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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Reflection On a Years Worth of Blogging

What to say about this past year...I've had a blast this year and if anyone would have told me two years ago that I would be running my own blog I would have said you were nuts. Now here I am having a blast and I have so many of you to thank for it.

When I started RFTC I honestly didn't think it would go anywhere. I just wanted an outlet to purge some of my thoughts on life and books and I thought that I could try to write a few reviews to help get my creative juices flowing. I never expected it to be what it is today. I still remember how excited I got when I received my first ARC copy to review and when I booked my first guest. Here we are a year later and I'm still getting excited whenever I'm able to book someone or I receive a review request.  

So many great and exciting things have happened in the past year. From all of the great guest posts and interviews, to the book signings, the bloggers, Authors After Dark con, Man Candy Monday pics, special blog events and so many great books. It's all gone by so quick but it was all so much fun and I can't wait to see what's in store for this next year. 


Here are a list of some of my favorite things from my first year of blogging: 

The special blog events that I was able to host with Rita from Not Another Romance Blog. I had so much fun putting together The 12(Historical) Days of Christmas (which Anna Campbell's blog actually earned me a  nomination) and the Sealed With a Kiss: A Celebration of Love events. I can't wait to start planning these again. There are quite a few really great posts in there and I know next years event will be even better. 

Click on banner to be taken to all posts
Click on banner to be taken to all posts

This past year I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Authors After Dark Con in Philly, where I was able to meet many great authors and bloggers. I hope I'm able to attend again this year because it was a blast.




I've also been so fortunate to have some really amazing guests stop by the blog. Elise Rome, Jenn LeBlanc, Lara Adrian, Maggie Robinson, Juliana Stone, Virna DePaul, Dianne Duvall and Laurie London are all repeaters and I LOVE having them on. They have all been so welcoming to me and are always down for another visit. I swear at times I feel like a stalker with them. But they are all amazing and you should definitely check out their books. =)

This last year has also been a great year for books. I'm so fortunate that I was able to read and review so many AWESOME books. From paranormal to historical to erotica, to contemporary, I've been lucky to read a lot of good books.

 Here were a few of my favorites:

Click for info
This is hands down one of my favorite books that I've read in the last year and it tops my list of all time favorites. I LOVED it. Because of this book I was able to discover other Shana Galen books and she has just blown me away. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more from her.


Click for info
I admit, before this year I was not the biggest fan of contemporaries. In fact I pretty much avoided them. Now I've always been a big fan of Victoria Dahl's historicals and when I saw this series pop up on NetGalley I figured I'd give them a try. Oh my goodness am I glad I did. Not only were they awesome, but because of these books I've found myself dipping my foot into the contemporary book pool.
Click for info
I am obsessed with this series! Oh my Laurie London sure knows write about a sexy vampire. I also love her take on the vampire mythology. This is a must read series. 


Now anyone that visits the blog regularly know I'm a big fan of Man Candy Monday(thank you Vicky Dreiling and Henry Cavhill). Here are a few hotties that always seem to find their way into my posts. 



And last but certainly not least is all of YOU. Seriously! I would not be here and be able to do what I do without you all. So THANK YOU

So since we are beginning a new year here at RFTC, do you think there is anything that I need to change or add? Is there anything missing that or something you would like to see something more of?

And in case you missed the post earlier in the week...I'm teaming up with Kati and Jamie from Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance to have one kickass blog party event with a grand prize drawing of a KINDLE (US ONLY) and book bundles from myself, Kati and Jamie. So make sure to head over to the event page for more info and to enter to win or click on the banner below. 


*Don't forget to head over to Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance and see all the awesomeness occurred over there this past year. I hear some crazyness went down at RomCon. 

62 comments :

  1. I am so happy to have found this blog and been able to participate in some really amazing events. I think I've learned about new to me authors on this blog more than anywhere else. You have a dedication to reading and reviewing that I really admire! Thank you for all that you do!

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  2. @yadkny-Aww, thank you so much. You are so sweet. Thank you for being so faithful and always stopping by. I'm so happy that you've been able to find new authors and books through the blog. =)

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  3. Happy blogiversary Dani!!!! The past year has been such an adventure for all of us, I can't wait to see what we all do next. *smooch*

    Jenn

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    1. Aww Jenn me love you long time! This past year has been amazing and I'm SO happy to have met you. Now if only we could meet in person.

