Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2011 Challenge Archive
>
September - Pick It For Me! Challenge

I am going to read The Search this month. I also put in at the library for Intertwined and Cry Wolf. If these two get in in time I will read them as well.
Thanks again!
Lacy
![Macwolf01 [Elise] (macwolf01) | 1012 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1277511172p1/2680059.jpg)
Your TBR:
1~ Mercury's War by Lora Leigh
2~ Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep I nee to read it too so if you do I will :)
[bookcover..."
Cathy C, I realized that I only gave you 6 picks. Sorry I guess that's what happens when I try doing things at 3am haha If you want 2 more let me know. Thx E

I am having internet connectivity problems but I will get it out as close to 10pm as I can.

I am having internet connectivity problems but I will get it out as close to 10pm as I can."
Hi Debbie,
I sent you a PM, just wondering if you got it.

11 for the re-mix and a late arrival makes 12.
Beth ~ picks for ~ Nilo
√ - Caroline ~ picks for ~ Kaitlin
√ - Coffeentea ~ picks for ~ Roxy
√ - D.G. ~ picks for ~ Shell
√ - Dee ~ picks for ~ Fran
√ - Elke ~ picks for ~ Macwolf01 [Elise]
√ - Jane (PS) ~ picks for ~ Kathryn
√ - Layla ~ picks for ~ Zara
√ - Penney ~ picks for ~ Gigi
√ - Tugce Nida ~ picks for ~ Lan-Dinh
√ - Valerie ~ Varuca ~ picks for ~ Beth
√ - Vi ~ picks for ~ Sana
Thanks to all the volunteers that makes this so much easier.


I get to pick for you, yay! You've waited this long, can you wait till morning? Please? Lol, we're just one state away from each other so, as you know, it's kinda late. I've already had a look at your shelves so I have a pretty god idea what I'll pick for you. I'll post them in the morning. I promise... unless I get a second wind tonight :-)

I get to pick for you, yay! You've waited this long, can you wait till morning? Please? Lol, we're just one state away from each other so, as you know, it's kinda late. I've already had..."
Hi Penney! Yay!! No, go to bed! I can wait until morning! LOL

From Your TBR:
1. Faith & Fidelity ~ Dee actually recommended this to me a while back. I was a little apprehensive because it was my first m/m romance, but when I finally read it I fell in love. It's not erotica, it's a realistic story about two straight men who fall in love. GREAT BOOK.
2. The Spymaster's Lady ~ Like The Madness of Lord Ian, this book is just different. It doesn't follow any rules or patterns and it's well written.
3. Secrets of a Summer Night ~ I love Lisa Kleypas and this is the first book of a great series.



New To You
1. First Grave on the Right ~ I just read this a couple months ago and then gobbled up #2 just this week. Really funny, sexy book with an interesting take on the Grim Reaper.
2. Love My Way ~ I noticed you had a few BDSM books on your shelves that you enjoyed and this was one of my first. It was informative about the lifestyle while remaining an entertaining story. I was rooting for the heroine and a happy ending :)


My Favorites (These were all 5*s for me)
1. Comfort Food ~ Profound, unique, disturbing and very worth it.
2. Passion ~ You like historicals and you like erotica so here's a great combo. I cried like a giant baby (but what else is new?)
3. A Hunger Like No Other ~ I absolutely LOVE this series! I know it says that The Warlord Wants Forever is first, buts it's actually a prequel. Don't read it first! Let these two characters unravel as they should.



From My TBR
1. Dragon Bound ~ This was just recommended to me this month and I plan on starting tomorrow...well today technically. I'm hearing very good things.
2. The Angel and the Prince ~ I think I got this for free for Kindle (at least very cheap) and I'm looking forward to the read. I love historicals with kick-ass heroines!
3. A Kiss at Midnight ~ I'm hearing good things about this series as well and I'll be reading it for the September Challenge this month.



I had a lot of fun going through your shelves, thanks. Hopefully there's something here that you've been dying to read. If not I have about 100 other choices that I just couldn't fit in :-))
HAPPY READING!!

