Friday, November 5, 2010

What's Next?


It's the last day of our First Anniversary Celebration.  Hope you've all had as much fun as I have! Did you guess our Mystery Author?  Were you able to name the Dish?  Many thanks to our special guests, Kimberly, Eloisa and Sarah for helping us make this week a rockin' good time and, of course, to all of you who dropped by to party with us.  We couldn't do it without you!

It's hard for me to believe that an entire year has passed since we opened the doors to The Romance Dish.  What a wild, crazy, exhilarating, thought-provoking, challenging and thoroughly satisfying year it's been!  I thought it might be fun to take a look back at what we had planned for our new venture and what we actually accomplished.


Our original plan was to start slow by posting three new blogs per week.  We knew it would take time to establish a presence on the internet and build an audience.  That assumption was pretty much blown out of the water with 416 comments on our Grand Opening blog.  416!  Wow!  We sure didn't expect that!   Before we could blink, we were inundated with requests for author blogs, author interviews and book reviews, not to mention all the blog ideas we had swirling in our own heads.  Our "three days a week" strategy quickly expanded to seven and we were off and running!



Dark Side of Dawn by Kathryn Smith had the distinction of being our first 5-Star review but it wasn't the last.  It was a terrific year for romance and we ended our first year with 27 books receiving a coveted 5 Stars.  We reviewed a total of 151 books this year; from sweet and sentimental to sexy and spicy and with settings ranging from medieval England to a distant galaxy.  Interested in what sub-genres are included in that number?  Here's the breakdown:



Historical: 71
Contemporary: 31
Paranormal: 30
Western: 4
Romantic Suspense:  9
Inspirational: 2
Urban Fantasy: 4




First Guest Author honors went to Kimberly Killion who blogged about Hot Scots and that delicious hunk of man, Gerard Butler (who, as you noticed Monday, is still hanging around the place *g*).  Kimberly also gets credit for designing our fabulous banner, logos and avatars.  Thanks, Kim!






We were proud to post eighty-two author blogs our first year as well as twenty-two author interviews.
Not only were we thrilled to host so many individual authors, we were over-the-moon ecstatic to host both a week-long invasion of the Romance Bandits and a reunion of the fabulous ladies of Squawk Radio!




Our non-book blogs were fewer than originally planned but, hopefully, memorable.  They covered a broad range of topics such as living with autism, a grandmother ahead of her time, best fur friends, making dreams come true in a hot air balloon and lifetime lessons learned.  



Kim Castillo joined us with a wonderful blog on not just surviving, but shining, at the RWA National Conference and we hope that you all enjoyed the "on the spot" reporting brought to you live from Orlando by the Dishes.



We have been so fortunate to have Anna Campbell and Trish Milburn blog with us each month.  Anna's book reviews are always insightful, informative and entertaining and we count on Trish to keep us up to date on all the latest and greatest YA news.  We're happy to announce that both Anna and Trish have agreed to come back for a second year!

We also welcomed talented Guest Reviewers, Janga and Jenn aboard this year.  We greatly appreciate their contributions to the blog! 



 
Have we piqued your interest with our monthly features such as "Coming Attractions," "Hot Dish," "Make Your Reservations," and Beach Bag/Stock Up Saturday Reviews? We sure hope so!




Saving the best for last, anybody care to guess how many prizes we've given away this year?  183!  As you can tell, we love giving away books...and other good stuff too!





Okay, so that's a look at what we've done during our first year.  Now comes the next part - planning year number two - and, for that, we need the help of you, our loyal readers.  We want The Romance Dish to be a site that you'll enjoy visiting and sharing with your friends.  So tell us... 

~What Romance Dish features do you like?  
~What do you not like? 
~Is the site easy to navigate?
~What would you like to see more of?  Less of?  
~Do you want the primary focus of the blog to remain on book reviews and visiting authors or would you like to see more "non-book" blogs?  
~What authors would you like to see spotlighted in our second year?  
~Other comments?

