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So, who's up for this month's Pick-It-For-Me challenge?


What's a Pick-It-For-Me?
It's a group recommend a book thing - works just like a Secret Santa or Xmas Exchange, except the gift is replaced by a book recommendation. The names (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 that person, 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 (by someone else). After you're done with your recommended, a short post with some feedback/mini-review 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've already read...

Signing up period will remain open until the 30th.

Who's in?

I'm being lazy! Simply copied and pasted Kasia's instructions from last month..LOL

Pick-It-For-Me List:

Sallie picks for Yz
Shannon picks for Melissa
Mary picks for Karyn
Melissa picks for Corrupt
Melissa Bryan picks for Sallie
southpaw285 picks for Annvelwis
Yz picks for Shannon
Annvelwis picks for Kathy
Corrupt picks for Annie
Karyn picks for Emily
Kathy picks for lesley
Emily picks for Mary
lesley picks for southpaw285
Annie picks for Melissa

Everybody has until August 3 to post their recomendations. You can recommend up to 3 titles, but only one is required to be read for the challenge.

Recommended Books List:

Sallie picks for Yz : Amethyst Dreams
Shannon picks for Melissa : Blood Engines,Summon the Keeper,High Stakes
Mary picks for Karyn : Undead and Unwed, Urban Shaman, Dreams of the Ringed Vale
Melissa picks for Corrupt : The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, Smart and Sexy, Birthright
Melissa Bryan picks for Sallie : Stupid and Contagious,Can You Keep a Secret?,The Boy Next Door
southpaw285 picks for Annvelwis : More Than a Mistress,Becoming Jane Austen,In Cold Blood
Yz picks for Shannon : Parallel Attraction,Morrigan's Cross,Out of the Night
Annvelwis picks for Kathy : Snow Flower and the Secret Fan A Novel,The Smoke Thief,Naked in Death
Corrupt picks for Annie : Maverick, Red-Headed Stepchild, Blood Deep
Karyn picks for Emily : Last Chance Saloon,Love Story,Best of Friends
Kathy picks for lesley : Devil of the Highlands,The Mummy,Hater
Emily picks for Mary : Off Season,Size 12 Is Not Fat,The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
lesley picks for southpaw285 : Ready, Trial by Fire, Working for the Devil
Annie picks for Melissa : Dark Protector,The Lady Lies, Oh My Goth

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Again, for the challenge, you are only required to read one book. Please drop by and give some kind of feedback when you have finished your selected book.

Happy reading, everyone!

And of course, I'm in!

Count me in, too!

Me, too.

I'm in

Count me in please

I'm in. :)

I'm in!

Me too please, but I must apologize to whoever I'm paired with because I have an enormous to-read list. It'll be hard to find something not on it.

Kathy wrote: "Me too please, but I must apologize to whoever I'm paired with because I have an enormous to-read list. It'll be hard to find something not on it."

You're not kidding! 1227 to read?!? And I thought mine was bad at 1055! ; )

Oh wow, you guys. And I thought my to-read was big.

Glad I'm not alone. I know someone on goodreads has 8000+ on their to-read. At least I'm not that bad.

I'm in...
For whoever is picking for me - my to-read list is teeny tiny... but the books I have read isn't close to complete...

I'll give it a shot. :^) Why not, right?

i'm in, sounds like fun! :)

count me in, although I haven't even gotten around to reading July's yet *sheepish grin*

and yeah, my to-read is huge too, almost 1100... more than I will get to in this lifetime, especially when I keep adding to it almost daily! sheesh I swear I must spend more time hunting and collecting and organizing books to read, than I do actually reading them.

I think I have a problem *twitch*

count me in

I always up for a challenge :)

One more day left to sign up!

List is ready!

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Sallie picks for Yz
Shannon picks for Melissa
Mary picks for Karyn
Melissa picks for Corrupt
Melissa Bryan picks for Sallie
southpaw285 picks for Annvelwis
Yz picks for Shannon
Annvelwis picks for Kathy
Corrupt picks for Annie
Karyn picks for Emily
Kathy picks for lesley
Emily picks for Mary
lesley picks for southpaw285
Annie picks for Melissa

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Everybody has until August 3 to post their recommendations. You can recommend up to 3 titles, but only one is required to be read for the challenge.

