! I went through your list trying to find either series or an author that you rated high and still have another book in your tbr from them.
Places I've Been
4. Going back there for sure - Chocolat - Okay, I have to say I've never wanted to travel some place because of a book (I read a lot of science fiction!). So I picked a book I really liked that was based some place other than the USA or the future!
5. Making space in the luggage – The Mists of Avalon - This is one of my favorite books! I've loaned it out many times, had it lost, and had to buy it again just to keep a copy!
6. Heading home - The Lord of the Rings - I just loved this book!
Planning the Next Trip
7. One book set in the country you chose. - Nation - I know is not the place I chose, but I would like to go here and I would like the read the book!
8. One book set in the country they chose.
Dirt Music - I had trouble with this one as well. So I went to one of the lists and picked out a book based in Australia that I wouldn't mind reading!
I hope there is at least one pick in here that works for you!
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I will get my recs for you by tomorrow!! :)