Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2011 Challenge Archive
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August - Pick It For Me! Challenge
AlbertaJenn wrote: "24 minutes! LOL"LOL - not that you are counting ;)
2 minutes! (Couldn't help myself, LOL!)
LOL!Sign ups are now closed.
Working as fast as my little fingers and brain can, I'll post the picking results in message 2 and the rules of the challenge in message 3.
Have fun!
Jane! Post the rules first so we can start thinking, LOL!
They will both be up in a second :)
If you have the picks posted so soon, you're a genius. :)I always plan and plan and then it takes me an hour after signups to post everything!
The rules and picks are now posted! Go for it!!
D.G. ~Vile Temptress~ wrote: "If you have the picks posted so soon, you're a genius. :)I always plan and plan and then it takes me an hour after signups to post everything!"
I had time yesterday - so I pretty much did all the sorting and randomising then. I only had to add Miss into the mix this morning :)
;) Thanks DG - I had such a fun time making them up! I've had myself in stitches a few times...
Thanks Jane! Pollyanna, I will have your picks up by tonight!
Cathy (C) - I'll post your picks by tomorrow morning. :)
Thanks Jane, love the rules!Daffodil, I am busy with your picks hope to have them soon unless I fell asleep.
Thanks Debbie and Tugce :)
Lmao!!! Jane Your a genius:-) Loving it x x
Thanks Jane! Love the rules - a couple of them are making me think!Megan, I'm working on your picks now!
Thanks Caroline and MountainKat :)I'm making myself think too! The baby names isn't easy!!!
Layla - I'm working on your list right now - we are so similar in books you'd think it would be easy - but you've read nearly everything I think of!! LOL!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Thanks Caroline and MountainKat :)I'm making myself think too! The baby names isn't easy!!!"
That is a tough one!
You are so creative Jane, love it!Caroline, I will have your picks up soon :)
Hey, KimKirt!These are my picks for you. I hope you'll be able to find something you're interested in. If not, I'm more than happy to recommend more. Oh, & all of my picks are from your TBR shelf.
The Highs
1st Place:
Once an Angel by Teresa Medeiros~This is not only my favorite book by Medeiros but one of my favorite historical romances...EVER. I've re-read it at least a dozen times.
Baby Names:
Perfect by Judith McNaught~On top of being one the most swoon-worthy movie star heroes I've ever read about, the hero of the book also has a swoon-worthy name: Zachary. *sigh*
New Blood:
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris~I don't know if you've seen the TV show based on this series, True Blood. I myself have been reading this series way before it came out. Love True Blood or hate it, but the series is much better in my opinion.
The Low
Rats & Mice in the Stud Shed:
Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy~Contemporary romances are not my preferred poison but I simply adore this series! It doesn't hurt that it's set in my city either!
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed:
Again The Magic by Lisa Kleypas~Since you've read & highly rated Kleypas' "Hathaways" series, why not start the series that preceded it with the prequel to her "Wallflowers" series?
Rotating Paddocks:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins~I noticed you don't have many YA novels on your shelf. I figured I should recommend one of the most hyped up ones of the 21st century. I didn't think it would live up to my expectations which is why I waited a long time to read it. But this series is so amazing!
Stud:
Dirty by Megan Hart~Megan Hart is one of my absolute favorite erotic romance authors. Yes, the sex scenes are nice & smutty but what keeps me coming back for more is how...emotional her characters are. Her books are far deeper & complex than I'd expect.
Spread the Love-Buddy Reads
Poddy Calf:
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Breeding Stock:
Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione
Lili,You have a lot of books on your to-read list!! And a lot I really like. I enjoyed going through your list. So I hope one of these recommendations will work for you.
1st Place
You Slay Me By Katie MacAlister
This is a really funny series!
Baby Names
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Rardin, Jennifer
I don’t pay a lot of attention to names in particular, but I do like the name Jaz, and I like this series.
New Blood
Bet Me by Crusie, Jennifer
You have a few on your list by her, but you haven’t read any yet. This is a great one to start with!
Rats and Mice in the stud shed
Magic Bleeds by Andrews, Ilona
This is an intense series and I see you have read the first few, so I suggest continuing on.
