Mary Quast's Blog, page 16

Love Knot is FREE for Read an Ebook Week

I'm participating in READ AN EBOOK WEEK to promote more reading! Whether it be holding a printed book or a kindle, it counts as reading. The first week of March has been set aside for publishers and authors to promote the advantages of reading digitally and encourage readers to give it a try.
I'm offering a sexy St. Patty's Day romance for FREE!

Mimi Cates is an artist who lives over the coffee shop she owns. Content with her life, she won't allow herself to become to close with her sexy, wanderlust neighbor, despite what her heart tells her.

Irishman, Robbie Mac Donnell never wanted to stay in one place very long. His job as a scientist allowed him to travel the world without ever making permanent ties to anyone. However, when he finds the perfect person and the perfect place to settle down, he's not sure if she'll believe him.

****
“Well... you're a sight for sore eyes!” Mimi grinned as the sight of her long-lost friend thrilled her senses.

Dressed in black jeans, black boots and black tank under a plaid shirt with hunky muscles peeking out; hot enough to make any woman with a pulse drool. His reddish blonde hair fashioned in the usual mess as if he just crawled out of bed. Dark brows arched over beautiful green eyes and those lips...so kissable.

Without saying a word, Robbie placed a box he carried as well as a highly polished apple onto the table and walked towards her. His hand slipped under her hair to cup the base of her head, while his other arm circled around her. When his lips came down on hers, Mimi had to grab onto him to keep from falling over in surprise.

Not a sweet kiss of friendship but an obvious promise of decadent pleasure. With a tilt of his head, Robbie took the kiss deeper. The scent of milled soap and masculinity made her heady. She could barely remember the last time he kissed her, not that she complained at the moment. Robbie slowly pulled away, tugging at her lip with his teeth as he did.

“Ah... welcome home?” She choked on the words.

AVAILABLE FREE!
SMASHWORDS
KOBO
BOOKTOPIA
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.

Chocolate, Cheesecake and Bailey's!

 

I love cheesecake and chocolate. For St. Patty's Day, I found a sexy cheesecake recipe using Bailey's Irish Cream, is made with a chocolate crust and a has creamy chocolate filling. It's from Ali Martin, over at Gimme Some Oven. 

This decadent dessert is time consuming to make, but if you're like me you'll find the time spent is relaxing. Pop on some good tunes and let's get baking!

Chocolate-Irish Cream Cheesecake
 prep time: 15 MINUTES  cook time: 70 MINUTES  total time: 85 MINUTES  yield: 12 -16 SLICES CRUST INGREDIENTS:1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker (or chocolate cookie) crumbs1/3 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/4 cup (half a stick) butter, meltedCHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS:3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat)1 1/4 cups white sugar1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour3 eggs1/2 cup sour cream1/2 cup Bailey’s (or other Irish cream liqueur)CHOCOLATE GANACHE INGREDIENTS (OPTIONAL):1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)4 ounces dark chocolate

INSTRUCTIONS* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat into the bottom of a 9-inch well-greased springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.* In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at medium speed until blended and smooth. (Try not to over-mix!) Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed until blended. Pour filling over baked crust.* Optional: To prevent cracking in the cheesecake, I’m a big fan of water baths! Just fill a 9×13 (or whatever size) glass pan halfway with water, and place it on the bottom rack while the oven preheats, and then while the cheesecake cooks.* Place the cheesecake in the oven on the shelf above the water bath, and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees, and continue baking for 60 minutes.* With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill for a few hours before serving.* Optional: To prepare the ganache, place the chocolate chips in a bowl. Then heat the cream (or half and half) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is almost boiling. Remove from heat, and pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds. Then stir until the chocolate chips have melted and are mixed in well. Pour over the top of the cheesecake, and sprinkle with chocolate chips or chocolate shavings if you’d like.

Author Talk With KT Egan

 

Personal writing has become quiet popular over the last year. More people are picking up reading as a hobby and fans are reaching out to their favorite authors. YA Romance Author KT Egan stopped by today to chat with us about being a writer.

 

I’ve taught several writing classes over the years and the most common question is regarding how an author begins and evolves. Tell us about your career in a nutshell.

I’ve been writing since I was five years old. My parents were both avid readers and they had always been super supportive of me following my dreams. I have one book published and one that will be published next May.

 

I’m normally a smut miser but do enjoy any good romance. All You Hold On To is one of my favorites. I look forward to your next book. Tell us about what you write.

KT: I write contemporary romance, mainly for YA and NA audiences. I don’t think I could ever write historical fiction – I studied history and literature in parallel in college and I loved it but I don’t have the passion for historical fiction the way I do for other things.

