Thursday, November 1, 2012

It's Our Anniversary!

Photo courtesy of party-shop.ie
It hardly seems possible but it's been three years since we cut the ribbon and opened the doors to this lovely establishment.  A lot has happened in that time.  People have come and gone, new features have been added and we hope we've continued to grow and improve at what we do here.  It's an ever-evolving blogging universe and we'll do our best to continue to make The Romance Dish a friendly, positive site that brings information and entertainment to all who visit.   

We'd like to take this opportunity to toast our fabulous monthly contributors, Anna Campbell and Trish Milburn.  Here's to you, ladies!  *raising our glasses* Thank you for your continuing support of and enthusiasm for The Romance Dish!  A special thank you to reviewer extraordinaire, Janga!  You have our heartfelt appreciation for sharing your comprehensive and insightful reviews with the Dish readers.  

And that brings us to our most important thank you.  That, dear readers, is reserved for you.  Without you, there would be no TRD so thank you for making this a regular stop on your daily internet journey! 

Since we're winding down another year here at The Romance Dish at the same time that we're winding down another year of fantastic romances, we thought it would be fun to talk about our favorite books that we've read so far in 2012.  Andrea and I will go first.




Andrea here! So, in the past year, we’ve read a lot of great romances and I’d like to dish about a few of my favorites that I’ve read in the last twelve months. Note: some were released in the past year and some are past releases that I was finally able to read in this last year.



What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long (March 2011) 

I read this one right after our second anniversary celebration (I know, I’m behind). It was my first book by Julie Anne Long and it blew me away. Wow. Her writing is engaging and her dialogue is witty and sharp. The characters are real and endearing, especially Alex and Genevieve. I loved them! It’s a revenge story that totally worked for me in every way. If you haven’t read this one, or if you haven’t read Julie Anne Long, you simply must! She is an amazing historical author.



Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (1995) 

After years and years of people recommending this historical romance to me (especially Janga, whom I give a ton of thanks), I finally made time to read it this year. Like JAL’s, I was blown away! No wonder everyone raves about it and it tops so many people’s lists of all-time favorite romances! It is, in a nutshell, a fantastic historical romance. The way Jess handles Dain is nothing short of awesomeness. When someone mentioned that she shoots him, I found myself anxiously anticipating it and the scene did not disappoint. The attraction between Jess and Dain was instantaneous and extremely palpable.



A Girl Like You by Maria Geraci (August 2012) 

I reviewed this one in August and will repeat—I loved this book! Again, it is not your typical romance (there are four possible heroes), but Emma’s journey to find her hero was thoroughly entertaining. Maria Geraci’s writing is sharp and I was glued to the pages. It is fun, sexy, and I was thrilled with who Emma ended up with. This book surprised me with how delightful it is and I recommend it to all.




Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (March 2012) 

I reviewed this one with high praise and Top Dish status back in March. I loved it! This series is a mix of the Hangover and Regency England and this first installment is just as hilarious as you can imagine. And I love humor in my romance. This book is lighthearted and sexy and it was so much fun watching Alex and Roxanne torment Roxanne’s worthless husband and see him get what he deserved. Add in a colorful mix of secondary characters and you’ve got a recipe for a wonderful historical romance!



Scandalous Desires (November 2011) and Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt  (July 2012) 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my love of Elizabeth Hoyt and her Maiden Lane series as amongst my favorites of the past year. It is easily one of the best-written and emotionally satisfying historical romance series out there. “Charming” Mickey and Silence (Scandalous Desires) have a rocky start that centers around his daughter, Mary, but it’s Silence’s love for that little girl and her sweet spirit that melts Mickey’s black heart. Winter and Isabel’s story (Thief of Shadows) has a different backdrop with a few surprising twists that completely satisfied this reader. If you haven’t read Elizabeth Hoyt, you should!



The Last Renegade by Jo Goodman (September 2012)
Every year I long for my annual dose of Jo Goodman. Seriously, she is an author that has never disappointed me and one whose books I savor like the very best chocolate. Her characters are always intelligent, intuitive, and so well-developed. Her books are ones that fill my thoughts when I’m not reading them. I love that she allows readers to speculate and think things out on their own. She has breathed life back into historical westerns and I hope she stays there for a while!




PJ here!  I've read some wonderful books this year.  Coming up with six favorites was no problem at all.  Paring my list down to only six was considerably more difficult!  Here are my choices, in no particular order.


Barefoot in the Rain by Roxanne St. Claire (October 2012)

I fell in love with Roxanne St. Claire's sizzling romantic suspense stories and lamented her move to women's fiction but, after reading Barefoot in the Rain, my immediate thoughts were, "Brava, Ms. St. Claire!" and "I can't wait to see what you bring us next!"  Every so often, a book comes along that is more than the sum of its parts.  This is such a book.  St. Claire has created a beautifully complex story of second chances, of love in many guises - between a man and woman, within the tight bonds of friendship among four college roommates, within a family torn asunder by violence, in the creation of a most unlikely "family" between former enemies - and of forgiveness, sometimes the most profound, and most difficult, gift a person can bestow.  Richly populated with vividly drawn characters and deeply emotional circumstances, this is a story that haunts me still, several weeks after reading it.    



