Tuesday Teaser - Sex and the Single Vampire by Katie MacAlister

Every other Tuesday I take my mom to her favorite shop… Maxie’s Used Books. Mom fills her basket quicker than you’d think an 86 year old woman could do and leaves little time for me to explore the vast amount of books. However, I did sneak one into Mom’s pile.

Sex and the Single Vampire

This is the second book in Katie MacAlister’s THE DARK ONES series. (I haven’t picked up the 1st book, A Girl’s Guide to Vampires, yet.)

Keeping in mind I enjoy dark romantic tales of vamps, shifters and angels by the likes of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Sandra Hill, J.R.Ward, and Lynsay Sands; but I was blown over with the humor of MacAlister’s heroine.  OMG!  I have never laughed so hard while reading a vamp romance!  My kids thought I’d lost my marbles the way I cackled over the book.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Book Description

It's not easy finding love when you're nine hundred years old . . . And undead

Romance novelist Christian Dante is sexy and arrogant, a true alpha male. He's also a Dark One (aka vampire), doomed to spend eternity cruising the singles scene in search of the one woman who can redeem his soul. But finally he's found the love that Fate has chosen for him. Too bad she sees dead people and likes to play with demons.

Allie Telford is a Summoner—and she needs to rustle up a ghost pretty darn quick or her paranormal career will be over. Luckily, she's just stumbled upon a naked and unquestionably hot specter in a haunted hotel . . . who looks disturbingly like the tall, dark, handsome fantasy man who's been coming to Allie in her dreams. But it seems he's no phantom after all—he's a real flesh-and-blood- fed immortal who's determined to make Allie his lover for forever . . . or longer.

Which may not be a totally bad thing . . .

BUY NOW  

 

Flirty Friday

Flirty Line #16:

I know milk does good for the body but DAMN how much did you drink?

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Fun & Romantic Winter Activities

1. Play in the snow.  Ski, snowboard, have a snowball fight or simply go for a walk.

2. Dinner and a movie.  Order take-out and enjoy an evening under the covers with your honey in the comfort of your own couch.

3. Ice skating.  A playful activity and a chance to be silly.  Enjoy warming up in a local coffee shop afterwards.

4. Dinner by the fire.  Make a meal together. Spread a blanket in front of the fireplace and enjoy your meal "picnic style".

5. Go for a drive.  Pick a destination such as a little restaurant or a bed and breakfast.

6. Listen to an audio book while snuggled in bed.

7.  Play a board game or put together a puzzle.    Keep it romantic by adding wine, candles and music.  If you want to spice things up, purchase a sexy board game to play.

8.  Have an indoor picnic.  Use blankets, pillows, picnic ware and favorite finger foods.

9. Take a bath together.  Stop at your local bath and body shop to pick up bubble bath or some spa items.

10. Have a massage night.  Give each other sensual massages.

11.  Go on a moonlight snowshoe tour.  Check with your local ski resort to see if they offer this romantic event.

12.  Have a soup night.  Make a loaf of French bread and enjoy some wine with a warm winter soup that's been cooking in the Crockpot all day.  Don't turn on the TV but simply enjoy each other.

13.  Enjoy a snow day.  Spend the day in bed.

Humpday Hottie

Somebody once said that you are never truly DONE WITH LAUNDRY unless you are naked.
After all....
you still have to wash the clothes your are wearing.

He can do laundry at my house any time!

Tasty Tuesday - Greek Pizza with John Quinlan

Greek pizza is a favorite dish of Romance Cover Model John Quinlan. Yes, ladies... this hot guy enjoys cooking AND is willing to get up early in the morning to wash the dishes.  Great fun with the kids or for a date night simply add a nice white wine and some candles to this for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

• prepared pizza crust, uncooked
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Greek olive, pitted or halved
• 6 -8 pepperoncini peppers, sliced ( pickled peppers)
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• extra virgin olive oil

Garlic Oil Sauce

• 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves

Directions

1. Puree ingredients for garlic sauce in a blender and store in a small covered jar.
2. Top dough crust with garlic sauce, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, olives, pepperoncini, onion, mushrooms, and oregano. Drizzle with oil.
3. Bake in preheated 500° F oven on pizza stone for 8-10 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
4. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving

 

Sensual Saturday

 I'd like to thank John Quinlan for participating in a week long interview series. 

