Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Who's up for this month's Pick-It-For-Me challenge?


What's a Pick-It-For-Me Challenge?
It's a group recommend a book thing - works just like a Secret Santa or Xmas Exchange, except that the gift is replaced by a book recommendation. Just like in Secret Santa, the givee-giver pairings are randomly assigned. So whomever you get, you recommend a book for them. Preferably it should be something new and unfamiliar to your givee, NOT a book from their to-read list - the point is to introduce new books and new authors. In return, you'll have a book recommended to you (sometimes you might get a few options to choose from). After you're done reading your Pick-It-For-Me book, a short post with some feedback - a mini-review of sorts would be appreciated.

For this challenge, you need either HAVE YOUR PROFILE SET TO PUBLIC (preferable) or make the person who'd be doing the recommending to you your friend. On top of that, I strongly advise keeping your bookshelves updated, otherwise you might end up with a recommendation for something that you have already read.

Signing up period will remain open until the 29th.

Sign-up list:


FlibBityFLooB
Michelle
Photojim
Tosca
Rossy
Annvelwis
Steph
Ari
Cherra
Kasia
LibraryLass
Jess
Yz
Kathe
Cathy
Emily
Karyn
Sara
Amanda
Annie (a mad hamster)

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Steph picks for FlibBityFLooB
Kathe picks for Michelle
Amanda picks for Photojim
Cherra picks for Tosca
Michelle picks for Rossy
Karyn picks for Annvelwis
LibraryLass picks for Steph
Emily picks for Ari
Yz picks for Cherra
Photojim picks for Kasia
Annvelwis picks for LibraryLass
Annie (a mad hamster) picks for Jess
Cathy picks for Yz
Tosca picks for Kathe
Sara picks for Cathy
Jess picks for Emily
Ari picks for Karyn
Rossy picks for Sara
FlibBityFLooB picks for Amanda
Kasia picks for Annie (a mad hamster)

Pick-It-For-Me Books:


For FlibBityFLooB Steph recommended: Street Magic
For Michelle Tosca Kathe recommended: Must Love Hellhounds
For Photojim Amanda recommended: You Slay Me
For Tosca Cherra recommended: Mona Lisa Awakening
For Rossy Michelle recommended: The Smoke Thief
For Annvelwis Karyn recommended: Would-Be Witch
For Steph LibraryLass recommended: The Smoke Thief
For Ari Emily recommended: Size 12 Isn't Fat
For Cherra Yz recommended: Eternal Pleasure
For Kasia Photojim recommended: The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty
For LibraryLass Annvelwis recommended: Outlander
For Jess Annie (a mad hamster) recommended: The Hunger Games
For Yz Cathy recommended: Nightkeepers
For Kathe Tosca recommended: Water for Elephants
For Cathy Sara Rossy recommended: Saffron Skies
For Emily Jess recommended: Jemima J A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans
For Karyn Ari recommended: Before Midnight A Retelling of "Cinderella"
For Sara Rossy recommended: Saffron Skies
For Amanda FlibBityFLooB recommended: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
For Annie (a mad hamster) Kasia recommended: The Goose Girl

I'm in again :)

Kasia wrote: "Sign-up list:
"

I'd like to participate too :)

sign me up. I'll be out of action for most of December, but I'll get this in before I go.

Et moi, aussi :) Me too!

I'm in again!

I'm in!

I'm in too :)

I'll do it too.

This will be my first Pick it for me challenge--I am in!

Count me in please

I'm in!

Kasia wrote: "Who's up for this month's Pick-It-For-Me challenge?
This will be my first, I'm in!

What's a Pick-It-For-Me Challenge?
It's a group recommend a book thing - works just like a Secret Santa or Xmas Exchange, except that the g..."

Count me in.

...I'm gonna regret this...BUT I'm gonna go ahead and sign up. I failed hard this past month but maybe next will be better? *LoL*

I'm in

sounds fun! count me in

I'm in!

I'm in...

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SIGN-UP IS NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED
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Steph picks for FlibBityFLooB
Kathe picks for Michelle
Amanda picks for Photojim
Cherra picks for Tosca
Michelle picks for Rossy
Karyn picks for Annvelwis
LibraryLass picks for Steph
Emily picks for Ari
Yz picks for Cherra
Photojim picks for Kasia
Annvelwis picks for LibraryLass
Annie (a mad hamster) picks for Jess
Cathy picks for Yz
Tosca picks for Kathe
Sara picks for Cathy
Jess picks for Emily
Ari picks for Karyn
Rossy picks for Sara
FlibBityFLooB picks for Amanda
Kasia picks for Annie (a mad hamster)

Annie, this is what I came up with:


The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - a fairytale retelling. I've noticed all the McKinleys on your shelves, it's not McKinley, but it's good.