How to Romance a Rake by Manda Collins (July 2012)

A new author with a bright future, Manda Collins cemented a place for herself on my auto-buy list with her second published novel, How to Romance a Rake.  I adore authors who aren't afraid to take risks and Collins does so brilliantly by matching a physically disabled heroine who's a wallflower with an exquisitely handsome darling of the ton.  An unlikely match to be sure but one of my favorites of the year.  With flawless writing,  Collins blends humor, mystery, heartache and passion into a book that grabbed my heart from the start and holds it still.  If you aren't reading her yet, you should be.




Paris in Love by Eloisa James  (April 2012)

While not a romance in the traditional sense, this book - a memoir penned by historical romance author Eloisa James - has romance in its soul.  It's the story of the year James and her husband sold their house, took sabbaticals from their university teaching jobs and, along with their two children, moved to an apartment in Paris, France.  It's a glorious series of verbal snapshots of one family's year-long moment out of time and while it doesn't lecture or preach, it does leave the reader with many lessons learned.  A few I've taken from my three readings (so far) of Paris in Love:  to savor each day we're blessed to experience, to not fear new adventures, whether they be trying a new recipe, learning a new language or moving to a foreign country, to tell the people in our lives what they mean to us for we never know how long they will be with us, to laugh, to smile, to bring joy to every new day and every new experience.  Christmas is right around the corner.  If you haven't read this book yet, put it on your Christmas list or, better yet, do yourself a favor and buy a copy for yourself!




A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare  (April 2012)

I'm quoting myself here but this excerpt from my review of Tessa Dare's debut book, Goddess of the Hunt and the second excerpt, from my review of A Week to Be Wicked,   describe my feelings about Dare's writing in general and, specifically, in A Week to Be Wicked better than any other words I could write.

Every year there seems to be one debut author who bursts upon the scene and absolutely knocks my socks off with her superb writing skill.  This year, that author is Tessa Dare.  In her debut book, Goddess of the Hunt, Dare showcases her command of the English language with exquisite prose that sings across the pages with a lyrical quality that is a joy to read.  Her characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap from the pages and her story unerringly hits all the right notes.

That one paragraph could apply to every book that Tessa Dare has written but none more so than A Week to Be Wicked.  In Colin and Minerva's book, not only does Ms. Dare hit all the right notes, she creates new ones.  In a story that flows like fine wine, she brings us two characters that light up the pages with humor, passion and a romance that had my heart singing with joy.  They made me laugh, made me sigh, brought me to tears and continue to draw me back to them weeks after first reading their story.  Every book Tessa Dare has written sits on my keeper shelf.  I love them all but none has touched me as deeply as this one. 

I highly recommend every book that Tessa Dare has written but none more so than A Week to Be Wicked.  With every book she writes, this talented author takes Regency romance to new, and exhilarating, heights; every word pure pleasure.  


Betrayal: A Bella Terra Deception Novel by Christina Dodd (April 2012)

The final book in a stunning romantic suspense trilogy set in the California Wine Country, Dodd cranks up the tension and the sizzle in this heart-stopping third story about the powerful Di Luca brothers and the dangerous mystery that puts their business, their lives and the lives of those they love at risk.  Christina Dodd is one of my favorite authors and I happily follow her from historical to romantic suspense to paranormal and back again.  I can always count on her to create multi-dimensional characters who snag my interest then place them in situations that engage my emotions.  I care about her characters and, in the Bella Terra novels, she gave me an entire family to care about.  From the first page of the first book to the final page of Betrayal, I savored each word like the finest wine from the Di Luca vineyards.   This one went straight to my keeper shelf, along with its sister books, Secrets of Bella Terra and Revenge at Bella Terra.  



A Notorious Countess Confesses by Julie Anne Long (November 2012)

I'm a long-time fan of Julie Anne Long's books.  I've read and enjoyed everything she's published.  Her Pennyroyal Green books, however, hold a special place in my reader's heart and as much as I loved What I Did For a Duke and Perils of Pleasure, I do believe A Notorious Countess Confesses just may be my all-time favorite JAL book.  And that's saying something!   This beautifully poignant story of Adam Sylvaine, a country vicar and Evie Duggan, a widowed countess with a wicked past captured my heart and is the reason I'm typing my portion of this blog at 2am instead of 9pm when I had planned to do it.  Adam is one of my favorite heroes of this year; perhaps in my top 10 heroes of all time.  And Evie - well, she just about broke my heart.  Their's is a story not to be missed.  It's part of a series but you don't have to have read the previous books to get the full measure of enjoyment from Adam and Evie's story.  But, once you finish A Notorious Countess Confesses, I bet you'll want to!  

Okay, those are my top six (today) but I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention a few more that left a lasting impression on me.  Honorable mention goes to...

Sins of a Virgin by Anna Randol
Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell
Colorado Dawn by Kaki Warner
Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
Wilder: The Chosen Ones by Christina Dodd

What are some of your favorite books from the past year?  Did you discover any favorite new authors?  Did any of our books make your list?

Are we bringing you the reviews and guest authors you'd like to see?  Feel free to let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to see at The Romance Dish during the coming year!

