Flirty Tips

 Flirting is a subtle and not too serious aspect of romance. It is a basic instinct to want to charm the other sex. However, flirting isn’t only for singles; just because you are in a committed relationship doesn’t mean you need to stop flirting with your honey. Flash an unexpected smile at him and watch his eyes begin to twinkle as he smiles back. Flirting can be fun and sexy.

Here are a few tips:

Body Language

• Throw sidelong glances frequently!
• Prolonged eye contact -Eye contact is very essential at the time of flirting. It shows that you are confident about yourself.
• Arched eyebrows
• Winking
• Touch your neck or hair after looking at him
• Smiling - A smile not only breaks the ice and makes the atmosphere easy going, but also improves your face value.
• Licking of lips
• Touching the lips or teeth with tongue
• Any form of touching

Conversation

• Laughter
• Whispering
• Personal questions, everyone likes to talk about themselves
• Singling someone out in a group for conversation and questions

 

However if you are single and you flirt, keep in mind that flirting should indicate your interest in getting to know someone.   Flirting is designed to make the person you're flirting with feel attractive and special, not intimidated. The most important tip on flirting is BE YOURSELF.

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Who Reads Romance?

 During any given period, women who read romance novels have a tendency to have twice as many lovers as those who don’t. People who read romance have sex 70% more often than those who don't.

The Romance Reader

In 2017, RWA commissioned

"The Romance Book Buyer 2017: A Study by NPD Book for Romance Writers of America."

A portion of the results can be found below. 

Who is the romance reader?

·        Female: 82%

·        Male: 18%

·        Average age of the romance reader: 35–39 years old

·        Ethnicity:

• 73% White/Caucasian
•  12% Black/African American
• 7% Latino/Hispanic
• 4% Asian/Asian American.

·        Sexual orientation:

• 86% heterosexual or straight
• 9%  bisexual, pansexual, or other bi+ identity
• 2% gay or lesbian.

Reading Habits

·        Most frequent readers are younger, aged 34 and below.

·        92% of survey respondents are print readers

·        64% are e-book readers

·        35% are audiobook users.

·        Tablets and smartphones are the most-used devices to read e-books.

·        Half of romance readers read romantic suspense,

• followed by erotic
• historical as the most popular genres.

·        Younger readers read more Young Adult, Erotic, and

• Paranormal Romance and less Contemporary Romance than older readers.

Acquiring Romance Books

·        Top responses for how romance readers acquire romance novels:

• borrow from a library
• purchase in brick-and-mortar bookstores
• acquire them from friends/relatives
• purchase in print via an online store
• purchase them as an e-book via an online store.

·        A higher percentage of readers buy from bricks-and-mortar stores than online,

• and 15% use a subscription service.

·        One-third of readers searched for new authors in the past six months.

·        Content is listed as a more important purchase influence than recommendations.

Further Insights

The future of romance is the younger emerging readership.

These younger readers are:

·        diverse in sexual orientation and in ethnicity

·        more male

·        frequent readers

·        listening to audiobooks

·        reading e-books on smartphones

·        consuming YA, erotic, and paranormal romance

·        shopping at a greater number of online retailers

·        extremely engaged on social media and willing to experiment with new authors

---

Source and Methodology

Source: The Romance Book Buyer 2017: A Study by NPD Book for Romance Writers of America
Methodology

·        Sample of 2,000 romance book readers

·        Survey fielded in December 2017

·        Quota for gender and age

• based on nationally representative sample of book buyers
• who said they were likely to read a romance book in the future

·        Screener question:

• Do you read romance fiction novels?
• This would include books where
• (1) there is a central love story and        
• (2) the end of the story is positive.

Permission is granted by Romance Writers of America to link to this page

and/or use portions of the statistics with proper citation.

Do not reprint or copy this information in its entirety. 
^†Source: NPD Books Romance Landscape:

A Study by NPD Book for Romance Writers of America.

 

Breakfast in Bed

With so many things still closed due to covid, many are choosing to stay in for Valentine's Day. What belter way to celebrate V-Day than to spend a lazy morning together 

sharing breakfast in bed! 

Spice up your day with this starter!

