Thursday Thirteen - 13 Ways to Feel Sexy

It's a busy week so I've chosen to rerun an old favorite. Enjoy!




Busy schedules and unsuccessful diets are the primary reasons many of us don’t feel sexy. Who can feel sexy when they feel tired and frumpy? Women are beautiful creatures; we just need to remind ourselves of it periodically. Now put the chocolate away (well, maybe not) for this one and take notes.

1. Do your make up and/or hair. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a visit to the beauty shop or when you get all dressed up? You can capture that same feeling by paying a bit of attention to your self for a simply dinner at home.

2. Visit a spa, take a long bath, or give yourself a facial. Take a break to enjoy your own skin. Touch it, caress it… then let your honey touch it and caress it.

3. Work out. Go to a gym, join Curves, or just get a couple of girlfriends to walk with daily. The effort not only makes you healthy (may or may not lose weight), but you’ll notice little things about yourself that make you feel sexy. Sometimes, just actually working out fires you up.

4. Wear sexy clothing. I don’t me movie star red carpet stuff or even hooker style. A nice tight silk t-shirt that feels good when you wear it. Or an old worn pair of jeans that really flatter your assets. Look in your closet, take a close look at your favorites and think about how you feel when you wear them. If they all make you want to take a nap… go shopping.

5. Find a material that makes you feel good. I don’t mean flannel because it makes you cozy; I’m talking about silk or cotton and how it feels against your skin. When you find yourself feeling sexy in a particular fabric, purchase more items made with it. Instead of your old blend button down shirts, try an inexpensive machine washable silk blouse. It will go with everything from jeans to a pair of dress pants.

6. Wear lingerie that flatters you. Don’t buy something and wear it because it looks good on the mannequin or honey’s eyes bug out. Wear it because it feels good and looks good on you.

7. Don’t worry about your appearance. Everyone has flaws; just no one else cares about them as much as you do. So what that you have a scar from a surgery or a little pouch from having kids.

8. Plan at least one sensual experience a week for you love. Planning a sensual escapade can be very arousing. Add a little teasing in there to build confidence.

9. Take a shower together. Hmmm… water, wet, skin, slippery… oh, ah…

10. Dance seductively with your partner. Turn on the music just for the two of you. Have fun and do some dirty dancing.

11. Try being the dominant one in the next love-making session. Being in control can be a rush and very sexy.

12. Accept compliments regarding you looks and abilities. This can be a simple lesson in building confidence; and confidence is very sexy.

13. Allow yourself to feel sexy. Take time to reconnect with yourself. Try to find things that work for you, that make you feel good about you and sexy… and then do them.


What makes you feel sexy?

Humpday Help - A poem

In this busy week, take a moment and enjoy the world around you. I love the day, but I prefer the night and the midnight sun. My favorite is when I can see the moon during the day. Sit back and enjoy my rambling.


The Moon

I looked up from the cement world
and saw the moon today.

What a pleasant surprise!
He may have even looked my way.

I stood in my white cloak
Made of angels small.

I wanted to find my voice
But my body headed the call.

Every night I look to him
Wondering if he looks back at me.

Perhaps when I turn around,
He casts a glance to see.

Did I give him a smile?
Did my heart jump on my sleeve?

He graciously walked away,
Oh, the webs that we weave!

My mind tells me that he is dead,
My heart calls out to him.

I pray for him each day,
My hope never grows dim.

Only at night to I stand to gaze
In my cloak of white.

The small angles sleeping
Hidden from sight.

I speak in soft whispers
I’m sure he never hears.

I just wish for him to know
How I hold him so dear.

He loved me once then
Cast me to earth.

But my love remains,
And admiration grows from this dirt.

Memories of tenderness come
Rays of moonlight caress my skin.

Emotions never forgotten
But hidden within.

With my arms, I reach to the moon
Embracing the light cast below.

I’m sure he does not see me,
To him I am only a shadow.

I was surprised to see the moon
In the daylight, alive and well.

Tonight I will send him a smile
And in the shadow’s I will dwell.

Tempting Tuesday - Free Samples

Everybody enjoys a free sample! How many times can you resist the lady at the market holding out a yummy fresh baked pastry for you to sample? What about those little sampler boxes of chocolate? Yeah... admit it... we all like that little tease!


