Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day!



Since I'm an author of many romances, both sweet and sexy, I should be a lifelong purveyor of all things associated with Valentines Day, right? Well, I have a confession. Many years ago, before I'd published my first word, I was a bit of a cynic about the whole Valentines Day mystique. Shortly after DH and I married, he treated me to the most romantic Valentine experience. He rented a limousine, which took us to a fancy restaurant for dinner, then to the ballet. Inside the car he'd stashed champagne and red roses. As a young, newly married couple, we could hardly afford such extravagances. Instead of thanking him for the romantic adventure afterward, I admonished him for spending so much money. (I said I was young and I will add foolish!)

For years after, he refused to do anything so much as give me a card for the holiday, which was my own fault. But after his wounds had healed, he brilliantly came up with affordable ways to tell me he loved me, like drawing big hearts on the driveway in chalk or painting my car with messages of love. The man became a master of romantic innovation. After all these years, he still manages to surprise me with something sweet and sexy. In my book(s), that's what a hero is all about.

Speaking of heroes, how about a free read? My Naughty Nooner, The After Party is now available from Ellora's Cave. Blackout, a Quickie, was also released a few days ago. Here's a little about that:
Kendra learns that her boyfriend thinks she’s a cold fish. To make matters worse, he’s made plans to go away with one of her coworkers for a long weekend. When a blackout strands her in an elevator with sexy Latin maintenance man Jorge, she sets out to prove she’s more hot dish than cold fish.
You can get Blackout HERE.

What are your best V-Day memories? I hope you have a wonderfully romantic Valentines Day!

13 comments:

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I'm so sorry your first Valentine's Day as a married couple was such a mixed blessing. I honestly don't remember our first Valentine's Day as a married couple.

We give each other mushy cards and he brings me roses. We go out to dinner, and that's it. We may be unimaginative after 17 years, but it takes the pressure off.

It's wonderful that your honey finds special ways to surprise you. That's truly romantic...but I'm not complaining.

Wynter said...

Aw - that's sweet that you guys do mushy stuff still. Isn't it great to have a guy who stays sentimental?

Maureen A. Miller said...

We try to keep Valentine's Day down to small tokens as well...or it could get out of hand. Actually, we like to say (this is so corny) that every day is Valentine's Day for us. hahahahaha I know. I know. Feel free to groan now. :)

Katie Reus said...

Love the cute chalk heart drawing! I'll admit to doing that to my own husband when we were first married (all I could think was why would he spend so much on flowers when he can get inexpensive ones from the grocery store, lol??) Now V-day is much more low key. We're so good to each other year round we don't really need one day to show each other we care, but I do love the little stuff he does around this time of year.

Wynter said...

I am groaning, Maureen, but that's sweet!

Katie - low-key is fine, but you deserve extra this year since you're giving him the best gift ever this summer!

Jillian said...

Glad he moved on from the first one and became Mr. Romance again!!

Wynter said...

Thanks, Jillian - me too!!!

Michelle Polaris said...

Lifeis the greatest learning experience so I'm glad you two could move on from that first Valentines. It's lovely when the men are sweet. My DH made and served me dinner, apron and all last night. It was a sumptuous feast and I was a lucky woman. We celebrated early to avoid weeknight pressure.

Wynter said...

You're lucky, Michelle. My DH can't boil water;-)

Terry Odell said...

We're at the e-card stage. Restaurants are too crowded, overpriced, lousy service because of the overcrowding, and the menu is usually limited. I'd rather get something spontaneous without all the commercialism. And I'm glad you figured out that you never shoot down a romantic gesture.

Terry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery

Wynter said...

We never go out anymore on Valentines Day itself. I agree - overpriced, limited menus. If we want an evening out, we do it before or after the 14th. Enjoy yours.

KC Burn said...

Love that story! Yeah, I hate the thought of hubby buying stuff that will cost 60% less in a couple of days. As for me, you may be surprised to learn we had takeout and watched tv... on second thought, probably not :)

Dalton Diaz said...

Being the only woman in the house for so long (until mom moved in), I started a tradition of cooking something special for all of my guys.

Now, I also include some type of rose for my mom in memory of my dad. He planted roses lining the walkway of every house we ever lived in, so my mom would always walk through roses to come in the door.