Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

2025 July 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.
✱ You have already read the chosen book(s) and they are on your ‘read’ shelf.
✱ 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:

✱✱ Where would you go for a fun date? ✱✱

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


IMPORTANT DATES
Sign ups will remain open until June 24 (10 pm US EDT)

For your convenience a Time Zone Converter can be found here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock....

You’ll have until June 29 (8 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.

✱ Reminder, you only need to read ONE of your picks to complete this challenge. You will get between 8-16 recommendations, yours to do with what you like. Remember to be kind, the person making your picks has likely put time and effort into making picks they hope you will enjoy.

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, etc. so there is plenty of variety within the romance genre. The one exception to this is if your pickee supplies a preferred shelf with non-romance on it. If a book is on the preferred shelf you’re welcome to recommend it, whether it is romance or not.

✱ You will be using 8 picking rules to select books for you pickee. 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. The remaining 4 titles should come from your pickee's tbr, with a minimum of one (and preferably more) from their preferred shelves if provided. Be sure to pick at least one book for each picking rule, but please limit your picks to no more than two books per rule as sometimes having too many options is worse than too few.

✱ Please remember when you are giving new recommendations, you are not limited to titles that you have read. You can choose books that are new releases, on your tbr, or titles you looked up on Goodreads or Amazon that you think your pickee would enjoy.

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.) you may contact the Mods or the month's organizer for guidance or assistance if you feel you need it.
✱ 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!

2025 July PIFM Challenge – Signups

(view spoiler)[
Julie - to-read
Courtney - July-pfm
Fran(Private) - PIFM shelf
HeatherMarie - PIFM shelf
Sonja - PIFM shelf
Nancy H - to-read
Jamie - open series
Carina - clr-rom
Elizabeth - o-pick
LaurLa - 01-pick-me-please
Melissa - to-read
☘KathyD☘ - tbr-audios
MountainKat - to-read-asap
Carrie - up-next

(hide spoiler)]

2025 July PIFM Challenge – Pairings

Please pick for the person beneath you. The last person picks for the first person, so Melissa picks for MountainKat.

✔ = Picks made

✔ MountainKat - to-read-asap
✔ LaurLa - 01-pick-me-please
✔ Sonja - PIFM shelf
✔ Carina - clr-rom
✔ Julie - to-read
✔ Jamie - open series
✔ Fran(Private) - PIFM shelf
✔ Nancy H - to-read
✔ Courtney - July-pfm
✔ Elizabeth - o-pick
✔ Carrie - up-next
☘KathyD☘ - tbr-audios
✔ HeatherMarie - PIFM shelf
✔ Melissa - to-read

Remember to pick a minimum of four NEW books and four from your pickee's TBR or preferred shelf. Please limit your picks to no more than two new to your pickee and two from their preferred shelf (or TBR) for each rule, since sometimes too many choices can be as bad as too few!

2025 July - Picking Rules

Dating is part of any good romance. Whether its the first date or one of many, a great date can have these elements to make it memorable!

1. First date: Fingers crossed!
*Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.

2. Dressed to impress: Ready for fanfare, adventure or a cosy night in, that outfit makes an impression!
*Recommend a book with a dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover (your interpretation).

3. Wined & dined: They say food brings people together (unless you are arguing about pineapple on pizza!)
*Recommend a book with a restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.

4. Activity: The character revealing experiences that you hopefully both enjoy!
*Recommend a book with MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover (your interpretation), or a popular rating (4.0 or more average star rating on Goodreads).

5. Chemistry: The spice that keeps things interesting!
*Recommend a book with a red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.

6. Disaster: Every adult has at least one dating horror story!
*Recommend a book with a black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella (under 150 pages).

7. Conversation: A chance to build a connection over topics like if they believe in aliens or their favourite vacation spot.
*Recommend a book with two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.

8. End of the date: If all goes well, hopefully this is when the magic happens!
*Recommend a book with ‘Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.

I'm loving a coffee & stroll along the beach as a fun date.

My "to read" shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Well, June has been a GREAT reading month. Time to keep it going. I'm in.

✱✱ Where would you go for a fun date? ✱✱
Last date I went on that was fun was a poetry night. Good times.

