Mary Quast's Blog, page 65
February 20, 2015
Friday Fun - Meet Author Kristen Strassel
How cool would it be to share the same birthday as Steven Tyler and Diana Ross? Our guest today certainly does! I think the stars were in a musical line for her when she created her rock-n-roll stories in the Night Songs Collection and the Spotlight Series. A member of my street team loves her just because they share BonJovi as their all-time favorite band.
Give a special welcome to author Kristen Strassel!
Thanks for joining us today, Kristen. Many know you write New Adult (NA), comtemporary, and paranormal stories. Love those hot vamps and shifters! So tell us a little about your work. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing all my life. My writing partner, Julie Hutchings, and I grew up together. I won’t say that I’m old, but there was no internet. We used to entertain ourselves by passing a notebook back and forth, each adding a couple of paragraphs to a story. I’d tried to write the book that became Because the Night for years. I even moved to Vegas to do it! But I didn’t know how to write a book yet. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters.
Fast forward to the summer of 2011 when Julie told me she’d been working on her first book, Running Home. We worked together, and both books are now published.
How many books have you published?The voices in my head talk a lot. There are four and a half books available in The Night Songs Collection: Seasons in the Sun (novella), Because the Night, Night Moves, We Own the Night, and Silent Night. Secondhand Heart is the first book in my contemporary series, The Spotlight, with The Trouble with Bree (novella) and Too Many Reasons both releasing in the first two months of 2015. I also have a couple of shifter novellas available: Lion and the Doe and Doe and the Hunter.
Gotta love those voices, they can get pretty demanding at times or throw curves at us. Now let's get to the dirt of things. How naughty do you get with your writing? Pretty naughty! I think one reviewer recently called one of my scenes “downright dirty.” I’m not sure if she meant it as a compliment, but it made me smile. Even better, the reader never “saw” what she was referring to. While some scenes, like that particular one, do fade to black, the reader does come into the bedroom with my characters. My characters explore some very light fetish type stuff, but most of it is good old fashioned sex.
It sounds like the love and romance in your stories will appeal to a wide range of readers. Tell us about something that stands out more than others. What’s the best thing you’ve ever written—the best line? I still enjoy “I’d just had unprotected sex with the world’s most irresponsible vampire.” But a new favorite of mine is in Too Many Reasons, wrapping up a sex scene: Like we’d entered the eye of the storm. That beautiful, peaceful place that we could lay together in the soft breeze and watch the thunder and lightning go off all around us.
Ahhh.... sorry, I was carried away for a moment. Say, if you could have any movie star take on a role as one of your heroes, who would it be? I actually have no opinion about this! I’m totally oblivious when it comes to movie stars. I know, I’m weird. Even better: I work in the film industry.
Oops, I almost feel off my chair laughing. Don't feel bad, I can never remember names of hotties and their movies. Maybe our brains just don't catalog hotness like some do. What are the hardest scenes to write for you? I struggle with the beginning of every book. I don’t know my characters yet, and I find the place that I start writing isn’t always the beginning of the story. Once I figure out what the characters are trying to say, things flow much better. If a scene is really a struggle, I consider how much value it actually adds to the story. Everything happens for a reason, right?
I'm a firm believer of that! Many authors do a bit of research for character building or story lines. What is the strangest thing you’ve Googled while working on a story? I’ve googled the color that people turn when they’ve been strangled, a lot of things about witchcraft and freakshows, premature babies, what would cause a person to die from a car accident, weaponry….whoever’s been assigned to watching over my file in the CIA is definitely entertained.
Oh, I'm sure. LOL One of our readers just tweeted a question for you. "How close in real life have you gotten to one of your fantasies?" I have to plead the fifth on SOME things. LOL I’ve lived a pretty cool life so far. I do makeup for film and television. I’ve had a chance to meet some really cool people and see some really cool things. I’ve never been shy, and I’ve always been ambitious, so if I want something, I go for it.
You go girl!!! Whoot-whoot!
And finally… anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself? Let’s see…two things I still want to learn: how to read tarot, and roller derby.
Fun stuff: Favorite drink: Coffee. I’m also a fan of wheat beer. Favorite candy: dark chocolate covered cherries. Favorite food: Lobster. But I will brake for avocado.Favorite article of clothing or jewelry: I love wearing boots, and I also always wear hoop earrings. Favorite place to read: Laying in the sun. Heaven. Place you want to visit some day: Iceland and Morocco.
Thank you so much author Kristen Strassel for joining us today. I have a brand spanking new box of dark chocolate covered cherries here. I say let's put our booted feet up and enjoy a little decadence.
Please visit Kristen on her website, Twitter and Facebook.
Check out her latest books for your weekend reading.
The trouble with Bree is... Bree Farrell is ready to turn her life around. A twenty-one-year-old mother of two, she's not sure where to start. She could use a little help, but her string of horrible ex-boyfriends keep setting her back. First step: she's swearing off men forever. Or at least until she gets back on her feet.
Josh Maxwell got a second chance at life, and now he wants to help kids who are in the same situation he was in. His new job as the coordinator at a preschool for underprivileged kids is the perfect place to do that.
