Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2011 Challenge Archive
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April - Pick It For Me Challenge
Fran wrote: So glad you liked them! Let me know if you want to borrow Shoulda Been A Cowboy and I will send it to you. I have the whole series on my lendable list. Happy reading :) Thanks Fran, but I already have it - I glommed onto the whole series when I fell in love with the first couple of books! I may take you up on the offer for a couple of the others if I can squeeze them in somehow in April. I am such a sucker for challenges!!
For KarenH Friends : pick a book that has been recommended to you by a friend (GR or real life) either here on a previous PIFM or through any other challenge, preferably a book that you have read and enjoyed
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)
Collins, Suzanne
Romance : (we are the Romance Readers Reading Challenge group), so this selections should be one of your favorite romance books whether it is contemporary, historical, paranormal, etc.
The Christmas Lamp: A Novella Copeland, Lori
Intense : make this selection not just based on the overall enjoyment of the book, but find one that caught your attention and made it so difficult to put down from the beginning or even just the end, it should be one of those ‘all consuming’ type books
Outlander (Outlander, #1) Gabaldon, Diana
Emotions : any book that has evoked a strong emotional response to you, any type of emotion, this could be the ‘get the tissue box’ tearjerker, the ‘laugh out loud’ hilarious, or a ‘scare your pants off’ spooky
The Shop on Blossom Street(Blossom Street, #1) Macomber, Debbie
New : New, New, New - new author, new title or new genre, something that your potential friend hasn’t tried yet but that you have really enjoyed and would like to share
Tea is for Terror (The Claire Gulliver Mysteries) #1 Gayle Wigglesworth Kindle
Don’t forget : this choice should come straight off their TBR, choose a book that has been hanging around for a while but that you feel should be bumped up - if they don‘t keep a tbr the choice can be another highly recommended book that would fit into any of the other categories
Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series Macomber, Debbie
Support : Buddy read - make a recommendation for a book that you will read with your potential new friend, something that you would like the extra push to help you make the decision to read or something that you are planning on reading this month and think that the other will like as well based on what you have heard about it. A great way to find a book that both of you want to read is to use the compare button.
Summer At Willow Lake(Lakeshore Chronicles, #1) Wiggs, Susan
Bonus : Find a book that could be considered (what I like to call “friendship fiction”) a book that is mainly about friends whether there is romance, adventure, suspense as long as there is a friendship in the main character rolls
Vision in White Bride Quartet #1 Nora Roberts
I received your PM, Shirley, and I'll definitely be reading The Hunger Games, since it fills spots in about 3 different challenges for me. I haven't had much chance to look through the rest of the list yet, but that one jumped out at me immediately - thanks!
Hello Katherine!Here are your recs.
1. FriendsThe Hunger Games- Didn't see this one on your list. This was rec to me in a past challenge. It did not disappoint!
2. RomanceDivine by Mistake- this one is very sweet and I enjoyed it.
3. IntenseBeyond the Night- I saw you had read Colleen Gleason and enjoyed her. Joss Ware is another name she writes under. This series was intense and very difficult to put down.
4. EmotionsDaughter of the Blood- this book is very dark and sparked a lot of different emotions for me.
5. NewDaughter of the Forest- one of my favorite books of all time. I didn't see a lot of historical fantasy on your TBR
6. Don't ForgetTouch the Dark- this has been TBR for about a year. It's good.
7. SupportOn the Edge or Would-Be Witch- I'll read these with you.
For D.G. ~The Devil's Harlot,Here are my picks for you! I hope I did a good job, enjoy.
Friends: The Shack A must read, since your interested. There are a couple of chapters in the middle that I found to be a little drawn out, but so worth the read.
Romance: One of my favorite contemporary romance novels is The You I Never Knew. My favorite romance in your TBR file is Heaven, Texas.
Intense: The Pillars of the Earth LOVED IT!
Emotions: I cried like a baby: The Time Traveler's Wife and Testimony.
A funny, quirky lady character that had me laughing out loud: The Lion's Lady.
New: To Pleasure a Lady Sexy, naughty...
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane *In your TBR
Don't Forget: The Catcher in the Rye One of my favorite reads, plus it is short so you will finish it in no time!
Support: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Bonus: Something Borrowed or The Circle trilogy (Circle trilogy #1-3)
KarenH wrote: "I received your PM, Shirley, and I'll definitely be reading The Hunger Games, since it fills spots in about 3 different challenges for me. I haven't had much chance to look through the rest of the..."You are so very welcome. I loved the book.
Hello Dabney.Judging from the fact that you have only been on Goodreads for less than a month, I'm guessing your bookshelf isn't completely up to date, but hopefully I managed to pick ones you haven't read. If I failed let me know, I can pick more!!!
Friends - Halfway to the Grave
This book was a Pick-it-for-me recommendation last month and the second in the series was this month's. They were both fantastic (though I liked the second book better).
Romance - Soulless
Although I usually prefer historical romance, you've read all my favourites in that genre but this is still in my top 3 (along with Slightly Dangerous and Lord of Scoundrels).
Intense - Mistborn: The Final Empire
I loved this book from start to finish - I couldn't put it down until it was done.
Emotions - Daughter of the Empire
This is a fantastic series mainly because the main character, Mara, is so well developed you can't help but be drawn to her. She has to make many tough choices to survive and I felt for her through them all.
New - Second Sight
I love this series! Written by Jayne Ann Krentz you get historical (under the pseudonym Amanda Quick), contemporary, and even a sci fi romance (under Jayne Castle) mixed with some paranormal. It's incredibly formulaic and fairly predictable but a lot of fun with the same characters and their ancestors featured throughout the series.
