Dec.17th is a very important date

December 17th means a lot to me, sentimentalist that I am. Which makes me wonder, are all romance writers as soupy as I am at heart?
My husband's birthday is today. He's been gone over a year now, but this date always makes me smile. He came from a loving family, but not one used to showing it. I think sentimental me completely rocked them all, but we soon adjusted and I adored them. However, they had never made any fuss at all about DH's birthday. The first year it came around after we were married I floored him with a cake, candles, presents, and a special dinner of all his favorites.

He was absolutely astounded. However, I must say he adjusted quickly, and basked in all the attention. Our childrens' birthday are in January, and I made a big deal out of celebrating each of them. Birthdays are special, damn it.

I've got three books coming out in January. Never had them cluster like this and I've been spending all my times going from edit to edit. Here's a an excerpt from Fiery Pursuit, coming out from Ellora's Cave. Don't you love the cover? Here's an excerpt, but not the final edit since I don't have that yet.

Adult Excerpt: Language
Stephen Mallory stood staring at his downed rivals, his face contorted with triumph. One on the floor in an ungainly sprawl of death, the other on the floor, her tantalizing breasts moving in shallow breaths. Not only had he managed to kill his most formidable academic rival, but he’d overcome and chloroformed the desirable daughter. The girl he’d lusted after for months. He’d never planned on Sophia hearing their argument, let alone come barging into the room to protect her father. She’d doubtless seen him plunge the dagger into his rival. Well, he’d planned to subdue her sooner or later, but hopefully after she was his wife.
Damn this added complication. Perhaps a forced marriage? His groin tightened at the thought of holding her down by any means necessary. It would a pleasure to conquer her any way he could. His cock swelled at the thought of plunging into her again and again while she fought to hold him off. But she was feisty and he wouldn’t want to mar her beauty. He’d probably need another man to still her while he took his delight in that gorgeous body. He leaned over, caressing the delightful curves, now totally at his pleasure. He took the cap and snood from her hair, and drew a deep breath as the most glorious blonde hair he’d ever seen spilled down around her shoulders.
Fingering the silky mass, he felt his penis swell even larger. He forced himself to step back. He needed to think now, decide what to do on the basis of his mind, not his cock.
There were many complications to the fact she’d seen him murder her father. He opened her blouse and ran his hands along her body, thinking furiously even as he fingered her firm breasts and nipples, his breathing coming ever more quickly.
Then his mind started functioning, slowing his groping hands.