Thank you for following The Romance Dish and sharing your thoughts with us.  We hope you've enjoyed our first year on the internet and will come along for our second year ride.  To show our appreciation, three random commenters from today's blog will win prizes from my book stash!  If an international reader's name is drawn, you'll be receiving a $10 gift card from Book Depository!

Don't forget to check the blog later tonight for a list of all winners from our First Anniversary celebration!  

~PJ

117 comments:

  1. Whoo Hoo Ladies you really have made this blog a place to visit for me I love dropping in and reading the reviews meeting the authors and hearing all the news and advice given. You have certainly made my TBR grow which I really appreciate because for me you can never have too many books.

    I love the blog with all the different things you Girls do and I don't have any recomendations for improving I love it the way it is, I feel like I have friends here and always feel welcome love you all and thank you very much for a wonderful place to visit.

    HUGE CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY I am sure ther will be many more to come

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. Congrats again on your First Anniversary, ladies. It's been a fun week. I enjoy the reviews and of course the guest author blog because I have discovered a few debut authors this way. I also love hearing all that happened at the various conferences and seeing the pics at these events.

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  3. Hello and congratulations,ladies! I came here for the book reviews and guest author interviews so I obviously hope that those will still be there. :D

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  4. I feel like I have friends here and always feel welcome love you all and thank you very much for a wonderful place to visit.

    Thank you so much, Helen. It warms my heart to know you feel that way. We're all very grateful for the readers who have supported us this year and feel comfy and welcome here at the Dish.

    If there are any authors who you would like to see guest here during our second year, please don't hesitate to let us know and we'll do our best to get them!

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  5. I enjoy the reviews and of course the guest author blog because I have discovered a few debut authors this way.

    Thanks, Jane! We love discovering debut authors too!

    We'll do our best to keep those reports (with pictures!) coming from the various conferences we attend.

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  6. Hello and congratulations,ladies! I came here for the book reviews and guest author interviews so I obviously hope that those will still be there. :D

    Thank you, Antonia. As I said before, if there are any particular authors or sub-genres that you'd like to see more of on the Dish, please let us know.

    We're glad you've put us on your internet map!

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  7. Congratulations on a stellar first year! You know all of us at Romance Bandits have major girl crushes on all of the Dishy Dishers. I can't believe it's been a year, but am not at all surprised by your popularity. Mwah!

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  8. I, too, feel like I've made friends here at TRD. Even though it's cyberspace friendship, each one that I've made has been real and personal. I enjoy getting to know some of these friends better through FB.

    I've been introduced to some great authors and books here with thoughtful and honest reviews as well as author visits. I think the non-book posts are great. PJ's "berry" delicious post, Andrea's honest and heart-warming post about her son, Buffie shared loving memories of her grandmother, and Gannon's reviews have been great. ALL of your posts are great; these are just ones that popped into my head this morning.

    Thank you for a super job, PJ, Andrea, Buffie, and Gannon!! Love, laughter, tears, friendships, and good reading all in one place! {{HUGS}} to all of you!

    ~Deb

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  9. Mwah right back atcha, Caren! You know all of us dishies adore the Bandits!

    Mwah right back atcha! :)

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  10. Congratulations on a fun year! I do like the author interviews and book reviews a lot. I really like the length of them. They are not too long but give me enough information. Thanks for everything!

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  11. Thank you, Deb. I feel as if you all have become my friends too and, when we get together here to talk about books, cooking, shopping or life, it's just a big ole girlfriend gabfest...the very best kind!

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  12. Congratulations on a fun year! I do like the author interviews and book reviews a lot. I really like the length of them. They are not too long but give me enough information. Thanks for everything!

    Thanks, Maureen! That's information we need to know. Please let us know if there are any types of books you'd like us to review more often. We try to cover all bases but, as you can see from the numbers, we do tend to lean heavily on the historicals.

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  13. Congratulations, ladies! Haven't had time to post a whole lot, but I stop by every day and check out what's happening with the Dishes.

