Baking and Blueberry Wine?

It's blueberry season here in Michigan. My town is getting ready to celebrate the Blueberry Festival soon. Everything will be blueberry. Blueberry pies, cookies, ice cream, pancakes...you get the idea.

I'm making zucchini bread using Grandma's recipe but putting a spin on it by tossing in some blueberries. I'd usually have Flyboy in the kitchen with me, but he'd eat all the berries so he's outside with the family wrangling dogs and granddaughter thus giving me a little peace in the kitchen.

Now, I believe a glass of wine will be perfect compliment to my baking activity. 

I pull a bottle of the rack. White wine is usually served cold. No problem.  I simply toss in some frozen blueberries and I'm good to go. 

Oh, yeah...totally delicious.

A Writer's Dilemma - Euphemisms

When you are a Romance Writer, you often have to use euphemisms. 

We reach out to other writers at times to help when the mind goes blank. 

I love being in this industry. There is never a boring day.

plural noun: euphemisms

1. a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

The March, 2021 edition of Men' Health an article listed 100+ Penise Nicknames.

Most of the slang names, I'd heard of before and I'm looking for new material.

Comedian, Richard Herring, put it into terms such as "the pink lighthouse that wants to draw you onto the rocks".

Baloney pony, custard launcher, love muscle, spitstick, Krull the Warrior King? 

There are about 1,000 recognized euphemisms

for ‘vagina’

in the English language.

 

There's even a Pocket Guide to Vaginal Euphemisms

Fur Burger, Flesh Cavern, Gash, Pink Taco, Penis Cozy,

Whisker Biscuit, Honey Pot, Squish Mitten, Meat Wallet, Fish Barrel?

 

 

Okay... that will keep me busy all day.

Frittata in The Forest

A beautiful morning in my neck of the woods. I made an aromatic breakfast that would lure my family out of bed.

2 Slices of bacon

3 eggs

1 Tbsp heavy cream

Handful of baby spinach 

2 slices Smoked Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven at  350.

I warm my cast iron skillet while I slice the bacon into little strips. While bacon is browning, beat eggs and cream. Feel free to add salt, pepper, a dash of ground mustard seed. 

Remove bacon from skillet and add egg. Lay baby spinach on the egg, then add bacon. Tear the cheese and lay on top.

Don't stir but watch for edge to begin to cook. Remove from burner and place in preheated oven. Bake until egg is done. (5-10 minutes).

Remove from oven and let stand for a minute or two before cutting into pie slices.

Warning: It disappears fast.

Thursday 13 - Hot One Liners

The temp is hot outside and let's heat things up a bit more. Today is Thursday13 and time for some sexy little teasers from Handcuffs and Silk.  Enjoy these Tempting tidbits.

These are some of my favorite one liners from Handcuffs and Silk.

1. “No.” Her red lips slid into a wicked grin that made his dick take notice. “I’ll dole out any punishment necessary.”

2. “Do you want to kiss me?” Her breath brushed against his neck, inches from his ear.

3. “Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster.”

4. “I suppose you can see it that way.” He focused on the creamy dessert “But you can have love without sex, and sex without love. Either way can be fulfilling.”

5. “You just have to be willing to take a risk.” She took extra care licking the ice cream off her spoon.

6. “Not at the moment.” He winked. “But with the right person and the right coaxing, I might be willing to sample things I’m not familiar with.”

7. “I only wish to serve and please you.” His voice dripped with sex as he dropped to his knees in a submissive pose: head bowed with his hands behind his back.

8. “You have the right to remain silent.” She clamped a handcuff roughly onto a wrist and raised both arms over his head to hook around the headboard rails then attached the remaining cuff to his free wrist. “Anything you say can and will be used against you for my pleasure.”

9. “Hunter.” Her breath caressed his ear as she whispered, “I’ve put the key to the cuffs in a glass of ice. Once the ice melts, you can set yourself free. If you free yourself within an hour, you can perform any sex act on me you wish. If you can’t break yourself free, I expect you to perform any sex act I wish. Until then, you are my prisoner and will do as I say.”

10. “Ah....” She patted his head. “You are a good little prisoner.”