Well I'm offering a little tease, a sampler of my own and it's lower in calories than a pastry and better than chocolate.



It's a free sample of the Soul Series. You send me an email maryquast@yahoo.com with "Tasty Sample" in the subject and I'll send you a PDF of the book covers and first chapter from the first three books of the Soul Series.

The Soul Series
Contemporary romance with a twist... lots of creative... sensual...twist.



Painted Soul is Book One of the Soul Series. ISBN-13: 978-0-9814739-3-2

"A contemporary romance that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground."

Elizabeth McAlister was only eighteen when she met the art student, Puzzola in a London nightclub and gave him her heart. Ten years later, they meet again when a summer of intense passion and dark secrets begins.

As Elizabeth falls deeper in love with Puzzola, she tries to rescue him from tortured memories he refuses to discuss. Eventually, his double life and erotic past are exposed in a local newspaper just as he is involved in a life-threatening accident. Will their love survive?


Tormented Soul - Book Two of the Soul Series. ISBN 978-1-935407-22-5

Erick McAlister is known as London’s Most Dangerous Bachelor; he enjoys scotch, women, and spending time in the London underground club, The Skunk’s Den.

He’s never had a real relationship; women only want him for one thing- he desires more. When the one he vowed he would never toy with, Lynn Westmore, gives him an unexpected proposition, his life takes an enjoyable turn.

Just as he is beginning to find happiness, tabloids headline him, a woman from his past announces she’s expecting his child, someone is trying to kill him, and he finds himself questioning his relationship with the young courier he’s hired to teach him to ride his new motorcycle. Even though his life is in torment, he begins to believe in love, something he never thought he’d feel.

Unfortunately, Lynn doesn’t think Erick could ever be faithful to one woman, let alone be in love with her, so when she finds herself in love with him she runs. Erick falls into a spiral of depression, and it takes his brother and closest friends to bring him to his senses. When he finds out a magazine has rated him as the World’s Most Dangerous Bachelor, he agrees to do the interview only if Lynn is the photographer and he uses the opportunity to let Lynn know how he feels; he offers his heart to her one more time...


Lonely Soul - Book Three of the Soul Series. ISBN 978-1-935407-94-2

"The eldest of the McAlister siblings is a man with a deep sense of family and honor, yet at times could be manipulative and very controlling, always doing what he thought was best for others. Now that his brother and sister are enjoying their married lives, the time had come for Michael Casey McAlister to find his soulmate."

Featured on The Most Dangerous Bachelors list with his brother, he prefers daring outdoor activities and hanging out with his obnoxious friends than courting a high society princess. With his good looks, wealth and sexual prowess, he has attracted many ladies but when the one he thinks is Miss Right doesn’t like his dog he shows her the door.

Lonely and discouraged, he dedicates himself into a New York City community garden project with his friends and busies himself with his comic strip he has created under the name of Mike Casey. Mike meets Lauren “Wren” Avery with the help of their dogs in the park while he’s working on a cartoon. He sees her as a chance to improve himself and not follow his father’s path of unhappiness. He certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with the graphic artist. Wren falls in love with him as the cartoonist not knowing he is the co-owner of McAlister Enterprises, the same company she works for.

He knows he’s wrong not telling her the truth, but his world falls apart when she's transferred to the London office and she finds out who he really is. He realizes that in while building the company and interfering in other interfering in other people’s lives he may have lost control of his own life and what truly matters.

The Soul Series by Mary Quast

Interview with April Morelock

A: Today’s interview is with the incredible Mary Quast – one of the founders of Romance Writers Behaving Badly. I’m so glad to have her here today to talk about her writing and her books.


Known for writing sensual romance with creative soul, I’ve known Mary for a few years now through Romance Divas. Welcome Mary!!!!

There are so many things I want to ask… how’d that conversation with the pastor turn out??? Just how much do you make those old biddies in your community blush??? And so much more; but let’s start with the basics :>

What’s the kinkiest, sexiest thing you’ve ever done:

MQ: Let’s see…. Chocolate syrup, whipping cream, silk scarves and a blindfold…I think you have to buy the book to find out more. But I can add that it’s wonderful making love in a hammock in the middle of the day!

