C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 149

Little Valentine and Assorted Yummies

One of the fun things I do is hang out with my little Valentine baby Penelope, who is 7 months old.  She now has two

teeth on the bottom.  She squeaks instead of laughs, crawls backwards and in circles.  When I’m not editing or writing, she brings unparalleled joy into my life.

I was driving home from the day job the other day and realized that too many people wait until they retire to pursue the things they really love.   Many years ago, a friend of mine named Vivian wanted to go home to Scotland.  I had been to Scotland and brought in the photos to work.  She looked at them for a long time.  Vivian told me they made her feel homesick.  A few years later as her retirement approached, she told me she had made plans and was very excited.

Vivian was killed in a car accident the day after her retirement.  The plane tickets for Scotland were in her purse.

All I ‘m saying here is don’t wait.  Joseph Campbell was on the ball, when he said, “Follow your bliss.”  I’m just saying

that waiting for retirement to follow your bliss may not be the way to go.

As a writer, I follow my bliss everyday.   I get to research and find the most extraordinary things out and learn about wonderful places and people.   The internet has been the writer’s blessing.

I’ve discovered some handy things I want to pass along.

Even though it’s winter, I’m already thinking summer especially when I saw this.  So many people on Pinterest repinned this that I could not find the originator.

An Ice Lick for Dogs:  In the summer time, fill a bowl or bucket with chicken broth, water, chew toys, doggy treats, and veggies and freeze it. The ice lick keeps your dog cool and relieves doggy boredom!

Some people did a smaller version of using an ice tray and filling it with chicken broth instead.

Peanut butter ice cubes was another variation.  I know my dog Pete loves peanut butter.

I don’t know why Valentine’s Day makes me think of treats and hungry.  We’ve taken care of the dogs, but what about us.

There’s a wonderful blog called Veronica’s Cornucopia  http://veronicascornucopia.com/2010/07/22/oreo-cookie-or-cookies-n-cream-cake/  She has the most delightful recipe for Oreo Cookies and Cream Cake.  So yum, it hurt.  Rather than repeat the recipe here and her exact directions, I’m giving you the link.



Now it’s important that as you follow your bliss, you take care of yourself and eat right.  You can’t live on cookies and cream cake alone, no matter how yummy.  So I’m telling you about another food blog called One Perfect Bite.   This is a picture of Baked Portobello Parmesan.  Yes, it uses those wonderfully large Porobello mushrooms.   My family has a similar recipe only we replace the mushroom with toasted English muffins.

The recipe for Baked Portobello Parmesan can be found at http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2010/01/baked-portobello-parmesan-dieters.html

Even though the blog says it’s a good diet meal, I consider only one thing–is it a good meal?

Our version is wonderful.  I will have to try this new version.

When the weather is cold and I’m following my bliss, I think of food.  I also think of all those wonderful people I have in my life to enjoy it with.

Thanks for being here and thanks for being part of Nights of Passion.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Recipes, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What A Writer Needs, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

A clever woman knows how to hold his attention by Marian Lanouette

Nervous, this is his first Valentine’s Day with Mia and he wants to get it right. All the way over to her house he ran a mental check to make sure he had everything that was needed to make the night special. After parking his car and locking it, he walked up the steps to her unit. Ringing the bell, he smiled down at the flowers and candy in his hand. What a romantic fool? He grinned anticipating a wonderful evening.

Mia opened the door he almost swallowed his tongue.  She stood there in a red negligee. Trying to catch his breath, he swallowed hard before he could find his voice.

“Wow, you look beautiful,” he said, hoarsely.

“Don’t you want to come in?”

Jake had to force his mouth closed to answer. “Sure.”

Brilliant, Jake. He couldn’t put a coherent thought together or speak. Mia stood there grinning at him. What he needed to do was clear his head. He held the flowers and candy in front of him, hiding his desire for her.

“I thought we were going out?” Another insightful remark, Jake.

“The reservations aren’t for another two hours. I thought we’d start our date here.”

He loved when she got that grin on her face.