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  4. Congratulations! You have a great blog and I've enjoyed visiting it and finding new authors and books. Here's to many more years!

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  5. Happy blogiversary!

    Love the blog just as it is. Great reviews, author interviews, giveaways. Love Man Candy Monday and the 12 historical days of Christmas event was brilliant, especially for a historical junkie like me. x

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    1. I'm so glad you liked the Xmas event. I had a blast putting it together and this years event is going to be awesome as well. You don't want to miss it.

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  6. Happy Blogiversary! Its a new blog to me, so hoping this year is a great one!

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  7. Congrats. I have had a ball following your blog the past year. There have been great reviews, guest posts, giveaways, and blog hops. And yes, lets not forget Man Candy Monday, one of my favorite parts. Keep up the good work.

    Joanne B
    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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    1. Oh Joanne thank you for your kind words. And I'm so glad you enjoy the Man Candy posts. I have so much fun researching those posts. You'd be amazed at all of the pics that don't make it.

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  8. Congrats Danielle on 1 year of blogging, here's to many more fun posts!! :-D

    I have to tell you your special events were such favourite of mine, I can't wait for them this year (please tell me you're going to do the X-mas event again!! It was fantastic!). Just like you I didn't like contemporaries until I discovered some amazing ones through blogging (yes Victoria Dahl was one of those :-D)

    So thank you and cheers!! :-)

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    1. Oh Stella, you're kind words mean so much to me. I've always been a big fan of your blogs and it humbles me to hear your kind words. =) The Xmas event is definitely going to happen again this year. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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  9. Congrats--1 year of blogging, and already you've accomplished so much, brought us so many greats posts, reviews, events and giveaways! :) I'm a bit envious--my first year of blogging was crap, really. Lol.

    I can't wait to see what you have to offer us in the coming years, and I've enjoyed stopping by to chat and read your posts. Keep up the great work girl! :)

    Enjoy!
    TBQ
    TBQ's Book Palace

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    1. Thanks so much for you kind words. I'm glad we were able to meet and share books. Plus, we have the same name so that makes you way cool in my book. =)

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  10. Happy Blogiversary! Thank you for all the hard workd put in to this site with all the reviews and recs. I can truly say that I wouldn't be so immersed in the world of reading romance if it wasn't for blogs like this. The reviews and recs on here are priceless to me... and a great motivator for my tbr pile :P

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    1. Thank you so much. I love that you've been able to find new books to add to your TBR pile. I hope you like them all as much as I have.

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  11. Congrats on one year! From starting out just as a little past time it sure has blown up! You do great posts, fun reviews and interviews. Hope you continue to enjoy it this next year!

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    1. Aww thanks Lexi. Believe me it was all so daunting at first. I honestly didn't know if anyone would read anything that I've put together. You all have blown me away and I hope to continue to bring you fun and innovative posts. =)

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  12. I love the blog and there isn't anything I can see that needs to be changed. Looks like you had a fabulous year and here's to many more!

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  13. Thanks so much for the kind words Barbara. I'm so glad you like the blog. =) Thanks for stopping by.

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  14. Aloha, Danielle!

    Eia ka ho’opōpōmaika’i no kēia wā a no ka makahiki hou.

    Wishing you the best for the holiday (anniversary) season and the coming year!

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    1. Oh Kim thank you so very much. You have been a big part of my blogging experience and I'm so happy you will be joining Kati, Jamie and I in our celebration. =)

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  15. Congrats for this anniversary.
    I really love learning about new books and authors thanks to your blog and you helped me to expand my interest so thanks you

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Miki. I hope you are able to find lots more by the time this month is up. =) Thanks for the kind words.

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  16. Hey Cutey Pie!

    How cool is it to share a Birthday w/your Blog?! VERY COOL! I wish for it to be as old as I am (and this year I'm telling people I'm 45, next year the number might change, slightly lower).

    I'm so glad to have 'bumped' into you and your blog and I'm happy for you and for all of us that love your posts and follow you around :)

    CHEERS!

