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"POSTING GUIDELINES"

Welcome to the REBEL Romance Readers message board! We are not sponsored by ANY authors & ALL authors are welcome to join the fun! We LOVE "newbies"! If you share our love of romance reading, have a great sense of humor, and are NOT of the "faint of heart", we'd love to have ya join the "FAMILY"!

BOOKMARK THE BACK UP BOARD
RBL Back-up Board
"THE RBL/HUGHIE RATINGS!!!!"
Use them to let us know what you think of your latest read!!!!!
STORY RATING
1- Don't waste your money.
1 If you have it, it's worth the read but goes back to the ubs.
2 Good story, but probably goes to the ubs.
3 I like everything this author writes, but they've done better.
4 This is a keeper.
4+ Rare find, must find everything this author has written.
5 THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS BOOK!!!!!

SEX/LOVE SCENE RATING
Limp=> Bad, little or NO SEX AT ALL!
Erect==> Good sex toward the end.
Boner===> Good sex half-way through and thereafter.
STIFF====> Good sexual tension throughout the book, and when it happens, you feel you've been there already.
HUGH=====> GREAT SEX in the first 1/4 of book and throughout the book.

I'm baaaack ... -- Judy, Friday, February 06, 05:12:59pm
and I survived our ski trip! I am NOT a winter girl, but I went on a ski trip to the North Carolina mountains because it was a "family outing" - son and family, dil's parents - oh yeah, and my dh. So I did cross country - hadn't been on those skiis in years! - and I didn't even fall down one time - a miracle!

Now it's Hughie time - nominations start tomorrow! If I have your email address from previous years, you'll automatically receive a Nominations Form via email. If you are new to the board, or if you've changed your email addie since last year, you may email me with the addition/change. And of course, as we've always done, you may also nominate directly from the list that I'll post here on the board. Get ready!

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Replies:
- Judy, glad to hear you didn't fall & that you had a good time! I'm looking forward to the Hughies as always. (NT) -- Łinda, Friday, February 06, 06:08:09pm
- Judy, sounds like you had a great time. I always wanted to ski, but a bum knee is not conducive to that. Glad that you didn't hurt anything. :-) (NT) -- Frances, Saturday, February 07, 08:08:32am
I'm on Facebook -- Emma Holly , Monday, February 02, 03:54:45pm
I'm on Facebook and available for "friending" In other words, please friend me! I promise to "friend" you back! Never mind I barely know what I'm doing. I will figure it out. *g*

And thanks, Pam! I am happy not to be friendless.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I was thrilled to be your first FB friend, Emma! Very exciting! (NT) -- P.C. , Monday, February 02, 04:02:40pm
  - Don't rub salt into my wound, I should have been first dang it, LMAO! I'm so happy you're on facebook Emma! (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, February 02, 06:39:17pm
- I was thrilled to open my facebook and see your friend request. YAY!!! Welcome to the insanity! *G* (NT) -- Ronlyn, Monday, February 02, 08:05:26pm
- Thanks, guys! I appreciate the adds! (NT) -- Emma, Monday, February 02, 08:06:33pm
- Good to see you on Facebook Emma. (NT) -- Frances, Tuesday, February 03, 07:36:46am
- Done! (NT) -- Gennita Low , Tuesday, February 03, 05:58:38pm
- Hey I don't understand Facebook either, I just wait for Leiha to send me "add this friend" things and then I do that LOL. (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:28:53am
  - Oooh that sounded strange... so what I really meant is that one day I will sit down and try and figure it all out, but until then I'll trust Leiha. Will definitely look to "friend" you Emma (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:30:28am
    - LOL I'm sure I sent you Emma to add. You know I'll take care of you chickie! (NT) -- Leiha, Wednesday, February 04, 08:49:55am
    - I think everyone trusts Leiha, Chez! *g* (NT) -- Emma, Wednesday, February 04, 02:30:40pm
- Which Emma Holly are you? I'd love to add you but can't figure out which one you are. I use FAcebook a lot. (NT) -- Libby, Friday, February 06, 03:23:19pm
  - Nevermind..I found you. You will become addicted to Crackbook. Everyone does at one point or another :) (NT) -- Libby, Friday, February 06, 05:53:32pm
-- Beaty, Thursday, January 29, 05:17:25am

Happy Birthday, Pat T!
Hope your day is fabulous!

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Replies:
- Pat, I hope you have a GREAT DAY!!! (NT) -- Łinda, Thursday, January 29, 08:15:07am
- Happy Birthday Pat! (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:56:52am
- Hope your day was great, Pat! (NT) -- Beth, Thursday, January 29, 02:30:17pm
- Pat T, have a wonderful birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, January 29, 04:21:51pm
- Happy Birthday Pat (NT) -- Lucy, Thursday, January 29, 08:01:18pm
- Happy Birthday Pat! It's party time. (NT) -- Frances, Thursday, January 29, 08:54:37pm
- Pat T, I hope every birthday gets better and better. (NT) -- BAM, Friday, January 30, 04:14:41pm
- Really late, but I hope it was great Pat T (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:33:41am
- Pat - Don't know how I missed your birthday! Hope it was great! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, February 06, 05:03:36pm
-- Beaty, Sunday, February 01, 08:43:55pm

Happy Birthday, Michelle!
Hope it's GREAT!

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Replies:
- Michelle - Are you lurking out there? Hope you're not snowed in today. Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Beth, Sunday, February 01, 10:13:15pm
- Happy Birthday Michelle! Hope that it's wonderful for you. (NT) -- Frances, Monday, February 02, 06:47:42am
- Happy Birthdya Michelle!! Hope you have a wonderful Day!!!!! (NT) -- Debbie_D, Monday, February 02, 06:55:05am
- Have a great day Michelle!! (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, February 02, 09:47:05am
- I hope that you had a wonderful birthday Michelle! (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, February 02, 12:30:24pm
- Happy Birthday Michelle!! (NT) -- Lucy, Monday, February 02, 02:32:21pm
- Hey lady, have a nice birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, February 03, 04:14:38pm
- Happy birthday Michelle. Soooo for your birthday are you pushing that hand of his a touch lower? Huh! Have a great day (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:31:20am
- Happy belated birthday, Michelle - hope it was great! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, February 06, 05:01:44pm
-- Beaty, Tuesday, February 03, 05:15:30am

Happy Birthday, Nally!
And enjoy Vegas!
Hope it's fabulous!

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Replies:
- Happy Birthday Nally! Hope it's a great one!! (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, February 03, 05:38:19am
- Happy Birthday Nally! If that is Edwardo with you, I know that you will. *EG* (NT) -- Auntie Frannie, Tuesday, February 03, 07:12:06am
- Happy Birthday Nally! Hope it's as exciting as your card! *G* (NT) -- Bo, Tuesday, February 03, 09:47:09am
- Hey, Nally! Hope your day was a good one. (NT) -- Beth, Tuesday, February 03, 03:12:42pm
- Have a great day Nally!! (NT) -- Łinda, Tuesday, February 03, 03:48:11pm
- Have a wonderful birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, February 03, 04:13:59pm
- Happy Birthday, Nally! (NT) -- Gennita Low , Tuesday, February 03, 06:01:08pm
- Happy birthday Nally, hope your day is lusciously lovely (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:27:45am
- Hope you had a FABULOUS birthday. All the best! (NT) -- , Wednesday, February 04, 07:38:52am
- Thanks Everyone! I spent the day shopping for myself !! Good deal! (NT) -- Nally, Wednesday, February 04, 07:46:03am
- Hey Nally - happy belated birthday! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, February 06, 05:00:30pm
Meet my new granddaughter -- CindyO, Thursday, February 05, 11:35:21am
She came into the world at 12:10 am on Feb 5 2009 weighed at 6.25 lbs and 19 inches long

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Replies:
- pics here -- CindyO, Thursday, February 05, 11:38:13am
  - Oh Cindy! She is beautiful. You are so blessed, and I am so happy for you. (NT) -- Frances, Thursday, February 05, 01:39:17pm
  - So is so beautiful! Congratulations! (NT) -- Mandy, Friday, February 06, 01:19:10am
  - Oh wow - wonderful pictures! Congrats Gramma! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, February 06, 04:58:54pm
- Her name is Payton Alivia -- CindyO, Thursday, February 05, 11:42:25am
- So tiny!! and such fun for Grandma...... *g* (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, February 05, 06:38:05pm
- Congratulations, Gramma! She's beautiful. (NT) -- maggie, Thursday, February 05, 08:57:54pm
My Fun Book Trailer -- Gennita Low , Tuesday, February 03, 06:06:50pm
Maria did this for me! Isn't it cute? I love it!

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Replies:
- That is too cute! Excellent work by Maria. (NT) -- Ann , Tuesday, February 03, 07:16:36pm
- Jenna, this is wonderful. Great Maria. (NT) -- Frances, Wednesday, February 04, 04:47:02pm
- Glad you liked it too! Bad Puppy is still grinning. (NT) -- Jenna , Thursday, February 05, 08:52:28pm
- That was hysterical. Thanks for the giggle! (NT) -- maggie, Thursday, February 05, 08:57:02pm
-- Beaty, Thursday, January 29, 06:20:24pm

Happy Birthday, Beth!
I couldn't remember you male preferences.
But I liked this one. *G*
Have a GREAT one!!