    I love it all but definitely the reviews, author interviews and coming attractions.

    You've done a wonderful job with this site - keep it coming.

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  14. Thanks, Irisheyes! We appreciate the feedback. Glad to know you're enjoying what we've done with the site. We'll do our best to keep it coming! :)

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  15. Good morning, all! I can't believe this week is almost over. We've had such a great time with everyone!

    We really appreciate all the feedback. It really helps us to know what you like to see here at TRD!

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  16. Helen, we are so happy you feel welcome, and we love "seeing" you here so often!

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  17. Jane, we love debut authors, too. Thanks for being a part of our special week!

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  18. Antonia, we will most definitely have many more reviews and guest authors!

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  19. Caren, hugs and smooches to you, too! All of you Bandits rock!!

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  20. Love, laughter, tears, friendships, and good reading all in one place! {{HUGS}} to all of you!

    Aww, thank you so much, Deb! I feel the same way!

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  21. Thanks, Maureen! We try hard to make our reviews just the right length. I'm glad you enjoy them.

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  22. You've done a wonderful job with this site - keep it coming.

    Thanks, Irisheyes!

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  23. What a wonderful week-long celebration, Dishes! Thank you for having me here, and letting me join in on all the fun! I've gotten to know a great group of people here. :)

    I know I drop in and comment every so often, but I promise, I do check in everyday to see what y'all have in store for us. :) It's just that pesky work real life thing getting in the way. :P

    I do love the book reviews, and the author interviews. I agree with Jane that I love getting exposed to new authors, especially new debut authors. I'm not totally plugged in to the romance writing/publishing world, so it's great to come here to see what's what.

    Love hearing about your experiences at RWA and seeing all the pictures!

    Essentially, just keep on doing what you're doing. It's working for me :)

    And Buffie? Keep up the monthly Hot Dish. That. Is. All. lol.

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  24. And because I suck and completely forgot, Congratulations again on your one year anniversary! :) I hope there will be many more anniversaries to celebrate in the years to come!

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  25. Congrats again on the anniversary! Your a daily stop and I enjoy the mix of reviews, interviews & author blogs. And of course the giveaways are always appreciated (free books -- what's not to love). I really enjoy the "coming attractions" "make your reservations" and such to let me know what's coming out that I may not be aware of. It's great to find out about a good book by an author I don't know or haven't tried yet. All I can say is -- keep up the great work, you're all fabulous! :D

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  26. Thanks, Lisa! I know what you mean about real life/work interfering with our blog time. There are so many wonderful blogs and author sites out there that I'd like to comment on more often but there just isn't enough time!

    And Buffie? Keep up the monthly Hot Dish. That. Is. All. lol.

    LOL! Not to worry. Gannon, Andrea and I enjoy Buffie's Hot Dishes as much as y'all do. There's no way we're letting her call a halt to that! (Not that she'd want to.) ;-)

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  27. Hello Ladies,

    Not a day goes by that I don't have a quick look to see if there's a new post.

    I really REALLY love the book reviews and there hasn’t been anything (yet) that I didn’t like to read about on the Romance Dish.

    The site is easy to navigate and I love to see more non-book blogs. I started visiting for the reviews and give-aways only but quickly came back for more (and more).

    Such fun, honest and heartwarming posts made me feel like I was part of a new community. And whatever comment you feel like posting I.A.G and some of you girls will take the time to respond and make you feel welcome.

    Thank you for an awesome year!!! Other comments? I thoroughly enjoyed the personal photos from Halloween.

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  28. Thanks, gamistress66! I appreciate the support and have enjoyed getting to know you through your posts this year. We'll do our best to keep the Romance Dish a fun and informative place to visit!

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  29. I'll be away from the computer for a few hours but will be back to respond to your comments later this afternoon. In the meantime, please let the waiters (they would be the sexy, handsome men with the wicked gleam in their eyes) know if you need anything.

