Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

2016 November PIFM Challenge

What is the Pick-It-For-Me Challenge?

The Pick-It-For-Me Challenge (PIFM) is a reading challenge where each participant gives and receives book recommendations based on a given a set of rules. The assignment method and book selection rules change each month so it’s always new and always different.

The idea of the PIFM challenge is that you will get new-to-you books and authors selected for you as well as a push to read some books that have been lingering on your shelves. You may not be interested in the new books recommended, which is why you also get a minimum of four books from your shelf.

You only have to read ONE book to complete this challenge!

After signups are closed, your names and any extra info will go into the super secret PIFM randomizer and it will select someone for you to recommend books to and someone to give you recommendations. This list will be posted along with any specific picking rules for the month.

In order to participate you need to either HAVE YOUR PROFILE SET TO PUBLIC (preferable), or friend the person giving you recommendations. PLEASE NOTE: if you choose to keep your profile private, it is your responsibility to send a friend request to the person picking for you as soon as possible after the matchups are posted. Whether your profile is private or not, it is also very important that your profile be set to receive Private Messages (PMs) in case anyone needs to reach out to you (mods, organizer etc.)

Everything gets done in this thread so be sure to come back often!!!

Repicks:
You can ask for repicks if:
✱ The books picked for you are not yet released.
✱ If you have already read the chosen book(s) and they are on your ‘read’ shelf.
✱ If you did not receive four picks from your ‘to-read’ shelf, with at least one from your preferred shelf.

You may NOT ask for repicks because:
✱ A book is not available at your library.
✱ A genre or author you don’t enjoy.

INFORMATION NEEDED TO SIGN UP
Please sign up in this thread with the answer to the following question:

✱✱ What kind of jewelry do you dream of receiving as a gift? ✱✱

Please only pick from these options:
Earrings
Bracelets
Necklaces

✱✱ If you have a preferred shelf, please list it along with your pick! ✱✱

IMPORTANT DATES
Sign ups will remain open until October 23rd (12:01 am US EDT).
For your convenience a Time Zone Converter.

You’ll have until October 28th (1 pm US EDT) to make your recommendations.

Please do not start reading your book(s) until the first of the month. You then have the entire month to read your pick(s) and give some feedback.

If you’re new please read the PIFM Guidelines and FAQ. If you have any questions that are not addressed there, please feel free to ask!


✱Please note that late sign ups will be included at the host's discretion and no one will be included after re-picks are assigned!✱

TIPS TO MAKE THE CHALLENGE ENJOYABLE FOR EVERYONE!


Pickees
✱ To help your picker understand the type of books you like or are currently reading, please make sure your ‘read’ shelf is up to date. You can create shelves for books you DNFed (Did Not Finish) or authors that don’t work for you as well as favorite books and authors. In addition, you might consider updating your profile. You can include info about your favorite books, authors, genres, themes or tropes (or themes/tropes you dislike – i.e. secret baby).
✱ Please do not specify likes/dislikes in the sign-up thread. This information will not be included in the pairings and your pickee may not see your message and does not need to rely on that information when making picks.

Pickers
✱ Please remember this is primarily a romance readers group. Thus, most, if not all, of your picks should be romance. There are various sub genres within the romance category - Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Erotica, M/M, Urban Fantasy. If your pickee reads a wide variety, you could add a non-romance as a choice.

✱ Choose at least 4 new titles for your pickee. These can be brand new to them (not found on any of their shelves) or a book found on their shelves if they've never read any of the author's work previously.

A few hints to help with book selection:
✱ Check the book’s publishing date. Select "date pub" from the checkbox selections and save.
✱ Check pickee's personalized shelves, especially their exclusive shelves. A personalized shelf is one the member has created. (e.g., 'to read next', 'favorites' ‘didn’t like’)
✱ Make sure the books you choose are not on their 'read' shelf. Just because it isn't rated doesn't mean it wasn't read.
✱ Look at your pickee's 'read' shelf and see what genres they have recently read or read the most. Reviewing their ‘read’ shelf might help you in choosing something they are interested in reading right now.
✱ If your pickee reads lots of books in a genre you are not familiar with (erotic romance, GLBT, YA, etc.) Contact the Mods or the month's organizer for guidance.
✱ Include a variety of books (e.g., shorter page count, new addition to their 'to-read' shelf, an older book on their 'to-read' shelf) This variety gives your pickee options when choosing the book or books they will be reading this month. Use the sort feature within their shelves to determine date a book was added, published or read; page numbers, ratings, etc.

