Isabelle Drake's Blog, page 3

of witches and pumpkins

 

fishnets and zombies - Tribe of the Undead

In a cityfrozen by fear, 

there is no escaping the punishing depravity of the tribe.

Having sexwith an ice-covered, smudgy-eyed woman in tattered fishnets and a barely-theremini-skirt is Hayden Thomas’ first mistake. His second: thinking he’s incontrol of what happens next.

The city ofBoston is hostage to Snowmaggeddon and rumors about zombies roaming thestreets, looking for human flesh, drift among the citizens. Hayden Thomas,tabloid newspaper writer, is out to get something fresh about the phantasticcreatures. At the Boston Public Library, he uncovers some dubious researchsuggesting that some zombie tribes use human sexual energy, not flesh, forsustenance. The next thing he knows, he’s tangled up with a brutal woman who isas merciless as she is demanding.

confession from me, hot cold zombies, and a cocktail 👙 The August newsletter

 Hit here to read the August newsletter

Gin Buck, the DIY cocktail

So, let’s talk bucks, but not the kind you save—unless you’re saving up for a new cocktail shaker. A buck is this fabulous little concoction that mixes up a spirit, a zesty citrus twist, and a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer. Legend has it the name comes from the old-school Horse’s Neck, which was just ginger ale. When folks started adding a kick of liquor, it became known as a “buck” because, well, it kicked things up a notch. These drinks are like the chameleons of the cocktail world—refreshing and infinitely customizable, which explains their bar-side popularity.

Now, bucks have been around since the mid-1800s and were originally all about whiskey. But guess what? Any spirit can join the party. If you’ve ever sipped on a Moscow Mule (vodka) or a Dark ’n Stormy (rum), congratulations—you’ve already tasted a buck! Brandies, tequilas, and even aquavits can get in on the action.

Enter the Gin Buck, the classic choice for when you want to channel your inner flapper. This sweet, bubbly treat was a summer sensation during the Roaring ’20s and lingered into the ’40s. Sure, it might play second fiddle to whiskey-based bucks and the ever-popular Moscow Mule these days, but don’t let that deter you. It’s still a stellar choice for those sun-soaked afternoons when you need something delightful and easy to sip on.

The best part? You can totally make this drink your own. Start with gin—go for a drier, juniper-heavy bottle if you like a punch of classic flavor or a softer, citrusy one for a gentler touch. And then there’s the ginger situation. Ginger beer is like the spicy, bold cousin of ginger ale—kind of what folks were sipping on back in the day. Both are delicious, so test drive them both and pick your fave.

Lastly, let’s talk fruit. Lemon or lime juice? It’s really up to you. Just match your garnish to the juice you use, and voila! You’ve got a Gin Buck that’s perfect for sipping on the porch, at a picnic, or anywhere you want to look effortlessly chic. And hey, if your friends start eyeing your drink with envy, you’ll be able to whip up another one with ease.

Ready to make one?

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ ounces gin½ ounce lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezedGinger ale or ginger beer, to top

DIRECTIONS

Fill a Collins glass with ice, then add the gin and lemon or lime juice.Top with ginger ale (or ginger beer) and stir briefly to combine.

GARNISH

lemon or lime wedge

confessions for cash, mine and theirs

 

In June I attended a research institute in Ohio. It was ascholarly thing, populated by grad students and independent researchers allstudying some aspect of pop culture. My research project was on Betty andVeronica from the Archie Comics prior to and after the Comics Code Authorityapproval process. While I was passing through the stacks, I spotted a shelffilled with issues of True Story, a confession genre magazine I published within the very beginning of my writing career. Naturally, I had to make a video -see above. The confession magazines printed stories they claimed to be thedarkest confessions from all around the world. Looking back now, I think theyare much like the reality shows of today. The stories fill the same niche. Atthe time, I was all about the money and learning to be a writer.

July 27, where I'll be...

 

Looking forward to spending the day, Saturday, July 27, at Sterlingfest’sannual author book sale. I’ll be there all day, 10-4, at the Greater DetroitRomance Writers table. Location: Sterling Heights Public Library.

Rock and Roll, the fantasy

Rock and Roll Fantasy, was fun to write because, as the title indicates, its a fantasy. I had a good time creating one girl's daydream as she imagined what could happen if she accidently got on the wrong boat and two rock stars--one she just happened to have a long time crush on--also happened to be on the boat. 

Excerpt

Karrie and her friends had decided this was going to be a quiet, girls-only weekend. She rested her forearms on the rail and typed in a text to Amy, but before she could hit send, someone bumped her elbow.

"No signal out here."

Karrie turned, coming face to face with the blond. He was a lot cuter up close. Bright blue eyes and scruffy stubble outlining his jaw. Yummy.

"It’s not going to do you much good," he said, pointing to her phone, his long fingers reminding Karrie of one of those fantasies she'd had. Something about a guy. Someone famous. A daydream was from a long time ago and involved a crowded dark hallway, loud rock music thumping, and her wearing a really short skirt and no panties. The details were coming back in a hot, slick, rush. A guy had her pinned to the wall...

“You might as well put it away.”

Karrie blushed. Oh, right. The phone.

“You won’t be able to get a signal for a couple hours.”

Somehow her brain caught that detail. "Hours?"

