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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"!

"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.

• -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 28, 07:56:59pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Happy Birthday to you, Chez!
  How can you do Christmas without snow?
  And a very Happy New Year, too!
  Hope it's great!
  

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  • Snow? Who cares about snow? LOL Happy Birthday Chez (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 29, 02:32:42pm
  • Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 29, 03:57:49pm
  • Happy belated birthday Chez! Sorry I am late and I hope your day was wonderful. (NT) -- Sandra, Friday, December 30, 08:45:27am
  • Thank you so much, he looks scrumptious lol. Had a lovely day with the family. Thank you all (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 31, 03:11:55am

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• Ticket prices, Movies, and empty hampers (oh my!) -- Robin, Friday, December 30, 01:33:16pm
  The floors are mopped, the bathrooms are clean, both clothes hampers are just about empty and the dishwasher will be run/emptied tonight. We are ready for our weekend company.
  
  Only thing left to do is maybe throw some pumpkin bread in the oven and cook some brown rice and veggies (I like to have that on hand so that if I want to have a snack, I won't dive for the potato chips or cookies -- and they are great sides to go with anything (not the chips/cookies, but the rice and veggies) :)
  
  We have our niece and her two toddlers coming for the weekend. We always spend New Years Eve together, and have since she was a teenager. Then it became her and a friend or two, then over the years it changed to her and her boyfriend, then he turned into a husband and now they have two kids! He has to work though, but her sister in law may come instead.
  
  We play games, eat, watch movies, laugh, eat, watch the ball drop on tv, eat - you get the idea.
  
  Then on New Years Day, my dh fixes a BIG pancake breakfast here and we sit around moaning after stuffing ourselves. Should be fun. :)
  
  Anyone else have plans? Gonna party? Gonna play it low key?
  
  I would still like to go see WE BOUGHT A ZOO with my other niece, but don't know if I can fit it in this weekend or not. We did manage to see Sherlock Holmes the week before Christmas and it was pretty good.
  
  And oh yeah, what happened to matinee's? Used to be before 6pm, you got a cheap ticket. NOW, its before 11:55 am for a cheap ticket. Then a mid-day ticket price til 3:55pm and then regular prices after that. Sheesh! Like they don't earn enough on the popcorn!
  
  Anyhow, No matter what you do for New Years, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a prosperous and healthy and blessed New Year ahead!!
  
  Robin
  

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  • Sounds like fun Robin, NYE is my daughters birthday so I've been going to her house for years to eat, snack & play games. It's a quiet night & I usually leave about 10 or 11 to come home & wake the DH up to say Happy New Years.*G* (NT) -- , Friday, December 30, 11:37:50pm

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• Merry Christmas to my ReBeL friends! -- Judy, Sunday, December 25, 08:12:38pm
  I hope you all are having as nice a Christmas Day as I have had. I was able to spend present opening time with the grandboys and dinner at my sister's. I had planned to do the dinner, but was hospitalized again for a few days last week, so my sister stepped in and made the meal. And my dh picked strawberries (yes, we can do that already here in FL) to have on top of cheesecake for dessert. Then the dh and I came home and watched Jean Shepard's "A Christmas Story" - such a cute and funny movie!
  
  Some of you may have read below that my seven-year-old grandson had informed his dad that he didn't believe in Santa (or the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy) anymore. Well, he decided to hedge his bets and left an elaborate handmade card for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Here's the note in the card (notice how he got his full name in there two times):
  
  "Dear Santa! From: Merritt Rice
  I have bene exster good this year. Can you plesy give me a new DSIxl rmre.
  Love, Merritt Rice
  I Love you Santa!"
  
  I do love the spelling - we figured out that rmre means armor - it's a Nerf cover for the hand-held DSI game.
  
  Then, when they were outside testing Santa's gift - remote controlled monster trucks - he spied pieces of carrot and carrot tops in the driveway. He turned to his dad and said, "See, Daddy, see?" and shook his head up and down as if all were proven to be true. He never mentioned the fact that Santa didn't give him the gift he requested (he already has one in good shape), and played with his monster truck almost all day.
  
  I'm in total agreement with Bo and Merry - I'd just as soon forget 2011 (at least most of it) and am looking forward to a healthier 2012. And I also wish all of my ReBeL friends a healthy and happy New Year!
  

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  • That is so cute... Gotta love a kid who hedges his bets! (NT) -- Merry, Monday, December 26, 11:41:15am
  • Fresh strawberries on the cheesecake! Wow, YUM YUM YUM. Sounds like it was a great holiday. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 27, 02:07:02pm
  • Beyond sweet! Kids always manager to make us smile. I pray that 2012 will be a banner year for you, and everyone here at RBL! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:43:34pm
  • LOL Judy, as you I'm sure know I had NO PROBLEM reading the note & saw nothing wrong with the spelling..*EG* Hope everyone has a GREAT NY!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 29, 04:15:47pm

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• Merry Merry! Christmas that is -- Beaty, Sunday, December 25, 08:50:42am
  To all my friends - lurkers and posters - far and near - Merry Christmas from my house to yours.
  
  I hope 2012 treats you even better than what you experienced in 2011. Enjoy your family and friends to the mostest - 2011 showed me that they will not always be there, so treasure every moment. Create many memories. Just Enjoy!
  
  Cyber Hugs to all!
  
  
  

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  • Thanks Beaty! You too. By the way. I ordered Robyn Carr's Virgin River book about COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS that just came out in Nov 2011. The plot is one of my faves. I haven't read ANY of these books yet...do you think I'll be missing out too much?? I wanted to try the series, but the first book doesn't appeal to me so I didn't....I know I'm not supposed to read out of turn, and like in the IN DEATH books, its the back stories that are so RICH with secondary characters and all that, but is this series the same way?? (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 27, 02:05:55pm
    • Robin...DO NOT read "Come Home For Christmas" first. In my opinion...and I ADORE the VR series...but this book sucked! It was a huge disappointment to me. I thought I liked the plot...but the heroine is almost engaged to another guy at the start of the book, and I felt she didn't properly end that relationship before she got frisky with ther hero. If you started with this one...you might build your framework for the whole series after this book...and you just can't...because this book shouldn't even be a part of the series IMHO. The first book of the series...starts off very slow...and you'll want to put it down...but keep reading...stick to it...and you will love it...and each book after just brings that town alive. (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:40:47pm
      • Okay Heather, you convinced me. I ordered it from the library, so its not a problem to send it back....thanks for your input! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 28, 05:27:47pm
        • Hey, Robin! I'm about half way through "Come Home for Christmas" and I don't totally agree with Heather. I love this series - very traditional romance. I really enjoy watching the town grow. It's a "too good to be true" feeling, but then traditional romance has that feeling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And - in order to watch the town grow correctly - you must read them in order. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 28, 06:11:24pm
          • Thanks Beaty for your input too! Okay, I can decide if I want to read this book when I get to it in numbered order, right? LOL (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 29, 02:35:04pm
  • And back at you Beaty! (((HUGS))) (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:44:16pm

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• A belated Merry Christmas to all! -- maggie, Tuesday, December 27, 10:57:32pm
  I'm glad to hear everyone is more or less in one piece and enjoyed the holidays. I had a very nice, very busy few days and now I will sit down and digest - literally - all the excitement. Bee fed me delicious clam chowder on Christmas Eve, and then yesterday we went to see Sherlock Holmes and went to dinner and had fabulous food. Now it's time to diet!
  
  Here's hoping 2012 brings much happiness to all so that this time next year we can all say what a great year it's been!
  

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• I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and hope you spend a wonderful time with your family and friends! I have been MIA for a long time but will try for a long post soon! Hugs! -- SusanZ., Saturday, December 24, 03:15:38pm
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  • Susan! Good to see you again - will look forward to hearing about how you're doing and any trips you've taken around Europe! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, December 25, 07:48:26pm

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• Merry from Merry! -- Merry, Saturday, December 24, 04:57:39pm
  Just swinging by to wish everyone a big, happy holiday.... Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Joyous Solstice! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah (nothing like being right on time....) too!
  
  I'm tempted to go along with Bo on 2012 - pfui on this year... I swear nothing has gone right around here since the middle of August, from a fall at work to vertigo that put me in the ER, to a bad reaction to a medication that has left me half-crippled and housebound for the last couple months. But I've graduated to wheels on my walker, my very bad foot-drop has returned to near normal, and I'm on track to be able to try stairs, maybe, next week. After all, now I can sort-of step up on a six-inch exercise step... A 7-inch step cannot be far away, now. Send out those RBL vibes for more patience and stamina, please!?
  
  Been reading a LOT lately, but can't seem to concentrate for long on anything. But I just received a copy of Jade Lee's *Wicked Seduction*, so that trend may be changing for the better - thanks, Jade!
  
  Oh, and I have a question about our wallpaper hunk... doesn't the fur on that hat tickle??????
  

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• Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!! -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 06:58:50am
  Hi all.Hope everyone is done (or mostly) with the Christmas crazies and ready to actually enjoy it.I have a few last-minute things to buy/do today,and have to work a half day tomorrow,and then I can relax.I've been meaning to post for a few days,but life just gets the better of me all the time.I've had it with this year.F*CK 2011.I've had way too many people I love and care about either pass away or get seriously injured.Add a couple more,now.Hubby's 89 yr old Grandma passed away on the 13th.She was a sweet,funny lady and will be missed.I have fond memories of playing cards with her,just talking with her,or even listening (while trying and failing to keep a straight face)to her argue with someone,which usually ended up in her saying 'Uh-huh.And you $hit,too!' in a decisive tone that effectively ended the argument.She slayed me with that.Then my husband cut right through his pinky tendons the other night while cutting up some chicken for dinner,so we had to go to the ER and spent close to 12 hrs there at the hospital while they did the surgery immediately,pretty much.So now he will be a house-hubby for a while so it can heal.Never fear,Nurse Ratched is here.But the doc said the surgery went great so that's a relief.
  
  Kiddos are doing okay,although the boy has been very belligerent for about a week,and only cleaned up his act a couple days ago.Too bad for him that Santa DID notice and decided not to buy a couple things on that list.I'm a Scrooge like that.Plus I remember being a jacka$$ to my Mom one year shortly before Christmas,and she took everything back except a much needed new coat.It worked,I never acted up like that around Christmas again,and I still remember it about 25 years later,so there you go.Little girl has been pretty good and will get what she wanted.
  
  Haven't had time to read much,in fact,I still have a couple books waiting that I bought with last years gift card LOL.Hopefully I'll get to those right after Christmas.What I have read has mostly been from my autobuys.One thing I love about the last book in a series is when you are about halfway through it,or even close to finished,and you can sit back and marvel at this turn or twist of events and go 'Wow!!! How did they do that?' when you KNOW it was not planned from the beginning because the first story did not even HAVE the character that links it with the last one.I know I'm not making any sense *G* but it always amazes me to see this happen,for it to all work out and be woven together so flawlessly.
  
  Anyways,here's hoping your Christmas is beautiful and bright with family and friends.I miss my Mom like crazy & always will,but I am starting to celebrate her life in small ways,rather than dwell on her death.I got a cake on her b-day a few weeks ago and we each made a wish for her.I tell funny stories of her to my kids when they ask or even if something strikes me and I remember,and it comforts all of us and keeps her close in our hearts.
  

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  • ((((Bo))))) I've missed seeing you here! Sorry to hear about your husbands mishap, but glad he is okay!!!! I didn't have the best 2011 either but I know 2012 will be so much better!!! This week I bought a Snoopy dog that stands up and dances when you press the button on his hand and he dances like James Brown almost, to the snoopy dance song for Christmas. It is so funny and cute. I liked it, and then thought "Do I really need more stuff like this when I have so much I don't even put out anymore?" But then I turned it on again in the store and liked it still and then it hit my as to WHY. It reminded me of my mom. We used to tease her about doing the "snoopy dance" so I got it - and It makes me smile to think of her dancing with Snoopy. We gotta have those fond memories that we can share of our loved ones, it makes the holidays seem more full somehow. Have a GREAT Christmas and New Year too!! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, December 23, 01:40:32pm
  • Bo good to see you here! I always miss when your not around. Glad the DH is going to be OK & that your getting through the holidays with good thoughts. I totally agree with you about the boy being bad!! They have to learn that Santa does pay attention.*G* Have a GREAT holiday! (NT) -- , Friday, December 23, 09:45:39pm

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• Holiday check-in -- Robin, Wednesday, December 21, 07:19:55pm
  How's everyone doing?
  