On paper, the school policy for staff not to get involved with the families of the students makes perfect sense. But when Bree meets the new coordinator of her son's school, she and Josh learn that some rules are made to be broken, no matter what the consequences. BUY NOW
Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she's worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup.
Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he's Abby's best friend. She's in love with him, but fears she'll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon thinks adding Eli to the band is dangerous, and he's right. Eli's interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she's ever wanted. BUY NOW
Give a special welcome to author Kristen Strassel!
Thanks for joining us today, Kristen. Many know you write New Adult (NA), comtemporary, and paranormal stories. Love those hot vamps and shifters! So tell us a little about your work. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing all my life. My writing partner, Julie Hutchings, and I grew up together. I won’t say that I’m old, but there was no internet. We used to entertain ourselves by passing a notebook back and forth, each adding a couple of paragraphs to a story. I’d tried to write the book that became Because the Night for years. I even moved to Vegas to do it! But I didn’t know how to write a book yet. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters.
Fast forward to the summer of 2011 when Julie told me she’d been working on her first book, Running Home. We worked together, and both books are now published.
How many books have you published?The voices in my head talk a lot. There are four and a half books available in The Night Songs Collection: Seasons in the Sun (novella), Because the Night, Night Moves, We Own the Night, and Silent Night. Secondhand Heart is the first book in my contemporary series, The Spotlight, with The Trouble with Bree (novella) and Too Many Reasons both releasing in the first two months of 2015. I also have a couple of shifter novellas available: Lion and the Doe and Doe and the Hunter.
Gotta love those voices, they can get pretty demanding at times or throw curves at us. Now let's get to the dirt of things. How naughty do you get with your writing? Pretty naughty! I think one reviewer recently called one of my scenes “downright dirty.” I’m not sure if she meant it as a compliment, but it made me smile. Even better, the reader never “saw” what she was referring to. While some scenes, like that particular one, do fade to black, the reader does come into the bedroom with my characters. My characters explore some very light fetish type stuff, but most of it is good old fashioned sex.
It sounds like the love and romance in your stories will appeal to a wide range of readers. Tell us about something that stands out more than others. What’s the best thing you’ve ever written—the best line? I still enjoy “I’d just had unprotected sex with the world’s most irresponsible vampire.” But a new favorite of mine is in Too Many Reasons, wrapping up a sex scene: Like we’d entered the eye of the storm. That beautiful, peaceful place that we could lay together in the soft breeze and watch the thunder and lightning go off all around us.
Ahhh.... sorry, I was carried away for a moment. Say, if you could have any movie star take on a role as one of your heroes, who would it be? I actually have no opinion about this! I’m totally oblivious when it comes to movie stars. I know, I’m weird. Even better: I work in the film industry.
Oops, I almost feel off my chair laughing. Don't feel bad, I can never remember names of hotties and their movies. Maybe our brains just don't catalog hotness like some do. What are the hardest scenes to write for you? I struggle with the beginning of every book. I don’t know my characters yet, and I find the place that I start writing isn’t always the beginning of the story. Once I figure out what the characters are trying to say, things flow much better. If a scene is really a struggle, I consider how much value it actually adds to the story. Everything happens for a reason, right?
I'm a firm believer of that! Many authors do a bit of research for character building or story lines. What is the strangest thing you’ve Googled while working on a story? I’ve googled the color that people turn when they’ve been strangled, a lot of things about witchcraft and freakshows, premature babies, what would cause a person to die from a car accident, weaponry….whoever’s been assigned to watching over my file in the CIA is definitely entertained.
Oh, I'm sure. LOL One of our readers just tweeted a question for you. "How close in real life have you gotten to one of your fantasies?" I have to plead the fifth on SOME things. LOL I’ve lived a pretty cool life so far. I do makeup for film and television. I’ve had a chance to meet some really cool people and see some really cool things. I’ve never been shy, and I’ve always been ambitious, so if I want something, I go for it.
You go girl!!! Whoot-whoot!
And finally… anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself? Let’s see…two things I still want to learn: how to read tarot, and roller derby.
Fun stuff: Favorite drink: Coffee. I’m also a fan of wheat beer. Favorite candy: dark chocolate covered cherries. Favorite food: Lobster. But I will brake for avocado.Favorite article of clothing or jewelry: I love wearing boots, and I also always wear hoop earrings. Favorite place to read: Laying in the sun. Heaven. Place you want to visit some day: Iceland and Morocco.
Thank you so much author Kristen Strassel for joining us today. I have a brand spanking new box of dark chocolate covered cherries here. I say let's put our booted feet up and enjoy a little decadence.
Please visit Kristen on her website, Twitter and Facebook.
Check out her latest books for your weekend reading.
The trouble with Bree is... Bree Farrell is ready to turn her life around. A twenty-one-year-old mother of two, she's not sure where to start. She could use a little help, but her string of horrible ex-boyfriends keep setting her back. First step: she's swearing off men forever. Or at least until she gets back on her feet. Josh Maxwell got a second chance at life, and now he wants to help kids who are in the same situation he was in. His new job as the coordinator at a preschool for underprivileged kids is the perfect place to do that.
