Contest Archive - 2008

 

December 2008 – What's the best gift you ever received?

In December—because my holiday novella featured a hero who gave his love gifts themed to "The Twelve Days of Christmas"—I asked people about the best gift they had ever received. The answers were amazing, each one as individual and special as the giver and the recipient. Here’s just a tiny sampling:

My husband arranging everything so we could renew our marriage vows. Our Navy son, coming home for the holidays last year and meeting his daughter for the first time. My dad flying me and my husband to San Francisco to an outdoor concert with the Rolling Stones. A dog—the gift of unconditional love, and many years of laughter and joy. A heart pillow my sister gave me just before she passed away—and by keeping the pillow close, I keep her close to me every day. My engagement ring 43 years ago, and I’m still going strong with the same man. Our adopted daughter who was given to us on December 24. The gift we gave each other on the first Valentine’s Day after we were married: our eldest child born February 14. When I was overseas in the Air Force and desperately ill, my parents came to be with me and my dad, who shares the same rare type of blood, gave me his blood and the gift of life. A Christmas ornament my daughter made in second grade, with her picture on it, that I’m still hanging on the tree 30 years later. Finding out at Christmas time that I was pregnant after trying for ages. Finding out at Christmas time that the hole in our son’s heart would heal itself.

Talk about heartwarming! I loved reading each and every answer. This month’s winner is Sophie M. from Ontario, and she wins an autographed copy of one of my books plus Michael Buble’s CD, "Call Me Irresponsible."

November 2008 – What do you look forward to about winter?

I’m not a big fan of winter, so I hoped you folks could point out some good things about it. And you did! As it turns out, most of the people who responded aren’t big on adventuring in the cold outdoors. You reminded me of the joys of staying inside, such as: fires, comfort food, watching the snow fall, drinking hot chocolate, snuggling under the covers, and of course reading. Lots of people mentioned how much they enjoy the holidays, and getting together with family and friends. And of course there are a few people who actually enjoy going out in the snow and doing things like skiing, skating and tobogganing, or even just walking. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Melissa from VA, who won a firefighter calendar and one of my books.

October 2008 – What's your favorite uniform?

I asked that question, because my latest novella, "Unwrap Me," has a firefighter hero. It turns out, people’s favorite uniform is Navy/Marines, followed closely by firefighters. Police and Army come next, then Air Force. Nurses also ranked high, because it’s a helping profession. UPS folks were also up there, mainly because they bring us good stuff. And then there were a variety of choices: baseball players, airline pilots, flight attendants, cocktail waitresses, cheerleaders, British Grenadier Guards, EMTs, postal carriers and orchestra conductors. Points to the people who said, "it’s not the uniform, it’s how they fill it" or "my favorite is the uniform that’s crumpled on the floor" . Congratulations to this month’s winner, Dawn S. from MN, who won a firefighter calendar and one of my books.

September 2008 – What’s best about the new TV season?

In September, many people excitedly anticipate the new TV season. I asked what people were most looking forward to, and here’s what I found out. The biggie is, no more reruns! As for particular shows, tastes are all over the board. Some people love reality shows; others hate them. Top-named shows include Dancing with the Stars, Amazing Race, Lost, Survivor, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Prison Break, Fringe, The Office, Heroes, American Idol, NCIS, CSI, 24, Boston Legal, and Brothers & Sisters. Other viewers are looking forward to sports, documentaries, or cooking shows. The most missed cancelled show is Moonlight. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Mina in PA, who won one of my books and some Canadian maple candy.

August 2008 – What’s the best way to pamper YOU?

I think summer’s a time to pamper yourself, so in August, I asked, If you want to pamper yourself – or have someone special do it for you <g> – what’s your favorite way? The three most frequent answers were massage, the spa, and a lovely relaxing bath – perhaps with bubbles, a glass of wine, a book, special music. Another popular answer was, getting some guilt-free personal time. And then of course there’s dinner out, shopping, chocolate, cooking for you, breakfast in bed, a long walk, the beach, and so on, and so on. Not to forget, of course, a good book! I was surprised how few people asked for anything extravagant. It doesn’t take a whole lot to make us feel pampered – so let’s try to make it happen more often. Congratulations to Kathy from Bel Air (MD) who won herself some pampering goodies: an autographed copy of one of my books, a book of sexy coupons, love letter bath salts, and a “someone special” heart pin.

July 2008 – What’s your favorite summer reading?

People often talk about “beach reads,” which implies most of us read something different in summer (or when we’re on holiday) than we normally do. So, I asked people about their favorite summer reading, and I was surprised to find that the majority said they read the same things they normally do. A few go for something light and fun, and a few choose a heavier “read” that they wouldn’t otherwise have time for. Some people re-read old favorites and some try to clean up the huge “to be read” pile. My favorite response was the following one: “I love reading erotica in the summer since it makes a reader feel even warmer. I also like anthologies because after each short story I know it’s time to put on more sunscreen.” My random draw turned up Beth in Ohio, so she has won a turquoise scarf and an autographed copy of one of my books.

June 2008 – What are you looking forward to this summer?