He's such a great guy!
AND....
Congrats to  Debbie Qua,
who won an autographed photo of this hunky cover model.

 

During the interview John mentioned candles being an element for a romantic evening. I know with the latest storms many people across the country have suffered power outages and used several candles without romantic intentions. Time to switch gears people!

The holidays are over and hopefully the storms too. Time to make a nice dinner or even a snack and light some candles. Curl up on the couch to watch a movie and light a nicely scented candle nearby.  The fragrance, the warm light and dancing shadows will add a little sensuality to  mundane evening.

Even with kids around, your honey and you can capture he moment. At our house it's common on Saturday night for hubby to build a fire in the fireplace and I'll light some candles. We'll pop popcorn, make some snacks and pour some wine. The kids will make smores in the fire and we'll all relax to enjoy a movie.

Have a Sensual Saturday!

 

Fun Friday - Fan Questions for Cover Model

We've had a super fun week with an extremely sexy cover model.

 

 Lucky for us, John Quinlan is a good sport and took time to have some FUN with us today.



Go ahead... ask me anything.

Fans put together some simple questions for their favorite cover model to answer.

Luck or Destiny? - Destiny

Mountains or Beach? - Mountains

Camping or Hotel? - Hotel

Hair-Long or Short? – Short (I am bald, LOL! Just like Dwayne Johnson)

Gazing at the stars or watching the sun rise? - Stars

Hot or Cold? - Hot

Satin or Lace? - Lace

Bikini or One piece? - Bikini

East coast or West coast? – East, duh….that’s where I am from

Sweet or salty? Sweet

Favorite thing to drink? – Long Island Iced T’s J

Favorite meal? – Greek Pizza

Favorite cheat (comfort) food?- More Greek pizza

Favorite pastime? – Anything sports

And finally, you probably get asked this all the time, but......

 readers simply gotta know…boxers or briefs?

Sometimes boxers, sometimes briefs and sometimes I wear nothing at all which is what I have going on right now sitting here with you Mary J

 On that note, I think we’ll leave that image with our fans.

A huge thanks to John Quinlan for taking time out of his very busy schedule to talk with me.

He’s the best!

He is truly as nice as he is handsome. 

 

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Living the Fantasy with John Quinlan



John Quinlan enhances readers' fantasies as he graces delicious book covers. 
The tattooed body creates an image of a bad boy or dangerous cop;
a confident protector of those he loves. 
The chiseled face is that of a powerful warrior.
The sculpted planes of his chest and abs make one's fingers itch to caress.
 

Cover model John Quinlan

John Quinlan as "Vampire"
by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations

Be sure to enter the drawing at the end of this post

for a chance to win an autographed photo of John!

Let's continue our interview....

Mary: I’m sure you’ve traveled plenty. What’s your favorite place to visit? How about the most romantic place you’ve ever been?

John: Las Vegas is my favorite as the atmosphere is second to none. There are so many romantic places and I couldn’t name just one but anything in the Caribbean is right up there. A warm night on a Caribbean balcony is a perfect setting.  

 

Mary: I enjoyed Vegas and used it as the setting in my book, Handcuffs & Silk. But I have to agree there is something special about the Caribbean. If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would be the three things you’d want to have with you? 

John: My beautiful lady

A spear so I could catch fish and never run out of food.

Clean underwear, ha ha ha!

Mary: Oh, honey… I don’t think you’d need underwear.  Just make do with some leaves or a loincloth like Tarzan... sorry, my mind drifted. What is your idea of the perfect romantic evening?

John: I think atmosphere is key. I know it sounds cliché but anything great can happen in a nice setting with some candles in the evening. You can figure out the rest.

 

Mary: I emphasize the use of candles quite often. They are a key (cheap and simple) component to romance.

You already have accomplished so much in life. What is next?

John: I live for the day Mary.

My acting debut as hit man Beckett Taylor in Debra Anastasia’s Return to Poughkeepsie came out on 12.30.13.