Now for the fun stuff!  Because it's our anniversary and we love giving away prizes, here are the goodies for today:

U.S. Addresses - A box of books to three randomly chosen people leaving a comment on today's blog.  (Please put US at the end of your comment)

International Addresses - Three randomly chosen people will each receive a book from The Book Depository!  (Please put I at the end of your comment)

136 comments:

  1. Hi Chineserider! We're delighted you've decided to come along on our blogging journey! Andrea and I love historicals too so I'm sure you'll see lots of historical romance authors visiting over the next year. Here's to another great year of books!

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  2. I love the Romance Dish just as it is, there's a great mix of book reviews, guests and interesting articles. :)

    Some of my favourites from this year have already been mentioned (only 6? Really????), Tessa Dare, Julie Anne Long, Elizabeth Hoyt and Anna Csmpbell. Other favourites are Katharine Ashe's Falcon Club series, Jennifer Ashley's The Duke's Perfect Wife, Miranda Neville's Confessions from an Arranged Marriage, Sarah Maclean's A Rogue by Any Other Name....I'm sure there are more. :)

    New to me this year was Anna Randol, I loved her Sins of a Virgin and am looking forward to the rest of that series. Int.

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    1. LOL, I know it's hard to only list a few, Beebs! Sarah MacLean's would definitely be next on my list. I loved her last one and can't wait for the next one!

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    2. Some of my favourites from this year have already been mentioned (only 6? Really????)

      I know! It's like torture for the romance reader! lol!

      All of the books you mentioned are wonderful and hovering at the edge of my list. Jennifer Ashley has a new book - The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Mackenzies series) - out December 31. Can't wait! :)

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  3. Happy anniversary, Andrea and PJ! I remember when the Dish was just a sparkle in your eyes. I love swinging by every month to talk about my favorite reads. Long may you all continue! And PJ, thanks for including Rogue in your list of faves this year. Mwah! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Anna! We couldn't do it without you! xoxo

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    2. MWAH right back atcha, Anna! We are so grateful - and honored - that you choose to spend the 24th of each month with us here at the Dish. Love your reviews and love you!

      p.s. Do you think you could write a little faster? I'm dying to read the next two books! ::grin::

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  4. Happy Anniversary! I enjoy the author interviews, reviews and upcoming books you post. I did read and enjoy several of the books you listed. One of my favorites was What I Did for a Duke and I am looking forward to reading her new one that you listed as a favorite.

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    1. Thanks, Maureen! I'm so glad you enjoyed JAL's WIDFAD, too. I am DYING to read the new one!!

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    2. Maureen and Andrea, you need to move A Notorious Countess Confesses to the top of your reading list. It's magnificent!

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    3. I hope to find it at the bookstore today, PJ!!

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  5. Happy anniversary!

    Like Chineserider, a lot of your historical romances are also on my list. This year I discovered the wonderful works of Julie Anne Long, Loretta Chase (though I haven't read Lord of Scoundrels) and Lorraine Heath.

    One of my favorite debut novels for the year has to be Erin Knightley's More than a Stranger.

    (International)

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    1. Thanks, Tin, and welcome! Oh, you simply MUST read Lord of Scoundrels. Now I get to try and convince others to read it! It really is good. :)

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    2. Welcome, Tin! I have Knightley's More Than a Stranger but haven't had time to read it yet. Note to self: find more reading time!!!

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  6. Aloha, Dish! I love historical romances ... but I rediscovered contemporaries, especially delicious stories from British authors such as Jill Mansell and Susannah Kearsley! It wouldn't be a party with a Hawaiian proverb:

    'Ike aku, 'ike mai, kokua aku kokua mai; pela iho la ka nohana 'ohana.

    Recognize others, be recognized, help others, be helped; such is a family relationship.

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    1. What a beautiful proverb, Kim! Thanks for sharing it...and thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Such a beautiful Hawaiian proverb. I'm going to print this one and put it in my office.

      For those of you who don't know Kim, she's a U.S. military spouse, living in Hawaii who runs the SOS Aloha blog. She's a wonderful ambassador of the romance fiction genre, tireless supporter of military families and purveyor of beautiful Hawaiian proverbs!

      http://sosaloha.blogspot.com

      Thanks also for the contemporary recs, Kim! Off to check them out...

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  7. Happy Anniversary, Dishes, and thanks for hosting such a wonderful site!

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  8. Jill Shalvis- Head Over Heels and The Sweetest Thing

    Carly Phillips- Serendipity, Destiny and Karma

    Linda Lael Miller- A Creed In Stone Creek and Creed's Honor

    Susanne Enoch- Taming An Impossible Rogue

    Liz Carlisle- The Bride Wore Pearls and The Bride Wore Scarlet

    I will definitely try to read all of your favorites !

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    1. Laurie, I loved the Serendipity trilogy from Carly Phillips and am excited to read the next book up, PERFECT FIT (Cara's story out December 31) and FATED, a Serendipity novella coming out December 4. (It's Nick Mancini and Kate Andrews' book!)

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    2. Hi, Laurie! Glad to see Jill Shalvis on your list! Lucky in Love by Jill would certainly be on my list if it was a Top 10. I loved that one!

