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

You are fast! are you not? how was it? i hope the reason you finished so quickly is "its good" ;)




1. Pop - The Archer - I was still asking who done it right up until it was revealed which rarely happens. Rumor is that Abigail is working on a second one.; Beautiful Disaster - I don't think I've ever hated a group of characters so much and yet, the book was a 5 star read for me.
2. Golden Oldies - The Help or Blindness. I loved the first one, although I did it in audiobook format. I haven't read the second, but its gotten good reviews from friends
3. Rock -


4. Classical - Burning Up or Wild & Steamy - Burning Up convinced me I needed to read The Iron Duke and it also put me onto a couple of new series to try out. Ditto with the second.
5. Country - Cowgirl Up and Ride - I saw you had one Lorelei James on your shelves - this is the 3rd book in her Rough Riders series, but the one that is a favorite. If you have to read a series in order, then the first one is Long Hard Ride or for a touch of historical western, try either Nate or The Bounty
6. Adult Contemporary - I saw you had read the first two books in the trilogy, so why not finish up with The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest or some other adult reading, Snow Angels
7. Indie - I love that you read m/m, and my recommendation for you here is two-fold. Stephani Hecht has several series out there, but I don't hear her name mentioned often. One is m/m, so you could try Primal Passions or for some het lovin in angel form - Angel Warriors. Otherwise, I just finished up Destiny Calls and I can say that Samantha Wayland is going to be a name I keep an eye out for in the future.
8. Hip Hop - In Bed with a Highlander - I have this one in the pile to read, so if you are interested, let me know or Lola and the Boy Next Door (which I know we were talking about on another thread)
9. Jazz - Blacque/Bleu or The Harlot

1. Pop - I haven't read it, but it's on our TBR read shelves, and I've heard lots of good things about this book... Firefly Lane
2. Golden Oldies - The Angel Experiment... it's one of your oldest TBR books. :)
3. Rock - Too Hot To Touch... Not too shabby, eh?
4. Classical - Ruins Metropolis.. there are some nice short stories in this one.
5. Country - Cold Springs... It doesn't really feature a cowboy or a bucolic setting.. but parts of it take place on a ranch, and there are occasional cowboys! :) It's a bit of a stretch, but I think it's the best I can do. I JUST got done reading this one, and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
6. Adult Contemporary - Guilty Pleasures - Personally, I loved the first 8-10 books in this series. I see that you've read other vampire books, so I think there's a good chance that you'll like this one.
7. Indie - Rebecca - This is (in my opinion) a wonderful book that doesn't seem to get much hype. Let me know if you like it!
8. Hip-Hop - How about Awaken? This was the Hip Hop book recommend for me, and I'm really wanting to read it... it sounds good!
9. Jazz - I wouldn't mind reading Even Silence Has an End.

From Their TBR Shelf:
1. Pop: A Hunger Like No Other isn't Kresley Cole's best book, but the series is fantastic! I just can't get enough of the The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. Book two is coming out next month. So, It's the perfect time to read it.
2. Golden Oldies: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs because it's great. Or, If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl because it's been on my TBR shelf for forevers and you can tell me if it's decent. :-)
3. Rock:


From Your Read Shelf:
4. Classical: Riding the Storm by Sydney Croft is a good start to a series that will hopefully just keep getting better. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan is one of those either you love it or you hate it books.
5. Country: Demon Night by Meljean Brook (cowboy guardian angel) or Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (bucolic setting)- Yes, both are out order, but I pinky promise it won't make a big difference at all.
6. Adult Contemporary: I went with violence and murder. American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout is almost horror. Or, Thicker Than Water by Maggie Shayne
7. Indie: This was impossible. I kept thinking, "Who's the bastard that came up with this stupid selection criteria?" Oh, right, me! No one to blame but myself. So, The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman. Hoffman doesn't get a lot of airplay in the PIFM challenges.
Buddy Reads:
8. Hip Hop: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton or Dead Iron by Devon Monk
9. Jazz: Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione or The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross


















Got the book,

Kimmy wrote: "Not sure... I've never done a buddy read before, so as soon as we both get the book? When do you suggest?How does it work? Did you want to join that group? Omg the questions...
Cheryl wrote: ..."