On paper, the school policy for staff not to get involved with the families of the students makes perfect sense. But when Bree meets the new coordinator of her son's school, she and Josh learn that some rules are made to be broken, no matter what the consequences. BUY NOW
Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she's worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup. Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he's Abby's best friend. She's in love with him, but fears she'll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon thinks adding Eli to the band is dangerous, and he's right. Eli's interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she's ever wanted. BUY NOW
February 19, 2015
#Thursday13 - Cook Up Some Fun
I love to look at winter through my windows. Not being one for the cold, I try to spend one day a week in the kitchen cooking with my boys or some romance with hubby. I think it’s good for our boys to see hubby & I having fun in silly ways. Our kids look forward to family time in the kitchen.
Here are a few ideas to cook up some fun.
1. Be silly and wear an apron that says “Hot Stuff”…. Have hubby wear one that says “Grill Master”.
2. Pickup the book Science Experiments You Can Eat from your library or local book store. Kids and grownups with have fun with this!
3. Wear shorts in the winter while making a Hawaiian dish.
4. Find a fun Latin dish recipe and play salsa music. Dance in the kitchen.
5. Try sipping a glass of red wine while cooking. Give the kids some non-alcoholic wine.
6. Yummy scents such as pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla or even a batch of fresh cookies gets that blood flowing and the mouth watering. Find a recipe to make that can be eaten right away.
7. Cut up fruits, sweet breads and or cookies to dip in chocolate. Try 'Nilla Waffers! YUM!
8. Cook with your honey. Use your fingers to mix ingredients, lick each others fingers, or have a food fight.
9. Blindfold each other and taste test foods prepared with a variety of textures, tastes, and temperatures. Take turns feeding each other. One on one with your honey is romantic, with kids, this gets messy but a ton of fun.
10. Play “Can you name this?” A blindfolded person tries to guess what various kitchen items and/or food items are.
11. Can’t stop stirring that sauce? No problem! Delegate jobs. Give each person in the kitchen a chore to do – grade cheese, cut veggies, etc.
12. Go to the store and purchase an unknown fruit or veggie. Go home look on line on ways to prepare it then head into the kitchen.
13. Make a large batch of trail mix using your own ideas. Place a cup full in small bags and tie with colored ribbons or twine. Deliver to friends & relatives for a great mid-winter pick-me-up.
Here are a few ideas to cook up some fun.
1. Be silly and wear an apron that says “Hot Stuff”…. Have hubby wear one that says “Grill Master”.
2. Pickup the book Science Experiments You Can Eat from your library or local book store. Kids and grownups with have fun with this!
3. Wear shorts in the winter while making a Hawaiian dish.
4. Find a fun Latin dish recipe and play salsa music. Dance in the kitchen.
5. Try sipping a glass of red wine while cooking. Give the kids some non-alcoholic wine.
6. Yummy scents such as pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla or even a batch of fresh cookies gets that blood flowing and the mouth watering. Find a recipe to make that can be eaten right away.
7. Cut up fruits, sweet breads and or cookies to dip in chocolate. Try 'Nilla Waffers! YUM!
8. Cook with your honey. Use your fingers to mix ingredients, lick each others fingers, or have a food fight.
9. Blindfold each other and taste test foods prepared with a variety of textures, tastes, and temperatures. Take turns feeding each other. One on one with your honey is romantic, with kids, this gets messy but a ton of fun.
10. Play “Can you name this?” A blindfolded person tries to guess what various kitchen items and/or food items are.
11. Can’t stop stirring that sauce? No problem! Delegate jobs. Give each person in the kitchen a chore to do – grade cheese, cut veggies, etc.
12. Go to the store and purchase an unknown fruit or veggie. Go home look on line on ways to prepare it then head into the kitchen.
13. Make a large batch of trail mix using your own ideas. Place a cup full in small bags and tie with colored ribbons or twine. Deliver to friends & relatives for a great mid-winter pick-me-up.
February 18, 2015
#WetWednesday
For Wet Wednesday, I couldn't decide on what to post.After searching through my stable of hot guys,I didn't find a wet one.But I was thirsty, so I thought of a drink that would taste good.
Sex On The Beach
No... the other kind of sex on the beach.
Yeah, that's the ticket! I think I'll start Thirsty Thursday early.
1 1/2 oz Vodka1/2 oz Peach Schnapps2 oz Cranberry Juice2oz Orange Juice
Add vodka & peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice.Fill with equal measures of cranberry & orange juice. Stir
Sex On The Beach
No... the other kind of sex on the beach.
Yeah, that's the ticket! I think I'll start Thirsty Thursday early.
1 1/2 oz Vodka1/2 oz Peach Schnapps2 oz Cranberry Juice2oz Orange Juice
Add vodka & peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice.Fill with equal measures of cranberry & orange juice. Stir
February 17, 2015
#TowelTuesday
A nice little red towel for February.
February 16, 2015
Chase Away Winter Blues
We are sitting below zero today, but expect a "warm up" to start soon. Life a Camp-Run-A-Muck is moving in slow motion.
Being stuck inside on gray days can be depressing. But there is a bright side
The beauty of winter and the long nights may offer many opportunities for romance but it also affects several of us by placing a grey cloud over us. For the single person, loneliness and fatigue may set in; for couples, the romance may become stagnant. It's time to turn the season around, make your own fun, add some romance into your life.