11. “I win.” His deep voice wrapped seductively around her entire body.

12. “Show me what you can do.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Then I’ll decide.”

13. “Beg for it, Steph,” Hunter rasped.

 Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Mason left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

Handcuffs & Silk Links

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Morning is Me Time

I woke to rain but the perfect temperature lured me to the porch for yoga. Mona kept me company while I stretched. My yoga time went a little longer than normal because it felt so good. 

.

I find the quiet of the morning is my time. An opportunity to find calm, no worries and peace.

Be sure to take a moment in your day to find a chance to take a deep breath, relax and find your inner peace. Give yourself a moment of self love.

Hawk's Honor #BookReviews

 

FIVE STARS - OMG - this was a wonderful, creative, and completely captivating quick story. Hawke was a selfless protector, devoting his life to serving his country. Andi was such a strong, confident and determined woman, until Fate played a nasty trick on her. It left her reeling and doubting herself... a new and foreign feeling for her. Their banter and interactions were honest and the way Nature took care of it's own was, in a word, magical. I can't wait for the next book in this new series! - Julie on Goodreads

FOUR STARS - This was a fun and unique shifter romance that really took me on a reading ride. From battlefield action and danger, to shamanistic rituals, I was engaged in how Hawk and Andi would find their HEA. These two have communication issues but their chemistry was strong. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how Dawg and Kaiah's journey unfolds ;D - Lisa Bing

FIVE STARS - This is a short read. Only 10 chapters. But I enjoyed it very much. I love the Native American aspect because I normally don't see that much in books. I love the relationship between Hawk and Dawg. But most of all I love the relationship between Hawk and Andi. - Nicole Deanne Veracruz

FIVE STAR - A beautiful native american story with angst. - Tony on Goodreads

#NewRelease

Being a hawk shifter on a Marine Corp Special Ops team is dangerous but falling in love with his commanding officer could be deadly. Honor bound by the corps, Jamie Hawke would never touch her. After being wounded, Hawke is told by his shaman to find his mate before the next tour through Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand service. When his date turns out to be no other than Capt. Nelson, he’s torn between love and duty.

Her days as tough Captain Andrea “Andi” Nelson explosively end and leave her with scars inside and out. Not able to forget the hawk shifter, she turns to Madame Eve to find her a similar man to help her heal. When her date turns out to be nonother than Jamie Hawke, she wonders if she will find her old self or crash and burn.

Hawke realizes he might be the only one to heal Andi but if the plan doesn’t succeed, they may well both end up broken. Hawkes’ spirit animal demands a win over honor, but they might choose a safer path and give up what could be.

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The Marines of Hawk's Honor

 My writing process can be drawn out at times because I like to be somewhat accurate in my fiction. I actually enjoy the research and often meeting new people as well as catching up with old pals. While writing Hawk's Honor I enlisted the help of a few Marine friends.

This book is dedicated to all those who serve in the US Military with special thanks to Ret. Col. Rick “Whiskey” Warmbold, USMC. Semper Fi.

Jamie Hawke and 'Dawg' Batiste and their buddies were fun characters to create. I think my fans in uniform will approve.

***

Honor bound to the USMC, he won’t touch his fated mate and commanding officer. What will he do when he’s matched with her for a #1NightStand?

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The Story Behind Hawk's Honor

 

I cherished my childhood summers at the family cottage on a lake in Michigan. The neighbor next door, a member of the local Chippewa tribe, would thrill us with the legends and dances of his people. He taught us the importance and spirituality regarding the balance of nature. His stories of people who could shift from human to animal at will inspired me to write my own versions.

 After writing Eagle Dance, a red-tailed hawk appeared in my yard after a storm and spent the day with me to rest. The large bird sat on the tongue of our snowmobile trailer studying me with dark eyes, rimmed with gold. Through a mist the creature shifted into an incredibly sexy Native American man. With a mischievous grin, he moved in a graceful manner to sit on a fallen log. Jamie Hawke introduced himself as a Chippewa and a Marine.