It was fun going through your shelves, I hope you find something you like, if not, I would be happy to pick again :)
1. Pop- A Hunger Like No Other- I love the whole series or Archangel's Blade-haven't read it but it's got lots of 5* ratings.
2. Golden Oldies- Uglies or Vengeance in Death
3. Rock- Dragon Actually or Giving Chase
4. Classical- Silent Blade- great stand alone short by Ilona Andrews(married duo) or *Star Quality anthology (sexy,fun,pnr) or Angels of Darkness (anthology on your tbr)
5. Country- Promises Linger by Sarah McCarty(sexy cowboy) or Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard (difficult cowboy, awesome heroine) or Bridleton (cowboy from your tbr)
6. Adult Contemporary- Mountain Dreams by Cheryl Holt- one of my favorite contemporary sexy reads or Tempt Me, Taste Me, Touch Me by Bella Andre- love this fun, sexy read with 3 friends and their intertwined vacation stories.
7. Indie- *Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory- awesome funny, snarky, pnr. or *Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many- Heather Wardell is joining us at Ask An Author soon- I really enjoyed this one. or Attachments by Rainbow Rowell- fantastic debut novel.
8. Hip Hop- Party Naked or Good Girls Don't or Daughter of Smoke and Bone
9. Jazz- *Wicked Games or *Samson's Lovely Mortal
*- I have it on kindle and can lend it to you :)

Happy Reading!!

This is my first attempt at this and I feel like the new kid at the dance, I got stood up by my date now I am standing in the sidelines still waiting for someone to dance with..... :(

Valerie ~Varuca~ wrote: "Good evening Kimmy! Here are your recs...if you don't find anything you like, please let me know and I'll choose again.
From Their TBR Shelf:
1. Pop:Darkfever-Karen Marie Moning
2. ..."

This is my first attempt at this and I feel like the new kid at the dance, I got stood up by my date now I am standing in the sidelines still waiting for someone to dance with..... :("
I don't know whether to laugh or cry over this analogy. Just remember, what doesn't kill you makes you bitter.

From Their TBR Shelf:
1. Pop: [book:Grimspace|..."
Thanks so much for your wonderful picks. I'm intrigued by many of them, but I think I'm going to go with Magic Bites. In part, because I can get it from my library.

Thanks for the awesome picks. You are giving me a great reason to read some of the books that have been on my TBR for a while.
I will definitely read A Certain Wolfish Charm and I..."
Normally, I would love to do a buddy read, but my schedule this month is pretty busy. So I will have to decline. Still, have fun reading, and let me know if its good. :)

From Their TBR Shelf:
1. Pop: A Hu..."</i>
I'm sorry about the huge TBR list that I have. Its the only way I can keep track of what I want to read.
I love your picks! I think I'm going to start with
[book:Pleasure Unbound because a hospital run by demons is making me very curious. If you want to read it with me let me know. The Iron Duke and A Hunger Like No Other are my next choices.
Thanks a lot I've just make my TBR even longer by adding all of Meljean Brooks books to my list they seem really great!
Thank you for making my picks.
PS you can never be too PNR heavy for me. As you saw it's my favorite next to UF and SciFi


This is my first attempt at this and I feel like the new kid at the dance, I got stood up by my date now I am standing in the sidelines still waiting for someone to dance with..... :("
LOL! Good analogy!

Penney - were we going to try to buddy Lisa Val..."
Hey Michelle - why don't we just PM each other as we read as I suspect we'll be the only two reading this book this month? ...It's been out a while... I'll add you as a friend to make it easier ;)
![Macwolf01 [Elise] (macwolf01) | 1012 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1277511172p1/2680059.jpg)
Works for me!! Let me know when you want to start, I'm picking it up tonight from my niece. So just send me a private message so I get it on my cell. :)
Looking forward to it.
![Macwolf01 [Elise] (macwolf01) | 1012 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1277511172p1/2680059.jpg)
Hi Valerie ~Varuca~ just finished

I can start


Vi wrote: "Hi Iris, I'm on my way to work now. Your picks should be up sometime later today (morning if I can make it) or most likely in the evening."