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  10. Happy Anniversary, Dear Dishes! I look forward to sharing another year of the warmth and wit and wonderful guests that are characteristic of TRD. I'm honored to be part of the family.

    I've read all but two of your best lists and wholly concur with your valuation of these books. I'm still pondering my own list for 2012, but I know some of your favorites will be on my list too.

    I think 2012 has been an exceptional year for debut authors. Manda Collins, Celia Grant, and Kimberly Brock top my list of debutantes, and I have also enjoyed the debut books of (in no particular order) Elyssa Patrick, Nina Rowan, Heather Snow, Valerie Bowman, Leigh LaValle, Jillian Stone, Anna Randol, Nancy Northcott, Darcy Burke, and Carey Balwin. I'm not sure if Tamarra Webber debuted in 2012, but I definitely count her one of my "finds" of the year.

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    1. As always, Janga, you've managed to add to my "must buy" list! I completely agree with you on the exceptional talent of 2012 debut authors. Celia Grant, Heather Snow, Leigh LaValle, Anna Randol and Carey Baldwin are all on my extended "best of" list. Elyssa Patrick and Nancy Northcott are next up on my ARC tbr!

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    2. Thanks, Janga! We couldn't do it without you. And thanks again for recommending LOS by Chase. You were so right! :)

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  11. Oh, I'm so glad to hear you enjoy Hoyt's books as much as I do, Chineserider! The next in the series comes out early next year and I can't wait for it! Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Happy Anniversary!! many more great reads and reviews for the following years

    this past year, i found Darynda Jones and her awesome series, Charley Davidson. but from your blog, i found several historicals and contemporaries that manage to sneak their way into my TBR pile.

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    1. Thank you, Sienny! Darynda Jones is wonderful, isn't she?

      We appreciate your support!

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    2. Thanks, Sienny! We're happy you could join us!

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  13. Happy Anniversary, dear ladies! The romance blogosphere wouldn't be the same without you - thank you for everything you do!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Vanessa! We appreciate your support!

      Readers, if you haven't yet read Vanessa Kelly's heartwarming holiday historical romance, HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE, check out my review (link below) then pick up a copy of your own. It's a keeper!

      http://www.theromancedish.com/2012/10/review-his-mistletoe-bride.html

      Readers, check out our News & Notes in the upper right sidebar for info on a fabulous holiday gala featuring authors Vanessa Kelly, Theresa Romain, Victoria Alexander and Grace Burrowes along with lots of fabulous prizes, right here at The Romance Dish on November 30!

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    2. Aww, thanks, Vanessa! (((hugs))) Can't wait to read your newest!

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  14. Just a reminder: Don't forget to add U.S. or I to the end of your comment so we know which giveaway to put you into!

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  15. Happy Anniversary! Three years just flew by. Wow. I am woefully behind on reading so will be adding some of these to my catch up list. I did love Rainshadow Road and both Eloisa's memoir and The Ugly Duchess.

    You ladies have made TRD an amazing source for everything Romance. Great job all of you!

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    1. Thank you, Terri! The Ugly Duchess was wonderful and is another on my extended "best of" list. Too many books, not nearly enough room! lol!

      Congratulations on your milestones this year (Golden Heart finalist and selling your book!) We dishes can't wait to introduce your debut to the romance reading world!

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    2. Thanks, Terri! I loved Rainshadow Road and Paris in Love, too. Good choices!

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  16. Happy Anniversary to THE Dish... you put out some great reviews and some of my fav authors have been reviewed here..
    As for my fav books this year, OMG there are so many, but I will share a few with you,
    Hidden Summet by Robyn Carr
    The Long Road Home by Maya Banks
    The Viper - Monica McCarty
    The Ladies Rooom by Carolyn Brown
    The Look of Love, Sullivan Family Book 1 by Bella Andre( Bella was one of my new finds this year and I am just loving this whole series)
    Last Man Standing Cindy Gerard
    Letters from a Stranger by Barbara Taylor Bradfor
    The Wittness by Nora Roberts
    Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
    One Hot Cowboy Wedding by Carolyn Brown
    Somebody to Love by Kristen Higgins
    Summer Nights by Susan Mallery
    Lucky in Love, At Last & Forever & a Day by Jill Shalvis
    One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards
    Echoes at Dawn by Maya Banks

    Okay this is just a small portion of what I have read the last 10 months.. I have read so far this year 147 books.. Oh the hours of pleasure I have had..

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    1. Wow, great list, Kathleen! I will second Jill Shalvis's books!

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  17. Forgot to put on my comment above.. International

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  18. Happy Anniversary! :)

    I agree with a lot of your choices. I especially love what I did for a duke. That would be my favorite read this year. That's my favorite Julie Anne Long story after The Notorious Countess and Like No other Lover. Also really enjoyed The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James and all the usual JD Robb books. :)

    Thank you for introducing me to Manda Collins and the suspense series by Christina Dodd. :) I really enjoyed them! :)

    International.

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    1. Yay! Another JAL fan! Glad to hear it, May. Thanks for stopping by to join us on our anniversary!

