Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2011 Challenge Archive
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May - Pick It For Me Challenge
Melanie wrote: "Tania - If you need anyone to rec, let me know!"Will do - ta muchly
i just add the interesting ones to my wish-list shelfyou can throw me in for a re-mix if needed
I can help with recs, too, if you need me! :)
Hi Ritu, I've finally come up with my list! I am fairly new to the Romance genre but I've definitely read some good ones. I hope you find something you like. Here goes...1. HISTORICAL: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (#1 of 7 in series)
-I've seen this book on just about every "must read romance" type list but I hesitated to pick it up. Im so glad I finally did!
2. CONTEMPORARY: Tell It To The Skies by Erica James
-More of a love story than a romance (in my mind there is a difference). When I looked this book up it was tagged "religion", "child abuse" and "rape" so I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected love story.
3. URBAN FANTASY: Dark Fever by Karen Marie Moning (#1 of 5)
4. PARANORMAL/VAMPIRE: Dead Until Dark- Sookie Stackhouse book 1
-I havent actually read these but I got sucked into the T.V. version!
5. PARANORMAL/NO VAMP: Beyond The Highland Mist (#1 of 7)
- This series was my first taste of the romance genre...LOVED IT!!!
6. SCI-FI/FUTURISTIC: The Forest Of Hands And Teeth
-Still on my TBR shelf...couldnt resist the title though
7. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
8. EROTIC: Wolf Tales by Kate Douglas
-I havent ventured into this sub genre yet but this one looked pretty hot!
Happy reading!!! Renne
Shell wrote: "Shellbelle wrote: "Shell wrote: " Hi Shellbelle! Great to meet you! Nice to see a fellow teacher :) I do apologize, but this is a crazy week for me, I'll have recommendations for you by Sat. at..."
Wow Shell I loved the picks!!! So many good choices:) You also made me realise I need to update my Read list. I have read all the sookie books, I don't know why I didn't mark the first ones. And like you I read Judith McNaught many years ago and Whitney My Love was a favorite!
I had a hard time choosing, there were so many good picks, and you had such good things to say about them, it makes me want to read them all!
Okay, so I'm def. going to read
, I have been seeing a lot about that book, and I really want to give it a try! I will also try
if I have time! You just seem to really like these books, so I thought they would be a good choice!If you are interested in doing the buddy read I would love to read either
or
(I started the series and I really enjoyed it!) Let me know if your interested! And thanks again for such an amazing list:D
Hi Kami,Sorry it took me so long to choose your picks. But it seems we have a great compatibility rating. We are 85% similar.
Historical: A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss. This is a great old fashioned historical romance.
Contemporary: Nerd in Shining Armorby Vicki Lewis Thompson. I had another picked out but I saw this one on your TBR list and had to go with it. I loved this book. It was a fun read.
Urban Fantasy: Something from the Nightside Nightside series #1 by Simon Green. I was having a hard time narrowing this down as we both seem to love this genre. This one is a little bit different than some of the others and I really enjoyed this one and the rest after it.
Paranormal Romance(Vampire): How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire Love at Stake #1 by Kerrelyn Sparks. I actually read the second book first then the first but it was as good as the second book.
Paranormal Romance(Something other than Vampire): Fantasy Lover Darkhunter #0.5 by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I notice you read the first book in the Darkhunter series but didn't read the first one. The first one is a bit lighter but is still great. It gives you a little insight into the series too.
Sci-Fi/Futuristic: Slave to Sensation Psy/Changeling #1. This book was recommended to me in the last PIFM and I loved it. I also noticed that it was on your TBR list.
Romantic Suspense:The Face of Deception Eve Duncan #1 by Iris Johansen. This was a great book that I lent it out so many times that I had to buy it again because it was so tattered. It is still one of my favorite to lend out.
Erotic Romance: The Vampire Queen's ServantVampire Queen #1 by Joey Hill. This was a harder one for me to choose because I don't read a lot of erotica but this is one that has been recommended to me and it looks really good and has been on my TBR list for a little while now. I had quite a few listed for this category but narrowed it down to this one.
Buddy Read:Halfway to the Grave Night Huntress #1 by Jeaniene Frost. This is a book that has been recommended to me many times. I noticed it was also on your TBR list. It may have its time soon. LOL
I hope you find something to intrigue you.
Shell wrote: "Shea wrote: "Hey Shell, I hope you will find something you like in here!These are my recommendations for you:
Ohhh Shea, there are some good picks there. I think I'm gonna select
[book:Fl..."
