WHAT YOU CAN WIN HERE: a $10 Amazon gift card!
NUMBER OF WINNERS: 1
OPEN TO: U.S. and International
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment below telling me where you'd go on your dream Valentine's Day date
Welcome to the Romancing the Valentine Giveaway Hop! This is my first time participating in one of these, and I'm excited to be a part of this hop with so many great authors.
My debut novel LIFE ON THE EDGE, released last month by Astraea Press, is a sweet romance set in the world of figure skating. Here's a brief look at the story:
Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream - to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.
Emily dreams of their Valentine's date taking place in her hometown Boston. Sergei picks her up at her parents' house in neighboring Brookline, and they take the T (the area's subway) to Boston Common for their first stop of the night. Em and Sergei lace up their skates and join the crowd on frozen Frog Pond. They don't do any fancy moves like Em and her partner Chris do in competition; they're happy just holding hands and enjoying the feeling of gliding around the ice together.
After skating, they hop on the T and head to the North End, Boston's Italian neighborhood (where Em's mom grew up). The elegant restaurant Lucca serves as their destination. Em and Sergei savor every bite of their delicious pasta dinner before bundling up their coats and walking a few blocks to Modern Pastry for their favorite Italian dessert - cannoli!
Stuffed from dinner and the decadent dessert, Em and Sergei take the train to the Public Garden, where they walk among the snow-covered trees and gaze upon the frozen lagoon shining under the moonlight. Their stroll through the park takes them to Beacon Street, and they make their last stop of the evening at Starbucks. Sergei orders his standard no-frills cup of coffee while Em gets her usual skinny latte. They sit at a table nestled close to the windows and watch as light snow flurries begin to fall outside.
Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily's dreams of gold.
Emily doesn't have much dating experience since she's been focused on her skating career. But she's an old-fashioned romantic at heart and knows how she'd love to spend Valentine's Day if she had a special guy in her life . . . especially if that guy was Sergei.
Emily dreams of their Valentine's date taking place in her hometown Boston. Sergei picks her up at her parents' house in neighboring Brookline, and they take the T (the area's subway) to Boston Common for their first stop of the night. Em and Sergei lace up their skates and join the crowd on frozen Frog Pond. They don't do any fancy moves like Em and her partner Chris do in competition; they're happy just holding hands and enjoying the feeling of gliding around the ice together.
After skating, they hop on the T and head to the North End, Boston's Italian neighborhood (where Em's mom grew up). The elegant restaurant Lucca serves as their destination. Em and Sergei savor every bite of their delicious pasta dinner before bundling up their coats and walking a few blocks to Modern Pastry for their favorite Italian dessert - cannoli!Stuffed from dinner and the decadent dessert, Em and Sergei take the train to the Public Garden, where they walk among the snow-covered trees and gaze upon the frozen lagoon shining under the moonlight. Their stroll through the park takes them to Beacon Street, and they make their last stop of the evening at Starbucks. Sergei orders his standard no-frills cup of coffee while Em gets her usual skinny latte. They sit at a table nestled close to the windows and watch as light snow flurries begin to fall outside.
The dream date ends with Sergei bidding Emily goodnight on her front porch, giving her a kiss that could melt glaciers.
I hope you've enjoyed learning a little about Emily and Sergei. Check out more of their story in LIFE ON THE EDGE, available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and AstraeaPress.com!
Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Let me know where you'd go on your dream Valentine's Day date (please include your email address in your comment).
Thank you very much for the chance to win! I would go to see the pyramids in Egypt-dying to go and that era was romantic to me. edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteMy dream date would be in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is breathtakingly beautiful. I was there once on my anniversary and unfortunately my husband could not be with me on this trip so I've always wanted to go back and spend it with him there.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
My dream date: There would be a man involved, preferably Bradley Cooper or his clone. He'd pick me up, take me somewhere, and we'd do something. Where, what and why wouldn't matter because I'd be with Bradley Cooper. I mean, who could ask for more than that?!?! Wait, on second thought, I'd want more than that but it isn't something I can discuss publicly. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteSeriously. It would involve someone who, with one look, makes me feel adored and like he'll never get tired of looking at me, takes me somewhere he believes I will love. At that point, nothing else would matter.