Instead of avoiding the cold, call up some friends and get outside. Act like a bunch of teenagers again. Go skiing, sledding, ice skating, or simply have a snowball fight. Afterwards bring everyone in for cup of hot cocoa (add a shot of Peppermint or my favorite Michigan Cherry Schnapps) and watch a movie.
On a sunny weekend afternoon if the weather is too cold for your taste, check out an audio book and hop in the car for a scenic drive. Plot your destination to be a quaint little town where you could enjoy a meal or a stay at a bed and breakfast for the night.
For a bit of fun after a busy day, pull that special someone into the kitchen and heat things up. Pick out a recipe together and spend the evening preparing dinner. When the meal is ready, enjoy it next to a warm fire or by candlelight. Spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. Turn the evening in to a weekly or monthly tradition and maybe even build your own "couple's cookbook" to share with friends.
Another way to spend an week day evening is playing a board game. If Monopoly isn't your thing and you want to steam things up a bit, pick up a fun sex board game from your local adult store. Check out Lover's Lane for several fun ideas.
Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub. If you're not one for bubbles, try a bath soak. Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB.
For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room. Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local bath and body shop. Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.
Being stuck inside on gray days can be depressing. But there is a bright sideThe beauty of winter and the long nights may offer many opportunities for romance but it also affects several of us by placing a grey cloud over us. For the single person, loneliness and fatigue may set in; for couples, the romance may become stagnant. It's time to turn the season around, make your own fun, add some romance into your life.
Instead of avoiding the cold, call up some friends and get outside. Act like a bunch of teenagers again. Go skiing, sledding, ice skating, or simply have a snowball fight. Afterwards bring everyone in for cup of hot cocoa (add a shot of Peppermint or my favorite Michigan Cherry Schnapps) and watch a movie.
On a sunny weekend afternoon if the weather is too cold for your taste, check out an audio book and hop in the car for a scenic drive. Plot your destination to be a quaint little town where you could enjoy a meal or a stay at a bed and breakfast for the night.
For a bit of fun after a busy day, pull that special someone into the kitchen and heat things up. Pick out a recipe together and spend the evening preparing dinner. When the meal is ready, enjoy it next to a warm fire or by candlelight. Spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. Turn the evening in to a weekly or monthly tradition and maybe even build your own "couple's cookbook" to share with friends.
Another way to spend an week day evening is playing a board game. If Monopoly isn't your thing and you want to steam things up a bit, pick up a fun sex board game from your local adult store. Check out Lover's Lane for several fun ideas.
Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub. If you're not one for bubbles, try a bath soak. Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB.
For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room. Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local bath and body shop. Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.
February 13, 2015
Arrrgghh... How About A Pirate, Matey?
Do you need something hot and spicey?How about a swash buckling adventure with a spunky gal and a reluctant hero?You will enjoy this captivating historical romance.
Will she find peril… or pleasure?
Charity Goswick thinks she is escaping an arranged marriage to a brute when she slips onto a ship unnoticed. Little does she realize that this is no honorable vessel of the King’s Navy – it is a pirate ship. It’s just a matter of time before she is discovered by a handsome rake of a pirate, who locks her in his cabin. And while she should be scared, her captor sparks the most unladylike feelings within her…
James Lamont is on the ship for one reason, and one reason only: to track down his brother. However, his spirited little stowaway certainly affords plenty of distraction with her many (failed) attempts to escape. And each time, the unspoken – and unbidden – passion between them grows stronger. But as violence and danger mount on the high seas, Charity will have to put all of her trust in the most untrustworthy of men… the arrogant pirate who just might steal her heart.
BUY IT on AMAZON
Will she find peril… or pleasure?
Charity Goswick thinks she is escaping an arranged marriage to a brute when she slips onto a ship unnoticed. Little does she realize that this is no honorable vessel of the King’s Navy – it is a pirate ship. It’s just a matter of time before she is discovered by a handsome rake of a pirate, who locks her in his cabin. And while she should be scared, her captor sparks the most unladylike feelings within her…
James Lamont is on the ship for one reason, and one reason only: to track down his brother. However, his spirited little stowaway certainly affords plenty of distraction with her many (failed) attempts to escape. And each time, the unspoken – and unbidden – passion between them grows stronger. But as violence and danger mount on the high seas, Charity will have to put all of her trust in the most untrustworthy of men… the arrogant pirate who just might steal her heart.
BUY IT on AMAZON
February 12, 2015
Fun & Romantic Winter Activities
Valentine's Day is a just around the corner and in this part of the world we are under a blanket of snow. The good thing is that the holiday falls on a Saturday which opens opportunity for a variety of ideas to celebrate.
1. Play in the snow. Ski, snowboard, have a snowball fight or simply go for a walk.
2. Dinner and a movie. Remember when you started dating and you actually went out? Relive those memories and visit a resturant and theater you did back then. Looking for something new? Check your local listings, many theaters may offer special "dining experiences".
3. Ice skating. A playful activity and a chance to be silly. Enjoy warming up in a local coffee shop afterwards.
4. Dinner by the fire. Make a meal together. Spread a blanket in front of the fireplace and enjoy your meal "picnic style".
