May - Pick It For Me Challenge

[Kayla]

Hey Katie!!

Checking out these books you have suggested, I've never read any m/m romance at all. Sadly, it had never occurred to me that there might be any, I'm excited to check out some of these suggestions you listed!

I added the ones that looked the most interesting to me to a new shelf on my list! I also requested you as a friend, and I plan to review to the books as I read them!

Thank you!

[Katie]

Kayla wrote: "Hey Katie!!

Checking out these books you have suggested, I've never read any m/m romance at all. Sadly, it had never occurred to me that there might be any, I'm excited to check out some of these..."

great! let me know what you think about them :) if you like them, you should join the m/m romance group! there are a lot of great people over there and some great places to find recommendations.

[Renne]

Ritu wrote: "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 ..."
I hope you try Moning at some point...hours of entertainment ahead if you like her! Beyond the Highland Mist is Moning as well ( I noticed that I left that detail out).

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Monica wrote: "Hey MountainKat! Sorry it's taken me so long, and thanks for waiting, patiently or otherwise. *grins* This was kind of hard, because we have a godly amount of books in common. SO I'm going to try a..."

Hi Monica, I narrowed my list down to a few... First, I plan to invoke the series clause, you suggested Halfway to the Grave, I am actually on Destined for an Early Grave so I will read that one! I also plan to read The Duke And I. I will put The Secret on my wishlist since a friend has suggested it too, but I was able to fit The Duke And I into another challenge - and I am addicted to challenges. If I can squeeze them in, I hope to read Succubus Blues and maybe even Crave. The Hunger Games is one I also hope to read soon, but I don't know if I will get to that in May.

Did I really say I narrowed the list down?! OY!

[Vi]

Hey Renne,

Yeah, I realized that it was by Moning as well. I'm just doing a bit of juggling so that fit the books into the various challenges (yes, I am addicted..). Besides, I already have many unread series that I want to start reading.. Either way, they are going on my TBR.
Renne wrote: "Ritu wrote: "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 com..."

[Ashley♥Alexis]

Thanks Ari! I'll probably read Annie's Song since I already own it and I haven't gotten the chance to read it.

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

I finished the first of my fabulous picks from the divine diva of destruction herself, Penney! Darkfever was indeed good. However, it should come with a warning: "Note, this book is only the beginning." You do know I have other things to do in my life, but it looks like I'm going to track down the rest of these instead. Good story and interesting world. I like the writing style with several asides directed straight at the reading audience.

[Tuğçe]

Photojim wrote: "I finished the first of my fabulous picks from the divine diva of destruction herself, Penney! Darkfever was indeed good. However, it should come with a warning: "Note, this book is..."

I just started Darkfever this morning as if I needed another series...

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Good news. I hear it's only five books long and the series is done. So yes, I'll get them all done ASAP, but at least I don't have to worry about future installments.

[Tania]

Hey guys...

Original time for picks is now shut. So I've assigned the following re-matches

Leah picks for Cacophony
Dee picks for Coffeentea
~Megan~ picks for Kris-10
Jane picks for Lacy
Ritu picks for Laura
D.G. picks for Melinda
Gigi picks for Miss
Valerie ~Varuca~ picks for Tania
~Debbie~ picks for Teresa Jo

And if I could get volunteers to pick for
Valerie
Valerie ~Varuca~

~ Debbie ~, I'm holding off on assigning a repick for you because Yz said she'd be doing it Monday. If I don't see anything from her by lunchtime tomorrow I'll post picks for you then.

[Tuğçe]

I can pick for someone as well!

[Tania]

Excellent -

Inga can pick for Valerie
Tugce Nida can pick for Valerie ~Varuca~

Many many thanks guys!!!!

[Vi]

Hey Laura, I'm doing your picks now. Going off to dinner but I should be able to post in an hour or so.

[Tuğçe]

Hey Valerie ~Varuca~,

Due to the time difference I am at work and will probably send you picks very soon...

[Penney]

Photojim wrote: "Darkfever was indeed good. However, it should come with a warning: "Note, this book is only the beginning." You do know I have other things to do in my life, but it looks like I'm going to track down the rest of these instead...."

**In my best Southern Belle accent** Oops, did I forget to mention the whole cliffhanger bit...? You don't actually need to sleep, do you?

[Melanie]

Hi Melinda - sorry so late - I try to stay away from the computer on the weekends! I hope you enjoy some of these

Historical - Dark Rival by Brenda Joyce - (Masters of Time #2) You don't need to read the first to follow and this was definitely the best of the series that I have read so far. I see most of your historicals are set in the Highlands, as is this one, but it also has time travel and some breif UF in the beginning.

Contemporary - Out of Control - Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters #4) This is another series that you don't need to read in order. I don't read a lot of contemporary, but I have enjoyed what I have read of this series.

Urban Fantasy - Bayou Moon - Ilona Andrews (The Edge #2) I haven't read this but the reveiws are good and you enjoyed the first one.