Silk by Alessandro Baricco - short, sweet, romantic with some historical backdrop. A fast read, I was done with it in about an hour.

Soulless by Gail Carriger - if you're in a mood for a new release. I found it humorous, amusing, and quite original. It's got that steampunk feel (zeppelins and all) and a solid romance angle. On top of that, there's vampires and werewolves (a little afraid that's not your thing, but you might want to give it a try anyways). Did I also mention it was funny?

That's 3. If none of this works, I can come up with something esle, let me know. I enjoy making recommendations.

Alright Kasia. I'm ready for the challenge. Looking over your read bookshelf is rather intimidating but equally intriguing.

You tend to read rather indiscriminately as to genre, but consistently like some genres better. This will take some more digging. But right off the bat, I'm thinking either a Stanislaw Lem book (you only have two listed as being read) or The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty (which ties in your draw to fairy tales and erotica). I'll let you know the recommendation by tomorrow night (EST) either way.

Rossy

I looked at your shelves and came up with a few that I think you might be interested in reading:

1. The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé (b/c you seem to like shifters)

2. Nerd in Shining Armor by Vicki Lewis Thompson
or, Good Girls Don't byKelley St. John
(in hopes that you might add either of these two to your "chick lit" shelf)

3. Date Me, Baby, One More Time by Stephanie Rowe (b/c Katie MacAlister is one of your fav. authors. I was told readers that like her tend to like this book)


If none of these work for you, let me know :D

Amanda -- here are a few suggestions I came up with for you :)

1) Another book in the Bridgertons Family series. Romancing Mister Bridgerton. I see you've read the first three books and rated them highly. I am about to start reading book 7 today :)

2) If you want something you likely haven't heard of, how about Enchanted, Inc.? I really like that series, and this is the book that starts it out :)

3) Finally, there's a couple more Sophie Kinsella books that it doesn't appear like you have read that I really enjoyed: Can You Keep a Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess. They are more akin to REMEMBER ME than SHOPAHOLIC.

Suggestions to choose from:
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Okay Cherra. I've finished browsing your shelves and you have pretty eclectic taste, although you tend towards PNR/UF, so I'm going to pick three different titles from three separate genres.

First choice:
Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs (definitely PNR with a different take....not exactly shapeshifting, but I will not spoil the surprise)

Second Choice:
Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair. (feel like taking a little jaunt into space with a hot mercenary who is more than he appears? I have a huge crush on Sully, so I'm not exactly impartial.)

Third Choice:
The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day (a hot erotic historical with a little May/December affair thrown in. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, and hope you will, too)

I hope at least one of these will catch your interest.

Happy reading!

The 1st is a no-go for me because i really just don't do historicals.

Options #2 both sound really good, am thinking i'll pick one of those. Want to read them together? If you do, then let me know which book you want to read of the 2 and when. We can exchange notes while reading it.LOL

Rossy wrote: "The 1st is a no-go for me because i really just don't do historicals.

Options #2 both sound really good, am thinking i'll pick one of those. Want to read them together? If you do, then let me k..."

Not to horn in on someone else's recommendation, but I've read both of the option #2 books and enjoyed the Nerd book more. In fact I went on to read the rest of the Nerd books. This is one of the better ones.

Photojim wrote: "Rossy wrote: "The 1st is a no-go for me because i really just don't do historicals.

Options #2 both sound really good, am thinking i'll pick one of those. Want to read them together? If you do, t..."

Then I'd definitely like to read Nerd in Shining Armor. When I was at the used bookstore yesterday, I saw that there were quite of few copies of various books from that series available. Now I wish that I grabbed them!

Rossy wrote: "The 1st is a no-go for me because i really just don't do historicals.

Options #2 both sound really good, am thinking i'll pick one of those. Want to read them together? If you do, then let me k..."

Definitely Nerd in Shining Armor!

Sara, choosing for you was a bit of a challenge since it looks like you're just organizing your bookshelf.

My first selection for your would be: Saffron Skies by Lesley Lokko. I not only enjoyed this book but loved so much, i have both a paperback and hardcover copy. Oh and have read it multiple times since its release.

If that doesn't sound like something you'd like to read. Based on your bookshelf and from some of my GR friends ratings and reviews, i suggest these:

2. Fishbowl by Sarah Mlynowski
3. The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
4. Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall

Michelle wrote: "Rossy wrote: "The 1st is a no-go for me because i really just don't do historicals.

