Top Five Romance Essentials

by Maureen Smith

I married my college sweetheart, Lorrent. Fourteen years and two kids later, I’m happy to say that we’re still going strong. Family and friends often ask me the secret to our relationship. I don’t have a magic answer. I’d have to say it’s a combination of things—things I consider the essential ingredients of romance.

Friendship. I think the basis of any good romance is friendship. My husband and I were the best of friends before we became lovers. Over the years, our friendship has sustained us through life’s ups and downs.

Chemistry. On our very first date, Lorrent and I went to the movies and saw “The Vanishing.” At least, I think that’s what was playing. I had a hard time concentrating on anything with Lorrent holding my hand. The way he stroked my palm sent shivers up and down my spine. It was all I could do not to jump his bones right there in the theater! Over the years, our attraction to each other has never waned. Lorrent can still melt me with a look, a touch, a kiss.

Open communication. I think it’s important to be able to express your needs and concerns, in and out of the bedroom. How can your partner know that something isn’t working for you if you never tell him? Communicating your needs in a loving, respectful manner is the best way to achieve your desired results.

Spontaneity. It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine, especially when you have children. To keep our romance fresh, Lorrent and I make a point of going on dates at least once a month. We also take full advantage of having the house to ourselves. While the kids were away this past summer, I woke up one morning and decided to surprise Lorrent with a romantic candlelight dinner. When he arrived home that evening, I had soft music playing, the table set with candles and a bottle of chilled wine, and the fragrance of pineapple-crusted salmon wafting from the oven. I’ll never forget the look on Lorrent’s face when I met him at the front door dressed in a sexy outfit and heels. And that was before I showed him the chocolate body sauce. LOL! It was an incredibly romantic, memorable evening. Moral of the story: When the mice (kids) are away, the cats (parents) should always play!

Adventurous imagination. It’s fun to take a walk on the wild side and indulge your naughtiest sexual fantasies. Whether you’re into stripteases or whips and chains, variety is the spice of life!

So now it’s your turn. What are your romance essentials?

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About the author

Maureen Smith is the author of thirteen novels and one novella. She received a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland with a minor in creative writing. As a former freelance writer, her articles were featured in various print and online publications. Since the publication of her debut novel in 2002, Maureen has been nominated for three Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, twelve Emma Awards, and has won the Romance in Color Reviewers’ Choice Awards for New Author of the Year and Romantic Suspense of the Year.

Maureen currently lives in San Antonio, TX with her husband, two children, and a miniature schnauzer. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached at author@maureen-smith.com. Please visit her Web site at www.maureen-smith.com for news about her upcoming releases.

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About the book – click cover to purchase

Warrick Mayne has spent twelve years blaming Raina St. James for ruining his sister’s life. Now the self-made millionaire has got the perfect opportunity for payback—knocking down Raina’s luxury day spa to build an office complex. But his plan has met a hitch, in the delectable form of Raina herself.

He may be her enemy now, but long ago, Raina had a secret crush on her friend’s gorgeous older brother. And time has only enhanced Warrick’s appeal. When an innocent business trip to Warrick’s out-of-town estate turns unmistakably seductive, they succumb to their electrifying mutual attraction. But it’ll take more than one encounter of sensual healing—no matter how blissful—to open Raina’s and Warrick’s eyes to the passionate, heartbreaking truth.

Warrick Mayne has spent twelve years blaming Raina St. James for ruining his sister’s life. Now the self-made millionaire has the perfect opportunity for payback—knocking down Raina’s luxury day spa to build an office complex. But his plan has met a hitch, in the delectable form of Raina herself.

He may be her enemy now, but long ago, Raina had a secret crush on her friend’s gorgeous older brother. And time has only enhanced Warrick’s appeal. When an innocent business trip to Warrick’s out-of-town estate turns unmistakably seductive, they succumb to their electrifying mutual attraction. But it’ll take more than one encounter of sensual healing— no matter how blissful—to open Raina’s and Warrick’s eyes to the passionate, heartbreaking truth.