  I still haven't baked. I guess the good folks at the local grocery will be helping me out. LOL.
  
  Over the weekend I did manage to clean the house, get a few last minute gifts, go to church, go to dinner and see Sherlock Holmes 2 (love Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law together!) with my Aunt. So it was a good weekend.
  
  Started to do a 're-read' of an iconic book that was so awesome to me when I first read it about 10 years ago. Now? I'm not getting into it. Not sure why. Maybe I need to STOP doing so many re-reads and start some new books where I'm surprised by what is going to happen?
  
  I usually LOVE my re-reads because they are a comfort. AND since its the busy holiday season, if I happen to get busy and not pick the book up for a few days, I still know where I am without having to go back and catch up. You know what I mean?
  
  Do you do re-reads during the holidays? Are you able to read at all?
  
  Guess thats about it for an update....
  
  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and happy new year too!
  
  (((Hugs)))
  Robin
  

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  • I really don't do many rereads, Robin. I have too many books sitting on my TBR shelf to spend very much time on rereads. I figure I'll have reread time after I retire. I've kept all of the books I enjoyed so I can do just that. I think I'll have to live till I'm 100 in order to enjoy them all. Of course, since I'm not going to remember the books I read 20 years ago anyway it'll be like reading new books instead. *G* Have a great holiday, Robin. (NT) -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 21, 08:20:42pm
  • Me to I just don't have the time to re-read. I read so slow to begin with that I don't dare take the time to read them a second time.*G* I'm ready for the holidays & here's wishing everyone a GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 22, 06:59:08pm
  • I don't have time to read right now,but I do know what you mean,it's easier to keep track of an oldie but goodie you've already read,than to try and keep track of something new that you're still processing.I like Beaty's idea about them being like new books many years later *G* My baking will consist of using my Pillsbury cookie coupon and trying to slice the dough I manage not to eat into nice neat little circles *G* (NT) -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 07:13:57am
    • Hahahhah, Bo, you sound like me! Viva la' Pillsbury! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, December 23, 01:32:05pm

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• -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 21, 08:11:49pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Holidays & Happy Birthday, Su!
  Hope it's wonderful!
  

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  • Lots of mistletoe for you Su! Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 22, 03:39:12pm
  • Hope you have a TERRIFIC DAY!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 22, 06:54:33pm
  • Happy birthday Su! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 06:05:26am

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, December 18, 06:58:45am
  
  
  
  
  Have a great one, DebbieH!
  

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  • Hi Debbie H - Have a fun-filled day! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, December 18, 05:51:15pm
  • Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, December 19, 02:24:31pm
  • Hope you had a GREAT DAY!! (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, December 19, 04:33:04pm
  • HAVE A VERU HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :D (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, December 19, 09:50:24pm

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• The last few weeks have been insane. My husband had a hip replacement in 2004 which went very well, and was scheduled for the other hip today. But we got a call from our primary doctor that during the surgeon's pre-admission testing they found a "problem". That was on a Thursday, they made us wait to see him on a Monday to tell us from 2004 to now he'd had a heart attack! Dr. sent hubby to cardiologist a week later and the following day (this past Tuesday) they did a catharization. Seems he had a "silent heart attack" - something quite common and NOT painful. BUT he wouldn't need stents OR open heart surgery because his heart grew NEW vessels around he damaged portion of the heart. This IS quite RARE. So they put him on a medication and will review in 30 days. In the meantime they'd cancelled his hip surgery and had to reschedule for Dec. 29. I wanted to let you know to be alert to your body. Sometimes "strange" things can happen. -- Diane, Thursday, December 15, 04:42:49pm
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  • Sorry to hear this, but glad he is okay! Wow, the human body is amazing!! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 15, 05:55:24pm
  • Diane - This is the second time I've heard of silent heart attacks - a friend's husband was also told he'd had at least one of them. Really scary! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 16, 08:12:59pm
    • We've learned a great deal in the last few weeks. When we tell people that he "grew" new vessels they think we are joking. But they are called collateral vessels and sometimes they simply "turn on" and take over. From what I understand science is trying to "replicate" that with things like stem cell research, etc. He also surprised the doctor with his cholesterol - 150. In addition to THESE very "strange" events - there are several more - I'll fill you in after his hip surgery. (NT) -- Diane, Saturday, December 17, 08:26:17am
  • WOW Thanks Diane, I'd never heard of such a thing. This group has always shared things with us & it's nice cause I can't tell you the different things we've learned over the years from each other sharing so many things we've picked up one way or another. Again THANK YOU for the info!! (NT) -- , Saturday, December 17, 11:27:32pm

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• 2012 is shaping up nicely! -- Robin, Wednesday, December 14, 03:26:15pm
  Whew hoo! 2011 is going out with a bang and 2012 and is looking good!
  
  In December, we get the new SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 movie and I BOUGHT A ZOO movie. I want to see both and haven't been out to the movies in so long, I've forgotten how to wait in line.
  
  In January 2012, we get the ONE FOR THE MONEY movie. AND my brother is coming home for a visit for the first time since our Mom passed in 5 years ago. I did see him in Arizona in 2009 for a family reunion, but it will be nice to have him home for a visit too.
  
  In February 2012, we get RAINSHADOWN ROAD from Lisa Kleypas and I can't wait. If you want to read an excerpt: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/
  
  (Yes, I'm one of Lisa's Diva's!)
  
  Anything that you are looking forward to either for Dec 2011 or the beginning of 2012?
  
  Robin
  

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  • I'm looking forward to Eloisa James's THE DUKE IS MINE at the end of December - and, stretching it a little, JD Robb's CELEBRITY IN DEATH in February. I'd love to see the Stephanie Plum movie, but can't go out to places like theaters yet - so will have to wait for the DVD. (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:29:32pm
    • Hey Judy what about a Drive-in? Do you guys have any left there. We have one still home here in Sac. I'm looking for most of the same things you guys are looking forward to. I just went to see New Years Eve & it was surprisingly good even had a kind of surprise ending!*G* (NT) -- , Wednesday, December 14, 10:51:53pm
      • No drive-in nearby that I know of - surprising, since this is FL and it could be open year round. I did get a DVD of "The Help" today - I read the book and loved it, and have read great things about the acting in the movie. My son took me shopping this afternoon - we hit Kohl's, Target, and WalMart and finished all the shopping for the boys. It was a beautiful day and I was glad to get out in it! (NT) -- Judy, Thursday, December 15, 03:59:13pm
        • And the 7 year-old did tell his dad that he doesn't believe in Santa anymore - he has decided that it's family members who give the presents. He also figures that all the other "special people" - Easter Bunny, tooth fairy, etc. - are family too. And, of course, his 5 year-old brother was there listening and taking this all in. Kinda' sad. However, they're still getting their "big" gift from Santa this year at least. :) (NT) -- Judy, Thursday, December 15, 04:05:30pm
          • If they dress up for Halloween, you'll still have that at least! LOL. Glad you got out to go shopping. Awesome! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 15, 05:57:26pm
          • I told my kids that if they didn't want to believe in Santa etc then they quit getting gifts & candy so that pretty much shut them up.. LOL (NT) -- , Saturday, December 17, 02:26:43pm

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• Having issues with the board -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:31:04pm
  So I have tried to post my promised book list but it really does not want to post. I keep getting internal server errors.
  

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  • Looks like it posted below, Louisa. Thanks for doing this for us. I've read and really enjoyed some of Joey W Hill's erotica. Some of that is m/m. Have you read her? (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, December 06, 07:43:45pm
    • I've not heard of her, but I am always happy to add another rec to my list. Thanks! (NT) -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 11:15:13pm
      • I can't believe I'm going to beat Beaty to the punch: NATURAL LAW -- you must read Natural Law. (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:30:41pm
        • Found like a dozen books with that title. Who is the author? (NT) -- Louisa, Thursday, December 08, 01:29:45pm
          • The NATURAL LAW Ann is talking about is by Joey W Hill - the author I mentioned above. One of the BEST erotica books I've ever read. (NT) -- Beaty, Thursday, December 08, 06:57:44pm
            • Thanks. Checked it out at Goodreads and it looks very good. Will have to get it asap. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, December 10, 07:32:18am
        • What Ann said about Natural Law. It is one of my all-time favorite books. I LOVE me some Joey Hill. (NT) -- maggie, Friday, December 16, 05:24:25pm

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• -- Beaty, Saturday, December 10, 10:00:59pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Sherrilyn!
  Have a great one!
  

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  • Happy Birthday Sherri!! (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:53:06pm
  • Happy Birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 05:05:02am
  • Hope it was a GREAT DAY! Sorry I'm late. (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 10:38:22am
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRILYN!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, December 12, 06:09:29pm
  • Sherrilyn - Happy belated birthday - hope you had a great day! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:44:53pm

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• Hi Everyone, long time no see. -- Chez, Sunday, December 11, 12:00:45am
  Well, it's been a while since I've posted, but I look in every now and again. This year has been a bit of an Annus Horribilus like the Queen had a few years ago. Lots of little crappy things happening and taking up most of my time. Aging parents with many health issues and a busy business and family means that I feel pulled in so many directions.
  
  I've missed many birthdays ... so Happy Birthday to everyone and may you have received a gorgeous naughty piccie to celebrate.
  
  I've still managed to fit in a fair bit of reading and must admit that I have been logging them on Goodreads so I can remember just what I have read and tag ones I want to keep an eye out for. It's a great resource for this as it's free (I love me a good FREE). Still love my paranormals and urban fantasy books, but throw in a touch of historical when I see one from a favourite author.
  
  You know what I never see much of anymore .. medievals. I miss them a bit. I went back and did a reread of some Julie Garwood favourites.
  
  Anyhow, just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope next year is blissfully happy and full of good cheer for each and everyone of you.
  

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  • Hey Lady! Sorry to hear that you've been having a rough go of it. I hope 2012 is lots better for you! I've looked at Good reads but I just log my stuff on a plain old Excel spreadsheet and that seems to work for me. There ARE medievasls out there but you just have to look for them. They are my fave time period! Take care and thanks for stopping by. (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 05:04:37am
  • I remember signing up for Goodreads, but I haven't kept it up. I use an excel spreadsheet so I can keep up with my list on my ipod. Wonderful to see you! Happy Holidays to you and yours. (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, December 11, 10:12:08am
  • Chez, Great to see you. I know what you mean about busy with family health issues, I'm still lucky to have my parents & their over all health is OK but some of their issues take me to help & trying to keep their appointments, my DH & my own is quite a feat.*G* But I'll take that any day!! Good to see you pop out of lurk mode. I also miss some of the mid-evils, seems like the publishers think we can only like one period or genre at a time. LOL (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 07:43:47pm
  • Hey Chez - Great to see you posting. I'm sorry to hear you've had a tough go lately - hopefully 2012 will bring happy days. I agree about missing medievals - I re-read Garwood's too, and Jo Beverley's, Denise Domning's, Jane Feather's (my faves), Madeline Hunter's (also faves), Anita Mills' (great series), and Elizabeth Lowell's. Now that you've got me remembering these terrific series, I'm going to have to get out some re-reads! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:43:12pm

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, December 11, 07:44:18am
  
  
  
  
  I'm a day early since I'm out of town tomorrow on business.
  This is a bit of a naughty Santa.
  Enjoy him! *G*
  Happy Birthday, Lynda/WA!
  

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  • Hope you have a TERRIFIC DAY!! (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 10:36:10am
  • Lynda/WA, enjoy your special birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 07:12:09pm
  • Lynda - Hope your birthday was terrific! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:30:45pm

  ---

• Quick holiday survey! -- Robin, Thursday, December 08, 01:48:35pm
  Lets do a quick survey:
  
  1. #1 Christmas romance book you like to read over each year (or one that you can't wait to get your hands on this year).
  
  2. #1 Christmas themed movie you can't wait to see each year.
  
  3. #1 decoration that you always put out, and it wouldn't be Christmas without it.
  