If you want to volunteer to make repicks:
✱ We love that you want to help out, but please remember those who need picks have been waiting for a long time already. Please only volunteer if you are able to make the repicks within a few hours of the deadline. Thank you!

2016 November PIFM Challenge - Participants

Updated through message #36

Earrings:
Vandhana
Rebecca
Elke - on-deck-4-chlges
Aneerah(Private)
Brenda
Leigh - pick-it-for-me-challenge
Pam - pick-it-challenge‎
ThatEzi (Oh My Shelves) - review-books‎ or meet-greet-recs‎
~KarenH~ - cant-wait-to-read

Bracelets:
☘KathyD☘ - cp-pick-it-for-me
Ashley
enqi ♡ (High Lady of the Night Court)
Susan A - pick-from-here
Rachel C. - must-read-by-end-of-2016
MountainKat - to-read-asap

Necklaces:
Pamela
Tink Magoo is bad at reviews
Eunice
Kait
Fran(Private)> - a-pifm-shelf
Jacquelyn
☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼
Suzanne
Sandra - pifm
Shelby - current-challenge-to-reads
Aminko - picking-shelf‎
Jojo - 2016-mng

2016 November PIFM Challenge - Pairings

Please pick for the person below you in each group, the last person in the group picks for the first person. For example, Vandhana picks for Brenda.

✓ = Picks made.
Updated through message #98.

Earrings:
Brenda
✓ ThatEzi (Oh My Shelves) - review-books‎ or meet-greet-recs‎
✓ Rebecca
✓ Pam - pick-it-challenge‎
✓ Elke - on-deck-4-chlges
✓ Leigh - pick-it-for-me-challenge
✓ ~KarenH~ - cant-wait-to-read
✓ Aneerah(Private)
✓ Vandhana

Bracelets:
✓ enqi ♡ (High Lady of the Night Court)
✓ Ashley
✓ ☘KathyD☘ - cp-pick-it-for-me
✓ MountainKat - to-read-asap
✓ LaurLa - 04-challenges-to-pick
✓ Rachel C. - must-read-by-end-of-2016
✓ Susan A - pick-from-here

Necklaces:
Shelby - current-challenge-to-reads
✓ Jojo - 2016-mng
✓ ☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼
✓ Tink Magoo is bad at reviews
✓ Fran(Private) - a-pifm-shelf
✓ Jacquelyn
✓ Aminko - picking-shelf‎
✓ Sandra - pifm
✓ Eunice
✓ Pamela
✓ Kait
✓ Suzanne

Repicks:
Tink Magoo Picks for ThatEzi (Oh My Shelves) - review-books‎ or meet-greet-recs‎
MountainKat picks for Jojo - 2016-mng

2016 November PIFM Challenge - Rules

November is Real Jewelry Month! I don't know about you, but I LOVE jewelry! Shiny, sparkly wonderful jewelry! This month, our picks are based on the many different types of jewelry.

Please make sure you pick at least 4 new to them picks and at least 4 picks from their preferred or to-read shelf!

Ring: Pick a book with a ring or something round on the cover. Or pick a book with with a proposal or wedding in the story. (Because, well that is pretty obvious right?)

Earring: Select a book with an earring, an ear or something sharp/pointy on the cover. Or recommend a book with a musician or artist in the story. (You need ears for that right? Or at least one if you are Van Gogh!)

Necklace: Pick a book with a necklace on the cover or a book with a headless chest/torso on the cover. Or select a book with a MC who is in the military or former military. (Well, it's easier to put on a necklace without a head! =) And those in the military wear a necklace - with dog tags!)

Tiara/Crown: Recommend a book with a tiara or crown on the cover. Or pick a book historical romance or a book featuring royalty or an elite MC. (Who else wears tiaras?)

Bracelet: Select a book with a bracelet or hand on the cover. Or pick a book with a MC who uses their hands in the work. (Again, obvious.)

Anklet: Pick a book with an anklet or feet on the cover. Or recommend a book with a strong, kick-ass heroine. (Kick - feet, get it?!)

Cuff Links: Select a book with cuff links or a man in a suit/tux on the cover or a with a hero who has enough confidence to wear them even if he doesn't. (Real men don't need buttons!)