  Mexican Fiesta Quiche 

  Ingredients: 

2 eggs, divided 

1 1/3 tablespoons water 

1/16 teaspoon garlic powder 

3/8 cup yellow corn meal 

2/3 teaspoon chili powder 

5 ounces canned pinto beans 

1 1/3 ounces canned diced mild green chilies, undrained 

2 2/3 tablespoons green onions including tops, chopped fine 

2 2/3 tablespoons shredded Monterey Jack cheese 

salsa, or taco sauce 

  Preparations: 

In medium bowl, beat together 1 of the eggs, the water and garlic powder. Stir in cornmeal until mixture is crumbly. To form crust, press cornmeal mixture onto bottom and up sides of lightly greased 8-x-8-x-2 inch baking dish. Beat together remaining eggs and chili powder until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients except salsa until well combined. Pour into prepared crust. Bake in preheated 375 degrees F. oven until puffed in center and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 30 to 40 minutes. Drizzle with salsa. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

  Microwave Instructions: Cook on full power, rotating dish 1/2 turn once or twice, 5 minutes. Continue cooking on 50% power, rotating dish 1/4 turn 2 to 3 times, until puffed in center and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 8 to 12 minutes. Let stand to complete cooking, about 10 minutes. Makes 2 Servings. 

Mad About the Queen of Hearts

Love and a Valentine's Day costume party.

I was inspired to write this story after seeing this photo in a Lover's Lane Catalog.

Wouldn't it be fun to attend a Valentine's Day Masquerade Ball, 

especially if the theme was Alice in Wonderland.

Imagine all the guests dressed as the sexy versions of our favorite characters!

I did and Queen of Hearts was the result.

Jenny has secretly lusted for her sexy next door neighbor for years but won't cross that invisible line dividing friendship and romance even if it is Valentine's Day.

Josh is done with his provocative life and ready to settle down. With a few tricks up his sleeve and the Valentine's Day costume party, he takes a chance on seducing his best girl pal.

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

Queen of Hearts is available on Smashwords for 99 cents!

Check it out!

#Thursday13 - 1990's Romantic Comedies

 It's winter, yucky weather, and you are getting bored. Grab your honey and a cozy blanket (or a few friends) then pick out some fun romantic comedies from the 1990's to watch. 

Here's my list.

1.  Something About Mary -1998 - the hair gel scene kills me every time!

2. American Pie - 1999 - Flyboy's favorite

3. Father Of The Bride - 1991 - love Steve Martin

4. Clueless -1995

5. 10 Things I Hate About You - 1999

6. You've Got Mail - 1998

7. Groundhog Day - 1993

8. Never Been Kissed - 1999

9. Four Weddings and a Funeral - 1994

10. Sleepless in Seattle - 1993

11. My Best Friend's Wedding - 1997

12. Shakespeare in Love - 1998

13. Switched - 1991

Be sure to visit the Thursday 13 blog for links to more amazing lists.

Special Guest Teaser from Loving Sage by Dominique Eastwick

Dominique Eastwick one of my favorite fellow authors at Decadent Publishing. I love her writing style and the ability to write anything from Historical such as the House of Lords series to Paranormal Romance like the Zodiac Shifters Anthology 

 However, I'm a sucker for dragons, and was introduced to dragons and much more in the Wiccan Haus series for which Dominique and several other great authors write. Wiccan Haus resort is located on an island off the coast of Maine. The island is protected by a mystical fog and magical boundary. The spa is meant to be relaxing and there is always a story to tell. Readers will ride emotional roller-coasters and fall in love.

Let's take the ferry and check into the Wiccan Haus Resort 

and enjoy the latest tale from Dominique Eastwick!

Blurb:

A mate who doesn’t remember him…
Chad Kodiak has everything he could want in a mate. She is as beautiful as she is kind. For seven long years, he lives on the island housing the Wiccan Haus, guarding and protecting. Hoping one day his mate might remember who he is.

Memories long repressed…
Sage Rowan loves her life. She loves the island and loves helping people. Years have passed since tragedy hit her family, and she has finally found peace. Or so she thinks until a trip to a sweat lodge reveals memories long suppressed. Can she trust those around her or the life she has led?.

Can a bear shifter protect what is his without ever letting on they are mates? Or will the forces working against them force his hand too soon. Things are churning around them, and only they can make it happen.

Welcome back to the Wiccan Haus.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON and MORE

Award Winning Author, Dominique Eastwick currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two children, crazy lab and lazy cat. When she's not busy writing, she loves to capture life through the lens of her camera.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 "Love Surprises"

Little things mean alot. 

I'm sure you've heard that before... but it's true. 

Simple things such as a smile can brighten one's day. 