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Replies:
- Happy Birthday Beth!!! (NT) -- Lucy, Thursday, January 29, 07:59:58pm
- Happy Birthday Beth! (NT) -- Frances, Thursday, January 29, 08:53:14pm
- Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!! (NT) -- Łinda, Thursday, January 29, 11:23:48pm
- Have a great day Beth. And if you don't like him, and Beaty is busy, I'll take him! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, January 30, 06:57:03am
- *Slaps Judy's hands away* He's mine and I'm keeping him! Thank you for the birthday wishes. My real celebration will be tomorrow, when I'm off to London to finally see Wicked. (NT) -- Beth, Friday, January 30, 08:58:27am
  - OH Beth, I bet you'll love it, my daughter just saw it when she was in Chicago & it's Heathers favorite! *G* Have fun. (NT) -- Łinda, Friday, January 30, 09:34:34am
- Happy Birthday Beth! Hope it's great! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, January 30, 10:24:19am
- Happy Birthday Beth! Beaty sure knows how to pick 'em, doesn't she?!?! (NT) -- BAM, Friday, January 30, 04:08:20pm
- Beth, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday! (NT) -- Leiha , Saturday, January 31, 12:41:42pm
- Enjoy your birthday and your trip! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 31, 01:18:42pm
- I'm late, but I hope you had a great day Beth (NT) -- Chez, Wednesday, February 04, 12:33:03am
The February Releases ... -- Judy, Sunday, February 01, 06:55:14am
The programming site at The RBL Cafe was down all day yesterday and is still down this morning, so I've put the list of February romance book releases at our Yahoo/Geocities site - I'll switch it over to the Cafe when I'm able to get to that site again. In the meantime, there are some terrific books coming out this month - here's the link to the list:

February Releases

I also chose Nathan Kamp wearing a bright red shirt as our February hunk - a special Valentine's Day treat.

PS - Get rid of the annoying Yahoo ads by clicking on the >> in the box at the top right of the page.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Boy this is a BIG month.*G* Lot's of GREAT books!! (NT) -- Łinda, Sunday, February 01, 08:39:39am
- I have that there is a new Robb coming out on the 19th. I hope I'm right! (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, February 01, 12:55:57pm
  - I had that on a separate list too, Beaty - "Promises in Death" - so I added it to the list. My Amazon order is HUGH this month! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, February 01, 01:30:24pm
  - PS - I just double-checked with Amazon - they have the release date as February 24th. (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, February 01, 04:19:38pm
- Thanks for the list Judy! Luckily I had a few gift cards, because I've got the 3 hardbacks I wanted (PHILLIPS, BROCKMANN, EVANOVICH) and Lori Fosters newest MMA fighting book is out and I just got that one too (in paperback) and then a new IN DEATH book ??!?! And I believe next month is Lisa Kleypas's newest hardcover, so wow, it IS a big month. Now, to find time to read them all....LOL. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, February 03, 04:19:18pm
Name That Scene!!! -- Bobbi, Saturday, January 31, 10:25:35am
Grimly, he reminded himself, his course was set — as was hers. She had chosen it the moment she rejected the offer of marriage that would have sealed a pact that could bring peace to thousands. That she had done so in terms chosen to sting any Viking’s pride merely confirmed her fate.

He would possess her utterly — this proud, unfeeling woman who put selfishness and vanity above all else. He would strip away that pride, crush that will, and enslave her to the passion that was suddenly a raging torrent within him. And he would enjoy every vengeful moment of it.

Cymbra felt the touch of the slate-gray eyes that studied her so boldly and could not repress a quiver of shock. She felt moved in some strange, predatory way she could scarcely credit. Worse, pleasure flicked at the edges of her mind. Astounding. She had never experienced anything like that. Under other circumstances, she might have explored the sensations and the man who evoked them, but he awakened an anxiety within her that made rational study impossible.

Instinctively, she took refuge in the habit of a lifetime, repressing all emotion and concentrating only on the task at hand. Such serenity was her only defense against the pain of a violent, turbulent world, and she depended on it utterly.

Softly, but with iron determination, she returned her attention to the hapless Derward. “I understand that you are responsible for the safety of this keep, but I am responsible for the welfare of the people within it. All the people. These men must have food, water, blankets, and medicine, if needed.”

“Milady! No one will give them such things. They are savages, brutal animals. It isn’t safe for anyone to get close to them.”

Silence reigned for several minutes. Wolf scowled, wondering if he had misunderstood her words, as he surely must have. Why would she have any concern for their welfare, this unfeeling woman willing to perpetuate war rather than sacrifice her precious self? Why would she care if they rotted and starved? Indeed, why wouldn’t she rejoice like all the others?

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Replies:
- Oh man, I think I've read this, but it must have been ages ago, because dern if I can remember!! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 31, 01:14:42pm
- I know this...sort of! There's a trilogy, and the heroes all have animal names: Wolf, Hawk and...Lion? Can't remember the book title, but I'll put the author inside. Very good historical series with just a little magic thrown in. -- Beth, Saturday, January 31, 03:00:46pm
  - Yes - I loved this trilogy: Dream of Me (Wolf), Believe in Me (Hawk), and Come Back to Me (Dragon)! We interviewed Josie in 2003 - her interview is in the archives. (NT) -- Judy, Saturday, January 31, 06:31:36pm
- That's right!! It's first book Dream of Me/Believe in Me by Josie Litton. Though the first two are published as one volume, they are each full sized (300+ pages). I just finished the series and I think it's the best Viking series I have read to date. Loved it so much I went out and got her other books -- so I hope they are as good!!! (NT) -- Bobbi, Sunday, February 01, 07:25:08am
  - I KNEW I had read these! Thanks! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, February 03, 04:13:29pm
Nathan Kamp has an online cooking show -- Leiha , Saturday, January 31, 12:15:59pm
Here's the link to it:
http://www.nathanlivestoeat.com/index.html

He also has a blog there. I swear, the more I know about this man, the more I love and his wife is simply stunning. My friend made the corn salsa he made on the show and said it was fantastic. If you get a chance, stop by and check it out. I figure if his online show gets really successful then he can move on to tv and conquer that (plus we'll get to see him on a bigger screen, LOL). So spread the word!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Leiha, I read the newsletter and then went to your link and watched, and its great! I wrote to the Food Network and asked them WHY its not on their network yet!?!? I'd be TIVO'ing that show every day! LOL Thanks for the info. (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 31, 01:12:24pm
  - That's awesome Robin! I didn't even think of doing that. I'll definitely have to email them and let my thoughts be known also. (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 31, 04:10:10pm
- OMG! Can I eat him? That's all I really got hungry for watching this. (NT) -- P.C. , Saturday, January 31, 01:22:33pm
  - LMAO, his wife may have something to say about that *G*. Course, if that WAS an option I would think it would be a battle royale trying to get to him. (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 31, 04:11:11pm
    - Yeah, the whole "wife" thing does put a damper on my wildest Nathan Kamp dreams. What's a RBL to do besides drool? Nothing, I guess. (NT) -- P.C., Saturday, January 31, 04:13:50pm
- To me, that is sexy - a man who cooks. *G* (NT) -- Ann, Sunday, February 01, 04:47:28am
  - Or even a woman, LOL. (NT) -- Leiha, Monday, February 02, 12:31:18pm
- That was great! I enjoyed the show...and I posted the link on my blog so hopefully others will check it out too. Thanks for sharing. He seems like such a genuine guy. I hope he does get his own show out of this. (NT) -- Patrice Michelle, Sunday, February 01, 10:44:14am
  - Me too! Everytime I've dealt with him he's always been so nice. I think on his show what we see is who he is. Thanks for linking to it to your blog. BTW, ep 2 is up if anyone is interested. (NT) -- Leiha, Monday, February 02, 12:33:32pm
- I still have noticed one thing he's prepared/cooked. I just watch it to watch him... (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, February 03, 05:41:05am
Name that scene!! -- Bobbi, Sunday, February 01, 07:20:58am
She's frightened.

She has a walk like honey.

The two impressions came simultaneously to the man called Rafael ''Whip'' Moran. Whip didn't know which drew him to the girl more immediately, the fear or the honey.

He hoped it was the fear.

The heat in Whip's blood told him otherwise. Underneath the girl's threadbare mans wool jacket and trousers there was a very female body. And beneath her straight spine, high chin, and determination, there was very real fear.

Whip didn't know what caused the girl's fear or why it should matter so urgently to him. He did know that he was going to find out.

For a moment longer Whip stood in the cold mud in front of Holler Creek's only general store. The chill of the, high-country wind cut through his thick wool jacket. The girl must have felt the chill too. She shivered as she hurried through the grubby door of the mercantile.

With the easy motions of a man who was both fit and thoroughly at home in his own body, Whip followed the girl inside. The wind blew the door shut behind him with a loud bang. He barely noticed, He had attention only for the girl with the sweet, softly swinging walk.

She stopped in a shaft of light from the one window that hadn't been broken and boarded over. For a few moments her eyes ran hungrily over the scattered piles of dry goods, tools, and clothing. The fingers of one slender hand were clenched around something she held in her palm.

As though sensing Whip's intense interest, the girl turned toward him suddenly. He had a vivid impression of eyes the color of a wild autumnsky, a blue so clear and so deep that a man could look forever and never find an end to the beauty. What he could see of her hair beneath the hat was the color of autumn itself- glossy chestnut with red and gold running through it like leashed fire.

I've seen her before, he realized. But where?

With the next breath, realization went through Whip like lightning through a storm.

My dream. She's the girl in the cabin door, waiting, always waiting...

For me.

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Replies:
- Another one I know the author but not the title. I have weird, selective memory loss>>>> -- Beth, Sunday, February 01, 02:18:04pm
- I'm pretty sure this is Lowell's Winter Fire-I LOVE this book! I know I could trot down the hall and check to be 100%,but I am feeling lazy right now *G* (NT) -- Bo, Sunday, February 01, 03:25:34pm
  - Yes - I think it's either Autumn Lover or Winter Fire. I love this series too - think I'll do a re-read after I finish reading my new books. (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, February 01, 06:04:04pm
- Dear me... you all need to go back and read these books again>>>>> -- Auntie Frannie, Sunday, February 01, 08:27:53pm
  - LOL! You're too funny Auntie Frannie! YOU are right! It's from Only Love. (NT) -- Bobbi, Monday, February 02, 08:01:18am
    - Giggle! (NT) -- Auntie Frannie, Monday, February 02, 01:19:26pm
Hey ladies ,need some anti-anxiety vibes here! -- , Wednesday, January 28, 02:39:31pm
My hubby was talking to his Mom last night,and I guess his grandma is in the hospital right now,going to have surgery,and hasn't been doing too well lately.She's 80-something,and has been in poor health for the last couple years(she had a bad fall,I think,and is diabetic,too) so he's been wanting to go see her before she passes away.I guess my MIL told him she might not make it.So,after getting our taxes done today,we will in all likelihood be flying out to Michigan very soon,within the next 2-3 weeks even,to see her for what will surely be the last time.I do love his Grandma,she's sweet and warm and has a razor sharp tongue that tells it like it is :) But I am starting to panic about flying.I haven't been on a plane in 25 years.My kids have never been on one.I'm not kidding,the last time I was on one,MY Grandma was sick and failing,and we had a rocky landing in Tennessee for our layover to South Carolina that really shook me up.Instead of landing both back tires,the plane sort of bounced from side to side for a minute before the nose came down.It was only a minute or two,and like I said,it's been 25 years,but it scared the $hit out of me and I still remember how awful it was.Plus after 9/11,and then the US Airways thing just barely...you get the idea.I can't not go,b/c of course hubby wants to take kids to visit their Great-Grandma & other family,and I DO want to see her also,but I'm freaked.I told him I'll only go if we get a red-eye nonstop & seated all together with Brenna on my lap.I know I should be thinking of his Grandma more than anything,but the whole idea of flying is just freezing me up.We can't drive,b/c of the time it would take,plus I think it would cost more,be worse on the kids,such a long drive.