Hey Shell, I was looking thru the post, and your name of course sticks out to me!...saw your PIFM choice, and just wanted to say...I LOOOOOVE this series, well I love this author in general, but her racing series is really good! Okay that's it...just putting my two cents in!lol
Shellbelle wrote: Wow Shell I love the picks!! Glad you liked them. This is the first time I've done this challenge so I was a bit nervous. I'd love to do the Buddy Read with you for
Angels' Blood
That one is waiting for me to pick up at the library. I can get started whenever you're ready, just let me know. :)
Shell wrote: "Shellbelle wrote: Wow Shell I love the picks!! Glad you liked them. This is the first time I've done this challenge so I was a bit nervous. I'd love to do the Buddy Read with you for
[book:An..."
Sounds great! I think I have it on my eread, but I need to check, if not I might see if one of my friends has it, or just get it from the lib. I let you know when I track it down:) And you did a great job for your first time! Last month was my first PIFM, and I adore this challenge!
Jess wrote: "Hello Joyce, I had fun going through your shelves, I love seeing what people like to read and such. I hope you find something you like in my picks :]
Historical:
Counterfeit Lady ..."
Thank for the great list. I think I'll be reading Spider's Bite since I just recently bought that book and have been really looking forward to starting that series. But I've also added White Cat and Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs to my TBR. Like it needed to get any longer. LOL
Rena wrote: "Hello Renne!My apologies if I pick you crap paranormal stuff, I don’t read it at all, so I have no idea what I’m recommending in that area. I just go by ratings and quotes. Hopefully you’ll find ..."
Thank you! I spend a ton of time in the car so most of the books I "read" are audio. Unfortunately....my selection is pretty limited. The library did have Dark Lover and Eternal Rider so I will start with them and keep looking for the rest. I'd love to do the buddy read as well so Im headed to amazon where I will be forced to do some book shopping. A terrible tragedy, but...a challenge is a challenge right?! Thanks again, cant wait to get started!
Tania - I'm always available for a remix pick too, if you need more volunteers :)
Hi Inga!Worked on the list below for you. Hopefully at least one of these books will work for you. I have looked over your read and TBR lists and compared it to mine. Some of the below are among my absolute favorites and others I haven't read yet.
Historical:
The Flame and the Flower This was one of the first books I ever read and remains an absolute favorite of mine!
Contemporary:
To Die For (#1 of 2) I saw this one on your TBR list. I LOVED Blair and I think you'll highly enjoy it!! Comedy, suspense and romance.
Urban Fantasy:
Original Sin (Series) This one is on both of our TBR lists
Paranormal Romance:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Series) I've read the first 3 or 4 in this series as I really enjoy the flow of K. Cole's writing style.
Paranormal Romance (Non-Vamp):
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Series) M. Harper writes such wit, that I laughed out loud so many times while reading this, I couldn't put it down once I started. She is fast becoming one of my all time favorite authors.
Sci-Fi/Futuristic:
Killing Time I feel like I've said this a lot, but Linda Howard is a romance genius to me. She's my favorite writer, and I really like this time traveling tale(though I will admit that I liked To Die For much more).
Romance Suspense:
The Pagan Stone (#3 of 3) I saw that you've already read the first and second in this series. I really enjoyed the series and the conclusion to this tale. N.Roberts tells some really interesting stories.
Erotic Romance:
Unleashed I don't have many options and didn't see any on your lists(sorry if I missed them), so this one has been on my TBR list for a while.
BUDDY READ:
Both Original Sin and Unleashed are on my TBR list, so if you want to read either together, I'm game.
I hope my options give you something to work off of.
Enjoy!
-Heather
D.G.Do Pamela Clare's I-Team books have to be read in order? I'm asking because our library system has all of them except the first. I've heard good things about this series, but I wanted to try her out before buying one of Clare's books.
Gigi wrote: "Heather BI hope you find something that interests you.
I had a hard time narrowing the categories down.
Historical: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashl..."
Hi Gigi!
I'll be checking out at least a couple of these this month.
Thank you for taking the time to come up with these options for me.
I'll let you know if I get to Wicked Ties....
Hi Renne,Thanks for the recs. Huh, I think I'd probably go with the Erica James or the Karen Marie Moning. Ah, too few hours in a day. Dang!
Renne wrote: "Hi Ritu, I've finally come up with my list! I am fairly new to the Romance genre but I've definitely read some good ones. I hope you find something you like. Here goes...
1. HISTORICAL: Outlander ..."
Hey Tania, I'll always available for remix picks too!