Don't Forget - A Summer to Remember
You've read Mary Balogh's Slightly series but I didn't see this one on your list. This is a prequel that explains Kit and Freyja's broken engagement (although it's not the first book - One Night for Love explains the events before A Summer to Remember but I didn't like it nearly as much).
Support - Mine Till Midnight or Where Dreams Begin
I've included 2 books in case you've already read one of them. I own but haven't read either so if you choose 1 I could join you at any time.
Bonus - Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption a Story from Different Seasons
One of my few 5 star reads, this is a short but amazing story!
Michelle KFriends: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I’ve had many, many people recommend this book to me. I read it in a few hours because I couldn’t put it down!
Romance: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen – I noticed you had some other SAA books on your TBR but that you haven’t read them. This one wasn’t on your list but I thought it was a great read and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Intense: I was going to recommend Outlander but you’ve already read it! I always recommend this book whenever I get a chance. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks – I cried sooo much when I read this book and it was really intense for me.
Emotions: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Although this is a YA novel I recommend it to everyone because it is an amazing addition to all books. It is a very emotional read so keep a box of tissues on hand just in case.
New: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater – This is a YA novel which I haven’t seen very many on your TBR or Read books but it is a very good read. The prose in which Stiefvater writes is engrossing and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Don’t forget: Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich – I picked this book because it has been on your TBR the longest and you’ve read most of her books and enjoyed them so why not pick up this one?
Support: Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love – I have this on my TBR mostly because of the short story by Diana Gabaldon but I do enjoy many of the other authors included in this anthology. I’ve had it for awhile but I haven’t had a chance to read it so if you’d like to read it together let me know!
Bonus: Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I highly enjoyed this book, sorry it’s another YA but you might as well try something new right?
I hope you find something on here that you'll enjoy! Please let me know if you'd like me to pick again! :)
Tania wrote: "Here are my picks for ErinReadsTooMuch:You didn't have a huge TBR list so I've done my best, hopefully you'll find something in here you'll enjoy reading:
Friends - A very good friend recommende..."
Those are great picks! Thanks, Tania! I thought Hellfire was a different book, but when I picked it up, it was just Outlander with a different title, but I'll check out that other Gabaldon book you suggested. Also I am waiting to finish the Bride Quartet series by Roberts, but am waiting on the hold from the library for the final book. If that comes in, I'll definitely read it. I'm interested in some of the other books you mentioned, so I'll check out some of the new authors as well. I know we're only "required" to read one, but I usually do more if I really like the picks. :D Thanks again!
Hey Melinda!! We dont have many TBR books in commons so I havent read most of the books i'm going to suggest but they seem to have gotten decent reviews. Friends:Stolen...From your TBR list. I really like bitten but didn't really have a desire to read the second book in the series. I've been suggested to read it and heard good things about it.
Romance: Hunting Ground... I see that you read Cry Wolf. This is the second book in that series and it's AMAZING. One of my favorites.
Intense: Laid Bare...From your TBR list. I havent actually read this book. I read the 3rd one in this series and LOVED it. I think i'd label it intense because most polygamous relationships are.
Emotions:Nauti Nights...From your TBR list. The sex in this book was swoon inducing. The leading man in this book was a total Alpha and I wanted to beat him over the head for most of the book but I still liked it for the most part
New, New New: Without Reservations... I see you like shifters. This is a great series. I know it says this is book 2 but book 1 was actually kind of stand-alone and doesnt need to be read before book 2.
Don't Forget: Bad Blood...has been on your TBR shelf since 2009, maybe it's time to see what this one is about.
Support:Tempting the Beast (Breeds, #1)...on your TBR list. I've read a few of the breeds series but not the first book. I have a strange habit of entering in the middle of series. or Valiant because i really want to read Ironside but lack the motivation to read the one before it >.<
ErinReadsTooMuch wrote: "Tania wrote: "Here are my picks for ErinReadsTooMuch:You didn't have a huge TBR list so I've done my best, hopefully you'll find something in here you'll enjoy reading:
Friends - A very good fri..."
I don't think the other book was a Gabaldon book, I just wanted to give you a couple of choices from your TBR pile. Which is really restrained. How do you DO that? My tbr is a train hurtling out of control towards the nearest library / bookstore...
Hey Annabell!!! (Didn't you pick for me last month? I don't know all the names on here, but I know yours!!)Here are my picks for you, I hope you find something(s) that you like. :D
Friends : Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. A friend recommended to me, and I loved the whole series. Plus, it's on your TBR list anyways!
Romance : I gotta say, my favorite romance book (and series) of all time isn't Nora Roberts (though I do love her). It's Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. It's adventurous, well researched, amazing love story - and the best book Hero of all time. Can't say enough about how much I loved this series. And unfortunately, it's also the one that gripped me emotionally more than any other book. But since I don't want to list it twice, I'll have to come up with another one for the next 2 selections...
Intense : I will go with one that I just read that I thought, "I'll just sit and read for 20 minutes before bed while I have some toast." And I ended up staying up until 4am because I couldn't put it down. It's
Would-Be Witch by Kimberly Frost. Fun, and with so much going on in such a short time frame, that I couldn't put it down. But luckily, it's a pretty quick read. Just give yourself about 3 hours or so to complete it.
Emotions : Since I can't list Outlander again, I would say that the last book that really gripped me emotionally is The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. With how many books I read, it's easy to forget books. This one has stuck in my memory as a really intense book emotionally. A very good read, and a great author.