5. Go for a drive. Pick a destination such as a little restaurant or a bed and breakfast.
6. Pick up some romantic comedies and curl up together for a movie marathon of love. Have fingerfoods handy or order take out. Everytime the characters in the film kiss, you & your honey kiss as well.
7. Play a board game or put together a puzzle. Keep it romantic by adding wine, candles and music. If you want to spice things up, purchase a sexy board game to play.
8. Have an indoor picnic. Use blankets, pillows, picnic ware and favorite finger foods.
9. Take a bath together. Stop at your local bath and body shop to pick up bubble bath or bath salts and some spa items.
10. Light some candles or add a bit of lavender to a room humidfier (check manufacture directios first). Give each other sensual massages. Use a store bought massage oil or make your own buy blending olive oil or coconut oil with a few drops of an essential oil. Try a massage candle, they melt at low heat to form an oil.
11. Go on a moonlight snowshoe tour. Check with your local ski resort to see if they offer this romantic event.
12. Have a soup night. Go shopping together in the day for the ingredients and have fun making the soup together. While it's simmering, make a loaf of French bread. Add some wine with the meal. Don't turn on the TV but simply enjoy each other.
13. If you live in the North Atlantic Coast...enjoy a snow day. Spend the day in bed.
1. Play in the snow. Ski, snowboard, have a snowball fight or simply go for a walk.
2. Dinner and a movie. Remember when you started dating and you actually went out? Relive those memories and visit a resturant and theater you did back then. Looking for something new? Check your local listings, many theaters may offer special "dining experiences".
3. Ice skating. A playful activity and a chance to be silly. Enjoy warming up in a local coffee shop afterwards.
4. Dinner by the fire. Make a meal together. Spread a blanket in front of the fireplace and enjoy your meal "picnic style".
5. Go for a drive. Pick a destination such as a little restaurant or a bed and breakfast.
6. Pick up some romantic comedies and curl up together for a movie marathon of love. Have fingerfoods handy or order take out. Everytime the characters in the film kiss, you & your honey kiss as well.
7. Play a board game or put together a puzzle. Keep it romantic by adding wine, candles and music. If you want to spice things up, purchase a sexy board game to play.
8. Have an indoor picnic. Use blankets, pillows, picnic ware and favorite finger foods.
9. Take a bath together. Stop at your local bath and body shop to pick up bubble bath or bath salts and some spa items.
10. Light some candles or add a bit of lavender to a room humidfier (check manufacture directios first). Give each other sensual massages. Use a store bought massage oil or make your own buy blending olive oil or coconut oil with a few drops of an essential oil. Try a massage candle, they melt at low heat to form an oil.
11. Go on a moonlight snowshoe tour. Check with your local ski resort to see if they offer this romantic event.
12. Have a soup night. Go shopping together in the day for the ingredients and have fun making the soup together. While it's simmering, make a loaf of French bread. Add some wine with the meal. Don't turn on the TV but simply enjoy each other.
13. If you live in the North Atlantic Coast...enjoy a snow day. Spend the day in bed.
February 11, 2015
#HumpdayHottie #FreeRead #ValentineRomance
This is Josh.
He's been invited to a Valentine costume party.The theme is Alice In Wonderland.
Josh dresses up as the Mad Hatter in my Valentine story, Queen of Hearts, and tries to win Jenny's heart.
Can bestfriends admit to their feelings and take their relationship one step farther?Or will crossing the line be the end?
Find out!I'm offering Queen of Hearts for FREE on Smashwords
He's been invited to a Valentine costume party.The theme is Alice In Wonderland.
Josh dresses up as the Mad Hatter in my Valentine story, Queen of Hearts, and tries to win Jenny's heart.Can bestfriends admit to their feelings and take their relationship one step farther?Or will crossing the line be the end?
Find out!I'm offering Queen of Hearts for FREE on Smashwords
February 10, 2015
OUT NOW - For Ruby's Love by Starla Kaye
If you've read The CEO & The Cowboy by Starla Kaye, you HAVE to pick up this book!!!There is just something about a hard man in worn jeans.Yum!
For Ruby’s Love Published by: Decadent PublishingGenre: Contemporary, erotic romance, LGBT/gay, western, ménage Heat Level: 5Word Count: 33,000
Blurb
Calhoun’s a simple cowboy with more problems in his life than he can handle at the moment. After nearly two years, he struggles to hang onto a relationship with Daniel, his first male lover. Daniel is worried about him because of the fire, his concern for his prized breeding mare, and because he is determined to buy the neighboring ranch to expand. But Daniel isn’t a businessman without goals of his own for expansion, a fact that frustrates Calhoun as well. He doesn’t want to lose Daniel, but will their differences finally be too much?
Daniel considers himself a lucky man to have met the rancher, someone almost his opposite and someone who he doesn’t want to live without. Standing beside the moody Calhoun has been difficult since the fire that burned down a horse barn, took the lives of two valuable horses, and traumatized a favored mare. Along with all of that, his harried friend is determined to expand his ranch holdings. Daniel is against the purchase and would prefer to find a way to slow the man down. Lately, he’s also begun worrying if maybe he isn’t enough to satisfy his lover’s needs.