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  19. Happy anniv!! Thanks for all the good stuff you bring online, making this a daily must stop for me and many others :) Hard to pick favorites this year (or even 6) as there were so many good reads. Wishing you many more years of fun & great reading.
    US

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    1. Thanks, gamistress! And thanks for making TRD a daily stop. We truly appreciate it!

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  20. Happy Anniversary! A couple of new-to-me authors whose books I've enjoyed this year are Jillian Stone and Michelle Marcos. - US
    winnie968 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks for the recs and for stopping by, Winnie!

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  21. Wow....3 years. I've read so many books this year I can't think. Shana Galen and Kris Kennedy are 2 new-to-me authors.
    US

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  22. Happy Anniversary! It's hard to believe that it's already been three years! Wow! I think you are doing a fantabulous job here at TRD!!!! I don't pop in as frequently as I used to, but enjoy popping in when I can to take a peek at what's the Dishies are dishing about each day. Keep up the excellent blogs, posts, guests, reviews, and good times!! I think a great deal of both PJ and Andrea; fine ladies and good (cyber) friends.

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    1. Awww, the feeling is mutual, Deb! We truly appreciate you visiting when you can. I hope you're feeling better! (((hugs)))

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  23. Congrats everyone! I discovered Victoria Alexander and Julie Anne Long this past year and love their books. I've been a huge Tessa Dare fan for the past 4 years and love her new series too!!

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    1. LilMissMolly, I am a long-time Victoria Alexander fan. You need to read her Effington series. They are so good!

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  24. Congrats on the Anniversary :) I discovered the amazingly flawed characters of Eileen Dreyer this year and continue my love affair with the men on the pages of Julie Anne Long and Sabrina Jeffries' books.

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    1. Thanks, Christy, and thanks for stopping by!

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  25. Happy Anniversary, Dishes! You guys are the best! And thank you for mentioning HOW TO ROMANCE A RAKE, PJ:) I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

    I've read so many great books this year, it's tough to name a favorite. I'm just happy that I continue to have such a wealth of books to choose from!

    Smooches!

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    1. Thanks, Manda! It is tough to narrow it down to a few favorites, isn't it?! We are so blessed in the romance community. :)

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  26. Happy Anniversary! Best wishes. I have read memorable books but one that I enjoyed greatly is The Time In Between. Maria Duenas, Victoria Hislop.

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  27. I can't believe it's been 3 years! I remember being at M&M with y'all discussing it. :)

    Julia Quinn's A Night Like This and Jill Shalvis's Lucky In Love and At Last. Great books!

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    1. I know! Good times, good times. :)

      GREAT choices, Trish!

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  28. Congratulations on your anniversary! You have a great site. I don't get by as often as I'd like, but I always enjoy it when I do.

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  29. PJ and Andrea!!! CHICKS!!! I am so excited for you! Love you guys!

    Your Blog ROCKS and I love the way you 'dish' your reviews [I swear I'm afraid to look at some before I'm done with the same book review only because it stays in my mind for a long while!]

    Loved the books you picked and I see I read some of them, but also I see that I'm gonna need to check into some as well, like Andrea's "A Girl Like You by Maria Geraci" and PJ's "How to Romance a Rake"...

    I read a few this year from authors that I never heard of before, like "Rake with a Frozen Heart" by Marguerite Kaye and "Rogue's Honor" by Brenda Hiatt and then I FINALLY read Jo Bourney "Her Ladyship's Companion" and I ADORED all three books. Check them out, please, unless you read them all before.

    Keep up the good work and here's to many more years for your 'baby'! [raising a cup o'tea-I'm at work right now]

    CHEERS!

    Melanie
    BTW: b2b is only a click away so come on over one and all and help us celebrate our SECOND anniversary, y'hear? We got 1 month+30 authors=1 book a day Giveaway!

    www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

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    1. Aww, thanks, Melanie! I hope you check out Maria's book. Let me know if you do. Keep up the great work at your wonderful site!!

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  30. Happy Anniversary to the Romance Dish. One of my favorite new author is Heather Snow. I really enjoyed her debut "Sweet Enemy." Other favorite reads include Loretta Chase's "Scandal Wears Satin," Laura Griffin's "Twisted" and Lisa Marie Rice's "Nightfire."

    US

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    1. Thanks, Jane! I really need to check out Heather's books!

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  31. Congratulations. Happy Anniversary. Meeting so many authors, reviews, wonderful books has made this place a great site to visit. Carolyn Brown, tessa Dare and many others. U.S.

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  32. Happy, Happy Anniversary! The Romance Dish is a wonderful place to visit and I've found many romance reads from here.
    Lord of Scoundrels is a great book and I am familiar with many of the authors you have mentioned. I always enjoy a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book. They are so fun to read!!

    Keep up the great work! You all are definitely bringing the books, authors, recommendations that I want to see. Sometimes I'll have a book on my want to read list for forever and a review or rec here might give me that nudge. Wishing you another wonderful year.

    I

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    1. Thanks, Na! We're so glad you've found some great romances through us. It means a lot!

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  33. Hey there Dishes...Happy Anniversary!
    What a great way to celebrate....picking some great reads this year.
    I cannot pick 6 either but I will pick some new authors that I found through you and social media this year.
    I absolutely fell in love with Grace Burrowes and all she writes. SHE is prolific and quite a good dialogue writer...I love her storylines, characters and yes, even the settings.
    She was a great find and is now an auto buy.