New : I didn't see Julie Garwood as an author in the books you've read (please let me know if I missed it and you've read her). I read her last month in a challenge, and just loved it. So, for new, try Mercy by Julie Garwood. You won't regret it.
Don’t forget : I see you have a lot of Katie MacAlister books on your TBR. One of my favorite authors. Definitely get into the Aisling Grey Guardian series. I mean, the vampire ones are OK, but the Dragons?? WAY better. So, my recommendation is the first book of the series, You Slay Me. I think the rest of the series is on your TBR as well....
Support : I'll give a choice of 2 books that are both on our TBR shelves: Either I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter, or Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks.
Bonus : So many Nora Roberts books fit in this category. But one of my favorites for friendship is the Three Sister's Island Trilogy. Check out the first one, Dance Upon the Air. Friendship, magic, hot guys - and you have a great story told by one of Romance's Masters. ;)
hey katie! looks like i'm picking for you this month :) so...here they are. hope you can find something in here that works for you. your 'to-read' shelf is on the smaller side, so i rec'd 1/2 from your shelf and 1/2 not....it sounds like i'm talking to myself...
Friends:
Dark Lover - this was recommended to me by maybe a billion people. it's the start of the black dagger brotherhood series. i've read through book 4 so far and it's definitely one of my favorite series.
Water for Elephants - i haven't read this book either, but it's been highly recommended by numerous friends and family.
Romance:
The Mane Event - one of my favorite books/series/authors. it's laugh out loud funny and a great beginning to another of my favorite series.
Intense:
Memoirs of a Geisha - i read this a long time ago, so i can't really give you details as to why i loved it, but i remember loving it...so that has to say something, right?
Emotions:
Dragon Actually - this is actually by the same author (under a pseudonym) who wrote The Mane Event. again, incredibly entertaining and funny.
New:
I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier - i rec'd this to someone else a few months ago and i'll say the same thing to you that i said to her. if you've ever thought about m/m or if you're not opposed, give this book a shot. please don't let the cheesy title fool you. it's incredibly heart warming and funny...definitely one of my favorite books EVER.
Don't Forget:
Dragonflight - i read my first Anne McCaffrey Pern novel way back in middle school and i've loved them ever since.
Support:
Brisingr - this is the only book we both have 'to-read' :) if i recall, the previous books in this series were ok...
Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "AshleyAlexis,Looks like I get to pick for you two months in a row. Hopefully you'll like something out of this batch better than the last one. I stayed mostly away from UF this time. :)
Frien..."
Hahaha Diane we meet again =p. There was nothing wrong with your last month suggestions! Your recommendation finally gave me the push to atleast start a series I've been avoiding and ending up at least liking it. I laughed when I read "based off your shelves, you seem to enjoy a higher steam level.." My reading habit have been a bit on the the sketchy side as of late =p
Anyways. Now I seem to have an issue of having to decide what to read because I really like your suggestions. I'm probably going to kick myself later because i'm in several challenge this month but i'm going to
In an effort to broaden my reading horizons i'm going to read Truly, Madly
The Gargoyle, it's been on my shelf forever. And it doesn't seem like my normal read.
and Mouth To Mouth sounds like a fun read.
Hi BrittaWe have a high compatability rating, but our books in common are pretty low, so I hope I can pull a few rabbits out of the hat for you :)
Friends: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. A second hand bookshop owner pointed me in Nalini's direction and I haven't looked back. If you like this one (and you HAVE to give this a go sometime) then also try Angels' Blood from her Guild Hunter series.
Romance: The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer. My first historical romance author - a wonderful writer with fantastic characterisation.
Dark Lover by JR Ward. Judging from your 'read' list, I thought this style of book may appeal. It's a great first book in a great series.
Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. I can't NOT recommend Christian Feehan's Carpathian series when we are talking about my favourite romance books. Whilst the first book's style can be repetitive, by book 21, this series is fantastic!
Intense: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. I gobbled this book up in January and am now hooked on the series.
Emotions: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A classic book that sucks out emotions whether you like it or not.
New: Guardian Of Honor by Robin D Owens. I have to confess that this book is still on my TBR (I started it, then ran out of time and had to put it back down). However looking through your favourite books, this could be a series you would really enjoy. I have the first four books lined up waiting - I just have to get myself organised.
Don't Forget: City of the Snakes by Darren Shan. I haven't ever heard of this author, but you've certainly read a LOT of his books. This book seems a little lonely on your TBR shelf (pining for its matching mates on the read shelf) ...
Support: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian. This is the only book in common on our TBR lists that I have on hand to buddy-read.
Bonus Key of Light by Nora Roberts. I much prefer the 'In Death' series of JD Robb (Nora Roberts), however this book fits the friends category and is on your TBR shelf.
Happy April reading!!
Hi Melissa, What a wonderful day this is!!! I arrived to work and got my copy of Lover Unleashed finally :) and now my picks for you... I love today already... So here you are, hope you can find something you like, if not please let me know and I will try better...
Friends - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - This book was a groupread in Nothing but Reading Challenges group in February, that's how I read it. There is also a movie (I definitely prefer the book as it is deeper) I saw you liked Anna and the Frenchkiss and also some of Nicholas Sparks books so I thought you might enjoy this one. I like this sort of story line.