  4. #1 Baked good you can't wait to make/share/buy/eat this Christmas.
  
  5. #1 Christmas themed CD that you like to listen to in order to get in the mood for the holidays.
  
  Here are my answers:
  
  1. Home for the Holidays by Johanna Lindsay (who doesn't want to spend a little holiday time with James Mallory?)
  
  2. It's a Wonderful Life
  
  3. Scooby Doo Candy Jar that talks like Scooby when you get candy out. My mom gave it to me along with a Scooby Doo charm for my charm bracelet one year and it means so much to me.
  
  4. I love making (and eating) pumpkin bread!
  
  5. Vince Guiraldi trio (Theme from Peanuts Christmas).
  
  Now its your turn! Go!
  
  Robin
  

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  • The Enchanted Christmas Cat (?) It's an anthology probably from 2006 or 2007 -my favorite is the Nalini Singh Changling story. Movie is BATCHELOR MOTHER with Ginger Rodgers and David Nivens; my russian stacking santas - I can't even BEGIN to spell the correct name for them *g*And my leaded chrystal tree that I light a tea light candle behind the tree - the light refracts through the chrystal tree and looks awesome. Shortbread. Any Trans Siberian Orchestra CD - they rock! (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, December 08, 07:58:31pm
  • 1) Any Mary Balogh Christmas story ...2) A Charlie Brown Christmas ... 3)Collection of creches ... 4) Grandmother's soft sugar cookies ... 5)Harry Belafonte 33rpm hi-fi record from the '50s! Great question ideas, Robin! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 04:36:17pm
  • The Christmas Brides L L Miller - The Polar Express- M giant stuffed Chihuahua that sings 'Felice Navidad' - Pumpkin Any thing - mostly a song...LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Friday, December 09, 09:43:10pm
  • 1. Fates Edge by Ilona Andrews (I don't have one I reread). 2. White Christmas 3. Quilted JOY banner made by my mother. 4. Plum Pudding with Brandy Custard and Ice Cream. 5. Carols by the Crooners, it was a cheapie, but has all the Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, etc. ones. Love it. (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:52:39pm
  • 1. Here Comes Santa Claus by Sandra Hill, Kate Holmes and Trish Jensen . Scrooge with George C. Scott3. Christmas Bear that reads Night Before Christmas 4. Grandchildren’s Sugar Cookies 5. Carol of the Bells by the Trans Siberian Orchestra (NT) -- CindyO, Monday, December 12, 03:19:42am

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• -- Beaty, Tuesday, December 06, 07:50:02pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Krissy!
  Hope it's wonderful!
  

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  • Hope your birthday is special, Krissy! (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:59:09pm
  • Krissy, hope you have a WONDERFUL DAY, full of love & happiness!! (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 10:16:29pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY Krissy! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:47:04am
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISSY!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, December 07, 08:41:41pm
  • Super late, but Happy Birthday Krissy (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:53:45pm

  ---

• What I have been reading.... -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:03:27pm
  So here is the list I promised of some of the books I have enjoyed reading in the last couple of years. I will keep it as short as I can and just go with my absolute favourites.
  
  Before reading further, please be aware that all of these books are male/male gay romances, so if they are not your cup of tea feel free to skip. If you are open to the idea and looking for a change then here goes.
  
  Conquest by S J Frost
  Rock stars and drama and comes with a great sequel in the form of No Fear.
  
  The Soccer Field is Empty by Mark Roeder
  Technically this is a young adult/coming of age story rather than a romance. It is also one of a series, although out of the whole series, this is probably the only one that stands on its own. I am also of the firm opinion that this should be required reading at any school where prejudice still lingers. Read it with tissues handy.
  
  Love Jamie & Love Grant by A K M Miles
  Two books with two of the sweetest heroes you can imagine.
  
  Quinn's Heart by Cassandra Gold
  Another one with a sweet hero and set in Disneyland Florida, so makes me want a vacation there every time I read it.
  
  Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
  Australian football and the prejudices within the sport made for a great read, even for someone like me, who has no interest in sports at all.
  
  The Boy Next Door by G A Hauser
  Another first love story, though the ending was a little abrupt for my liking.
  
  Breathe by Sloan Parker
  Get the tissues ready if you read this one too.
  
  Razor Burn by Scott and Scott
  A good mystery to this one as well as the romance and it has some great plot twists in it.
  
  Strawberries for Desert by Marie Sexton
  Opposites attract in this story that makes you look twice at stereotypes.
  
  The Little Boy Lost series by J P Barnaby
  The first book is Enlightened and it is another first love, coming of age story. (Yes another - are you spotting a pattern here?) There are four books out so far and the fifth is out in January with a sixth to follow in April. Not sure if that is all of the series or not but it is certainly keeping my interest.
  
  Past Lies by Shayla Kersten
  Worth the read just for the reactions of the mothers of the two heroes at the end.
  
  For funny and light reads then anything written by Ethan Day. If I am feeling down and need something to cheer me up this is the author I go to first.
  
  If anyone is interested in any of these then you can either ask me here or visit my Goodreads bookshelf. This is the link to where they are sorted by rating.
  
  http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4744394?page=2&sort=rating
  
  All the books listed above are on the first four pages of the list. See, I did keep it shorter than I could have. According to my stats there are 68 total books rated with 5 stars on it. :-)
  

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  • Have you ever read TA Chase, or JL Langly? If you like AKM Miles, you should like TA Chase and/or Langly. (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:43:30pm
    • Read T.A. Chase's Tabloid Star series. J L Langly is an author I have heard about but not read anything by yet. Better bump her up my list. :-) (NT) -- Louisa, Thursday, December 08, 01:25:54pm
      • Her "with/without" series is a favorite of mine. Also Laura Baumbach. (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, December 08, 08:01:33pm
        • Laura is another one I have heard of but not read yet. So many authors so little time. Since I am relatively new to the genre (only a couple of years) there are many in that category. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, December 10, 07:33:38am

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• New version of SURRENDER out now -- P.C. , Wednesday, December 07, 09:27:04pm
  Hi, y'all,
  
  It has been a while since I've been here. Things have been busy, as always, and I've been racing to get DEFIANT, Connor's book, done by the end of this month. In case it's been so long that you've totally forgotten who he is, he's the youngest MacKinnon brother in the MacKinnon's Ranger series. So you've been waiting for this book since 2008.
  
  But I realized you might not know that SURRENDER and UNTAMED, Iain and Morgan's books, were being reissued with new material. SURRENDER was reissued yesterday with a new cover and new scenes, while UNTAMED will have the 25 pages that the editor cut restored. It will be out on Jan. 2.
  
  DEFIANT will be out on July 3.
  
  I figured there are those of you who wouldn't be very happy with me if I didn't let you know.
  
  In the meantime, I hope you're all doing well. I miss you!
  
  Hugs,
  P.C.
  

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  • Thanks PC, I'm one of those who wouldn't be happy! Are they going to be reissued/issued in E form? *G* It's also good to see you back. Hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday season! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 08, 01:17:20am
    • YES, Linda, it is out in ebook format again, and this time it's free of all the silly scanning errors that the first publisher put in it. (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 09:58:48pm
  • Hey lady! Great to see you posting. Good news about the books. (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 08, 07:53:43am
    • Thanks, Robin! (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 09:59:58pm
  • This will give me a good reason to re-read SURRENDER and UNTAMED - not that I need one, of course, as I love this series. Having grown up in New York State, and having taught NYS history in the "old days," these books really appeal to my sense of nostalgia - as well as several other senses! :) (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 04:42:50pm
    • Hi, Judy — Upstate NY is such an amazing place, isn't it? I'm glad you like Iain, Morgan and Connor, too! (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 10:01:22pm

  ---

• Coming out of lurk mode ... -- Judy, Monday, December 05, 10:06:41pm
  and trying to "ketchup" with the board:
  
  First, belated Happy Birthdays to all I've missed - I love that Beaty keeps up with all of our birthdays, both our "oldie" ReBeLs and our "newbies" - it's such fun to see the names pop up and to be able to send good wishes to our RBL friends all over the world!
  
  Next, I LOVE the Christmas wallpapers, Lin - and the Christmas-themed releases page, Beaty. I always wanted to change that border to be more in sync with each month, but didn't know how. In case you haven't realized it by now ReBeLs, Beaty is our resident programming genius.
  
  Next, I read and laughed my way through EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. I really highly recommend it! Though Evanovich never includes "hot" sexual content in her Stephanie Plum books, the sexual plot element in this book surprised me - plus she dragged out the mystery surrounding it and, for once, I didn't figure it out ahead of time.
  
  And reading way down the board, Merry - Lipitor definitely can cause the symptoms in your legs that you describe. My dh was prescribed Lipitor, but could not take it - he didn't have the muscle problems, but fell asleep all the time - like in the middle of breakfast, after a good night's sleep. There are other drugs on the market that do the same thing as Lipitor - and they're generic, so cost much less.
  
  I feel pretty good about my Christmas shopping, thanks to Amazon - have purchased gifts for my dh, son, and ex-dil (son and d-i-l were divorced a year ago, just as I became ill - but all was done in a very agreeable way - they have separate houses 10 minutes apart and share custody of the two boys - they are each 5 minutes from us, and we are all on truly friendly terms - she went out with the boys the first day of strawberry season this week, and picked a batch for me and a batch for our son - so sweet - both the berries and her!). Since I can't go out shopping yet, tomorrow I'll order from Harry and David for the six nieces and nephews and their families, and the dh's sister and husband. I still have to think of something for my sister and brother - maybe gift cards for Outback Steakhouse (something the dh can go buy). Our son is doing all the shopping for the two little guys and bringing the stuff to our house to hide - we'll sort everything out when he's done, to decide which gift will be from each of us and which will be the Santa gift (probably the last year for Santa, as the oldest just turned 7 - kinda sad).
  
  I've decorated the house with some of my Christmas "collections" - wooden Santas from Russia - creches from Germany, Mexico and the US - representations of Christmas trees - a potted Norfolk pine with little ornaments on it from Germany, Russia, Austria - my angel collection from all over - and various candles. We gave our tree and most of the tree ornaments (the unbreakable ones for now - two young boys plus a cat in his house - nuf said) to our son. He set the tree up, and then we went over yesterday afternoon to watch the boys help him decorate it - a nerve-wracking but fun experience. Afterwards, we pigged out on Japanese and Thai takeout - yummm!
  
  I'm going to attempt to do a simple Christmas dinner here for 6 adults and the two boys - baked ham (Paula Dean - yummy ham!), plain baked white and sweet potatoes, orange jello salad with crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges (my recipe: drain off and save the juice from the canned pineapple - the kind packed in its own juice - and then use that juice as part of the cold water required to make the jello - drain the oranges, too, but don't use that juice in the jello), fresh steamed green beans, pickles (a must-have for my son and me - we eat them all between the two of us), and pumpkin bread and rolls. My sister will make her yummy no-bake, no-egg key lime pie (it's green, so we figure it's Christmasy) for dessert - she's going to make two of them, actually. :) The dh will make Christmas cookies - again, pretty unorthodox ones - my grandmother's recipe for soft sugar cookies (sprinkled with red or green sugar sprinkles before baking), and his mother's chocolate drop cookies (frosted with vanilla icing and sprinkled with red and green too). He also makes the pumpkin bread!
  
  So here I am, looking forward to Christmas - who'da thought??? I'm sooooo in a happy place right now!!!
  
  
  PS - Someone mentioned bean soup - our son takes the ham bone and makes the bean soup for all of us after Christmas. Another yummm!
  