“What do you say?”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

Where was his voice when he needed it? “I’d love to start the evening here.”

He stood there with his arms at his side. It dawned on him he still hadn’t kissed her hello. Leaning in he kissed her gently on the lips. Why was he being shy all of a sudden? She undid him when she answered the door that way, that’s why.

“Would you like to come and have a drink?” Yes, I would and much more. “I made a pitcher of martinis, is that okay?”

“Yes.”

“Cat got your tongue, Jake?”

“No, you do.” Yikes, did I actually say that?

Mia started laughing so hard, it broke the spell he was under and he started laughing with her.

“Sorry, your outfit left me speechless.”

“Good or bad?”

“Oh, definitely good.”

“Are those for me?”

Jake looked down at his hands, realizing he still held the flowers and candy. “Yes.” He handed them to her.

“They’re lovely, thank you.” She placed them on the table in the foyer. “Why don’t you follow me into the kitchen?”

Jake watched the view as she turned and headed down the hall. Her legs, so long  and shapely showcased in red high heels got his mind wandering. Down boy, let’s see what she has in store for us.

“Are you coming?” He had so many responses to that question, but decided to keep them to himself.

“Right behind you.”

In the kitchen, Mia poured the martinis, handed Jake his and said, “Why don’t we enjoy them in the living room.”

“The living room?”

“Yes. Is there some place else you’d like to have them?”

He took the glass from her hand and placed it on the counter. Taking her into his arms he kissed her, this time engaging lips, tongue and teeth.  So much passion he had wrapped inside for her, his heart ached when she wasn’t near. After all the women he’d been with he still couldn’t figure out why her? At the moment he wanted to possess her. Dinner a far thought. His hands got busy…surprised when she took his hands in hers and looked deep into his eyes.

“I need to change for dinner if we’re going to make our reservations.”

Shocked, he didn’t know what to say. He blurted out. “I thought you changed the plans.”

“No, I just want to give you a taste of what’s to come.  Now, I know your mind will be on me throughout dinner and not the case.”

“You play dirty, Mia. I can’t think of anything else.”

Grinning, she answered, “I know.”

 

Here’s hoping  all you dreams come true.

 

Filed under: romance

Happy Birthday Nights of Passion by Gerri Brousseau

Welcome to the party! Today marks the 4th Anniversary of the first post on Nights of Passion. Wow! Time sure flies. So, pull up a chair and join in the fun as we celebrate.  Today we have six authors sharing with you romantic scenes from their novels. In addition to that these authors have agreed to give away a free copy of their book. However, in order to qualify to win you have to leave a comment wishing Nights of Passion a Happy Birthday. Get ready dear readers, here we go.

First up is an excerpt from Unsafe Haven by Char Chaffin.

~~~~~

“Let’s talk about something else.” He cuddled her closer.

“Like what?” But she already knew.

“Like the way you shiver when I do this.” He brushed his tongue over her ear. “The way you tremble when I do this.” He traced the curve of her spine and gripped her low, pressed her against his heat and hardness. His voice dropped to a thick purr. “The way you melt . . .” His lips covered hers in a deep, penetrating kiss.

Oh, God.

Helpless, overwhelmed, she kissed him back. Her hands fisted in his hair, using it as an anchor in a dark, whirling world where nothing mattered except the heavy press of his body on hers. Their lips met and clung, broke apart, clung again. He scattered nipping kisses over her cheeks, her chin, and down the sensitive cord of her neck. She caught his ear and bit it, hard. His heart pounded against hers.

Too fast, too fast. He slipped urgent fingers along her ribs, under her breasts, and gently cupped them. Her body shook, one long, quivering shudder.

Not fast enough.