    Another big find for me was Manda Collins. WOW is all I can say. I love her writing...how she mixes up suspense, romance and characters that I would not have considered. I like her writing style, love her plots and adore her characters.
    Another one I am going to auto buy.

    One more that stunned me but here I am in love with her, Anna Campbell.
    Wow, that first one that introduced me to her was HOT and I loved it.
    Another excellent author I am happy to have been introduced to.

    The year winds up with me waiting with bated breath for Sarah MacLeans latest. It comes out in January but her writing has just made me swoon! I loved A Rogue by Any Other Name: The First Rule of Scoundrels...and the one that I am truly excited about is One Good Earl Deserves a Lover: The Second Rule of Scoundrels ...I cannot wait for this one...and if you read the first, you will know why.

    And I would be remiss if I didnt mention one that got to me this year, and made me rethink what I want in a romance. Eloisa James, The Ugly Duchess....nothing I thought would happen, happened ! AND I loved it....

    So many more great reads this year. Kristin Higgens....Jill Shalvis....Elizabeth Hoyt...I mean there are many that I am HAPPY to read.
    Thanks for making me smile as usual ladies! Love to think of these fine authors and books.

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    1. Hope!!! (((hugs))) Thanks so much for dropping by. Wow, you've got some great recs! Like you, I am DYING for Sarah's next book. She teased us with that epilogue!!! We will have to dish about it once we've both read it. ;-)

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  34. I agreed with several of your picks. I discovered Jill Shalvis, Julie Garwood, Kristan Higgins, and Rachel Higgins this year. Also enjoyed The Ugly Duchess,Manda Collins books, Sally mackenzie Bedding Lord Ned, the list goes on

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    1. Glad to hear it, regencygirl! I'm very much looking forward to Surprising Lord Jack, the next in Sally's series!

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  36. Happy Anniversary! What a great way to celebrate. My 5-star books of 2012 are:

    A Week to Be Wicked (Tessa Dare,) Sweet Enemy (new author--Heather Snow,) About that Night (Julie James,) Beguiling the Beauty and Ravishing the Heiress (Sherry Thomas,) and One More Summer (new-to-me author--Liz Flaherty.)

    I currently am reading Julie Anne Long's A Notorious Countess Confesses and haven't yet read Sherry Thomas's Tempting the Bride; I have high hopes for both. As for Andrea's list, Long's What I Did for a Duke was my favorite read of 2011 and Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels is my all-time favorite romance.

    US

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    1. Thanks, LSUReader, and thanks for stopping by so often. I love Julie's book, too! Can't wait for the next one! I hope you're enjoying JAL's newest. My local stores didn't have it in stock today. Sigh.

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  37. Happy Anniversary. You do a great job with this blog.

    My favorites for this year was Sherry Thomas' trilogy, most notably, Ravishing the Heiress and About That Night by Julie James. I also liked Sarah Macleans' A Rogue By Any Other Name and The Witness by Nora Robert.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim! Those are some great choices!!

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  38. Congratulations ! Love this blog !
    I'm a huge fan of Julie Anne Long, my favorite from her is Like No Other Lover, not only because I've got a thing for eyeglasses wearing heroes but because JAL writes flawed charcters that find there way into your heart ! My new discovery this year is Cecilia Grant, loved loved loved her debut and just as equally the second one A Gentleman Undone !

    US

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    1. Hi, Habiba! Oh, I love heroes that wear glasses! I must track down a copy of Like No Other Lover. I'm slowly making my way through JAL's backlist. ;-)

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  39. Oh, a big congratulations. I love coming here but it is causing havoc on my tbr pile. I think I've only read E. Holt's book from your lists but not for want of trying to read almost everything. I'm currently reading Kris Kennedy's Deception and enjoyed Defiant. Kathryne Kennedy rereleased some wonderful books. Oh, there are just so many lol.

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    1. Thanks, catslady! We are lucky that there are so many books to choose from, aren't we?! :)

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  40. Every one of these books are on my tbr list. Thanks for all the input.

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  41. This year I found Charlotte Featherstone, Julie Anne Long, Elizabeth Hoyt, Janet Evanovich and Eve Silver. I'm never looking back! ;-)
    Congratulations on three years! That is something! I absolutely love this blog. I'm kinda new here, but it's quickly become one of my favorites. Y'all are the best!

    I'm USA.

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    1. Chelsea, I'm so glad you discovered Hoyt and JAL, too! I'm never looking back either. ;-)

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  42. Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary! Some of my favorite books were The Hellion Bride by Catherine Coulter. Rapture Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee, Taken by the Prince by Christina Dodd, How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins, How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling, The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne by Madeline Hunter, Rake with a Frozen Heart by Marguerite Kaye, The Casanova Code by Donna MacMeans, and The Irish Warrior by Kris Kennedy. All of your favorite books are on my to-read list. I discovered several new authors: Manda Collins, Marguerite Kaye, Donna MacMeans, and Vicky Dreiling.

