This post is sponsored by Brenda Novak.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s Pulse has teamed up with New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak to offer a Brenda Novak canvas tote to TWO LUCKY READERS!  But don’t think you’re getting just the tote bag; included are Novak makeup bags with THREE lip glosses named after her HEAT triology (retail price: $21 each) and an autographed set of all three books!

To enter, tell us your next lip gloss-worthy occasion – whether it’s a steamy first date or a cool and comfortable night with you beau.  The best answer wins!  Please be sure to use your real email address so we have a way of contacting you if you’ve won – don’t worry, your address won’t be shown and we will never spam you.  This giveaway will run until 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, Feb. 17.  Check back on Friday, Feb. 18 at 10 AM EST for a post announcing the winners.  Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed.

In the meantime, check our Brenda Novak’s special Valentine’s Day guest post: 10 Tips To Keeping Your Valentine. For more information, visit her website at www.BrendaNovak.com and follow her on Twitter: @Brenda_Novak.

By Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s easy to start pondering your love life.  The “what if’s” begin to run rampant, and the future is undoubtedly a big focus.  If you can’t imagine your life without your current partner, you need to start thinking about how you plan to keep him or her.  Brenda Novak, bestselling author of more than 30 Harlequin romance novels, has some tips on how to do just that, which she’s garnished from her own experience and research:

1. Avoid negative thought patterns: Allowing yourself to mentally or verbally tear down your significant other is like gnawing at the bond that holds you together.

2. Remember that this person means more to you than anyone else: This includes your parents and your kids.  People who live their entire lives for their children are often disappointed to find that they have no relationship left once the kids head out on their own.

3. Be more flexible and forgiving with your spouse than mere friends and neighbors: We expect our spouses to “understand” our stress or limitations – in other words, put up with our crap.  Instead, reserve your patience and kindness for the person who means the most to you.

Continue reading →