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  30. First, I just wanted to thank all the great ladies who run this blog. It's a fvorite haunt of mine. Love the comraderie, the guest authors, the reviews and YES, the book giveaways! I am not ashamed to admit it. You guys are a bookaholics dream come true. :)

    The site is very easy to navigate. Brownie points for that. I prefer if it stayed book oriented. I've noticed some book blogs that try to marry other things and it just isn't as good.

    Some authors I'd like to see...
    Pamela Clare, Sarah Mayberry, Kathryne Kennedy.

    Thanks for a fun week. Happy 1st Anniversary!

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  31. Waiters in kilts? One can only hope.

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  32. Congratulations on your First Anniversary. You do a great job with the blog. I enjoy the book blogs and reviews. You could also do some blogs dealing with the publishing industry and all the changes taking place.

    I don't really have an interest in off book topics. I can get that from other blogs.

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  33. I really cannot believe it has been a whole year already! It seems like yesterday when this site was up and running.
    I love all the book reviews and author blogs. I love being introduced to debut authors and to authors that are new to me and this is a great way to do so. I also love all the non-book blogs.
    I can't wait for another fabulous year on The Romance Dish! :)

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  34. Congrats on a spectacular first year, Dishes! I can't think of a thing that I haven't liked about this blog. The thing I've liked best is that all four of you are warm, interesting, genuine people. Your enthusiasm for and knowledge of the romance genre make you wonderfully qualified to dish about romance books and authors. Each of you is distinctly herself, but your common interests and your enjoyment of one another's friendship comes through clearly. You've made this one of my favorite places in cyber space. I hope this is just the first of many anniversary celebrations for the Romance Dish.

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  35. Congrats on your first anniversary!!! I absolutely adore your site. You've introduced me to so many new wonderful authors and i've been able to chat with some of my favorites. I love all your reviews, chats with authors, and everything else you do. ^^

    Melissa

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  36. Scorpio M. said: Love the comraderie, the guest authors, the reviews and YES, the book giveaways! I am not ashamed to admit it. You guys are a bookaholics dream come true. :)

    Thanks so much, Scorpio! That means we've done our job. *g*

    Scorpio M. said: Some authors I'd like to see...
    Pamela Clare, Sarah Mayberry, Kathryne Kennedy.


    Thanks for the feedback! We will work on getting them to visit!

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  37. Penfield said: You could also do some blogs dealing with the publishing industry and all the changes taking place.

    I don't really have an interest in off book topics. I can get that from other blogs.


    Noted, Penfield! Thanks so much for the feedback and for stopping by regularly. It means a lot. :)

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  38. I have enjoyed your blog immensely over the last year. Most of the time I just lurk in the background but have enjoyed your contests and celebrating your anniversary; so here is to many more years of blogging and fun!!

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  39. TrishaM said: I really cannot believe it has been a whole year already! It seems like yesterday when this site was up and running.

    I know! And you were there from the beginning, Trisha. Thanks for being such a great supporter! :)

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  40. What a lovely thing to say, Janga! We appreciate it and you so much. It is truly wonderful to have you as a regular guest reviewer!

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  41. Thanks so much, Melissa! It means a lot. We appreciate your daily visits and comments. It's because of people like you that we've had such a successful first year. I hope you'll stick around for the coming year!

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  42. Thanks, Kat! I hope you'll come out of lurkdom and join in with us in the upcoming year. We'd love to have you! :)

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  43. Thanks, Helen! Believe me, the feeling is mutual, my dear! (((hugs)))

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  44. Jane said: ...I have discovered a few debut authors this way.

    You and me both, Jane! I haven't read so many debut authors' books as I have the past year! We're so glad to have you with us regularly. :)

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  45. Antonia said: I came here for the book reviews and guest author interviews so I obviously hope that those will still be there.

    You bet, Antonia! We have good things in store for the upcoming year. *g*

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  46. Aww, thanks, Caren!! The feeling is mutual. And we love when the Bandits visit! (((hugs)))

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  47. *sniff* Thanks so much, Deb! We couldn't do it without you! I feel the same way--I've made so many friends. It really makes the ride worthwhile. (((hugs))) right back at you!

