Using Food in Romance Novels - Guest: Cassandra Carr



Several times now I've used various foods in scenes between my hero (or heroes, as the case may be, *cough*) and my heroine. I know lots of people out there also incorporate various types of foods into their sexual repertoire, and I'm here to tell you - be careful what you use where!

In my book releasing tomorrow, Caught, the hero uses a candy cane to, um, pleasure the heroine. Here's my word of caution - don't insert anything that has a lot of sugar into any orifice - well, besides your mouth. Hello, yeast infection! We all know yeast infections aren't sexy, right? So how did I pull off that scene? I made my hero a candy cane purist - he buys these big, pure peppermint candy canes from some far-off specialty candy maker.

Here's an example, though the ones my hero gets are much larger. http://www.purefun.ca/products_candyCanes.html You'll notice if you look at the nutritional facts that there's very little sugar in these candy canes. But even if you use a candy cane like this it's a good idea to take a shower immediately afterward. Same goes for chocolate syrup and whipped cream, two of the most popular foods used during sex.

So, please do play, have fun...but be careful. Yeast infections are no fun, and since you oftentimes can't have sex while taking a medication to combat them, that's a double whammy! This concludes your public service announcement.

Do you have any tips for using food during sex? Leave them in the comments!


Excerpt:

'They’re really taking this politically correct thing too far.'

Stepping from the foyer into the living room, Callie spied a twinkling Christmas tree in the corner. On the mantel, a lit menorah burned, the candles flickering as the people nearby jostled for position as more and more guests crammed into the room. This was a boisterous crowd; already drinking like it was New Year’s. Advancing further into the room, she noticed the Kwanza decorations and rolled her eyes.

'Pick a holiday and go with it, people. You can’t please everyone.'

She sought out the host and hostess, old friends from her grad school days, and said hello, handing over the obligatory “Thanks for inviting me” bottle of wine. They chatted for a bit to catch up before she grabbed a cocktail and made her way toward the dining room in search of other former classmates and some food. The smells of the various delicacies wafted by, making her mouth water in anticipation. She had just gotten into town and was starving. Plopping a slice of Cheddar cheese onto a cracker, she stuffed it into her mouth and then looked up -- and everything inside her came to a screeching halt.

Jack was there.

With a beer hanging from his long, rough fingers, he leaned against the wall, casual as can be, while her world tilted on its axis. He looked so good-- still the same tall, well-muscled body, still the same olive skin, black hair, and full lips. His Italian ancestry lent him an air of exoticness, and she’d always been a sucker for that.

Her stomach roiled. The cracker caught in her throat, choking her. As she began to cough and sputter, he turned to see what the commotion was, and their gazes met. Callie watched as his eyes went dark with heat and recognition. A blush rushed up her chest through her neck and into her face. With suddenly cold fingers, she touched her burning skin.

He brought his beer to his lips and took a long pull, his tongue sneaking out to catch a stray drop from his top lip. Her gaze followed the movement. His own intense gaze never left her face. Even when his companion said something to him, he merely nodded and kept the whole of his attention on her. She took a fortifying sip of her vodka and cranberry juice, then another, longer gulp, trying to dislodge the cracker from her throat. And still he stared.

And she did the same damn thing she’d done three years ago when she’d gotten scared by his demands, his power -- she ran. Cursing herself for her cowardice, she nonetheless wove her way through the crowd, setting her drink down on the nearest available surface as she rushed past. But before she made it to the front door, she felt his hand, still chilled from holding the beer bottle, curl around her overheated arm. “Long time no see. Leaving so soon, Callie?”

BIO:
Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance writer who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, released on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id, and Impact is coming in early 2012 from Ellora's Cave. For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, "like" her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

BUY LINK:
http://www.loose-id.com/Caught.aspx

Friday Guest: Mari Freeman


I'd like to welcome my good friend and fellow author Mari Freeman to Fierce Romance today!

I have two things to help boost my Christmas spirit right now.

First, Hot Hard & Howling comes out in print Monday, the 13th. Merry Christmas to those of you who wait for the solid form of books. It’s always exciting to my hands on a print release.  Also makes a great gift, people.

Second, Hot, Hard& Hexing is out right now in ebook! Wooo Hooo..

The story is a stand alone, but it continues the saga of the Half-Demon Ambercroft sisters. Their human side makes their Demon magic somewhat uncontrollable, so it tends to get them in a bit of trouble.

Sonja’s Demon power is psychic abilities. But in this story, she’s up against a Dreamstalker who has taken to influencing her dreams and her psychic visions in a very sexy way, distracting her and helping her make poor decisions.
 
Enter Ray Burgess, who quickly becomes the star of those very sexy visions. It gets hot in New Orleans as they try to rescue Sonja’s cousin from the Dreamstalker.

Lots of steamy New Orleans fun to warm up the chilly winter nights and to help relieve the stress of the season. You know…the shopping, the decorations, the bills, the rushing from one house to another….