My flyboy hubby is gone often so I enjoy hiding things in his suitcase.  When my mom was alive, living in an apartment, I'd have fun leaving goodies in her fridge or on her dresser for her to find. When Football Moms were allowed to decorate the boys' locker room, we'd leave encouraging notes and candy on our sons' locker doors. I enjoy leaving a cute little card on my secretary's keyboard.

Here's a list of some items for you to leave in often over looked places for your honey or someone special to find.

For your honey:
1. Handcuffs.

2. A sexy photo of yourself.

3. A pair of panties scented with a favorite fragrance.

4. Favorite candy. Sweet for a sweetie.

5. A key (to your heart).

6. A love poem.

7. A love letter.

8. Love coupons.

For someone special:
9. A greeting or inspirational card.

10. A photo of the two of you in a cute frame.

11. A small book. (Inspirational, poetry, romance, comedy)

12. Favorite CD.

13 Favorite magazine. (Magnolia, Taste of Home, Oprah are my favs to give to a gal or a hunting magazine for a guy)

Other items may include Hersey kisses, a teddy bear, jewelry, a list of why that person is special to you, small artwork, and a small bottle of their favorite fragrance.

What other items can you think of?

Special Thanks to Cary Ann's Hallmark in Flushing, MI

for keeping me well stocked in "little things."

Check out more fun Thursday 13 lists HERE

Sexy Games Lovers Play - Guess What This Is

Sexy games can bring the spice back to any relationship. You may have had a terrific sex life before, but the hassles of day-to-day existence have made sex less of a priority. Maybe you and your honey are looking for a little something different, something to add some zing to your love life. Perhaps, you simply need an exercise to encourage intimacy.

Shutterstock image

Sexy games don't have to be confusing or complex. Find a game that both of you would enjoy to have fun and created intimacy.

Discuss the need to set some ground rules before playing sexy games. Be sure to respect each other's vulnerability, especially when trying something new in the bedroom. Both partners must be able to end the game at any time, for any reason. 

Shutterstock image

A fun game is GUESS WHAT THIS IS

 This game requires some thinking and planning. Have two baskets, one for you and one for your honey. Start by thinking tactile and have your honey fill his basket with items and you do the same. Do not tell each other what your baskets hold! 

Item suggestions: What could be used on your lover’s skin to create goose bumps? Gather things such as feathers, ice, a piece of fur, light string or rope, a length of silk, wool, and a knobby fabric. Other items to use might include a soft ball, a back scratcher, or a damp sponge. Let your mind go wickedly wild. Assemble all the textures and place in a basket. 

Take turns blindfolding each other and lay in a comfortable position. Begin by massaging your partner with an item from the basket. Massage or tickle his body and let him guess what is touching his skin. Ask your lover to describe how it feels.

Enjoy your time together and enjoy each other!

#Thursday13 - Flirty Lines

Flirty lines are common in Romantic Comedies and some lines stick with us. Some are sweet and tender, others are goofy and dorky. 

1. Come live in my heart and pay no rent.

2. I had a really bad day today and it always makes me feel better to see a smile. So would you please smile for me?

3. Did the sun just come out or did you smile at me?

4. Excuse me, I think you have something in your eye. Oh wait, it's just a sparkle.

5. I want to taste something sweet. Could I taste your lips?

6. If you don't wanna have kids with me, they why don't we just practice?

7. I know milk does the body good, but DAMN how much did you drink?

8. They say Disney World is the happiest place on earth, obviously they haven't been in your arms.

9 Your lips look so sweet, just one kiss and I swear I could give up sugar for life. 

10. If you were holding 11 roses I would see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world.

11. There's so much to say, but your eyes keep interrupting me.

12. I value my breath so it would be nice if you didn't take it away every time you walk by.

13. I love you with all my circle, not my heart. Hearts break but circles go on forever.

Do you have a favorite flirty line from a book or movie? 

Have you ever used a flirty line? What line did you use and what was the response?

Visit THURSDAY 13  for some more fun lists.

Take Time Together

 

Home is where the heart is, so take time to spend together at home. You can find many delightful ways to spend time together around the house. Morning coffee in bed is one of my personal favorites or breakfast on a sunny deck. A card game or watch a video on a rainy day. Unplug yourselves from the electronics and quiet time at home can be simple. Just sitting together watching a ballgame is cozy contentment. Go for a walk or take a nap. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine, play soft music and give each other a massage.

 

Take a break from the daily grind and revive that feeling of being relaxed and close.