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  48. Thanks so much, Maureen! That's what we like to hear. *g*

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  49. Thanks, irisheyes! We're so glad you're enjoying the site. We hope to "see" more of you in the coming year!

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  50. LOL, Lisa! We will definitely be keeping the Hot Dish. We all need a monthly dose of hotness. ;-) We truly appreciate you being a regular visitor!!

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  51. Thanks, gamistress66! Glad to know you're enjoying the site. We will do our best to keep up the good work!

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  52. Aww, thanks, Kirsten! We always enjoy your visits and comments.

    Such fun, honest and heartwarming posts made me feel like I was part of a new community.

    This is exactly what we wanted to accomplish and are so glad that you feel that way!

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  53. Huge congrats on your anniversary, gals!!! So glad to be a part of the Dish.

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  54. OH LADIES! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

    I have loved popping over here every so often, (not as often as I'd like) to see what y'all are up to!

    Yours is a fun and witty blog, (who else loves Gerard as much as me?) and a great supporter of the romance writers and the romance genre.

    Can there ever be enough romance in the world?

    Here's hoping to many years of your wit, fun and support!!

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  55. I like that the primary focus of Romance Dish is on book reviews and authors. I hope it remains that way. Authors I would like to see spotlighted: Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Madeline Hunter, Lynsay Sands, Sabrina Jeffries, Elizabeth Hoyt, Loretta Chase. I find the site easy to navigate. If I could add one thing, it would be a title search tool for your reviews. Thanks for being here--Romance Dish is one of my daily visits. Happy anniversary.

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  56. This is one of my favorite sites. It is very user-friendly. I would like for you to keep the focus on books. I would like to see more contemporary books.
    Looking forward to year 2!

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  57. Hi Ladies! Congrats again!

    I love the blog, and everything on it, especially when you pop in a pic or two of Gerard! Lol! I'll never get tired of looking at that face....

    I don't have any "make it better" recommendations, as I think it's pretty darn near perfect as is! Y'all make it seem like it's a big group of FRIENDS getting together to swap ideas, comments, and recommendations about our favorite authors. Not only that, I've "found" so many new to me authors on this site. For example, Teresa Medeiros. I know, where have I been all these years! LOL!

    As for the non book related posts, keep 'em coming. You each have a way with words that grab our attention and KEEP us interested.

    My dream list of authors to visit the site would be: Suzanne Brockman, Donna Grant, Linda Howard, Susan Donovan, Dakota Cassidy, Sara Lindsey, Maya Banks, Victoria Dahl... Oh, I could go on and on!!!

    Anyway, CONGRATS and thanks for making EVERYONE feel welcome! Cheers!

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  58. Essentially, just keep on doing what you're doing. It's working for me :)

    Lisa, we love hearing that! Thank you!

    And Buffie? Keep up the monthly Hot Dish. That. Is. All. lol.

    We would all be lost without Buffie's Hot Dish! :-)

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  59. Gamistress66, it's wonderful to have you visit us often, and we hope to celebrate many more anniversaries with all of you!

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  60. I started visiting for the reviews and give-aways only but quickly came back for more (and more).

    Kirsten, I guess that means we're doing something right! *g*

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  61. I am not ashamed to admit it. You guys are a bookaholics dream come true. :)

    Scorpio, I love that!

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  62. Penfield, thank you for letting us know what you'd like to see more of. We want y'all to be happy and well-informed. :-)

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  63. Trisha, the year really flew by, didn't it? And just think, you were there for the "birth" of this blog. LOL

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  64. Each of you is distinctly herself, but your common interests and your enjoyment of one another's friendship comes through clearly.

    Janga, what a lovely thing to say! I couldn't agree more. :-)

    Thank you for bringing your talent and insight as a guest reviewer!

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  65. Melissa, thanks for being one of our regular visitors! Y'all are one of the main reasons for our success!