    Mel
    www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

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    1. Oh Melanie. I <3 you so much and I am so grateful to have met you. Maybe one day we'll meet in person...I hope you have a wonderful birthday. =)

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  17. Thanks for having such a wonderful celebration!

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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  18. Just dropping by to say you do an amazing job with your blog. Huge props.

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  19. I have only been visiting your blog for a few months and cannot think of anything to change. I love Shana Galen's books though I have not read 'Lord and Lady Spy' yet.

    Congrats and I look forward to what your second year has to bring.

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    1. Thanks Sophia. You definitely need to read Lord and Lady Spy. It's so good.

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  20. Happy Blogeversay!!! I have just discovered you and am enjoying everything. I look forward to following for awhile!
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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    1. Thanks Mel. I'm so glad you found the blog and I hope you like it. =)

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  21. Can't think of anything I would want you to change - I've enjoyed reading your posts so much & finding out what's coming out to read. Thanks so much and here's to another great year!
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks Di for the kind words. Thanks for stopping by. =)

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  22. happy blogversery :) amazing how fast time can slip by when having fun :)

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  23. Happy 1 year anniversary!! I honestly cannot think of anything that needs to be improved. I really enjoy reading your blog! I find it easy to navigate. I think it is really cute too! Thank you for all of the book recommendations and giveaways!

    Good luck on another great year!

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  24. Wow, you've had a full year! Can't wait to see what another year can bring for you with all of your hard work. Thank you for this blog and for sharing your reviews and interviews with us. Best wishes!

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  25. Your blog is great and I would leave it as it is..... Well more man candy never hurts ;) Just teasing your site is great ;) (Okay I felt a bit Tony the tiger with that last great) Sorry about that lol

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  26. I love this site! You do a great job and I wouldn't change anything about it! Good luck on another great year!

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  27. Danielle,

    Ever since I've known you, I've known your love/passion/obsession for books. I look at your blog and I feel so proud of what you have accomplished. Your website is awesome! I hope with all my heart that it will continue to grow and with it your love of books. I hope you know that you will always have my support and I look forward to watching all your dreams come to a reality. So here's to a happy one year anniversary and wishing you many more! :)

    Love,
    Your lil' sis

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  28. I love your blog. I especially enjoy man candy Mondays. Happy Clogging for the next year.

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  29. Happy Blog Anniversary! May you have many, many more years! I can't think of anything that should be added, deleted, or otherwise. I love your blog site!
    Thank you for the interviews, reviews, and giveaways!

    Phoenix
    PhoenixCarvelli at gmail dot com

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  30. Dani, there isn't anything you have to do . It's perfect just the way it is. Happy Blogoversary. What a year. And the man candy Mondays are fantastic. A great choice of candy every time. :) I love Shana Galen's books. Her Sons of The Revolution was amazing.
    Thank you for such a great year of Author interviews, man candy,giveaways and your incredible events.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  31. Happy Blogoversary. A change, i think this blog already perfect, just hope there will be many internatinal giveaway =D

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  32. I like everything about your blog. But is you want to bring on more man candy that is okay with me.

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  33. I have to say that I love your blog! Congrats on your year of blogging! I have loved the great events that you have held on the blog and can't wait for more!
    As far as changes, the only thing I can think of would be more eye candy, lol. You can never have too much of that ;)

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  34. Happy Anniversary! Keep them coming!!!

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  35. I can't think of any changes and I love your blog!

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  36. Happy Blogiversary! I wouldn't change anything. I cant wait to read Lord and Lady Spy it sounds like a great book.

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  37. Happy Anniversary, and wishing you continued success

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  38. Congrats on your Blogoversary. Wishing you many, many more!

    Keep up the great work!

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  39. How did i not know about the 12 historical days of christmas!? looks very fun!

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  40. I love the Casting Calls! Every reader thinks of who they would like to see as the characters if the books were ever to make it to the big screen.

    AquarianDancer at gmail dot com

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  41. I love visiting here. I always learn about the best books and authors.

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  42. I left a massive comment over on Romancing Rakes 4 The Luv Of Romance. But the gist is, I want a site that is easy to use and isn't overly cluttered. I think you both accomplish that really well! Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Anniversary! jepebATverizonDOTnet

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