So,I'm asking for thoughts/prayers/wishes/vibes,even before we book a flight,probably sometime in the next week or two,b/c that's how paranoid and freaked out I am about this.My goal is to get my family there and back in one piece,and then be able to make it to Vegas still.I've done the math,and so far it looks as though I'll still have the $$$ to come.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Bo, I'm not a big fan of flying but consider it a necessary evil, so many places I want to go, LOL. I know it won't be easy for you but think of it like this, at least you're not Jon and Kate and traveling with 8 (did you see the ep where they're all stuck on the plane and crying?). Once you get the kids settled in maybe you can try one of your favorite books on tape to distract you. I will most definitely be sending positive vibes your way. I'm sorry to hear about your hubby's grandma but happy to hear you can still make Vegas. (NT) -- Leiha , Wednesday, January 28, 04:16:47pm
  - Oh my gosh, 8 kids? I can barely carry all my own luggage, how did they manage? LOL I agree, thats a great idea about the book on tape....something comforting. (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, January 28, 04:26:15pm
    - The mom was a wreck by the end. Total meltdown on her part and they had friends traveling to help them even. (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 31, 12:45:35pm
  - I didn't see that one,but you have a great point,imagine handling yourself and 8 kids,EEK! I think I will bring a book & my mp3.I have 2,maybe I should bring both of them to occupy Brodie as well since he likes Mommy's music,LOL. (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:45:30am
- ((((hugs))))) Bo!!! You are not alone. I understand being afraid to fly. I can't imagine going thru what you did all those years ago. My flying story (funny but pathetic) might take your mind off things for a minute, so here it is: I flew for the first time when I was about 25, alone, to go to grandparents 50th. No one could go with me. I was afraid too. Mostly that something would happen (I'd pass out or whatever and no one would be there for me). So I talked to my doctor and she suggested something so simple (and funny). She told me to put my name, address, phone number, allergies and current meds on a note, fold it over, and pin it to my jacket. LOL. I actually did it. Like a freaking kindergartener. I also told the stewardess that I was very nervous about flying that day and she checked on me often during the flight. All went well, thank God. I didn't use the note for the return flight. LOL (I'll put more inside...) -- Robin, Wednesday, January 28, 04:22:44pm
  - Robin,thanks for the hugs & your story.It made me smile & laugh and I think that's part of it-having to accept that I am NOT in charge of what happens,LOL.I will most likely be praying the whole flight,the night before at the very least,seriously. (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:50:21am
- do you have an ipod? distraction is the best, get an audio book and tune out the world (NT) -- Lucy, Wednesday, January 28, 06:04:44pm
  - Yep,gonna bring it! (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:51:24am
- Big time hugs and positive thoughts heading your way. (NT) -- Ronlyn, Wednesday, January 28, 06:45:00pm
  - Thanks Ronlyn! (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:52:28am
- Bo, I'll be sending you all the positive karma & Prayers you'll need..*G* I'm also a panic flyer but never let it stop me from something I want to do!! I get on & go to sleep before takeoff & landing, just tell the DH that he's in charge of the kids once you get them settled...LOL & the ipod thing is a great Idea but I know you use it all the time anyway!! (NT) -- Łinda, Thursday, January 29, 08:23:47am
  - Thanks Lin! DH might have to be in charge,if I turn into a mess I can't think straight LOL.I'm hoping that once we takeoff I will feel a little better. (NT) -- Bo, Thursday, January 29, 11:56:18am
- Oh gosh, Bo, you certainly will be in my prayers. Lots of (((((((Bo)))))))'s. (NT) -- Frances, Thursday, January 29, 08:59:00pm
  - Thanks,Auntie Frannie! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, January 30, 10:22:28am
- GO SEE A THERAPIST! Seriously. You are describing flying phobia and it is very treatable. Go on the website (or call) your state's licensing board for psychologists and/or therapists and look for "referral service" or something similar. Avoidance, by the way, is pretty much guaranteed to increase the anxiety level and the severity of the phobia. Hence, not flying for 25 years = high avoidance = high level of fear/anxiety. Look for The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmund Bourne for more info. And yes, I'm a psychologist who specialises in anxiety (among other things) so here you go, professional consultation for free! 6 - 12 sessions would probably deal with this issue, most of the time. Not enough time before you have to get on the plane, but sometimes a couple of sessions can make a HUGE difference. No guarantees, but anxiety is (relatively) easy to treat. Hope this helps! Good luck! (NT) -- Rae, Saturday, January 31, 07:03:14pm
The Man Rules ... -- Judy, Friday, January 30, 12:56:05pm
I thought this was funny - we always hear the "rules" from the female side, but these are from the man's point of view. Notice that they're all Number 1 ... on purpose.

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaning about you leaving it down.

1. When we're working on the computer or watching sports, it doesn't mean we're mad at you or something is wrong.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: subtle hints do not work, strong hints do not work, obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said six months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after seven days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something OR tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know the best way to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did not need to ask for directions and neither do we.

1. Men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "Nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We'll know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight. But did you know we really don't mind that? It's like camping.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Judy, I showed these rules to my uber Alpha brother. His comment: "Yeah, that's right." LOLROF (NT) -- Auntie Frannie, Saturday, January 31, 11:55:09am
- LOVE IT. Its about time men had their say, right? (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 31, 01:17:23pm
Hi Beth2, No more snow! I thnk we have about 21 inches of snow today! And it still snowing! I can't get out of the driveway, the car doors are forzen.The snowplow hasn't done the back roads yet! Waiting for the a friend to do our driveway! I had enough!Didn't go to work today! I don't know about tomorrow. I need a vacation from winter. Any one eles? -- ann2, Thursday, January 29, 06:34:05am
[Edit]

Replies:
- We had a whopping 2 or 3 inches, but then a little ice came, so that wasn't too good, but I'm still ready for some more before its over!! Soon it will be hot and we'll all be saying, MAN ITS HOT. LOL Take care (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, January 29, 04:20:20pm
- Beth2, I'm so sorry for you; how can you stand it? They closed the schools here a week ago because it was too cold....12 degrees!!! Sheesh. I'm glad I live in the south because I'm a 'Temp Wuss'. Is that a word? (NT) -- BAM, Friday, January 30, 04:11:57pm
Vegas Booked! -- Nally, Friday, January 30, 10:10:09am
Ok im booked in Vegas. we will be there Feb 19-Feb 22. I know Rosy and Chris are locals, dont know who else! Would love to see anyone. Loved to do lunch and probably gonna book myself into that Red Rock spa maybe Friday as suggested!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Have fun Nally! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, January 30, 10:23:31am
- I'm so doggone envious!!!! Maybe some year I will get to go have fun with my sister ReBeLs. Take lots of pics to share! (NT) -- BAM, Friday, January 30, 04:06:24pm
Hey, ladies! -- Liz C., Tuesday, January 27, 07:58:48am
Just thought I'd post -- nothing interesting to say, sadly. I joined Facebook last week, so I've been hangin' with The Three L's -- Leiha, Linda & Lina. Gawd, somebody friend me . . . I'm so far out of date.

Anyhoo, nice wallpaper. And that birthday pic below. Hoo, boy . . . You guys sure know ow to pick 'em.

Love ya,
Liz

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Replies:
- LOL Don't feel bad Liz, I'm so far behind on the facebook stuff, it totally confuses me. But I'm trying too.. Good to see you around here. (NT) -- Łinda, Tuesday, January 27, 10:26:34am
- *waving* I friended you!! I have one of your books on my shelf & plan to 'treat' myself to it next. I'm finishing a library book right now. Ciao! (NT) -- Joey, Tuesday, January 27, 01:14:19pm
  - Thank you, my dear! I need all the friends I can get. :-) (NT) -- Liz C., Tuesday, January 27, 03:03:41pm
- Hi, Liz. Welcome to FB insanity, and thanks for adding me! It's nice to have a "friend" I actually kind of know, you know? :-) (NT) -- P.C. , Tuesday, January 27, 02:43:30pm
- Hi Liz! I friended you. I can't believe how active FB is. (NT) -- Auntie Frannie, Tuesday, January 27, 05:06:09pm
- LOL, you know it's trouble when the 3 Ls are involved! (NT) -- Leiha , Wednesday, January 28, 04:17:42pm
- I just sent you a request and I forward it to all of my author friends (NT) -- Lucy, Wednesday, January 28, 06:08:26pm

Releases.... -- Beaty, Monday, January 26, 07:09:18pm

January 27th Releases...

Dark of Night - Suzanne Brockmann
My Man, Michael - Lori Foster
Where the Heart Leads - Stephanie Laurens
Darkness Unknown - Alexis Morgan
What I Did for Love - Susan Elizabeth Phillips

[Edit]

Replies:

Woo hoo, there are some fabulous books coming out tomorrow! (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, January 26, 09:48:48pm
Omigosh! I didn't know the SEP was coming out already. Woo-hoo! Ciao! (NT) -- Joey, Tuesday, January 27, 01:14:59pm
- The new Madeline Hunter is out too! Oh happy day! (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, January 27, 07:57:32pm

Vegas!! -- Nally, Thursday, January 22, 07:07:47am
Long time no see ladies!! As much as i wanted to hold out until April this year to join the sleepover, it seems our trip as been pushed up to February. My MIL has gotten really bad over the past few months after having open heart surgery and suffering a stroke. So i have to be in Vegas in the next month instead of meeting you ladies in April. BooHOO! i really wanted to see you girls again. But oh well. So my question is..even though i have to do the family thing, a girl still needs a relaxing day to herself dont she?? So you ladies who know can you recommend me a nice spa or a place where i can get away with a book and myself for a day??