Paranormal Romance (Vampire) - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith - I haven't read this yet, it's in my TBR pile.


Paranormal Romance (ot Vampire) - Penelope and Prince Charming - Jennifer Ashley (Nvengaria #1) a light read - but enjoyable. I really like how they don't make a big deal about the paranormal elements.

Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance - Mnomia's World - James Halen - again not my genre, but highly rated.

Romantic Suspense - The Cove - Catherine Coulter (FBI Thriller #1) I really liked this book - but this is yet another series where the order doesn't matter.

Erotic Romance - Enchanted: Erotic Bedtime Stories For Women - Nancy Madore - Fun and sexy.

Buddy Read
Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes, #2) - Eileen Dreyer


Dark RivalOut of ControlBayou MoonAbraham Lincoln: Vampire HunterPenelope & Prince CharmingMnomia's WorldThe CoveThe CoveEnchanted: Erotic Bedtime Stories For WomenNever a Gentleman

[Melanie]

Thank you so much - these look great. I don't even know where to start.

Melanie wrote: "Melanie

Sorry about the mix-up, I'm not used to having another Melanie around!!:-D

Here are your recs: if you can't find something, let me know and I'll get you smt else! Yes, a lot of these book..."

[Vi]

Hey Laura,

When I peeked at your bookshelf, I noticed that our reads are complimentary (what I've read, you have not and vice versa). But I also noticed that you only joined last year. So if you end up with recs that you have already read, just let me know. I'd be happy to change.

Historical
I noticed that there aren't any historical romance books in your shelf. With that, I'm going to recommend some favorites.

1. I love, love Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase. I loved the characters, the dialogues and the road travel.
2. The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale. This is my favorite Laura Kinsale. It has one of the endangered - a virgin hero. An abused hero who becomes an entrepreneur and the female lead is a seamstress. Kinsale handles the romance beautifully.
3. Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer. We go back to the master of the Regency Romance. This was my first book of hers and my favorite.

Contemporary
1. Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts. I don't see any of her books in your shelf. If you haven't read her, then this an excellent book to start with. It does have some suspense but mainly a contemporary romance set in a small town.
2. After the Night by Linda Howard. One of Linda Howard's best. The hero is a alpha without crossing over to the a**hole territory. There is a suspense but the primary focus is the romance between the leads.

Urban Fantasy
I'm so spoilt for choices here since this seems to be my current obsession. And you seem to be strong in this area also.
1. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews. A kickass heroine, a drool-worthy hero who is in fact a were-lion. And the next book in the series is releasing this month-end. Looks like a good timing to me!
2. Ill Wind by Rachel Caine. This book has an unusual setting in that you won't find any vampires and such. And the best thing is that the series is done. I started off this book just before the last book in the series came out. Within 10 minutes of finishing, I had bought all the books in the series including the last one. And thereby my budget flew to hell as well.

Paranormal Romance (With Vampire)
Ah, you seem to have read most vampire novels. Oh well, here goes my recs:
1. Demon Moon by Meljean Brook. She's an author I discovered recently but she has quickly become of my favorite.
2. The Warlord Wants Forever. I notice that this is in your TBR. I haven't read this yet but it is on my TBR. We can do a buddy read for this if you're interested.

Paranormal Romance (No Vampire)
1. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. I was reluctant to get into this series due to the changeling aspect ( I was burnt out by changelings). I read this book by chance and now i'm hooked. Caressed By Ice is the third book in the series and it features one of the best tortured heroes ever.
2. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs. You need to start off with the novella in On the Prowl (Alpha & Omega, #0.5); (World of the Lupi, #3.5); (Monère: Children of the Moon, #4);. The has an abused heroine who is a werewolf. She is rescued by the head of werewolf. This series is set in the same world as her other series but this leans more towards Paranormal.

Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance
1. Naked in Death by J. D. Robb. I started this series after a great reluctance (I had already read all Nora Roberts books in the library at that time). Now almost 40 books later, I'm still hooked and eagerly awaiting the next release. The series just seem to get better and better. And you have Roarke in it. Enough said.
2. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. I haven't read this series yet but I'm planning to after hearing all the comments about them.

Romantic Suspense
Aha, I see you haven't read many Romantic Suspense before. Great, now on to some of my favorites.
1. Don't Tell by Karen Rose. She's my favorite Rom-Susp author. My go-to author when I need some good romance.
2. Trust Me by Brenda Novak - The Last Stand books are awesome and books seem to get better.

Erotic Romance
This is my weakest genre. I don't really read Erotic Romance. So I'm going to recycle my previous recs here.

1. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton. I admit it. I'm shallow. I liked the cover (it's so hawt!) so much that I bought the book and I even managed to enjoy the book even though I skipped the scenes
2. Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks. I've heard so much good things about these books. Plus Dee also recommended to me.

Buddy Read
I was about to suggest the Highlander series but I see you have started on the first book. Maybe we can do The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole or The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter. I'm open to either.