Mary: Very exciting and you get to be the bad guy with the heart of gold! 
What a credit to your reputation to be a part of something so grand.

 

John: Thank you God for blessing me with this honor!

In the next few months I will have a few model shoots and physique competitions.
Followed up by the 2014 RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans where I will be appearing as an official featured Cover Model Man of Romance May 13-18^th. 

 I was selected as a lead actor in Jillian Bullock’s film ‘A Sense of Purpose – Fighting for Our Lives’ which is set to start filming in June.

Mary: Wowza! You are one busy fella! We will have fun following your career. Thanks again for sitting through my questions. You are truly a genuine guy!

John: Much love and respect for you always Mary. Thank you for interviewing me as it was my pleasure.

 

 

We'll leave the fans with this teaser from Return to Poughkeepsie

Special thanks to Claudia McKinney from Phatpuppy Creations

for providing permission to use her images in this interview.

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Happy Humpday with John Quinlan

We are back with cover model, John Quinlan.

He is our featured HumpDay Hottie today
so take a moment to drool.

John is a former American bodybuilder and professional wrestler who is now a fitness model, fashion model, art model, and romance cover model.

 

Now onto our interview....

Mary: It is my understanding that modeling isn’t the only thing you are good at. Can you tell us about something else you enjoy being involved with?

John: love charities and helping others. Donating signed pieces to organizations like the I Heart Books Foundation and the Holiday Hope program to help the children of Saint Croix with Vicki Stewart are just a couple examples of giving back. In cooperation with Anita Jeter-Peterkin I have helped spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness through her Wrapped-N-Pink publication. Such an incredible lady. 

Mary: If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be? OR if money wasn’t an issue, what would you do?

John: I would wipe out illness and cancer. Bring all the good people back where they belong.

Mary: You've done so many different things in your life. Is there one accomplishment that stands out as having given you the greatest sense of satisfaction? What would you say is your ultimate passion? What gives you the most joy?

John: My greatest accomplishment isn’t a title or award Mary. It is all the great people I have been blessed to become friends with during this journey. I include you in this list as I think you are a great author, mother and friend. My ultimate passion and joy are synonymous, being a good father to my 3 beautiful children. 

 Mary: Did you just here that cumulative sigh from our fans. Wow! 

I think it's awesome how you've managed to successfully balance fatherhood and a career. I grew up as a “Daddy’s Girl”. My father was a WWII vet often said, “It takes courage to tell the truth and admit when you are wrong.”  I’ve shared that same principle as well as “Believe and all things are possible,” with my sons. What lessons or principles do you hope to instill in your children?

John: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Hold your head high and believe in yourself that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough. Daddy will always love you no matter what! 



Angel City by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations



Mary: Do you have any pets?

John: A fish, LOL! He is a Japanese Beta and my oldest son named him Spike Fighter.

Mary: My son had one, named Beta.  He wasn't creative with pet names. LOL. However, the fish lived a very long time. 

 

Anyways...

Give fans a little glimpse into your life.

What is a typical day?

 

 John: Up at 3am to do the dishes while I wake up and cook some healthy meals for the day. Get to the gym when it opens around 5am and get back to see my little children before school. Then whatever I choose after that. Today I am doing an interview with the great Mary Quast which I am really enjoying so thanks Mary!   


Mary: 3AM? That's the time I go to bed after being on a writing binge. The fact you cook AND do the dishes will have women swooning all around the world. LOL

Zombie Killer
by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations

Have you ever been teased or razzed by your male buddies for being a romance novel cover model (even though I bet they're all envious!)?

John: Of course, it is all in good fun but just like my good friend Richie Lamontagne who is a model and former cruiserweight boxing champion of the world they know when to stop because I can still knock them out if they keep pushing J 

Mary: I know you have to maintain a good body all the time, do you ever cheat? Be honest now… do you sneak something decadent in the middle of the night? I heard through the grape vine you like ice cream.

John: Well... I am human. But I love Greek pizza! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is my favorite “cheat” as you call it.

Starman by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations.

Mary: What advice would you give to our readers who have made New Year’s Resolutions to get fit?

John: Make it realistic, make it fun and make it part of your new life change.  

Thanks, John. The Greek Pizza is done.