I know you girls will have a marvelous time and i'll wish i was there!!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Nally, Sorry about your MIL & that you won't be able to join us. As for the Spa the one at the Red Rock is GREAT & you get the use of all their facilities & Rosie works there so maybe you guys could get together for lunch or something or maybe ChrisMM & Rosie & you could get to do lunch. (NT) -- Łinda, Thursday, January 22, 10:20:33am
- Nally, I am so very sorry to hear your M-I-L is not doing as well as you might want. Hopefully, things will improve. As Linda said, the Spa at Red Rock was fabulous! They have a pool, a hottub etc all for your use all day, the day of your appointment, not just for the time of your appointment. It was fab! (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, January 22, 06:20:53pm
- Nally, sorry to hear that your MIL isn't doing well. You need to take care of yourself. (NT) -- Frances, Friday, January 23, 03:14:05am
- I'm sorry to hear about your MIL Nally and I'm also sorry we won't see you this year. I always have a great time with you! (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, January 26, 09:53:23pm
Hughies categories ... -- Judy, Sunday, January 25, 12:36:23pm
Hey gang - there have been some changes made to the Hughies Awards categories this year! We've added a category - "Favorite Erotica" - due to popular demand. :) We've also changed the wording on some of the categories - the word "Best" has been changed to "Favorite." So if you've started thinking about your list of fave 2008 romances - remember, the Hughies begin on February 7th - click on this link to see the list of Hughies categories:

Hughie Awards Categories

And here's the link again to the list of 2008 romance releases that appeared each month at the RBL Cafe:

2008 Romance Releases

PS - Remember, to get rid of the Yahoo ads, simply click on the >> in the upper right corner of the Web page.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Hi Judy! Question-Has the 'Best book you read in (YEAR) published before (YEAR)' been dropped/replaced with 'Favorite re-read instead? 'Cause I didn't see it anywhere,and I had about three I was going to nominate in that one,since they were all published before 2006,but last year was the first time I read them.I just ask b/c once again this year,my list is scary short,LOL.It has all the usual suspects,but still...*G* (NT) -- Bo, Sunday, January 25, 05:25:46pm
  - We went back and forth about this one Bo - and decided to try Favorite Re-Read this year. Let me "talk" to the committee and get back to you. (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, January 25, 06:37:16pm
    - Okay Bo - we have added that category back in addition to the new one - so you have Favorite Book Published Before 2008 (altho' you read it for the first time) AND Favorite Re-Read (a comfort read). (NT) -- Judy, Monday, January 26, 11:29:38am
      - WOOHOO! Thank you! Now I will have a slightly longer list,LOL.I was shocked when I put my list together,thinking I hadn't read much,but it's just that I read more 'old' stuff than new last year.*G* (NT) -- Bo, Monday, January 26, 05:06:28pm
- I haven't read much this year. I need to start reading more. As soon as I pick up a book I devour it. I just need to pick up more books, LOL. (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, January 26, 09:51:03pm
PC, i just finished Untamed. Throughly enjoyed it !! So. . . . when do we get Connors story? and will Wentworth have a story? please, please, i'll send chocolate! :-) -- SweetKiss, Saturday, January 24, 05:42:28pm
[Edit]

Replies:
- I'm so glad you liked it! YAY! Connor's story is next, but I can't guess at a release date yet, because I still have to finish NAKED EDGE. The title for Connor's story is DEFIANT (at least for now). And, YES, Wentworth gets his own book. He's one of my all-time favorite characters. I love being in his head. He's such a jerk! An anti-hero on his way to being a hero. I wish I had more info! Just send happy writing vibes that I can finish NAKED EDGE quickly. And thanks so much! (NT) -- P.C. , Saturday, January 24, 08:59:41pm
- YEAH !!!! "somewhere inside is a man fighting to get out" ;-) lol (NT) -- norma, Monday, January 26, 09:05:27am
  - Exactly! LOL! I see you finished UNTAMED. :-) (NT) -- P.C., Monday, January 26, 01:38:38pm
Name That Scene - Sunday -- Tammy, Saturday, January 24, 07:34:14pm
The knowledge made his smile slow and seductive. “Why don’t you walk out with us?” The corridors had been close to empty when he arrived, and he couldn’t hear any movement now. No way was he leaving sweet **** ***** alone in a building with winter darkness only an hour away at most.

“I’ll be out in a moment.” She began to gather the papers on her desk.

“We’ll wait.” He glanced at Bryan. “Can you wait?”

“Yep.” A sunny smile. “But I’m hungry.”

Reaching into the back pocket of his jeans, he pulled out a muesli bar he’d grabbed on his way here. “I got you this for the ride home.”

Bryan caught it with cat-quick reflexes and happily went off to scramble into a seat, backpack at his feet. Meanwhile, Ms. ***** was giving him a guarded kind of look. “Really Mr. *****—”

“****. You can only call me Mr. ***** when you’re angry.”

“Mr.—”

“*****.”

Her hand fisted. “Fine. *****.”

He smiled, liking that she was already comfortable enough to argue with him. Some women found him a little too dangerous to play with. And he very much wanted to play with *****. “Yes, Teach?”

He could hear her gritting her teeth.“I’ll be perfectly fine walking out alone. I do it every day of the week.”

He shrugged, enjoying the verbal sparring. “I’m here today.”

“And what you says goes?” Looking down, she shoved her papers into an untidy pile.

“Unless you can talk me out of it.” He saw her jaw set and knew she was gritting those human teeth again. All that beautiful passion, he thought in pleasure, hidden behind the shyness that had first stained her cheeks.

“And why should I be talking you out of anything?” She grabbed what looked like a black leather-synth satchel and put the papers inside. “You’re nobody to me.”

The cat didn’t like that. The man didn’t either. “That wasn’t very nice.”

[Edit]

Replies:
- Love this author. Lo-o-o-ve this series. MAJOR Hughie pick. How long is it til July (for the next instalment)? But I'm not giving it away so early.... (NT) -- Beth, Sunday, January 25, 12:28:53am
  - July? I thought it was June, in either case waaaaaaaaaay to long for the next one! (NT) -- Tammy, Sunday, January 25, 04:51:19am
  - Beth get back here & put it inside if you want but those of us that are impatient need to know NOW!!!*G* (NT) -- Łinda, Sunday, January 25, 09:38:17am
- aw please tell what it is..... I want more NOW!! LMAO (NT) -- Mandy, Sunday, January 25, 05:42:52am
- Nalini Singh - it was in an Anthology out late summer or early fall I think. Sorry, My books are packed from my move (still). (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 25, 02:13:31pm
  - OK, I think the anthology is The Magical Christmas Cat (I looked through Judy's Hughie list), but I don't remember the name of the story. (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 25, 02:19:06pm
- It is from the anthology - The Magical Christmas Cat and the story is by Nalini Singh - the story title is STROKE OF ENTICEMENT (NT) -- Tammy, Monday, January 26, 06:05:52am
Name That Scene - Saturday -- Tammy, Friday, January 23, 03:24:54pm
She pressed the riddle box against her cheek and closed her eyes. She could finally taste the trace of metal inside her head, but it was faint, faint, an ancient whisper like the brush of a brittle leaf.

Its age startled her, sent a rush of pressure into her gut. ***** rolled the metal inside her mind, listening to its sleepy secrets. Millennia old. Two millennia, maybe more. She felt breathless with awe.

What was that old woman thinking when she sold this to me? It’s priceless.

But ***** thought of the strange man, the old woman’s cryptic remarks and his behavior suddenly made sense. She cradled the small treasure in her palms, turning it over in her fingers as surely as her thoughts were turning, twisting. Yes, someone might very well kill for this or kidnap, assault. But why had the man waited until he thought ***** possessed the box? Why not go after the old woman if he suspected she had it? Surely she would be an easier target.

***** sighed. She could understand the old woman wanting to rid herself of the box if she thought it would cost her life, but the black market would have offered her more money than one yuan! It didn’t make sense.

***** tried opening the lid, but it was stuck fast. She studied the box, and smiled. A true riddle. It took her fifteen minutes of careful fiddling, using her instincts more than her eyes, but she finally found the two releases, set in an onyx claw and a silver leaf. Pressing them simultaneously with one hand, she unscrewed the box lid
and the earth moved.

Violent vertigo sent ***** reeling into the pillows, clutching her head. Scents overwhelmed: rich loam, sap, wood smoke. Some essence of a verdant forest, come alive inside her room. Darkness, everywhere, but her eyes were clenched shut; ***** was afraid to open them, scared she would no longer be in the hotel. Dorothy, transported to Oz. Her displacement felt that complete.

***** slowly became aware of the bedspread beneath her bare legs. The pillows, soft against her face. Silly imagination, she chided herself, and turned to look at the box.

It was no longer on the bed beside her.

Something in her stomach lurched, another premonition. She felt a ghost of movement, behind her, and she twisted
only to watch, dumbfounded, as sheer golden light spiraled through her room, shimmering in steep waves, a sunset palette of colors stroking air.

The light slowly took form, a gathering pressure of intense pinpricks. ***** blinked, and in that moment, the light coalesced. She felt thunder without sound, an impact to the air that lifted everything in the room, including herself.