 

Do you have a special place you like to write or any quirks when it comes to writing?

KT: Not really…I’m more of a ‘need to write while I’m inspired’ type of writer. I can write anywhere as long as I have some background noise.

 

I always have to have my tunes playing when I write. I find a lot of fans enjoy authors plays lists. Do you ever get to meet your readers?

KT: I haven’t had the chance due to the pandemic…but I’m really excited to be able to get the chance in the future.

 

I’m sure that will happen. I look forward to catching up with you at writers/readers conv. It’s great fun chatting with readers in person. I’m sure you catch up with everyone via the net tho. What is a question most people ask you?

KT: Where did I get the inspiration for the plot of the series.

 

We’ll save that answer for the interview in May. *wink, wink* What is the strangest thing you’ve Goggled while working on a story?

KT: I once Googled about eight different can designs for Folger’s coffee cans – it was a very miniscule detail to the story I was working on but something I was determined to get right.

 

They say (I’m not sure who THEY are) that good writers are good readers. What is on your TBR pile right now?

KT: A ton of ARCs from some really awesome authors, and Tinder Fella by Jennifer L. Schiff

 

Are you a daydreamer?

KT: I think that, to be a good author, you need to be a daydreamer. You need to find yourself getting lost in your head, at least every once in a while. And for me, that does seem to happen a lot – maybe a little bit more than I would wish for.

 

So true. Now to get a little silly…If we were to take a sneak peak in your purse, what would we find?

KT: Some dairy digestive pills, a ton of handsanitizer, and at least three tubes of lipstick.

 

FUN STUFF:

EBooks or Print? EBooks

Wine or beer? Neither – I’m not much of a drinker

Coffee or tea? Tea

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

What is your biggest “girlish” vice? (Nails, shopping, chick flicks?) I need to have my nails done constantly.

Romantic dinner at home or dinner out? Dinner out

What is your favorite flavor or ice cream? Strawberry or vanilla

 

Thanks for joining us today, KT! 

 

Connect with KT Egan:

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

 

Make sure to check out her book, All You Hold On To.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Aspiring author Roxanne Wortham lives a comfortable life in Las Vegas. She spends her days at her nine-to-five job and comes home to her boyfriend, Ethan, and an unfinished novel that she can’t seem to crack. Her life is simple— that is, until she gets a phone call saying that her childhood best friend and ex-boyfriend, Maverick Sterling, has been in a near-fatal car crash.

As Roxanne discovers that she still has power of attorney over his affairs, she places her life on hold and rushes to Maverick’s side in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While helping him to recover, memories of childhood and old relationships resurface, making it difficult for Roxanne to balance her new life with her old one. Roxanne is left to sort through complicated feelings from her past alongside the realization that Maverick may still have feelings for her— and even worse, she may still have feelings for him, too.

 

 

Eagle Dance

 I enjoy reading a book that takes place in a location I'm familiar with or in the same season that is out my window. Eagle Dance is set in the winter (after Christmas) when one last snow storm hits the Appalachian Mountains. The characters are from Michigan and the background to this book is an entire story of its own we'll save for another time.

Dyami Schafer, a Native American from a Michigan Chippewa tribe, leads a lonely life due to his large size and unusual appearance. When his nesting instinct sets in, he turns to Madame Eve and her 1Night Stand dating service to help him find his spirit mate. Or at least a woman who accepts him as an eagle shifter.

Amanda Collins never stopped loving the Chippewa boy she knew from her childhood. Maybe a night with a Native American man will help her forget the past and let her move on with her life.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step into the past before dancing into the future. With the help of Madame Eve, will the Spirit of the Eagle carry Dyami and Amanda?
BUY NOW on Amazon

I enjoy reading a book that takes place in a location I'...

 I enjoy reading a book that takes place in a location I'm familiar with or in the same season that is out my window. Eagle Dance is set in the winter (after Christmas) when one last snow storm hits the Appalachian Mountains. The characters are from Michigan and the background to this book is an entire story of its own we'll save for another time.

Dyami Schafer, a Native American from a Michigan Chippewa tribe, leads a lonely life due to his large size and unusual appearance. When his nesting instinct sets in, he turns to Madame Eve and her 1Night Stand dating service to help him find his spirit mate. Or at least a woman who accepts him as an eagle shifter.

Amanda Collins never stopped loving the Chippewa boy she knew from her childhood. Maybe a night with a Native American man will help her forget the past and let her move on with her life.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step into the past before dancing into the future. With the help of Madame Eve, will the Spirit of the Eagle carry Dyami and Amanda?
BUY NOW on Amazon

#Thursday13 - My Birthday

My birthday was March 1 so I thought I'd share some of my day with you. The day wasn't out of the ordinary. Got up, went to work as the Township Treasurer, came home. However, throughout the day, special things happened. 
I woke up to Reyka's cute furry face demanding breakfast.
I love the silly weather app on my phone
My senior gal, Maggie, felt good enough for a morning stroll.