~~~~~

Next up is an excerpt from our very own Marian Lanouette sharing a scene from her newest release “Burn in Hell”

~~~~~

“Oh no you don’t. He’ll break your heart. You don’t want a relationship until you date him. Then wham…he’s got a hold on your heart and then he walks away. Oh, but what a ride.” Dina grinned like the devil.

Kyra couldn’t help but laugh. It felt good after the day she had. “I wouldn’t mind the ride.” They both turned back to the bar, laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Jake asked, amused when both women jumped.

“I…I didn’t see you there, Jake.” Dina leaned into him, kissing his cheek.

“Hi, Dina. What’s new?”

“Nothing, you?”

“Same old thing.” He stood there, looking between Dina and her friend. Years of reading people and situations told him they’d been speaking about him.

“Um, Jake, this is my boss, Kyra.”

“Hi, Kyra.” He held out his hand, she took it. Nice, firm handshake, he thought.

“Hi, Jake.”

He normally didn’t go for redheads, but this one…Yeah, he’d have to give her a try. Realizing he’d held her hand just a little too long, he dropped it.

~~~~~

Shall we hear from another Soul Mate Publishing author? Why not. Here is an excerpt from Angela Scavonea’s new release, “Love by the Book”

~~~~~

Jack came in the door and he seemed startled to see me standing there. I gave him a glass of wine, then took his briefcase and put it beside the staircase.

“What’s all this?” he asked, and I told him that the children were at my parents and we were going to have a romantic evening. He was completely onboard. We sat on the blanket on the floor, in front of the fire, drinking wine and talking about our day. It was very nice and very romantic, with the fire and all the candles going. I told him the lasagna was in the oven and that it would be ready whenever we were hungry. He said he was starving, so I jumped up to go get the plates of lasagna and salad and I knocked the red wine all over the blanket. He jumped up to use some napkins to clean it up, and he slipped on the blanket and fell on his back. I grabbed at the napkins in his hand to wipe up the red wine before it leaked into the carpet. When the red wine was cleaned up, I went to the kitchen and brought out the lasagna and salad. We sat on the, now wet, blanket in front of the fire and ate dinner. We fed each other and drank wine together; really, we just enjoyed each other’s company.

After dinner, we were sitting there, gazing at the fire, and I was leaning against him and he had his arms around me. It was wonderful.

Suddenly he said, “Honey, I can’t take this heat anymore. Can we please douse the fire?”

“Oh, but it’s so beautiful,” I said, a little sad, and then I turned and looked at him.

He was seriously sweating. I mean pouring down his face, shirt soaked kind of sweating.

“Oh my God! Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.

“No, I’m super hot. I understand this is really beautiful and really nice, but Jen it’s ninety-five degrees outside and almost one hundred and twenty degrees in here. Can we please lose the fire?”

Jack then got up and put his hand out for me to grab to help me up. His hand was so sweaty that when I put my full weight on him to stand, my hand slipped out of his, and I fell forward, toward the coffee table. As you know, the coffee table is a perfect 48-inch by 48-inch square. Well, I had put about ten candles on the coffee table to ‘enhance the mood.’ When I fell, I hit about five of them, and they knocked into the other five. All ten candles hit the floor in different spots. We both dove to grab them all before the carpet caught fire and the house burned down. I dove to the right side of the table, and he went to the left. I blew out all the candles before I picked them up, and he put them out with his hand and threw them back on the table. When we had them all out and back on the table, we stared at the carpet, our newly-installed white carpet, and the ten little burn marks where all the candles had hit the floor.

“Oh, well,” Jack said with a hint of a smile around his lips. “The kids were going to ruin it anyway.” We both burst out laughing.

We doused the fire, the one in the fireplace, and then went to do the dishes in the kitchen. Jack and I cleaned up the kitchen together, which isn’t part of the scene in The Millionaire’s Mistress, but someone needed to clean it. We then went back to the living room and sat on the couch, this time with only one candle burning. We sat there talking about what we were going to do this weekend—by the way, Mom, Jack is totally good for swimming and BBQ tonight—and what was happening at his work. We sat in silence for a little while, my head on Jack’s shoulder, enjoying each other’s company. I kept thinking this was it, this is when The Millionaire’s Mistressscene is going to start. This was going to put Tuesday nights to shame. I raised my head up to give him a steamy kiss, to basically let him know ‘it was on,’ and he was asleep. Yes, you read that correctly. He was sleeping. S.l.e.e.p.i.n.g.

I smacked him on the top of the head.

“What did you do that for?” He woke up with a shocked expression on his face.

“Why are you sleeping?” I was on my feet by this point.

“Because I just worked a sixty-hour work week, and I’m exhausted. It’s after eleven. Do you know that?”

“Yes, I know that! I thought we were having a nice night, and we were going to make mad, passionate love, all night long, right here in the living room!”

Do you know what he said to me? Can you guys believe what he said to me? He looked up at me, all confused, and said, “But it’s not Tuesday.”