A: I’m envisioning humid air, a southern back porch looking over a sleepy creek, and loonng summer days. Sigh. Having been on a hammock, I imagine things were “hopping”. :> So while you were a bit cryptic in your response to kinkiness in real life (I mean … wow… you left a lot to the imagination there)… How bad do you get with your writing, are we talking just suggestion or down right bondage?

MQ: It depends on my characters. Sometimes a bad boy simply wants to feel loved while the good girl wants to be ravished. I haven’t put bondage in my work… yet.

A: Heck, you don’t need bondage – you have chocolate and whip cream and… oh, that’s real life. We’re talking fiction. Just for a bit of non sequitor What’s the best thing you’ve ever written—the best line?

MQ: I’d have to say, “Lonely Soul” is my best work from a technical point so far. The best line? Hmm….Painted Soul is full of sensual lines but I favor sexy and funny. So that would have to come from Matt Keller, he has a “special way” of wording things, they’re called “Mattisms”.

For example: “Nothing much,” he munched on his burger. “Just grudge fucked my ex-girlfriend’s best friend. I feel much better; I suggest you try it sometime. Hey, are you going to eat that pickle?”

A: LOL… I love that. Best line so far in the interviews. I especially loves the “Hey, are you going to eat that pickle?” as if there’s nothing much he just said. I wish there were more people that were that glib in the world. Instead we’re stuck with people using snappy comebacks from best-selling books, block-buster movies, and Robot Chicken.

If you could have any movie star take on a role as one of your heroes, who would it be?

MQ: Stuart Townsend… the way he looked in Queen of the Damned, would be Puzzola.

A: Man, all the authors have some unique tastes. I need to expand my repertoire. I’m stuck on Dong Bang Shin Ki ---Junsu, Changminnie, JaeJoong, Yunho, Yoochun. Sigh… But alas, no one I know shares my compulsions. Although Changminnie is now almost 6’4…. He’s got huge hands and feet… makes you wonder… Ahem… So what do you think? Does size count? Size counts… on average how loooooonnnnnggg do you like your (um, how do we put it delicately) manuscripts to be ;> ( in words silly, not inches) and how steamy?

MQ: I can’t seem to write anything short so they end up being around 300 pp in print. Steamy? I want readers to feel the need to strip down and fan themselves from the heat.

A: Well, I’m still stuck on that porch overlooking some South Carolina tributary with a sexy Hugh Jackman. Sigh. Mind back on track April !!!!

Thinking of hot, sexy porch hammocks and the fact that some people think sex scenes are the hardest -- the more I write them, the more I would agree. It’s just so hard to come up with something new and unique every time.

What are the hardest scenes to write for you?

MQ: Ah… the first page. Really! I love writing the sex scenes – if I get stuck I pull out a Penthouse Letters and ask hubby to help out. LOL. I have an evil streak in me and it shows when I “hurt” my characters. But that first page kills me every time!

A: And you say you’re not into bondage!!!! You must get enough satisfaction out of your own form of torture. Just how much hotter than that porch hammock do you get? Or maybe I should ask: How close in real life have you gotten to one of your fantasies?

MQ: Heh, heh. Do I have to answer that? I’m an artist and a romance writer. Any more questions?

A: You leave that wide open to the imagination. Ugh…. Details woman!

No? Okay. We’ll keep those questions for another time.

What would you want other writers and your readers to know about you?

MQ: Don’t bug me on a bad day, I might have to put you in a book and kill you. But if you feed me chocolate, you’re forgiven.

A: Hmmm… should I keep the chocolate to myself or avoid death on the page? That’s a tough decision. I really like my chocolate. ;> Before I start on my long list of other questions that aren’t writing related… anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself?

MQ: My first book, “Painted Soul” was based on a journal entry I wrote while I was in England at the age of 16. I saw a real punk on the subway and created a story about him. Years later, I created Painted Soul and the character Puzzola from that experience. From that one book, came a series of four.

A: Wow… thank you Mary for such a great interview. Anyone else want to read more about Mary or check out Painted Soul, Tormented Soul or Lonely Soul, check out her website at: http://www.maryquast.com/

I also just HAD to add the picture here from Mary's sight. Now, that's HOT and ever so naughty!

Check out my interview over at Romance Writers Behaving Badly.

Summer Blog Tour - Hot & Steamy

Welcome to another stop on the Summer Hot & Steamy Days & Nights Blog Tour. You should have dropped in from Christa Paige's site. Take a minute and get your breath.

