Romancing Cupid at Birthday Time by @BonnieEdwards #RomanceGems

Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Chocolates have been eaten and roses have been sighed over. My birthday comes just before Valentine’s Day and by the time I was involved with the man I would marry, I begged him to NEVER get me another heart-shaped box of chocolates for my birthday. He’s always respected my wishes. It’s not that I don’t like the idea of a special day to celebrate romantic love, it’s just too close to my day, and as I get older, I sigh with relief when the world returns to normal and all the red hearts disappear. Because that means I can forget about my birthday, too. 

This year’s birthday was significant. Because of the pandemic, I was home for it…normally we’d be away in a sunny climate somewhere in the world. With browsing in stores not a reasonable option for birthday shopping, the family was stumped. What to do? What to do? One daughter ran hither and yon looking for a perfect robe…but, alas, with Christmas inventory a distant memory and robes not being a traditional Valentine’s gift, she couldn’t find one. Instead, when sandal weather approaches, we’ll go for pedicures together…distanced and masked…but it’ll be fun.

The other gifts were easier to find because of Valentine’s Day. Gorgeous flowers are everywhere. And since I’m not usually at home for my birthday, I don’t ever get luscious bouquets. Until this year! Yes, beautiful red roses from my hero and my elder daughter dropped off this fabulous display.

And now, for a gift from a major ebook retailer, which shall remain nameless. But, it's the largest corporation in the world that delivers ebooks. Lately, they've become rather odd about what romance writers can advertise and when I wanted to place an ad on their site for a sweet and sassy romance that I've had for sale since 2012, I was surprised to learn it offended community standards and would no longer be allowed in ads. This book cover was rejected for sexual content. I appealed the decision and the answer still came back a resounding NO! They did tell me what the problem was, but I'm curious to see what you think it was. 

If I want to advertise my half-priced book, I'll have to incur the expense of purchasing a new cover. So, before I do, I'd like to know your thoughts on this image and give me your best guess on what, exactly, is overtly sexual about it? I see this cover as fun & flirty, but clearly, someone will be deeply offended. Somewhere, maybe, possibly...

If you're interested in purchasing Sweet Ride for only $1.99 (so I can splurge on a new cover) then it's here for your Kindle. 

And thank you for supporting an independent author who just wants to pass along a good deal and let people who are browsing for fun romances know about it. 

And happy reading!

Bonnie Edwards