 He quickly consumed a plate of chocolate chip cookies and entertained me with adventures he shared with his best friend in MARSOC. Hawks often have a difficult time finding the perfect mate and his ends up being his commander. Eventually, he might have to choose between love and honor. After the enjoyable afternoon, he shifted and flew towards his next mission. Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand might help him sort out his feelings. We shall see.

Please enjoy Hawke’s story. I’ve placed a few Easter Eggs in this story and a few teasers of who gets their story told next. Reach out to me at maryquast@gmail.com

Hawk's Honor - #NewRelease, #Excerpt

NEW RELEASE!

Being a hawk shifter on a Marine Corp Special Ops team is dangerous but falling in love with his commanding officer is deadly. Honor bound by the corps, Jamie Hawke won’t touch Captain Andrea “Andi” Nelson. Hawke is told by a shaman to find his mate before the next tour through Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand service. When his date turns out to be none other than Capt. Nelson, it’s love or duty. 

As they lay in silence, tension thickened the air. With the cat out of the bag, there would be nothing technical stopping them from getting involved romantically. Maybe she misread the various ques from him, misunderstood the longing glances she would catch from him when they were in the desert. But then again, Madame Eve did match them. If he only considered her a friend, she would let go of the desire to be with him.

“Not my commanding officer.” His voice barely over a whisper as he spoke to himself with his eyes closed. “Out of the Corps.”

 

“I need to be honest with you, Jamie.” Gathering her courage, she needed to be fully honest with him. “I’ve been attracted to you for a long time. During our tours, I found myself caring for you in a way that went against code. At one point, I seriously considered asking for a reassignment. Now that I’m out of the Corps, I approached Madame Eve to see if we might be a match.”

 

She heard a sharp intake of breath next to her. Perhaps she said too much, and he didn’t see her as anything other than his commanding officer. She longed for his arms to wrap around her, even for a short time. Her life flipped upside down with her injury and her confidence took a hit. His silence fed her insecurities. A flush of embarrassment traveled up her chest and neck. Unshed tears burned her eyes. Hawke remained so quiet, she wondered if he was freaking out or if he fell asleep. She rolled to her side to check on him. He lay on his back with the heels of his hands pushing into his eyes. His lips formed a taut line.

“I’m being too pushy.” She groaned in apprehension and pushed to a kneeling position. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry if I made things weird. I’ve obviously made a mistake by admitting my crush on you. Look, maybe I’ll…”

 

“No.” With lightning speed, he grabbed her wrist to stop her from rising. “No mistake and don’t even think about leaving.”

 

Static electricity vibrated where their skin touched. His thumb caressed the inside of her wrist, sending a calming sensation throughout her entire body. He flipped to his side and lifted onto his forearm. He took a deep breath and released a sigh. Her eyes met his. Slivers of gold sprayed like fireworks in the dark orbs.

 

“I need to be honest with you.” He spoke with conviction as his eyes bore into hers. “I lied.”

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One night, one chance, one love

One night can change everything. Dive into a world of sexy romance where intriguing characters discover how a fleeting moment can lead to a forever love in the most realistic of settings.

My new website is now LIVE! YAY!!! Please visit and sign up on my email list to receive newsletters and information on new releases, sales, contests and extras. 

CLICK HERE to visit my website

#Ask the Author: Story Behind Hawk's Honor

 

Question: I'm intrigued with the idea of a Native American hottie who can shift into a hawk.What inspired the story Hawk's Honor?

Coming February 28

I cherished my childhood summers at the family cottage on a lake in Michigan. The neighbor next door, a member of the local Chippewa tribe, would thrill us with the legends and dances of his people. He taught us the importance and spirituality regarding the balance of nature. His stories of people who could shift from human to animal at will inspired me to write my own versions.

After writing Eagle Dance, a red-tailed hawk appeared in my yard after a storm and spent the day with me to rest. The large bird sat on the tongue of our snowmobile trailer studying me with dark eyes, rimmed with gold. Through a mist the creature shifted into an incredibly sexy Native American man. With a mischievous grin, he moved in a graceful manner to sit on a fallen log. Jamie Hawke introduced himself as a Chippewa and a Marine.