Hope you find something you like from the recs. Happy Reading Laura.

[~Megan~]

Kris-10 is set to private so I sent her a friend request....I'll get recs up as soon as she adds me!

[D.G.]

It seems that Melinda's original partner posted picks for her after the remix (msg 435.) So please Tania let me know if you'd like to me do picks for somebody else. I'm around. :)

[Tuğçe]

Valerie ~Varuca~ here are your picks, hope you can find something to enjoy...

Historical - I have noticed you actually don't read any historical romance, or at least as far as I can see from your lists I came across none :) so pretty tough for me to recommend something, anyway...
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas, I haven't read this one even though I can say I fancy reading historical fiction alot, but noticed you have read another book of hers and rated it on the high scale so maybe you might enjoy her historicals...
The Secret by Julie Garwood, this was one of my buddy reads in PIFM last month and loved the book, so passing it to you :)
Gone With the Wind by Margareth Mitchell, one of my all time favourites, I love classics and I loved this one but gotta warn you, it is huge! :)

Contemporary - I am not much of fan for eyeroll worthy contemporary romance books,need a good storyline and character development,
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, this one described how she felt and struggle through her feelings, friendship and love, it made me remember how I felt in my senior years or early college days when I liked someone and how I thought over him and the events to make sense etc.
Promises by Marie Sexton ,I saw that you are ok with m-m romance so won't hesitate to suggest, I haven't read it but heard a lot of good things about it. I will also be reading this in May so let me know if you decide this one.

Urban Fantasy - The line between PNR and UF is very thin, you can find all the books almost in both genres in listopia lists. So I will try to stick to the ones I read and thought could be classified as UF regarding to the definition Tania posted.
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, you also have read Twilight Saga and enjoyed it or at least no sign of dislikes :) I have started this series this year and will be reading the fifth book this month, if you can bare and pass the first book (which I thought was just ok but the series got very good reviews over all so I got stick to it) it gets better and better. Good world building, different breath to vampires and alike...
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, haven't read but read nothing but seriously good reviews.
You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister, Well Aisling is a smart and funny heroine, or so I thought. If you are to read a series other than Vampires, were-wolves or Fae, you can give this a try and Drake is a hot hero ;) And the series is only 4 books ;)

PNR (Vampires) - We have a lot of books in common in this genre and pretty a similar kind of taste (%75 is not bad at all)
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian, I saw you liked BDB series so might try this one, kind of similar in storyline, fighting vampire warriors (who are a different breed) and their breedmates (who are marked from birth). I can say this series a little lighter than BDB and hotter.
How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks, a fun and easy reading vampire series, vampires who are good and drinking synthetic blood fighting against Rouges. I enjoyed reading almost all books of the series (unfortunately she keeps writing them), kind of more on the chick-lit vampire side of the scale.
Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward, I saw you read all of them until the last book so maybe you want to continue, although I must say, I think this one was the worst book in this series (not meaning it is a bad book, it was good just different than the rest, I gave 4stars in the sake of previous books, I thought it was 3stars worthy)

PNR (non-vampire) - I am very inexprienced in this subgenre so I will give it a try with the ones I heard are good and planning to read.
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, My husband watched the movie and thought it was bad, he said they ruined a good to be story by turning it into a lovestory what a waste and he is a sci-fi and horror fan on the extreme side. He things Edward Cullen is a sparkling boy!! (you can guess what I mean) So taking him reference, I think this might be a good romance one :)
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole, haven't read either but heard that the series is addictive.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, a few read this in last months PIFM and made all good reviews.

Sci-fi / Futuristic - I turned out to like dystopians (that's as far as my sci-fi taste goes) so will go from there...
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I loved the book, it was in my TBR and waited about a year to be picked up and now I am wondering why have I done such a thing! Absolutely one of my favourite reads this year.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer, never read anything from her other than Twiligh Saga but they say this is a good read.

Romantic Suspense - This is one of the other genre I am bad about, not a crime/suspense fan and only read a few in romantic suspense sub-genre. I was planning to recommend Julie James but you have already read all...
Hidden Away by Maya Banks, I like her books and saw you read the rest of this series so you might wanna continue...
Linda Howard, her books are on all over the upper parts of romantic suspense lists. I have read only one book from her, Heart of Fire, which wasn't bad at all.

Erotic Romance - Well I have added a few from your lists ... And surprisingly, here are a few ones I have read and you haven't (cos whatever books we have in you only haven't read a bunch of them)
Sweet Possession by Maya Banks, you haven't read it yet although it was not as good as previous ones
Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, this one was one of the first m-m romance books I have read last year and really liked it, I liked Aaron even though he was kind of a jerk at times... Joey was sweet loving and struggling type, the story is a good one.
Babysitting the Baumgartners by Selena Kitt, this is as far as I went in reading erotica and found it quite too much at times but have fun reading it so if you are feeling like pushing the boundaries a little you might give it a try.