Vanilla-Infused Oil for Mouthwatering Romance

Sunday is a good day to set aside for some personal spa time. I don’t mean GOING to a spa, I’m referring to a make-it-at-home spa. Create healthy, soft skin during this somewhat therapeutic activity. Some ingredients you might already have on your pantry shelves; others can be found in a local market or health food shop. Your honey, a daughter or friend might want to join in the event as well.

Welcome to Sunday Spa

It has been said that men prefer scents of “edibles” such as vanilla, citrus and spice to those of flowers and powders. Maybe that’s were the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” comes from. Use a vanilla-infused oil on your skin and you just might get him drooling over you.

Vanilla-Infused Oil

Ingredients

8 oz jojoba oil or carrier oil of your choice (almond and coconut are nice too)

2-3 vanilla beans 

4 vitamin E capsules

What you will need:

Double boiler (if one is not handy, I use a glass measuring cup placed in a saucepan then fill pan half full with water.

Strainer, 8oz bottle, funnel.

1.    Boil water then turn down to simmer. Add carrier oil to top of boiler or glass measuring cup.

2.    Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the edge of the knife. Put the seeds in to the oil.

3.    Chop the vanilla pods into small pieces and add to the oil.

4.    Cover and let simmer for an hour or longer. Check periodically to make sure there is still enough water in the pot.

5.    Remove from heat and let cool.

6.    Pour into bottle. (Straining is optional.)

7.    Pierce the vitamin E capsules, squeeze the liquid out. Discard gel caps.

8.    Place cap on bottle tightly and shake.

9.    Will keep 2 years or longer if stored in the bottle in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight.

Use as a moisturizer, massage oil or add a couple of teaspoons to bath water. Can be used as a base for body scrubs too!

Story Behind The Story - Crow Magic

Living in the woods, I have several feeding stations for the wildlife. Families of critters often become regulars. I've had the privalige of watching a family of crows. They are very intelligent and when they watch me, I often wonder if there is more than what I see and my imagine takes over....

One day, I sat on my porch with a cup of tea watching the critters. A crow flew up to me and morphed into a drop-dead sexy man with obsidian eyes, long black hair and tanned skin covering delicious muscles asked me to tell his story. I couldn’t refuse. A story filled with spirituality, sexual awakening and love. A story of a man falling into darkness and finding a woman who surrounds him with light.

The intelligent gaze, silken feathers and the mystical legends of crows led my imagination to create the hero in Crow Magic. Tecumseh "Seth" Crowe, is a Shawnee shaman who guides people out of the spiritual darkness of their lives, but at a cost on his own stability. He is naturally charming but from his demanding “work”, his family fears he’s on a path of becoming bad-tempered and destructive. His mother and brother convince him to use Madame Eve and her 1 Night Stand service to find a special woman before it's too late and he's lost into the darkness forever.

Crow Magic, 1st book in the Legend of the Spirit Series

The belief is that the two are meant to be mated: a legend that toes nicely with the story and with the sociology of actual crows, and the path to this awakening for Lucy and claiming the mate for Tecumseh is both spiritual and sexual: both with their own levels of beauty and intrigue that is carefully described and defined. - Gaele, Book Reviewer, Editor, Author

Available on 

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

SMASHWORDS

SCRIBD

BOOKTOPIA

#Thursday13 - Rewards of Romance

 We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.

"Real-life romance is something I encourage you to engage in every day. Just give it a try. Many times it's all about the little things and just going with your heart. Trust that your desire to create romance is enough to get things started, and give it your own spin." - Barton Goldsmith Ph. D, Emotional Fitness

Just letting her know you think she's wonderful can become a romantic moment.

Here are some key rewards of being romantic.

1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives

2. Hugs, kisses, caressing

3. Makes us feel sexy and attractive

4. Helps love grow

5. Helps a couple feel closer

6. Provides intimacy

7. Keeps things fresh

8. Makes daily routines bearable

9. Brings fun and joy into a relationship

10. Provides an atmosphere of mutual support

11. Let’s a couple hear the little things that are important

12. Makes us feel special and valued

13. Reminds us how lucky we are to be sharing life and love together

******

Many people don't try to do anything romantic because they simply don't know how. 

Super hint: There are NO Secrets to romance. Most of the time, people are doing romantic gestures without even realizing. After all, anyone who has read a romance book or watch a romantic movie have a general idea about romance. Grand gestures are needed and simple things are appreciated. For example, a daisy freshly picked from a field is just as romantic as a dozen long-stemmed roses. 

My favorite romantic gesture is when my honey reaches out to hold my hand. 

It tickles me pink when I see Mom and Dad holding hands.