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

I’m in! (Private profile, happy to friend anyone who picks for me)

I like dinner and a movie for a date night

PIFM shelf- https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Since the summer is preheating, a hockey game or ice cream sound like a fun time right now.
PIFM shelf

I'm in please, though I'm reading really slowly now the kids are out of school!
At this point in my marriage, ANY date would be an ideal date.... *sigh*

Please use my PIFM shelf. And please don't feel the need to pick more than the minimum!

Dinner and a book store ( my husband even gives me gift cards to use when he takes me there!)

I'm in! Here's my shelf - open series

Our usual go to is a hockey game or just sitting outside by the fire with a glass of wine (beer for him, lol)

Fun date mini golf and ice cream

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

Im in! - 0-pick

Cafe/bakery for coffee and a sweet treat. Then since I live in a beach town, walk on the beach.

We enjoy concerts, wine and beerfests!
01-pick-me-please

I'd like to give this one a go.

My favorite dates have included some kind of game, such as bowling, axe throwing, billiards, put-put... followed by drinks to finish off the evening.

i’m in...as for a date...anything that is low key and relaxing...please use tbr-audios

My idea of a fun date, honestly alone, with my hubby, or with other family, is going to Disneyland. Being there makes me happy! But in the mean time, a movie night at home works too. 😊

Please use my to-read-asap shelf - thanks!

✱✱ Where would you go for a fun date? ✱✱
We like to feed the crows in the graveyard and then to the bookstore.

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

Can’t wait to see who picks for me and who I get to pick for!

Sign ups are closed. I will post the pairings soon!

Pairings and Picking Rules are posted in msgs 4 and 5.

Happy reading everyone! 😊

Fran - Here are your picks for the month. Hope you find something good to read!

1. *Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.

TBR: Hawk (first in series)
NEW: Dirty Filthy Rich Men (first in series)



2. *Recommend a book with a dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover (your interpretation).

TBR: Dirty Slide (eye catching cover)
NEW: From Blood and Ash (eye catching cover)



3. *Recommend a book with a restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.

TBR: The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny (holiday romance)
NEW: Faking Under the Mistletoe (holiday romance)



4. *Recommend a book with MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover (your interpretation), or a popular rating (4.0 or more average star rating on Goodreads).

TBR: The Paradise Problem (popular rating)
NEW: The Shutout (sports romance)



5. *Recommend a book with a red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.

TBR: The Buccaneer and the Bastard (red cover)
NEW: Here With Me (mystery or suspense)



6. *Recommend a book with a black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella (under 150 pages).

TBR: Just Folking Around (novella)
NEW: Tempt Me (black cover)



7. *Recommend a book with two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.

TBR: Bastard Boss (two people on cover)
NEW: Outlander (more than 350 pages)



8. *Recommend a book with ‘Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.

TBR: Countdown to a Kiss (kiss in title)
NEW: Bride (paranormal romance)

Carrie here are your picks! Let me know if you need additional options.
Left is from your preferred shelf.

🍇💜 1. First date
First in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.



🍇💜 2. Dressed to impress
Dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover.



🍇💜 3. Wined & Dined
Restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.



🍇💜 4. Activity
MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover, or a popular rating.



🍇💜 5. Chemistry
Red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.



🍇💜 6. Disaster
Black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella.



🍇💜 7. Conversation
Two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.



🍇💜 8. End of the date
'Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.

MountainKat - Hope you find something good.

1. Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.
Jilted (from list)

Angels' Blood (1st in Series)



2. Recommend a book with a dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover (your interpretation).
Widdershins (Historical Fiction)

The Watchmaker's Daughter (Historical Fiction)


3. Recommend a book with a restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.
Sugar Daddy (Food in Title)

Funny Story (Drinking on Cover)


4. Recommend a book with MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover (your interpretation), or a popular rating (4.0 or more average star rating on Goodreads).
Crashing the Net (MPG sports)

These Summer Storms (Popular date activity)


5. Recommend a book with a red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.
The Book Swap (red cover)

Born in Death (Mystery)


6. Recommend a book with a black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella (under 150 pages).
Butcher & Blackbird (Dark Romance)

The Ex Hex (black cover)



7. Recommend a book with two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.
Atonement Sky (2 people on cover)

Tangled Beauty (2 people on cover)


8. Recommend a book with ‘Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.
Allison's Adventures in Underland (Fantasy)

SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay! (Fantasy)

Melissa wrote: "MountainKat - Hope you find something good."