I'm glad you liked your picks! I'd love to read Pleasure Unbound with you. Can we start this upcoming weekend? I'm sure I'll have time to get it by then.

This is my first attempt at this and I feel like the new kid at the dance, I got stood up by my date now I am standing in the sidelines still waiting for someone to dance with..... :("
Aw! Poor Dawn. I'm sure Katie will come through with your picks soon. If not, I'll dance with you. :-)

This is my first attempt at this and I feel like the new kid at the dance, I got stood up by my date now I am standing in the sidelines still waiting for someone to dance with..... :("
I'm sorry. I think I've done every PIFM challenge we've done here and it happens every now and again. It should be noted that your picks for me this month were faster than I've ever gotten them before. If you are in need of something to read, name a buddy read for my ninth pick and I'll join you in just about anything.
*edit - BTW I started Darkest Night this evening. Interesting concept. Thank you again for the pick.

I'm glad..."
No problem I already have it. Next weekend is fine with me.

I have a big stack of books here to keep me company too.
Photojim I am going to work on that 9th pick now.


I gave away all my LM Montgomery books the other day... I had to make room in my bookcase! Bit of a tug, letting them go :)

I started a buddy read thread for Entangled if you can get to it. http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6....
Everyone feel free to join us. I especially like that the books pro..."
Ok thanks! I went to the book store yesterday and couldn't find it. I think I'm going to have to order it :) I'm still going through the picks you did too. I'm looking for that vampire book you read, and managed to snag Possess as well.


I gave away all my LM Montgomery books the other day... ..."
Aww but I'm sure you enjoy the shelf space. I've tried to get rid of these books many times--especially since I have them in ebook format-- but I chicken out every single time.

I will have your picks up tonight! I'm having dinner with my in-laws, but will get them up asap. Promise :)

Good choice! I hope you like it....don't forget, the first book is a touch slow but the series really steamrolls along after that!




Hi Jenni its quite alright LOL I know the feeling!
So I had a look at the books and I'm just gonna have to go with

Thanks for the picks but sorry I just don't have time for any Buddy reads this month
Will be in touch!
Rachel :0)

I put in a library request for Changeless and its transferring as we speak. It will probably be a week before I have it in my hands so can we plan for week 2 or 3 of Oct..."
Cathy, that sounds great! I have it already on my Nook, so just let me know a couple days before your ready so I can finish up whatever book I'm currently reading. I'm excited!!!


Do you already have a thread set up? I looked and didn't see it, but I'll check again! I'm really interested in reading this book☺

Sorry it's taken so long to get you some picks! Hope you find something good in here :)
Their TBR:
1. Pop - The Mane Event
2. Golden Oldies - Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception
3. Rock - Eternal Rider
My Read:
4. Classical - Warrior's Cross
5. Country - Long Hard Ride
6. Adult Contemporary - Slave to Sensation
7. Indie - The Ghost on My Couch
Buddy Reads:
8. Hip Hop - Clear Water
9. Jazz - First Grave on the Right - I'm currently doing a buddy read of this one with ~Megan~. We'd love for you to join us. :)

From your TBR :
1.Pop: A Lot Like Love or Practice Makes Perfect - I have seen a few Julie James in your TBR and you also seemed to enjoy romantic suspense so although I can't say they are the best I have read, they are worth trying, the first one is a romantic suspense sort of and my favourite of hers and the other one was just quite funny...
Fifty Shades of Grey - I have recently read this one and the sequel in the trilogy, loved this one absolutely, I am not sure if it is too out of your comfort zone with erotica patterns and very light BDSM act but I really liked the way it was written and the storytelling.
2. Golden Oldies : City of Fallen Angels - this and Seduce Me in Dreams are both in your TBR for a long time so maybe it's time to go on.
3.Rock : Hot Head - well not only one hot body on the cover but two, who'd want anything more ;) I have been recommended this by Dee so will probably go for it so maybe we can buddy read?
The Darkest Hour - I have this for so long and wanting to read so maybe we can also use it in the buddy read.
From My Read Shelf :
4.Classical : Cut & Run - read this in September and quite really enjoyed it although I am not a vishous fan of crime&detective stories.
5.Country : Linger or Long Hard Ride, haven't read the second one but it sure fits in here.
6.Adult Contemporary : Before I Go to Sleep - Recently read this and it is now one of my favourites.
One Day - I noticed I haven't recommended this one, this month so here it is, I have read it twice and loved it both times.
7.Indie : I am not very experienced in Indie Authors so here are the two I have read (although E.Lynn Harris was only a self published author when he first published this book) Invisible Life & Vince
Buddy Reads :
8.Hip Hop : Lola and the Boy Next Door or In Bed with a Highlander or Dragon Bound ( I know this one is published in May but been hearing nothing but good things about it.)
9.it can be any of the above I have mentioned.
Well thanks to you my already huge TBR is now way out of control :) I had a really good time wandering around your shelves, hope you can find something to enjoy in my recs...
Happy readings...