"Yeah. Until we get close to the dock at Key Hope."

Karrie’s shoulders tensed. "This ferry is going to St. Andrews Island."

He shook his head.

“There are two ferries that leave from that port. This one,” he tipped his head towards the crowd on top of the boat, “And the other one. Guess you were trying to get on the other one that goes to St. Andrews.”

Karrie groaned. Amy had specifically told her to get on the one that left first thing in the morning, so when she rushed up and saw one preparing to leave she’d assumed it was the one she wanted. “Are you sure?” she asked.

"Yeah, I am. You’re not going to St. Andrews?" he asked.

"No. And I'm supposed to be meeting my friends." She lifted her phone and scowled at it. "And I won't be able to tell them I messed up for hours." She shoved the phone into her pocket. "This sucks."

He bumped her elbow, obviously trying to cheer her up. “It could be worse.”

He was right, and the playful physical contract was definitely making her disappointment fade, but still she hated thinking that Amy and Rochelle would be worried. “My friends are going to go crazy, wondering what happened to me.”

He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze connecting with his friend. “You’re alone, then?” he asked, looking back at her.

She nodded.

“I’m Ian.” He gestured to the other guy then held out his hand. “Since it’s going to be a long ride, and you’re by yourself, why don’t you hang with us?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking for a quick, hot read? Get your own ebook on Amazon.

Rock & Rock Sunset, the cocktail for good times

 PictureSunset Groove, the chicest rooftop bar in all of Cleveland, where the city'sheartbeat pulses to the rhythm of the setting sun. Meet Mia, the vivaciousbartender whose cocktails are as dazzling as her smile.

One balmyevening, as the sky blushed with hues of pink and gold, Mia decided to concocta drink that captured the essence of a Cleveland sunset. With a twirl of hershaker, she mixed 2 ounces of smooth bourbon with the tart zest of grapefruitjuice, a drizzle of golden honey, and just a dash of bitters for that extrakick.

As Miapoured the golden elixir into glasses rimmed with sugar and garnished with aslice of fresh grapefruit, the rooftop buzzed with excitement. The Rock andRoll Sunset was born, a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate like asummer breeze.

Word ofMia's creation spread like wildfire, drawing in crowds eager to taste the magicof the Cleveland skyline in a glass. Each sip was an adventure, a burst ofcitrus and sweetness that left taste buds tingling with delight.

As thenights grew longer and the rooftop became a beacon of laughter and joy, theRock and Roll Sunset became Sunset Groove's signature drink. And though Miaeventually moved on to new horizons, her legacy lived on in every sip of thatunforgettable cocktail, a toast to friendship, laughter, and the endlesspossibilities of a Cleveland sunset.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz bourbon

1 ozgrapefruit juice

1 oz bloodorange juice

1/2 oz honeysyrup

1/2 oz lemonjuice

2 dashesbitters

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill acocktail shaker with ice.

2. Addbourbon, grapefruit juice, blood orange juice, honey syrup, lemon juice, andbitters.

3. Shakevigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.

4. Strainthe mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Garnishwith a slice of grapefruit on the rim of the glass.

 

GARNISH

Grapefruitslice

I don't know if what follows is a reveal, a confession, or just a simple update...

Isabelle Drake was born in 2005, the year I (Melissa Ford Lucken) published my first erotic romance, Everglades Wildfire, with the long defunct Venus Press. She, I, published several titles with Venus Press before moving on the publish with the now infamous Ellora's Cave. For those more recently delivered to this romance book scene, Ellora's Cave was The first big publisher of erotic romance. Being an EC author was, despite quick and sad the way things ended, great. Big parties, big promotions, and truly great readers. In addition to having fun, I learned much writing erotic romance. One thing I learned about my writer self is that I like writing what "they" tell me I can't. If someone adds to that message that I shouldn't write something that doubles the likelihood that I will be writing it.

 

The entire time I've been building my career as an author, I've been building an academic career. Sometimes people think I kept the two parts of myself separate because I worried about what people would think of me if they knew I wrote erotic romances. The scandal! However, that isn't why. There are several reasons but the one on my mind today is that when I spoke about what I was up to people who don't really know me would get confused. How could someone who writes steamy erotic--commercial--romances also be developing cutting edge programs to increase student success in composition classrooms?  How could someone who does 'all that' 'silly' social media also be writing scholarly papers? Writing book chapters using postmodernism as a backdrop?

During the tail end of covid I enrolled in a creative nonfiction course. To get to the class, each week I took the train. The weekly train ride was almost as much fun as the course. As part of the coursework, I wrote an essay I titled, “How to Write an Erotic Romance.” It is a satirical, sassy piece that was therapeutic to write and share. I’m happy to report the piece found its way to a publisher that also likes things people are told not to write. The essay will be included in the edited anthology slated to be published later this year. Curious? Stay tuned. I’ll post more info when I have it.

summer '24, Michigan book festivals

Saturday, June 1

Farmington Author & Book Festival in Farmington, Michigan

I'll be signing books 10 - 5 and speaking on a panel about romance books at 3.

Friday, June 14

Hamburg Family FestHamburg, Michigan: June 2024
Saturday 27
SterlingFest Art & Music FairSterling Heights, Michigan: July 2024