Thank you Melissa! I see several that I am interested in reading in July!

Hi LaurLa! Here are your picks. I picked out your new picks before I looked at your picking shelf, so I ended up with some duplicate authors - oops! I went with them anyway. 😊 I couldn't recall if you enjoy audiobooks, but in case you do, I marked the ones I enjoyed in audio with an asterisk. I hope I've found some good options for you. 🤞🏼

1. First Date
NEW: These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean (new release)
TBR: The Sapphire Affair* by Lauren Blakely (1st in series)

2. Dressed to Impress
NEW: Surrender** by Pamela Clare (historical romance)
TBR: Death at the Crystal Palace* by Jennifer Ashley (historical romance)

3. Wined & Dined
NEW: Indiscretion* by Vi Keeland (from precis - holiday weekend)
TBR: Bayou Baby* by Lexi Blake (bed & breakfast in story, if I recall correctly)

4. Activity
NEW: The Player* by K. Bromberg (sports romance)
TBR: The Beast* by J.R. Ward (high rating)

5. Chemistry
NEW: The Other Half of the Grave* by Jeaniene Frost (audio)
TBR: State of Shock* by Marie Force (suspense romance and audio)

6. Disaster
NEW: My So-Called Sex Life: How to Date Your Enemy* by Lauren Blakely (humor)
TBR: Hard to Serve by Laura Kaye (novella)

7. Conversation
NEW: Slave to Sensation* by Nalini Singh (over 350 pages)
TBR: First Lady** by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (over 350 pages)

8. End of the Date
NEW: Pleasure Unbound* by Larissa Ione (PNR and kiss)
TBR: Shades of Wicked* by Jeaniene Frost (PNR)

Happy Reading!

Julie,

Here are your picks. Happy reading!

1) First Date
TBR - Safe With Me
New - The Games We Play


2) Dress to Impress
TBR - The Wingman
New - The Boyfriend Goal


3) Wined and Dined
TBR - A Legend in the Baking
New - Spilling the Tea


4) Activity
TBR - Takedown
New - Wicked Games


5) Chemistry
TBR - Great Big Beautiful Life
New - Sawyer


6) Disaster
TBR - Rebel's Blade
New - City in Embers


7) Conversation
TBR - Wolf Gone Wild
New - How to Fake It with a Fae


8) End of the Date
TBR - The Bridge Kingdom
New - The Knight and the Moth

Hi NancyH!

Here are your picks for July.....I hope you find something you love here :)


1. *Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.

TBR: Problematic Summer Romance- pub. 2025
NEW: The Retirement Plan- debut novel


2. *Recommend a book with a dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover (your interpretation).

TBR: The Gentleman's Gambit- Historical
NEW: A Proposal to Die For- eye catching cover

3. *Recommend a book with a restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.

TBR: The Diva Goes Overboard- food on cover
TBR: Kick The Bouquet- holiday

4. *Recommend a book with MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover (your interpretation), or a popular rating (4.0 or more average star rating on Goodreads).

NEW: The Secret Bridesmaid- 4.01
NEW: The Lost Book of First Loves- 4.22

5. *Recommend a book with a red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.

TBR: Mrs. Morris and the Ghost-mystery
TBR: Peaches and Scream-mystery

6. *Recommend a book with a black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella (under 150 pages).

NEW: Hidden Nature- black cover

7. *Recommend a book with two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.

TBR: The Little Bakery on Rosemary Lane- 2 on cover
TBR: Friends With Benedicts- 2 on cover

8. *Recommend a book with ‘Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.

NEW: One Dark Kiss- Fantasy and 'Kiss'

Happy Reading!

Jamie wrote: "Fran - Here are your picks for the month. Hope you find something good to read!"

