9 Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake

Today, I’m turning the blog over to a brand new Avon author Sarah MacLean. You may not know her, yet–she has previously written a YA novel called THE SEASON ,available from Scholastic–however, in March, her book will, I predict, burst on the scene. Sarah already has a rave from Eloisa James, and with those sorts of creds, how can she miss?

Like Carrie’s mom, my favorite holiday is also Thanksgiving. It’s absolutely because of the food; there is nothing better than a gravy-soaked plate of turkey with all the trimmings. Nothing, that is, but the Friday afternoon leftovers that make the sandwich of champions!

This year, in the midst of those Friday afternoon leftovers, the holidays are looming–and, with them, dreaded responsibility. Shopping, cooking, entertaining, decorating…as fun as December can be, there seems to be an awful lot of rules that get in the way of the festivities.

So, it seems fitting that (as I bide my time until the new year, and the release of my first Avon romance, NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE) I share my “Nine Rules For Surviving The Holiday Season”.

1. Remember that family drama is excellent fodder for that novel you’ve always wanted to write. When it gets to be too much, envision eviscerating that awful aunt in fiction.

2. If you get a chance under the mistletoe, take it. The halls are only decked once a year.

3. Start shopping early and mine those sales, but remember: Just because that puff-painted cardigan is 70% off doesn’t make it a bargain.

4. Make every night of Hanukkah count. Giving gelt on night three is just plain phoning it in.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Twitter tip! From now until December 19th, the elves at Sephora (one of my favorite stores) are granting one beauty wish a day–if that’s not a reason to start tweeting, I don’t know what is!

6. Regifting is bad karma.

7. No stocking is complete without a romance novel. First, they’re the perfect size and, second, they’re an excellent escape from the post-holiday blues. I, for one, am hoping Santa will leave me a copy of Victoria Alexander’s new BELIEVE–it was one of my very favorite romances back in the day (everyone loves a good time-travel, right?), and now it’s updated for a new era.

8. Reconsider waking up at 3 AM to beat the crowds at the mall. Stay in your jammies, cuddle on the couch with the dog, and shop online. I promise you, no gift is worth standing in line…in the dark…in the freezing cold.

9. Nice might be what Santa is looking for…but naughty is way more fun.

So…what are your rules for surviving the holidays?