Happy Tuesday!

I was thinking about how I should probably post something about romance and Valentine's Day since yesterday was the 14th. But here's the thing, I don't like Valentine's Day. It's not that I eschew the day and wear black to make a statement (anymore). It's just that I follow something akin to my mother's philosophy. Every year she says, and has said for as long as I can remember, "Don't be nice to me because it's Mother's Day. Be nice to me every day." That's how I feel about Valentine's Day. Don't say "I love you" to the one you love because it's Valentine's Day. Say it to that person every day. Valentine's, IMO, is like some magical free pass that lets people off the hook for not being thoughtful or romantic the other 364 days of the year. To this I cry, "Bullshit!" You don't need flowers and chocolates every day, but you do deserve an expression of affection every day. Whether it's an unexpected trip to the movies or just the person who doesn't usually do the laundry doing the laundry. Hell, it could be something as simple as remembering to put the toilet seat down. You know what I'm saying? It's the little expressions of love that mean the most and one day a year of hearts and flowers doesn't cut it.

Now, ironically, the novella I have coming out soon, Compass Hearts, was originally written for a Valentine-themed anthology. It wasn't accepted for that, which is good in the long run. It's hard to write something Valentiney when your universe doesn't have Valentine's Day. If you want to learn more about Compass Hearts, then make sure to join me on Coffee Time Romance's Erotic E-loop Yahoo Group. Follow the link to sign up if you aren't already a member of the group. I'll be chatting on Friday 25 February from 10-12 PST (1-3 EST). There will be excerpts of all my books and there will be prizes. So come join me for a bit of Caffeinated Fantasy!

Happy Valentine's Day

Hello all. *wave* I hope everyone is having a nice/romantic/sweet Valentine's Day. I know I have my sweetie doting on me...but then, he does that every day of the year. Yeah, I'm spoiled ;)

I've been MIA the past couple of posting days and I apologize as it wasn't intentional. First, earlier in January, I had surgery. Though the healing/recovery has been awesome and faster than most anticipated, it kind of knocked me off schedule. Speaking of schedules, I've had to completely restructure mine since obtaining a part time job (it kind of fell into my lap and didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth). I'm struggling how to balance work, housework, family, and writing. Unfortunately my writing has suffered the most...housework is next. It's a slow progress, but I'm starting to get a schedule down, along with getting my teens started in their "training" in laundry and dishes and such. ^-^ After over 5 years of not having an outside the house job, I'd forgotten how much I actually do when I do stay home without the kids and husband around. lol

Anyway, I am working on another Fallen Angels novel and would like to see it completed in the near future. This one is centered on Caesar and I hope to have a snippet from it next time I  have to post.

In the meanwhile, I'll post an excerpt from Fallen Angels  - available at Loose Id

Excerpt:

 “Are you sure this is the way?” I asked as we rounded another corner.

“Age is affecting your memory, brother,” Toni whispered as I followed her through the dark corridors. These hidden paths wound through Lucifer’s mansion, connecting nearly every room. It had been many years since I’d wandered them.
“I’m not a voyeur…unlike someone else I know.”
Toni chuckled softly. “I’m nosy. Not a voyeur. Besides, how else would I know the things I know?”
“Things that’ll get you killed if Lucifer knew you knew,” I scolded.
She merely shrugged as if it were no big deal. Was the danger of her knowledge that oblivious to her? Or maybe she really didn’t care.
“Just get me to Adam’s room.” My old room. But I refused to think about my own time spent there.
“It’s at the end of this hall. Come on, impatient one.”
Within minutes, the wall slid and created an opening into the room Lucifer had Adam in. He lay in the bed, and when the door opened, he jerked up, looking around.
“Stay there,” I said so he wouldn’t get up. I was aware of the camera watching him, but also that it was mounted above where I stood so it couldn’t detect my presence. “Lie back down and act as if I’m not here.”
My chest tightened, wanting so badly to take him in my arms. To smell his scent upon me. To taste him. It had been hellish sitting across from him at dinner, unable to speak freely or even reach out to him.
“What are you doing here?” Adam turned onto his side so the camera wouldn’t be aware of him speaking.
“I came to see if you were all right. I needed to see you before…” Before Lucifer came and spent the night with Adam, and I stole the information Adam needed to incriminate the man who’d save me and my sister. However, I couldn’t say the words. It hurt to even think about Adam with someone else.
“No worries.” His voice, void of emotion, made me feel like such an ass for letting him go through this. “Did you know about these hidden passages before now?”
My eyes lowered. I hadn’t realized until after Toni and I got back from our walk that Lucifer had locked Adam away while he took care of business. I couldn’t risk coming to him before. He must understand that, but there was no time to tell him now.
“Will these help us get out of here?”
“Yeah. I’ll come and get you as soon as I’ve got what we need. Oh, meanwhile, you might want to wear whatever clothes he wants you to wear.” I tilted my head toward the pile of clothing at the foot of the bed.
Adam sighed and nodded. “Don’t take too long. This place is too rich for my small-town blood.” He fingered the top sheet material. “Probably too kinky, too.”
I laughed, thinking he looked good lying in such luxury. “Just so you know, there is no sound recording in here. Only in the dining hall and Lucifer’s private rooms.”
“The reason for your visit.”
“Yeah. Well…” Why hadn’t I told him about the surveillance before we got here?
Adam turned over. “Go. I don’t want him catching you here.”
I nodded and took a step back. “Adam…”
I heard him sigh. “You too.”
Reluctantly, I stepped back into the passage, and the door closed.
“Touching.”
“Shut up,” I growled and stalked away from Adam’s room.

Valentine's Day Giveaway

There are only seven more days to enter my Valentine's Day contest. This year I'm giving away Doc Johnson's Love and Lust kit. Visit my blog for more details.

www.amandayoung.org/blog

Why just one day?

I thought that I'd have something substantial to post about today, but it's been a odd, whirlwind type of week with family visiting and Valentine's Day, not to mention all the other usual duties that I have. However, it's Valentine's Day that inspired me - somewhat - lol.

I've never really been a big fan of Valentine's Day. Back in my teen years, there was this really strange occurance where I never had a boyfriend/sweetie from mid-December to mid-March. This cut out the "major" gift giving holidays of Christmas, Valentine's Day, and my birthday.

That is until I met my husband. :)

Now that doesn't mean that we go all out for Valentine's Day. After the first two went by, it's turned into a date day for us - just another day. In fact, this year we went to our local blood bank and donated blood before going to a simple lunch of chicken wings. *drool*

However, I've noticed that society/media are the ones that go crazy and apply pressure to consumers for this holiday for lovers. Commercials. Red and pink things in every store you enter. Cute Valentine's Day cards. Hearts everywhere. Chocolate candy! *yum* The candy is the worst for me as I'm trying so hard to lose weight and eat healthier. *sigh- yeah, chicken wings weren't the best choice but they sure were good*

I've learned to ignore all this, but as I watched shoppers this past Friday at Walmart, I found that not everyone does. The asiles of holiday items were busy of people finding that "perfect" something that will show their love.

My question is why just narrow it down to only one day a year? Why not find things to do for your special someone everyday? Or even once a week? It doesn't have to be expensive or even store bought. Making my husband's favorite dinner has him all smiles the rest of the night. Spending fifteen minutes snuggling has me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Taking a walk and sharing our day makes my heart flutter (okay, so it's a brisk walk, but it's time together ;) ) A brief note that comes from the heart.

There's endless opportunities out there to show them that you care. Not just one of the 365 days in a year.

How was your Valentine's Day? How did you spend it?