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  • Hey, Kiddo! It's WonderFUL seeing you post. And now you seem to have more energy than I do. Enjoy your holidays and give those grandbabies a hug from me, too. (NT) -- Beaty, Monday, December 05, 11:34:07pm
  • Judy - I'm so glad to know you're feeling better. Wishing you the best of the season and a continued recovery. (NT) -- Beth, Tuesday, December 06, 01:34:21am
  • I loved Explosive Eighteen too. She's always good for a laugh!! Judy it's great to see you here too.. Have you taken a close look at the font for the Book release button? See if you can figure it out, Beaty & I found & used it with YOU in mind... Have a GREAT Holiday!! (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 01:37:00pm
    • Okay, I give up - I can't figure it out. Of course, I never figured out our RBL title letters either until it was discussed on the board, and I'd been programming using it for years. I do like the idea of having the button on the board - very handy. (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:28:08pm
      • Think evening with us in the Poconos and Vegas Judy -- You have to look really, really closely. Try staring at the capital letter N.....*G* (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:38:22pm
        • Dominoes! Beaty's favorite game! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 07:28:44pm
  • I'm so excited to see you posting again I just hardly know what to say. I am enjoying Explosive 18 also but it is taking me a couple days to read because I don't have much spare time lately. I am so impressed with all your energy so and have a fantastic holiday season and I'm sure you are treasuring every single moment. I haven't done any baking yet going to have to get some done this weekend. (NT) -- debbie O, Tuesday, December 06, 09:45:24pm
  • Wow, Judy! If I lived closer, I might want to ride over your house the day AFTER Christmas because it sounds like you will have MEGA leftovers! I want to do some baking but I'm not using white sugar if I can help it, so am trying to gather recipes that are more healthy but have that 'sweet' that we all want during this time of year. Seems like an ideal set up for the son and dil split, must make it a little easier on the kids too. Enjoy all the festivities!! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:54:27am
  • Thanks, Judy, for the encouraging words... I do believe the Lipitor had something to do with my sudden inabilities; of course, no doctor will come out and flat agree with me, but it's just WAY too much to be coincidental to ignore. And yes, I was always sleepy, too - I would wake up, just to take a nap! I just hope that eventually things get back to whatever passes for normal, really soon, though! (NT) -- Merry, Friday, December 09, 01:21:44pm

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• MIA ... -- Judy, Tuesday, November 29, 05:25:11pm
  As a few of my RBL friends know, I have been very ill since mid-September. However, things are beginning to look up! :)
  
  Last year at this time, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone. I did very well on chemo - you would not even have known that I was ill - and went into remission in June. However, at the end of August, the myeloma came back with a vengeance. My oncologist immediately sent me to the Mayo Clinic - one of their three major centers is in Jacksonville, only an hour drive from our house - how lucky is that??
  
  After a month of tests (they even tested me for Legionnaires' Disease!), while I became sicker and sicker with fevers spiking day and night, the doctors found no infection to explain my illness - so they decided that it was the myeloma itself that was causing it. They hospitalized me and gave me a "killer chemo cocktail" for four days in a row - after 17 more days (in other words, 21 days in all for the cycle), they would test for the myeloma and see if I were in remission.
  
  Then, three days after the cocktail, as I was struggling to return to normal from all that poison that had been dumped into my body, a report came back from one of the long-growing lung sample tests that had been sent away - I had fungus in my lungs! I had developed fungal pneumonia, which explained the fever spikes! And because the chemo cocktail had now wiped out all of my white blood cells, I had no way to fight this type of pneumonia. At this point, the doctors told me that I had less than a month to live IF they could not find a way to get my body to develop new white blood cells by the end of the 21 day cycle - and that there was only a small possibility that they could do so. As you can imagine, this is when we all hit "rock bottom" - my family and I spent three days huddled in isolation in my hospital room, tying to cope with this news and contacting other family members and close friends.
  
  In the meantime, the doctors and nurses (and I do believe I owe my life to a few of the incredible nurses who spent their entire shifts dripping transfusions, plasma, and a multitude of drugs, electrolytes, fluids and untold other medications into me - at one time, I counted 12 tubes being emptied into my body - luckily through a huge "port" that had been embedded in my chest cavity) worked furiously to detox me and to get my white blood count to move up from zero. For nine days, it remained there - then, on the tenth day (with only 5 days to go to the end of the cycle), it was 0.3. Talk about jubilation in my hospital room - the nurses were all coming in and cheering, the doctors had huge smiles, I called everyone on the phone. The next day it was 1.1, and it continued to climb from there - on the last day of the cycle, it was 1.99 - and 0.5 was all that was necessary to fight off the fungal pneumonia! So they kept me a couple days longer to be sure I was stabilized, over the detox from the chemo, and sent me home.
  
  I've had a couple setbacks since I've been home - the doctors at Mayo are trying to come up with a formula of chemo (taken from the humongous one they gave me in the hospital) that is not too toxic for me, to continue fighting the myeloma. I just received their second try yesterday - the first try was too strong. When they get it right, my doctor said that I can stay on it forever if it keeps working! I also have been going to Mayo twice a week for hydration drips. I've lost almost 20 pounds (my legs look anorexic!), and my hair has fallen out.
  
  BUT there are many positive things happening in my life now, and I am in a "good place": tests show NO sign of the pneumonia, I can now walk without a walker, I'm decorating for Christmas, I have a killer appetite (gained 4 pounds over Thanksgiving alone), I have appointments scheduled into February (a positive sign in itself!), my dh has learned to cook and clean and do laundry and grocery shop, and I have oodles of time to read and watch TV (The Food Network now vying with HGTV as my fave station). And I think Reny has the right idea (yes, I've been lurking since I started to feel better) - time to get out my Mary Balogh Christmas books to help celebrate what is, especially this year, a truly joyous season.
  
  I have learned - or really re-learned, as I've always felt this way - that family and friends are THE MOST IMPORTANT things in life! With their love and strength and support, I was able to keep a fighting spirit, determined to win the battle I faced. I especially want to thank ReBeLs Beaty, Robin, Linda, Ann, DebbieO, Sandra and Heather for their caring support from the beginning last year - and especially since I became ill this fall. Beaty has graciously taken over the monthly releases calendar for me, and is overseeing other programming things that I did for RBL. Robin is going to work on the Hughies this year (have you been keeping track of your 2011 faves?). I've said it before, but I must repeat - I have made some wonderful lifelong friends here at RBL. Who could have imagined that such diverse women with such different backgrounds from such different areas of the country would bond as we have? RBL became such an important part of my life - and I am so thankful that it did!
  
  Love to you all!
  

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  • Well Judy, I am so stunned all I can say is...GOD BLESS YOU!!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Tuesday, November 29, 06:09:22pm
  • Glad you are feeling better, hon!! It is so great to see you posting!! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, November 29, 06:14:50pm
  • Dear Lord, Judy! I'm so glad things are looking up for you... From here on, it's all good news, I hope and pray. Please continue your healing with thoughts of tons of RVL Good Vibes winging their way to you. (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, November 29, 06:28:06pm
    • Ummm.... That should be *RBL* vibes! Typo. Sorry (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, November 29, 06:29:27pm
  • I'm rejoicing with you, Judy! I've still got one more glass of wine in my bottle to toast to your continued health. DH feels I've been enjoying it way too much. *G* ((((HUGS)))) Oh, yeah. Wait till you see the December releases. I did a Christmas background. It's going to be a very humpy....err....happy Christmas! *VEG* (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, November 29, 07:21:02pm
  • OMG, Judy. What an awful, terrifying experience, and what a great family you have. You're so right - it's these kinds of life crises that make you realize what's important. Hope you fully recover fast! Major hugs. (NT) -- NicoleJ, Wednesday, November 30, 07:01:46am
  • It sounds as if you have a great team effort going. I found I reread Mary Balogh and JD Robb during some long sleepless nights. Love, family, relationships and basic kindness are so important in life. I am so happy you are winning your fight and have so much support. (NT) -- Reny, Wednesday, November 30, 11:31:14am
  • (((((Judy))))) you have been through he!! and back and I am so glad it turned around for you!!!! I know the Mayo clinic has superior staff &treatments,I'm so glad you were able to get help there and that they aren't too far from you.I admire your courage & determination and hope you just keep feeling better and better every day.We love you lady,keep those heels dug in and don't give an inch!!!! (NT) -- Bo, Wednesday, November 30, 12:08:30pm
  • Sending lots of *hugs* and well wishes. (NT) -- Louisa, Wednesday, November 30, 01:58:23pm
  • Well, just seeing your name in a post here makes my day!!! I can't tell you how good it feels to "see" you here among us again!! You know all the hugs & good vibes I'm sending your way! (NT) -- , Wednesday, November 30, 05:49:18pm
  • Sweet, Judy, you hang in there! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm a 20 year survivor of breast cancer. Did chemo and radiation. You hang in there! It WILL get better. (NT) -- Diane, Thursday, December 01, 08:17:56am
  • Wow Amazing..what the human spirit can achieve. (NT) -- Nally, Friday, December 02, 11:55:06am
  • Oh, Judy! I am so sorry you've had to go through this! I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better and am sending good thoughts and prayers that your health will continue to improve (NT) -- Love, Maggie, Sunday, December 04, 12:31:33pm
  • Well, what a time to pop in for a look at my lovely RBL. I wish you all the very best Judy, you are a truly inspirational woman and I will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad to hear you're reading lots and aren't we lucky to have such a gloriously portable hobby for just such things as this. Take care sweet lady. (NT) -- Chez, Monday, December 05, 12:13:28am
  • OMG, Judy! I have tears in my eyes thinking of you going through all of that. ((((((((Hugs)))))) Gosh, but hugs just aren't enough! I'm so glad you pulled through and that you had doctors fighting so hard for you, and nurses, too. And you, yourself, must be one heck of a fighter. I'm sending you lots of love and big hugs and good wishes that the hardest part of this is behind you and that you're heading toward a beautiful Chrismtas and a New Year of health and happines and all the miracles you need. (NT) -- P.C. , Wednesday, December 07, 09:36:03pm

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• Speaking of hot books ... -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:57:52pm
  we don't talk much about Susan Johnson anymore - once a ReBeL fave and one of the "breakthrough" hot writers who, along with Bertrice Small, wrote about taboo subjects. She has a new book out today - SEDUCTIVE AS FLAME. This is the fifth book in her latest historical series - the others are: AGAIN AND AGAIN, GORGEOUS AS SIN, SEXY AS HELL, and SWEET AS THE DEVIL. If you want lots of hot hot sex, try 'em - you'll like 'em.
  

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  • Thanks Judy, I haven't read her in a few years, I'll pick up the first & see what I think.*G* (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 10:17:31pm
  • I saw that Judy! I did read AGAIN AND AGAIN, but have not tried the rest. (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:46:33am

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• Checking in -- Beaty, Sunday, December 04, 10:23:36am
  How is everyone surviving the holiday crazies?
  
  I'm sitting here trying to figure out my next read. I'm thinking EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. Has anyone read it yet? She always makes me laugh.
  
  Made bean soup yesterday and am considering which of my many holiday recipies I won't be able to live without making this year. *G* Heather turned me on to cashew brittle when we were in DC around the holidays and I found a recipe for it. It's entitled Buttery Cashew Brittle. Since I don't have a store that carries anything like it here in the boonies I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know if it turns out. I'm not much of a kitchen person.
  
  Hope your weekend isn't too stressful!
  

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  • Hi Beaty, I have jusy started this book. Seems really good and funny of course...just like all the others in this series! ENJOY! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Sunday, December 04, 06:20:52pm
  • I'm about half way through Explosive 18 & it's funny as always.. Only thing after all this time isn't it about time she starts getting just a little better at her job??*G* Just a thought. (NT) -- , Sunday, December 04, 10:16:45pm
  • Did my shopping (most of it) last Friday. Now I have to face the wrapping. *quakes with fear* (NT) -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:32:42pm
  • I'm done for the year, just gotta do some baking soon....am doing a Lisa Kleypas re-read of the first of the Hathaway books. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 06, 04:57:34pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Thursday, December 01, 09:59:10pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Diane!
  Have a great day!
  Our Christmas party is tonight, so I'll help you celebrate. *G*
  

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  • Diane, hope you have a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 01, 10:20:10pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY! DIANE! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Thursday, December 01, 10:38:57pm
    • Thank you, Skye. Appreciate it. (NT) -- Diane, Friday, December 02, 01:41:11pm
  • Wow! Thank you, Beaty I LOVE my Angel. Perfect. (NT) -- Diane, Friday, December 02, 01:39:58pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE!! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, December 03, 06:27:50am
  • A belated happy birthday Diane. (Love your angel too. I have a bit of a thing for angels at the moment) (NT) -- Louisa, Sunday, December 04, 02:18:23am
    • I'm a "Angel" person too, Louisa. I'm amazed the wallpaper fairy came up with this. (NT) -- Diane, Sunday, December 04, 05:09:40am

  ---

• New wallpaper! -- , Saturday, December 03, 02:29:03pm
  Don't ya just love those hangn' bells?? LOL
  
  I have so many great new wallpapers for this year I may just change it every few days!!
  