Complicating everything even more, Ruby shows up later than expected at Calhoun’s ranch to honor a job as a horse therapist that her father had agreed to before his sudden death. She knows what happened to the mare and is certain she can help her, if given the chance. But the stubborn rancher can’t get past the idea of her being a woman, someone not strong enough to work with such a damaged horse. They butt heads over the matter until she finds an ally in Daniel. He is concerned and yet believes in her abilities. Another problem arises, though. She and Calhoun have been skirting around an unwanted attraction, and then she discovers another surprising interest between her and Daniel.
Excerpt – Unsettling the cowboy
He brushed her hand away and turned around. Her vivid green eyes no longer looked sad; they flashed with anger. The plump breasts he’d been trying not to notice strained the fabric of her pink plaid Western shirt. Otherwise, she stood stiff, her temper appearing to sizzle. Damn if he didn’t find her cute as hell.
And that notion frightened the bejesus out of him. He needed to get as far away from her as possible. “We’ll talk tomorrow. You need to get your truck and get some rest.” He shifted back. “I have business to tend to.”
The tenacious woman stepped right up to him. “This businessbeing to call another horse whisperer.” She tilted her chin up and met him eye-to-eye. “Well, cowboy, I’m the second best one in the country.” Sadness slipped back into her eyes, but determination remained as well. “The best now with my father dead.”
God, those expressive eyes were killing him. He fought the urge to tug her into his arms and hold her until she’d shed every tear, until the grief left. Doing that would be a huge mistake for so many reasons. He mentally shielded himself against her.
“Forget it. I’m not letting a puny little thing like you anywhere near Starbright.” If she’d worked alongside her father, Calhoun would no doubt have been okay. Maybe. But the idea of her being alone anywhere near the powerful, troubled, and crazed mare scared the devil out of him. His heart raced.
The woman had no back down in her. She thrust her chin higher. “I’m not puny! I’m not big and muscled like you, but I can take care of myself with any animal.”
He snorted at the foolish declaration and shook his head. “Not with my horse. Starbright can’t be trusted with most work-hardened men, including me at times. There is no way I could trust her not to do you serious harm.”
Once more he turned to walk away.
This time Daniel stopped him. “Give her a chance to at least tell you about her credentials. Let her explain her abilities to work with a traumatized animal.”
He spun to glower at his friend, who looked every bit as resolute as he felt. “No.”
The man gave him a censuring look and ground his jaw. They would have words later. But he wasn’t going to change his mind.
When he glanced at Ruby, her shoulders were tense, her body rigid. But instead of arguing with him, she stormed back to the recliner and grabbed her coat, jerking it on. Grumbling to herself, she snagged her oversized bag and marched past them both and toward the foyer.
Daniel’s expression grew stonier, pissed at him.
“What are you doing?” he asked gruffly.
“Leaving,” she snapped over her shoulder. “I don’t need this job. I came here out of respect for my father’s agreement with you. And out of concern for Starbright.” She picked up her pace, not bothering to glance at him.
“You can’t just leave. I have to get one of the hands first,” he blustered, unable to believe her boldness.
“I don’t need help—yours or anyone else’s.” She stiffened. “I’m going back to my rig, grabbing a gas can, and walking to the nearest town. Not any of your concern.”
“The hell you are!” He strode after her. Lord a’mighty, what an obstinate female.
She stopped long enough to look in his direction and hiss, “The hell I’m not!”
Buy Links
Decadent Publishing Amazon
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Author BioStarla Kaye is addicted to writing romance, and in many sub-genres. She enjoys writing about strong-willed, independent women who butt heads with equally determined, self-confident, and slightly domineering men. She has published 20 novels, 38 novellas, 18 short stories, and 8 collections to date with various publishers.
Author Links
Website: http://starlakaye.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/starla_kaye Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriterPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/starlakaye/Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Starla-Kaye/e/B002ZH8K3U
For Ruby’s Love Published by: Decadent PublishingGenre: Contemporary, erotic romance, LGBT/gay, western, ménage Heat Level: 5Word Count: 33,000
Blurb
Calhoun’s a simple cowboy with more problems in his life than he can handle at the moment. After nearly two years, he struggles to hang onto a relationship with Daniel, his first male lover. Daniel is worried about him because of the fire, his concern for his prized breeding mare, and because he is determined to buy the neighboring ranch to expand. But Daniel isn’t a businessman without goals of his own for expansion, a fact that frustrates Calhoun as well. He doesn’t want to lose Daniel, but will their differences finally be too much?
Daniel considers himself a lucky man to have met the rancher, someone almost his opposite and someone who he doesn’t want to live without. Standing beside the moody Calhoun has been difficult since the fire that burned down a horse barn, took the lives of two valuable horses, and traumatized a favored mare. Along with all of that, his harried friend is determined to expand his ranch holdings. Daniel is against the purchase and would prefer to find a way to slow the man down. Lately, he’s also begun worrying if maybe he isn’t enough to satisfy his lover’s needs.