Options #2 both sound really good, am thinking i'll pick one of those. Want to read them together? If you do,..."

Good, i've had my copy of this book for quite a long time. Time to finally try this author! Thanks again for the rec!

LibraryLass,

Here's a few book I think you might enjoy :

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (my fav, heh; time travel romance, or rather historical with strong romantic element, hard to tell)
2. Skinwalker by Faith Hunter (first book in a new urban fantasy series I enjoyed few weeks ago)
3. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton (first book in Anita Blake series; vampires, zombies and a mystery to solve)

I was also thinking about The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (time-travel novel with strong romantic element), The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (mystery set in Africa, funny and warm) and Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston (funny and hot wolf-love)

I hope one of these will catch your interest.

Ari, I have a few suggestions of books that I've enjoyed. Hopefully you'll find something that interests you.

1. Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella
2. Size 12 Isn't Fat by Meg Cabot
3. Dark Lover by JR Ward

edit: I just read that it was okay to rec. books on your TBR list, so I'll throw out The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows as well. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

FlibBityFLooB,
You have a lot of 1st books in a series on your TBR list, so this was kinda hard. I've listed a couple of 1st books in a series I think you'd enjoy, they are by authors you have on your list, but different series'. I've also listed some books by authors you don't have listed at all. All of which I think (hope) you'd like.

Author @ TBR list, but not these books:
* Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge
* Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

Funny, light PNR:
* I'm the Vampire, That's Why by Michele Bardsley
* Kiss & Hell by Dakota Cassidy

No books listed/read by these authors:
* Blood Memories by Barb Hendee - really like this series; urban fantasy; different take on vampires
* Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite - a wild and crazy trip; vamps, sex, blood, drugs (pub @ 1993)
* Shattered Glass by Elaine Bergstrom - different take on vampires; older book (pub @ 1989)
* Stealing Shadows (1st of trilogy & ongoing series) by Kay Hooper - her books are paranormal mystery, more than romance, about a group of people w/paranormal abilities helping to solve crimes

Sorry so many options. Hopefully one will spark an interest. :)

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Steph -- hehehe. I know I'm bad about having too many books on my tbr shelf. I own a couple of those and have been waiting to read them. I'm going to pick KISS & HELL because I like the cover. I will likely go back and read some of your other recommendations as well. Thanks! :)

LOL! :) Good choice. It was a fast read for me; light and funny, I think you'll enjoy it.

Annvelwis, Here's a few suggestions

Strayis already on your to read list and I quite enjoyed it.

Would-Be Witchby Kimberly Frost was recommended to me by someone (Can't remember who or why) and it was good. I think it's part of a series but i haven't read any others.

A Friend Like Henry is the third book. It's not light reading, but it's one of those books that sticks in your head.

Tosca, here are a few suggestions for you. After looking at your shelves, I was excited to see that a few of my favorites are not on your TBR list. I hope one of these books sparks your interest!

Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny is one of my favorite new series. The book's summary doesn't do the book justice--I actually put off reading it forever but once I started the series, I flew through the pages. Great Urban Fantasy Romance series about a woman who has never felt any connection to a human male and does not understand why until she discovers she is part Monere--children of the moon. This series is a totally different take on vampires, demons and shifters. This is my top pick. There is graphic sex and violence--just wanted to warn you in case you have an aversion to that in a book.

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. Love this series too. I would say this is Urban Fantasy Romance too. This is about a total bad ass demon/vampire slayer named Cat-she is also half vampire. She agrees to train with a totally hot and delicious, I-want-me-one-of-those, vampires named Bones in exchange for information about her vampire father. Uh-huh, you know where this is headed...

Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur. I am currently reading this series about a very rare hybrid vampire-werewolf who is part of an elite team in charge of policing the supernatural races. There is lots of sex and suspense and a great story line connecting the series.

For something completely different, an erotic historical romance I read on the recommendation of one of my GR friends-never read that genre before and the story was awesome. I was glued to the book. Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone opened up a whole new category of books for me!

A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands is what I would classify as Chic-Lit-Paranormal Romance. It is the first in a series--it has comedy, romance and a little mystery. It was a cute, easy read.

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning is Urban Fantasy, so it is more about the action and less about the romance. There are some killer cliff hangers in this series, but the series is awesome and each book leaves you wanting more. The story revolves around a girl named Mac who travels to Ireland to uncover the mystery behind her sisters death and gets sucked into a world of mystery with creatures in the fae world she never knew existed.