  I got the house decorated today so & tomorrow I'm going to my cousin's house to help with making cookies & stuff. (YES you read that right, hard as it is to believe!!) LOL
  
  Have a good week everyone!
  

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  • Now I'm jealous! Doing some baking already? I haven't even gotten the recipe's out yet!! Have fun and thanks for the wallpaper! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, December 03, 06:05:06pm
  • Absolutely gorgeous. Where do you find all these hunks? (NT) -- Louisa, Sunday, December 04, 02:19:06am
  • A lovely way to RING in the New Year! (NT) -- Diane, Sunday, December 04, 05:07:35am

  ---

• The December releases are up! -- Beaty being Judy, Thursday, December 01, 10:05:02pm
  I didn't have the time to do the research on reissues so there might be some mixed in there. If you notice something I missed or see a reissue, please let me know. Linda will be putting a new releases button at the top of the bulletin board to make it easier to access during the month.
  
  
  Here's the direct link to the list:
  
  
  
  December Romance Releases
  
  
  Hope you find something you like.
  Oh - you must check it out just for the Christmas cowboy! *G*
  

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  • New Release button up & working. *G* (NT) -- , Friday, December 02, 10:22:50am
  • Nice cowboy! LOL (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, December 03, 06:27:25am

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• BOOKS, MOVIES AND OTHER STUFF THAT IS ON MY MIND -- Robin, Monday, November 28, 06:21:30pm
  Stuff on my mind:
  
  I sure do miss Dancing with the Stars tonight!
  
  Am enjoying this wallpaper!
  
  Am reading Devin's book from the Mackade brothers by Nora Roberts, oldie but a goodie!
  
  Just finished Dark Prince by Feehan, the authors uncut hardback edition that came out this year with an extra 100 pages in it. The cover is HOT baby! HOT. Man oh man, I love me some Gregori!!! Now I want to go back and read his book! Can't believe how much I had forgotten about these books. Intense, but soooo good.
  
  Shopping is almost done. Everything we already got is wrapped. House is clean. Tree is up, but undecorated. DH did outside decorations. We are well on our way!
  
  Dishwasher won't empty of water so we are handwashing until the dh fixes it (we practically wash them anyway before stacking them so I don't see the big deal).
  
  My boss who has been out for 2 months due to an illness is coming back tomorrow for half days! I'm so glad!! Not that I'll have free time or anything, but I'll just be glad he is there to handle things.
  
  Can't wait for SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 on December 16. Also would like to go see the new Matt Damon movie "WE BOUGHT A ZOO". Maybe I can take my niece and go this weekend.
  
  What is everyone else up to?
  

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  • I was happily looking forward to the new shows on TNT - The Closer and Roselli and Isles that started back up again with new stories this week. A couple of my favorites. (NT) -- Beaty, Monday, November 28, 11:33:51pm
    • Me too Beaty, I love both of those shows. As for you Robin, you always are so on top of the holidays it makes me jealous!!*G* Years ago I used to be like you, I'd race with my aunt to see which of us could be ready for Christmas the earliest, I really miss those days. (NT) -- , Tuesday, November 29, 11:10:38am
  • I'm going through major Dancing with the Stars withdrawal! It's scary how obsessed I am with that show. May actually have to start taking dancing lessons in real life, LOL. (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Tuesday, November 29, 06:23:31am
    • Do it, do it! You won't be sorry. My dh and I did it for a while and we loved it. Learned Waltz, foxtrot, swing, single swing and double swing. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, November 29, 06:11:50pm
      • How on earth did you get your husband to go with you? I think the only way I'd manage that is if I drugged him, and even then he'd probably just pass out first. :-( (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Wednesday, November 30, 04:40:09am
  • DITTO BEATY!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Tuesday, November 29, 06:11:49pm
  • I'm with Lin,jealous you're almost done shopping/decorating! I haven't bought a thing yet.NOTHING.Planning it next week,and luckily the kids made very simple requests this year.I've decided I'm through wasting money on things they MIGHT like,and will instead pick quality/usage over quantity of gifts.Hubs wants a pair of warm fuzzy slippers,easy.I'm still too lazy to look in the cellar(dungeon) to see if I have any wrapping paper left from last year.I'll have to get to it sometime in the next week,LOL.Threw away 2-3 strings of old lights today,gleefully! Less to hang,hooray *G*Thought about how nice it was to have my BIL & his family spend Thanksgiving with us.We always had Mom over for that so I am really glad we still had some company for it,that made it easier.Took my 9 yr old niece horseback riding on Black Friday & was happy to see how happy it made her.I have Christmas cards sitting here,I keep looking at them and thinking 'Do I REALLY have to? Did I last year???' *G* (NT) -- Bo, Wednesday, November 30, 12:36:49pm

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• -- Beaty, Friday, November 25, 09:41:16pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday to you, Reny!
  Enjoy your day!
  

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  • Reny, hope your day is WONDERFUL!!! We miss you around here. (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 09:58:45pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENY!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Friday, November 25, 10:00:03pm
  • Hey Reny, happy birthday! We miss seeing you around! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 26, 07:29:00am
  • Thank you for the Birthday greetings and Christmas Santa. I have been reading less for a few years while I dealt with life. I thought of you when I pulled my Baloghs out for a Christmas reread. (NT) -- Reny, Tuesday, November 29, 03:12:48pm

  ---

• Hi so how was everyone thanksgiving,mine was ok, visit my aunt . cousins, just relaxing for a change. reading good books lately. still going to the library to get books to read . any new authors to read -- ann2, Friday, November 25, 04:58:23pm
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  • Ann2, glad you were with family for the holiday. I had a nice quite holiday with my family also. I've been reading Thea Harrison's Elder Races series it's paranormal & I'm really enjoying it. (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 11:13:43pm
  • The new Janet Evanovich novel is out now, Explosive Eighteen. I haven't read it yet but most libraries should have it. Glad you had a nice holiday. We ran the roads and went to a breakfast on my hubbys side of the family and then a dinner on my side of the family. We mooched dinner, I helped with cleanup and then we rolled out! LOL (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 26, 07:30:44am
  • hi trying to find a dr tomorrow going to the hosital ran of my medience don't have health insurance till jan 2012 (NT) -- ann2, Sunday, November 27, 07:51:40am
  • I just finished Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione (paranormal romance). I love her books. Once I pick one up, can't put it down until I'm done! (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Monday, November 28, 04:43:39am
    • I hear several Rbls talking about her but I haven't tried her yet. What would you reccomend to start with and why for her? (NT) -- Ann , Monday, November 28, 06:17:57pm
      • I'd start with Pleasure Unbound, which is the first book in her Demonica series. It does a great job of setting up her world (don't let the glossary scare you off), and the hero in that book is my personal favorite. So hot! (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Tuesday, November 29, 06:26:34am
  • update went to the hospital emenemy room 6 hours got refills on my medience till january, till health insurance kicks in . got more books at the library. now i can't spell, need another day from work which is tuesday. (NT) -- ann2, Monday, November 28, 05:54:42pm

  ---

• I knew red was my favorite color for a reason! Thanks for the new wall paper!! -- Ann , Sunday, November 27, 09:52:13am
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  • Couldn't agree more Ann!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Sunday, November 27, 02:13:34pm
  • Makes me feel like a Ho Ho Ho! LOL (NT) -- Robin, Monday, November 28, 06:11:03pm

  ---

• Changes in the romance genre -- Beaty, Friday, November 25, 11:59:38am
  I got started reading romance when I was young. As soon as I could afford it I subscribed to Harlequin Romance and received my requisite number of books every month in the mail. What a WONDERFUL feeling to be able to hold a book I owned and know I didn't have to give it back when I was done. It was not enough to feed my addiction.
  
  Next was historical. When I found them I read almost strictly historical for years. It was not enough to feed my addiction.
  
  I have since found paranormal.
  
  No one genre can hold my interest alone. I like them all. I do find myself picking up a paranormal off of my bookshelf before the others. But the others are there. That includes strictly mystery, sci-fi, humorous contemporary and end-of-the-world drama. I like them all if they are well written and have engaging characters. I do want a lot of action in my stories.
  
  Romance has grown with me. I'm greatly enjoying the ride. But please do not hesitate to stop by and give us a heads-up on any excellent read. There is bound to be someone here that will thank you and be your BFF for the recommend. *G*
  
  Did you get your start with romance? HEIDI was my first read. It was a book I bought at a school sale. I still own it today.
  

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  • I fell in love with reading in the 6th grade when the school librarian suggested 'ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET' by Judy Blume. I was hooked! Read all of hers and we had a really cool 'bookmobile' that was a libaray in a bus that came around each week in the summer to our apartment complex so we could continue to read over the summer. Loved having my own card and being responsible and picking out whatever I wanted! I stopped reading in my teens and didn't start again until I was about 23 and started with Julie Garwood and Amanda Quick! Didn't switch to contemporaries until later but like them just as much. Medieval are my fave genre and I don't do too many para's although Feehan and Kenyon are good with me. (NT) -- Robin, Friday, November 25, 01:48:26pm
  • I was late to reading, 16 & actually a guy gave me this book about high school love & all that kind of thing. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed reading, it was the first time in my life I actually couldn't wait to find something else to read. Next it was Harold Robins!! WOW Sex in books, who knew.. LOL After reading everything by him I talked to someone at a book store about what I might like & she gave me a historical. That was it for me until we started RBL & even then some of the girls here brought me kicking & screaming into Contemporary then paranormal & erocita! Now if certain people recommend a book to me I'll read it & 99 out of 100 times I LOVE it.. So RBL has not only brought me a world of new friends but a new world of reading also. So even though we're not as active as we once were, I hope we will continue to gather here & share our opinions & reads.. (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 09:03:14pm
  • I remember coming home from the first day of kindergarten (looonnngg before Sesame St.!) crying my eyes out. Mom, alarmed, asked if the teacher was mean. My reply? "They didn't teach me to READ yet!!!!" We had to be able to write our name in cursive before we could get our own library card (I used Mom's, but wanted my own) - and with a Y in my name it took forever before we got my whole name in script. I don't remember the first book I read... But I read every dog, horse, and cat book I could lay hands on; I think the first romances were Barbara Cartlands; quickly moved to Rosemary Rogers, Patricia Matthews, Bertrice Small, and Sergeanne Golon. I loved Asimov, Norton, Heinlein, and Lewis, too, first, though... (NT) -- Merry, Friday, November 25, 09:29:17pm
    • God Merry, I read everything by Rosemary Rogers, Patricia Matthews, Bertrice Small, and Sergeanne Golon. I've hardly ever met anyone who read the Golon books, but when I got rid of my print books those are the only ones I kept.*G* The only thing about those books was the timeline drove me nuts, did you notice that or am I just too anal? LOL (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 09:57:26pm
      • Naw, the timeline drove me nuts, too. Also, I began to seriously wonder how Angelique could even stand up - her heels got so round! I swear, in the later books, it seemed as if she bedded a different guy every chapter! *BEG* (NT) -- Merry, Saturday, November 26, 12:29:19am
        • Yeah & when 9 came out after the wife died you really knew who had the talent in that duo..*G* But at the time I did love the series. (NT) -- , Saturday, November 26, 02:21:11pm
  • I just discovered I talk to much - subject length too long so will have to put it in the post. -- Louisa, Saturday, November 26, 03:15:23am
    • Louisa, I remember when I was in 5th grade seeing a Harlequin Romance on my moms night stand and I picked it up and started to read it. It was something like "when he kissed me, he took me to the moon". I have a feeling I gagged right then, LOL, and still to this day I don't like those types of books. I do like books without lots of descriptive sex, Lynn Kurland being a favorite, but that book was corny and I guess that is why I was put off by it....but I understand about "not being impressed" as you mentioned in your post! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 26, 07:35:41am
      • It was a Mills & Boon that put me off, which is the UK equivalent of Harlequin. Lynn Kurland is a favourite of mine as well. I don't mind descriptive sex, but there has to be more to a book than that for it to keep my attention. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, November 26, 07:52:56am
  • I'm so glad I found RBL because all you ladies introduced me to other romance genres. I'd been primarily an historical romance fan, and now I'm enjoying contemporary, mystery, erotica, series, etc. And I love keeping up on the doings for all of you. (NT) -- Diane, Saturday, November 26, 07:02:30am
  • Ann Rice introduced me to the world of paranormal around the age of 10. I got my romance start at 13 with Fabio's romance series (anyone remember that?) and from then on, it was over for me. (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Monday, November 28, 04:47:14am
  • i love this site, i can find out new authors and such, and see how is doing and such (NT) -- ann2, Monday, November 28, 05:58:10pm

  ---

• I know it's early!!! -- , Sunday, November 27, 09:52:12am
  But between all the commercials & decorations I'm seeing everywhere I go, I am in the sprit early & I have so many great new holiday guys I figured what the heck!!
  