Daily Feed
Eternal Rider by Ione, Larissa
I tried to find one that you didn’t already have on your tbr list, but you have over 3,000 on that list and I couldn’t find one that wasn't there! So, I thought since you really like Larissa Ione that you would enjoy the spin off series.
Rotating Paddocks
Storm Front by Butcher, Jim
It looks like you read a bit more with the romance, so I figure this one is more along the lines of a regular paranormal, if you can call it regular!
Stud
Memoirs of a Geisha by Golden, Arthur
I consider this a well loved classic. Not sure if it's old enough to be considered that, but it's a great book.
Poddy Calf
Ceremony in Death by Robb, J.D.
You’ve read the first four in this series, but Dallas fits the description so I’m recommending it! I’ve read this one already as well though.
Breeding Stock
The Time Traveler's Wife by Niffenegger, Audrey *
I’ve already read this, but I think it’s worth recommending.
Sue-
hey melissa**! so, here's what i did...in all but 3 categories i gave you a choice of m/m or m/f. in the remaining 3 i chose a book off your to-read shelf. you and i don't have a lot of books in common and i like to feel like i'm actually recommending something, not just picking a book off your shelves. if you'd like more choices from your to-read, just let me know and i'll re-do some of your picks :) The Highs:
1. 1st Place -
M/M: The Ghost on My Couch - since you've never read m/m, i've tried to suggest books that are good intro's to the genre. this one is cute and funny...i loved it :)
M/F: The Mane Event - perhaps my favorite author and series. shelly laurenston never fails to make me laugh. i love this book and think that this series just gets better and better!
2. Baby names -
M/M: I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier - this book not only includes one of my favorite names (Ryan), but also is my favorite m/m book ever!
M/F: The Duke And I - julia quinn is my favorite historical romance author. this is the first book in her popular bridgerton series featuring a hero named Simon.
3. New Blood -
M/M: An Admirer - this is by a new favorite author of mine, megan derr. she is a master of the short story and i loved reading this book.
M/F: Long Hard Ride - so, this book is the start of lorelei james' rough riders series. it is the weakest offering in the series so far, imo, but it gets so much better!
The Low:
4. Rats and Mice in the Stud Shed -
Passion - i haven't read this series or anything by this author. looks like the first book was a hit for you and the second a miss...hopefully this ranks closer to the first.
The Daily Routine:
5. Daily Feed -
Bloodlines - looks like you've loved this author in the past.
6. Rotating Paddocks -
M/M: Warrior's Cross - well, you've never read m/m, so here's another good intro type book...one of the first i read :)
M/F: Suddenly You - looks like you don't read a lot of historical romance. this is one of my all time favorites from lisa kleypas.
7. Stud -
M/M: Timing
M/F: Tempting the Beast (Breeds, #1)
Spread the Love:
8. Poddy Calf -
M/M: If I Must
M/F: Take Me
9. Breeding Stock -
First Grave on the Right
unfortunately, i don't have the time for a buddy read this month. i hope you find something interesting in here :)
Elke, Since you love series, I tried to recommended a bunch of first books in different series. Enjoy!1st Place:
Surrender by Pamela Clare- HR in an unusual time period
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook- Steampunk like the Parasol Protectorate, but heavier on the steampunk and without the PN.
Baby Names:
Amanda ;-) from Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon...Wait, did I just imply that I would name a cow after myself? :-) Meh, whatever.
Seth in Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
New Blood:
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning- Paranormal twists on historical romance
If You Dare by Kresley Cole- I just love Cole. Her PNR series is great, too.
Rats and Mice in the stud shed:
Heartless by Gail Carriger- I have such a love/hate relationship with this series. I vote you read it and let me know if it's worth buying. :-)
Lover Mine by J.R. Ward- John Matthew's book! That means lots of Qhuinn and Blay!!!
Daily Feed-
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb- Robb is Nora Roberts' pseudonym. I haven't read this, but people love this series.
Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson- You loved her other series and I think they tie together.
Rotating Paddocks:
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs- You had a bunch of HR on your shelves and some PNR, but not a ton of urban fantasy. So, here are two of my favorite series.
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Classic/Stud:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen- *sigh* Yes, I'm one of those girls.
Inked by Everly Drummond- Chosen simply because the cover model is rather studly looking.
Buddy reads Let me know if you would like to read either of these.