Hi Melissa...
A couple of options for you. First books in series by authors you don't have on your shelves:
PNR: Dark Protector
Regency spies / undercover agents: The Lady Lies - this is followed by The lady killer and The lady's code.

For light relief, a young adult book: Oh My Goth

(and, because I couldn't resist a picture book recommendation have you read Mo Willems yet?)

Hi guys - if, like me, you struggle sometimes to come up with authors similar to the ones your pick-ee's like (if you're not familiar with them)... I sometimes use this site: .
Sorry, bad grammar or something... only 3 hours of work to go on a very rainy Saturday here in Auckland, NZ.

Sallie - I've got some funny chick lit picks for you.

Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane
(This is one of the funniest books I've ever read with a very sweet story)

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
(I saw you have her shopaholic books on your tbr shelf, but this is my favorite by her and it's a stand alone)


The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot
(This is the first in a three book series, each with a different main character, and each written in e-mail, text message, note form - very funny and a very quick read)

For Yz, a book by Phyllis A Whitney..she is what is considered a gothic novelist so for you I pick Amethyst Dreams. I hope you enjoy -

Thank you Melissa - I am going to take your first recommendation of Stupid & Contagious. I will be adding the other 2 to my TBR pile also. Thank you again & I look forward to getting started.

Lesley:
Saw some highland historical romance on your shelves so I'm going to recommend Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
Also saw you had some Anne Rice so I'm going to recommend The Mummy by Anne Rice which is one of my faves.
And in case you're feeling like horror Hater by David Moody. I'll warn you though that Hater is the first book in a trilogy and the rest aren't out yet.
Hope there's something there you'll like.

Hi Annvelwis,

Here is what I have:

"More Than A Mistress" - Mary Balogh
"Becoming Jane Austen" - Jon Spence
"In Cold Blood" - Truman Capote

I hope there is something here you will enjoy.

For Mary: You made things difficult for me, O'Bookaholic you. *LoL* But I'll give you a few different selections in hopes that you'll feel one of 'em.

First, I'll recommend Off Season by Jack Ketchum. I see you've read a few horror and didn't have any of his on your list. (There's a sequel to this, but I think it reads just fine without it)

Second, Size 12 Isn't Fat by Meg Cabot. It's chick lit wearing it's mystery dress. *LoL* It's a fun, quick read if you're more in that mind set, however it is the first in a series.

And third, The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It's a quick read of a story told entirely in epistolary form.

I hope that you find something that you'll enjoy. I definitely found all three to be worth the time. :^)

Shannon,

Wow, you have quite a list of books, and we have so many in common. Almost all of my favorites are in your shelves, but I was able to come up with a few titles that might interest you.

I know you are into paranormal, but I'm going to recommend a sci-fi "alien" romance, Deidre Knight's Parallel Attraction. You have her other series in your TBR shelf, but I love this one, too.

My second choice for you, to one PNR fan to another, is, (don't shoot me..LOL!), a Nora Roberts trilogy, and my fave so far among the few of hers that I read. It's her Circle Trilogy, beginning with Morrigan's Cross.

Hope one of these piques your interest. Happy reading!

Sallie wrote: "For Yz, a book by Phyllis A Whitney..she is what is considered a gothic novelist so for you I pick Amethyst Dreams. I hope you enjoy -
"

Sounds interesting, Sallie. I just requested it from my local library. Will let you know when I get it.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Ok, this is for Melissa in Michigan ; )

The first book I recommend the highest: Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt. I saw that you like Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels so I thought you might give Pratt's Marla Mason a try. Marla is a kick-butt sorcerer in charge of the city of Felport. She has to leave though because another sorcerer in her city is trying to kill her. She goes to San Francisco in search of an item to ward off her enemy but when she gets there, the guardian of the item has been murdered. So there's mystery, humor, action, fantasy, a little kinkiness, and even a cannibal! Lots of good stuff.