1. Pop - The Archer - I was still asking who done it right up until it was revealed which rarely happens. Rumor is that Abigail is wor..."
Hi Dee! Thanks for the great recs now I am at a loss for chosing which one to start :) For the buddy reads we can go with either or both of In bed with a highlander & Blacque/Blue, we will read Lola & the boy next door anyway... Just let me check if I can get my hands on Blacque/Blue (unfortunately I sometimes may face restriction polices about downloads by being in Turkey)

I also see that your dance card has finally started to fill up. Katie has come through for you with a decent collection of choices. If I may throw in my two cents worth, go with her ninth pick for you. First Grave on the Right is a laugh out loud good time. I recently read this for a book club and loved it. Give it a shot.

Thanks for waiting so patiently for your picks. I had fun going through your TBR mainly because we have only a few books in common. From the books on the shelves, I can see you lean heavily towards romance with dashes of paranormal etc. I've tried to recommend different books within romance and also mostly from your TBR.
From Your TBR Shelves:
Pop:
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stoneby J.K. Rowling - I can't believe you've never read this series before! You must. Millions of squeeing fan girls (me included) cannot be wrong! :P
2. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward - You mentioned in your PM that you have a few J.R. Ward books - I'm hoping you have this. A loooot of people love this Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
3. Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase - A new intro to your collection. Chase is one of my 3 auto-buy HR authors. Even though I rarely read Historical/Regency fiction now, I read Chase books without reservation. She's THAT good.
Golden Oldies
1. The Secret by Julie Garwood - I have only read 2 or 3 Garwood's books and I found them to be good. Since this is one of the earliest books you have of hers, why don't you give a try?
2. Tempting the Beast by Lora Leigh - I notice that you graded Nauti Boy series by favorably, so take a look at this series of hers too.
3. Suddenly a Spy by Heather Huffman - You have 3 other books by this author. The synopsis sounds fun along with the cover. Wedding dress and gun?!!!
Rock:
All the following have HOT covers. Need I say more?
1. Wicked Games by Jill Myles
2. Bunny And The Bear by Eve Langlais
3. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks - I gotta say, the book is hot too. And the redemption of hero was executed very well.









From My Read Shelf:
Classical:
1. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews - This book is written by a husband-wife duo. You've got to start this series. It's an urban fantasy series. The first book is sorta ok but the rest of the series pick up steam after that. A flawed hero and heroine and watching them fall in love is delightful.
2. Burning Up by Angela Knight - OK, so this is an anthology. But read the Here There be Monsters by Meljean Brooke. It's the prequel to the Iron Seas series of hers, a steampunk. The first book is out with the second to be released shortly. The novella is better than the first book, imo.
Country:
1. What a Westmoreland Wants by Brenda Jackson - I don't think Australia has cowboys (I think) but this book is set in ranch. Which qualifies, I think. Sounds fun.
2. Cowgirls Don't Cry by Lorelei James - I'm not sure if you've read all the books in this series but you seem to have read the previous one in this series. Maybe you want to continue the series?
Adult Contemporary
1. Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - Erotic contemporary from Banks. One of her highly rated books.
2. Never Love A Lawman by Jo Goodman
3. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - A paranormal romance set in a alternate reality with a higher degree of hotness. The whole series is a package of awesomeness. It's not just hot but the world-building is also excellent. You'll be sucked into it.
Indie:
1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - A sweet contemporary that managed to catch me unawares to rank up in the top 10 reads of this year.
2. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley - Kearsley is a gifted author - she manages to intertwine two love stories very successfully. Too bad she's not read by many.
3. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey - A self-published book by Carina Press. The cover screams fun, fun and the book delivers on that promise. A very fun and enjoyable read.