    You are a wonderful site, and I visit every day for reviews and contests. Please keep them coming!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cathy! Wow, that's a great list you have there. And many are our favorites!

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    2. Thanks Andrea! I forgot to put USA in my answer. Have a great weekend everyone!

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  43. Congrats on hitting the big 3! So happy for you guys. I have a few of those books on my TBR and I've read a few. There have been a lot of books that top my list this year. The first one that comes to mind is A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare. I loved this book.

    USA here. =)

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    1. Thanks, Danielle! I'll add ALbM to my TBB list!

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  44. Happy, happy anniversary!!! This blog is one of my daily must-stops.

    I have read a lot of good books lately. Among my favorites have been Margaret Mallory's RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series, Brenda Novak's WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, THE LAST BOYFRIEND by Nora Roberts, SOMEBODY TO LOVE by Kristan Higgins, and Lisa Kleypas' DREAM LAKE.

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    1. Aww, thanks, Cheryl! We appreciate your visits. :) Those are some great books!

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  45. I just wanted to let everyone know that PJ is having cable/internet issues and will be back when she can! Keep those comments coming! :)

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  46. Congratulations, Dishes and Readers! I'm congratulating You both because the Dishes have been a huge influence in my reading life; I never miss a blog. It is a site that is so well done with grace, intellegence, and heart; I recommend it to so many of my friends, even those who are not that much interested in romance! I congratulate TRD readers for recognizing what a terrific site this is and and for their wonderful and insightful comments; you are all like friends to me! I have read so many good books this year that I could not begin to count them; I'll just say that a large percentage of them have been recommendations from PJ, Andrea, Janga, Anna, Trish, and many of your other guest bloggers.

    PS. Congratulations also on your new guest blogger, Lisa!

    PSS. I live in the Good Old USA!

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    1. Aww, thanks, Flora! You're going to make me cry with your sweet words. It means a lot. :) I'm glad we've been able to help you with recs!

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  47. Congratulations on the anniversary! :) This is one of my favorite blogs. I look forward to seeing what you have for us each day.

    I've read a lot of books this year that I have loved but to name a few....
    and in no particular order......

    Immortal Hope by Claire Ashgrove
    The Pleasure Of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros
    To Be Queen by Christy English
    A Sliver Of Shadow by Allison Pang
    Defiant by Kris Kennedy
    Undone by Lila DiPasque
    Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King
    When A Scot Loves A Lady by Katharine Ashe

    I could go on and on here.

    Thank you for the chance in this very generous giveaway! USA

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    1. Thanks, Leah! And we appreciate your visits very much. Great list of books!

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  48. Happy anniversary. I jade been following for almost a year. Love the reviews. I found Ruthie Knox and Shannon Stacey this year. Love them. And I am really loving Roxanne st. Claire's new contemporary series. Thanks for the giveaway. USA.

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    1. Thanks, Trish! I've heard a lot of great things about Shannon Stacey. I must check her books out!

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  49. Wow, can't believe it's been three years already!!!!! Yay!!!!!! I love reading about everyone's favorite reads. So many great books that I need to put on my TBR. Andrea and PJ, I'm wishing all the best for you during this next year. Hugs.

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    1. Thanks, Buffie! (((Hugs))) right back 'atcha!!

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    2. It's Buffieeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Thanks for popping in!

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  50. Lord you shouldn't have asked for this! Here it goes, there are some of my 5 star from Goodreads. "Bared To You" and "Reflected in You" by Sylvia Day, "Butterfly Weeds" by Laura Miller, "The Ugly Duchess" by Eloisa James, "On Dublin Street" by Samantha Young, "Within Reach" by Sarah Mayberry, "Ravishing The Heiress" by Sherry Thomas, "The Sweet Gum Tree" by Katherine Allred,"Take This Regret" by A.L. Jackson and "An Heir of Deception" by Beverley Kendall. Happy third Anniversary! I wouldn't change a thing. You guys do a great job! Thanks for doing the giveaway! USA

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    1. LOL! It's difficult to choose so few, isn't it, Mary?! Thanks for stopping by!

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  51. Happy Anniversary!!!! Here's wishing you many many more!

    Those are some awesome recommendations. Definitely going to go check them out ;) Ummm... I've actually had a great reading year. More likes than dislikes. I discovered some authors that I've been like the last person in the world to read, like Maya Rodale and some debut authors like Manda Collins and Kristen Callihan.

    Thanks for a very generous giveaway! I'm USA :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Erin! We're glad that so many people enjoy the site because we certainly couldn't do it without so many wonderful visitors!

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  52. This year I started reading historical romances so I discovered Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas and Loretta Chase (I just bought Lord of Scoundrels and can't wait to read it.)
    Also love Jennifer Ashley with her Mackenzie brothers series.

    International

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    1. Those authors will give you a wonderful introduction into historical romance, Spav. If you haven't tried them yet, I'd recommend adding Tessa Dare and Julie Anne Long to that list...along with any of the authors in our "best of" list!