In case you don't want to read it though, I'd also like to recommend Summon the Keeper by Tanya Huff. It's another female-lead fantasy mystery, but this one has a talking cat!

Finally, in case you're still not pleased with the previous two picks, I've got one last one for you: High Stakes by Erin McCarthy. This book is a little more lighthearted and would fall under the category paranormal chick-lit. I laughed out loud at times while reading this one and I loved Vegas as the setting. I think if you wanted a vampire book that was more fun than dark, then you'd pick this one up.

Hope you find one you like!

: )

Yz wrote: "I know you are into paranormal, but I'm going to recommend a sci-fi "alien" romance, Deidre Knight's Parallel Attraction. You have her other series in your TBR shelf, but I love this one, too.

My second choice for you, to one PNR fan to another, is, (don't shoot me..LOL!), a Nora Roberts trilogy, and my fave so far among the few of hers that I read. It's her Circle Trilogy, beginning with Morrigan's Cross. "

Argh ... Nora Roberts ... I had a feeling you might pick this since I saw you talking about it in another thread. Hmm ... I could have sworn I had this series stripped and it's somewhere in the house. I think I'm missing a box of them and I'll have to dig around and see. I kind of don't want to read anything by Nora Roberts based on principle - can one person really write that many books? I swear she has a new one every month ...

As for the other one, I think I may have passed it over one time before. Not sure why though. I'll have to check it out.

Thanks!

southpaw285 wrote: "Hi Annvelwis,
Here is what I have:
"More Than A Mistress" - Mary Balogh
"Becoming Jane Austen" - Jon Spence
"In Cold Blood" - Truman Capote
I hope there is something here you will enjoy."

I would like to read all three, heh, and probably will sooner or later (rather sooner than later), but for this challenge I'll choose Truman Capote. I wanted to read it for a while now, heh. Thank you!

................

Kathy,

Looking through your shelfs is fun!
My picks for you:
1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
2. The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé
3. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

I hope you'll like one of them.

Hmmm...

Unofficial 4. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (I know that point of this challenge is to introduce us to new authors and such, but I've noticed you enjoyed Angels' Blood, heh, and I couldn't resist...)

Thanks, Shannon! I put in a request for Blood Engines from the inter-library loan program. If that doesn't make it in time, I will read Summon the Keeper because my library has a copy. Or, I'll read both! They both look good so thanks again! I'll let you know what I think.

Emily, I'm going to recommend three of my favourite books.
The first is Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes She's an Irish author and her books are a perfect balance of humour, romance and seriousness.

The second is Love Story by Erich Segal

The third is another Irish author. Cathy Kelly and the book is Best of Friends.

Shannon wrote: Argh ... Nora Roberts ... I had a feeling you might pick this since I saw you talking about it in another thread. Hmm ... I could have sworn I had this series stripped and it's somewhere in the house. I think I'm missing a box of them and I'll have to dig around and see. I kind of don't want to read anything by Nora Roberts based on principle - can one person really write that many books? I swear she has a new one every month ...
.."

LOL..that's okay if Nora Roberts is not your thing.

I'll add another recommendation then, if you cannot get hold of the Deidre Knight book, although Parallel Attraction was a "surprise" hit for me. Didn't expect to enjoy it actually, but it turned out to be a fascinating read.

Out of the Night by Robin T. Popp, first book in her NightSlayer series, a different twist on the vampire legend.

Annvelwis wrote: "southpaw285 wrote: "Hi Annvelwis,
Here is what I have:
"More Than A Mistress" - Mary Balogh
"Becoming Jane Austen" - Jon Spence
"In Cold Blood" - Truman Capote
I hope there is something here ..."

Wow! They all sound good. I think I'll have to try them all. Not sure they'll all get read this month but they will eventually. :) Hmm..off to put them on hold at my library and see which one I get first.