Thank you for the great picks Jamie! I see a bunch I would like to try :)

HeatherMarie...I'm working on your picks and hope to have them up tomorrow!

Hi Courtney,
Here are your picks for July. You have some of my all-time favorite books on your TBR!

1.First date: Two published 2025 and ones I loved!- Story of My Life and Great Big Beautiful Life


2. Dressed to impress: Two that are historical romance - The Memory Dress and A Rogue of One's Own


3. Wined & dined: Food in title - Mad Honey; restaurant - Scrumptious


4. Activity: Two with ratings over 4.0. - And One Last Thing ... - This is one of my all-time favorite books!; Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door (one of my favorite current authors)


5. Chemistry: Two with a Mystery tag - Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds and Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies


6. Disaster: Dark Romance -Possession Humor - The Misadventures of Catie Bloom


7. Conversation: Two people on cover - Well Played; Two authors who write as one - Love and Other Words


8. End of the date: Kiss in title - Kiss My Cupcake; 'Near' kiss on cover - Left of Forever


Happy Reading!

Hi Fran,
Thank you for great picks! I can't wait to get started and already prepared my stacks for July 1!!

Fran wrote: "Hi NancyH!

Here are your picks for July.....I hope you find something you love here :)


1. *Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2..."

Hi Jamie,

Here are your picks, with hopefully some good options in July:

1. First date:
TBR: Gone But Not Forgotten (1st in series)
NEW: Kings of Mayhem (1st in series)


2. Dressed to impress:
TBR:American Prince (dressed up model)
NEW: Hush, Hush (eye catching cover)


3. Wined & dined:
TBR: Rialto (Restaurant owner)
NEW: Heartscape (Wine bar)


4. Activity:
TBR: Home Plate (MPG Sports)
NEW: Malevolent King (4.09 rating)


5. Chemistry:
TBR: Phantasma (red cover)
NEW: Broken Sparrow (suspense)


6. Disaster:
TBR: Ruined Secrets (Black cover)
NEW: Thorns of Lust (Dark romance)


7. Conversation:
TBR: Always You (350+ pages)
NEW: Heated Rivalry (two people on cover)


8. End of the date:
TBR: Blood & Steel (Fantasy)
NEW: Kiss the Villain (Kiss in title)

Carina wrote: "Julie,

Here are your picks. Happy reading!

1) First Date
TBR

Thanks Carina for the picks. I see some new series/ authors that I'm excited about!

Julie wrote: "Hi Jamie,

Here are your picks, with hopefully some good options in July:
..."

Thanks Julie! I'm excited to give some of these a try!

Hi Sonja!!! Here are your picks - please enjoy one or five😉


1. First date
😘TBR ❱❱ Avenging Angel ❱❱ first in series
😘NEW ❱❱ Always You and Me ❱❱ published 2025


2. Dressed to impress
😘TBR ❱❱Don't Judge a Duke by His Cover ❱❱ historical romance
😘NEW ❱❱ Undercover Love ❱❱ dressed up


3. Wined & dined
😘TBR ❱❱ Role Playing ❱❱ food on cover
😘NEW ❱❱ The Second Chance Cafe ❱❱ café in story


4. Activity
😘TBR ❱❱ Nevermore Bookstore ❱❱ browsing a bookstore
😘NEW ❱❱ Only When It's Us ❱❱ mpg sports


5. Chemistry
😘TBR ❱❱ A Forever Thing ❱❱ red cover
😘NEW ❱❱ Beyond the Thistles ❱❱ suspense


6. Disaster
😘TBR ❱❱ The Opposite of You ❱❱ mpg humor
😘NEW ❱❱ Zombie's Bite ❱❱ novella


7. Conversation
😘TBR ❱❱ The Heist ❱❱ two authors (and two people)
😘NEW ❱❱ Breathless In Love ❱❱ two authors


8. End of the date
😘TBR ❱❱ The Rise of Magicks ❱❱ mpg fantasy
😘NEW ❱❱ Kiss the Girl ❱❱ no need to read others in the series

MountainKat wrote: "Hi LaurLa! Here are your picks. I picked out your new picks before I looked at your picking shelf, so I ended up with some duplicate authors - oops! I went with them anyway. 😊 I couldn't recall if ..."