Romance - Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - I really enjoy HR and Classics. These two are from my favourites. I saw that you have a few of the HR books in your read and to-read lists. I know this two are kind of long but worth giving a shot :)
Intense - One Day by David Nicholls - This one was my favourite read last year,it seriously affected me so much that at some point I stopped reading for a day to avoid the happennings. The characters felt so real that I almost felt the way they feel. But well that's me don't know if it will affect you the same way but I would love to talk about it if you decide to read.
Emotions - Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - I was in high school when I first read this (a shortened version). I loved it then and I loved it when I read it later. I felt sorry and then happy with tiny improvements and even laugh with joy with Charlie.
New - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - I read this one thanks to Yz the Whyz! in last months PIFM. It was amazing, a brilliant story telling with a nice tale. I am not a fantasy fan myself but loved this one, loved the writer as well. I would highly recommend the audiobook if you can get it, his voice and storytelling is great too.
Don't forget - Wicked Ties by Shayla Black - This one is the oldest one with an older publishing date, many books in your TBR are the new releases that will be published in the following months, years :) I added this one to my TBR ...
Support - The Secret by Julie Garwood - Well we have quite a few books in common but not much to-reads either you or me read it already so this one was almost the only one I found.Well now that I added Wicked ties that could also be a buddy read :). If you want a buddy read let me know :)
Bonus - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - I always like to read different(different and old especially) cultures so that one is about 18-19th century China where the women are almost worthless as a person, only responsible for inner world of a household and must obey the man (must obey their father as a daugther, husband as a wife and son as a mother)in their life. This one is a story of two girls from their childhood until their end.
Picks For Amber H.Hi, Amber! Debbie in the RRRC group selected me to choose for you in the “Pick It For Me” challenge. This is my first time doing this challenge, so I hope I do it right. Since the theme is Friends , I thought I’d ask you to add me as a GoodReads friend. I noticed your address is listed APO, AP. Does this mean you or your husband are in the military? I checked out your wonderful website and I see you do stamping and scrapbooking using Copic markers. I have just started getting interested in card making and have taken a few Copic classes. In fact, I am enrolled in another class with a good friend this coming Sunday. Did Debbie know this? Did she read everyone’s profiles? Or is she just psychic?
Friends:
Warrior , by Zoe Archer. I absolutely loved this book and gave it ★★★★★. It was selected by my friends from another group entitled Romance Lovers for the Challenge Impaired (RLFTCI) where it was BOM for March 2011. I had incredible fun going to the internet and tracking down all the places in this romantic adventure. Here is a link to my review: Lisa's Review of Warrior. It is mostly posted photos and links to photos that you can follow along to from chapter to chapter.
Romance:
I don’t see many straight historical romances on your TBR shelf, so I'll picked one. Secrets of a Summer Night , by Lisa Kleypas - ★★★★★. First in the Wallflower series, and my personal favorite (please, nobody sent me hate e-mails for not choosing Devil in Winter !); I think you might enjoy it.
Intense:
I haven’t read The Perfect Play , by Jaci Burton on you TBR shelf; however, I have read several of this high-octane author’s others works. Here is a great review, by Auntee, with H.O.T. pictures: Auntee's Review of TPP!
Emotions:
Though there is nothing on your TBR shelf by Jill Shalvis, I noticed she was one of your most read authors, and thought you might like Get A Clue - ★★★★★. I thought this book was LOL funny, with great secondary characters - making it a love & laughter romance, with a little spookiness.
New:
I found on your TBR shelf Lord of the Fading Lands , by C.L. Wilson, which was certainly a new genre for me - ★★★★. How to categorized it? It is part fantasy creatures take flight/shape-shifter/sci-fi/epic romance/fey-magic. LOL! These books are really one looooong book. I have
Don’t forget:
You are relatively new to GoodReads, so I don’t know the shelf-life on your TBR’s. I selected Water for Elephants , by Sara Gruen as it was one of your first entries. In addition, there’s a movie coming out soon staring Reese Witherspoon. A friend of mine is currently reading it. Though I haven’t read it, I understand it’s about friendship.
Support:
Soulless , by Gail Carriger, is both a new-to-me-author and never tried genre. I have been wanting to read something that is considered true “steampunk” (I was emphatically told by several on GR’s that Warrior was not of this genre!). I will read Soulless with you, if you’re game for this one; just LMK.
Bonus:
Shadow Game on your TBR shelf, by Christine Feehan - First in the series and another ★★★★★ read. The author is a little ‘wordy’; therefore, this makes a nice audio listening (IMHO). The friends theme connection is that all the rest of the books in the series are the hero and heroine’s friends. Plus, I will read it with you, if you do choose this one, as I need a refresher before I patch some of the holes I have on my TBR shelf for this series; just LMK.
Hopefully, Amber H., you can find one of these to complete your challenge. If not, just LMK and I take another swing at it.
Also mentioned, but third in the series:
- ★★★★★
PamI loved picking for you. It was kind of easy and I like finding other members who I have a lot in common with! I hope you find something you like.
Friends - Saving Max This was recommended to me by a coworker. I was expecting a mediocre story, but it was like nothing I have ever read! After reading this, I actually just kind of had to sit down for a while.
Romance - Flat-Out Sexy I see this is on your TBR list. This was a really good book. I plan on reading the next in the series.
Intense - In a Heartbeat This one is a bit longer, but not too much. I loved reading about the relationships in this story. I was just amazed with everything I learned as I was reading it. People aren't always as they seem.
Emotions - Undead and Unwed I could have went through my read pile and found a tearjerker for you, but I thought I would find something funny instead. I am currently about half way through this series and I still love it! The characters are just hilarious. You will really enjoy this one.