  This lovely Santa we owe to Beaty!! Thank you Beaty.
  
  Enjoy!!!
  

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  • Woohoo! Now I'm starting to feel in the Christmas spirit. What I wouldn't give for him in my Christmas stocking. ;-) (NT) -- Louisa, Sunday, November 27, 11:50:10am
  • He can climb down my chimney anytime! (NT) -- maggie, Sunday, November 27, 07:39:12pm
  • Definitely puts me in the holiday spirit, LOL. (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Monday, November 28, 04:39:43am
  • Woo hoo! Jingle Bells, jingle bells. Merry Christmas to me. Merry Christmas to me. OK. I'll share lol. Thank you, Beaty. (NT) -- Diane, Monday, November 28, 06:11:50am

  ---

• Giving Thanks -- Beaty, Thursday, November 24, 11:58:23am
  Hey RBLs! Tis that time of year where we sit and ponder all of the blessings in our life. I'm here to tell you I have many. Besides the family, decent health, and a wonderful job that allows me to do the things I wish, my blessings include the RBLs. They have made a significant difference in my life. I've watched this board grow, thrive and I'm now watching it die. It's all the years in between that I'm so thankful for. The friendships I've made here will last all my life. So thanks RBL Romantica for a large contribution towards making my life wonderful. Happy Thanksgivine everyone!
  

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  • I'm thankful for many things as well. I like coming here to discuss books by all authors and not have to go to separate author pages. Seems like everyone does facebook now, but that doesn't seem as friendly or intimate as RBL to me. I hope that this board will thrive again soon, this is the FIRST website I hit when I get online! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, November 24, 05:10:29pm
  • It's true I post less, shame on me, but I, too, am grateful for my RBL sisters! And I'll try to stop lurking and speak up more often, okay, Beaty? RBL was my first foray into 'Netlife, and I would be sorry to lose contact with everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! (NT) -- Merry, Thursday, November 24, 08:20:55pm
  • It will be a great shame if this board should die. It was always one of my favourites to check into. I guess I am one of those who has drifted away and is at least partially to blame for the decline. My only excuse is that my reading tastes have changed in recent years. Although I still have my favourite romance novelists that I can't not buy the books from, many books I read are not strictly what this board is all about, so I have never felt it appropriate to talk about about those here. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, November 25, 09:58:46am
    • Oh heck, Louisa, tell us what you're reading! I've never been shy (have I been, gals?) about recommending something other than romance, if I think it was well worth the read... I read romance, yes, and lots of it, but I also read a ton of mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and "hmmmm, this looks interesting" stuff, too. (NT) -- Merry, Friday, November 25, 11:07:20am
      • Mostly I found myself wandering into the male/male romance genre after looking up some authors who had been rather quiet and discovering one of my favourites had flitted over to that genre. It was like when I first came online and discovered all the US authors I had heard nothing about here in the UK. Now I have a whole new batch to dive into. And, after all, if one gorgeous guy is good, two can be twice as. ;-) But all kidding aside, I doubt anyone here reads the genre so haven't felt it appropriate to rec any. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, November 25, 03:18:31pm
        • Hey Louisa we have all kind of tastes here & don't judge anyone for what they like I don't have a problem with some male/male or female/female or couple of one & one of the other.. EG I think as long as it's well written & a GREAT story that is what matters most to me. (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 08:50:49pm
          • I am the same although I have never read f/f. I have had some bad reactions from other people though so am rather hesitant to tell people. I will have to see about digging out some of my favourites and doing a post here about them. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, November 26, 02:59:16am
        • I think you might be surprised Lousia. *g* Although you are correct, no one really posts about it. (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, November 26, 08:27:17pm
          • Next weekend I will have to put it on my to do list to get a list of my favourites to post about here. No time this weekend as I am daft enough to sign up for the November madness aka NaNoWriMo and I am determined to finish. :-) (NT) -- Louisa, Sunday, November 27, 02:26:45am

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• Talking Books -- Michele N., Friday, November 25, 06:47:52am
  Okay - books. I should mention books I've read that I really enjoyed.
  
  The Forgotten Goddesses series: What a Goddess Wants and the latest, How to Worship a Goddess.
  Very unique take on what happens to goddess who've outlasted their usefulness.
  
  Kathryne Kennedy's series about the Elven lords who take over England -- The Fire Lord's Lover was good and I just read the finale, The Lord of Illusion - very cool ..
  
  Cheryl Brooks and her very sexy Zetithian kitty guys. I've read every one of books in the series including the latest one, STUD. Ooh la la - what a great imagination Ms. Brooks has and she always makes me laugh.
  
  There's a new series out there, the Immortal Guardians ..
  Darkness Dawns was the first book by Dianne Duvall, and the next one, Night Reigns comes out next month. It's a really unique take on vampires and in the latest one, Night Reigns...I was treated to a surprise revelation. I think Ms. Duvall is taking vampires in a new direction that has me completely intrigued.
  
  As for series books. Tawny Weber has a new HQ Blaze, Sex, Lies and Mistletoe that tickled my fancy. It's the start of a new series about a dysfunctional family whose patriarch wants to reunite and heal his kids and the things that he has to do and go through to make it happen is what makes it so interesting. Although none of the kids KNOWS he's doing it ... can't wait to find out which sibling is next. I love the idea of chocolates being an aphrodisiac, don't you?
  
  Has anyone read Cherry Adair's, Undertow? Good gravy, it was like the Perils of Pauline. Just when I thought the heroine was safe, something else happens and she needs rescuing again. Thing is...she surprises the hero by being a lot more self sufficient than he gave her credit for. Very suspenseful and exciting book.
  
  So, those are my book adventures.
  What are yours?
  Michele
  

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  • I keep seeing the Immortal Guardians advertised on Facebook and have been very tempted to check them out. May just have to get the first one to read over Christmas. To catch up on all my book reviews since my last visit would take FOREVER. I am at Goodreads and did the read 100 books this year challenge - and finished it months ago! (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, November 25, 10:04:14am
  • Thanks for the recommends, Michele. I'm always looking for new adventure. I'm keeping a list! (NT) -- Beaty, Friday, November 25, 12:00:58pm
  • Wow! Great list, thanks. I have been doing so many re-reads, so I don't really have any new books to recommend. Right now I'm reading DARK PRINCE by Christine Feehan and its the first in her 'dark' series. Although I have the pb from when it first came out, this is the hardback, newer 2011 authors cut with 100 additional pages, so I HAD to get it! Love me some Mikhail and some Gregori!! These books are Carpathian books (they hunt vampires down) paranormal and about the only ones I do. (NT) -- Robin, Friday, November 25, 01:44:10pm
    • MUST get that book. I hadn't realised there was an extended version available. Thanks for the heads up. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, November 26, 10:37:22am
  • Holy crap -- I had missed there was an extended verison of Dark Prince. I love that series -- although my favorite was DARK FIRE. (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, November 26, 08:35:37pm

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• Happy Thanksgiving to my US Friends -- Louisa, Thursday, November 24, 10:23:20am
  'Twas the Night before Thanksgiving
  
  'Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the kitchen
  I was cooking and baking and moanin' and bitchin'.
  I've been here for hours, I can't stop to rest,
  This place is a disaster, just look at this mess!
  
  Tomorrow I've got thirty people to feed!
  They expect all the trimmings, who cares what I need!
  My feet are both blistered, I've got cramps in my legs,
  The dog just knocked over a bowlful of eggs.
  
  There's a knock at the door and the telephone's ringing;
  Frosting drips on the counter as the microwave's dinging.
  Two pies in the oven, dessert's almost done;
  My cookbook is soiled with butter and crumbs.
  
  I've had all I can stand, I can't take anymore;
  Then in walks my husband, spilling rum on the floor.
  He heaves and he wobbles, his balance unsteady;
  Then grins as he chuckles "The eggnog is ready!"
  
  He looks all around and with total regret,
  Say's "What's takin' so long?
  Aren't you through in here yet?"
  As quick as a flash, I reach for a knife;
  He loses an earlobe; I wanted his life!
  
  He flees from the room in terror and pain,
  And screams "my God woman, you're going insane!"
  Now what was I doing, and what is that smell?
  Oh, jeeze, it's the pies! They're burned all to hell!
  
  I hate to admit when I make a mistake,
  But I put them on broil instead of on bake!
  What else can go wrong? Is there still more ahead?
  If this is good living, I'd rather be dead.
  
  Lord, don't get me wrong, I love holidays;
  They just leave me exhausted, all shaky and dazed.
  But I promise you one thing, if I live 'til next year,
  You won't find me pulling my hair out in here.
  
  I'll hire a maid, a cook, and a waiter;
  And if that doesn't work, I'll have it all catered!
  

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  • Thanks, Louisa! That's wonderful - and oh so true. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Thursday, November 24, 11:47:55am
  • *Smile* just 'way too close to the truth! Although this year my dd cooked the turkey and trimmings, and my guys did the potatoes, squash, and sweet potatoes, and all I had to do was figure out how to get my blasted walker over to the table without killing anyone! I am thankful for family! (NT) -- Merry, Thursday, November 24, 08:47:53pm
  • Have you been lurking in my kitchen? *lol* We went out this year - while different, it was nice to not really have to cook. I say "not really" because I had to make stuffing for mom so she could have "left overs" Friday and today. (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, November 26, 08:33:20pm

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• Oh, one last thing... -- Merry, Thursday, November 24, 08:58:06pm
  I just heard that Anne McCaffrey, author of the wonderful Dragonriders of Pern novels and many, many more, passed away Nov. 21, at the age of 85. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award in an era when male writers dominated the SF/Fantasy field.
  
  Fare thee well, Anne - you will be missed!
  

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  • Yeah, I heard! She was the first female author I read who got me reading fantasy and dragons. Before her it was the usual Ray Bradbury and Clifford D. Simak. She'll be missed but her legacy is AWE INSPIRING!!! (NT) -- Michele N., Friday, November 25, 06:16:04am
  • She was the first female fantasy author I read and a great inspiration. She will be sorely missed in the literary world (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, November 25, 09:55:11am
  • Anne McCaffrey got me hooked on fiction. I remember reading her Harper Hall series and the Dragon Rider series in 5th and 6th grades. I was sorry to hear of her passing, but her legacy will last forever. (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, November 26, 08:23:40pm

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• Addendum to previous post.. -- Merry, Tuesday, November 22, 10:32:16am
  Just wondering... I have this feeling about the onset of my recent problems, and would like to ask if any of you have had problems with muscle/tendon pain and weakness while taking Lipitor. You can answer here, or by email if you prefer - I can be reached at anniesbookstop AT yahoo DOT com.
  
  When I had my last cholesterol test (in Oct.), the number was 7 points higher than my doctor liked, and he insisted I start on Lipitor. Within a day or so of starting it, I had a backache. Thought I'd pulled a muscle doing a PT exercise, applied heat and Tylenol, and it kept getting worse. Then we had that four day power outage, and I thought the cold (the house got down to about 48 degrees) was making me feel worse.
  
  Then my legs sort of quit working. Couldn't lift my feet, climb stairs, or walk without a walker. Had to have an ambulance haul me off to the ER where they couldn't reach a diagnosis and sent me home with painkillers and an order for home nurse and PT.
  