The light disappeared, and in its place:

A man.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I know! I know! -- P.C. , Friday, January 23, 09:18:52pm
  - I also know, PC! Great series. I had to look up the name, though, as my brain is mush. -- Beth, Saturday, January 24, 12:28:43am
  - I guessed it too. Whoohoo! The cover was awesome. Thus speaketh the art teacher. (NT) -- Auntie Frannie, Saturday, January 24, 06:41:26am
  - Very good ladies! I was just starting to re-read the series when I realized it was my turn for NTS. Have to make the next one harder I quess. (NT) -- Tammy, Saturday, January 24, 08:04:20am
- She's such a fantasic author. Love her voice! (NT) -- Patrice Michelle, Saturday, January 24, 12:17:55pm
- This is one of my favorite books for shapeshifters, and definitely my favorite in this series. (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, January 24, 07:26:25pm
-- Beaty, Tuesday, January 20, 02:51:04am

Happy Birthday, Libby!
Hope your day is fabulous!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Happy Birthdya Libby! Have a wonderful Day!!!!! (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, January 20, 06:30:33am
- Happy Birthday Libby! Phew that guy is hot! (NT) -- Mandy, Tuesday, January 20, 06:50:22am
- Thanks! :) So far it's been a great day!! (NT) -- Libby, Tuesday, January 20, 08:34:49am
- Hi Libby - Have a happy, happy birthday! (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, January 20, 11:13:11am
- Happy Birthday Libby. Glad it's been a good day for you. (NT) -- Frances, Tuesday, January 20, 02:19:37pm
- Libby, Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!! (NT) -- Łinda, Tuesday, January 20, 06:23:09pm
- holy Hannah. Happy Birthday Libby! (NT) -- Lucy, Friday, January 23, 01:52:59pm
- Have a wonderful birthday and year ahead!! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 24, 06:15:08pm
thanks alot PC. its all your fault! I have things to do. I have a house to clean. a quilt to finish. laundry to do. but NOOOOO, i started reading Surrender and now i can't put it down ! and i have Untamed sitting on the table to read next. !!! nothing is going to get done now. hrumph. -- norma, Thursday, January 22, 11:45:27am
[Edit]

Replies:
- Hi, Norma! I wish I could say I'm sorry for the fact you can't get any housework done, but I'm not. *g* Instead, I'm thrilled that you're enjoying the books. YAY! That makes my day. Thanks for letting me know. :-) (NT) -- P.C. , Thursday, January 22, 07:31:21pm
- best historical, you'll ever read!!! (NT) -- Lucy, Friday, January 23, 01:52:00pm
  - Wow, Lucy, really??? Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! (NT) -- P.C., Saturday, January 24, 07:52:40am
-- Beaty, Sunday, January 18, 08:19:16pm

Happy Birthday, Debbie D!
One of your favorite men.... *G*
Have a great one!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Happy Birthday Debbie!!!!!! -- Mia, Sunday, January 18, 09:25:07pm
  - Happy Birthday Debbie! (NT) -- Lynda/WA, Sunday, January 18, 09:35:50pm
  - Me too! Supposed to be another awesome K-con! (NT) -- Debbie_D, Monday, January 19, 09:58:12am
  - oops LOL (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, January 20, 06:29:59am
- Hope your day is WONDERFUL!!! (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, January 19, 01:21:46am
- Have a FABULOUS birthday!! (NT) -- Robin , Monday, January 19, 05:46:15am
- Hey Debbie - Hope you had a great birthday! (NT) -- Judy, Monday, January 19, 06:35:46am
- Wohoo! Thanks ladies! and Nathan.... yummy (NT) -- Debbie_D, Monday, January 19, 07:22:28am
- Happy Birthday, DebbieD!! And best wishes for the whole year. Ciao! (NT) -- Joey, Monday, January 19, 11:45:20am
- ::Slurp:: Happy Birthday, Debbie! Enjoy your special day! (NT) -- P.C. , Monday, January 19, 11:52:30am
- Happy Birthday Debbie! Hope the whole year is wonderful. (NT) -- Frances, Monday, January 19, 03:47:13pm
- Debbie I hope that your day is as fabulous as you are! (NT) -- Leiha , Monday, January 19, 05:20:14pm
- Happy birthday, Debbie! Hope you had a great day! (NT) -- Bonnie Vanak, Monday, January 19, 08:30:44pm
- Thanks lasses! Hubby brought me a dozen roses and cooked dinner for me (and cleaned the kitchen after) What more could a girl as for? (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, January 20, 06:34:36am
- Hope you had a wonderful day! (NT) -- Lucy, Friday, January 23, 01:53:54pm
Peaking out of Lurking for a moment -- Gabmar, Wednesday, January 21, 05:55:21am
Happy New Year Ladies! Happy birthday to all the January ladies! Just coming up for a little air to, of course, ask a favor. My little first grader's class is doing a Valentine's Day project. They would like family and friends to send in a card so they can chart it on the classroom map. We have done this twice before and it is a FUN project. If any of you ladies would like to participate, just email and I'll send the address. One thing the sender has to do is write how you know Isabel. May I suggest, her mother "book club". That's how Isabel "knows" all of you.
As for reading, it's just educational texts for the next 15 weeks. However, I will be purchasing the next Dream hunter book in the next week or so... I wish that was required reading. Sherrilyn makes early western civilization so much more interesting. Take care

[Edit]

Replies:
- Hi Gabmar. Good to see you back. (NT) -- Frances, Wednesday, January 21, 07:01:03am
- Hey lady, it's GREAT to "see" you!! Sure enjoyed spending time with you in Oct. Wish we could have spent more time together. (NT) -- Łinda, Wednesday, January 21, 08:22:12am
- Hey Gabmar - great to see you posting! And I'll email you and will be glad to send a card for your daughter's project. (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, January 21, 06:54:00pm
- Hi Gabmar, is it a world map? If so would you like a card from Hong Kong? My son is in grade one this year and he could send one to your daughter if you would like? (NT) -- Joanie xx, Thursday, January 22, 06:36:42am
  - It's not a world map but they will expand as needed! Our Canadian relatives sent cards for Joey and the kids loved it. Send me an email and I'll have Isabel write him back! (NT) -- Gabmar, Thursday, January 22, 01:41:21pm
Auctioning off an entire set of my Egyptian books to raise money for a homeless family -- Bonnie Vanak, Monday, January 19, 08:34:24pm
Hi all, just a quick note to let you know about the auction going on at Romantic Inks, organized by author Gemma Halliday. She's raising money to help a homeless teen and her unemployed mom, who were evicted from their apartment.

I am donating an entire set of my Egyptian-set historicals, from The Falcon and the Dove to The Scorpion and the Seducer. Autographed.

Here's the link to bid

http://romanticinks.com/auction/category/books/page/2/

Please check out all the great items up for bid, and if you're inclined, bid away! It's a great cause.

Thanks.

Bonnie Vanak
The Lady and the Libertine, April 2009
http://www.bonnievanak.com

[Edit]

Replies:
- This is great! Thanks for the info. Hope ya'll raise lotes of money to help them. (NT) -- Debbie_D, Tuesday, January 20, 06:32:13am
- That's wonderful Bonnie. Good luck on raising lots of money for a worthy cause. (NT) -- Frances, Tuesday, January 20, 02:21:19pm
It's been warmer all week where Beaty lives in Montana, then where I live in Virginia. That is just WRONG! -- Ann , Sunday, January 18, 07:12:07am
To make up for that, I think Beaty should send me one of her lovely, warm afghans so I can be warm while I read and snuggle with my kitty on my couch. *lol*

It was 10 degrees yesterday when I woke up, so I stayed in bed and finished reading STAR BRIGHT the newest Catherine Anderson. I enjoyed it. I usually enjoy her books and most are keepers for me, although every now and then, I have a "WHAT?!?!" moment when reading her. Not in this book though. *g*

Before that, I finished CRY WOLF by Patricia Briggs. It's shifters, and not really romance at all, although there is a slowly developing relationship between the 2 main characters. The set up for CW happens in her novella ALPHA AND OMEGA in the anthology ON THE PROWL. You can read CW without reading AaO, but it'll probably take you a while to realize why Anna and Charles react and behave to each other the way they do. Unless you LOVE puzzles, read Alpha and Omega first. *g*

I'm listening to Catherine Coulter's HEMLOCK BAY while I commute to work. I really enjoy er FBI series. Not romance but again, relationship driven, and usually, a couple meets during the course of the story and wind up together in a HEA at the end of the story. I find that I like to listen to these books over reading them, but I can't really say why.

I also prefer to to listen to Kathy Reichs books too. But I know why for this series. The heroine works partially in Quebec (where French is the preferred language) and partially in NC. Not all the books have action in Quebec, for those that do, I have to wade through the French, followed by the English translation while I read. SO much easier to just listen to it all. *lol*

The first 2 books take place entirely in Quebec, so you can imagine the amount of French.... I fell in love with the series anyway, but as soon as I found them in audio book, I stopped actually reading them.

So for those who listen to audio books, so you have authors you prefer to listen to, over reading the books? I'm not taking about listening to the In Death books because you love the reader and how she makes all the characters come to life, but rather, the feeling of "if I had to read this in print, I'd never get through it".