Very nice picks - thank-you!

Hi Melissa!
I unexpectedly had to go out of town this week. Plan to have your picks posted midday tomorrow at the latest. Sorry for the delay!

Melissa July 2025 PIFM
Hey hope you find something good to read this month!

1. First date:
TBR: The Never Heir
New: Swept Away


2. Dressed to impress:
TBR: The Book of Lost Names
New: Something Like Love (By: Beverly Jenkins) published: August, 2005


3. Wined & dined:
TBR: Love & Saffron
New:Buns


4. Activity:
TBR: Better Than the Movies
New: You Should Be So Lucky


5. Chemistry:
TBR: The Nurse's Secret
New: Welcome to Temptation


6. Disaster:
TBR: Hate to Want You
New: Part of Your World


7. Conversation:
TBR: Worth It
New: A Swift and Sudden Exit


8. End of the date:
TBR: Lessons in Chemistry
New: Blood Heir

Hi Carina! Here are your picks for July! Hope you find something good to read!
1. First date:
TBR: Heartless Hunter (1st in series) *Good book!*
TBR/NEW: Lessons in Chemistry (debut novel) *Saw this on your TBR and bumping this up as it really was a great book!*


2. Dressed to impress:
TBR: Talking Dirty with the Billionaire Boss (dressed up on cover)
TBR/NEW: On a Night Like This (dressed up cover) *Really enjoyed this one!*


3. Wined & dined:
TBR: The Bartender's Secret (close to a restaurant)
TBR: It Happened One Summer (has a restaurant in story) *Cute enemy to lover rom-com!*


4. Activity:
TBR: Fourth Wing (4.0+ rating)
TBR: Running Wild (4.0+ rating, Sports-ish) *I’ll recommend this one every chance I can, I really loved it! It’s part of a series, but very much a standalone.*


5. Chemistry:
TBR: Mountainside Murder (mystery/suspense)
TBR: The Women (red cover)


6. Disaster:
TBR: Lightlark (black cover)
TBR/NEW: Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words (short novel, tagged humor) *I was hesitant on this one, but turned out to really enjoy it!*


7. Conversation:
TBR: Just One More Moment (two people on cover)
TBR/NEW: Eight Perfect Hours (two people on cover) *Another one on your TBR that I’m bumping up. All the feel goods on this one!*


8. End of the date:
TBR: My Funny Demon Valentine (paranormal)
TBR: Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match (paranormal) *Funny take on the classic Frankenstein book!*


Happy reading!

Hello KathyD, I hope you find a book to read under a tree or at beach/pool from this list

1. First date: Fingers crossed!
*Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in 2025.

TBR: From Blood and Ash
New: One Dark Window

2. Dressed to impress: Ready for fanfare, adventure or a cosy night in, that outfit makes an impression!
*Recommend a book with a dressed up model on the cover, a historical romance, or an eye catching cover (your interpretation).

TBR: A Week to be Wicked
New: The Devil's Charm

3. Wined & dined: They say food brings people together (unless you are arguing about pineapple on pizza!)
*Recommend a book with a restaurant, cafe or bakery in the story, food or drink in the title or on the cover, or a holiday romance.

TBR: Whiskey Beach
New: Murder Takes the Cake

4. Activity: The character revealing experiences that you hopefully both enjoy!
*Recommend a book with MPG Sports, a popular activity for a date on the cover (your interpretation), or a popular rating (4.0 or more average star rating on Goodreads).

TBR: Forgetting to Remember
New: Throttled

5. Chemistry: The spice that keeps things interesting!
*Recommend a book with a red cover, Mystery or Suspense Romance, or has an audio edition.

TBR: Fourth Wing
New: Phantasma

6. Disaster: Every adult has at least one dating horror story!
*Recommend a book with a black cover, tagged Humour or Dark Romance, or a short novella (under 150 pages).

TBR: Wicked Favor
New: Beautiful Venom

7. Conversation: A chance to build a connection over topics like if they believe in aliens or their favourite vacation spot.
*Recommend a book with two people on the cover, written by two authors or a book with more than 350 pages.