Buddy read - Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost, apart from the ones I haven't read above, if you decide to read this one I can also join for a buddy read.

And I guess this is the end of my essay... :) Mann!!, while writing this I forgot I was at work and supposed to work actually. Now it is almost day off, well what can I do...

[Christine (Cagnes)]

Cathy wrote: "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..."

Cathy #56 Everything on the list interests me, thanks for the recs! I'd eventually like to read them all, but will definitely plan on reading Redeeming Love & The Chief this month.

I'd also love to do a buddy read with Extreme Exposure, but the earliest I could start with that would be next week. Just lmk if you're interested & we can decide when to start.

[Debbie]

Tania wrote: "~ Debbie ~, I'm holding off on assigning a repick for you because Yz said she'd be doing it Monday. If I don't see anything from her by lunchtime tomorrow I'll post picks for you then."

Sounds like a perfect plan to me. I meant to tell you to give Yz until later. I don't know her exact time zone, I think it is closer to yours than mine so I will let you make the call.

Teresa Jo, I am heading over to look at what you have now. Should have recommendations up for you with in an hour.

[Taina]

Tania #1

Here are my picks for you of my favorite books in the following genres:

Historical: Forever in Your Embrace by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Contemporary: Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster

Urban Fantasy: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) by Cassandra Clare or Conversion (Conversion #1) by S.C. Stephens

Paranormal Romance: Vampire: Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3) by J.R. Ward
* I noticed you already read this. But this is my absolute favorite romance book. If you would prefer to read something let me know.

Paranormal Romance: Non-Vampire: Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #6) by Kresley Cole
*Some of the characters in the series are vampires, but the main characters in this particular installment are not. Love this book in the series!

Sci-Fi & Futuristic Romance: Born of Night (The League, #1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Outcast by Evangeline Anderson

Romantic Suspense: Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
*Just want to note that this is a Christian novel, so if religious stuff is not to your liking, again, just let me know.

Erotic Romance: Anything by Varian Krylov. But my favorite story is Hurt

Buddy Read: I noticed we both have The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter on our to-read list. If you want to do that together, I am totally game.

That’s my list. Let me know if you have any questions!

[Debbie]

Teresa Jo, so sorry you have had to wait for your recommendations. Let me see if I can get some that you might like.


Historical - Lots of Historicals to choose from, one of my favorite series is the Hathaways and while Mine Till Midnight may not be the best of the series, it is the first of the series.

Contemporary - I see that you have Sugar Queen on your tbr, and while I like that one, my favortie Sarah Addison Allen is Garden Spells. I think I recommend this book to just about everyone I know, it is a great 'gentle romance' with just a little bit of magic.

Urban Fantasy - For the standard, probably most recommended Urban Fantasy, Moon Called is a good werewolf/vampire/fae series. Again it is the first of the series and not necessarily the best. I also really like American Gods, it has a bit of a Mythological aspect to it that makes it a unique story from start to finish.

Paranormal Romance (Vampire) - You have already read the Carpathians, so another of the great Vampire series is the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The first book of the series is Dark Lover, and while it is not the best of the series, it is a good starting point for the series.

Paranormal Romance (Non - Vampires) - One of my all time favorite series is the Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter. The first book of the series is The Darkest Night.

Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance - You have started the Hunger Games series, and I think you should finish it by reading Mockingjay. I don't think you will be disappointed. For a surprisingly emotional Sci-Fi, you could also try The Host, for me it was one of those that I just couldn't put down.

Romantic Suspense - You seem to be a fan of Nora Roberts, so it probably won't surprise you to know that High Noon is a great romantic suspense. Other than that, I would recommend reading the next of the FBI series by Catherine Coulter. Blow Out is on your tbr - I have always enjoyed Savich & Sherlock.

Erotic Romance - It is hard to pick an erotic romance, this has a pretty good storyline to go along with the sex scenes. I also read (I think Dee posted it) that right now you could get a kindle of Long Hard Ride for free from Amazon. I saw shelves that made me think you could do kindle.

Buddy Read - We both have this on our wanted/wishlist, and I am happy to say that I got a copy for my b-day last week. Soooo, if you can find a copy in time and want to read this one together let me know and I will start it sooner rather than later. A Discovery of Witches



Well, again I am sorry it took so long for you to get some recommendations and I hope that you can find something that you like here. If not, let me know and I will get some more for you.

[Melissa **]

Melinda wrote: "Picks for Melissa

Hello Melissa. I hope you like your picks:



Historical:
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning.
I actually don't read a lot of historical romances, and..."

Thanks for the picks!! I think I'm going to go with Practice Makes Perfect and Caressed By Ice. I might also read Beyond the Highland Mist depending on how much time I have left in the month.

[Melissa **]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Jess wrote: "Jane (PS) - Your picks for me were wonderful.

I'm going to go with Darkfever as my main read and I would love to attempt to buddy read [book:Halfway to the Grave|5441773..."