Poddy Calf- Lust by Charlotte Featherstone
Breeding Stock- The Season by Sarah MacLean
~Megan~, here are my picks for you. I hope you find something you like!The Highs
1st Place: Aint She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a heroine you should hate, but can't help rooting for and a hero who sees the real her - I loved this book!
Baby Names: Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann, I didn't name any of my babies Lucy, but my son did name his daughter that and it has since become one of my favorite names ever! And I liked the book too.
New Blood: Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen or The Duke by Gaelen Foley, both books are the beginnings of series that I have enjoyed.
The Low
Rats and Mice in the Stud Shed: Here I found two series that it appears you enjoyed, but skipped over one of the books. So I am going to recommend Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - how can you go wrong with Gracie Snow and Bobby Tom Denton?! And one of the best grovel scenes ever! You know you want to finish off this series! Another choice would be Texas Destiny by Lorraine Heath, the first in a great trilogy - you liked the other two, but you should read the beginning of their stories!
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed: You liked her Fever series, but it doesn't look like you've read any of her Highlander books. How about Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning? It is the fourth of her Highlander series and probably one of the most romantic books I have ever read! It is both funny and sweet. Drustan... ~sigh~
Rotating Paddocks: It doesn't look like you read much straight fiction, I don't either, but occasionally I find a real gem there! So for this category I would recommend Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and The Help by Kathryn Stockett. These are both books I wouldn't be likely to pick up except they were selections for book club, though they have picked several stinkers, these two were definite keepers! I loved them both so very much, but if I had to chose one I would pick Water for Elephants.
Stud: Hotter Than Wildfire: A Protectors Novel by Lisa Marie Rice. I just love LMR's heroes! I wouldn't want to live with one, but I can dream...
Spread the Love ~ Buddy Reads
Poddy Calf: Do Over by Mari Carr, I've heard such good things about this novella and after 25 years of marriage and in the midst of an empty nest, who wouldn't need some love?!
Breeding Stock: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton, I'm just looking for an excuse to read this one as soon as it comes out!
I hope you find something you like! And just an FYI, if you are interested in audiobooks, Water for Elephants, The Help, Kiss of the Highlander, Aint She Sweet and Heaven, Texas are all excellent in audio!
Hi LaylaThis was really interesting - we have a LOT of authors in common, but then some were completely absent (thank heavens - 'cos you are really up to date on your series and have read nearly all my initial thoughts!). I'm going to dive back into your list as I think I want to add more of you books to my TBR list :)
But here are my thoughts for this month. Let me know if there are authors on here that you can't stand (ie there was a good reason why they weren't on your list!) because I have doubled-up a few times.
The Highs
1st Place : One of my favourite authors is Georgette Heyer – great stories with expertly drawn characters: I think you would enjoy These Old Shades.
* You’ve probably been rec’d this a lot before, but it is a great series: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. (I’m immersed in the third book now :)
Baby Names : At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker – this is straight romance but lots of fun - the heroine’s name is Madelyn. I’ve always loved this name, especially the shortened form Maddy.
* Seduction by Amanda Quick – I really like Sophy as a name as well. Or I'd be happy for you to substitute Ravished as I note this is on your TBR - Harriet as a name is pretty good as well :) Both these Amanda Quick books are really good.
New Blood : You’ve read a lot of Nora Roberts, but nothing by Jayne Ann Krentz. Their styles are relatively similar, so I thought you might enjoy one of these two books by her alter-ego Jayne Castle - After Dark or Shield's Lady.
The Low
Rats and Mice in the stud shed : You are currently reading both these series - Aftermath by Ann Aguirre or Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed : Clearly your favourite author - Immortal in Death by J D Robb or From the Heart by Nora Roberts
* Or Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill - you've really enjoyed this series so far.
Rotating Paddocks : Sci-fi – this appears to be a new genre for you (albeit that you have been reading it for a couple of months now), so I thought I’d recommend Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair - love this book; great space opera.
* How about some steampunk? I notice you haven't read The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. MB's writing style is quite different and makes you work at understanding her new world, but I really enjoyed this book.
Stud : I’m not sure if this will be up your alley but I’ll recommend it anyway – Victorious Star by Morgan Hawke.
* At the other extreme and as a second option as my first rec really may not suit, I’ll rec another from Georgette Heyer as she really defined historical romance as we know it today - Devil's Cub (this follows the next generation of the Alistair family from These Old Shades).