I hope one of these sounds interesting to you!

Yz wrote: "Okay Cherra. I've finished browsing your shelves and you have pretty eclectic taste, although you tend towards PNR/UF, so I'm going to pick three different titles from three separate genres.

Fi..."


Ooohhhh! Good picks Yz. They all sound good. I will let you know what I choose. Thanks!

Wow, Steph, I'm feeling a bit intimidated by having to choose for you! I am fairly new to the paranormal genre and you seem to have read nearly everything I have. I shall give it a go ;)

The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe (this is a hist/rom/fantasy)

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (this is a para/rom/fantasy)

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (vamp - para/rom)

And lastly a book which is on your to read shelf, but which I HIGHLY recommend The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Hopefully you find something to spark your interest if not, I will try again

Annvelwis wrote: "LibraryLass,

Here's a few book I think you might enjoy :

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (my fav, heh; time travel romance, or rather historical with strong romantic element, hard to ..."

Annvelwis, I'm gonna give Pack challenge a go. Outlander has never appealed to me, and out of the others Pack challenge appeals the most. I have heard very mixed reviews about Anita Blake series so I might give this ago at another stage. Thanks heaps for your recs.

Photojim wrote: "But right off the bat, I'm thinking either a Stanislaw Lem book (you only have two listed as being read) or The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty (which ties in your draw to fairy tales and erotica)..."

Sounds great! I haven't read Lem in a while, but I liked his books, and meant to revisit oneday. I guess this is my clue.

Before I post my recommendation for Kathe (and thanks for being patient, Kathe) are we allowed to recommend one that's already on their TBR list? A couple that I'd thought of are there already and are ones I read for my bookclub and thought were pretty damn good and on a par with what she's read/reading and wants to read. Help!

tosca wrote: "are we allowed to recommend one that's already on their TBR list?"

Yes. If you feel strongly about the recommendation, go for it. It's nice to have new books and authors pointed out to you in this challenge, but sometimes what you need is a kick in the butt and somebody telling you to finally read that damn book, because it's that good.

At least that's what I think.

YAY! Thanks for telling what I wanted to hear LOL

LibraryLass wrote:

Annvelwis, I'm gonna give Pack challenge a go. Outlander has never appealed to me, and out of the others Pack challenge appeals the most. I have heard very mixed reviews about Anita Blake series so I might give this ago at another stage. Thanks heaps for your recs. ..."

Pack Challenge! OMG hot story LOL And ok, I always fall in lust with the male characters in stories (but never in real life - total commitment-phobe) - esp shifter stories - but all of the men in Laurenston's series *fans self* wowsers. I envy you that first innocent read...when you then become debauched LOL If you like the first you'll lurve Lurve LURVE the rest :)

Cherra wrote: "For something completely different, an erotic historical romance I read on the recommendation of one of my GR friends-never read that genre before and the story was awesome. I was glued to the book. Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone opened up a whole new category of books for me!..."

Hi de hi, Cherra, am going to go with your second to last suggestion Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone. I have read all of the rest you've suggested (only not listed them doh@me so will quickly add them to my bookshelf now). Definitely looking forward to it! Are you a librarian? All of your choices were absolutely spot on for what I'd read, want to read or would even vaguely be interested in.

In fact, I have to say that just from the little I've read of this month's challenge so far (this page here) there are some exceptional suggestions. As someone who works in a public library I'm VERY impressed with everyone's readers' advisory work :) Well done, people - if only I could bottle this *sigh*

Kathe, my apologies for the delayed wait! Quite a few of the books I wanted to recommend you've got on your TBR list. Have narrowed the choice down to 4, some on your TBR list and some not. Let me know if none of t appeal:

1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - I shed a few tears (beginning to think I cry at all books, geez). Set in the circus world circa 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student, orphaned and adrift, ends up caring for the animals in the circus and falls for Marlena, who is married to the cruel August.

2. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards - bit of a tearjerker of a story, or I'm just a wuss. In a tale spanning twenty-five years, a doctor delivers his newborn twins during a snowstorm and, rashly deciding to protect his wife from their baby daughter's affliction with Down Syndrome, turns her over to a nurse, who secretly raises the child.

3. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones - NZ author, a story set in Bougainville with a kinda romance theme and a class who read 'Great Expectations' by Dickens.

4. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer - if you're a fan of Nicholas Sparks you may enjoy this although it isn't a contemporary setting. It's set just at the end of the WWII. And yes, I cried again, but it's a beautiful story, told mostly in the form of letters.