You are goingt o finally read Halfway to the Grave!!! YAY!!!

[D.G.]

Melissa ** wrote: "Thanks for the picks!! I think I'm going to go with Practice Makes Perfect and Caressed By Ice. I might also read Beyond the Highland Mist depending on how much time I have left in the month. "

Two of my favorites! Hope you enjoy them. :)

[Melissa **]

D.G. ~Frisky She-Devil~ wrote: "Melissa ** wrote: "Thanks for the picks!! I think I'm going to go with Practice Makes Perfect and Caressed By Ice. I might also read Beyond the Highland Mist depending on how much time I have left ..."

Me too!!! Thanks!! :)

[Gigi]

Miss

Hi Miss! I'm sorry for the delay. I fell asleep early last night. So, you'll have your picks tonight after I get home from work. Promise!!!!!

[~Megan~]

Kris-10,

Thanks for adding me, and I hope I found something you might like here!!

Historical:
Warrior by Zoe Archer - This was a hard category since you don't seem to read much historical romance. I tried to pick something historical, but fun and filled with magic. I really loved this series that is sort of like Indiana Jones with a really sexy love story!

Contemporary:
A Lot Like Love by Julie James - Saw this on your TBR and zeroed in on it right away. Really any book by her will do...they're all winners!
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen - One of my favorite new authors, and a book I think you will enjoy as it has a more YA bent to it than her others. It's a genre called magical realism.

Urban Fantasy:
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning - Jump on the bandwagon and join the rest of us in our love for Jericho Barrons! Be sure to have the next books in the series handy. Moning is the queen of cliffhangers.
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs - My favorite UF series. Looks like you enjoyed the first one and it only gets better from there.

Paranormal Vamps:
Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian - Next in the series you already started and my favorite vamp books ever!
Queen of Shadows by Dianna Sylvan - Really awesome vampire book...one of my faves from last year.

Paranormal Non-Vamps:
Full Moon by Rachel Hawthorne - I don't know how you read the first and fourth book in this series without dying to read the middle two books. This is one of my favorite series that hardly anyone is reading.
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lyn Barnes - Loved this book about werewolves.

Sci-Fi/Futuristic:
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - Ignore the cover. Own it. Read it. Love it. 'Nuff said.

Romantic Suspense:
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden - Love this series and just read it recently...about an FBI unit specializing in serial killers and profiling. They remind me of the Criminal Minds team.

Erotic:
The Wallflower by Dana Marie Bell - About as erotic as I go...these are pretty short books, but they're loads of fun. It's not often you read about werepumas, right?

Buddy Read:
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton - Been wanting to read this one so it jumped out at me from your TBR list. Let me know if you want to read it!

[Gigi]

Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather B

I hope you find something that interests you.

I had a hard time narrowing the categories down.

Historical: [book:The Madness of Lord Ian..."

I enjoyed both! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

[Laura]

Ritu wrote: "Hey Laura,

When I peeked at your bookshelf, I noticed that our reads are complimentary (what I've read, you have not and vice versa). But I also noticed that you only joined last year. So if you e..."

Amazing recs! I had a hard time choosing because they all look so good. I think I have decided to start with Ill Wind then if I have time I will read Don't Tell. I am also very interested in buddy reading The Warlord Wants Forever. I probably wont be able to get to it until the middle of May but I will let you know when I am ready. I really appreciate you picking for me!!!!

[Teresa Jo]

Debbie wrote: "Teresa Jo, so sorry you have had to wait for your recommendations. Let me see if I can get some that you might like.


Historical - Lots of Historicals to choose from, one of my favorite series..."

Thanks for the picks. They look great.

Mockingjay is definitely on the list for May reading and I will download A Discovery of Witches on Wednesday (tomorrow).

I have seen the Black Dagger Brotherhood around so will pick up the Dark Lover this month also.

To round out my choices (my goal is 5 books from the list) I will pick up Garden Spells and Blowout.

My sister is the huge Nora Roberts fan (she owns all but two of the Nora books and all of the JD Robb books) so I end up reading those as fillers. :)

[Isabella]

Inga wrote: "Isabella, we do not have many books in common and your TBR shelf is quite small, therefore, you'll find a lot of books among my picks not from your TBR. Hope you don't mind :)

If you want more/dif..."

Hi Inga

A very big thank you for theses picks. I haven't read too much and I'm trying to make my bookshelf better.
So here's what I'll be reading this month.

1-Perfect Chemistry (I started today)
2-Angels Blood #1
3-Dark Lover
4-Burning Alive
5-Slave to sensation
6-Reno's Chance
7-Hard to hold (the buddy read I got the book we can start whenever you want)

[Heather]

Gigi wrote: "Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Heather B

I hope you find something that interests you.

I had a hard time narrowing the categories down.

Historical: [book:The Mad..."