~~~~~

Pretty fun stuff, huh? Well, don’t go away now because here we have an excerpt from Leia Shaw’s newest release, “The Dom with a Safeword”. Oh – that sounds hot … let’s take a peek.

~~~~~

“Kiss me again,” Q ordered.

Right. Girl Kiss, take two.

This time she started out gentle, pressing in and taking little holds of Q’s lips with hers. But the stunned quietness radiating from Q made her pause. Not good. She remembered how the heroes did it in movies and books. No point in going at this half-assed. So she used her weight and crushed her lips harder onto Q’s, then shoved her tongue in and out, turning her head for a better angle.

A hand slapped against her ass. Q pulled back, panting. “Not so rough!”

Sabrina sat back, a little dazed, staring at Q’s red freshly kissed lips. “Sorry. I copied the books you gave me. I was plundering.”

“Plundering?”

She nodded.

Q chuckled. “Be gentle, little girl. I’m not a conquest.” She reached up and pecked her lips then smiled. “You already won me.”

~~~~~

Now, I’m sharing a little sneek peek of my upcoming release, “According to Legend.”

~~~~~

“I have a gift for you,” he said as he produced a small pouch from his belt. Opening it, he reached inside and drew out a leather strap with an amulet attached to it. The amulet was a flat stone with the likeness of a wolf and a deer carved into it.

“This is the symbol of your Manitous, your spirit guide, the doe, together with mine and the symbol of our tribe, the wolf,” he said as he fastened it around my neck. “It’s magic will give you spiritual guidance in time of trouble and remind you that I am always with you.”

“Thank you, Moheeladeck. It’s beautiful. I love it and will treasure it always.” My heart skipped a beat as this small gift touched me in a way I could not explain. I smiled, knowing that this man would give me the world if he were able.