Hi i'm doing your repicks, Hope you find something you like:-_
From Your TBR List
The Memory Keeper's Daughter I loved this book, it's very sad but a great read!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo I can't believe you haven't read this yet! I loved it, it sets the scene for the last two books which are fantastic by the way, but this is equally as good.
New To You
P.S. I Love You New author for you, and a wonderful book. You may need some tissues!
Sworn to Silence I noticed that you like Mystery books. Well this is another new author for you. I discovered last year and found really interesting. This is first in a series of 3 books so far, Why not give it a go?
The Book of Lost Things This caught my eye in the library a few years ago. I enjoyed it. If you choose to read it, I hope you do too!
My Favourites
Divas Don't Knit this book is also known as The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club I will re read this again I loved it so much it inspried me to start knitting!!
Lady of Hay I do believe this book is celebrating its 25th year! It's wonderful and this is my all time favourite author:-)
From my TBR List
A Veiled Deception
To My Best Friends this caught my eye the other day in the library! If you would like to read one of these with me please let me know!
I really hope you find something that you like, If not I am happy to repick for you x x

You have so many books in your TBR(almost 5400 O_o) so it was quite a feat to find something new to you. The favourites part was the easiest, all my fav series were in your TBR so if you pick something from there, it should be a book that has already caught your interest.
From your TBR
# Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - I saw that you've enjoyed the first book, you gave it a perfect rating. Why don't you read the second one?
# The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - I never thought that a YA fey series would keep me so addicted and on-edge. Give it a try!
# Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts - Witches, island, romance, humour, ghosts. It's actually very good.



New to you
# Naked in Death by J.D.Robb - Eve and Roarke are amazing together. They are my vision of a perfect couple.
# Go Fetch! by Shelly Laurenston - This book has lots and lots of humour. You want to get in a good mood? Read this one.
# Dangerous Temptation (Daughters of Myth, #1) by Kathleen Korbel -Fairies all the way , I'm usually very sceptic about faery books but this one was actually very good, the modernism and the magic blend really nice.
# Cry No More by Linda Howard -It's a very emotional read.Tissues and tissues...




My Favourites
# Slave to Sensation or Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh -Everything this woman writes is
# Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews -Kate and Curran, this pair, is addicting. Maybe it should be a warning, not a rec.*laugh*
# Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep -It's a very cool book and I love the kick-ass heroine,Gin.
# Grimspace by Ann Aguirre - Sirantha Jax is the perfect example of a redeemed heroine.





From my TBR
# Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
# Bitten by Kelley Armstrong


Happy reading!

From Your TBR
1. Devil in Winter – Since you are reading It Happens One Autumn, why not continue this series. You’ll be amazed at the transformation of both Evie and Sebastien.
2. One Foot in the Grave – The story of Cat and Bones get better and better. I read the first 3 books in a row because I couldn’t stop.
New to You
3. Magic Bites – Since you seem to like urban fantasy, I think you’ll like this series. It’s got really good world building and character development. The heroine is kick butt with a snarky sense of humor. The romance is slowly built up through the first few books.
4. A Hunger Like No Other – Let me introduce you to my favorite series. The overarching story line builds up over the books. I love the varieties of paranormal beings in this series. There’s Valkyrie, vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, furies ,fey, ghost, etc. The second book, No Rest for the Wicked, was what drew me into the series, it’s the immortal version of amazing race. I liked the first book, but later ones I loved - Dark Desires After Dusk and Dreams of a Dark Warrior.
My Favorites
5. Dragon Bound - This is a paranormal romance about a dragon, enough said! Good world building and character developments. This series also has a variety of paranormal beings such as dragon, griffin, witches, faeries, thunderbird, vampires, etc.
6. Beast Behaving Badly – A hilarious paranormal romance about mixed shifters. I love Blayne and Bo. Blayne is so zany. I suggest you start at the beginning with The Mane Event, because the characters from the earlier books will make appearances. But if you don’t want to, you can at least start with The Mane Squeeze which is about Blayne’s BFF, Gwen and Lock. Blayne was part of this story. I thought it was so cute that Lock likes to play with his toes.
From My TBR
7. Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord - this is the second book in the series. The first book, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, was fun and had a good love story
8. Absolutely, Positively – This is a lovely 50/50 mix of mystery and romance. Who knew that such a book with a balance existed? I like cozy mystery but it only have a smidgen of romance. This mystery series satisfied both the mystery and romance lover in me.