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  66. Kat, whether you lurk or post, we're glad you take the time to spend part of your day with us!

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  67. Trish, we are so happy you are part of The Dish, and that you were an integral part of our beginning.

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  68. Can there ever be enough romance in the world?

    Very well said, Suz!! Thanks for being part of our cheerleading squad. We love you Bandits!

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  69. Thanks for being here--Romance Dish is one of my daily visits. Happy anniversary.

    Thanks, LSUReader! We hope to have some of the authors that you mentioned visit in the future.

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  70. Runner10, thanks for you suggestions, and thank you for spending time with us!

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  71. Y'all make it seem like it's a big group of FRIENDS getting together to swap ideas, comments, and recommendations about our favorite authors.

    Monica, it makes us happy that you feel that way, because that's exactly what we wanted. :-)

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  72. And I love the fact you are not 'book bashers'. Some blogs seem to thrive on tearing a romance novel apart, I have strived to follow in your example. And a fine one it is.

    Thank you, thank you, Karyn! When we first started the blog, we were all very clear on keeping things positive around here. There's enough bashing and negativity out there. Definitely not our style!

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  73. Thanks, Trish! We are so happy to have you with us. :)

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  74. Thanks, Suz! That means a lot to us! :)

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  75. Thanks a lot for your feedback, LSUReader! We appreciate it. And we will work hard to book your author choices! :)

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  76. Glad to hear it, runner10! We're looking forward to year 2, as well!

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  77. MonicaM said: Y'all make it seem like it's a big group of FRIENDS getting together to swap ideas, comments, and recommendations about our favorite authors.

    I'm so glad you feel that way, Monica. That was our intention right from the start. We're so glad to have you visit regularly!!

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  78. I love it the way it is, I feel like I have friends here and always feel welcome

    Aww, Helen, {{hugs}} you are too sweet! We love you!! I have to say I have a few tears in my eyes while reading your comment. You *DO* have friends here and we count you as one of our bestest friends!!!

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  79. course the guest author blog because I have discovered a few debut authors this way

    Oh good, Jane! You know that is one of my favorite things -- discovering a debut (or new to me) author.

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  80. I came here for the book reviews and guest author interviews

    Antonio, those will continue to be our main focus in the coming year. Thanks for spending time with us!

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  81. You know all of us at Romance Bandits have major girl crushes on all of the Dishy Dishers

    Right back at you (and all the Bandits), Caren! Thank you for all your wonderful support this last year.

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  82. Thank you for a super job, PJ, Andrea, Buffie, and Gannon!! Love, laughter, tears, friendships, and good reading all in one place! {{HUGS}} to all of you!

    Oh, Deb ((hugs), you sure know how to make a girl cry! A good cry though! LOL! I'm so glad you feel so welcome here and that we have become friends!!

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  83. I do like the author interviews and book reviews a lot. I really like the length of them. They are not too long but give me enough information

    Thanks so much, Maureen. Believe it or not we do try to keep the reviews at a good length. We don't want to you feel like you are reading book when you read them - LOL!

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  84. You've done a wonderful job with this site - keep it coming.

    So good to hear from you, Irisheyes! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

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  85. And Buffie? Keep up the monthly Hot Dish. That. Is. All. lol.

    Lisa, you KNOW you don't have to worry about that. It's a tough job and the research is trying, but I do it all for you and the other followers!!! ;-)

    I'm so glad you found us and enjoy stopping by!!

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  86. I really enjoy the "coming attractions" "make your reservations" and such to let me know what's coming out that I may not be aware of. It's great to find out about a good book by an author I don't know or haven't tried yet

    gamistress66 - I'm so glad you enjoy those particular blogs! If you are like me, I have so much stuff running through my head that I always seem to forget that ONE (or two or three . . .) books that have just been released.

    Thanks for spending time with us!

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  87. Such fun, honest and heartwarming posts made me feel like I was part of a new community

    Thanks Kirsten!! You ARE a part of this community. We are so glad you found us and have been stopping by regularly.