~~~~~

And now, let us hear from the founder of Nights of Passion, Susan Hanniford Crowley who is sharing a scene from “The Stormy Love Life o Laura Cordelias”

~~~~~
When night fell, she woke eager to learn being so new. She was so vulnerable it scared him.   David took her to the club to meet everyone, and what a mistake that was.  All the vampires wanted to dance with her, inhale her sweet, palatable fragrance.  She was on the dance floor and he could sense the onslaught of potential lovers overwhelming her.  David felt her fear escalate, and then came the unexpected.  She used mind talk without knowing how.

David, I wish you would dance with me.

He heard her and cut in.  She immediately rested her head against him as they danced, and he felt something he had never known.

When Laura raised her face to look at him, their lips came together.  Their fangs knocked against each other.  She laughed nervously.

“With practice, we’ll get that right.”

She nodded.

He tilted her head slightly and moved in for a long kiss.  Something inside of him cried out, this was the woman he could love for eternity, this was his one.

After dancing the hours away, lost in each other’s embrace, they left for home.  When David arrived at his apartment, he handed her the keys.  “I’m giving you my apartment.  Tomorrow I’ll make sure, you’re set up financially.”

Laura shook her head.  “You don’t have to give me your apartment.  Where will you stay?”

“Oh, it doesn’t matter.  With friends.  Out at the cemetery.”  Then he left.  David laughed as he walked down the street, realizing how ridiculous he was to give away his place, not a small gift in Manhattan .

Then she mind talked again.  David, come back.

He returned and knocked on the door.

She opened it immediately.

“You don’t do that in New York City .  Did you even look through the peephole?”

“No.  I knew it was you.”  Then she took his hand.  “I’m afraid to be here by myself.  Can’t you just stay?”

“Okay.  You take the bedroom and I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Laura went into the bedroom to get him a pillow and blankets.  Then she came out with a sad expression on her face.  “Um, David, there’s only a coffin in there.”

“Yes.”

“I can’t sleep in a box.”

“Okay.  I’ll take the coffin, and you take the sofa.”

She sat down next to him on the sofa looking all adorable wearing only his white pin-stripe shirt with her pink panties.  “Maybe we could both sleep on the sofa?”

“I guess.  You stretch out here, and I’ll be your blanket.”  As soon as he was in position, he knew that this would lead to something.

Then he heard her soft voice in his head.  I want you, David.  I want you so much.

His eyes snapped opened.  “Laura, do you realize you’re mind talking?”

“What’s mind talking?”

“We have a blood connection because I’m your sire.  You think things to me or about me and I hear them.”

“Oh.”  Her sweet face went from surprise to a shy smile, when she realized what he heard.  “Well?”

“Are you sure?”  He caressed her face, as he whispered.  A strand of blonde hair had settled on her mouth.  He moved it, his fingers lingering there, tracing her lips.

“I’m very sure.”

“You haven’t known me very long.”  The lower part of his body pressed against hers.  He was getting harder by the second.

“It’s a funny thing.”  She paused, one hand resting on her breast.  “When you’re near me, my heart feels full.  It never felt that way when I was mortal.”  Laura tangled her hands in his hair.  “I feel like I have always known you.  I’ve missed you forever.”

He smiled.  It was such odd thing to say, but it felt true.  “I’ve loved you forever.”  He didn’t know how she’d take that admission.  How could you love someone you hadn’t met yet?  But in the darkness of his life, he had loved the thought of her, the hope of her, and the dream of her.  Her expression was so enigmatic.  Then she smiled and pulled him down to her face.  They kissed tenderly at first.  Then each breathless caress of the lips became frantic and hungry.  He pressed his mouth against hers and his tongue invaded.  She moaned.  Her hands moved down to his shoulders.  He ripped the buttons off the shirt, and his tongue lavished one breast and then the other.  Tiny pants shuddered throughout her body.  He kissed her stomach and she giggled.  He did it again.  She giggled like it hurt.  David couldn’t help but add his tongue.

“No.”  Laura pulled his hair.  “You’re breaking the mood.”

He tickled her again, and she giggled.  But her eyes smoldered begging him to continue. Please.  He loved hearing her voice in his head.

Pulling off her panties, he flung them to who knows where.  She gasped, as his head disappeared between her legs.  Each sweet taste of her led to another.  Laura cried and whimpered.  Please, I need you.

 ~~~~~
Now, dear readers … if you would like to receive some free books from these authors, please leave a comment wishing Nights of Passion a happy birthday. So let’s hear it, dear friends … show Nights of Passion the love.

Filed under: romance

It’s All a Cover Up… or is it?

I’m a “Judge a Book by its Cover” girl. I know, we’re not supposed to do that, but I really just mean in the literal sense, as in books. I’m the first to admit that this doesn’t signify it is a good book, although I haven’t previously been too disappointed. My theory behind this previously has been that the only way you get a good cover is through a pretty decent publisher or a costly artist willing to design/sell you a cover. Covers aren’t cheap so a publisher has to be willing to invest in authors that they believe will sell.  And, very few authors going the self-publish route have the money to shell out for a truly high-end cover

Okay, so back to what I wrote above. This was my previous theory. Why previous? Well for one, technology and the infiltration of the self-publishing and e-book worlds have greatly affected the accessibility and affordability of nice covers. It is fact that there are many more poor quality books out there wrapped up in beautiful covers, waiting to tempt unsuspecting readers. Do I believe these writers do it on purpose? Of course not. Many believe they are truly delivering a good product, others don’t really care and they just want to be published.

Still, I will also admit the positive in that I have discovered many a “diamond” by searching out those books that aren’t always a familiar author but have a nice cover and premise. Nice cover really just means quality in my opinion. Even simplistic covers can be elegant and perfect for the right story. Overall, I’d say the access to nicer covers and quality marketing (websites, swags, etc.) has come a long way to make the writing world even more competitive. My hope is that this competition will continue to drive authors to produce their best work all around.