Hey southpaw285, quite a collection you have already it was fun trying to think of some for you!

first i want to recommend Ready by Lucy Monroe, it's the 1st book of 3 in the series. looked like you are a fan of the military romances and this one is sure to please.

second one i'd recommend is Trial by Fire by Jo Davis, you had some firefighter books in your collection and it's a greatly reviewed series (just bought it myself).

finally, i saw the night huntress series on your list and i think Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow is similar but instead of vampires it has demons, might be something to look into as well.

hope you find something in those you might like. :)

Karyn wrote: "Emily, I'm going to recommend three of my favourite books.
The first is Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes She's an Irish author and her books are a perfect balance of hum..."

Oh. Those all look great, Karyn! I might have to see if I can get around to all three of them, if not this month, than within the next couple months. Thanks. :^)

Kathy wrote: "Lesley:
Saw some highland historical romance on your shelves so I'm going to recommend Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
Also saw you had some Anne Rice so I'm going to recom..."

hey kathy,
thanks for all the recommendations, i think i might try them all!
the highlander book looks like a winner, i think i could read anything with brooding men haha!
i'm an anne rice fan as well, i've read her vampire books but i never got into any of her others. maybe i should give the others a try.
and the horror book looks great! haven't heard of this one and i'm anxious to read it.
i need you to recommend for me more often, you picked all winners for me. :)

lesley wrote: "Hey southpaw285, quite a collection you have already it was fun trying to think of some for you!

first i want to recommend Ready by Lucy Monroe, it's the 1st book of 3..."

Hi Lesley:

Wow those all look really great. I'm going to start with the Lucy Monroe, but honestly I want to read all three. Thanks for such wonderful recommendations.

Annie,

I do the "Lady Lies" one, who is the author??

Corrupt Angel,

After looking at the books you have read, I suggest:

"The Secret History of the Pink Carnation" by Lauren Willig

"Smart and Sexy" by Jill Shalvis

"Birthright" by Nora Roberts

I think based on what you have read on your list that you would enjoy any of these three books!

Annie,

Please disregard the prior note for the author's name, I found it.

Melissa wrote: "Thanks, Shannon! I put in a request for Blood Engines from the inter-library loan program. If that doesn't make it in time, I will read Summon the Keeper because my library has a copy. Or, I'll read both! They both look good so thanks again! I'll let you know what I think."

Ha, I just realized I suggested High Stakes to you and you already read it! I think I spelled the author's name wrong when I searched your books. Lol, at least I picked a book you liked!

I started Poison Sleep last night since I suggested Blood Engines to you. I had to get back to Marla again.

lesley wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Lesley:
Saw some highland historical romance on your shelves so I'm going to recommend Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
Also saw you had some Anne Rice so I'm go..."

Yay! Glad to hear it. Hope you like them.

Shannon wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Thanks, Shannon! I put in a request for Blood Engines from the inter-library loan program. If that doesn't make it in time, I will read Summon the Keeper because my library has a co..."

Yeah, I actually own most of Erin McCarthy's books. She's one of my faves. I'm planning on catching up on that Vegas Vamp series this month. She's always good for a sexy, funny read. Are there 4 books in the Marla series? I'll be checking back to see how much you liked Poison Sleep since that would work for a read-the-month challenge in September! (Always thinking ahead!)

Melissa wrote: "Are there 4 books in the Marla series? I'll be checking back to see how much you liked Poison Sleep since that would work for a read-the-month challenge in September! (Always thinking ahead!)"

Yeah, there's 4 books so far plus an online only prequel called Bone Shop. It doesn't look like there's going to be any more novels from the current publisher because of the crappy economy and less than stellar sales, but it's possible Pratt might get another deal with a different publisher. Man, I hope so. I really think this series is a hidden gem.

You can also follow Marla on , which I think is hilarious.

Here's a few tweets from her:

"I really need to invest in new utensils. Using the same knife to slice bagels AND to gut homonculi possessed by chupacabra feels wrong."

"It's a good thing I can't make people explode just by looking at them. After the morning I've had, the city would be depopulated."

"To clarify: of course I CAN make people explode just by looking at them, but only with extensive preparation, and I get a headache, too."

"My glass house is made of bulletproof glass, so I'll throw all the stones I want. Also bullets."

"One of these days I'll get to sit down and read a book that's not bound in demon skin and etched in eldritch runes."


Lol, there's so many good ones.