Ann

[Edit]

Replies:
- Hi Ann !! It HAS been cold here. Our niece's pipes in her laundry room froze a little and she couldn't get the washer to work until they thawed them out. I'm waiting for some snow to go along with the cold :)~ And while I do like listening to books on CD in the car (It makes me drive slower for some reason) the last one I listened to was The Celestine Prophecy. I find that self help books, instructional books or inspirational CDs are good for commuting, but I don't like having a romance book on tape to listen to in the car and then come in the house and I can't finish it, so to speak, until tomorrow. I only like one book at a time going, so that just hasn't worked for me. I haven't tried any E books yet either....(I'm slow to catch on to the new fangled stuff :) (NT) -- Robin , Sunday, January 18, 07:35:06am
- I am so with you on this. I rather listen to all the Laurell K Hamilton books than to read them & there are a few others that escape me at the moment.*G* Robin I know what you mean about driving slower. LOL I think its cause the slower you drive the longer you get to listen to your book.. At least for me thats it. Also it took me a while to do the e-book thing, but now if it comes in e-format that is the way I want it. I had to read a real book recently & it was hard due to the print size...(damn old age!) LOL (NT) -- Łinda, Sunday, January 18, 09:21:53am
  - Linda, I get 'dry eye' from too much computer work, and was thinking that an ebook on an Ereader would be worse for my eyes, but you are saying its better?? I know what you mean about print size, I picked up a book the other day out of my TBR stack and put it back cuz I just didn't feel like dealing with the small print. LOL (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 18, 12:27:34pm
    - Robin, the ones that have e-ink, no backlight are just like reading a book. No eye strain. Try one out & I bet you'll be just like me...*G* (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, January 19, 09:21:40am
- ::snort:: Coming off of a month of below zero weather, I don't need to be hearing any complaints about this beautiful weather! About 10 days ago it rained and then froze overnight. Until yesterday I was commuting at 35 mph on our ice rinks called highways. I mean that literally. People were ice skating on the highway because the ice was that perfect for skating. I finally melted yesterday. As to the afghan - what color would you like? I do have a couple just laying here waiting to be claimed. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, January 18, 12:12:26pm
  - Riesi adn I discussed it (because you know who really runs the house) and blue, green, grey, purple, brown or black by themselves or in any combination will work for us. *lol* (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 18, 04:30:35pm
- Warmer there than here in PA? Alrighty Ms Beaty which fairy or being did you bribe? It's been a long two weeks of cold and snow here, and this week it's gotten even colder, around -10 to about 10 above. Me want that fairy or whatever's name and amount of the bribe! (NT) -- Tammy, Sunday, January 18, 01:02:42pm
  - HI Tammy It is cold here today in bulter pa around 7 degrees, i think we have about 17 inches of snow! Send some hot weather this way! (NT) -- ann2, Monday, January 19, 08:37:02pm
- I was that way (having to listen to) the first 5-7 books of James Patterson's Alex Cross books. I simply could NOT get through them in print. Now I am so vested in the series, I do okay. I'm currently reading the latest Artemis Fowl book. Does anyone else read this series? I absolutely love it, even though it is written for kids. Ciao! (NT) -- Joey, Monday, January 19, 11:48:02am
The Hughies are coming, the Hughies are coming! -- Judy, Saturday, January 17, 11:45:41am
The 2008 Hughies nominations process will begin on February 7th!

For any newbies out there, the Hughies began in 1998! They are the annual awards that RBL Romantica gives to our favorite books, authors, and characters from the previous year. First we have a week to nominate all that we want. Then we have a week to vote from among the top three nominations in each category to determine the winners.

We also name a Diva of Romance - this is an author who has published romance for at least ten years and has at least ten books to her credit, and who is recognized by all romance readers as a leader in the genre. Selection of the Diva is based solely on the number of nominations an author receives. Last year, the first year we did this, the RBL Romantica Diva of Romance was Nora Roberts.

To help you get started thinking back over the books published last year, I have created a Web page listing all of the releases that appeared each month at the RBL Cafe. Here is the direct link:

2008 Romance Book Releases

If you are interested in checking out previous years' winners, here is the direct link to our Hughies pages:

RBL Romantica Hughies

The Hughies are only three weeks away - so start thinking about those books that you loved last year!

PS - Remember, to get rid of those annoying Yahoo ads at the side of the Web pages, just click on the >>.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Hi Judy. I've been looking over the list of releases and wondered if you had missed a couple that I think are worthy of listing as I tend to use this list to help with my hughie choices. I am thinking of Shadow Music by Julie Garwood and King of Sword and Sky by CL Wilson (NT) -- Chez, Monday, January 19, 05:24:47pm
  - I checked the Garwood - it's release was 2007 (altho' the paperback came out in 2008, we've always gone by the original publication date). I added the CL Wilson book to the September paranormal list, using Amazon as a reference for release month and subject matter since I wasn't familiar with the book myself. If anyone does find any other books missing from the list of 2008 releases, please do let me know ! It's very easy to add them, and I'm glad to do it. (NT) -- Judy, Monday, January 19, 05:45:16pm
I'm getting ready to make dinner... -- Ronlyn, Saturday, January 17, 02:41:03pm
for Leiha & Maggie & Debbie O and maybe if Leiha can talk her into ditching her other plans, Nancy!
How fun is tonight going to be??
The gumbo will be ready, hopefully by 5 when everyone arrives. WOO HOO!!!

[Edit]

Replies:
- I'm soooo envious! Sharing time (and food) with RBLs is always one of my favorite things. Much, much fun, talking, & laughing will be happening at Ronlyn's house tonight. (NT) -- , Saturday, January 17, 08:09:35pm
- I'm jealous too! I hope you chicks have a great time! (NT) -- P.C., Saturday, January 17, 09:06:39pm
- OMG, dinner was fabulous! The gumbo was awesome! The company was fabulous. I didn't even realize until Debbie and I walked out we didn't even talk books. I know we talked for 4 hours and somehow kept ourselves entertained, LOL. It was a fabulous evening and I know I said it the last time I met her kids but they are so fantastic. I'm in love with her little boys, LOL. (NT) -- Leiha , Saturday, January 17, 10:14:15pm
  - LMAO! I realized the same thing right after everyone left! LOL. We sure did a lot of talking though. ;-) And Sammy has told me repeatedly, "It was nice to have your friends over." LOL (NT) -- Ronlyn, Saturday, January 17, 10:26:17pm
    - I was just telling Nancy about our night and how much Alex loved me, I must say I was a little sad he didn't cry when I left, LOL. Hug Sammy for me. He can come over for a play date any time! Nancy needs friends. (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 17, 10:56:20pm
      - *snort* he doesn't cry when I leave, so I'd have been upset had he cried when you guys left! LOL. We'll have to plan a gtg for Nancy and Sammy. And, now that I'm one of your GPS "favorites" don't be a stranger. (NT) -- Ronlyn, Sunday, January 18, 09:17:31am
  - Dinner was fabulous, indeed, and I enjoyed it very much. Ronlyn is an excellent cook. If only I could go backwards in time like Benjamin Button. Then I'd probably be about the right age when Sammy grows up. He's going to be a heartbreaker! We may not have talked books but we did talk Vegas so that almost counts. Can't wait to see those pictures, Ms. Leiha. Thanks again, Ronlyn! (NT) -- maggie, Sunday, January 18, 03:14:48pm
- I so wish I was there to enjoy being with my RBL sisters!! Glad to hear ya'll are getting together. (NT) -- Łinda, Sunday, January 18, 02:10:07am
- Dinner was indeed wonderful and if the adults didn't talk books there were book cases filled with very familiar titles, and she has many book cases. I did spend some time with some books and a couple very adorable little boys. Thank you Ronlyn for a wonderful evening and sorry about leaving you with such a mess and you still had small children to put to bed.It was great food and great fun. (NT) -- debbie o, Sunday, January 18, 06:25:14pm
- Oh! Jealous!! I wanna come... both for the food and the friends. Hope ya'll had a good time. It sounds like yummy fun! (NT) -- Joey, Monday, January 19, 11:49:14am
  - Joey, you need to think about coming to Vegas this year too... It's our 10th annv. PLEASE try!!! (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, January 19, 05:00:50pm
NAME THAT SCENE -- Robin, Sunday, January 18, 07:22:31am
It wasn’t every day a guy saw a headless beaver marching down the side of a road, not even in D__’s larger-than-life world. “Son of a . . .” D___ slammed on the brakes of his brand new Auston Martin Vanquish and pulled over in front of her.

The beaver marched right past, her big flat tail bouncing in the gravel, and her small, sharp nose stuck up in the air. Way up. The beaver looked highly pissed.

She was definitely a girl beaver because her beaver head was missing, revealing sweaty, dark hair pulled into a short, scraggly ponytail. He’d been praying for a little distraction from his own depressing company, so he threw open the door and stepped out onto the shoulder of the Colorado road. His newest pair of Dolce & Gabbana boots emerged first, followed by the rest of him, all six feet three inches of steely muscle, razor-sharp reflexes, and unsurpassed gorgeousness . . . or at least that’s what his press agent liked to say. Still, it was pretty much true, although D___ didn’t have nearly as much personal vanity as he let people believe. But emphasizing the superficial was a good way to keep people from getting any closer than he wanted them to be.

“Uh, ma'am . . . you need some help?”

Her paws didn’t break rhythm. “You got a gun?”

“Not with me.”

“Then I’ve got no use for you.”

On she marched.

He grinned and set off after her. With his extra-long legs and her shorter, furry ones, it took just a few steps to catch up. “Nice day,” he said. “A little warmer than I’m used to for May, but I’m not complaining.”

She hit him with a pair of grape lollipop eyes, one of the few curvy things about her. Most of the rest of her came to sharp angles and delicate points, from a set of fragile bladed cheekbones, to a petite, arrow-tipped nose, to a chin keen enough to cut glass. But after that, things got dicey. A razor-edged bow marked the center of a wide and startlingly plump top lip. Her bottom lip was even fuller, giving him the disconcerting feeling that she’d somehow escaped from an X-rated nursery rhyme.

“An actor,” she said with the trace of a sneer. “Just my luck.”

“What makes you think I’m an actor?”

“You’re prettier than my girlfriends”

“It’s a curse.”

“You’re not even embarrassed?”

“Some things you have to accept about yourself.”

“Brother. . .” She gave a grunt of disgust.

“Names Heath,” he said as she picked up the pace. "Heath Champion.”

“Sounds phony.”

It was, but not in the way she meant.

“What do you need a gun for?” D___ asked.

“Murder an old lover.”

“Is he the one who picked out your wardrobe?”