The view from the parking lot at work.
Side view of fire station and memorial builiding.
My co-workers love me.
Me, feeling rather sparkly.
Flyboy, hubby was on the other side of the country but sent these lovely flowers.
Detective McGuire modeled our new tactile vests
Kicking back at the end of the work day.

Come home and was greeted by Mona pretending to be a gargoyle. 
Unpacked gifts from Flyboy. Cast iron cookbook holder!


Ended the day with take-out and a Michigan wine. At the end of the day, always look back at the little things that made you smile.
Be sure to visit # Thursday13 for more wonderful lists!

Call Me Crazy by Melanie Harlow

 As a birthday gift to myself, I picked up a few books from my favorite rom-com authors. Of course, I started reading right away!

I read the other two books in the Bellamy Creek series as soon as they came out and the author, Melanie Harlow, didn't let me down. (Love her!) 

I suspected something was going to happen between these two characters in Make Me Yours. Sneaky author! Anyways, I loved the "out of the gates" start to the book and hang on for the ride. I certainly did hang on, I didn't put the book down... I read it all night and had a major book hangover the next day. Thanks, Melanie.

 The way the characters peeled onion-like layers from each other with their witty banter led to them slowly slide into each other's hearts. The Italian family dynamics and strong Catholic faith was a fun part of the story. 

I highly recommend this book but suggest you start reading it earlier in the day so you don't suffer from a book hangover.
If you love ...⁣
⁣
➜ Small town love stories⁣
➜ Childhood friends⁣
➜ Opposites attract⁣
➜ Hot single dads⁣
➜ Marriage-of-convenience⁣
➜ Brother's best friend heroes⁣
➜ Dirty talkers⁣
➜ Standalones⁣
➜ Romantic comedies with all the cozy feels + LOTS of heat and a side of angst with a sexy smolder...⁣
⁣
⁣Check out all the books in the Bellamy Creek series. 

Flowers!!!

Flyboy is on the other side of the country but had flowers delivered for my birthday. 
They add a bit of spring & color to my office. 

Birthday Nostalgia

While unpacking St. Patty decorations I came upon a little Hallmark book my sister gave to me on my birthday when I was very young.

I will make a point to call Ann today, inform her of my find and share a few laughs.

As I read the tiny book, I thought of what birthdays mean. Yeah, sure... they mean I'm getting older. Shut up! Other than that, come on! 

Birthdays for making wishes and feeling lovely. I like to think of things that make me feel happy.

Mom would throw a "party" for me every year with aunts, my uncle, cousins, grandmothers and best friends. 

I made a tradition of my mom telling me "my birth story". 

Feb 28, 1967 arrived between two blizzards. My sister had a friend (the neighbor girl) spending the night. Mom was sitting in her chair reading when the contractions began. She knew from her previous births, it would be awhile before I would make my appearance. . Ann and her friend were amazed with my mom and kept fussing over her with excitement. After giving Mom a hard time the next day by turning at the last minute, I eventually arrived at 9:58pm. (March 1)

The second half of my tradition with Mom was being allowed to stay up until 9:58 so we could celebrate my "birth time". Even after I became an adult, we'd be on the phone with each other at that special time.

Dad passed away when I was 27, Mom passed away in 2016. I miss that tradition. 

This year, Flyboy is in the air and the eldest sons are gone so it's just me and the Teenager. We'll order take-out and relax. Meh... good enough for me. Maybe I'll share my "birth story" with him. I'm sure I'll get an eyeroll out of him.

What do birthdays mean to you?

#WritingPrompt - Personal Landscape

     It's lovely but cold winter morning in my neck of the woods. I have a Writing Prompt to help encourage you to write and keep a journal. 

Sit comfortably with your notebook and pen. Write for 10 -15 minutes.


EXERCISE: PERSONAL LANDSCAPES
It's snowy winter here in Michigan and I have some amazing memories of growing up in my winter wonderland state.  BFFs Trish, me, and Erin.


Picture winter in your childhood or some years back. Think of an outdoor place or landscape that was special to you. It may be a location you saw frequently, somewhere you went occasionally, or a place you visited only once. It could be a field, a road, a river, beach, playground, zoo, mountain, view from a window, the outside of a building. 
Describe the place, picking out features that were important to you. Include any sounds, colors, textures and smells you remember. Explain how you felt about the place and also how you feel as you think and write about it now.