I got a WL offer today on a book that isn't released till 1/1/09.  Now, granted, it is a Harlequin, so it's possible a club member may have gotten it this month and has already listed it.  I'm not sure if they get next month's books a month ahead of time.  I am more concerned that it might be an ARC or just plain the wrong book.  So, here's my question, should I turn down the offer and go back to the end of the line (there are only 4 wishers so it wouldn't be a long line) or should I risk it and go ahead and accept the offer?  I am tempted to add a RC stating: "NO ARC's".  Thoughts anyone?

You can accept it and then send a pm to the sender - if they are posting an ARC, they'd need to cancel the order and then you'll go back to the front of the line.

harlequin books are usually published before their release date, i know that a lot of their imprints like Red Dress Ink or Steeple Hill often actually come out and are available to order at least half a month before their release date. also the member might be part of the book club which mails the books weeks before the release date.

other reasons might be the person might have received a review copy (actual book not ARC) which are also given out before the release date

I actually just received a box of books from Harlequin that all have an official publication date of 1/1/09.  They are not ARCs, but the actual books.  When I was adding them to my TBR list, most of them were already in the database, but two of them were not.

I would go ahead and accept the offer.

Accept it. If you get the wrong book, or an ARC, mark it RWAP and you'll be back in the front of the line. I realize that will be after 1/1/09 most likely, but you'll be at the front.

I don't think Harlequin's issue ARCS.  Maybe with some of their longer non-series books. They usually go on the shelf before the month on the book.  Like a monthly magazine will come out before the months starts. The Jan issue will come out mid to late December so you have it for January.  

I wrote down the name/author of a book that interested me recently.  I saw it in Borders and came on here.  The release date was listed as January.  This was almost 2 wks ago.  So it's also possible that the PBS release date is wrong or that the book was moved up to catch Christmas sales.

Ok, I went ahead and accepted the offer.  I'll try not to be paranoid and I imagine it will be fine.  :)  We shall see.  Happy Holidays everyone.