I'm doing your picks now! Sorry for the delay, I'm sure you're chomping at the bit!!! Loooong day for me (firefighter competition in town, Australian firefighters, please understand:-p), it's 5am, but I couldn't go to bed without getting your picks together (feeling guilty, lol).. Gimme half an hour and they'll be up!

From your TBR
Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh is the first book in one of my fave new series! Elena is a great kick-a** heroine, and Raphael is oh! so sexy..
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah Maclean - great HR, lol funny, with great characters (IMO, the best of the three books)
Decadent by Shayla Black - had to add in a little spice: if you're not shocked by ménage scenes, I found this book verrrrry hot!! Some angst too, which is always a good thing:-D



New to you
Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson remains, IMO, one of those books that made romance what it is today: it's epic, kind of tough, very angsty, had me yelling at it, but SO worth reading!!! If you're not afraid of an epic-type romance (without the heroine sleeping around, lol), this is definitely it!!
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard - I was surprised you didn't have this in your TBR, seeing that you enjoyed her older books! this one has it all: mystery, humor, a sexy cop hero and a great heroine.


From my Faves
(so many to recommend, which to choose? I tried to do a couple from your TBR)
Kiss an Angel by SEP is on your TBR. I read it last year on a PIFM, and have already reread it five times... Heavy on the angst, and it had me tearing up more than once, but a beautiful story!
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase is a hilarious HR that had me in tears (from laughter this time!).. Otherwise you have Lord of Scoundrels by the same author that's also worth picking up! LC writes great HR!
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione - How have you not read this series yet??? Yz recommended it to me last year, and I devoured all of them! The heroes are amazing, the heroines kick-ass, and the backstory amazing!
Lastly, I'm going to go with Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson.. First in a 5-book series (all published), it introduces you to Ellie, a normal girl, and Rain, a tortured Fae king who destroyed the world a millenia before and who "soul-mates" with Elysetta. This series is one of the best I've read, and the first books I packed in my suitcase when I came to NYC!!! Words can't express how much I loved them!





From my TBR
The Help by Kathryn Sockett - not romance, but since the movie is coming out, I really want to get around to reading the book first!! Got this one here:-D
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton: heard great things about this series, and since I love sports romance, if you want to buddy read, I have it as well!
Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin. Saw the movie, enjoyed it, bought the book today, and reaaaalllly want to read it:-D Weird subject matter for a romance though, lol.. I think it's more about friendship, and I've heard mixed reviews..




I have looked everywhere for Along Came A Spider today but it is not in this city LOL Have it on request from the library...it shouldn't take too long.
Thought I had a copy of Flowers in the Attic too but you guessed it - its not here Time for another library request me thinks!

I'm doing your picks now! Sorry for the delay, I'm sure you're chomping at the bit!!! Loooong day for me (firefighter competition in town, Australian firefighters, please understand:-p)..."
Ok Melanie, I'm only 40 mins from NYC. Did you say something about Australian firefighters?! I want some toooo *pout*.

I tried to give you some variety because I see you read a lot of different things. I've read all these books (except the ones from my TBR of course) and they all gotten at least 4+ stars. I hope you find something there you like. :)
From Your TBR
Skin Game by Ava Gray - Very interesting premise (more sci-fi than pnr).
Victorious Star by Morgan Hawke - This is probably one of my favorite erotica stories. The plot is really good and the sex is scorching hot! You'll find a bit of everything here (BDSM, M/M, Menage, etc.)
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly - Something a bit more innocent (YA Fantasy) to balance the rec above, LOL!
New to You
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: This is my latest 5-star book. It's a sort of post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure and if you're into video games, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I loved it!
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews - I realized that I was giving you a lot of depressing choices so I included this humorous mystery set in the South. I laughed a lot while reading it.
Cry No More by Linda Howard - This is one of my depressing choices but it's an incredible story. If you don't mind tough stories, you should give this one a try.
Some of My Favorites
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Another tough story, set in Germany during WWII but amazing nonetheless.
Caressed By Ice by Nalini Singh - This is my favorite book of this series. I just have a weakness for Psy men (they just break my heart) and Jude is amazing.
As You Desire by Connie Brockway - Very romantic historical romance set in Egypt. I loved it!
From My TBR - Let me know if you'd like to join me in a buddy read for one of these.
Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix
Hot Head by Damon Suede
Unwind by Neal Shusterman