Buddy Reads:
Hip Hop:
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I just want to read this, The synopsis plus cover intrigues me very much.
2. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - A bunch of us are planning to read this book later this month. Do you want to join us?
Jazz:
From you TBR, I'm open to buddy read either of the below:
1. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
2. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs




Whew, I'm done. We don't have that much in common and our tastes are only 47% similar according to GR. I've tried to give you different choices so that you can choose. If you don't like your choices, let me know. I will be happy to re-pick. Also, let me know if you are up for a buddy read.
Happy Reading!

Here are your recs sans song recommendations because I wanted you to get them as fast as I could. But I'll add them when I get to work this morning!
Hope you find something there you like. :)
From Your TBR
1. Pop: Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas OR Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. Two of my favorites! I've read the Kleypas twice (and I rarely re-read books) and I just loved PC...if you are into audiobooks, please give PC a try in that format. It's just great!
♫
2. Golden Oldies: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder OR Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead. The start of two good series...
♫
3. Rock: Covet by J.R. Ward OR Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - I'm really digging UF with male leads so it's not a surprise that I enjoyed Covet (although a lot of people find it difficult to follow.) Slave to Sensation, on the other hand, it's the first in one my favorite series. I know the cover is not so 'rock-hard' but Lucas is! And that's what counts for me, LOL!
♫
From My Read Shelf
4. Classical: On the Prowl by Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Sunny (you really need to read the Briggs novela in this anthology before you start the Alpha & Omega series) OR Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (husband and wife team...I haven't read this one but it gets great reviews.)
♫
5. Country: Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James OR Hounded by Kevin Hearne. Great western erotica series...the first book is not the best but they get better. Hounded is another UF with a male lead and this first book was just great.
♫
6. Adult Contemporary: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak OR Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Ironic that both these books are Young Adult but the themes are really tough: War and how love can also bring pain. I cried like crazy reading them both.
♫
7. Indie: In the Midnight Rain by Ruth Wind (87 ratings) OR Fallen from Grace by Laura Leone (155 ratings) - Just by looking at these covers you could tell these books could never have been popular...I mean...both men look like stalkers! But they are both amazing and well worth the read.
♫
Buddy Reads - I'm planning to read at least 3 of these books this month so let me know if you can join me. :)
8. Hip Hop: Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones OR Saving June by Hannah Harrington (if you have a Netgalley account and are interested in reading it, please let me know.)
♫
9. Jazz: A Lot Like Love by Julie James OR My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne.
♫



















Tugce Nida wrote: "Dee wrote: "ok Tugce Nida (wiggles fingers) - here you go
1. Pop - The Archer - I was still asking who done it right up until it was revealed which rarely happens. Rumor is that Ab..."

Photojim wrote: "Dawn, Thanks for the ninth pick. I've never liked historicals in any way shape or form. And then I was introduced to steam punk. I absolutely love the Parasol Protectorate series. I'm pretty su..."

I got it from LooseID today, so no worries :) Sometimes some publishers won't let me download from Turkey but obviously this wasn't one of them ;) I actually got a little out of control on buying today anyway... Ok I need a few days to start if that's ok for you! I should be reading Succubus Blues at the moment and also will read boy meets boy with AshleyAlexis as a buddy read so I think I will be ok towards the end of the week, is that ok for you? We can do both books, please throw up the thread I am not good at that part yet :)
Books mentioned in this topic
Angels' Blood (other topics)Pleasure Unbound (other topics)
Giving Chase (other topics)
Forever (other topics)
City of Bones (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Katie Kacvinsky (other topics)Christie Craig (other topics)
Victoria Dahl (other topics)
Nalini Singh (other topics)
Darynda Jones (other topics)
More...
I am picking for you and I am lost in your shelves at the moment, definitely enjoying myself. i will try and send your picks soon but its already quite late here so if i ca't finish them tonight i will sendthem first thing in the morning, hope its ok for you.
Nida