Happy Writing this week!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

5 Unique Fall/Winter Dates by Leia Shaw

During the spring and summer months, it’s easy to find fun dates for you to enjoy with your spouse, especially if you live in a temperate climate. Fall and winter can be a bit more challenging. The weather may force you indoors, and if you’re cooped up too long, just being in the same space with your partner can feel like World War 3.

I’ve compiled a list of five fall/winter date ideas, ranging from quiet and relaxing to bold and adventurous. Hopefully, there’s a little something to appeal to everyone.

1. Sleigh ride and hot chocolate. Baby it’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay in. A horse-drawn sleigh ride with a mug of steamy hot chocolate is a romantic way to spend a snowy afternoon. Plus a little bit of fresh air will do wonders for your health and mood.

2.Explore museums. Most metropolitan areas offer an array of museums. The colder months are a perfect time to do some exploring. Feeling artsy one day? Local colleges often have art exhibits for free. Science and technology museums can be fun for the geeky type to enjoy. Or get in touch with your inner child at an aquarium. You’d be surprised how easy it is to be amazed even as an adult.

3. Indoor water park. Speaking of getting in touch with your inner child, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, look for an indoor water park.  What better way to remember summer fun than zooming down a water slide? You’ll go home feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes your way.

4. Apple picking. A great way to spend a crisp autumn day is apple picking. Taste test the different kinds of apples and savor the beautiful orchard with your partner. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor by making something tasty when you get home. Apples are just about the most versatile fruit for cooking. If you’re not into cider, try a homemade pie or apple sauce. Bonus if you can find an old family recipe.

5. Movie marathon by the fire. Not an outdoorsy person? Cozy up under a fuzzy blanket, pick out your favorite movie series, and enjoy a relaxing night indoors. I recommend the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or The Pirates of the Caribbean if you’d like some adventure. The Twilight Saga is a cute romance series. Or go for the classics with Indiana Jones or Star Wars.

Whether you’re braving the chilly air or staying indoors, you can still have a magical time with your spouse. The important part is sharing your lives and giving each other the time you both need and deserve to reconnect.

Filed under: romance

Heartfelt Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Love comes in all forms and none of them should be negated for the value it has in our lives.   Sometimes all it takes is a touch or a glance.

While I’m not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.  In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Gnomes love to travel.  Make the plans you’ve always wanted to make.

Taurus

Mermaids sing of passion.  The sea might be cold but it holds the hottest blood.  Be prepared to try new things.

Gemini

Your werewolf pack wants to try new adventures.  Go and have fun.

Cancer

You’ve been sparkling and others have noticed.  A vampire is smiling at you.  Smile back.

Leo

Pixies throw themselves into a holiday’s decorating.  Take a hint and do the same.   A little red and pink paper can bring such cheer to others.

Virgo

Yetis can dance.  Dance at your earliest opportunity.  Let others see your joy.  You will inspire them.

Libra

Flowers are a token of love.   Bring flowers to a shapeshifter in need.

Scorpio

A dragon has given you baked goods.  Accept it graciously.  This is a new step in your friendship.

Sagittarius

Elves dance even in the snow.  They don’t feel the cold and may not realize you would like to snuggle.  Whisper your suggestion.  Those elf ears will hear you.

Capricorn

You have become the darling of the dragons.  Ask for a mentor among your new friends and be prepared to study.

Aquarius

Werewolves can be fuzzy and warm.  So what if once a month they’re in a bad mood.

Pieces

A tall dark vampire finds you attractive.  It’s up to you whether you want to form a friendship with this mysterious person.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Valentine’s Day’s Medieval History

Hallmark and Cadbury might seem to have a lock on the holiday now, but Valentine’s Day celebrations can be traced directly to Geoffrey Chaucer. While the feast day of the martyred Roman saint gives the occasion its name, Geoff was the guy with the bright idea to tie it to romance.