And...if he looks anything like Bradley Cooper (even the size of his smile), all the better. ;)
ReadLaurenS@gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
ReplyDeleteMY dream date would be to travel to India to the Taj Mahal for Valentine's Day. I think it is the most iconic symbol of everlasting love.
Thanks.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
thanks you for this international giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMy dream date would be to go on a paceful beach,on a sunny day to enjoy the nature and calm
all the best
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
My dream V-Day would be in Paris or London. I've always dreamed to visit those cities, but haven't had the chance yet. That would be a perfect Valentines Day! =)
ReplyDeleteverusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you very much for the giveaway. I'd like to visit Greece or Italy, but I think that just staying home, having a nice dinner and a very romantic night would be just as good. ;)
ReplyDeletekah_cherub at hotmail dot com
My dream Valentine's Day date would be going to a ball and waltzing the night away. But since that's not very realistic (not where I live, anyway), my second choice would involve hot chocolate, a walk in the moonlight (preferably in a snow-covered garden), and then snuggling up on the couch to get warm and watch a movie.
ReplyDeletemiss.ragsdale@gmail.com
Oh gosh, somewhere nice and sunny, as the weather here is horrid! Maybe New Orleans, then I could go on all the spooky tours! Not very romantic I know, but me and my partner would both enjoy it :D
ReplyDeletefaith_isola at hotmail dot com
Hmm. My dream valentine date? I've always wanted to visit the British Isles. But not sure if we could squeeze that into a one-day-date. So, let's call it a quiet coffee shop ... corner table ... candle light.
ReplyDeleteMy dream Valentine's date would be to go to Paris.
ReplyDeletejslbrown_03(at)yahoo(dot)com
There's those islands that have those huts you can stay in and you can see the clear, blue water through glass walls and the stars through a huge moon roof over your bed (I forget where that is) and it includes a two-person jacuzzi in the bathroom... that would be my ideal date and would last a few days. However, realistically it would be my husband and I eating at The Melting Pot, a movie afterwards, and then some romantic time together without any kids! :)
ReplyDeletetressa dot sherman at hotmail dot com
Great giveaway. Dream Valentine's Day? If I were to travel, I'd go to Scotland or Puerto Rico, or Italy. But in reality, I'd love to go away to a themed hotel and eat at a nice restaurant and have a great night alone in the hotel.
ReplyDeletejenniekcoupons at gmail dot com
My dream date involves my boyfriend making a delicious dinner and dessert and snuggling in bed while watching a movie.
ReplyDeletethrouthehaze at gmail dot com
Paris!!
ReplyDeletePragya
pragyasharma_100@yahoo.co.in
It would just be a nice, quiet night at home where the focus was on me and making me happy.
ReplyDeleteacm05atjuno.com
My valentine date is obvious in Veneza. I can dream, you know, that my boyfriend will pay the travel, etc HAHAHHA
ReplyDeleteandresats@hotmail.com
My dream date would be to be back in Rome with my husband! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSorry. sqwalker2@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAh, that sounds like a beautiful first date. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
ReplyDeletesophiarose1816@gmail.com
My dream date would be in Paris. The city of romance :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
cayce006 at yahoo dot com
Oh it would definitely be Paris. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteskpetal at hotmail dot com
I would go to an island, lay on the beach and then go out to dinner and dancing.
ReplyDeleteJWIsley@aol.com
My dream Valentine's date would be either Paris, or Venice, Italy. both are romantic places to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win such a great prize! <^_^>
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
I used to live in Chicago and I have to say that The Drake Hotel is very romantic. It was even used in the movie North by Northwest. I stayed there for my second wedding anniversary and loved it. A gorgeous old hotel that would be perfect for a Valentine's stay.
ReplyDeletegeishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com
My dream place would be Ireland.... LOL but I don't know if my hubby would be my dream date ;) just kidding
ReplyDeletebrandon_savannah@yahoo.com
My dream date would be horseback riding in Ireland.
ReplyDeletekatzs44(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I am a Disney freak. So my dream date would be at Disneyland. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great giveaway!
mararob80 at gmail dot com
My dream Valentine's Day date would be doing anything fun with my hubby and my sons. Doesn't matter what, as long as we all had a good time. :)
ReplyDeletevadeluna07@yahoo.com
If I could do ANYTHING I'd want to go somewhere in Europe because I've never been! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteroniwalker7(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to go to Hawaii and watch the sun set with a delish Mahi Mahi dinner.
ReplyDeletedeanna_boocock (at) hotmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA night alone with hubby at a nice hotel with room service, champagne and a great meal; no wake upcall in the morning and breakfast in bed.
ReplyDeletedsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
I would go to the Eiffel Tower. The real actual one, not the one in Vegas. Which is cool but not the same.
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
I'd go to Paris on my dream Valentine's Day date! Totally romantic.
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
On my dream Valentine's day I would love to travel to Italy or the Eiffel Tower. And just spend some time with the man I love.
ReplyDeletejessangil at gmail dot com
-Jessica B
my dream date for Valentine's would be a romantic candlelight dinner on a Hawaiian beach
ReplyDeletecatherine0807 at hotmail dot com
My Dream Date would be to Italy, where me and my boyfriend would eat spaghetti and end up with the same noodle and end up kissing, like in Lady and the Tramp. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you!
thunter_5@yahoo.com
Oh gosh, do you really want to know my dream date? I mean it involves time travel. I'm the daughter of Saul, and I meet the young David on my palace wall. We rappel down the wall together and ride off to the west, over black seas to a castle perched high in the piney Carpathian forests.
ReplyDeleteMy dream Valentine Date would be in Chawton, England - either at the Chawton House Library or at Jane Austen's House. There you can see rolling green hills and green lush trees! Peaceful! I miss it there.
ReplyDeletePatriciasparticularity@hotmail.com
in Greece..i really want to go there
ReplyDeletethanks so much for making this international!
orianofla@gmail.com
gfc follower
I would like to Zoo :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chance to win!
Rathouska(dot)jana(at)gmail(dot)com
I would go on an Alaskan Cruise for my dream Valentine date.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to win
This is so cliche but I'd want to be flown to Paris!
ReplyDeleteshanerus(at)gmail(dot)com
My dream date would be in Prague. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletejesmck at yahoo dot com
I'd go to a cabin in an isolated location with just me and my honey!!!!
ReplyDeleteskovach717@gmail.com
Okay, that little glimpse of Life On the Edge has gotten me interested. I am going to add it to my Amazon Wishlist--payday can't come soon enough! :)
ReplyDeleteOn my dream Valentine's Day date, I would love to go to Hawaii--probably the island of Maui. I want to enjoy the warm weather, the smell of the ocean, waves lapping across my feet, soft sand beneath my toes, and the colorful sunset over the horizon. Ahhh. <3
jamieshock@gmail.com
Thank you so much for the wonderful giveaway. My dream date would be a private, candlelit dinner in an old Scottish castle.
ReplyDeleteJune
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
I have not read a book yet that is set in the world of figure skating but would so love to.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the main male character's name was Sergei I think I literally gasped because I used to love watching figure skating and my favorite pairs skaters were Sergei Grinkov and Ekaterina Gordeeva. It broke my heart when Sergei Grinkov died at 28 years old leaving Ekaterina and their 3 year old daughter behind.
I honestly don't know where I would want to go as a dream Valentine's date. Perhaps just into a big city since I live in the country.
Thanks for this giveaway! I would really love to read your book.
Pam
vanillaorchids69(at)gmail(dot)com
Pam, my favorite pair of all time is Gordeeva and Grinkov :) I think they had the most beautiful connection and the most romantic programs. I was devastated, too, when Sergei died so young.
DeleteWould love to hear your thoughts if you have a chance to read my book!
Thank you for the giveaway! I would love dinner and no kids and the setting to be London. That would be sooo romantic.
ReplyDeleteMary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! Where would i want to go? I think either Egypt to explore or Scotland to see castles, though maybe thats not the best idea. A hottie comes up in a kilt with a sexy accent, im liable to leave my valentine. lol
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to visi Boston. My dream date should take me there and then we would hide in a bookshop, buy books and have a sweet dinner together
ReplyDeletealiasgirl at libero dot it
I would love to spend the day on beach in Siesta Key, FL. Just my honey and me (with some daiquiris, of course).
ReplyDeletekristad324{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com
My dream date would be touring Scotland. I have always wanted to go there.
ReplyDeleteI'd grab my husband and rush off to Instambul in Turkey to watch the whirling dervishes and visit Ayia Sofia, stroll in the narrow streets and eat spicy kebab.
ReplyDeletechrystallathoma{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com
that would be good to have for gift f r my birthday
ReplyDeletedesi the blonde at msn dot com
I'd love to go to Venice and take a gondola ride.
ReplyDeleteMorganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
My dream Valentine's date? I would love to be out with my boyfriend to a nice restaurant in SCOTLAND that just happens to be a CASTLE and then for a nice long walk and then he hits one knee and shows me my leafies (engagement ring) and begs me to marry him! (does Scotland have fireflies cause fireflies would make it perfect!) Hahahaha perfection. :) Thanks! allicat0818[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteMy dream Valentine date would be in Fiji on a private island laying in the sun with my hot hunk of a husband!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
lexie.bookbug at gmail dot com
I would like to go snowboarding for the whole day+evening with my bf (cuz we like it that much:)and then go to a nice warm cozy cafe...
ReplyDeleteMaya
mzsnow87@gmail.com
My dream date would be to go to a nice bed & breakfast near a winery!
ReplyDeleteMy dream date would be walking on the beach on the Mediterranean.
ReplyDeleteMy dream Valentine date would be anywhere on the beach! Watching the waves, soaking up some sun... angadair@nwcable.net
ReplyDeleteMy dream Valentine's date would be going to Hawaii for a week...or two.
ReplyDeleteProbably Italy
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to take a Caribbean Cruise with my honey.
ReplyDeletecaity_mack at yahoo dot com
My perfect date would be dinner in Italy.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Rote
wildnmild4u (at) yahoo (dot) com
My dream valentine date would be in Venice Italy. I want to sit in a gondola while listening to the rower singing a song. Now that's what I call romantic :), aretha_zhen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy Valentine's Day dream date would be to go to a beautiful garden and have a picnic among the flowers. Of course this would have to be somewhere where it is warm on Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
Anywhere with just my hubby-momofthreelittleangels@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy dream date would be to go to Greece and hang out on that lovely island soaking up the sun with the good food, good wine, and great company, aka a hot guy!;-)
ReplyDeletemmbrack@earthlink.net
My dream date would be to go to a beach at night and look at the start together.
ReplyDeletespav05(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Congrats on your debut release! A trip to Tuscany maybe?
ReplyDeletepams00 @ aol.com
We would go to Ireland :0)
ReplyDeletejunerlisle at gmail dot com
My dream date is at the movies. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd like to eat popcorn with someone else, barely focusing on the screen, but silently wishing for them to hold my hand.
ReplyDeletenadia.likes.ladybugs at gmail dot com
Just take me out to dinner! I hate to cook and clean up the kitchen.
ReplyDeletemcv111 at hotmail(dot)com
I would go to Paris :)
ReplyDeleteminuhno@gmail.com
I'd probably say Paris, but something really sweet like a home cooked meal could be really nice as well.
ReplyDeletejessicamariesutton(at)msn(Dot)com
Dream date? OUTER SPACE!
ReplyDeletespiraluzumaki(at)yahoo(dot)com