I have looked everywhere for Along Came A Spider today but it is not in this city LOL Have it on request from the library...it shouldn't take too long.
Thought I had a copy of Flowers ..."
Lol! All ways the way isn't it! Look forward to hearing from you:-) x x

hopefully there is something in here that works for you - if not let me know
From Your TBR
Pleasure Unbound - Larissa Ione
Soulless - Gail Carriger
Dragon Bound - Thea Harrison



New to You
Faith and Fidelity - Tere Michaels
The Princess Bride - William Goldman (come and join us in a buddy read if you want)
Night Road - Kristin Hannah (or anything by her)



From my reads/favorites
Ruby Tuesday - Mari Carr
Not Knowing Jack - KA Mitchell
The Help - Kathryn Stockett



My TBR
Turn It Up - Inez Kelley
Indemnity Only - Sara Paretsky
Destiny Calls - Samantha Wayland




Lucky me, I get to choose from two great lists. I will pick two from each of your lists and see what I can get to. Angel's Blood and Mr. Impossible, and Ruby Tuesday and Turn It Up. Because Inez Kelley will be joining us for a Q&A soon I really want to get to hers.
Thanks again for the great picks! Dee, hope you feel better :). Melanie, jealous of your Australian firefighters!

Thanks Vi !

Thanks so much for waiting patiently. I had so much fun going through your TBR. We don't have that many books in common which means I added many to my TBR. But that also meant that you have not read many of my favorites. I've tried not to go too crazy and so I've limited myself to 3 picks for each category. (It was very hard, I tell you) I've tried to pick books from a variety of categories so that you can have a lot of choices. Onto the picks now..
From your TBR:
1. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning - Okay, so my actual favorite is Shadowfever but you really need to go through the series in order. Initially, I was not a fan of this series but by the time I read the final book, I loved the series. Start this series!!
2. The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman - I read this book some 3-4 years back. A impulse pick from my library. But, damn, I was blown away. I finished the trilogy back-to-back in 2 days, even bunking my uni classes. It was THAT awesome.
3. Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist - I haven't actually read this book yet - It's in my TBR and a horror book. I'm using it for a challenge but the premise sounds so intriguing.
4. Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John - A bonus pick for you! I couldn't resist it. This one departs from the mainstream contemporary YA. How? Well, it has a deaf female lead acting as a manager to a rock band. I had lots of fun with this book.
New To You:
5. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier - This is my second favorite favorite series. I fell in love with Marillier in this book. Marillier writes good fantasy with such strong female leads that you can't help falling in love with them. And I love love love Sorcha, the female lead in this book.
6. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - This is a women's fiction. I read this book for a challenge and I was so glad I read it. I still have my library book to reread sections of it. But you need to have tissues handy with this one.
7. Cry No More by Linda Howard - This is Howard's most emotional, intense book. Again, you will need tissues handy but you won't regret picking up this book.
My Favorites:
8. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - I promise this is my last tearjerker book. This is a beautiful beautiful book. It's aimed at MS and YA audience, but it can and should be read by everyone. A sort of fantasy and contemporary mesh and told from a POV of a 13-year old.
9. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - The cover looks quirky but don't be fooled by it. A lighthearted, funny contemporary romance with a nerdy beta hero. You will end up loving the hero.
10. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - This is an ongoing series by Nora Roberts aka J.D. Robb set in the future. It's one of my favorite series. And the books in this series just keep on getting better and better. A must-read.
From My TBR:
11. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - I have been meaning to try Scott Westerfeld for a while. This series is on my list for many years. I need to start it soon.
12. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - This book has been recommended to me by many people. Perversely, I'm apprehensive to start this book. Let me see if I can do it soon.
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman - This book exploded into my universe two months ago and I'm doing a buddy read starting Monday. You're welcome to join us if you wish.
My RL is crazy at the moment and I don't think I can commit to any buddy reads. Sorry about that.
Well, that's it for the recs. I hope you like the picks. If not, no biggie. I will just do a repick for you. Just let me know.
Happy Reading Sana!