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  88. Congrats on your first anniversary. This blog rocks. I like all of the author interviews that you are able to get. They are always entertaining and insightful. And I'm not going to lie, I do like the giveaways. Keep up the good work ladies.

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  89. The site is very easy to navigate. Brownie points for that. I prefer if it stayed book oriented. I've noticed some book blogs that try to marry other things and it just isn't as good.


    Thanks, Scorpio! We tried to make the site as easy as possible. Who really has the time to search for something, right?

    Our main focus will continue to be romance novels and our love for them. That's why we started this blog and that's why we will continue it. There's nothing like a great romance novel . . . and a few girlfriends to chat with about it! :-)

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  90. You could also do some blogs dealing with the publishing industry and all the changes taking place.

    Penfield, that is a great recommendations. We will see what we can do. Thanks so much!

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  91. I love being introduced to debut authors and to authors that are new to me and this is a great way to do so.

    Hey Trisha {{hugs}} I just told someone else that finding a debut (or new to me) author is one of my favorite things. Nothing like a fresh writing voice to read and enjoy!

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  92. Karyn said: And I love the fact you are not 'book bashers'. Some blogs seem to thrive on tearing a romance novel apart, I have strived to follow in your example. And a fine one it is.

    Awww, thank so much, Karyn! We try hard to be positive since there is already so much negativity out there. It means a lot to know that so many appreciate that. And you are doing a terrific job, too!! (((hugs)))

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  93. Your enthusiasm for and knowledge of the romance genre make you wonderfully qualified to dish about romance books and authors. Each of you is distinctly herself, but your common interests and your enjoyment of one another's friendship comes through clearly.

    Janga {{hugs), thank you so much for your sweet comments! And right back at you with them! Thanks for doing guest reviews for us. You are doing a fabulous job!

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  94. Thanks for the feedback and the congrats, Danielle! We like doing giveaways, too!

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  95. You've introduced me to so many new wonderful authors and i've been able to chat with some of my favorites

    Melissa, isn't it great to actually chat with authors you adore? I remember the first time I posted a comment on a board years ago and Julia Quinn responded. I think my heart skipped a few beats! :-)

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  96. I have enjoyed your blog immensely over the last year. Most of the time I just lurk in the background

    LOL @ Kat!! Lurking is definitely permitted -- especially whenever Gerry is in the house!! LOL!

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  97. Huge congrats on your anniversary, gals!!! So glad to be a part of the Dish.

    Trish {hugs}}!!! We are the ones who are so glad you are a part of this site!!! We are truly blessed to have you with us once a month.

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  98. Yours is a fun and witty blog, (who else loves Gerard as much as me?) and a great supporter of the romance writers and the romance genre.

    Thanks so much, Suzanne!! As you can tell from our various blogs, we all love Gerry very much!!

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  99. I like that the primary focus of Romance Dish is on book reviews and authors.

    Thanks, LSUReader! Boy, you have named some great authors! Hopefully we will have some of them with us this next year.

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  100. This is one of my favorite sites. It is very user-friendly. I would like for you to keep the focus on books. I would like to see more contemporary books.

    Runner10, thanks for your comments. We will try to spotlight more contemporary books in the coming year. All of us enjoy reading them.

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  101. I don't have any "make it better" recommendations, as I think it's pretty darn near perfect as is! Y'all make it seem like it's a big group of FRIENDS getting together to swap ideas, comments, and recommendations about our favorite authors.

    MonicaM, your comments are just so sweet! Thank you! We try to make this a fun, positive place and hope that everyone feels welcome.

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  102. I love your occasional, personal blogs. Keep going, you have a great mix here. And the Hot Dish!! Suggestion for a Hot Dish...Jed Hill??


    Karyn, so glad you enjoy the personal blogs! We try to sprinkle those in here and there.

    And I am always interested in suggestions for the HOT DISH. Jed, huh? I see some research in my future ;-)


    And I love the fact you are not 'book bashers'. Some blogs seem to thrive on tearing a romance novel apart, I have strived to follow in your example. And a fine one it is.