Daffodil wrote: "D.G.Do Pamela Clare's I-Team books have to be read in order? I'm asking because our library system has all of them except the first. I've heard good things about this series, but I wanted to ..."
I think it's preferable for them to be read in order because usually the couple from the last book has something to do with the action of the next book. BUT I know a lot of people that have read the series out of order and I don't think you'll get spoilers if you start with #2 but I really don't remember clearly...sorry!
There's a "Dare you to Read" challenge dedicated to the series (I-Team)...would you post your question there? Maybe you'll get better advice there. :)
Oh and I can help with the remix if needed as well. :)
Pick list updated to message #386 and reminder emails sent out!!!
Tania, if you need another picker i'm available as well.
Sandy wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Sarah, I can download Something Borrowed to my Nook and read it with you. Succubus Blues is really good...Georgina is an interesting heroine, to say the least!"Oh goo..."
I'll message you :)
Sorrysorrysorry! I'm right here, and ready to roll! Cacophony, you'll have your pics today, don't you worry!
Hi Monica, here are my picks for you:Historical: The Bronze Horseman - I haven't read this one but always wanted to, let me know what you think if you read it :)
Contemporary: The Spanish Groom - this book got me reading more Harlequin books, it's short but really good, give it a try ;)
Urban Fantasy: Dead Until Dark - this is one of my favourite series, it has vampires, shapeshifters, gifted humans and the heroine has a sense of humour, great all around!
Paranormal Romance (Vampire): [[book:Dark Lover|42899] - this is one of the best series in this genre, and the next one (Rhage's story) is even better
Paranormal Romance (Something other than Vampires):Slave to Sensation - i don't read much paranormal romance these days, although i used to love it, but Nalini Singh's shifters series and JR Ward's BDB series are the ones i still enjoy very much
Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance: Naked in Death - this is a great series, and don't feel daunted by the nr of books, you can just read one at a time, they all have a nice ending
Romantic Suspense: Two for the Dough - you've liked the first one and the second in the series is much better, i'be been enjoying these books like crazy (read 6 in the last week) :)
Erotic Romance: Deeper - i'm not sure this is hardcore erotica,but this is such a beautiful, moving story, you must try Megan Hart sometime!
Buddy Read: Wither - i would love to read this book with you!
Joyce wrote: "Hi Kami,Sorry it took me so long to choose your picks. But it seems we have a great compatibility rating. We are 85% similar.
Historical: A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Thi..."
Those are some great picks. I am having a hard time narrowing it down. I have had Halfway to the Grave on hold at my library for a couple months now and I haven't yet gotten it. I'm fourth in line for it so maybe it will come this month. I also put Nerd in Shining Armor on hold at my library. But How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire, Something from the Nightside, and Slave to Sensation sound good too. Ugh, it's so hard.
AlbertaJenn:I'm working on your picks right now and will be done in 10-15 min. I started last night but fell asleep :( Sorry for the wait!
Kami wrote: "Recs for me? No? Boo hoo. This happened last month too."Are you still rec-less? Ill make you a list if youre in need! Cant leave a girl hangin...
Thank you for waiting AlbertaJenn. I hope it was worth it and you find something you like!!!Historical - My favourite was Lord of Scoundrels. Don't worry that it's the third in a series, they all stand alone and from what I've heard this one is the best.
Contemporary - I loved the Nerds series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. My favourite was Nerd in Shining Armor but they also stand alone if you'd like a different one.
Urban Fantasy - I have 2 favourites for this category, Kate Daniels and The Dresden Files, but if I had to choose 1 it would be Kate Daniels starting with Magic Bites. I love the unique world Andrews created and the slow and steady build up of the relationships and the setting throughout the series. As much as I loved the first one, I found it got better with every book!
Paranormal (Vampire) - Unfortunately you didn't seem to enjoy my favourite series for this category (Night Huntress) so I'm going to stray and recommend my favourite non-romance vampire series, The Vampire Chronicles, starting with Interview With the Vampire. If you'd like to stick to romance, Undead and Unwed, though not a favourite, was fun and worth the read.
Paranormal - There was no contest here, Soulless is one of my top 5 favourite books.
SF/Futuristic - Again, no contest. J.D. Robb's Naked in Death is a fantastic start to a great series and Roarke is freaking hot!
Romantic Suspense - Extreme Exposure. I would have read this in one sitting if not for the fact that I had to work. As it was I only got 3-4 hours sleep. |-o I rushed home from work to finish it.
