It's A Chocoholic's Dream Day! by Nancy Fraser #RomanceGems

Today's the day 'chocoholics' everywhere dream of ... 50% off Valentine candy!

Unlike the mad rush on November 1st for leftover Smarties and Peanut Butter Kisses adorned with ghosts and skeletons, today's rush will be for the ultimate prize ... chocolate!

As much as I love chocolate (and I do), I prefer to get my Valentine fix with a good book! Plus, of course, there's no "I can't believe I ate the entire box", sugar-induced hangover the next day. I make it a point to curl up with a good book, a nice decaf coffee, laced with a shot of Baileys, and maybe one or two pieces of chocolate.

What the middle of February also marks, at least for me, is a promise of spring. I've never really put much stock in the ground hog, but I do know that if I ration that 50% off chocolate to one piece (or two) per day, I can usually make it to the first thaw!

Mid-February also seems to be the time I get my second writing wind. My projects for the current year are already outlined and in place. I can start thinking about new projects. Maybe even something outside my comfort zone ... not that there are many things I haven't already done in romance.

Most people (authors and non-authors) make their lists at the beginning of the year. Some call them resolutions, some just name them plans, or goals. I prefer to get a bit farther into the year ... recoup the energy that leads to the second wind.

So today, at some point, I'll start making my lists. I'll begin with the obvious...projects leftover from last year such as the continuation of a series. I'll add something from one of my four publishers' wish lists. I'll finish with a challenge ... something I've always wanted to do but haven't...yet.

One year, the challenge consisted of writing my first erotic romance. The year after, it was my first fantasy. Last year's challenge was my first children's book (which was published just last month). This year???? This just might be the year for that cookbook I've been wanting to write.

In the meantime though ... here's a peek at my upcoming April 1st release. It's a short story for The Wild Rose Press' new "quick reads" line. And, because it's story one of a proposed five, it's also the catalyst for the first thing on my list ... continuation of a series.

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High school teacher Maggie Lewis has decided to start looking for lust instead of love, and the right place for that is through Lusty Liaisons, a unique and exclusive dating service.

Her friends are always bragging about their fantastic sex lives, and Maggie wants a man who will ignite the fire that burns deep inside her, a man who'll satisfy her every desire…without the hassle searching for him through the tedious dating process. She's hesitant but excited to give in to temptation and agrees to a one-night only liaison with a sexy suit, a virtual Greek God who immediately puts her at ease. Maggie only hopes he's half as good in bed as he looks.

Business mogul Evan Steele is a workaholic. His recent sexual conquests have left him wanting something more, something different. He longs for a lusty, no-holds barred night with a woman who still borders on inexperienced. The demure teacher might be exactly what he needs. But can he break through her shy shell to delight in the fire that simmers below the smooth surface?  

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Now is also a good time to remind you that we still have our weekly "Comment and Win" contest going on. A $5 Amazon gift card can be yours just for commenting on this or any other Romance Gems post! Don't forget, when posting a comment, to leave your email address. And, to avoid those dratted email harvesters, please write it out like this: romwriter96 at gmail dot com.

Congratulations to our first two gift card winners:

Week #1 - Iris Tseng

Week #2 - Mary Preston

And, of course, remember to enter our Rafflecopter draw for a chance at a Kindle Fire or one of six book bundles from our wonderful authors!

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Until later this month, stay happy, stay healthy (despite the chocolate), and stay well read!

Nancy