New - Vampire Academy I saw this one was on your TBR as well. I have read this whole series and I think I could read it again! I think it is much faster paced than the Twilight books, and each book in the series isn't quite as long either. If you don't get to this one this month, make sure you do soon!
Don't Forget - Uglies It looks like this one has been on your list longer than some of the others. I haven't read this book yet, but it is on my tbr as well and I have heard so many good things about it.
Support - Darkfever I have been meaning to get into this series, but I just have other books that come up first! I would love to do a buddy read, if this is the book you choose.
Bonus - The Christmas Cookie Club: A Novel I know it's not Christmas, but this was a good read for any time of year. It's a really light read, and it won't blow your mind like some of the others, but it is still a good read.
OMG!! My person only has one book on their entire shelf!!!!!
That means you get to broaden their horizons. We all know you're good at that Dee :)
lol....I know I know...haha! wracks brains to think
And I thought I was evil for not keeping a TBR shelf. I'm hoping you got some good vibes off that one book.
its a chronicles of narnia one...so i'm goign to go with a fantasy/sci-fi/pnr type theme...with some other mixed in
Fran wrote: "Gigi- you and I are still awake and in the same neck of the woods- we should be going out for drinks!"LOL!! I just saw this. I literally crashed after I sent that and somehow woke up at 5:45am! I'm not sure what this says about me, but I'm always up for drinks...LOL!
Hi Polina!!I hope I found something here that might interest you! Let me know if you need me to find you something different.
Friends: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen - This is one of my new favorite authors, and I found about her here on GoodReads! A lot of people prefer Garden Spells by her, but this is my personal favorite. I think you might like it as it leans toward YA and has paranormal elements.
Romance: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - The beginning to one of my favorite series. It has hunky shifters and a whole different race of people called the Psy. I got completely lost in this series last year for about 2 weeks.
Intense: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - I saw you're a big fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I personally do not like the BDB, but this series satisfies my hot vampire warrior cravings. Some people don't like the first book very much, but I enjoyed it!
Emotions: One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake - A very emotional and steamy book I just discovered this month. It really had me tearing up, and the whole series turned out to be 5 star reads for me. My favorite is the third, but this one is phenomenal as well!
New, New, New: Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne - A YA series about werewolves that I absolutely loved! I can't believe more people aren't reading these books.
Don't Forget: Matched by Ally Condie - I read this novel right after it came out, and I really loved it. I've read a lot of reviews that say it wasn't as good as it was made out to be, but for me personally, it was a winner.
Support: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost - Love Cat and Bones! If you'd like to read this one, I'll do it with you! :)
BONUS: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine - A really fun series starter about a group of friends who live in a town run by vampires. Lots and lots of action and romance in these!
Hey, the bars open up at 6 a.m. in most states.
Well, I started to do this last night, but my sobriety failed me. So I go at it this morning with some fresh perspective. Kate, I'm happy to say that your TBR is filled with great books. I see half a dozen or so four star reads. And since my average rating is 3.18 for more than 700 ratings you should know I don't hand those out ever day. So without further exposition, let's get on with the picks already.Friends : Halfway to the Grave
- A wonderful GR friend actually mailed the first three to me because she thought I really needed to read these. Oh how right she was. You will LOVE Cat and Bones.Romance : Delicious
- This four book series is one of my absolute favorites from Susan Mallery. It has everything I want in a good romance story.Intense : So many different ways to go with this as I often can't put a book down and will stay up all night to finish it if need be. But I'll have to go with Catching Fire
- You read the first and loved it apparently. I couldn't just stop and let them sit. I think I read the whole trilogy in a weekend. Different without being off-putting. I bet even a yinzer like Stanley P. Kachowski would recommend this book. (It's a WDVE reference in case you don't listen to 102.5. I lived in Butler for 15 years so I'm familiar with Western PA radio.)Emotions : Cry No More
- Yeah, it will make you cry. But in a really really really good way. I've recommended this to several people and they all want to stop part-way through because it is pretty emotional. Then they finish and all give it four or five stars and recommend it to other people. Don’t forget : Again, so many good picks from your TBR. But I say read Hard and Fast
- you read and liked the first. The second is even better. Imogen is a hoot! I guarantee you will like this.Support : Well, our 'compare books' says that we are 71% compatible with 9.6% of my library appearing in yours and 19.3% of yours appearing in mine. However, since I don't keep a TBR, it makes it tough to find one we both haven't read. Since you seem to have a lot of Susan Mallery books and she's one of my favorite authors, how about we read The Best of Friends
- I recently bought this but haven't read it yet. Just say the word and I'll jump right in with you.Bonus : Body Movers
- I don't have a really good reason for this one. There's a bit of romance, a lot of mystery, but mostly about friends I think. Whatever it is, it is a good book.OH NO! I just thought of a better friendship book and a better book for you all around. Naked in Death
- this is book one of a 32 book series (not including between books in other anthologies). Book one is decent. But they get better and better as you go along. There aren't many books I line up for to buy a new hardcover book fresh off the presses. This series is one. BTW, this was the first book I read from a PIFM challenge. It's only fitting that I pass it along to someone else.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Hey, the bars open up at 6 a.m. in most states."LOL! Lisa Kay, I'm so easily tempted right now. I just got my first ever IRS notice (error on their part) so, I'm walking a thin line between sobriety and a drunken haze! LOL
Cacophony wrote: "Hi Gigi I noticed you had a pick it for me tbr and a regular tbr. I looked at both of them, and I recommended a couple things that weren't on your list. I hope there is something here for you fo..."