TBR: What Is Love?
New: Be With Me

8. End of the date: If all goes well, hopefully this is when the magic happens!
*Recommend a book with ‘Kiss' in the title or a kiss happening on the cover, a surprise pregnancy in the story, or a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance

TBR: King of Midnight
New: The Wrong Bride

Elizabeth wrote: "Carrie here are your picks! Let me know if you need additional options.
Left is from your preferred shelf.

🍇💜 1. First date
First in the series, an author's debut novel, or was first published in..."

Thank you

LaurLa wrote: "Hi Sonja!!! Here are your picks - please enjoy one or five😉



1. First date

😘TBR ❱❱ Avenging Angel ❱❱ first in series
😘NEW ❱❱ Always You and Me ❱❱ published 2..."

Great picks, thank you LaurLa! I will try to get to a few of these this month!

Here are your picks, Elizabeth! Hope you find something you like.

1. FIRST/DEBUT/2025:
TBR: A Dance of Lies (2025)
NEW: The Wedding People (DEBUT)


2. DRESSED/HISTORICAL/EYE-CATCHING:
TBR: Ruined by the Baron (HISTORICAL)
NEW: The Nightingale (HISTORICAL)


3. RESTAURANT/BAKERY/FOOD/HOLIDAY:
TBR: The Priory of the Orange Tree (FOOD)
NEW:Lessons in Chemistry (BAKERY)


4. SPORTS/DATE/+4.00:
TBR: Iron Flame (4 Rating)
NEW: In the Likely Event (4 Rating)


5. MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/RED/AUDIO:
TBR: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil (AUDIO)
NEW: Deep End (AUDIO)


6. DARK/HUMOR/BLACK/<150:
TBR: One Dark Window (DARK)
NEW: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (BLACK COVER)


7. 2PPL/2AUTHORS/350+:
TBR: The Shadow of the Gods (350+)
NEW: The True Love Experiment (2 AUTHORS)


8. KISS/PREGNANCY/FANTASY/PARANORMAL:
TBR: The Knight and the Moth (FANTASY)
NEW: Inheritance (PARANORMAL)

Hi Heather Marie....sorry for the late picks…hope you find some great reads from these choices!

First Date
Give Me Butterflies, Jillian Meadows — first in the series (tbr)
Say You’ll Remember Me, Abby Jimenez — published in 2025 (new)

Dressed to Impress
Duchess Material, Emily Sullivan — historical romance (tbr)
Inheritance, Nora Roberts — eye-catching cover (new)

Wined & Dined
Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up, Charish Reid — cocktail on the cover (tbr)
Claus and Effect, Piper Rayne — holiday romance (new)

Activity
Off the Grid, Madison Diaz — popular rating (tbr)
Challenge, Amy Daws — sports romance (new)

Chemistry
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Sangu Mandanna — audio edition (tbr)
Indigo Ridge, Devney Perry — romantic suspense (new)

Disaster
Ruthless People, J.J. McAvoy — black cover (tbr)
Hello Stranger, Katherine Center — tagged humor (new)

Conversation
Gray Hair Don’t Care, Karen Booth — two people on the cover (tbr)
Great Big Beautiful Life, Emily Henry — two people on the cover (new)

End of the Date
Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous, Mae Marvel — ‘kiss’ in the title (tbr)
Glimmer of the Other, Heather G. Harris — paranormal romance (new)

Carrie wrote: "Hello KathyD, I hope you find a book to read under a tree or at beach/pool from this list

1. First date: Fingers crossed!
*Recommend a book which is the first in the series, an author's debut nove..."

thanks, Carrie!

☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Hi Heather Marie....sorry for the late picks…hope you find some great reads from these choices!

First Date
Give Me Butterflies, Jillian Meadows — first in the series (tbr)
[book:S..."

These are great! Thanks Kathy!

Nancy H wrote: "Hi Courtney,
Here are your picks for July. You have some of my all-time favorite books on your TBR!

1.First date: Two published 2025 and ones I loved!- Story of My Life"

Hey Nancy, per the series rule, I finished Bringing Down the Duke. Loved it! Can't wait to get more picks in.

August PIFM is open for sign-ups!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...