Saint Valentine himself was priest who may have married Christian couples at a time when Christianity was persecuted (or not – he shows up on a fifth century list of martyrs whose acts were known “only to God”) but he got a slot on the liturgical calendar.

In “The Parliament of Fowls” Chaucer sets Valentine’s Day as the day when the birds gather together to find their mates. He opens with a sigh, “The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne” – that craft of course being the practice of Love. In his usual manner, Chaucer portrays himself as someone who knows of Love only from books, but in his dream he meets Venus and observes as Nature oversees the pairing off of the birds into nice heterosexual couples.

Predictably, things go awry when three eagles all decide they must have the very finest female who is perched on the very hand of Nature herself, like a preening supermodel. They all argue not in birdly terms, but as courtly lovers.

Courtly love is the real backbone of Valentine’s Day traditions: candy, hearts, flowers? Kneeling and fancy gowns? Yep, it’s all there. One of the great sources is Andreas Capellanus’ Art of Courtly Love which actually dates to the twelfth century, though it takes a while to really grow into an industry.

Capellanus was probably writing a satire, but as Stephen Colbert can tell you, people don’t always get satire. Unfortunately, a lot of the unhealthy things we associate with romantic love come directly from this text and have been applied to Valentine’s Day since (not to mention most romantic comedies):

“He who is not jealous cannot love.”

“A true lover does not desire to embrace in love anyone except his beloved.”

“The easy attainment of love makes it of little value; difficulty of attainment makes it prized.”

“Real jealousy always increases the feeling of love.”

“Jealousy, and therefore love, are increased when one suspects his beloved.”

“A true lover is constantly and without intermission possessed by the thought of his beloved.”

This kind of exaggerated love may have been promoted among the young knights and squires to keep them occupied and out of trouble. After all, the truest love was a chaste one that put the lady love on an untouchable pedestal, where she was worshiped like the Virgin Mary – and safely from afar.

Courtly romances were often created to promote this illusion, like Palamon and Arcite in Chaucer’s own Knight’s Tale (though if you read the ones penned by Marie de France, you’ll see how often this romantic ideal became a carnal reality).

If Chaucer had been able to see into the future, he might have fine-tuned that rhyme royal into something that fit on a greeting card. Forget mucking along as poet, waiting in vain for that royal approval and barrel of wine – he could have been rolling in dough with Chaucer Cards and Chaucer Keepsake pilgrim badges. If only his Dutch wife had introduced him to Belgian chocolates – he might have beat Cadbury to the top!

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My medieval erotic romance short based on Rumpelstiltskin

 

[This originally appeared in my column for Bitch Buzz]

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, historical romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, medieval

Valentines Old and New and A Yummy Dish

A Valentine to Tease Publishing who is closing their doors graciously.  They are paying their authors and returning rights. I will miss Tonya, Tabbitha, Stella, Gail, and Tim.  I hope your new endeavors are grand, and thank you for my start in the romance book world.

A Valentine to Soul Mate Publishing who is publishing my newest romance novel.  A Valentine to Debby and Cheryl.  Cheryl is my editor and I’m glad she is.  The goal is to really make the new novel shine.  It’s all about Vampire David Hilliard’s father Max.  I’m in 2nd edits as we speak.  I’m so excited about the new group of authors I am joining at Soul Mate.

A Valentine to my family, friends and my colleagues at my day job.  Stay warm and safe during the blizzard.

A Valentine to Arisia.   Arisia is my home convention.  It’s dedicated to science fiction and fantasy.  I loved it, even though I got sick there and I’m still sick and recovering.  Arisia is always worth it.

A special Valentine to the passionate crew of Nights of Passion, especially Gerri Brousseau who jumps in when I’m not able.

 

A BIG GIANT Valentine to our wonderful readers!  To celebrate the 4th birthday (or anniversary) of Nights of Passion blog, there will be a grand party with a bunch of giveaways on Feb. 14th, right here.   Be sure to join us that day and join the fun.  (The kitty and puppy valentines come from the lovely folks at Pinterest.)