Cacophony! Awesome recs. I think I may go with something I own (Dying to Please, Hunger Games or Summer to Remember). Although, this is the second time someone has recommended that Pamela Morsi book. So, if I can find Simple Jess at the library I may go with that one. Thanks again!!!
Hi Inga!Ok, I'm well rested and ready to go. I tried to stick to your tbr-11 list since, I'm assuming, they're books you want to read this year. I also noticed that you're partial to PNR, so I've included a healthy dose of that with a few other choices mixed in. Here we go...
Friends: Mine to Possess ~ The first in this series was recommended to me, I think, in a PIFM challenge. I love this series and since you've already started it and seem to like it, you might as well keep going.
Romance: Midnight Man ~ I picked this one based on your interest in Lora Leigh and, in particular, her Elite Ops series. IMO it's a great book. My favorite romance of all time is Outlander, but I'm not sure it's something you'd be into. Just in case I'm wrong, I'll throw it out there anyway.
Intense: Archangel's Consort ~ I read this one last month and couldn't put it down... Just like the first two in the series.
Emotions: Warprize ~ This will evoke every emotion you can think of, but it's a true trilogy so be prepared to read books 2 & 3 as well.
New: Soulless by Gail Carriger ~ I didn't want to go too far out of your comfort zone, so I thought Steam Punk would be a good genre for you. Historical + PNR + Fantasy = Great Book
Don't Forget: Tempt Me with Darkness ~ I really liked this series but for some reason I haven't continued with it. I think this might be a push for me as well. If you'd rather have something else outside of your comfort zone, then go with Naked in Death. I'm just about to read the latest installment (#32) of this futuristic cop series and I've enjoyed every, single one of them :)
Support: Pride Mates or The Darkest Hour ~ I'd be ready, willing and able to read either one of these books with you.
Bonus: Flat-Out Sexy ~ You have almost no Contemporary romance on your shelves and this is a fun, sexy read. If however you'd like something with a bit of fantasy/pnr, Key of Light is the first of a great trilogy by Nora Roberts.
I hope you find something here that interests you and that you'll really enjoy reading. If you'd like any replacements, just let me know. Happy Reading!
Hi ~Sara~Friends: The Name of the Wind
Romance: Outlander
Intense: Mark of the Lion Trilogy
Emotions: Redeeming Love
New: The Storyteller's Daughter
Don't Forget: The Road
Support: As You Desire
Bonus: Water for Elephants
I realize I am a newbie..but I tried to be thorough in my research. Enjoy!
-Moulin
Gigi! Oh no! The IRS! Ugh. I won't say anything in case they are monitoring this site. I just typed a loooong Anywayz...
is very, very good, but I would start with
. Oh, wait. Is Simple Jess on your PIFM challenge? Good choice. Pamela Morsi is in the upper echelon of the Americana genre (though I don't know about her chick-lit - I'm going to try some this month).
Hi Juana,Hello! First time doing PIFM challenge, so please bear with me :). And I see that from your shelf (TBR at any rate) you (would?) like your books a lot more steamier. I gotta tell you, your tastes are certainly more adventurous than mine. I've tried to recommend as many as possible from your TBR shelf, but since I haven't read 95% of them, they are limited!
1. Friends :
a. Looks like Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh is heavily recommended by many, but IT is in your TBR list! I actually started with Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh and then moved to her Psy-Changeling Series. But you should give her a try!
b. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. Another beautiful book recommended by my friend.
2. Romance :
a. The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale. I just did a re-read and fell in love with it again!
b. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt. It still remains by favorite book of hers.
Added Bonus: Both are books where the h goes to work as a secretary for the H.
3. Intense :
a. Cry No More by Linda Howard. This book won't let you put it down until you are done with it. And then some.
b. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Lone. I haven't read it but I have heard very good reviews about it!
3. Emotions :
a. Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight. I couldn't put this book down. Was darn good. I think you will like this book!
b. Paradise by Judith McNaught. My favorite of Judith McNaught's. Roller coaster of emotions!
3. New, New, New :
a. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. The female protagonist is awesome I tell you. Really Really good fantasy.
b. Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagaliasotti. One of the early superb Steampunk.
c. The Shining by Stephen King. Because, everyone should have read atleast one Stephen King =P.
Oh boy, looks I went crazy with this part. I was too excited to recommend new books with you :)
5. Don't Forget :
a. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. You should read this book. I really can't believe you haven't read this book yet when you have completed the rest!
b. Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks
c. Rinse and Repeat by Amberly Smith. Just because I loved the title.
6. Support :
a. Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep. I've been meaning to try her books but the assassin part puts me off. If you would like to read it, then maybe we can read it together?
a. Mind Games by Carolyn Crane. I remembered this book only after seeing it in your TBR. It's on my laptop, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
7. BONUS :
a. Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. One of the best of Linda Howard.
b. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Good fey world building. I'm only halfway through this book but so far I'm loving it :)
Whew, I'm done finally. I liked looking at your shelf, Juana. Now I've added some more books in my TBR. In the process of selecting books, I've marked many more to re-read. Looking at the recs, you now know why my friends have stopped asking me to recommend. I just cannot stop. Hope my list helps you atleast a little to choose the book!
Christine.SHi Christine, I hope your well and may like the books i've recommended for you.
Friends
Kingdom of Shadows by Barbara Erskine
First book I read by this author and fell completely in love with this style of writing, and the author!!
Romance
Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
I read this recently and really enjoyed it.
Intense
Awakening by S.J Bolton
Great book which I couldn't put down and has stayed with me since I read it. It really made an impact!