[Edit]

Replies:
- No way anyone who's ever read this would forget the way this couple meet! A great book to make you laugh and cry (pretty much sums up everything by this author). And it's early, so I won't give it away, except to say this books a real 'Star'! (NT) -- Beth, Sunday, January 18, 07:43:42am
- This was the first book I ever read of hers. Made me literally LOL. -- Ronlyn, Sunday, January 18, 09:19:20am
- You both get a gold star....and I figured it would be easy for some of us.....Hopefully it will, er, PEAK anyones interest who maybe hasn't read this.....I had a grin on my face from page 1 of this book!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 18, 12:24:41pm
  - I have no ides what this is but it does PEAK my interest. (NT) -- CindyO, Sunday, January 18, 01:16:07pm
    - It's NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (NT) -- Robin , Monday, January 19, 05:47:24am
- I knew the author but couldn't remember the book. I really enjoyed this one. (NT) -- Leiha , Sunday, January 18, 04:35:11pm
- love this book-its one of my favorites!!!!!!!!!! SEP!!! (NT) -- Lucy, Sunday, January 18, 04:45:49pm
- I knew this one from the first sentence - one of the most memorable opening sentences in literature, right up there with "It was the best of times ..." in my opinion! LOL! I loved this book! (NT) -- Judy, Monday, January 19, 06:26:23am
  - I remember seeing her (SEP) speak and she talked about how she had this scene in her head. I just laughed!! It is a fabulous book. Ciao! (NT) -- Joey, Monday, January 19, 11:44:41am
Thanks Leiha and Bonnie Vanak! -- Lynda/WA, Sunday, January 18, 03:07:38pm
Just wanted to thank Leiha and Bonnie Vanak. You both posted about interview/book giveaways. Leiha about Dianna Love's interview. Bonnie about Emily Bryan being interviews by her at Bonnie's own page, Being Bonnie Vanak. I won both books under my other name! Thank You!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Quick, go buy a lottery ticket Lynda!! *lol* Congratulations. (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 18, 04:33:04pm
- That's awesome Lynda! Congratulations! (NT) -- Leiha , Sunday, January 18, 04:33:25pm
- You're most welcome, Lynda. Hey, if you give me lottery numbers, I'll buy you a ticket and we can split it, lol. Emily is a good friend, and it was a pleasure to host her for my blog. I'm glad an RBL'er won. Yay! (NT) -- Bonnie Vanak, Sunday, January 18, 04:55:45pm
Good friends, good food and good times! -- Leiha , Thursday, January 15, 08:00:39pm
It's the time of year again, time to start planning the RBL Sleepover. For those of you who don't know, this is RBL's annual get together in Las Vegas. This year will be the 10th anniversary and we want to celebrate in style. If you've never been, it's a wonderful time with your girlfriends. When you're not off checking out the town or lounging by the pool you're in RBL Central talking your favorite books. Oh, to be able to talk books with other bookies is heavenly. And then there's the evenings, Cleopatra's Barge, the lounge bar at Bally's and OG's are some of our faves. The restuarants in Vegas can't be beat. My absolute favorite is Bally's Champagne Brunch on Sundays (make sure you don't fly out til after that) but there is also the bakery at the Paris hotel, Nobu's and Spagos just to name a very few. This year they'll be having a spa day and let's not forget Olympic Gardens. We haven't been there in a few years. Time to check in with the boys. Here's some pictures from Sleepovers past.

Those coming that I know of:
Linda W
Ann
Debbie O
Rosie
Chris MM
Bo
Nancy
Judy
Lory
Barb
Leiha

Those who are thinking about coming:
Linda T
Su
Lina
Nes
Maggie

I hope that the list grows. If you're thinking about coming you should, you'll make memories of a lifetime and feel even closer to the women you meet. I've made lifelong friendships on RBL and at the Sleepover and it's really a special time.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I wish, I wish, I wish .... really I do wish I could go (NT) -- Chez, Friday, January 16, 02:39:30am
  - I wish also Chez! One day we shall meet! (NT) -- Leiha, Friday, January 16, 08:42:10am
- I'm with Chez on this one..... I really wish I could go, I was trying to work around it, but I have two students for projects and they won't be done so I can't go *sobs* I really wanted to meet all of you! (NT) -- Mandy, Friday, January 16, 05:55:11am
  - That's a bummer Mandy. Luckily the sleepover is every year so hopefully you can make it in the future. Good luck with your projects! (NT) -- Leiha, Friday, January 16, 08:44:29am
- Which weekend in April is it? (NT) -- P.C., Friday, January 16, 08:59:50am
  - PC it would be wonderful if you could make it! (NT) -- Leiha, Friday, January 16, 11:30:25am
    - I'm seriously considering it! For the first time, I don't have kids at home who need to get to school. It would ROCK to see y'all again! (NT) -- P.C., Friday, January 16, 11:41:20am
      - I SO hope you can come!!! THAT would ROCK!!! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, January 16, 05:54:35pm
- Leiha, Thanks so much for doing the slideshow for us. It sure beings back WONDERFUL memories & shows how much fun we've had over the years.. This year it's from Wed. April 22 to Sunday April 26. Though some are coming in on the 21 & leaving on the 27th. There are others who are coming on Friday so its not locked into an exact time frame. We do want everyone there for the group pic on Friday & to exchange frames on Saturday afternoon.*G* We'll take any of you when ever you can come!!*G* (NT) -- Łinda, Friday, January 16, 09:18:07am
- Check out the Vegas board if you are planning to go to Vegas!` (NT) -- Łinda, Friday, January 16, 09:32:29am
- Hello!!!!! How come Sandra and I are not on EITHER of those lists? And we should be on the first one. Just saying..... (NT) -- Beaty, Saturday, January 17, 04:23:01am
  - Yep add Sandra & Beaty to the coming for sure list & Kandy too...*G* (NT) -- Łinda, Saturday, January 17, 07:28:42am
    - D'oh! I knew the list looked too short! Sowwie Beaty. (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 17, 10:12:03pm
- Who is that bad girl with a CIGARETTE??? Not ME? Exactly WHY is that picture in there? Hmph. That's what happens when you get around friends, too much tequila, and mostly naked men. Oh yeah. NOW I remember why I like Vegas so much. LOL! Yep, I'm seriously considering it. Anybody need a roomate? (NT) -- maggie, Saturday, January 17, 12:06:23pm
  - Maggie, I love that pic of you. We had a blast that night! Mich, you made my week, maybe my month! It would be awesome to see you again sweetie, especially since I don't know when I'll make it east again. I'm going to count your maybe as a yes, LOL. I need to think positive! (NT) -- Leiha, Saturday, January 17, 10:10:51pm
- I just LOVE a celebrating Anniversaries--let me see if I can move things around so I can come too! (NT) -- Mich "-), Saturday, January 17, 04:01:22pm
  - Just in case you missed it, I posted under Maggie's post for you also. I'm ecstatic that you're thinking about joining us Mich! Love you! (NT) -- Leiha , Sunday, January 18, 04:37:52pm
I think this is one of my favorite wallpapers !!!!!! -- norma, Sunday, January 18, 02:35:52pm
love it !

.

[Edit]
Spoiler board looks spammed -- Lynda/WA, Sunday, January 18, 12:54:50am
I was just over at the spoiler board and it looks spammed! I was actually looking for the top 100 archives. Where'd they go?

[Edit]

Replies:
- Thanks Lynda, I have now activated the captchas on both the spoiler board & the Vegas board. There were over 200 spam hits at the spoiler board. (NT) -- Łinda, Sunday, January 18, 02:08:31am
  - Doggone nasty little spammers!! Thanks for clearing things up Linda and keeping us going!! ((((((hugs))))) (NT) -- Robin , Sunday, January 18, 07:36:40am
- Good question Lynda! It took me a while to find them - but all of the Top Hundreds, going back to 1999, are now linked to the 2007 Top Hundred at the RBL Cafe. Just go to the Cafe, click on Internet Girl, and then on RBL Top Hundred. Thanks for bringing this up - it was definitely an oversight on my part when I programmed the newest list! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, January 18, 05:01:28am
NAME THAT SCENE -- Robin, Saturday, January 17, 05:31:12am
“How come we’re doing all the work, and you’re just directing?”

S____ glanced at his friend D____ – better known as Havoc when he’d competed – and he grinned. “Both you dumb asses owe me, that’s why.” As one of the very best trainers in the SBC fighting biz, S____ had taken D____ to the top until D____ retired to open his own gym.

To Gregor, who held up the back end of the king size mattress, S____ said, “Slow down. You’re knocking Havoc over.”

“Havoc is a pu$$y.”

Quietly ornery, D____ planted his feet, throwing off Gregor’s forward momentum and causing him to lose his balance, and the hold on the mattress. It dropped to the floor and Gregor nearly fell on his face.

Before things got out of hand, S____ unlocked the front door and stepped into the condo he shared with Bonnie. “Leave that in the hall until we get the old mattress out of here.”

“A new mattress,” D____ said around a chuckle. “Helluva way to celebrate five years with a woman.”

“Yeah Sublime,” Gregor said, using S____’s fighting name, though S____ had given up fighting a few years back to manage fighters instead. “If you’ve worn out the mattress, don’t you think you ought to go ahead and make it all legal?”

Acknowledging the sexual reference with a smile, S____ said, “We’re waiting for the right time,” as he led the way to the bedroom. He didn’t add that the “right time” had come and gone more than once. For whatever reason, S____ always balked at the idea of tying himself down legally, emotionally, and officially. Not that he wanted anyone other than Bonnie; he was a one-woman man, through and through. Bonnie met all his needs, especially in the bedroom. And they got along well.

But still...

As usual, Bonnie had everything neat and tidy, with the bed made, the room well dusted, and all clutter put away. He really enjoyed her tendency toward neatness, given he was a bit of a neat freak himself.

S____ scooped the designer comforter and matching pillows off the bed and put them on a nearby chair. “Grab that side, Havoc, and we can move the mattress into the hallway.”

Gregor took the opportunity to look around the large room with curiosity. “Jacki ain’t much for housekeeping,” he mentioned. “But then, I’m not either.” He leveled a look on D____. “And making the bed is pointless, since –”

“Shut up, Gregor.”

S____ grinned. Ever since Gregor had married D____’s sister, he’d had a great time ribbing D____. And D____, who used to claim he wasn’t a protective brother at all, always took the bait.

Ignoring his friends’ knowing grins, D____ hefted his end up. “Eve is orderly, but not in an obsessive way.”

“You’ve both found your perfect counterparts.” The best part, from S____’s perspective, was that the women didn’t fuss when D____ and Gregor had to spend months away, Gregor to fight and D____ to play corner man. Now that D____ had his own gym, they could do most of their training in town, but there were still extended trips out of the country to occasionally train with other camps. Variety added a lot to a fighter’s repertoire. And then there was the endless promotion, finagling sponsors, and autographing events.

As icing on the cake, the wives enjoyed the sport, even if they didn’t understand it. Not only did they not get in the way, they offered positive encouragement.

As they eased the old lumpy mattress to the side of the bed, several photos fell out to the floor. D____ froze, leaving S____ to balance the heavy mattress.

