What reasons do you need to indulge in sparkling wine and a fancy glass, ?

For me, it's hitting publish on a new book.

You think we romance authors torture our heroes and heroines en route to their HEAs? I promise you, many of us are equal opportunity tormentors who put ourselves through the wringer as we're doing the fifth rewrite of chapter one.

Today, I packed my self-flagellation tools back in their box and hit 'Publish' on Third Party: A steamy, second chance, holiday romance, giving one more brother in The Mixed Six-Pack series his happily ever after. 🎉

Now, I'm not much of a drinker, but on publication day, I pop open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate. Well, truth be told, Mr. Bloom opens it since the 'Pop!' scares me every time and I worry that if I opened it myself, I'd drop the bottle! No joke. I'm quite jumpy.

Tonight, I'll be snuggling down with another author's champagne-worthy accomplishment. I invite you to join me by indulging in some new holiday reads!

Other romance authors celebrating new releases

USA Today Bestselling author, Bella Emy, is getting great reviews for her latest holiday romance. Readers are calling it a heart-breaking, emotional romance with wonderful characters.

Find this book—and dozens more—in Treat Yourself to a Steamy Romance for the Holidays!

(Note: these books are not all holiday romances)

I don't know about you, but I cannot resist a golden retriever. And a book cover with one on it? Sign me up!

Angie Ellington's story is getting lots of reviews that say this book has the charm of a Hallmark movie. This year I think we can use all the Hallmark love we can get.

Find her book in the Naughty and Nice collection.

If you're more in the mood for a festive romantic comedy, then get thee-self over to the December New Releases books because that's where you'll find this gem by Harmony Knight.

It's a best-seller right now and on sale for just $0.99!

It's a perfect accompaniment to a big mug of hot chocolate and a hot bath.

I'll leave you with a picture of the book that earned me my glass of champagne tonight, because... golden retriever! (And the six-pack abs aren't so bad to look at).

And here's an insider tidbit for you about Third Party—

Not only did Josh and Paige used to have a dog named Kojak, so did I! That's what my family golden retriever was called.

He was named after the character, Kojak, from the old TV series. Why? When we got him as a puppy he was recovering from an infection that made him lose all the fur on his head and face. He was as bald as Telly Sevalis, the actor who played detective Kojak in the show. (That's what happens when you let Dad name the dog!)

He was still the cutest puppy ever! And he eventually grew most of his fur back...

I hope you find a good read from these promos. Have a quick look at each one and see what grabs your fancy. So many authors deserving a glass of champagne this week—and hoping that you'll enjoy the blood, sweat and tears (so many tears!) we all put into our stories for you.

love&stuff,

Danika

PS—I'd love to hear your story of how one of your own pets got its name. You never know... it could end up in my next book—with your permission, of course!