    This is something that have focused on since the inception of this site. We want to be a positive voice in the romance world. And we will continue to be positive in the coming year.

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  103. If I could add one thing, it would be a title search tool for your reviews.

    LSUReader, if you search the title in the right sidebar search box it should take you to the review. We'll work hard to make sure all of our reviews are tagged with the book title.

    That's a terrific group of authors. We'll do our best to book some of them!

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  104. This blog rocks. I like all of the author interviews that you are able to get. They are always entertaining and insightful. And I'm not going to lie, I do like the giveaways. Keep up the good work ladies

    Thanks Danielle! Glad you enjoy the giveaways because there will be more in the coming year!! :-)

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  105. This blog rocks.

    Thanks, Danielle! We think it's a pretty rocking place, too. ;-)

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  106. I love the reviews and the "coming soon" posts. I can't think of anything I didn't like, it's all fabulous. Yes, I think the site is easy to navigate. I'd like to see more chances to win books, of course ::grins:: Yes, I'd like the primary focus of the blog to remain on book reviews and visiting authors, although non-book blogs are fun sometimes. I'd like to see up and coming authors, old favorites and authors of other genres, such as SciFi Romance, Paranormal Romance, etc.
    I can't believe it's been a year since that first fabulous post, Happy Anniversary!

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  107. Barbara, we certainly can't believe how quickly the last year has flown by. Thanks for being a part of it!

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  108. I love the reviews and the "coming soon" posts. I can't think of anything I didn't like, it's all fabulous.

    Thanks so much, Barbara! It is wonderful having people like you visit with us!

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  109. It's been a fun week and I have enjoyed every minute of it. So I say, keep up the good work and more of the same in the year to come.

    I enjoy the guest bloggers, especially the debut authors. I like reading the story behind the story, the call story, a day in the life of an author, etc. All those good things. Of course I like the giveaways too! Can't forget those.

    I may not post everytime but I am usually always reading and enjoying what I've read! I look forward to spending more time with you all in the coming year.

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  110. Congratulations Ladies on your first year anniversary!

    I'm more of a lurker than a commenter but thanks to your wonderful author spotlights and reviews, my TBR "pile" has morphed into a wall of books. :)

    There are a lot of romance book review sites out in cyberland, each with their merry band of followers. What I appreciate the most about The Dish is that you ladies are always so welcoming and enthusiastic. Best wishes for another terrific year!

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  111. I like the Dish like it is, I think my favorite part is the reviews, I have really plumped out my author list.

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  112. Happy, Happy Anniversary!

    I love the reviews and author interviews. I don't love how my TBR pile is taking over my life, thanks to all the reviews and author interviews.

    And the Hot Dish eye candy is a must! A feast for the eyes without words! (even if I'm only so-so about Gerard - don't hurt me!)

    ironss[at]gmail.com

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  113. Congrats for the 1 year anniversary. What a milestone!

    I love the reviews and the author interviews. This is one of the blogs that I check daily and always find something to enjoy.

    I'd like to get my hands on those 27 5 star reviews if that's at all possible. I'm always looking for good books to read.

    I love all the stats you've posted for year 1 too. Those are some fantastic numbers. I like stats! :-)

    Again, HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY!!! May there be many more to come.

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  114. Here's to another year of fun with you all. I can't think of anything to improve, very friendly and positive here as always and a nice mix in types of post, with the main focus on the books and authors. And, of course, Buffie's hot guys, lol.

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  115. It's been a great first year and I have enjoyed visiting the site!

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  116. I like all the different aspects of this blog. I have found some great new authors to read through the reviews.
    Congrats Ladies and keep up the good work. Heres to antoher great year at the Dish...

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  117. I like all the different aspects of this blog. I have found some great new authors to read through the reviews.
    Congrats Ladies and keep up the good work. Heres to antoher great year at the Dish...

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