In June, I asked what people were looking forward to this summer. The biggie was, of course, rest and relaxation, and enjoying good weather. Lots of lounging is going to be happening: by the pool, at the beach, in a lounge chair, in a swing, and often with a book in hand. And fun activities: trips, camping, picnics, barbecues, carnivals, music concerts, movies, swimming, bicycling, golf, long walks, fishing, gardening, painting – and lots of time with family. There are birthdays, anniversaries and even a few births happening. Some people are actually being industrious: losing weight, moving into a new home, doing some work around the house, finishing tasks – and one person is re-inventing herself. Points to the most original answer, which was “(hopefully) finding a husband!” (and good luck to her). Congratulations to this month’s winner, Janice G. from South Carolina, who won herself an autographed copy of her choice of my books, plus a pair of romantic summery earrings that I picked up in the Bahamas.

A muscled man reveals his underwear in a pink window

May 2008 – How do you feel about starting something new?

My May question was, How do you feel about starting something new? Of course it depends on what that something is, but in general, when it comes to new things, a few people said they embrace them, a few said they’re scared, but the majority said some variation of “I’m both nervous and excited.” People stated all sorts of great reasons for trying new things: If you don’t, you’ll never know what might have happened; It broadens your horizons and challenges you; It’s good to keep learning as you grow older; It sets a good example for your kids; It’s refreshing; It may well turn out to be fun!; Chances are, you’ll be glad you did; You’ll have a sense of accomplishment.

Tips for how to do it: Prepare yourself, learn about it but don’t over-think it, then take a deep breath and tell yourself you can. And what’s the new thing we all love to start? A good book!

May’s winner is Sarah from Quebec. Her prize is an autographed copy of one of my books and a set of blank note cards featuring my own nature photographs.

April 2008 – Do you prefer the big city, a small town or the country?

Folks sure don’t agree on that one! That’s a good thing, or we’d all be flocking to the same place to live. The biggest vote was for small towns, then there were almost equal votes for country, big city, or a combination of small town and big city (or living in the suburbs) – and a few people love them all. “Small town” folks enjoy the sense of community, friendliness, safety, ease of access to amenities, and slower pace. The “country” people love the peace and quiet, lots of space, nature, slower pace, lack of traffic and a perfect mix of privacy and neighborliness. The ”big city“ people enjoy all the opportunities and things to do, the diverse population, vibrancy, anonymity, everything being close by and easy to access, and, of course, the shopping! April’s winner is Jammie Jenkins, who wins herself a sexy book and a pashmina (bought on the streets of New York city!) to keep her warm and elegant, wherever she may live or travel.

March 2008 – What’s your favorite movie?

The winner is Gone With The Wind. Ranking second is Dirty Dancing. I love both of them too! Other than those two, all I can say is, wow, people sure have different taste – and isn’t that a good thing? There was everything from Armageddon to Fried Green Tomatoes to The Mummy. I do have to applaud those who chose To Kill a Mockingbird. I adore that movie and that book. I’m totally in love with Atticus Finch (and Gregory Peck!). This month’s winner is Patricia Baldwin, and she wins an “80 years of best picture winners” poster from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, as well as one of my books. By the way, her pick was Pretty Woman, another movie I love (and yes, I’m a big fan of Richard Gere).

February 2008 – Does society pressure women to have “perfect” bodies?

This contest and prize were designed around Rina, heroine of She’s on Top, who has serious body image issues. I asked if readers could relate. And the answer was, an overwhelming yes. The images on TV, in movies, in magazines are all about some image of “perfection” that doesn’t have much to do with reality. Even worse, women who don’t “measure up” (because they’re considered to be too heavy or too skinny) may be the subject of prejudice and ridicule. Not to mention, women who do “measure up” may have eating disorders and other health problems. It’s time we stopped bowing to societal pressure and focused on being healthy and happy, rather than fitting some stereotype of “perfection”. And thank heavens for all the men and women who find “normal” bodies attractive!

February’s winner, Leah T., won a gift package designed with Rina in mind: a burgundy cashmere pashmina shawl (like the ones Rina wears), dangly earrings in her favorite color, bath salts (because she loves those long baths), and a sexy book.

January 2008– What do you think of women's lib?

My January question reflected issues from Touch Me. Both Ann’s and Adonis’s moms were part of the women’s lib movement of the 1970s – and that affected not only their own lives but their children’s. My question was, “What do you think of women’s lib?” And it sure brought an interesting bunch of answers! A few people think women’s lib is over-rated but the majority think it’s been a very good thing. On the positive side, it’s helped women get more rights and respect as well as educational and career opportunities, encouraged us to be confident and assertive, promoted studies on women’s health and issues, recognized that crimes such as domestic abuse really are crimes and sexual harassment shouldn’t be tolerated, recognized reproductive rights, and helped us believe a woman could become president and do a good job. (That list makes me want to applaud the women – and men – who worked so hard to achieve those things!)

But there are some down-sides. In theory, women’s lib has given women the right to choose, but people pointed out that some working women criticize stay-at-home moms – and often there’s an expectation that women should have paid jobs in addition to their responsibilities to family etc., yet men aren’t fairly sharing those other responsibilities. Many people also pointed out that there’s still a ways to go before women will have equality (e.g., equal pay for equal work). Also, lots and lots of women commented that they miss those gentlemanly acts like holding doors (so, ladies, if you’re the mothers of sons, raise them to be gentlemen, okay?). The general consensus is: women should have equality – and women and men should also embrace their differences.

Winner Lori S. won Life’s Too Short for Tantric Sex (the perfect combination of Ann’s and Adonis’s philosophies!), massage oil, dangly earrings, a “Passion” kit to spark her romantic creativity, and one of my books.

Find more contest results in the 2007 Contest Archive >