Just finished my first Challenge Pick - Black Ice by Anne Stuart.
I can't say that I was overly in love with the book. With the male hero in this book, I primarily needed to know how the story would reach a HEA. While I believe they get it, the ending felt rather abrupt to me after all Bastien is involved with and thinks himself to be through most of the book.
I'm glad I read it though, as I don't think I've read much by Stuart and it was good to get some exposure to her.
Onto Sugar Daddy.
Thanks!

[Lady Allison]

Laura,

I know I'm sliding in here under the line but THANK YOU for your patience! Life has been crazy of late :) I'm so excited to give you my recs, once I started thinking, I was on a roll! I didn't check your shelves, so I don't know what you've read & what you haven't so hopefully you can find something! These are my top authors/series for each genre of romance. ♥

Historical: I've recently gotten into these & the following 2 authors are amazing!
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rakeby Sarah MacLean (Love By Numbers)
Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas (Wallflowers)



Contemporary:
The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie - my first Crusie book & an adorable one!
Vision in White by Nora Roberts (Bride Quartet) - my first Nora Roberts & I fell in love with this series 100%. I always recommend it!



Urban Fantasy:
Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding (Dreg City) - debut novel, fantastic characters, very fast paced
Stray by Rachel Vincent (Shifters) - an great series! Sexy, fast paced with a kick ass heroine!
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (Fever) - this series is EPIC. I'm still not over Shadowfever.




Paranormal Romance (Vampire):
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill (Chicagoland Vamps) - LOVE this heroine! Very real & so fun to read.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
by Molly Harper (Jane Jameson) - I laughed my way through this series! Love it!



Paranormal Romance (Something other than Vampires):
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter (Lords of the Underworld) - very interesting combo of traditional & personal myth, sexy men, & a story you will fall into & won't want to get out of!
You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister (Green Dragons) - One of my absolute favorite authors, so funny & I loved the originality of this dragon series.




Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance:
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels) - this is the first book of the series & took me a while to get into, but if you stick with it, it WILL pay off!
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death) I haven't read this whole thing yet, but I hear nothing but good things. It's got like 30 something books, so she's gotta be doing something right!

Romantic Suspense:
I don't know this genre all too well, but I read
Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl (Tumble Creek) & it had a very suspenseful element in it & was a great book.



Erotic Romance:
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton - loved this, very sportsy but hot with an actual story!
Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone - erotic historical by my understanding & I've heard nothing but good things!



BUDDY READ
I'd love to read Addicted with you if you choose it as well as How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper (Naked Wereworlf) or Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (Travises) :)

[Valerie]

Tania wrote: "Excellent -

Inga can pick for Valerie
Tugce Nida can pick for Valerie ~Varuca~

Many many thanks guys!!!!"

Sorry guys! I was just about to post by picks for Valerie ~Varuca~. I was thinking I had until 8pm EST (US). I was away all weekend with no computer access. Thanks Tugce Nida for stepping in for me.

-Valerie

[Noor]

hey MountainKat thanks for the picks i like them all and am looking forward to reading them...

9/9 -- DONE =D

1. 3 STARS
-> It was a good book but for me i did not really like the ending, ya it was good they got together but he should have stopped it before hand. And for me i really never liked the whole love your brother's bride to be thing

2. 5 STARS
-> I really liked this book. i have been meaning to read it for a while and this challenge have me a chance to. I loved how the book left me feeling happy and warm after reading it =)

3. 3.5 STARS
-> It was a good book but i have never liked books that don't have a final ending, so it was hard for me to like it even if is was very good

4. 4 STARS
-> Good Read, it was interesting from beginning to end not ever boring and i like the main characters

5. 4 STARS
-> I loved the mystery but it took me forever to read it because i had to get a recorded version which made it more fun =)

6. 4.5 STARS
-> i really loved the story it was very interesting and cute/sweet... i loved the characters in the book. can't wait to read the other books in the series

7. 4.5 STARS
I loved it, it was great i have always loved all of maya banks books, i can't wait to read the other books in the series

8. 3 STARS
-> It was a good book but i would have liked a little more history on the character and more interaction between all the characters

9. 5 STARS
-> great read... every romance lovers dream, it was real, funny, cute and hot with characters to love, and who could be related to =)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Noor wrote: "hey MountainKat thanks for the picks i like them all and am looking forward to reading them...

9.
-> will start reading this book on wed. =) "

OK, I will try to be ready to start then too!

[Valerie]

Inga wrote: "Valerie, we have quite similar tastes for the books we both rated, so I hope, you'll find something interesting to choose. I also must warn you that I tried to use the approach 'to introduce to the..."

Wow, thanks Inga! There are a lot of series here that I had never even heard of. So many choice! I think I will read either Midnight Awakening, Caressed By Ice, or Pleasure Unbound. It is kind of crazy that Pleasure Unbound isn't on my TBR. I am kind of afraid to get hooked on a new series.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Melissa ** wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Jess wrote: "Jane (PS) - Your picks for me were wonderful.

I'm going to go with Darkfever as my main read and I would love to attempt to buddy read [book:Halfway ..."