Here’s another way to relieve stress of the stress of the season. I’m trying this recipe tonight.

Christmas Cookie Recipe (follow directions closely)
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequilla

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Turn on the electric mixer... Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar... Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup ... just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the frigging fruit off floor... Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt, or something.

Who giveshz a sheet.

Check the Jose Cuervo -- Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window,

finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher..

CHERRY MISTMAS
~Mari 
Visit Mari at: www.marifreeman.com
Have a great weekend!
Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels

Research can be sooooo Frustrating!

So I'm at the point in my WIP my hero's former career is coming to focus. Up until this point, I’ve alluded to what he used to do, but now I'm getting into the nit and grit as he has the talk with the heroine on why he left.

I’ve found I know nothing about business and researching it is a bitch.

Funny thing is, I've done some crazy things in the name of research. For an MMA hero, I went to a training facility, watched them train, talked to the fighters and even took a few boxing classes--and I'm truly hooked on the sport. I also had a good friend who has fought amateur help with everything else. And I had fun doing it.

For Defying Convention, I went to a Sci-fi convention. Man, was that a weekend. I have geek friends who could help me with some of the more crazy scenes that happened--yes, a friend was checked out by a nun in an elevator. And I had fun doing it.

Now I'm faced with a business career, and not just any business, it's tycoon, mega-richie business. I'm completely tycoon stupid, people. The more I research, the more I'm like what in the hell have you done, girl? I've never felt like there isn't a career, setting or plot I can't tackle. But, boy, I'm teetering on that edge now.

I don't have any Donald Trump type friends. (I would kill for some of those, and not just for research. LOL) No one to help me make what he does authentic. I'm flying blind here. Reading about it only makes things even more confusing. What should I include? How deep do I need to go? If I leave this out will the reader question me? It’s frustrating.

So what has happened? I'm at a standstill until I'm certain I have a grasp on his career. So my question today, has one of your characters ever had a career that has been hard to research? If so, how did you get over that obstacle?

Esme
www.esmereldabishop.com

A Trip Through Glen Orchy

As we were leaving the B&B in Argyll, Scotland, and heading toward Loch Ness, the owner suggested we travel through Glen Orchy to check out the incredible scenery. We're glad we did! This is one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland and different from some of the other Scottish scenery.
The River Orchy 

From what I can find out, traditionally the MacGregor Clan and the Fletcher or MacInleister Clan resided here, before the MacGregors were outlawed and driven from the glen in 1432. Later, the Campbells were Lairds of Glen Orchy.
A single track road runs through the glen.

Eas Urchaidh (the Falls of Orchy)






I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip through Glen Orchy. Thanks for stopping by!

Vonda

My Fierce Highlander
My Wild Highlander
www.vondasinclair.com

3 Weeks and Counting

There are three weeks until Christmas and I have only bought four gifts so far. Aack! I usually am much farther ahead. I've never been one of those people who has all her shopping done by July, but I've also never been one to wait until the last minute. This year, however, I seem to be adding to my stress level. I need help!

I have ideas for our children and their families, I just have to brave the stores and make the purchases. However..I'm appealing to our Fierce Romance readers! I need some ideas for gifts for my husband. He doesn't like to get clothes. He likes something he can fuss with or play with. Last year I got him a new scanner/printer. He's working on his model railroad and gave me some ideas of train cars to buy...and then went out and bought them for himself. There should be a law! I may have to resort to a gift certificate to the local hobby shop, but I'd love to have a package or two for him.

So women, what are you giving your husband or boyfriend? Men, what would you like to find under the Christmas tree?

Natasha
FLAUNT IT - Samhain
RISK IT - Samhain
BIRTHDAY GIRL - Coming Feb 2012
www.natashamoore.com

Dark Diva's Review for My Fierce Highlander

This review was done a few weeks ago but I only found it yesterday at Dark Divas Reviews. It was so awesome I wanted to share with you!

My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 300 pages

Summary:

A scandalous English lady banished to the Highlands of Scotland and an injured enemy chief join forces against her malicious and violent family. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. When a difficult choice faces Gwyneth, will she have to give up the honorable Highlander she has grown to love? 91,000 words

Shelly’s Review:

Gwyneth hated senseless battles with all the blood and death. She’s a healer and when she finds an injured warrior, Alasdair, she knows she has to help him. Gwyneth knows he’s the enemy, but when she finds a peace treaty on him she hopes it’s the end of the needless bloodshed.

When her clan tries to retaliate against her for helping the enemy, Alasdair takes Gwyneth and her son under his protection. When they’re in close proximity to each other, their hidden passions ignite.

A romance including a sexy highland warrior is always at the top of my favorites list, and My Fierce Highlander is just scrumptious! It’s very romantic and the sex is oh-so-steamy. Alasdair is always coming to Gwyneth’s rescue and who wouldn’t want a handsome warrior, who also happens to be a laird, coming to their rescue? She just can’t resist those sexy encounters with Alasdair and Ms. Sinclair makes them so sensual and romantic you’ll wish you were Gwyneth!