Check out more Thursday 13 posts from some of my amazing friends HERE

Thursday 13 - Sweet Romance Every Day

Lasting romance isn't constant grand gestures proclaiming love, 

it's the little every day things that keep love in the air.

Sometimes all you need is a sweet gesture to make your day. It doesn't matter if you're just starting your relationship or you've been in it for a the long haul already, the little every day things remind you that there is a lot of love around you. 

Here's a list of a few suggestions of sweet gestures to bring romance into your every day life.

1. Hold hands in the car.

2. Write a little love note and hide it in a place you're honey will find it.

3. Climb onto his lap when watching TV.

4. Prepare a meal together.

5. Out of the blue, look into your honey's eyes and say, "I love you."

6. Spend time with your honey participating in their favorite hobby.

7. Whisper something loving or naughty in their ear in the middle of the day.

8. Send a text to your honey telling something you like about about him/her.

9. Stop on the way home from work and pick up your honey's favorite dessert.

10. Make morning coffee and set out a treat for your honey some morning.

11. Tap a post-it note on the bathroom mirror with a loving message.

12. Watch a movie together, share popcorn and a blanket.

13. Give each other a massage.

Sweet whispers.

It's all in the sweet romantic gestures.

Love isn't in expensive gifts and extravagant trips, it's in the details. 

Love is in giggles, whispers, gentle touches, sharing time, caring for each other 

and simply bringing a smile to each other's faces.

To find more cool lists 

VISIT THURSDAY 13  

for other amazing writers who are participating in the fun!

Renew Your Love

My son is getting married in a few days to the love of his life in a small, intimate ceremony thus giving up their big dream wedding. However, they plan to hold a Renewal of their Vows next year on their one year anniversary in front of 100 or so family and friends. 

Renewing wedding vows is a beautiful way to celebrate love and add romance to a marriage. Some may chose to use it as an opportunity to wash away sins of the past and start over. In 2016, Linda Marx wrote a good article for the NY Times about the reasons Why Couples Decide to Renew Their Vows. The reasons hold true today.

Hubby and I discussed the topic of Renewing our Vows before. Once before son #2 was... ahem... made, we were in Barbados and witnessed several couples renewing their vows. I tried to talk him into it, but he claimed, "Which date would we celebrate our anniversary?" 

I like the idea of renewing wedding vows. It's a simple and romantic way to reaffirm your love for each other. As for the ceremony, there are no rules. No paperwork to file! You can wear whatever you want! You can include rings if you wish but don't have to. I would include at least mine. Hubby had the center stone from my original ring turned into a new, beautiful ring a couple years ago. I'd love to have it blessed and placed on my hand as he gazes lovingly into my eyes. *Sigh*

Maybe I can talk hubby into a little ceremony on a beach somewhere with our kids standing with us. What a wonderful way to honor our 30 years of marriage!

Would you renew your vows? Where would you do it? What would it be like?

In April of this year, Michelle M. Winner wrote an article, 

The Ultimate Guide to Renewing Your Wedding Vows,  

if you need a few ideas and pointers.

Blueberries? Wine Not?

Sometimes the lack of patience overcomes me.

I wanted a cool glass of wine but the fridge was bare of vino. So like a bad girl, I added a couple of ice cubes to my glass. I grabbed a handful of fresh berries and tossed them in my mouth. As I bit down, freezing cold shot through my jaw. Holy cow! Someone had turned up the temp of the veggie drawer.

Hmmm... I grabbed another handful of berries and dropped them into my glass then added the wine. 

The wine chilled nicely, abet watered down. As I finished my beverage, the treat of wine soaked berries awaited my consumption. And oh, what a treat it was!

Leelanau Cellers is one of my favorite wineries located in Northern Michigan. Their Riesling wines are some of the most sought after wines in the state. Semi-sweet wine with ribbons of seasonal fruit such as peaches, apples, or pears ready to wrap your senses into a delightful bow.

The Tall Ship family of wines honors the heritage of the tall ships, or schooners, that were common on the Great Lakes. The huge canvas sails of these ships were truly majestic and became representative of a nostalgic escape to a time and age when fine craftsmanship reigned.

WINE TIP: 

The Tall Ship Riesling is a late harvest fruit layered wine. Great enjoyed alone or with your honey. Try pairing it with cheese and smoked fish. 

WINE TIP:

To cool wine quickly, place a strainer with ice cubes over a glass. Pour wine. As the wine passes the ice and through the strainer, the temperature cools without watering the wine down.