Emotions
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
I noticed this on your TBR list, only one place for this book it's deffinately Emotional.
New
The Distant Hours By Kate Morton
Her new book and I'd noticed you have read one of her books already.
Don't Forget
The Memory Keepers Daughter
Again on your TBR list, a definate must read.
Support
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
I fancy reading this book too! If you'd like a book buddy?
Bonus
One Moment One Morning by Sarah Rayner
Just read this, it was great!
Hope there okay!
Love Caroline x x
Hi there Photojim! I'm surprised seeing I'll be the one doing recommendations for you this month. I'm a newbie so forgive me if I did bad at my first attempt. gah, I'm nervous! =)anyway here's the list i made up, if you don't like any of the books just let me know.
F: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - this was recommended by my cousin. I love Katherine and Heathcliff. or The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting recommended by my friend.
R: The Secret Diaries of Ms. Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn- i notice you haven't read any Julia Quinn books? try her she's my fave author. or the Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie
I: Sundays at Tiffanys by James Patterson or Thanks for the Memories by Cecilia Ahern
E: If You Could See Me Now or Love Rosie by Cecilia Ahern
N: Try Marked by P.C Cast and Kirsten Cast or The Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
D: I saw on your list that you have read Succubus Blues, why not try to follow it up with Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead? I'm reading it now.
S: The Lost Diary of Don Juan by Douglas Abrams - i bought my copy last year and haven't started reading it because of some series books that I'm reading. hope i can read this one this year.
Bonus: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead it explicits true friendship between the characters Rose and Lissa.
Hope you'll like my list. enjoy and have a great day! =)
Hello Jane (PS)! I am happy to recommend books for you this month. Hope you find something you like!Friends: I read Perfect Chemistrylast month, which was recommended to me on a PIFM challenge. The author explores friendships, stereotypes, and how someone's appearance and/or reputation does not necessarily reflect the truth of the person inside.
Romance: I just finished Lover Mine last weekend in preparation for Lover Unleashed. I loved John Matthew's and Xhex's story and I think you will too! It's next in the series so give it a shot.
Intense: I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but once I got past the first couple of chapters I couldn't put it down. The second book was even better, now I'm looking forward to the third.
Emotions: I read One Day last month and I still can't stop thinking about it. (The movie version starting Anne Hathaway comes out in July!) It drops in one day per year on Dex and Em over the course of 20 years. I think one of the reasons I connected to it is that the characters are my age (and also I love all things British).
New: It doesn't appear that you have experienced the "amazingness" that is Outlander. This is the beginning of my favorite series of all time. I could also classify this novel under the Intense and Emotional categories.
Don't Forget: You've had The Hunger Games on your shelf for quite awhile. (This is another one I could fit under Intense and Emotional.)
Buddy Read: I would love to read City of Bones with you. It's been sitting next to my bed for several weeks.
Bonus Friendship Books:: I have three recommendations for you in this category: Belong to Me,Remarkable Creatures, and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Happy reading!
Hi Caroline!I see you like mysteries so most of the books I picked for you have a bit of a mystery/thriller element. I didn't see many romances in your shelves so I wasn't sure of your tolerance for love scenes so all my recommendations are pretty much PG-13. :) Hope you find something in there you like!
Friends: Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. A friend recommended this one to me a few years ago and I really enjoyed it. I didn't see many historical mysteries in your shelves so I thought you may like to give this one a try. It's a really good mystery set in the days of the Henry II.
Romance: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James - This is a really fun romantic comedy by one of my new favorite authors.
Intense: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I loved this book and just couldn't put it down. Definitely worth the read!
Emotions: Bobbie Faye's Very (very, very, very) Bad Day AKA Charmed and Dangerous by Toni McGee Causey (same book, different titles - really funny) OR The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (really sad.) If you want to laugh, go with Bobbie Faye. This book is a sort of humorous thriller with a crazy heroine that's always in the middle of disaster. Extremely funny and fast paced, I've heard it compared to the Janet Evanovich series you have on your TBR. But if you really want to cry, go with The Book Thief. Set up in Nazy Germany during WWII, this book made me cry in public more than once.
New: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs - New author, new genre. :) I see you liked Twilight so you're not averse to vampires and such. This is not YA but Urban Fantasy with a really smart, brave heroine which I'd love to have as a friend.
Don’t forget: Beastly by Alex Flinn. A modern take on the Beauty and the Beast but set in my hometown (NYC). Loved it!
Support: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. I'm planning to read this one for a challenge this month and as I see you read YA, I thought you may like it. :) If you'd like to do a buddy read, please let me know!
Bonus: The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson OR The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. Both from your TBR - I haven't read the first but it sounds cute and you can never go wrong with Sherlock Holmes. ;)
Hello Lili!These are my recs for you. I hope that you find something that appeals to you :)
1.Friends:
#Option 1 – Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke - This was an interesting book. The romance was great and I really liked the bickering between the hero and the heroine.
#Option 2- To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn - A fun book, I loved the heroine. She’s unique. *laugh*
2.Romance:
#Option 1 – Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
#Option 2 – Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
You MUST continue these two series.That’s all I’m going to say.
3.Intense:
#Option 1 – Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole - In this book, KC covers a great range of emotions. I was laughing one second and the next I was crying. An amazing book that made me even more of a fangirl for the IAD series.
4.Emotions:
#Option 1 – Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews - The Kate Daniels series is addicting. What’s not to like? We have a sarcastic,witty kick-ass heroine , an arrogant yet sweet hero , a lot of action and gorgeous dialogue.A must read!