Now enjoy an excerpt from Lonely Soul.


When the door opened they dropped their skates and fell into each other’s arms. Ignoring the excited dogs, they only saw each other. Their lips ravished each other with the promise of intense passion. Lauren knocked his cap off and pulled his shirt over his head. When she stopped to run her hands over his bare chest his head fell back with a moan of pleasure. She touched the clear crystal pendant hanging on a silver chain from his neck. Her eyes questioned him.

“It gives my heart strength.” The words barely came out of his mouth.

Her hands slid across his chest. Electricity shot from her fingers. Any control he expected to have was long gone with the look of desire in her eyes.

He pulled her shirt off and undid her bra. Her body was warm with sweat but smelled like lavender vanilla. He trailed kisses across each breast giving each nipple equal attention from his mouth. She arched her back, her breath quickened, not resisting her throat he kissed a path back to her mouth. His whole body became hard as Lauren pressed her body to his with a small gyration against his erection. Picking her up, he carried her into the bedroom.

She tugged at the snap on his shorts but he stopped her. With a quick move her shorts and panties were on the floor. He stepped back to take her in. She was a goddess in his eyes and he would love her with the intensity she deserved. Warm hands grabbed his hips. Knowing how much she wanted him along with her touch, he soared to the outer limits of space.

Quickly her hands managed to get him out of the rest of his clothing. The sexy smile on her face told him that she was pleased with what she saw. His vision blurred when she ran her hand along the ridged length of him. Taking his hand she led him to her bed, her blue eyes pulling his soul from his body. Like an inexperienced teenager he felt nervous but as the experience lover he was, Mike regained control and led the dance.

With every touch, he claimed her, possessed her. She wanted him, but he wanted to give her more. She took him to Heaven he wanted to take her to paradise. Lauren arched against him as he leisurely ran his hand down the length of her body to rest between her thighs. A sigh escaped from her lips while caressed her skin with his mouth and touched her heat with his hand. A smooth leg draped over his hip and he felt all his plans of making slow passionate love to Lauren dissipate. Animal instincts took over and he just wanted to be inside her.

He hesitated in an attempt to monitor his emotions; she took his shoulders to roll him onto his back while she kissed his neck and chest. The ability to focus came back when Lauren sat straddling him. She was so beautiful, her lips begging to be kissed more, her body called to him. Sitting up he wrapped his arms around her and took her mouth. Without letting her go, he carefully moved her under him. Lauren skimmed her hands across his butt as she spread her legs, freely offering what he craved.

“Oh, Mike.” Her hoarse whisper wove through his mind. “I’m on fire.”

“So am I Lauren,” he answered with his mouth hovering about hers. “So am I.”

Resting his cheek against hers, Mike wanted to listen to Lauren’s reaction as he entered her. She was warm, wet and somewhat tight. He heard her gasp as the breath left his own lungs. Holding her firmly, they rolled across the bed.

Sitting on top of him, still connected Lauren gave him a wicked smile. After she brought her knees along his hips, she slowly rode him as he held her hips. Taking his hand with hers, they traced the contour of her body. Mike sat up, Lauren wrapped her legs around his waist, holding her tightly he lowered her back onto the bed.

Fingers gripped his back and he felt Lauren match each thrust. He drove in deep and felt her shudder under him but kept gently rocking her higher. Her response gave him satisfaction.

Slowly, Lauren opened her eyes. Mike’s face was taunt as he looked down at her as if he was holding back; his eyes were dark with lust. His movements were slow and controlled as he penetrated deeply. His hand reached under to cup her butt, she felt him even deeper. With her hand, she touched his cheek. He closed his eyes and sounded his release.

Feeling the pulses of intensity deep inside her, Lauren pushed against Mike for a second orgasm. She held on to him, tighter than before. His hands cradled her head as he guided her ride on the waves of passion.

Reluctant to leave the inside of her body, he shifted his weight without pulling out. Their bodies were slick with sweat. It was too early to sleep, but Lauren was spent and snuggled to Mike. He sighed and stroked her naked body like a painter would with a brush. Even though he didn’t say any words she could feel his emotion. His touch was full of deep affection and she found herself falling in love with the man.