LOL - can't wait. And buddy reading will be fun with this one I suspect :)

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Hi Lacy - I've been asleep :) I'll get your picks out in an hour or so...

[Lady Allison]

Thank you so much for the great picks, Lacy!

I am going to finish reading Naked In Death, start LK's Travises series with Sugar Daddy & I'd love to buddy read Crave with you!

Laura, I, too thought I had until tonight to get your picks up so sorry they weren't up sooner! :/ Feel free to take the recs for another time though :) Sorry again.

[Leah]

Cacophony, I will get picks for you by the end of the night! Promise :)

[Dee]

hey Coffeentea - I'm working on your picks right now

[Gigi]

Hi Miss!!

Sorry for the delay. We don't have that many books in common. So, this was a bit difficult, fun but difficult. I really hope you find something that you'll want to read *fingers crossed*. I tried to pick books from your TBR for the most part and I went a little crazy because our tastes are a little different. And I wanted to give you a little more variety.

Ok, here we go....

Historical Romance: The Endearment or Years both by Lavyrle Spencer and loved them both tremendously. I noticed that both you and I read and enjoyed The Hummingbird.

Historical Fiction: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Heard great things about this book

Contemporary: Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin or Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Philips

Urban Fantasy: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

PNR Vamp: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian or The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

PNR Non-Vamp: Caressed By Ice by Nalini Singh

Sci-Fi: Kindred in Death by J.D Robb

Romantic Suspense: Cry No More or Open Season both by Linda Howard

Erotic: Dirty by Megan Hart or Love Slave for Two: Beginnings by Tymber Dalton

Buddy Reads: Revealed by Kate Noble

Happy Reading!

[Dee]

Coffeentea

I had fun looking through your shelves and hopefully found something that you would like to read. A couple of the series, I noticed you had read the first book but hadn't continued on, but for several of them, I felt the series got better as it went!

Historical
To me, no one does historical romance like Lisa Klepyas and in light of that, there are two series that I recommend. Since you’ve already read the Wallflowers series, I’m going to recommend the Hathaway's (books 2 and 5 are my favorites)

Contemporary
I'm not normally a fan of contemporary romance, although not sure why, however, I do enjoy Rachel Gibson. I saw that you had read a few of her books, but only one of the hockey series books, which are much better than her other series, IMHO.
Chinook Hockey Team My other suggestion for you is Erin McCarthy’s Fast Track series – I saw you had all four books on your shelves, and it doesn’t look like you’ve read them.

Urban Fantasy
My go-to series recommendation for UF is normally Chicagoland Vampires, however, since you've read all but the newest one, my recommendation for you is the Mercy Thompson series, by Patricia Biggs (although if you have book 4 in the Chicagoland Vamps, you can read that one as well)

PNR (Vampires)
I read a lot of PNR in the past year or so, but put off reading BDB for ages, because I wasn't sure...wow, did I not realize what I was missing...book 3 is my favorite out of all of them so far

PNR (non vampires)
Two recommendations here,My first recommendation for you is Stephani Hecht's
Archangels - I mean, who would love Angels with an obsession for Redwings Ice Hockey ;) and my second is Shelly Laurenston’s Magnus Pack - I saw you had read a few of hers others, but I really enjoyed this series, book 3 was my favorite.

Sci-Fi/Futuristic
For some reason, I rarely read this genre, however, of what I have read, In Death series - but I did see that you reviewed most of them as 3 stars, so my other recommendation for you is a bit more on the spicy side (and is a M/M series, but really good) - JL Langley's Sci-Fi Regency series

Romantic Suspense
When it comes to romantic suspense, I tend to like a bit more suspense/mystery than the romance, becuase the romance can at times be distracting. However, I have two recommendations for you: Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters
or Lori Armstrong's Mercy Gunderson

Erotic Romance
Where to start, where to start...honestly, when I was thinking about these categories, I couldn't pick just one series, so like with some of the other categories, I have multiple ones. Lorelei James' Rough Riders ; Melissa Schroeders Harmless series; and Cherise Sinclairs Masters of the Shadowlands series

Buddy Read
I took a look at both of our lists and did a compare of books on our to-read and found two potential books, if you are interested:
Parallel Attraction or Skinwalker

Hopefully, there is something in the list that works for you

[Leah]

Cacophony, here are some picks for you! I hope there is something here that you will like to read. If not, let me know and I can try to pick some different ones for you :)


Historical
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean - This is one of my favorite HR series and Sarah MacLean writes hilarious banter!

If You Dare by Kresley Cole - This is a great series and it gets better with each book.


Contemporary
An Unforgettable Lady by Jessica Bird - This is the first thing that I have ever read by J.R. Ward writing as Jessica Bird and I loved it almost as much as her J.R. Ward stuff.

Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery - This is one of my favorite CR writers and she is an author that I know I can go to if I want a good book.

Burning Up by Susan Andersen - This book is hilarious.