  A week later, they medical-transported me to a different hospital, where they did an MRI and found the cyst on my spine. Had to be taken to a third hospital in Boston to see a neurosurgeon, who won't operate because it's too dangerous with my asthma and weight. But he gave me the steroids, which gave nearly instant relief... Until I ran out of the special pack yesterday. I'm now lobbying for some kind of maintenance dosage.
  
  Okay, I realize this has rambled on 'way too long... But according to everything I have been reading about Lipitor, everything but the actual cyst (which may have been there for a long time, unnoticed) is a side effect of Lipitor! Every single thing.
  
  Have any of you had similar experience with the side effects of this drug? I would be very interested in hearing from you! And yes, I quit taking the stuff after twelve doses, when the research showed me the possible ramifications and I woke up to the nasty possibilities. I really don't believe this is all just a coincidence!
  

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  • Merry, I am so sorry you are going thru such an ordeal. I hope things get better for you soon. Take care, and God Bless. (NT) -- Diane, Wednesday, November 23, 03:51:28am
    • Thanks for the kind thoughts, Diane... I think most frustrating is not being able to leave the house or go to work! (NT) -- Merry, Wednesday, November 23, 05:10:38am
  • Merry sorry to hear about all of this, I don't take cholesterol meds but I wouldn't let them give them to my DH because of all the side effects. I just changed the things we used to help him & control his that way & it seems to be working for both of us. Hope things get better. (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 09:33:52pm
    • Wish I'd been as smart as you! (NT) -- Merry, Saturday, November 26, 12:32:25am

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• This is Michele N - another lurker-non-posting-pass on thru looking at hotties and recommends RBL - 2011 has been a crazy year for me. In a nutshell - Feb my dh had a heart attack (he's ok now) - had the Worst winter in years to deal with. June I had major surgery. Just when I was about to return to work- was laid off. Unemployed for three months. Got a mini-job 8 hrs a week for town end of Sept, got another job for the other days - was going to start on Halloween. HA - freak snowstorm - loss power, internet etc for 7 days total. started new job on 11/2 with wrinkled clothes and wonky hair. Still reviewing books, Now do admin stuff for the site so I do 3 jobs. Plus my little guy still has epilepsy and still dealing with controlling his seizures. Sooo, life has been demanding. And yep, Facebook is the new Cabbage Patch Kid- everyone knows someone who's on it - but nothing can replace RBL! - may it live on in robust and lusty style!! -- Michele N., Friday, November 25, 06:25:54am
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  • Sounds like your year has been totally hectic. I am also on Facebook and it is very popular. I tend to just play in the shallows though. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, November 25, 10:01:02am
  • Good golly, Miss Michele!! No wonder we haven't seen you for such a long time! So glad everybody's okay now...so to speak. Gosh. (NT) -- Merry, Friday, November 25, 11:03:10am
  • I'm so sorry about your terrible year. I hope the new year brings you much much happiness. I don't do Facebook. I am on it. And I remember to check it about once every other week at work. I'm still on dial-up at home and Facebook just doesn't work with dial-up. (NT) -- Beaty, Friday, November 25, 12:05:54pm
  • Wow, sorry to hear about all the challenges you've gone thru this year. I hope 2012 will be lots and lots better!! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, November 25, 01:40:19pm
  • Michelle, hope things continue in the positive way after a year like that you are sure due a good one! (NT) -- , Friday, November 25, 09:14:15pm

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• Beaty....why do you say RBL is dying? -- SKYE OżO, Friday, November 25, 03:43:56pm
  
  
  As for me I like you had slooooow dial up service along with an unreliable hardware! So obviously it was difficult to get here!
  
  Also I think that everthing goes through slow times, I think this is what may be happening now! I also think it is possible that many do come by
  and simply lurk. Me..I don't always have anything to say but I STILL enjoy dropping by!
  
  I still find some great news on new books that send me to my B & N page to buy more books! LOL! So don't give up just yet!
  
  Ps sorry for the typos, my fingers don't works as well on this virtual
  keyboard from my Nook but it IS really covenient
  

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• And in keeping with my new resolve to lurk less, post more, I'll make a book recommendation... -- Merry, Thursday, November 24, 08:42:20pm
  I fell in love with a mystery/suspense author years ago - his name is James Swain. He wrote a fantastic series about a guy named Tony Valentine, a retired cop who now specializes in casino security... Catching cheaters, etc. fascinating and exciting. Then, no more Tony books! *pout* Swain just seemed to drop off the map.
  
  This week I discovered to my pleased surprise that Mr. Swain has started a new series - about Jack Carpenter, a Fort Lauderdale cop who resigned from the force after he beat up a serial kidnapper/murderer to make the guy tell where the victims were. His wife left him, his daughter became estranged, the house was foreclosed upon; essentially, he had to rebuild his self-respect and image...
  
  Jack now lives in a single rented room over a beachside bar with his Aussie Shepherd and specializes in finding missing people - especially missing children; and he's a wizard at it. Even the cops and FBI come to him with their most baffling cases.
  
  The books (3 so far) are utterly involving - suffice it to say that I ripped through all three of them in four days. Jack reminds me if one of Suz Brockmann's Navy SEALS - utterly dedicated to his job and to reviving his failed marriage and fatherhood, and to putting the bad guys where they belong.
  
  If you like Suz's suspense, give James Swain a try... The three books in the Carpenter series are *Midnight Rambler*, *Night Stalker*, and *Night Monster*. And the Tony Valentine series starts with *Grift Sense*, and is every bit as good.
  

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  • Thanks for the recommend, Merry. You KNOW I'll check it out. I've so enjoyed many of your prior recommends. Especially the Phule's. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Friday, November 25, 12:07:44pm
  • I will keep these in mind but have to admit that I've been shying away from crime type books...I'm even 3 behind on the JD Robb books. I do like books other than romance sometimes, and I especially like 'character' driven novels... (NT) -- Robin, Friday, November 25, 01:38:12pm

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• HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, November 23, 10:02:36pm
  
  
  I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow!
  

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• Is everyone geared up for Turkey Day? -- Beaty, Sunday, November 20, 04:39:04pm
  Is your day going to be traditional or do you have something else entirely planned?
  

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  • Semi-traditional. Thanks to the fact that I'm pretty much immobilized (read: housebound), it' going to be different . DD will be doing the turkey, stuffing, gravy, biscuits, and apple pies; DS will make pumpkin pies; DH and DS will team up on the root veggies. And me? Supervisory duties. Thank heavens for families!!! (NT) -- Merry, Monday, November 21, 04:21:38pm
  • I've been fighting a cold for the past week and don't want to cook (and I don't think anyone WANTS me to cook like this! LOL). I actually have NOT cooked in about 12 years, cuz we usually go somewhere. Traditionally we go to my step dads for a big dinner, and then feel miserable afterwards from too much food:) This year though, we are going to a big breakfast at my hubbys cousin house. Our nieces and nephews and other cousins will be there and it will be packed for sure, but since I've been modifying my eating habits, breakfast foods work better for me. So, I don't know if we will make it to my step dads for the dinner part cuz we both work on Friday, but we'll see. So we are breaking tradition this year. How about you? (NT) -- Robin, Monday, November 21, 04:24:13pm
  • Since the hugh turkey dinner thing is too much for all of us crippled up old ladies we've decided to do it pot luck. One is doing the turkey and one is doing the dressing and one is just going to enjoy it. *G* Maybe I can talk my niece into the potatoes??? I feel a full feeling coming on. (NT) -- Beaty, Monday, November 21, 08:11:05pm
    • What will your niece do once she's in the potatoes? Back stroke, or the Lucy Ricardo grape-stomp method? Sorry, couldn't resist. Darn literal-mindedness! *BEG* (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, November 22, 04:25:41pm
  • Mom got a bea in her bonnet to eat at the buffet so we're going. Not really sure how that is going to work out with everything, and somehow I think I will wind up having to make her some sage/sausage/cornbread stuffing at some point this weekend. *g* (NT) -- Ann , Tuesday, November 22, 08:00:48pm
  • We invited my daughter and 3 grandchildren. We had made dinner reservations to take them out for Thanksgiving dinner and they were going to stay for a couple of days - BUT we got a call on Monday and they are ALL sick! My husband has to have hip replacement surgery in a few weeks, we ALL agree he can't risk coming down with something which would cause any delay. Poor guy has been i agony for weeks! He had the other hip done in 2004 and had no problems. We ALL want to be sure he has no problems this time round. Sooooo, the kids are all staying home and having turkey, and my husband and I are going out. (NT) -- Diane, Wednesday, November 23, 02:59:48pm

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• Could sure use some good RBL vibes! -- Merry, Monday, November 21, 04:31:43pm
  After weeks of pain and three hospitals, I've finally got a diagnosis to explain why my legs sort of quit working... I have a synovial cyst on my spine! I've been limping around on a walker, unable to leave the house (can't do stairs or get in the car), and finally someone did an MRI and found the d**n cyst. They put me on a massive dosage of steroids, and I had some relief within 24 hours.
  
  Now if I can just bring back the muscle and nerve damage before it goes any further....
  
  Anyway, that's why I'm looking for some good RBL vibes - any and all would be greatly appreciated, friends! Vibes for further reduction of the inflammation and an increase in muscle and nerve strength!
  

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  • OH Merry!! HUGS!!! I sure miss coming down to visit you...we've not been down that way for awhile now. I'm SO glad they finally found the issue but I really wish it hadn't taken so long! I'll keep you in my prayers!!! -- {{HUGS}} and more hopes and wishes that meds and the MD's will give you more good news and painfree days ahead. <3 ya! (NT) -- Michele N., Monday, November 21, 05:39:52pm
    • Thanks, Michele - those hugs feel great! (NT) -- Merry, Monday, November 21, 06:11:05pm
  • Ouch, Merry! Sounds very painful. I hope the meds continue to make it better. Best of luck to you. I don't care what you say - your family is going to miss your wonderful cooking! (NT) -- Beaty, Monday, November 21, 08:19:25pm
  • Oh Merry, I hope you get MUCH better VERY soon! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, November 21, 08:38:58pm
  • Best wishes to you, Merry. Sending some good vibes your way. (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Tuesday, November 22, 04:57:40am

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• Does anyone know this book? -- Sam, Monday, November 14, 10:07:12pm
  I am looking for a recently released or about to be released book about a woman abducted by an alien race whose own women have died out. The to get her to breed the aliens tell her the earth has been destroyed even though it has not been. This is not a title by Tracey St. John or Evangeline Anderson (I checked). Does anyone have any ideas what the name of the book or who the author is?
  

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  • Sorry, Sam, I'm not aware of any with this plot. Thanks for stopping by. (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, November 15, 05:52:51am
  • You know, that does sound familiar - but I can't place it.. sorry sorry ...I saw a blurb come through months ago that sounds like it... wish I knew the publisher... good luck with your search!!! (NT) -- Michele N., Monday, November 21, 05:43:23pm

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• -- Beaty, Thursday, November 17, 09:04:57pm
  
  
  
  
  Hope your day is Marvelous -
  and somebody else makes you a cake. *G*
  Enjoy your day!
  

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  • Oops! This is for Linda T! Sorry we missed you on the coast this year. ((((HUGS)))) (NT) -- Beaty, Friday, November 18, 06:40:26am
    • Linda T Hope you have/had a GREAT DAY!! (NT) -- , Friday, November 18, 08:18:55pm
  • Hope your birthday was great! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 19, 10:21:11am
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA T!!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Saturday, November 19, 12:40:56pm
  • Happy Birthday Linda T! (NT) -- Ann , Saturday, November 19, 02:31:20pm

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• The Walking Dead -- Rosalie Lario, Wednesday, November 16, 06:34:52am
  My hubby and I discovered that AMC show, The Walking Dead, last month. Holy cow, I cannot believe what a great show that is! Anyone here watch it? Am I the only one who's totally obsessed with the character Shane after seeing his rock-hard naked body, LOL?
  

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  • Welcome to RBL! When is it on, I haven't seen it but would love to.. Also is his naked body on the show or do we have to see it somewhere else? *G* (NT) -- , Friday, November 18, 08:17:08pm
    • It's on Sundays at 9 on AMC. Great show. You do see his naked body on the show. Alas, not all of it, but enough. :-) (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Saturday, November 19, 06:48:54am

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• -- Beaty, Wednesday, November 16, 08:44:52pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Patrice Michelle!
  Have a wonderful day!
  