Spread the Love ~ Buddy reads
Poddy Calf - Roane by Marie Harte. This is the first in a series of four books – they are short erotic reads, but well put together. The H and h are both (sort of) displaced with not much hope of real love. I'm going to reread this series soon as it has a few names for the Name Game Tournament. (The first book isn't long enough to qualify on its own :)
Breeding Stock - We both have The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley on our TBR list which a lot of ppl seem to really enjoy.
* Or we could read As You Desire by Connie Brockway – I have seen this rec’s a few times as well and it has a very solid star rating.
Good evening and Hello Vi!So looking over our TBR lists, I was able to come up the following list. I hope something catches your eye this month!
1.A book that you rated 5 stars - Divergent by Veronica Roth. I think this is one of my favorite books of the year and saw it on your TBR list. Hope you give it a go!
2. A book whose H/h has a name that you love - Juliet by Anne Fortier. One of my all-time favorite female names. Helps that I enjoyed this book too.
3. A new to them author - Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was unique, a little unnerving, but oh so good!
4. Another book in a series already started - This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. I'm addicted to this series. I'm counting down the days until #6 comes out at the end of August.
5. A book from an author that they rate highly - The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley. I saw that you highly rate the books you have read by Ms. Kearsley. I've been trying to start The Winter Sea for some time now. Hope this one turns out well for you.
6. A book from a genre not regularly read - The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. I've wanted to read this one, and it's out of my norm. It sorta looks out of the norm for you too.
7. A well-loved classic or a sexy book - Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I think I've read this one at least 3 times over the last 15 years. It's a classic for reason.
Buddy Reads
8. A short book to read where the H/h needs love - His Eyes by Renee Carter. This one was hard. I don't know a lot of short stories, but this one sounds sweet.
9. A book that you think could be a keeper - Grave Dance by Kalayna Price. I so enjoyed the first one and I saw you rated it high too. Would love to dive into this if you have the time.
Hi Caroline!I am so nervous because you read a ton of mystery/thriller and I read just about none! But luckily there are some similarities on our shelves. I gave you a bunch of recs in the hopes that you find something that peaks your interest :)
The Highs
1st Place- The Other Boleyn Girl- liked the movie, loved the book! Or Darkfever-adored the whole series.
Baby Names- When Beauty Tamed the Beast - Linnet is such a pretty name. This is an awesome retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Or Anyone But You - Nina and Alex have cute names to match this very cute chick-lit gem.
New Blood- How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper- I just finished this recently and really liked it. Or Feed by Mira Grant- I haven't read this but it's gotten great reviews.
The Low
Rats and Mice In the Stud Shed- Linger, Mockingjay or Hex Appeal- you've started all of these series, why not continue with one of them? (pick Mockingjay!!)
Daily Routine
Daily Routine- You have read books by V.C. Andrews, how about trying my all-time favorite by her Flowers in the Attic (I know I am dating myself, but I read this when it first came out). Or how about another by Stephenie Meyer- Breaking Dawn or The Host.
Rotating Paddocks- Pleasure and Purpose by Megan Hart is a great historical erotica which I think is new to you. Or Shadow Game by Christine Feehan, a PNR/Suspense and the start to a great series.
Stud- To Kill a Mockingbird or The Little Prince.
Spread the love
Poddy Calf- Beastly
Breeding Stock- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Jane, the rules are fun. Love them :)Suzanne, looking at the number of books, I think it will take me a while to put up your picks. I will try to get your picks by today (29th) or early 30th.
Good evening to you Heather and it's morning over here :) Thanks for getting my picks up early. Also, thanks for such great recs with so many new-to-me authors.Off the top of my head, I can say that I am planning to read Grave Dance next month. But if you're ok waiting till mid-month, then we can do a buddy read. I hope to pick up The Rose Garden too.
I think I'm putting off This Side of the Grave since I still haven't the Night Huntress World books. But the other books are going on my TBR pile to hopefully see the light of the day soon!
Vi wrote: "Jane, the rules are fun. Love them :)Suzanne, looking at the number of books, I think it will take me a while to put up your picks. I will try to get your picks by today (29th) or early 30th."