I tried to give you some variety because I see you read a lot of different things. I've read all these books (except the ones from my TBR of course) and they all gotten at least 4+ stars. I ..."
Wow DG, there are some good rec's there, thanks! I'll read





Lucky me, I get to choose from two great lists. I will pick two from each of your lists and see what I can get to. Angel's Blood and Mr. Impossible, and Ruby Tues..."
you could do that, or, you could read Pleasure Unbound, if I am reading it right they both recommended that one to you. :)

If you have an ereader, check fictionwise for Hot Head. I used one of their coupons and got it at a very good price there.


I'll definitely try to get to another one of your recs. :)

You guys are awesome.
We are now at 97% with recommendations and I am sure that we will see the remaining 3-4 sets of recommendations up soon.
** Happy Reading Everyone **
and don't forget to check back in this thread and let everyone (especially the person who picked for you) know what you selected from your list and how it was (if you liked it, if you struggled with it, if it was simply the best book you have ever read - and tell us why).

you could do that, or, you could read Pleasure Unbound, if I am reading it right they both recommended that one to you. :) "
I saw that too! Really Fran, with two recommendations how can you resist?! (It is a really good series too!)

Ok here are your picks..hope you find one you like! If not let me know and I can try again!
Happy Reading!!
Your TBR
Crave by J.R. Ward. It was a really good, I actually liked it a little better than Covet. Plus Envy comes out this month!
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn. It is a really good start to the series!
New to you
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper. Cute, fun, quick read...liked it a lot!
Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning. Not sure if you're into the "hot and steamy" but this one was a good one!
My Faves
He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan. Like this one a lot...it has a great story!
Too Much Temptation by Lori foster. She is one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint! Loved this one...'sigh'!!
Your TBR
Killing Me Softly by Maggie Shayne. My neighbor gave me this one...looks interesting!
Darkfever by Karen Moning. Heard this is a good series and that they are in talks about making it into a movie!










I'll defini..."
Are you the first to finish or have I missed someone since I have been concentrating on getting the recs done? Ok, fine I will go back and double check :)

Way to go DG! Don't you want to read the next two books immediately?

I'm doing your picks now! Sorry for the delay, I'm sure you're chomping at the bit!!! Loooong day for me (firefighter competition in town, Australian firefighters, please ..."
Lol FYI there are firefighters from all across the world here till Tuesday:-) the Jacob smt or another convention center down on 35th:-) I went with them there, and I regret not taking pics!!!:-)
Dee, thx for stepping up, liked your picks(I actually put two on my tbr lol)!
Fran, lemme know what you think of the bks!!!

Hey Coffeentea!
Thanks for the picks. I am going to read Devil in Winter, One Foot in the Grave and Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing A Lord. I have all of these books already!
If I am going to try The Mane Event too if I have time. I love stories set in NY!

Hi Penney! Oh wow! I crashed last night after my last message to you. Thank you soooo much for the awesome recs! As always, I'm undecided. LOL I'm torn between Comfort Food, Faith & Fidelity, First Grave on the Right, Spymasters Lady, and Love My Way. I'm probably going to read Comfort Food because I've been eyeing that one forever! Thanks so much Penney!
By the way, I've just added First Grave on the Right and Love My Way to (as I refer to it as well) Mt. TBR. lol

Way to go DG! Don't you want to read the next two books immediately?"
Thanks, I must have missed it. I will put her down.

Did you read this in August or was it already September when you read this one?

Lol! I'm always happy to contribute to mountains of reading material. I hope you enjoy whichever book you choose :-)

Hot Head was my first M/M book that I read about a month ago. It's a really great book!

Woot! Will read


Hot Head was my first M/M book that I read about a month ago. It's a really great book!"
sorry, i was travelling allday (end of a vacation unfortunately) just came home a few hrs ago and will send your pick in an hour or so. sorry again to keep you waiting.
Books mentioned in this topic
I Am the Messenger (other topics)The Book of Scandal (other topics)
Five Flavors of Dumb (other topics)
Kiss of the Night (other topics)
Life of Pi (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lisa Kleypas (other topics)Julie James (other topics)
Sophie Kinsella (other topics)
Jill Shalvis (other topics)
MaryJanice Davidson (other topics)
More...
Sounds fun! I always like book discussions. As soon as I get my picks I'd love to do a buddy read with anyone interested.