Complicating everything even more, Ruby shows up later than expected at Calhoun’s ranch to honor a job as a horse therapist that her father had agreed to before his sudden death. She knows what happened to the mare and is certain she can help her, if given the chance. But the stubborn rancher can’t get past the idea of her being a woman, someone not strong enough to work with such a damaged horse. They butt heads over the matter until she finds an ally in Daniel. He is concerned and yet believes in her abilities. Another problem arises, though. She and Calhoun have been skirting around an unwanted attraction, and then she discovers another surprising interest between her and Daniel.
Excerpt – Unsettling the cowboyHe brushed her hand away and turned around. Her vivid green eyes no longer looked sad; they flashed with anger. The plump breasts he’d been trying not to notice strained the fabric of her pink plaid Western shirt. Otherwise, she stood stiff, her temper appearing to sizzle. Damn if he didn’t find her cute as hell.
And that notion frightened the bejesus out of him. He needed to get as far away from her as possible. “We’ll talk tomorrow. You need to get your truck and get some rest.” He shifted back. “I have business to tend to.”
The tenacious woman stepped right up to him. “This businessbeing to call another horse whisperer.” She tilted her chin up and met him eye-to-eye. “Well, cowboy, I’m the second best one in the country.” Sadness slipped back into her eyes, but determination remained as well. “The best now with my father dead.”
God, those expressive eyes were killing him. He fought the urge to tug her into his arms and hold her until she’d shed every tear, until the grief left. Doing that would be a huge mistake for so many reasons. He mentally shielded himself against her.
“Forget it. I’m not letting a puny little thing like you anywhere near Starbright.” If she’d worked alongside her father, Calhoun would no doubt have been okay. Maybe. But the idea of her being alone anywhere near the powerful, troubled, and crazed mare scared the devil out of him. His heart raced.
The woman had no back down in her. She thrust her chin higher. “I’m not puny! I’m not big and muscled like you, but I can take care of myself with any animal.”
He snorted at the foolish declaration and shook his head. “Not with my horse. Starbright can’t be trusted with most work-hardened men, including me at times. There is no way I could trust her not to do you serious harm.”
Once more he turned to walk away.
This time Daniel stopped him. “Give her a chance to at least tell you about her credentials. Let her explain her abilities to work with a traumatized animal.”
He spun to glower at his friend, who looked every bit as resolute as he felt. “No.”
The man gave him a censuring look and ground his jaw. They would have words later. But he wasn’t going to change his mind.
When he glanced at Ruby, her shoulders were tense, her body rigid. But instead of arguing with him, she stormed back to the recliner and grabbed her coat, jerking it on. Grumbling to herself, she snagged her oversized bag and marched past them both and toward the foyer.
Daniel’s expression grew stonier, pissed at him.
“What are you doing?” he asked gruffly.
“Leaving,” she snapped over her shoulder. “I don’t need this job. I came here out of respect for my father’s agreement with you. And out of concern for Starbright.” She picked up her pace, not bothering to glance at him.
“You can’t just leave. I have to get one of the hands first,” he blustered, unable to believe her boldness.
“I don’t need help—yours or anyone else’s.” She stiffened. “I’m going back to my rig, grabbing a gas can, and walking to the nearest town. Not any of your concern.”
“The hell you are!” He strode after her. Lord a’mighty, what an obstinate female.
She stopped long enough to look in his direction and hiss, “The hell I’m not!”
Buy Links
Decadent Publishing Amazon
Barnes & Noble Kobo iBooks
All Romance eBooks
Author BioStarla Kaye is addicted to writing romance, and in many sub-genres. She enjoys writing about strong-willed, independent women who butt heads with equally determined, self-confident, and slightly domineering men. She has published 20 novels, 38 novellas, 18 short stories, and 8 collections to date with various publishers.
Author Links
Website: http://starlakaye.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/starla_kaye Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriterPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/starlakaye/Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Starla-Kaye/e/B002ZH8K3U
February 9, 2015
NEW RELEASE - Too Many Reasons, A Spotlight Series Novel by Kristen Strassel
Kristen Strassel is one of my fav NA authors. Toss contemporary romance with some paranormal and add a dash of rock-n-roll is her usual recipe for an amazing book. This year she is releasing two new stories. Today she releases the second book which happens to be a full length novel in The Spotlight series, a collection of stand alone books that all feature a contestant from the Spotlight Talent Competition.
Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she's worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup.
Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he's Abby's best friend. She's in love with him, but fears she'll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon thinks adding Eli to the band is dangerous, and he's right. Eli's interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she's ever wanted.
EXCERPT
“That’s why I think you should just start a label, Abby. We wouldn’t have to deal with this sneaky bullshit.” After Devon strained the macaroni and stirred everything together, he sprinkled hot sauce over it and handed me a bowl.
“Someday, maybe that will happen. But I’ve got to go work for the big guys, too, so I know what I’m doing.” I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. Maybe it wasn’t so bad that Devon came back with me after all. “But I’m not going to get any job if I fail that test and don’t graduate.”
Devon put his bowl down on the counter. “Shit. With everything that happened, I forgot all about that.” Yeah, right. I was familiar with his work. He smiled sheepishly. “Do you still want me to go?”Fuck. “No. You can stay.” I hated myself for giving in, again. He’d probably be able to figure out another place to sleep, but that sucked. It was almost midnight.