He quickly consumed a plate of chocolate chip cookies and entertained me with adventures he shared with his best friend in MARSOC. Hawks often endure a difficult time finding the perfect mate and his turned out to be his commander. Eventually, he might have to choose between love and honor. After the enjoyable afternoon, he shifted and flew towards his next mission.

Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand might help him sort out his feelings. We shall see. Please enjoy Hawke’s story.

OH, by the way...I’ve placed a few Easter Eggs in this story and a few teasers of who gets their story told next. 

#NewRelease for Valentine's Day: Queen of Hearts

The Valentine romance, Queen of Hearts, is now available for download from Amazon.

Jenny has secretly lusted for her sexy next-door neighbor for years but is intimidated by him. After all, he hangs out at kink clubs with his brother a woman like her could never hold the interest of such an experienced man. Nonetheless, she won't cross that invisible line dividing friendship and romance even if it is Valentine's Day.

He's a man with a plan. Josh is done with his provocative life and ready to settle down and he knows the perfect woman. With a few tricks up his sleeve and the Valentine's Day costume party, he takes a chance to seduce his best girl.

 

Will the Queen of Hearts allow herself to be seduced by the Madd Hatter's kiss and offer of more?

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Ask the Author: What Inspired Queen of Hearts?

Your Valentine romance, Queen of Hearts features a Alice in Wonderland themed costume party and a really hot couple. What inspired the book?

There is a game a group of we authors play. Someone will post a photo and with a particular time frame, 20 minutes or 20 days, we create our own stories. The best part is reading the variety of tales one image inspires. Ironically, my brain will focus on a photo or image and create a story. Taming Rachel, Dark Soul and Hawk's Honor derived from single photos.

When I wrote the original Valentine's Day romance, Queen of Hearts, a photo in a Lover's Lane catalog set the wheels turning.

Jenny and Josh in their costumes.

Their friend Jenny who makes a cute Alice,  hosts the costume party.

Jenny has secretly lusted for her sexy next-door neighbor for years but is intimidated by taste of sexual adventure. After all, he hangs out in a kink club his brother owns. A woman like her could never hold the interest of such an experienced man. Nonetheless, she wouldn't cross the invisible line dividing friendship and romance even if it is Valentine's Day.

He's a man with a plan. Josh is done with his provocative life and ready to settle down and he has the perfect woman in his sights. With a few tricks up his sleeve and a Valentine's Day costume party, he take a chance to seduce his best gal pal.

Will the Queen of Heart allow herself to be seduced by the Madd Hatter's kisses and offer of more?

This book was previously published but has been revised.

BUY NOW on SMASHWORDS and coming soon to Amazon.

Simmering Love

The temps are low and the snow has blanketed the woods. Flyboy is flying somewhere over the Pacific leaving the house quiet. (Well except the ruckus the cat makes when she has the zoomies.)

Since today is a writing day, I've decided to put a simmer pot on the stove. Everytime I make one, I hear my grandmother's voice. "Create a pleasant scent to fill a room and make it cozy." She showed me various fruit, spice and floral combinations to achieve different scents. Some scents are to improve health while others are relaxing. 

Stepping outside to collect some pine needles inspired me to make today's pot FRESH. 

I always start with fresh well water with a dash of sea salt to enhance the fragrance. I added lemons and lavender for their calming effect. The lemons & pine create a crisp, clean scent. Eucalyptus and rosemary produce a relaxing, spa-like aroma.

Benefits of a simmer pot include:

     creating a cozy atmosphere in your home

    set a mood such as inviting, happy, warm, and even romantic

    having natural healing properties

 

Other than the wonderful fragrance, my favorite part of simmer pots is when my guys step in the door and say, "It smells good in here!"

Stay warm, loves!

More S'mores, Please

Just because the temperature outside is below zero doesn't mean we can't make our favorite campfire treat.

Roasting marshmallows in the fireplace can be fun for kids and romantic for a couple.

St. Julian Winery in Michigan bottled S'mores. The new wine is a take on the classic goodie. The sweet wine has hints of chocolate and marshmallow. Despise the suggestion to serve slightly chilled. I prefer it at room temp.

I sign off with sticky, gooey fingers. 