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  53. Happy anniversary. I have found some great books this year like jeaniene frosts once burned, roxanne stclairs barefoot in the sand, and lynsay sands 2 newest argeneau series books. Have found some new authors like el james, kathleen brooks, sylvia day, melissa schroeder, elle kennedy, ruthie knox, and shannon stacey. Love the great book and author recommendations. Thanks for the great giveaway.
    Christinebails@yahoo.com

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    1. That's a great list! I need to make time to try Shannon Stacey. She's come highly recommended by many people.

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  54. I'm baaaaaack! Hopefully, my internet problems are now solved. A (very cute) technician has assured me that all is now well. I choose to believe him. At least, until proven wrong. ;-)

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  55. Happy Anniversary!! I loved Rainshadow Road. I can't wait for more from Lisa.

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    1. Me too! Rainshadow Road is a keeper for sure.

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  56. So excited to have discovered and read all of Sherry Thomas' and Joanna Bourne's books-- thanks to Romance Dish. I agree that A Week to Be Wicked is simply perfect.

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    1. Thomas and Bourne are favorites around here! If you want to be entered in the giveaway, don't forget to tell us if you're U.S. or International!

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  57. Congratulations on your anniversary. I have been reading more contemporaries this year and have been introduced to Samantha Young and Sylvia Day.
    US

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    1. Good choices! I love contemporaries. Then again, I also love historicals. And paranormals. And romantic suspense. and... and... and... ;-)

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  58. I have not ready any of these books yet, but a few of them are already in my "to be read" pile. After reading your reviews a few more of them might be joinging that pile soon! US

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    1. We love adding books to readers' to be read piles! :)

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  59. Crystal ChristophersonNovember 1, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Congratulations on the milestone! You ladies are fabulous! US

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    1. Thanks, Crystal! We think all of you are pretty fabulous too! :)

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  60. I've only recently really discovered all these blogs out here and don't really have as much time to follow them as I'd like, but I enjoy much of what is out there. I read 3-4 books most weeks; some are older books and some are newer. Some newer books I've particularly enjoyed this last year are: Armstrong's Thirteen, Briggs' River Marked, Burrowes' Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Chapman's Spellbound Falls, Cole's Lothaire, Enoch's Taming an Impossible Rogue, Frost's Once Burned, Laurens' In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster, McCarty's The Saint, Sands' Under a Vampire Moon & The Lady is a Vamp, Sparks' Wanted: Undead or Alive, and Wisdom's A Demon Does It Better.

    I have discovered new authors on the blogs I've read; probably yours is one of them!

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  61. Happy Anniversary I think I have been here most of the three years. Love this site. Been having back problems this year so haven't blog as much. I have had surgery but still having problems. I have Jo Goodman's book up next to read. Right now I am reading Maya Bank's book Never Seduce a Scot. I am really loving this book and I can't wait to read the rest in this series. I have also read What I did for a Duke and it was very good also.

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  62. WOW!! Time does indeed fly.

    Congratulations!!

    I have far too many favorite books to mention just a few. I know I will find many more.

    INT

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  63. Reading sylvia day books can't Zit til the next, great boks great prize thans
    Have a great weeken d all
    Kimh

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  64. Congratulations on your anniversary.

    Marilyn Baron

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  65. YOu ladies are doing an amazing job :) I love reading your reviews and I have a few times bought books because of a review you wrote.
    A read a few books on your list. Both Elizabeth Hoyt books, Eloisa's Paris in Love, Between the Duke and the deep blue sea.
    A few that aren't on your list and I loved are books by Cynthia Eden, Shelly Laurenston. And I loved Julia Quinn's new book :)

    Happy Birthday Romance Dish and thank you ladies for all you do for us :)

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  66. Happy Anniversary!
    I have discovered numerous new (to me) authors this year... Jill Shalvis, Kristin Higgins, Julie James, Lora Leigh, Lorelei James (had to crank up the AC for those ladies.. Oh my!), Catherine Mann, Tessa Dare, Shana Galen.... Having found these authors, I've been plowing thru their backlists - much to the detriment of my house, laundry and yard. (The husband and kids are still good though! Lol.)
    Favorite books this year so far?
    Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series. I always think she can't top the previous book...and I'm always wrong. The Saint was great. The Recruit was JUST released. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait to read it. Shana Galen's Rogue Pirate's Bride. So many more.....

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  67. Happy anniversary, ladies! Throughout the months that I have been your follower you have solidified my initial impression about your blog...the best and most comprehensive source of information in the romance blog field. Your always graceful, insightful, and respectful opinion have greatly helped to shape my taste in matter of romance novels, fortifying my interest in authors I was already familiar with as well as introducing new ones...too many to mention. I have an adoration for Lisa Kleypas, especially her HRN, Loretta Chase, Suzanne Enoch, Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Hoyt. Your great reviews expanded my horizons even wider, to welcome on my shelves authors such as Anna Campbell, Tessa Dare, Julie Anne Long and many others. Congratulations! minadecaro at hotmail dot com
    US

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  68. Happy 3rd Anniversary! I discovered Heather Snow, jenn Bennett, Amanda Bonilla, Jessica Scott and Kristen Callihan. I love the reviews and guest authors you've featured and I look forward to reading and enjoying The Romance Dish in the coming year.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    US

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  69. OMG, i already comment but seems my comment not showing arghh.. i'm late to say :

    Happy Anniversary Dishes

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