He squeezed my shoulder on his way back to the bedroom. “You’re the best.”
I was an idiot. “I know.”
“What can I do to help you study?” he asked. “Is there a quiz or anything?”
“Yeah.” He took my bowl and went back to the kitchen, then came back to my bedroom with a pot cover and big spoon. I brought up the app on my tablet, and handed over to him. It was going to be impossible to concentrate over the noise of the party, but I didn’t have a choice.
Devon scanned the screen, looking for the right question to start with. He asked me the questions like he always did, in his best cheesy game show host voice. “What was the cause of the Vietnam War?”
Man, I wasn’t prepared for this test. “America wanted to keep it from falling into a communist state.”
“I’ll accept that. Who was the disagreement with?”
Easy. “The Soviet Union.”
“Yes! Those Commie bastards. Vietnam was formerly a territory of what country?”
“China?” They had something to do with this.
“I’m sorry, Miss Gauthier, but your answer is wrong. So very wrong.” He hit the spoon against the pot cover, the gong echoing through the room. I’d never not find it hysterical. “Please rephrase your answer with the correct information.”
Now all I could think about was that contract laying on my nightstand. “Give me a hint.”
“New Orleans was also a settlement of this country.” Devon pretended to look at a watch. “Time is running out for your answer.”
“France!”
“Very good. You do realize, Miss Gauthier, those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it?” It was a lesson I was all too familiar with.
Finally I got everything right, and Devon was satisfied I was ready for the test. Of course, none of that would matter if I slept through it. “You need to get to sleep.”
“Yeah, about that.” There was no telling Mallory to quiet down. “Are you still staying?”
Devon ran his tongue over his lip ring and looked toward my curtains, the little lights twinkling and swaying in the breeze coming in through the window. He slid down under the blanket, and motioned for me to join him. “Are you sure it’s all right for me to stay?”
I snuggled against him. Every reason I should tell him to go rattled inside my head. “Yeah.”
“Soon, we’re not going to have to worry about any of this.” He started playing with my hair, lulling me to sleep. “We’re going to get everything we want.”
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Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she's worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup.
Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he's Abby's best friend. She's in love with him, but fears she'll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon thinks adding Eli to the band is dangerous, and he's right. Eli's interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she's ever wanted.
EXCERPT
“That’s why I think you should just start a label, Abby. We wouldn’t have to deal with this sneaky bullshit.” After Devon strained the macaroni and stirred everything together, he sprinkled hot sauce over it and handed me a bowl.
“Someday, maybe that will happen. But I’ve got to go work for the big guys, too, so I know what I’m doing.” I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. Maybe it wasn’t so bad that Devon came back with me after all. “But I’m not going to get any job if I fail that test and don’t graduate.”
Devon put his bowl down on the counter. “Shit. With everything that happened, I forgot all about that.” Yeah, right. I was familiar with his work. He smiled sheepishly. “Do you still want me to go?”Fuck. “No. You can stay.” I hated myself for giving in, again. He’d probably be able to figure out another place to sleep, but that sucked. It was almost midnight.
He squeezed my shoulder on his way back to the bedroom. “You’re the best.”
I was an idiot. “I know.”
“What can I do to help you study?” he asked. “Is there a quiz or anything?”
“Yeah.” He took my bowl and went back to the kitchen, then came back to my bedroom with a pot cover and big spoon. I brought up the app on my tablet, and handed over to him. It was going to be impossible to concentrate over the noise of the party, but I didn’t have a choice.
Devon scanned the screen, looking for the right question to start with. He asked me the questions like he always did, in his best cheesy game show host voice. “What was the cause of the Vietnam War?”
Man, I wasn’t prepared for this test. “America wanted to keep it from falling into a communist state.”
“I’ll accept that. Who was the disagreement with?”
Easy. “The Soviet Union.”
“Yes! Those Commie bastards. Vietnam was formerly a territory of what country?”
“China?” They had something to do with this.
“I’m sorry, Miss Gauthier, but your answer is wrong. So very wrong.” He hit the spoon against the pot cover, the gong echoing through the room. I’d never not find it hysterical. “Please rephrase your answer with the correct information.”
Now all I could think about was that contract laying on my nightstand. “Give me a hint.”
“New Orleans was also a settlement of this country.” Devon pretended to look at a watch. “Time is running out for your answer.”
“France!”
“Very good. You do realize, Miss Gauthier, those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it?” It was a lesson I was all too familiar with.
Finally I got everything right, and Devon was satisfied I was ready for the test. Of course, none of that would matter if I slept through it. “You need to get to sleep.”
“Yeah, about that.” There was no telling Mallory to quiet down. “Are you still staying?”
Devon ran his tongue over his lip ring and looked toward my curtains, the little lights twinkling and swaying in the breeze coming in through the window. He slid down under the blanket, and motioned for me to join him. “Are you sure it’s all right for me to stay?”
I snuggled against him. Every reason I should tell him to go rattled inside my head. “Yeah.”
“Soon, we’re not going to have to worry about any of this.” He started playing with my hair, lulling me to sleep. “We’re going to get everything we want.”
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