Gregor bent to pick up the shots. “What’s this? You stashing porno, Sublime? Bonnie will have your head if she finds out you –”

The words dropped away.

Expression arrested, Gregor looked up from the photos. Anger tinged his obvious shock.

S____ frowned at him. “I’m too old to hide porno under the mattress, you ass.” He set his side of the mattress onto the floor, leaving the bed only partially askew.

“Yeah, uh...” Tight-faced, Gregor pulled at his ear in uncertainty.

Finding his reaction more than curious, S____ stared at him. “What is it, Gregor?”

“Well...” Gregor looked at D____ as if seeking assistance.

“You look ill, damn it.” With an awful foreboding, S____ strode toward him. “Hand them here.”

Gregor took a quick step back.

D____ said softly, “Wait, S____.”

“Wait for what?” He reached for the photos again, and Gregor dared to hold them above his head.

“S____,” Gregor murmured in miserable warning, “maybe you should –”

“Knock the shit out of you for playing games?” Sick dread crept through S____. “Damn right. Now hand. Them. Over.”

Because Gregor was such an enormous freak of nature, standing six and a half feet tall and weighing in at over two hundred and fifty pounds – all of it rock-solid, rippling muscle – few men ever confronted him. The twining of wicked tattoos around colossal biceps also offered discouragement to most.

But if S____ had to take the photos from Gregor, they both knew he could.

Rather than oblige S____, Gregor looked to D____ for guidance.

D____ said, “Go ahead and give them to him.”

[Edit]

Replies:
- HA! I have no idea, but I like the name of Gregor's lover! (NT) -- BONNIE Vanak, Saturday, January 17, 06:35:44am
- Oh man, I know I have read this, but cannot remember, been too long. (NT) -- Susie , Saturday, January 17, 07:45:25am
  - It's Lori Foster, I'm pretty sure. (NT) -- Susie, again, Saturday, January 17, 07:46:09am
    - Lori Foster is the one that sprang to my mind. But I haven't read all of her SBC ones - definitely not this one. Liking the sound. though! (NT) -- Beth, Saturday, January 17, 11:27:18pm
      - Yes, its SIMON SAYS, and I have enjoyed all three of the SBC books by Lori Foster, can't wait for the next one! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 18, 07:19:31am
HI! It's freezing in bulter pa 3 degree's cold. With the wind chill below 20 below zero.So I'm glad I'm off tomorrow! We still have about 12 inches of snow at my place.I'm so ready for summer. I hate this cold weather. Now reading nicole jordan- ecstasy ! So far so good! The nortorious seris. What's everyone been reading and doing, Is it warm any where? Where you live? Send it my way, I could use the warm weather!More snow this week! Ugh! -- ann2, Friday, January 16, 05:41:29pm
[Edit]

Replies:
- ann2 just finished Star Bright by Catherine Anderson -- CindyO, Friday, January 16, 08:10:19pm
- um, it was 75ş today . . . . . (NT) -- norma, Friday, January 16, 10:43:24pm
- Sorry your weather is so bad, it was 65-70 today here in N. Calif. I'm reading Suite 606 anthology it's pretty good. (NT) -- Łinda, Saturday, January 17, 02:53:12am
- It's COLD in Florida - in the 30s last night - but bright sunshine has already warmed us into the mid-50s. However, my dh is in waaaaay northern New York State cross-country skiing - wind chills in the minuses! (NT) -- Judy, Saturday, January 17, 11:19:38am
  - You didn't just say 30's!!!. It was -38C in Ottawa last night--freeze your nostrils as you step outside--cold!!!!! (NT) -- Lucy, Saturday, January 17, 02:24:18pm
- Hi ann2, it's stinking hot here, about 39c and I would love a nice deep freeze. I'm melting. Currently reading the latest Lara Adrian which is great. (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, January 17, 07:11:25pm
What do you do when you're really kinda shy -- Chez, Friday, January 16, 02:48:24am
I've bit the bullet and decided to go to the Australian Romance Readers convention being held in Melbourne next month and now I'm freaking out scared.

Of course I chickened and am only going for one day, but this is a big step for shy little me. Despite seeming to have a mouth the size of some smuggling cavern, in person I can be the one trying to morph with the wallpaper and this is a huge step cause I'm going on my own, not knowing a soul. Told you no one around here seems to read romance like I do and if they do, they're not prepared to pay out the stosh at the moment for a convention. Still I really wanted to go and see Sherrilyn Kenyon and Diana Love and MaryJanice Davidson and Susan Grant and Keri Arthur and Stephanie Laurens. (There are more, but I can't be fagged trying to remember who they are). I'm even prepared to drag my Acheron book down there with a few other choice darlings to get signed. I've worked out that I can train it down and back in the day and spend the day at the convention, but then I thought ... what the heck am I doing, I wont know a soul.

So I'm here to ask, are these conventions like a sort of "in crowd" type situation and will I feel like heading back for the station at a fast clip, or are they a touch more welcoming to unknowns?

[Edit]

Replies:
- Oh, Chez. You are going to have a wonderful time. Suck it up girl and smile at everyone. If they smile back, you have a victim, err friend. Ask them about : 1) what they write/read. 2) their childre/grandchildren. No way can you lose. LOL (NT) -- Auntie Frannie (dispensing advice worth exactly what it costs you.), Friday, January 16, 04:40:16am
- Chez, all you have to do is start talking about your favorite authors and you'll have instant friends all around you! Conventions are the BEST place to go and make new friends...one who love to read romance as much as you do. Who knows, maybe you'll get to form a reading group out of the ladies you meet. You'll have a blast! :) (NT) -- Patrice Michelle, Friday, January 16, 07:33:49am
- Chez - You're so lucky - make the most of this chance! You'll make friends instantly because, even tho' you're all different in so many ways, you have the love of romance reading as a bond. I've met people who are now lifelong friends by going to conventions like this and to the Vegas sleepover. Be sure to tell the authors that you're a ReBeL from RBL Romantica - I'll bet several of them will recognize your name! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, January 16, 07:40:45am
- Chez, just standing in line you will make friends. It's a community of like minded women, just like RBL. We all love romances! Sherri, Dianna and Susan are RBLers so tell them you're from RBL. With Dianna tell her I said Hi and I'm still waiting for my polo shirt, LOL. Get lots of pics also. Our secret when we're at conventions is hanging out at the bar. That's where all the authors are, LOL. Just remember, the authors are as excited to meet you as you are them. You're going to have a wonderful time! (NT) -- Leiha , Friday, January 16, 08:41:34am
- Hi, Chez — First, let me say how much I wish I were going to be there! There are so many wonderful Aussie readers/booksellers/authors that I wish I could meet in person. But, second, I'm very much like you. If I'm playing "journalist," I can talk to anyone. If I'm just myself, I'm very shy. I found that having my own room at the conventions and being able to retreat to that room helped me. Plus, people are right. If you talk about books, you can't go wrong. Just smile, hold out your hand, introduce yourself and start asking folks what they read or write. And, believe me, we authors LOVE to meet people who LOVE what we write. Talking to your fave authors will be really exciting. And don't be shy with them. YOU'RE the celeb in their eyes. (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, January 16, 08:58:40am
- Chez, All the above is perfect advice!!! You won't go wrong & will have a BALL!!! Susan Grant is from here (where I live) & she's very friendly, everyone is I've never been to a convention or book signing that wasn't just GREAT!! Have fun & be sure to mention RBL, you'll be surprised at the authors who know about this site.*G* (NT) -- Łinda, Friday, January 16, 09:28:27am
- Oh,Chez,I am just the same-loud as can be on here,etc.,but I shrink from strangers.Everyone's already given you great advice,I second all that! Once you start talking books there is an instant connection! Have loads of fun and take lots of pics!!!! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, January 16, 11:34:33am
- Listen, hon, you're going to have a blast! Remember, the best way to meet an author is to walk up to her and say, "I LOVE your work!" You'll have a new friend at once. And, with any luck, there'll be other fans standing around who'll join right in, and next thing you know, there'll be a whole new group of friends. Be your sweet self - and enjoy it. Attend some of the seminars, ask a question or two, grab that empty chair at the luncheon... and let us know how much fun you had when you get home again! (NT) -- Merry, Friday, January 16, 03:00:12pm
- Hi Chez! I know the feeling, at my first convention, I was a bit scared as I'm really shy in crowds, but you'll have a great time! There's plenty of people who are so friendly and open at romance conventions, and you'll be in great company. I hope you have a wonderful time! (NT) -- Bonnie Vanak, Saturday, January 17, 06:39:30am
- Thanks ladies. I will definitely mention RBL and I just didn't want to miss out on a convention about books that I adore. I actually just want to meet and chat to some people who know what the heck I'm talking about and have a few book conversations. Thanks for your support. (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, January 17, 07:05:52pm
Emily Bryan guest blogs and gives away a free book -- Bonnie Vanak, Saturday, January 17, 06:42:27am
Historical author Emily Bryan is the guest on my blog today and she's giving away a copy of her upcoming February release, VEXING THE VISCOUNT.

To enter to win, just leave a comment. One winner will be selected tomorrow.

Here's the link to my blog. http://www.bonnievanak.blogspot.com/

Happy reading!

Bonne 8)

[Edit]

Replies:
- On my way over... (NT) -- P.C., Saturday, January 17, 11:42:16am
Has anyone read Janet Evanovich's "Plum Spooky" yet and what did you think about it? I'm wondering if it's worth the one hour drive to the closest bookstore...Thanks! -- BAM, Thursday, January 15, 06:31:57am
[Edit]

Replies:
- BAM - I haven't heard anything about it yet - but I did see it for sale at Publix. (NT) -- Judy, Friday, January 16, 07:42:40am
- I bought it at 40% off but haven't cracked it open yet.... (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 17, 05:20:10am
Dianna Love Snell is guest blogging -- Leiha , Friday, January 16, 11:28:41am
www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com

And she's giving away a copy of Phantom in the Night and Dead After Dark to two winners drawn from the posts. Just thought I would let you all know. We all love our books but it's even better when it's free!

[Edit]

Replies:
- I love Dianna! *going to the blog* (NT) -- Debbie_D, Friday, January 16, 01:02:26pm

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