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  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICE MICHELLE! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Thursday, November 17, 12:50:57pm
  • Happy Birthday! Whew hoo! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, November 18, 02:24:04am
  • Hope it was a WONDERFUL DAY!! (NT) -- , Friday, November 18, 08:19:52pm

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, November 13, 12:05:47am
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday,Rosie!
  Hope it's marvelous!
  

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  • Rosie, hope you have a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Sunday, November 13, 01:30:23am
  • Happy Birthday Rosie!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, November 13, 05:04:52am
  • Happy Birthday Rosie. Hopefully your boys will spoil you a bit in between hockey games. (NT) -- debbie O, Sunday, November 13, 05:38:05am
  • Happy Birthday Rosie! (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, November 13, 03:04:34pm
  • Happy birthday darlin'...hope it was special! (NT) -- Heather, Sunday, November 13, 07:25:28pm
  • Happy (belated) Birthday Rosie! (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:21:17pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSIE!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Thursday, November 17, 12:48:54pm

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• One For The Money movie trailer -- debbie O, Sunday, November 13, 05:10:07pm
  I just watched the trailer for Janet Evanovich's One For The Money. Looks like a pretty fun movie! I will have to grab a girlfriend for this one. It comes out in late January.
  

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  • I'm totally going...I'll have to grab Ann...I'm sure I won't have a problem getting her to go with me. Here's the link to the trailer, if anyone wants to check it out http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/oneforthemoney/ (NT) -- Heather, Sunday, November 13, 07:26:58pm
    • I'll be waiting for the phone call! (NT) -- Ann , Tuesday, November 15, 08:27:43pm
  • I'll be heading out for it too and will probably take my Aunt (who is a 'Babe' and I'm a 'cupcake', so it will be fun) (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, November 15, 12:14:47pm
  • I just watched it, looks good! I think the guy playing Morelli has the attitude & accent down pretty good.He sounds like I've imagined him & if I can't have Ray Liotta to say cupcake then I think this guy may do okay anyways *G* Whoever is playing Grandma Mazur is good,and Dad's reaction is spot on.And I've watched Daniel Sunjata- he played 'Franco' in 'Rescue Me',he is a GREAT actor,so he ought to make a pretty good Ranger.I'm still a loyal cupcake,though,LOL!Thanks for the link & the heads up,ladies! (NT) -- Bo, Wednesday, November 16, 03:58:33pm

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• HI Trying to find doctors near me , in gainesville florida, health insurance does not kick in till jan 2012. help . trying to call everyone near me but they don't have any app , till jan , getting caught up my reading. -- ann2, Tuesday, November 15, 06:49:33am
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• Hey guys help Karen Marie Moning -- Łinda, Monday, August 22, 08:49:50pm
  Everyone to please go to Dreamworks Facebook page and like them and let them know that yes, we do want a Fever series made. Please do this and get everyone you know with a FB page to do this. The movie rights have already been optioned once and not made into a movie, we want them to make a movie this time. We need at least a thousand comments, right now there are 46, LOL. Thanks:)
  
  Follow this link to the page;
  
  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/DreamWorksStudios
  

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  • Thank you so much for posting this Lin! Dreamworks also has a twitter page if you don't have FB. This is our chance to get a movie made of the Fever books. So exciting! (NT) -- Leiha, Monday, August 22, 09:26:23pm
  • I'm so excited about this! How awesome would this movie be?? (NT) -- Rosalie Lario, Thursday, August 25, 07:02:55am
  • I'm a little late but I just added my support too and shared the link to anyone on my wall. Every little helps. (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:36:46pm

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• What book are you waiting for? -- Beaty, Monday, October 24, 06:44:49pm
  Is there a new book coming out soon you're just dying to get your little fingers on?
  
  I've got lots of books coming out that I'm going to be buying, but nothing I'm really dying for. How about you? Maybe I missed something.....
  

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  • Beaty, there's a new book out written by Kevin Sorbo, and I believe you are a fan of his. It's called True Strength - My journey from Hercules to mere mortal - and how nearly dying saved my life. He confesses to having had a stroke prior to the last season of Hercules, and how he had to continue filming while recovering. You might like to read it. I'm waiting for the next In Death installment by J. D. Robb (Celebrity in Death), the last of the Cynster sister trilogy by Stephanie Laurens, and the 2nd installment of a contemporary by Lisa Kleypas, and MORE of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. (NT) -- Diane, Tuesday, October 25, 09:26:55am
    • Pretty sure Robyn has one out this month! I love that series as well. (NT) -- Beaty, Wednesday, October 26, 01:31:20pm
    • LISA KLEYPAS' newest is "Rainshadow Road" and is due out in Februray! I can't wait for it either Diane. (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, October 26, 02:45:11pm
    • I didn't; know that about Kevin Sorbo. Wow! I would never have guessed he was recovering from a stroke. May have to check out his book myself. (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:31:29pm
  • I am dying for Sacrificial Magic, the next in Stacia Kane's Downside series. It's not here until March or something. Ugh. I can't wait for Raven Calls by CE Murphy, either. (NT) -- maggie, Thursday, October 27, 07:51:55pm

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• Hello Ladies! -- CindyO, Sunday, November 06, 09:10:23pm
  I hope all is well with all of you. I know that it has been a while since I posted last. Things have been hectic here. Been watching the grandbabies (4 of them but...I have 7)that are close to me. Those of you who don't remeber me I have 3 children (pix inside)
  
  Mysti now lives in IL, Josh in FL and Lexie has been here in WI all of her life.
  
  So you see that I have been very busy and I wanted to let you know that I had been dignosed with skin cancer. They did do an operation to my face and now I am clear and I have a scar to prove it. I still have to be tested quarterly for the next 2 years but...I am confident that all will turn out right. It was hard to read since the cancer was right beneath my right eye. Now that the swelling has gone down a bit any new recommends out there? I have missed this board and will try to frequent it more often.
  

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  • Here they are -- CindyO, Sunday, November 06, 09:12:19pm
  • I am a 20 year breast cancer survivor, Cindy. Once you heal, I promise you, life WILL get better. The ladies here have been very helpful with their reading suggestions. I've been introduced to j d robb's In Death series and I LOVE the characters. Try them! (NT) -- Diane, Monday, November 07, 02:39:23pm
  • Glad to see you stopping by CindyO!! And glad you are doing well after surgery. I've been 're-reading' quite a bit so I can't recommend anything too new, but I've enjoyed anything by Lori Foster and Lisa Kleypas (NT) -- Robin, Monday, November 07, 07:21:32pm
  • Sorry to hear about your surgery but glad that you are doing better now. (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:25:49pm

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• WHATS EVERYONE DOING THIS WEEKEND?? -- Robin, Saturday, November 12, 05:32:30am
  I'm chillin' at home. Re-reading "The More I See You" by Lynn Kurland.
  
  This past week I got all my chores done during the week (cleaning, laundry, etc), so I could plan to do NOTHING or do whatever I wanted this long holiday weekend.
  
  This past week my dh and I started our Christmas shopping and we are halfway done (I don't have much to get and most of the kids/teens just want cash, so it makes it easier!).
  
  Next weekend he is going to get the tree out, put together and then we leave it outside for a day. He then blows it off with the leaf blower to get dust/pollen off of it and then we bring it in. It usually sits in a corner for a week or so before we decorate it...and since we put it up late last year, we decided to put it up by Thanksgiving this year.
  
  Only thing left to do in the next week is get my holiday cards ready...
  
  I LOVE it when we can get our holiday prep done in November so that we can use December for fun stuff like the occasional party, baking, taking our nieces and nephew out to drive around and go look at Christmas lights and then go for hot chocolate or something.
  
  When I don't have my 'have to do' stuff done early I feel like there is not time to do the 'fun holiday' stuff...so this year we vowed to get it done early if we could. And since its just the two of us, its easier for us than folks with kids to take care of, etc.
  
  Anybody else start their holiday preparations already? Do you get a real tree or use an artificial tree? Do you like going out on Black Friday?
  
  Have a great weekend everyone!
  Robin
  

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  • Like you, Robin, my shopping is pretty easy. So that's already done for this year. I'm pretty jealous of all your energy however. Congrats! December should be just for the enjoyment factor. (NT) -- Beaty, Saturday, November 12, 07:34:13am
    • Um, Beaty, my hubby does the tree mostly, and we use slave labor (8 and 12 year old nieces who come over to help decorate sometimes) so I can't take credit for too much energy. LOL (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 12, 12:06:24pm
  • Sitting around, lying about, working out with my new beastie, a walker, while they try to figure out why my back hurts and legs aren't working as they should. Maybe stenosis? Arrrggghhh! Thank goodness for my overflowing TBR and this new iPad my kids gave me! (NT) -- Merry, Saturday, November 12, 08:55:35am
    • Bestie, not beastie. Drat you, autocorrect! (NT) -- Merry, Saturday, November 12, 08:57:01am
      • Hope you are on the road to recovery soon Merry!! Take care of yourself!! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, November 12, 12:05:00pm
  • WOW Robin, you are on top of everything!! We have an artificial tree about two feet tall, I store it in a big garbage bag completely decorated & my house keeper just pulls it out & plugs it in when she cleans the week after Thanksgiving. *EG* I know it's lazy but we all know I don't do a lot of stuff. LOL Shopping consists of putting cash in cards & that's pretty easy & my mom said if I never started sending cards I didn't have to, I guess I'm done!! *G* (NT) -- , Sunday, November 13, 01:40:03am
    • Thats really how it should be for all of us....Christmas means a lot of different things for a lot of different folks, but the commercialism of everything can gang up on me and take away the true meaning and the importance of spending time with friends and family....you know? I think you are doing it just right!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, November 13, 05:04:20am
  • Growing up my parents focused more on family time and less on gifts -- I think the most we ever got was 4 or 5 each. So to this day, it's all about family time and not really about shopping or gifts. (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, November 13, 03:07:10pm
  • Holiday preparations? I haven't even started thinking about it yet. I am doing NaNoWriMo this month so have been tap-tap-tapping on the keyboard like a crazy person. Would much rather have been reading and I adore Lynn Kurland's books. (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:23:14pm

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• Got All Nostalgic -- LouisaB, Saturday, November 05, 04:31:54am
  *waves* hello!
  
  I doubt anyone here even remembers me, but got reminded of this place today and thought I would stop by and see who is still here.
  
  For those who don't remember me, I am Louisa, who used to run the Magical Romance Reading Website, a site which is sadly no more as I no longer have time to keep up with it. It went the way of the dodo several years ago now.
  
  I am - was - one of the original RBLs, who even remembers the other board we migrated from.
  
  Today I was over on Facebook in a group taking part in NaNoWriMo and there was a bit of a talk going on about Hugh Jackman and one of the ladies read it as Huge. Of course that reminded me instantly of our Hugh and I had this urge to come see him.
  
  Looking at all the hotties here on the board I really should stop by more frequently.
  

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  • I've been here for many years, Louisa, but I don't remember you. You must have been before my time. But it's WONDERFUL that you came back to say hi. I hope you stop by more often. I miss the old RBLs. They were such a chatty bunch. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Saturday, November 05, 01:26:11pm
    • You might not remember me, but I recall you. I think you were just joining the forum as I was getting slack at coming by. (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:12:48pm
  • I remember you Lousia, we had a link to your site for a LONG time & then one day it wasn't there. I'm sorry you had to give it up! Judy & I tried to get in touch to see if there was a new URL to change to but ended up taking it down. Sure hope you come by more often! It's always good to see some of the ole gang pop up! As for the old site who could forget?? LOL (NT) -- , Saturday, November 05, 09:23:39pm
    • Sorry you were going to so much trouble to hunt for it. Details in the post for what happened. -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:19:30pm
  • Lousia I remember you. Reading you today got me remembering all the great times that we had here. Glad to hear that you are doing ok. (NT) -- CindyO, Sunday, November 06, 09:16:02pm
    • Hi. I remember you too. Glad to see there are still some familiar faces here. Hope you are well! (NT) -- Louisa, Monday, November 14, 12:20:20pm

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