I don’t know about you but where there’s a blizzard, I get hungry.

Our necessary recipe of delight comes from a wonderful blog called Cooking with Kim-Kim Blogspot.  Kim had posted this yummy recipe on Pinterest.

http://cookingwithkim-kim.blogspot.com/2008/07/crockpot-cheesy-chicken-spaghetti.html

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Serves 12 ( one cup each)

16 oz. dry spaghetti,

cooked

1 lb. Velveeta Light (2%)Cheese

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken (I

use white meat only)

1 can 98% FF cream of mushroom soup

1 can 98% FF

cream of chicken soup

1 can of petite diced tomotoes

1 4oz. can of mild

green chilies

4 oz can mushroom stems & pieces, drained

1/2 cup

water

1 small onion, diced–or less, to taste

salt & pepper to

taste

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all

ingredients in slowcooker and stir to mix well. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir

before serving.

If you were cold before, you won’t be after eating this.  You’ll also be full. lol  I’ll be looking for you here on Valentine’s Day.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: romance

Do you have anything special planned for Valentine’s Day by Marian Lanouette

What are you reading this week? I’m reading and loving Reflection by Kim Cresswell.

Sorry for the late post. I wrote it days ago and thought I had uploaded.

Valentine’s Day conjure up images in my mind of young couples dresses to kill on a romantic candlelit dates.  Or a young man picking up his date with flowers and candy in hand. However you spend Valentine’s Day, I wish you a happy romantic one.

I feel when you love and respect someone Valentine’s Day is everyday.

With true love comes a bond that is hard to break. Over the years the passionate love strenghtens its bonds by building a life and family together. You still get the heart palpations when he enters the room. In fact, a smile still does it for me.

Working together as partners builds that life and legacy. Too often today I witness drama among young couples who profess their love. That’s the stuff that makes romance novels not real life.

Real life love is an unbreakable bond of trust, respect and love. You see you can’t love someone you don’t trust or respect. From my own experience I know that love grows each and every day.

One last parting thought on the subject. Remember when you’re in love, you should have a feeling of euphoria not pain.

Filed under: romance

Romantic Gestures by Gerri Brousseau

Valentine’s Day is next Thursday, and it got me thinking about romantic gestures both in books and movies. In some books we may find the hero giving up a birth right to be with the woman he loves, and in other stories we may find him gifting her with baubles. In some cases, our heroine places herself in physical danger to protect someone she loves.

Take the Disney Classic, Beauty and the Beast, for example. We see Belle, who dreams of having a life away from her tiny village. Yet, when her father is taken prisoner by the Beast, she willing offers to take his place as prisoner in order to secure her father’s release. In this same story we also find the Beast and Belle developing a relationship. Beast has feelings for her and wishes to express those feeings with a gift. Ah, but what to give her? Why, a library, of course.  I think it’s safe to say that we all like receiving a gift, but it’s even better when you are gifted with something you love or really want. In this case, the Beast hits the mark because Belle oves to read.

Then later in the story when the Beast asks Belle if she’s happy at the castle with him, she tells him she wishes she could see her father. What does he do then? You guest it. He gifts her with the enchanted mirror where she can see the vision of her father. But the vision is bleak and brings our Beast to his utimate gift to his lady love, he releases her and for all intents and purposes gives up his last chance to ever be human again. Ah, l’amore.

Then there is the actual declaration of love. Who could ever forget the scene in Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Darcy professes, “I love you, I love you, I love you,” to Miss Elizabeth Bennett. (sigh)

Being the ever hopeful romantic that I am, I’m always looking for wonderful stories of love and romance, epecially at Valentine’s Day. Please share with me books or movies that you think were romantic. Or even better, please share with me a true life experience or gesture that your paramour did for you.

And now for an announcement. Next Thursday IS Valentine’s Day, but it is also the 4th anniversary of the launch of Nights of Passion. We have something very special planned for you, dear readers. There will be excerpts from multiple authors as well as giveaways, so please stop back then to help us celebrate and for your chance to win free books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: romance