Let's take a break and chow down.

There will be more interview with the hot John Quinlan tomorrow!

DON'T MISS IT!



Speical THANKS to Claudia McKinney
for providing permission to use her beautiful images from Phatpuppy Creations for this interview.

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Welcome Cover Model John Quinlan

Most of the time, I’m curled up in my favorite chair reading when I should be writing. Like any fan, I enjoy interviewing the authors who write the words that create the stories inside the pages of romance novels, but what about the outside and those scintillating book covers?

We all know that beautiful packaging can really help to sell what's inside, and I think that most romance readers (even if they won't admit it) have been guilty of drooling over those decadent covers every once in a while.

That's why I'm very excited to have as my special guest today, romance cover model John Quinlan!

John Quinlan

2013 – The World’s Most Tattooed Cover Model

Mary: I'm the type of girl who likes to know something about the man behind the handsome face and buff body, so let's start with giving me five to ten words that best describe your personality.

John: Humble, emotional, driven, respectful, fighter



John was named a featured model
for Duemila Magazine in Italy.

Mary: I see that you have modeled for a variety of formats and venues. How did you get into modeling for romance covers?

John: Many people kept telling me over and over again I had the look for it. After quite some time I gave in and went for it and here I am talking with you as the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world.

 

Mary: With authors creating tattooed heroes I bet you are in demand. How many book covers have you graced?

John: A bunch and there are dozens of cover images that have been purchased by authors globally that have yet to be released so all is good and I am so very grateful for all the love & support.

Mary: Of all the covers you’ve adorned, do you have a favorite?

John: To be honest no book cover is better than the other as they are all unique. What I can say is that I am honored when any author believes in me to grace his/her cover.

Mary: Have you ever read any of the books you've appeared on?

 John: No Mary, I don’t read any of the books I have appeared on as I personally feel it is bad luck if I do….just my personal thought.

Mary: Oh, trust me… I know all about superstitions! I’m a football mom after all but we’ll save that topic for another day.

Is there one photo shoot that stands out as having been particularly fun or memorable, and is it also the one with which you were most pleased with the end result?

Chain Break by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations

John: Yes, the cover art piece done of me by Claudia McKinney of Phatpuppy Art. This piece was called ‘Chain Break’ and it is one of the greatest pieces ever done of me. I am coming out of the water with all the lightning. Just amazing! It is currently also still available for purchase.



Mary: I love the more artistic images such as that one. I think The Wanderer is my fav. I love Claudia's work. Stories start to pop into my head.

The Wanderer
 by Claudia McKinney
Phatpuppy Creations.

 

 

 



 

 

I've seen a number of romance novels that have the irresistible combination of hot guys and adorable kids or cute animals on the cover. I know you are dad to three super cute children, so have you ever worked with kids or animals in your photo shoots?

 



John: Thanks Mary, you are an amazing mother yourself by the way.

Honestly, I try and keep my children away from the modeling and covers ideally.

I like them to just be kids and not be broadcast all over the globe in that sense.

Just my personal opinion. 

 

Mary: I understand. Part of me would like to see you in a cowboy hat holding a lab puppy with a big red bow.  Hmmm….

What is the best way for authors, publishers and cover designers to see your work and contact you about purchasing stock photos? How can fans find out when you will be appearing on a new cover?

John: I think between these links anybody can keep up with everything John Quinlan:

http://www.johnjosephquinlan.com/

http://www.thejohnquinlanzone.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/75617256@N05/sets

 

Mary: If you could be magically transported inside the pages of a romance novel for a day, what type of romance hero would you like to be?

John: The bad guy looking with the heart of gold which is the real me.

Mary: For many romance readers, you have become the embodiment of the perfect romantic hero. If you were to write the perfect romantic heroine, what would she be like?

John: She would be my perfect other half. She would complete me in every way and even though it would take some time, even many years, in the end she would be mine.


*Fans self*

Thanks, John.

I think we'll stop here to take a little break. Readers will have to join us tomorrow for some more of the interview.

 I have a craving for some cheesecake and strawberries.

Special thanks to Claudia McKinney from Phatpuppy Creations

for providing permission to use her images in this interview.

 
 

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