Erotic Romance - I don't read a lot of these but the best one that I've read was Rough Riders, Long Hard Ride. Since you've read that I'll recommend the next in the series or if you'd like something new I thought the Bound Hearts series (Surrender) was ok and it's rated pretty high.
If you'd like to do a buddy read, I'd like to read Playing Easy to Get. Like you, I didn't really like A Hunger Like No Other (I gave it a 2.5) but the series is highly recommended and I wonder if I gave up on it too soon. Also, the book made several references to this story making me curious about what I missed.
~Megan~ wrote: "~Sara,Hope I found something here you might like....it was super hard to narrow my choices down!!
..."
Narrowing it down is going to be my problem too! What fantastic picks!!!
I already own several of these books (7 to be exact) so will probably pick one of those to read. Devil's Bride is one of them and since I've had such a fantastic time doing buddy reads in the past (thank you Fran!), I would love to read this with you if you have the time - just tell me when.
I'll most likely end up reading a few of the others as well and the rest have gone on my TBR. I've heard so much about He Loves Lucy in the past that I downloaded it last night and started reading it today even though I'm trying to finish 2 other books for challenges.
Thank you for the recommendations!
I would be willing to help out in the remix if you need it.
~Sara~ wrote: "~Megan~ wrote: "~Sara,Hope I found something here you might like....it was super hard to narrow my choices down!!
..."
Narrowing it down is going to be my problem too! What fantastic picks!!!
I..."
Thanks ~Sara~! I've loved our buddy reads too :)
He Loves Lucy is really good, Lucy is a great heroine, I think you will really like her.
Agreed. He Loves Lucy is a lot of fun.
Hey AshleyAlexis,Sorry it took me awhile to post. Hope you find something here, if not I will be willing to find some other things.
Historical: Outlander (Didn't see this on your list, have you read it all ready?)
Contemporary: Annie's Song (Very good romance. I think you'd really like this one.)
Urban Fantasy: Stolen (I liked this as much as the first. The third in the series I have yet to get far into.)
Paranormal: Fledgling (This is seems to be a story you really become apart of.)
Paranormal: A Great and Terrible Beauty (This is the only series I really loved by this author.)
Sci-Fi: The Eyre Affair
Romantic Suspense The Girl She Used to Be
Erotic: Lover Awakened
Buddy Read: Any of these books you choose that I have not read I will read with you if you would like.
Cathy #49 - Here's my picks - we don't have a whole of books in common so I'm stretching the categoriesHistorical - The Prize - I loved this book, I think it was the 2nd Garwood book I read
Contemporary Romance - Bet Me - I have not read this but I do own it.
Urban Fantasy - The Iron Duke - This book I gave 5 stars and was surprised how good it was.
PR Vampire - Soulless - One of my favorite books/series.
PR no Vampire - Master of Smoke - I enjoy most of Angela Knight's books and this one was pretty good
Sci-Fi - Relentless - I picked up this book thinking it was contemporary erotica - was surprised it was sci-fi. Good book.
Romantic Suspense - Agnes and the Hitman - I keep picking this book up and putting it back down - maybe you'll have better luck with it.
Erotic Romance - Lion's Heat - Everyone who has read Lora Leigh's books knows they're erotica something. Hot!
Buddy Read - Primal - I bought it and have been putting other books before it - maybe this will get me to read it.
Okay Caroline - I'm going to pick the Time Traveler's Wife (again). I don't know why I don't make myself read this books after 3 different people have recommended it. I'm going to pull it off the shelf right now.
Awesome ~Sara~! I will definitely read Devil's Bride with you....let me know when you want to start!
Carolyn F. wrote: "Okay Caroline - I'm going to pick the Time Traveler's Wife (again). I don't know why I don't make myself read this books after 3 different people have recommended it. I'm going to pull it off the..."Lol!! 3rd time lucky!! Hope you enjoy it and finally get to read it:-) Let me know what you think x x
Cathy wrote: "CathyWe have soooo many books in common that I had a really hard time finding books to recommend that you haven't already read, especially in the UF and PNR categories. I hope you can find someth..."
Cathy # 49
Thanks for the recommendations. I am going to read 2 of them,
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs (UF)
Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione (Buddy Read)
Okay Joyce, I got The Nerd in Shining Armor from the library so I will start with that, but I really like your picks. Maybe if I have time this month I will read more of them.
Hey Miss!Thanks a bunch for the recs! I like 'em a lot, and there's a few that are out of my usual reading zone, so broadening my horizons and all that! =]
I'm probably going to start with Dead Until Dark or Dark Lover. The new Stephanie Plum is coming out in June, so I want to leave my re-read for as late as possible.