Thanks Vi :)
I picked for Suzanne last month Vi - nearly drowned in her TBR LOL! ;)
Vi wrote: "Good evening to you Heather and it's morning over here :) Thanks for getting my picks up early. Also, thanks for such great recs with so many new-to-me authors.Off the top of my head, I can say t..."
I can totally understand about reading the Night Huntress World books first. I didn't pick them up until after reading #5, but wish I had read them in order. lol
I would be happy to read Grave Dance when you're ready. Just let me know.
Was The Winter Sea an excellent read?
For KAMII really hope you find something you can enjoy. I had a blast looking through your lists and I think I added about a dozen books to my own TBR...
1st Place
A. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand- I read this in July and I really enjoyed it. I was very disappointed the next novel in the series hadn't been released yet.
B. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss- This might be the best book I've read all year. I was surprised to see that it wasn't on your TBR pile. I think this is a good fit for you, based on your other novels.
Baby Names
A. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins- Sophia is my favorite girls name.
B. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong- Chole is very close to the top
C. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead-Adrian is one of my favorite guys names. But in the series I love Dimetri more
D. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia- as is Ethan
New Blood
A. Switched by Amanda Hocking- You have a couple of her novels listed, but it doesn't look like you've read any of them. My friends say this is the better of the two series on your TBR.
B. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire - I adore Maguire and this is my favorite of his novels.
C. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson- Phenomenal novel and the series only gets better. Read the series then go watch the foreign language movies.
Rats and Mice in the Stud Shed
A. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward- In my opinion, the best book of the BDB series. You definitely need to read this!
B. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead- Aren't you dying to see what happens with Dimitri? Don't let the end of book 3 turn you off from the series.
C. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris- Quinn is, quite literally, a sexy beast. That should be reason enough to read this.
Daily Feed
A. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Another surprising omission. You seem to be a Gaiman fan and yet Neverwhere wasn't on your TBR or in your Read pile. It should be; it's great!
B. Zombies Vs. Unicorns by Holly Black- This one sounds fun and I've heard a lot of good things about it.
Rotating Paddocks
A. Classic: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell- One of my favorite novels of all time. Similar to Austen, but not appreciated enough in my opinion.
B. Horror: The Talisman by Stephen King- You don't appear to read much horror, compared to fantasy & scifi. This definitely has fantasy elements, so I feel confident you'll enjoy this.
C. Thriller: The Bourne Identity Robert Ludlum- Although, I haven't read this one myself, I think it sounds fantastic. And I loved the movie
Stud
A. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl-Obviously a classic, rather than a sexy pick, it's one I need to read myself.
B. Enchanted by Nancy Madore
C. I Want It Now by Sydney Molare- I was drawn in by the cover.
Poddy Calf
A. Coraline by Neil Gaiman- Another conspicuous absence from your lists. Guess what I'm a huge fan, too. And I'd be thrilled to read this with you.
B. Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon- This has been sitting on my TBR for a while. I love retellings. When I saw it on your lists I got really excited.
Breeding Stock
A. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning. I see you're also a fan of the Fever series, but like me you've never read her Highlander series. I'm game, if you are.
B. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh- I've only heard great things about this series.
@ KarenH - i'll get your picks tomorrow hopefully early!@ Jane - I about choked on my drink reading the categories
Julie Hope you find something you like!
The Highs
1st Place: Good in Bed
Baby Names: Runaway Mistress
New Blood: She's Come Undone
The Low
Rats and Mice in the stud shed: Scandal in Spring
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed Fat Tuesday
Rotating Paddocks: Something About You
Stud: Jane Eyre
Spread the Love
Poddy Calf: Just Desserts
Breeding Stock: All Shook Up
Lorena, I will have picks in the next couple of days.
Dee wrote: "@ KarenH - i'll get your picks tomorrow hopefully early!@ Jane - I about choked on my drink reading the categories"
LOL! I giggled away as I made them up, and again as I refined the list ;)
Goodness, this is harder than it looks. I am working on it Diane ~Firefly~. Hopefully soon :)
Heather, here is my list for you:Stud Cattle Ranchers
The Highs
1st Place - Congratulations - You've just won Champion Cow at the district agricultural show!: recommend a book that you rated 5 stars. I love this series!!
Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
Baby Names - Naming your prize cattle: recommend a book whose H/h has a name that you love. Soulless by Gail Carriger
Alexia Tarabotti, what a great name! (I also enjoyed the story)
New Blood - Artificial insemination time: recommend a new to them author. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison This urban fantasy series is awesome!
The Low
Rats and Mice in the stud shed - Let's clean them up: recommend another book in a series that they have been reading, preferably one that is close to being finished. It looks like you skipped this one……
Lover Mine by JR Ward
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed - the highlight of any beast's day: recommend a book from an author that they rate highly. I haven’t read anything by this author, but you’ve rated some of her books pretty highly so you should enjoy this next book in the series. Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare
Rotating Paddocks - mustering the cattle to new pasture: recommend a book from a genre they don't regularly read. I didn’t see a lot of mysteries on your shelves, but I really enjoyed this series. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris
Stud - Putting the bull in the paddock, and let's face it, he's popular: recommend a well-loved classic or a sexy book (we all know what he's doing out there!) This sounds like major erotica.
The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice
Spread the Love ~ Buddy reads
Poddy Calf - he/she's been abandoned by mother (what a cow!) and in need of care and attention: select a short book to read where the H/h needs love. I’ve already read this but I’ll read it again if you want to buddy read. I loved it even though it really made me cry!
Unlocked by Courtney Milan
Breeding Stock - you're looking to improve the herd and need to select the best line: recommend a book that you think could be a keeper.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman The movie is a classic so the book is probably a keeper.
luckily - I didn't spill the drink on the laptop or i would have sent you the bill ;)Jane (PS) wrote: "Dee wrote: "@ KarenH - i'll get your picks tomorrow hopefully early!
@ Jane - I about choked on my drink reading the categories"
LOL! I giggled away as I made them up, and again as I refined the..."
Sandy, here are your choices for August. I did more than one for many of them, hoping to give you as much choice as possible.The Highs:
1st Place – Surrender by Pamela Clare and The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks. Two books I read recently that I loved enough to give 5 stars to.
Baby Names - Nekoda in Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Victoria in Intertwined by Gena Showalter.
New Blood - Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning has hot rock gods and Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy features sexy race care drivers. Take your pick! ;-)
The Low
Rats and Mice in the stud shed – Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning; you only have two more to go! A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin, as you rated the first two so highly.
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed –
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger and Lord John and the Hand of Devils by Diana Gabaldon. You loved books by both these authors, but have not read these.
Rotating Paddocks - Erotic Romance. I loved Laid Bare by Lauren Dane and The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton.
Stud - Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry may not be as much of a classic as The Giver, but it is in the same theme.
Spread the Love ~ Buddy reads
Poddy Calf – I saw The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman on your TBR shelf, and thought that it might be a good read. I read another book by her, and enjoyed it.
Breeding Stock – I received The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich as an ARC, but have not yet read it. As well, we both want to read Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, so why not this month?
Hope there is something that speaks to you in the list. Happy reading!
Jenn
Pollyanna, I know I said I would have yours up by tonight....but will have to get them to you by tomorrow morning...sorry!
@Mandy...all the recs are GREAT!! Will have to stew and let you know what I choose. But you just added a whole lot to my TBR!!! :)
Hi AshleyAlexis, here are your picks!I’m working with about half my brain power right now (first day of a cold and I feel like my brain is wrapped in cotton), so I hope you can find something here that works for you. If not let me know and I’ll be happy to try again!
The Highs
1st Place – This was difficult since our tastes are quite different, and I didn’t see much overlap here, so I picked a couple that I loved by authors that you seem to have liked, The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks and Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy. Also, just because there is so much hype about it right now, and I absolutely loved the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Baby Names – I don’t remember names of characters once I finish a book, so thank goodness I’m tracking them right now for the Names Challenge! A book I just finished and liked a lot that also had several names I liked in it is Sweet Surrender. The heroine is Faith, and a couple of the secondary characters have names I like also – Connor and Micah. Since you seem to read a lot of M/M, I’ll also give you Caught Running. It’s a very sweet (and hot) love story and the heroes’ names are Jake and Brandon.
New Blood – I didn’t see anything by Jill Shalvis on your shelves – Simply Irresistible is a sweet, fun, sexy story. Another author I don’t see who writes light, fun stuff but with a hint of paranormal thrown in is Molly Harper. I read How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf as part of the group read this month, and loved it.