#Option 2 – Tiger Eye by Marjorie M Liu - This is a very good book. I especially loved the hero, he was so sweet with the heroine . I want a Hari myself*sigh*
5.New:
#Option 1- Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep - I honestly didn`t think that this series will bring something new but I must say that Gin, the heroine, as a character, is just amazing –ice-cool under pressure with a soft heart ,talk about an assassin.
#Option 2- Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione - I`ve read the other books of Larissa Ione's and they were good ,I`m hoping this series will be even better .
#Option 3- Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L.Wilson - New univers ,strong couple ,magic and all the good stuff.
6.Don’t forget:
#Option 1-Perfect by Judith McNaught - Definitely worth it!
#Option 2– Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank
7.Support:
#Option 1 -The Willow by Stacey Kennedy
8.Bonus:
#Option 1–Ransom by Julie Garwood
#Option 2- Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts -Friendship,love ,battle against evil,hot characters *grin*
Happy reading!
wow, You all are fastthis is fantastic :o)
Now you have to track all those who have recommendations and those who don't yet. Like me, boo hoo.
Tugce Nida wrote: "Hi Melissa, What a wonderful day this is!!! I arrived to work and got my copy of Lover Unleashed finally :) and now my picks for you... I love today already... So here you are, hope you can find ..."
HEY!!! I think I will be reading Pride and Prejudice and maybe One Day. I really like all your picks and since this is the only challenge I'm doing this month I will probably read more! Thanks for the picks and I will let you know what all I decide.
D.G. ~The Devil's Harlot~ wrote: "Hi Caroline!I see you like mysteries so most of the books I picked for you have a bit of a mystery/thriller element. I didn't see many romances in your shelves so I wasn't sure of your tolerance ..."
Hi D.G!
Thanks for my recommendations, they look great! For a hopeless romantic it has just occured to me that I really haven't read that many romance books! Must really do something about that!!... Bridge to Terabithia sounds great and I would love to buddy read with you:-) Just let me know when your going to read as I need to reserve from my local library!
Thanks again Caroline x x
Hi MsOpp!! After some exploring and searching I think I have made some picks you will like!! (I hope!) ok so here goes nothing!!Friends:
Slave to Sensation
This book was from my PIFM last month from Jane (PS) and I loved it!! I noticed you liked BDB and it kind of reminded of that!
Romance:
Halfway to the Grave
The romance between the two main characters is AMAZING!!! This series is definitley addictive and my favorite!!
Intense:
Darkfever
I will say that to get the full effect you need to read all five books.
Emotions:
The Passage
This is a very different book then what I usually read
and I think it is going to be differnet from what you are use to, but it was so GOOD!!
New:
One for the Money
I'm a sucker for any book that makes me laugh and all of her books do that.
Don't Forget:
Covet
If you like the other books JR Ward wrote then you will like this one also.
Support (Buddy Read):
First Grave on the Right
This looked promising!!
Bonus:
Bet Me
I love Jennfier Crusie!!
Hi, Karen F.Here are my recs for you. We have many books in common, so I hope you will like them.
Friends:
Loose Ends This was recommend here in PIFM and I love this serie and author! Already read the 3 books she wrote about Mary.
Her Best Friend's Lover this is other author I discovered here in this challenge and became one of my favs.
Romance:
The Dark One - this book opened the door for PNR for me. I just love it!
Wicked Ties - my first erotica and a fav.
Intense:
Daniel´s Gift by Barbara Freethy - couldn´t put it down till the end http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...
Emotion:
Souvenir - a very emotional book.
Romeo, Romeo - I´m reading this now and it has such a great humor that I´m always laughing.
New:
A Gentle Rain - I just love this book!
Oleander House - this book grab me and I´m so in love with the characters that I already read the whole serie and want more...
Don´t Forget:
Dark Protector - this is one of my fav series! I love the way Alexis writes.
Pride Mates - this book brings a new look into shifters. Very good!
Support:
We have some books in our TBR. Maybe we could do a buddy read:
Masked by Moonlight
Kiss of Fire
Bonus:
Hot in Here - a delicious book - and not only because the hero is a Chef...
Happy reading!
haha, I am working on the tracking. I put Katie and KatieG together - I never even looked at names. It was all numbers last night.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Friends : Long Hard Ride The first book in the Rough Riders series by Lorelei James - I loved it, and the books just keep getting better as the series continues
Romance : It Had to Be You First book in the Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Fun series, very emotional but with lots of humor too.
Intense : Extreme Exposure First book in the I-team series by Pamela Clare (I think I'm seeing a pattern here!) I had trouble putting this one down when I read it a couple of weeks ago, and couldn't wait to start the next one, which I did yesterday.
Emotions : Simply Love by Catherine Anderson - historical set in post-Civil War Colorado. I just didn't want this one to end. Or The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton - all I can say is YUM!
New : Something About You by Julie James. Sexy, funny and suspenseful, this book pretty much has it all.
Don’t forget : A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands. I noticed this series has been on your TBR list since the beginning. I've made it though the whole series in the last year or so, and I still enjoy every one of them.
Support : Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah Maclean. I'm reading this for a discussion group around the middle of the month. I also noticed that we seem to be in the same place in the Night Huntress series, and I plan on reading At Grave's End this month, and I would be happy to read either one of these with you if you're interested!
Bonus : Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts. I haven't read this yet, although I do have it on my TBR shelf, but from the description and what I know about NR trilogies, it sounds like it fits the category.