Medical Alert Jewelry: Pick a book with a MC with some sort of illness or disability or who works in the medical field. Or select a book with silver or black on the cover. (That is who wear and read them after all!)

Bonus Pick - Optional: Pick an extra new to them book with a cover the color or your birthstone or published in your birth month.

2016 November PIFM Challenge

I am in :) and I choose Earrings :)

I'm in. Necklaces for me, please :)

Earrings for me please.

I'm in. Necklaces for me

I choose necklaces. :) What's the question for though?

This is a tough one since I don't wear jewelry... I'm going to have to go with necklaces.

I am in!

Earrings for me!!

Please pick from my On deck 4 chlges

I'm in! (private profile)

Necklaces for me :)

PIFM Shelf

I'm in!

And it would be a Necklace for me :)

I'm in. This was a tough one but I'm going to go with necklace.

I'm in! 04-challenges-to-pick

I'm in and I'm a necklace girl!

Necklace.
pifm

I think I'm going to say Necklace for this one. :)

Current Challenge To Read

hmmmm....i'll go bracelets!
cp-pick-it-for-me

bracelets please pick from my to read

Oh, I love necklaces!!!

picking shelf

Bracelets! Pick from my to-read shelf please :)

MountainKat wrote: "2016 November PIFM Challenge

What is the Pick-It-For-Me Challenge?

The Pick-It-For-Me Challenge (PIFM) is a reading challenge where each participant gives and receives book recommendations based ..."
I'd like to try this. Earrings for me.

Pickees
✱ To help your picker understand the type of books you like or are currently reading, please make sure your ‘read’ shelf is up to date. ..."

Necklaces - I love them

Please use 2016-mng

Earrings

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Eunice wrote: "I choose necklaces. :) What's the question for though?"

Sorry I didn't answer sooner Eunice, the question is just to help make the groups smaller - easier for sorting. =)

Earrings for me...
Shelf: PIFM

I'm not a jewelry person but the bracelet group looks like it needs more participants.

pick from here

Well, I kind of like charm bracelets... :) must read by end of 2016

Earrings
Review books or meet-greet recs

LaurLa wrote: "I'm in! 04-challenges-to-pick"

LaurLa, do you have preference for group? If not, I will just place you in the smallest one. =)

And I'm in too! I love a nice pair of earrings, but my favorite piece of jewelry is a sapphire bracelet I got for Valentine's Day from my hubby. So I'll go with bracelet!

Please use my to-read-asap shelf.

I'm in! I'm not much of a jewelry person, but I do occasionally wear earrings, so I'll go with that.

Please use my cant-wait-to-read shelf...thanks!

OK everyone, pairings and rules are posted above in messages 4 and 5. Enjoy!

LaurLa, I'll work on your picks tomorrow. =)

@Rebecca:
Enjoy your picks!

❀ Ring: Wedding in the story: New: TBR:

❀ Earring: Earring, an ear on the cover: New: TBR:

❀ Necklace: Necklace on the cover: New: TBR:

❀ Tiara/Crown: Tiara or crown on the cover: New: TBR:

❀ Bracelet: Bracelet or hand on the cover: New: TBR:

❀ Anklet: A strong, kick-ass heroine. New: TBR:

❀ Cuff Links: Cuff links or a man in a suit/tux on the cover: New: TBR:

❀ Medical Alert Jewelry: Works in the medical field: New: TBR:

❀ Bonus Pick - Blue Topaz (Dec):

ThatEzi wrote: "@Rebecca:
Enjoy your picks!

❀ Ring: Wedding in the story: New: TBR:

❀ Earring: Earring, an ear on the cover: New: [bookcover:Ni..."

ThatEzi
Thankyou for the great picks

PAM I hope you like your picks!