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James - This woman writes some of the most hilarious stuff I have ever read. I loved all four of her books.


Urban Fantasy
Storm Born by Richelle Mead - I was not a huge fan of this book, but Mead can still write great and you may end up liking it.

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning - This is a good series. I've only read the first one so far, but I really liked it and I've heard wonderful things about the rest of it.


Paranormal Romance (Vampire)
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris - You've read all the other books in the series, so you might as well read this one! :)

The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter - This is the fourth book in this series, but you've read all my favorite vampire series, so I was at a loss at what to recommend you!


Paranormal Romance (Something other than Vampires)
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter - This is a great series and it revolves around demon possessed Lords and Pandora's box.

Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh - I know this doesn't come out until the end of the month, but you might have time to read it in May!


Sci-Fi / Futuristic Romance
Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - This is one of my favorite of Kenyon's series, and I love the futuristic elements.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - This series isn't technically a romance series, but there are sublte romantic undercurrents. Plus it's just a great trilogy.


Romantic Suspense
Phantom in the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love - This is one of my favorite romantic suspense series. This book is kind of in the middle of the series, but you don't really have to read the previous couple of books in order to get this one because there is where the series started switching up because Kenyon and Love started co-writing.

Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare - I hear great things about this series.


Erotic Romance
Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James - In my opinion, the first two books of this series are...well, let's say rough. I didn't really care for them, but the rest of the series is really great. Despite the first two not being the best, though, I would start at the beginning of the series. I find it's easier to keep all the names straight if you read the series in order.

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning - I personally did not care for this book, but many people did enjoy it.

Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy - I think this book can be categorized as Erotic Romance and Contemporary Romance, but I put it here because this one is more ER, especially compared to other books in this series, I think.


Buddy Read
An Affair Without End by Candace Camp - This is the third book of the series, but I was planning on reading this soon, so I will read it with you if you decide to read it.

Crave by J.R. Ward - I noticed you have to read the Fallen Angels series still, so if you decide to read this one--the second one--I will read it with you also.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Lacy

I really enjoyed going through your shelves. I think our taste in books is quite similar - hopefully one of the recommendations will meet with your approval :)

Historical
The Masqueraders or Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer. I love Heyer's writing style - she is one of my favourite authors; her characters are beautifully portrayed and she excels at literary conversation. These are romantic romps - no sex but lots of fun :)

Seduction by Amanda Quick. You've read a few of her books, and this one was one of my 5 star reads by her.

Contemporary
My weakest category by far! Sorry :(
Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James. I haven't read this but it's on your TBR bookshelf and everyone seems to recommend it :)

Wildest Hearts by Jayne Ann Krentz and High Energy by Dara Joy are the only two 4 star books in this genre that I have on my shelves! Both fun light reads.

Urban Fantasy
Darkfever (Fever) by Karen Marie Moning. I loved this book - the more I thought about it, the more I realised just how much I had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh. I put off reading this book for over a year - I SO regret not picking it up sooner. It is a terrific book - a little dark with great action and a good thread of romance throughout. Singh is a must buy for me in both her series (Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter).

Vampire PNR
Dark Prince (Carpathians) by Christine Feehan. My absolutely favourite series. 21 books and counting :) This is by no means a great book but it is still a good read (if a trifle extensive in the lurve scenes!) - but you really have to read these books in order IMHO. They just get better and better!

Non-Vampire PNR
Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh. Yup - Singh again. This is such a great world that she creates, with fabulous romance and lots of action. This is one of my favourites from the series. I'm up to book 8 (reading it this month with DDee).

Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander) by Karen Marie Moning. I gobbled up this series a couple of years ago and loved it. It isn't 'dark' like the fever series, but they are great time-travelling/fae romances. (Will have to do a reread sometime soon :))

Sci-fi/Futuristic
After Dark (Harmony) by Jayne Castle. This is such a cute series. It is an entertaining futuristic world with some great romance, mystery and side-kicks (the dust bunnies) - a great way to relax.

Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair. I loved this book - it sent me out to seek more Linnea Sinclair books. She does great action and space scenes, but it is the romance that is such a winner in this book.

Suspense
Shadow Game (Ghostwalkers) by Christine Feehan. This book sets the scene. I really started to enjoy this series from about book 4 (Conspiracy Game) onwards (those Norton twins *sigh*). But lots of other Feehan afficionados love (5 stars) all the earlier books as well.

Erotica
Roane (Circe's Recruits) by Marie Harte. Novella. I really like this 4 book series. It has a story line beyond erotic (with a heavy dose of pyschic paranormal).

Total Recall (Cyberevolution) by Kaitlyn O'Connor. This is a pretty hilarious series. This is actually the 6th book in the series, however it really should be the first as the author has gone back to tell how it all began. I won't try to explain it here, but if the precis appeals, and you take it as a bit of fun, I think you could enjoy it :)

Buddy Read
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. Jess and I are buddy reading this book in the second half of this month. I notice it is also on your TBR. How about joining us? :)