The Low
Rats and Mice in the stud shed – This was kind of tough – it appears from your bookshelves that you tend not to necessarily read series books in order, so it’s kind of hard to pick the next book in the series for you! I did notice that you’ve made it through the first five Harry Potter books, but still have two to go, so why not get back to them with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? Another option would be Envy – I see you’ve read the first two books, but still have this one waiting patiently to be read.
ETA: Since AlbertaJenn so kindly reminded me that Envy isn't even out yet, how about continuing the Midnight Breeds series by reading Kiss of Crimson, the second book in the series?
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed – It looks like you’ve enjoyed the first four books in the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost, so how about branching out to her Night Huntress World? My understanding is these books fit between the 4th and 5th Night Huntress books (right where you are) and the first book is First Drop of Crimson. Or, since you don’t seem to have the obsession that I do to read books in order, just go ahead and read the 5th book in the series, This Side of the Grave. Another choice would be Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs – you rated the first two of her Alpha and Omega series very highly, but have only read the first book in her Mercedes Thompson series.
Rotating Paddocks – It looks like you haven’t been reading much in the way of Historical romance lately. You rated Catherine Anderson’s Comanche Moon highly, how about reading the next book in the series, Comanche Heart?
Stud – I’ve become quite a fan of Maya Banks recently, and I saw you had one of her books on your TBR – Be With Me. Another choice from your bookshelves is Plaid Skirt Confessions by Selena Kitt. I haven’t read anything of hers (yet), but you’ve rated her highly in the past.
Spread the Love ~ Buddy reads
Poddy Calf – I noticed you have Faith & Fidelity on your TBR. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, and have been looking for an excuse to buy it, so why don’t we read it together?
Breeding Stock – Since we both seem to have read a lot of Nora Roberts, but haven’t managed to get to her most recent book yet, how about Chasing Fire?
Diane ~Firefly~ ok, I finally found somethings that you haven't read and I can recommend to you. Wow you are a reader. Loved going through all of them but most of the books we have in common you have already read. Did the best I could for you and hope that you find something in here you want to read this month (some are from your own tbr).The Highs
1st Place:The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter - You have a few Gena Showalter, but I love the Lords of the Underworld.
Baby Names: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen - Ok, so I took a little stretch with this category, I don't love the characters names, I love the title of the book and the book itself is lite and easy to just fall into.
New Blood: American Gods by Neil Gaiman - I have read several of Neil Gaiman's books and this one is different with its mix of mythology and adventure.
The Low
Rats & Mice: River Marked by Patricia Briggs - I am not as far along in this series, but this one just came out recently and since you seemed to enjoy the rest, you should probably continue.
The Daily Routine
Daily Feed: Hot Rocks by Nora Roberts - You seem to have all of the In Death series (so many not sure I counted right) but I just finished this one and it was actually a Nora Roberts contemporary romance which I have recently found out has a tie in to one of the mini (In Death #17.5)
Rotating Paddocks: Soulless by Gail Carriger - With a strange combination of paranormal romance (werewolf & vampire) historical with a collection of gadgets that has been dubbed Steam punk
Stud: (Classic) Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier - really the only classic that I have read recently and remember.
(sexy) A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man by Celeste Bradley - a two for one. A contemporary romance and a historical romance combined for one hot story.
Spread the Love ~ Buddy reads
Poddy Calf The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley - Doesn't this just look cute, we both have it on our tbr so why not add it here.
Breeding Stock: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - heard so much about this, my mom gave it to me and I don't know about you but I am interested in seeing what all the fuss is about.
I think I have everything covered now. Really hope you find something that you like here to pick from. So glad I got to pick for you - that was really fun seeing some of you books. I can just feel my tbr growing already :)
AlbertaJenn wrote: "KarenH, Envy by JR Ward doesn't come out until September. :-)":headslap: Well, I did say I'm working with only about half my brain today! ;) Thanks for the heads-up!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Nightshade (other topics)Die for Me (other topics)
Lessons From a Scarlet Lady (other topics)
The Hunger Games (other topics)
Candy Houses (other topics)
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Andrea Cremer (other topics)Emma Wildes (other topics)
Julie Garwood (other topics)
Erin McCarthy (other topics)
Andrea Cremer (other topics)
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