Love is in the air, and cupid's arrow is poised and ready. Every lover of romance wishes their dreams would leap off the page, so here are a few Mills & Boon inspired top tips to make your Valentine's Day!
Rachel Dove
Check the weather
Look out for the forecast, and plan accordingly. Freezing in a dress in sub zero temperatures is not fun, unless he has a big coat to wrap you in, or strong arms to warm you up. Heels in a soggy field don't mix either.
Location Location Location
If you are hoping to be holed up for the big date, look for locations where power cuts and snowfall is probable. Plenty of opportunities to curl up together, or be trapped in a lift with nothing for each other for company.
Venue
If you have a skill i.e. ice skating, show it off! Take him to the rink and dazzle him. Good at bowling? Thrash him in the alley! If he is the one with skills, let him flex his muscles and teach you something.
Food
Whoever said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach wasn't far wrong, and it applies to us girls too. If you want a steak dinner, slap on that napkin and dig in. I tried sushi once, I haven't been the same since. Stick to what you fancy. Chances are, he won't care either way. Girls in romance novels eat too. Think Bridget Jones, Eat Pray Love.
Drink
I am not suggesting you sink beers while sky diving, but there is nothing more romantic than sharing a bottle of wine over candlelight, or a glass of champers after he whisks you off in his helicopter. Or car, or the night bus.
Family drama
As Mills & Boon novels teach us, there is nothing more dramatic than family strife, often resulting in a girl having to move to a ranch with a grumpy (but sexy) cowboy, or marry a sheikh. If this appeals to you, all well and good. If not, tell the relations you are working late and have absolutely zero romantic plans this year. Or ever.
The ex factor
There is nothing that says passion killer than an ex waiting in the wings on either side. See number 6. Tell them you moved, and use the chopper!
Flowers
They don't call it hearts and flowers for nothing! If he brings you flowers, he's a keeper. If he brings you half dead garage blooms, do not despair. He can be trained up with a little love and attention, and a dollop of gentle coaxing.
Broken hearted March
Once you win his heart, remember to look after it. A man is for life, not just for Valentine's Day. Don't consign him to the scrap heap a fortnight later without good reason. One woman's trash is another's woman's treasure.
Flying solo
Single this year? Remember to show your affection for someone you will love all your life - yourself. Go out with your friends, eat, drink and be merry. Or, take a glass of wine into the bath and slip between the pages with your latest book boyfriend. Be he a cowboy, mogul, country vet or boy next door, you won't be disappointed.
By Rachel Dove, author of ‘The Chic Boutique on Baker Street’ published by the UK’s leading publisher of romantic fiction, Mills & Boon