#TuesdayTeaser: Eagle Dance

 

 EXCERPT

She brushed the gray tips and white strands of hair that gave him such untamed nobility. With a finger, she traced his face from his temple to his jaw, across his lips, then scraping her nails along the fine hair under his chin. A man of his enormous size would be capable of great strength, and a gal could easily lose herself in his arms for more than one night. His gaze intensified under her scrutiny.

 

“What do you see when you look at me?” he asked and lowered his eyes. Sinfully long lashes brushed his cheeks.

 

She considered him to be the most gorgeous man alive. His eyes mesmerized her. Some would consider the unusual color to be eerie, but she saw a whirlwind of emotions, from pain to hope, drawing her into his soul. Did his unusual appearance cause issues and uncertainty in his life? Despite his intimidating frame, he exhibited control and gentle qualities in the tender way he’d held her when they danced and the way he’d admitted his soft spot for animals. In arms like his, a woman could find paradise in many ways.

 

She cupped his face and forced him to meet her gaze. “I see a handsome, mystical warrior from another world.”

 

“Handsome, huh? I think you need your vision checked. I am nothing more than a simple Chippewa from Michigan.” His mouth was inches from hers. “However, I can be magical and take you wherever you want to go.”

 

“Then dance with me,” she whispered.

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Ask The Author: How did you become interested in Native American lore?

 

After the Civil War, my great-great grandfather, Gardner Avery left his New York regiment to settle with his wife, Helen Greenleaf Kern, in Jamestown, a rural area near Grand Rapids, MI.  He kept a diary, which remains in the family, of his daily activities & expenses. On the land he purchased to farm, a tribe of Native Americans resided. The couple let the Potawatomi continue to live and hunt on the land. Over time they developed close friendships with many of the tribal folk. My grt-grt-grandmother became very close to the Medicine Woman of the tribe who taught her the use of herbs in food and healing. The Avery’s interest in the art of the tribe eventually led to learning their customs and legends. Through stories shared around meals they learned the Spirituality of the Native Americans. 

At the time, Grand Rapids was one of the first large scale trading posts used by the Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Chippewa. My ancestors learned valuable information from their relationships with these tribes which lead them to have a successful farm and healthy family.

Despite the Avery’s wishes, the government forced the tribe off the land and into a reservation.  According to family legend, my gt-gt-grandmother and her dearest friend spent the last days together.  After hugs and many tears, she stood in a field and watched the tribe travel until they were out of sight.

The information, stories, and traditions my ancestors learned has been passed down through the generations. I grew up listening to the stories my grandmother told of visiting the farm and her grandparents. She also shared aspects of the Native American Spirituality and showed us how similar it is to Christianity.

In the 1950’s, my grandparents purchased property and build a cottage on Coldwater Lake, not far from Mt. Pleasant, MI. My family spent many summers at the cottage where we collected arrowheads we found in the sand pits. A Chippewa family owned a cottage near ours and our our families spent quality time together.  "Indian Dave” was a teacher and kept all the children captivated with stories, games, dances, and traditions while we sat around a bonfire. My favorite tales were those of Spirit Animals. In each book in the Legend of the Spirit series, his words live.

#FridayFavorites - Tea Time, Join Me for Comfort

While being laid up after foot surgery, I sought comfort foods & drinks. A custom blend tea from Those Nature People has become my fav! 

Witches Brew begins to warm me before my cup reaches my lips. Fragrance of orange, cinnamon and cloves wraps me in a hug. Every sip emits a sigh on contentment.

Organic Witches Brew: black & green tea blended with patchouli leaf, orange peel, jasmine flowers, Vietnamese cinnamon (my fav), and cloves.

I visit Those Nature People at their store front in Frankenmuth, MI. They are also found at some Farmers Markets and online at www.ThoseNaturePeople.com

Inspiration for Jamie Hawke

 After Crow Magic, the first book in the Legend of the Spirit series, was published, my editor sent a photo of Martin Sensmeier to me. The handsome man is of Alaskan Native and European American descent who is famous for being an actor and model. 

This particular photo inspired the character of Jamie Hawke, a Native American hawk shifter.

However, the story was inspired by a friend in the USMC who was more confident than me that I could pull off writing a battle scene. Thanks, Whiskey Rick!