Mike’s stomach grumbled and they both began to laugh. He slid off her, cool air surrounded her. Laying on his side propped up on his elbow he traced her face with his fingers. When he lowered his head for another kiss, his stomach grumbled again.

“I think we should feed you,” Lauren giggled.

“You know that when your stomach growls it means you’re horny, right?” Navy eyes danced.

“Really! Now I don’t know if I should feed you,” Lauren pushed him on to his back and lay across his chest. “Or not bother with food and just give you more of this?”

She began placing feather kisses along his neck, across his shoulders, chest and abdomen. His manhood answered the call. His stomach growled once more before Lauren climbed on top of him and joined together them once more. Taking his hands, she held them next to the headboard as he allowed her to play the game. Not able to resist, Mike moved with her, his head went back as he thrust towards her.

Lauren knew she was making him feel good when she felt the explosive heat inside and in the way he breathlessly said her name. Not missing a beat, she joined him as white heat spread from the place they were joined through her body.

As she lay still with her head on his chest, a low grumble echoed from his belly.

“I think we should get some food this time.”

“Ah, yeah.” Mike sighed as he sat up. “I’m losing brain function.”

Not enough for you? Need some more hot & steamy days & nights? Zip over to Elise Hepner's blog for some more fun!

Thursday Thirteen - Food to Boost Your Sex Drive

1. Chocolate... of course my favorite. This natural aphrodisiac releases dopamine, the "feel good" hormone in your brain.

2. Honey. Yes, bee barf, contains the mineral Boron which helps the body use and metabolize estrogen.

3.Licorice has been used for medicinal purposes all over the world. In the orient it is believe to enhance lust in women.

4. Garlic. No, it's not a sexual enhancer, but adds to good health which is important to a healthy sex drive. Try enjoying a meal together with garlic in it.

5. Tomatoes are great for muscles such as muscle control and sexual performance.

6. Spices such as nutmeg, cloves and ginger are know to add a little spice to your sex life.

7. Figs are one of the oldest fruits in the world and is believed to increase fertility.

8. Avocados are know for their aphrodisiac effects.

9. Strawberries, peaches, bananas, and raspberries are easily found fruits that are natural aphrodisiacs.

10. Artichokes contain androstenedion which is proven to increase sexual desire.

11. Celery believe it or not! Add this simple veggie to a picnic and enjoy the benefits.

12. Shellfish such as oysters are natural aphrodisiacs.

13. Chili peppers! Not only do they releases endorphins into the body, but they heat things up!

NOW GET COOKING!

The Silver Circle

Touch the silver chain,
Precious links wound ‘round your neck.

Let your fingers stroke
The tiny silken circles.

The cool of metal
Against the warm heat of skin.

Each link is a word.
Forming thoughts.
Creating ideas.
Weaving stories.

What words do you hear?
“Once upon a time…”
“In the terror of the storm…”
“Look to the west, the sun is rising…”

Listen to your heart.
How does your story end?

Search, find the last link.
You know the one, sad but true.

Tired not broken,
Holding the silver circle.

Staying together,
Not willing to be destroyed

What are the last words?
I love you eternally.

Incense

The stick is lit. Smoke takes to the air like a runner after the gunshot, but only for a moment does it run. With a sudden yawn, the smoke relaxes and begins to gently twist and turn. A floating spiral, on an upward path.

Scented smoke carries my thoughts, my memories, my spirit with it. I feel lifted, unburdened by physical things. My spirit calls out to my ancestors and to my God. Wings of gray take me to weightlessness. I am free. No pain, no sorrow. I am light.

I bend and arch in the currents. Smiling as I float in this new found space. Twisting, turning as I soar. My heart beats out a soft drum. It is an empty space as is my soul. I breathe deep; the smoke brings to me words from heavenly voices.

Warm air wraps around my body, across my skin and through my bones. Delicate webs weave me a staircase to follow. Exotic scent beckons to me. Grey wings pull my spirit higher. I feel peace. I am one with the elements of air, earth, water, fire.

A line of smoke rises and splits into two lines forming a pair of wings. They take flight and ramble in time as they play. Circling, twirling, weaving through memories.

The wings begin to fade, the scent lingers. I’m not ready. Take me with you, let me fly some more. The smoke moves as if in slow motion, not waving farewell but giving me a smile. Even when I can’t see it, the scent is there and I will be at peace. I know I am not alone.