Let me know when you want to do Wither.
Cathy,Let me know when you want to read Eternal Rider. I already have it so I can start whenever works for you.
I know a few people were recommended Lorelei James for the Erotic romance...the first book in the series is currently available for free on Kindle at Amazon
Noor wrote: "hey Pam here are the books i picked for you, I hope you like what i have picked for you, this is my first time picking books for someone else i hope i did good =)Historical:
, How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf(which looks hysterical) and The Darkest Hour. Thanks for the great recommendations. I've read both the Garwoods (so you did well). I've added the others to my list as soon as I clear out my current stack. I've just started my author challenge for this month read so could be ready for the buddy read around Wednesday or so if you are ready to go?
Christine S (#65)Here are my picks for you. Hope you find something that interests you.
HISTORICAL
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - I loved this book, I even re-read it for my work book club.
The Chief by Monica McCarty - First in a highlander historical series about an elite force of ten warriors chosen by Robert the Bruce in the fight to free Scotand.
CONTEMPORARY
Vision in White by Nora Roberts - The beginning of The Bride Quartet series in which 4 childhood friends take their childhood game of Wedding Day and start a wedding planning company.
My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson - I noticed you had this in your TBR list and thought I would add it to my lst of picks. Catherine Anderson is one of my fav outhors and this is a very touching book. (The first book in this series is Baby Love)
URBAN FANTASY
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison - Rachel Morgan is a witch who quits her job with a paranormal policing agency only to have a contact put out on her by her former boss.
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong - Elena is the only female werewolf in the world who is just trying to lead a normal life.
PARANORMAL VAMPIRE
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - One of my fav vamp series.
Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur - Riley Jensen is a dhampire half vampire/half werewolf, so this may be cheating on the vampire category. But I had to recommend this series. LOVE IT.
PARANORMAL NON VAMPIRE
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione - THis series is about Tayla, a demon slayer and Eidelon, a demon/doctor. Awesome series.
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter - Former soldiers created by the Greek gods the Lords of the Underworld now each must carry one of the demons they released Pandora's Box.
SciFI/Futuristic
Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Kiara is a princess who has been abducted and is rescued by Nykerian, a renegade assassin. I am a huge Sherrilyn Kenyon fan and this series is awesome.
Witness in Death by J D Robb - When I saw you had read several of the In Death series I knew I had to encourage you to keep reading them. I have read them all, I love Eve and Roark.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann - Again I saw you had this book on your TBR list and I had to say start this series. The Troubleshooters are amazing, sexy military men. What more can I say.
Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen - Regan is archeologist and Quinn is a former Air Force Pilot/Juvenile car thief. This series is hot , zany anfd fun to read.
EROTIC ROMANCE
Laid Bare by Lauren Dane - This is a stroy about love, loss, survival and family. That is what I like so much about Lauren Dane's books, she tells really good stories.
The Mane Event by Shelley Laurenston - This is actually 2 novellas about shifters: lions, wolves and hyenas. One of the things I like the most about Shelley Laurenston is her use of humor/funny situations in her writing.
BUDDY READ
Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare - This has been on my TBR shelf for a while. If you are interested in reading this let me know.
Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather BI hope you find something that interests you.
I had a hard time narrowing the categories down.
Historical: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennif..."
Hi Heather! I missed this post! I'm glad you liked your recs. Yes, please let me know if you decide to read Wicked Ties! Let me know which book you decide to read.
Gigi wrote: "Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather BI hope you find something that interests you.
I had a hard time narrowing the categories down.
Historical: [book:The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie|59..."
I think I'm going to tackle Black Ice and Naked In Death to start. I have tried to read Moon Called before, but couldn't get into it, and historicals generally are not my thing. Though my favorite romance book (read at 13 yrs old) was historical, so I'm contradicting myself there. lol
@ heather...i had to admit, moon called probably took me about half the book to get into and then it got really good and i haven't looked back on the series...the same can be said for Ilona Andrews kate daniels series...i spent most of it scratching my head thinking, why does everyone love this series...and then it really picked up
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Dead Until Dark (other topics)The Darkest Hour (other topics)
The Time Traveler's Wife (other topics)
Perfect Chemistry (other topics)
The Iron Duke (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Maya Banks (other topics)Rachel Caine (other topics)
Karen Marie Moning (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
MaryJanice Davidson (other topics)
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I read them and then put them in my "check these out" notebook.
And this month... boy have is my tbr going to grow!!