Ring: A ring on the cover TBR Stranded with a Billionaire , A book with with a proposal NEW Lover Eternal (This is one of my favorite series)


Earring: A musician or artist in the story TBRRock Addiction, An earring on the cover NEW Girl With a Pearl Earring (I gave this book 5 stars and the movie is good to)


Necklace: A headless chest TRB Surrender, A necklace on the cover NEW The Awakening (I gave this book 5 stars)


Tiara/Crown: A book featuring royalty TBR The Selection, A book with a crown on the cover NEW The False Prince


Bracelet: A hand on the cover TBR Seducing Cinderella, A bracelet on the cover NEW Odin's Murder


Anklet: Ankles on the cover TBR Love at First Date, Feet on the cover NEW A Kiss of Shadows (Another book I gave 5 stars)


Cuff Links: A suit on the cover and in the title TBR The Suit, A suit on the cover NEW Loving the Senator


Medical Alert Jewelry: Silver and black on the cover TBR Pride Mates, MC works in the medical field, NEW Beautifully Awake


Bonus Pick - Purple cover for February birthstone amethyst TBR Truly, Madly

Elke-probably get your picks up later tonight or tomorrow. I have a pile of essays that MUST get done today and if I start procrastinating....

Hi Fran,
I hope you can find something new to read as well as one off your list.

Ring
NEW - The First Time - includes a wedding
TRB - The Billionaire Takes a Bride - includes a wedding


Earring
NEW - Devoured - musician MC
TRB - Treble Maker - musician MC


Necklace
NEW - A Lover's Lament - military MC
TRB - His Risk to Take - headless chest/torso on the cover


Tiara/Crown
NEW - Becoming Lady Thomas - historical
TRB - Dark Fancy - historical


Bracelet
NEW - FILTHY BOSS - hands on the cover
TRB - Her Purrfect Match - hands on the cover


Anklet
NEW - Holly Berry - strong heroine
TRB - Hers - strong heroine


Cuff-links
NEW - That Man 1 - suit on the cover
TRB - In Over His Head - suit on the cover


Medical Alert Jewellery
NEW - Love Me Back to Life - MC works in the medical field
TRB - Chance of a Lifetime - MC with a disability


Bonus Pick
NEW - King's - published in my birth month and I loved this series.

Hey Aneerah!

Thanks for responding to my friend request so quickly! I've got some stuff going on today so I'll be working on your picks off and on, but should have them done by the end of the day.

Hi Sandra

Here are my picks for you. I hope you enjoy your November reading!

Ring: Pick a book with a ring or something round on the cover. Or pick a book with with a proposal or wedding in the story. (Because, well that is pretty obvious right?)
TBR: Scones, Skulls & Scams by Leighann Dobbs
TBR: Fiancee for Hire by Tawna Fenske
NEW: Lick by Kylie Scott
NEW: Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare



Earring: Select a book with an earring, an ear or something sharp/pointy on the cover. Or recommend a book with a musician or artist in the story. (You need ears for that right? Or at least one if you are Van Gogh!)
TBR: Marry the Doctor by Beverly Farr
TBR: Beautiful Scars by Shiloh Walker
NEW: The Mighty Storm by Smantha Towle
NEW: Keeping Her by Kelly Lucille



Necklace: Pick a book with a necklace on the cover or a book with a headless chest/torso on the cover. Or select a book with a MC who is in the military or former military. (Well, it's easier to put on a necklace without a head! =) And those in the military wear a necklace - with dog tags!)
TBR: SEAL's Proposal by Elle James
TBR: Out of the Shadows by Geri Foster
NEW: Code Name: Ghost by Natasza Waters
NEW: Hard as It Gets by Laura Kaye



Tiara/Crown: Recommend a book with a tiara or crown on the cover. Or pick a book historical romance or a book featuring royalty or an elite MC. (Who else wears tiaras?)
TBR: The President's Lover by Rebecca Lee
TBR: President Stepbrother...With Benefits: A Bad Boy Alpha Male Stepbrother Romance by Victoria Cabot
NEW: The Prince Who Loved Me by Karen Hawkins
NEW: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn



Bracelet: Select a book with a bracelet or hand on the cover. Or pick a book with a MC who uses their hands in the work. (Again, obvious.)
TBR: Pursued by the Don: New Adult Romantic Suspense by S.K. Lee
TBR: Reveal: A Wild Nights Standalone Novel by K.M. Golland
NEW: The CEO Buys In by Nancy Herkness
NEW: With Visions of Red by Trisha Wolfe



Anklet: Pick a book with an anklet or feet on the cover. Or recommend a book with a strong, kick-ass heroine. (Kick - feet, get it?!)
TBR: Murder She Typed by Syliva Selfman
TBR: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente
NEW: God Save the Queen by Kate Locke
NEW: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata



Cuff Links: Select a book with cuff links or a man in a suit/tux on the cover or a with a hero who has enough confidence to wear them even if he doesn't. (Real men don't need buttons!)
TBR: His Billion Dollar Dilemma by Alexia Adams
TBR: Living in Sin by Isabel Lucero
NEW: Her Stand-In Boyfriend by Kelly Jamieson
NEW: Rule's Obsession by Lynda Chance



Medical Alert Jewelry: Pick a book with a MC with some sort of illness or disability or who works in the medical field. Or select a book with silver or black on the cover. (That is who wear and read them after all!)
TBR: Sleeping with Her Enemy by Jenny Holiday
TBR: Wild Hearts by Magan Vernon
NEW: Pretend You're Mine by Lucy Score
NEW: Bite & Release by Cory Cyr



Bonus Pick - Optional: Pick an extra new to them book with a cover the color or your birthstone or published in your birth month.

NEW: The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman

Hi Jacquelyn!

Here are your picks- I hope you find something you like!


Ring
NEW -friend's destination wedding- Her Perfect Getaway

Earring
NEW - ear on cover- Roman Crazy
TRB - ear on cover- HardBall

Necklace
NEW -military- Kickin' Up Dust
TRB - headless on cover- Sweet Surrender- I really enjoyed this whole series

Tiara/Crown
NEW -baseball players are an elite group (I know, it's a stretch, lol) Anything but Minor

Bracelet
NEW - MMA fighter- Tyed
TRB - hand on cover- Shopping for a CEO- such a fun series!

Anklet
TRB -feet on cover- Smut- I loved this one!

Cufflinks
NEW - confident guy- Limited Time Offer
TRB - suit on cover- Sweet Filthy Morning After- or any book in the series that you are up to

Medical Alert Jewlery
NEW - Heart Signs- I loved this one too!

Bonus Pick- these are two books I really love-
If I Were You- Aug. pub date- my birth month
On the Island- green on cover- birthstone color (Peridot)

Happy Reading!

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "Hi Fran,
I hope you can find something new to read as well as one off your list.

Ring
NEW - The First Time - includes a wedding
TRB - The Billionaire Takes a Bride ..."

I love my picks Tink!! Wow, they all look great- thanks so much!!

Hi Susan A! I haven't read anything on your indicated tbr shelf, but I picked books that look pretty awesome :) I noticed that most of the books on your indicated tbr list are MM... I unfortunately haven't read much MM so all of the new-to-you ones are MF (the MM books I have read you've also read or are in the middle of a series that you haven't yet started, so...)

Ring
TBR: Resistance (circular flowers on cover)
NEW: The Duke and I (wedding in the story; I see you liked the first one in the companion series...)


Earring
TBR: Spindrift (artist MC)
NEW: Bloodlines (artist MC)


Necklace
TBR: Happy (headless torsos)
NEW: The Stocking was Hung (military MC and headless torso/chest; really fun book!)


Tiara/Crown
TBR: In Allegiance (historical romance)
NEW: A Kiss at Midnight (historical romance; royalty)


Bracelet
TBR: Spice (hand on cover)
NEW: Nuts (both MCs use their hands in their work; one is a chef, one is a farmer)


Anklet
TBR: Boyfriend Goals (feet on cover)
NEW: First Grave on the Right (kick-ass heroine)


Cuff Links
TBR: The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom (suited man on cover)
NEW: Dragon Bound (definitely a hero with enough confidence to wear a suit even if he doesn't)


Medical Alert Jewelry
TBR: Tied Up in Knots (black on cover)
NEW: Pleasure Unbound (doctor MC)


Bonus Pick
NEW: OR (red covers; my birthstone is a ruby... love both these series)

Karen H,

Ring:
-Tbr
-new

Earring:
-tbr
-new

Necklace:
-tbr
-new

Tiara/Crown:
-tbr
-new

Bracelet:
-tbr
-new

Anklet:
-tbr
-new

Cuff Links:
-tbr
-new

Medical Alert Jewelry:
-tbr
-new


Bonus Pick -

Hey Kat! I'll work on your picks and have them to you tomorrow! =)

Rachel C. wrote: "Hi Susan A! I haven't read anything on your indicated tbr shelf, but I picked books that look pretty awesome :) I noticed that most of the books on your indicated tbr list are MM... I unfortunately..."

Thanks Rachel! I'll definitely read a few you picked from my TBR. From the new to me picks, I'll read The Stocking was Hung