My Fierce Highlander is definitely a Must Read and you’ll be so engrossed you won’t be able to put it down! This one’s a keeper!


I’m sure you won’t want to miss the next book in the series either, so please keep an eye out for My Wild Highlander, also by Ms. Vonda Sinclair!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Shellyl!


Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

New Book Release


I released a new book this week which is always exciting!

Baby, It's Cold Outside is a 25,000 word novella.

Blurb: Never hoax a man if you're going to be trapped with him in a blizzard.
Payback can be intense.
It's getting cold outside.
But hot in here.

Excerpt:
Grant watched Jenna shiver, despite the heat of the blaze that scorched his back. He didn't know why she wasn't warming up more quickly. Between the fire and the smoking hot woman in front of him, he might have to venture out into the blizzard himself to cool down. His stupid, clueless body didn't care how lame her story was.

"How long have you known my sister?" His family was a subject that could kill his libido if anything could.

"Several years. I met Kate when I first moved to Florida. Recently, I took one of the classes she teaches at the community center."

He nodded neutrally. He didn't care about the damn classes.

"You shouldn't blame Kate for anything I do," Jenna added. "She doesn't think I should be let out after dark without a keeper."

Grant eyed her bedraggled state. "She might have a point—"

"Hey! I did not pop out of a cake! I am not your singing birthday telegram! So you can just stop eyeing me like I'm your playmate du jour." She bolted upright and her feet hit the floor.

"Calm down." He moved after her as she stood, and caught her arm. He was a little appalled at the sense of dismay that had whipped through him when she started to leave. "You can't go. There's a terrible storm out there."

"I came in from that storm, and I can go right back out in it. I'm every bit as tough as I look."

He couldn't help laughing. "You don't look tough at all." Long, golden brown hair, curling a bit now that it was drying. Big brown eyes that managed to look both uncertain and inviting at the same time. And lips as full as Cupid's arched bow. Just waiting to strike and slay a man.

She wrenched her arm from his hand. "And don't patronize me."

He held up a hand and pantomimed wiping the smile off his face. "Okay then. You are tougher than that ten line algorithm I've been working on over there." He jerked his head towards his computer. "Lord knows it doesn't talk back like you do."

She stifled a giggle.

But he didn't feel like laughing any more. Her arm had still been cold and, when he considered the state of her clothes, he couldn't be surprised.

"There won't be any cabs out there, anyway," he reminded her.

"I got a cab to come here." She edged away from him.

He grasped her arm again, surprised at his own determination to keep her. "That cab driver was real anxious to hit the road and get home. He said the only good thing about this weather was that the streets are deserted."

"There's the subway."

"They have problems in bad weather, too. Besides, the way you're dressed you can't go anywhere." His eyes strayed to her tits for the hundredth time since she'd appeared. Though he tried not to be obvious, a woman couldn't dress like she did and not expect a man to look.

"You could lend me a sweatshirt."

He eyed her sexy sandals. Aside from their complete inability to protect her from the snow, he damn well knew what the message was. As would any other man who saw her in them. "I can't help you with your footwear. And a sweatshirt with your bare legs sticking out—" He shook his head. "Not safe for public viewing."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Are you kidding? You must know you have fabulous legs."

"A leg man, are you?"

"Nope. More of a boobs and butts guy myself. Since you asked." He couldn't help grinning at her flustered face. "But I like anything and everything on the right woman."

"I am not the right woman for—for whatever you might be implying."

"Don't be so defensive. You can't go anywhere 'til you warm up." He slung his arm around her shoulders. "I've got some body heat to share." He tugged her to his side.

Wow, she smelled good. Snow and roses. A potent combination. Especially when combined with a barely-there outfit, a rack to die for, and those legs.

He tried to inhale discreetly. She was up to something more than what she'd told him. He knew that for a fact. But he'd been holed up in his apartment for days, working like the devil, and he could definitely use a break. Besides, he really couldn't send her back out into the blizzard.

He glanced out the window where the snow fell silently out of the dark sky, backlit by the lights of New York City. Its beauty didn't hide its dangers. She had no money, no warm clothes, and nowhere to go, unless he chose to believe her story about the friend she could call. Which he didn't.

But, even if she was a liar, what harm could she do him? He might as well take advantage of the opportunity fate had dropped into his lap. So to speak. Because his lap was the part insisting as loudly as possible that Jenna should stay at least until it got some relief. ***

Available at Amazon     Barnes&Noble     Smashwords

What's equally as fun, I'm participating in a huge holiday sale with 100 other authors who are offering over 140 books available for 99 cents apiece. How can you go wrong? As we say on the site, Load up. You won't gain a pound! Check us out here: