Heart Pounding Romance

Blog

Ultimate Date Food

by Leave a Comment

Ultimate Date Food
Ultimate Date Food

There’s a lot to consider when choosing what to eat on a date. You don’t want to appear like you’re spending too much or not enough. You can’t risk bad breath, gas, or spillage. So what’s a girl to do? Don’t worry. Whether you’re going out to eat out or cook at home, I’ve got you covered. This is practical date food advice. I’ll focus on aphrodisiacs in another blog post. For this article, I’ve researched food blogs, dating sites, health sites, and my personal experience to bring you the ultimate date food.

If cooking at home..

Simplicity

You don’t want to spend all day cooking and then you’re faced with tired feet and a mountain of clean-up. Choose a meal that is fairly simple to make. You’ll feel proud of yourself and still have enough energy to engage in “dessert” activities.

Make an Impression

We’ve all heard of making a fashion statement. The same can be said of food. What kind of statement or impression does your meal make? Is it eye-catching? Colorful? Delicious? Fragrant? You want him to say, “You look amazing,” the minute he sees you. The same can be said for your meal.

Restaurant or At-Home Dining

Minty Fresh

Sushi is a popular date night dish, but make sure to enjoy plenty of the raw ginger that they serve. You don’t want fish breath. Similarly, sushi is a good option because it won’t leave you feeling too full afterwards. Who knows what sort of physical activities you might want to try after dinner?

Mess-Proof

Soup, stew, sauce… be careful of these messy choices. Imagine red splatter on your sexy white dress. Even if it doesn’t end up on you, it’s still not a great look when it lands all over your place at the table. It may sound old-fashioned, but when it comes to eating, be a lady.

Final Recommendations

If you want to find a meal that hits all the marks in terms — easy to make without any bad after taste and makes a statement, then check out my blog post for Date Night Mushroom Risotto. It’s the ultimate sexy meal because you can spoon it into each other’s mouths and then retreat to the couch for a cozy evening.

Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail

How Men Make Love without Falling in Love

by Leave a Comment

One of my characters once asked: How do men make love without falling in love?

This was the quandary Kat found herself in when she allowed herself to fall for Cole in my romance novel, “A Much Younger Man.”

Readers, I’d love your insight into this question. Do you think it’s biological? Is the very act of allowing someone within your body akin to bringing them into your heart?

Sexual Response Cycle

If we want to get technical, I cite a fascinating article from Boston University School of Medicine. In this research, female sexuality is said to go through four phases. These are known as the sexual response cycle and consists of: desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. It’s interesting to note that the resolution phase is both physiologic and psychologic.

Then, I decided to go a little less high-brow in my research and consult with Self Magazine. The 2016 article by Zahra Barnes confirmed that sex doesn’t just affect our bodies, but also our brains.

Our Body and Brain on Sex

The article highlights 19 steps that occur in our bodies…yep, you read that right, 19! Women are incredibly complex and magical creatures. Unlike men, our sexuality isn’t just a matter of: 1. I feel attraction; 2. let’s do it; and 3. thank you very much. Nope. We have 19 body responses, but the one that most interested me involved the release of the oxytocin during love making.

This fact gave credence to my theory that a tiny bit of falling in love occurs every time women make love due in large part to an increase in the production of oxytocin.

Oxytocin… the Feel Good Hormone

Interestingly, oxytocin can have a two-faced effect. For women, it’s often known as the “feel-good hormone” and can make them feel in love. In men, the hormone may serve to strengthen bad memories and can increase fear and anxiety. When I learned about this last tidbit, the “fight or flight” response came to my mind.

Ladies, if you’ve ever witnessed a man scamper faster than a jack rabbit to dress and retrieve clothing while you innocently made a quick trip to the bathroom after the deed, you know what I’m talking about.

Sex is an Emotion in Motion

Where does this lead us? I’m afraid it means we must guard our hearts. It’s fine to act on desire. It’s certainly what makes romance novels so much fun to read. But, as Mae West once said, “Sex is an emotion in motion.” FYI…for those who aren’t familiar with Mae West, she died in 1980 at the age of 87 after a long acting career in which she became known as a sex symbol.

So, be aware of the emotions that occur once you put something into motion. And, if your man ever fails you, grab a good book!

Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail

Win a Kindle!

by Leave a Comment

I’m so proud to be included in a multi-author event who have stellar talent. You can win a Kindle simply by following these amazing authors on Amazon. Imagine that… you get to discover new authors without having to make any purchase whatsoever.

But, I’m guessing you might find a tempting book or two. During these difficult times of isolation amidst COVID-19, the best we can do is take care of ourselves and find solace in reconnecting with simple pleasures such as a good book.

Lastly, I discovered this great event through Authors Cross Promotion. Visit their website to find other great deals.

Scroll to the bottom of this graphic to find lil’ me. I’m hiding out at the very end. Sending lots of love your way!

FOLLOW AUTHORS ON AMAZON!

Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail

Better than Starbucks Mocha with Chocolate and Liqueur

by Leave a Comment

Turn the ordinary Starbucks mocha into one that is truly magnificent with chocolate ice cream and liqueur.

Imagine a better than Starbucks Mocha…With the cold weather hitting all of us, to me there’s no better way to get warm and cozy than with this delicious drink. It emulates the winter months by combining a chilly scoop of chocolate ice cream floating in a warm bath of chocolate. It’s like coming indoors after playing in the cold.

I know you can just go down to your local Starbucks, but this recipe is oh so much better. (To the Starbucks gods…please don’t get offended. I’ll still visit you regularly.)

A small aside note about this drink…if you plan to stay home, there are options for a wee bit of alcohol that ups the taste and warmth factor. Only use if you’re going to drink responsibly.

Simply combine the dry ingredients into the wet, heat slowly over low heat until warm and combined. Add any optional ingredients. Add a scoop of ice cream to create an amazing effect of cold against warm that turns the everyday Starbucks mocha into your own version that is truly a magnificent melting mocha.

  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 3 T. coffee
  • 2 tablespoons Kahlua (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish cream (optional)
  • 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
  • shaved chocolate (for garnish)
Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail

Celebrate Fall — Amazing Book Steals

by Leave a Comment

I love the Fall season. Even though I live in California, I still can find a trace of it in the trees. Granted, the Fall foliage where I live can’t compete with east coasters, but I take little pleasures where I can find them. One of those pleasures is offering my readers the chance to grab up 12 books — most for free or just 0.99 along with an amazing prize opportunity. So read on for details. Let’s celebrate Fall with an amazing book steal.

Myself and 11 other authors have proudly joined Accent on Romance and eBookBetty to bring this offer to you. It’s simple to participate. You go to the Great Books Great Deals website, click happily as you see the amazing steals awaiting you, and then, enter the giveaway to boot!

The giveaway Grand Prize is a Kindle Fire. Our 1st Runner Up will receive an Echo Dot. And, for the 2nd Runner Up we have a selection of “Mom Approved” Great Gifts!

I’m happily featuring “Malibu Angel,” the first book in my Guardian Angel Series, a sweet paranormal romance with just the right amount of sizzle. It’s 0.99 or free for Kindle Unlimited customers. You can find it here.

Take a look at the other talented and generous authors who are involved in this book promotion:

Jackie Weger, “No Perfect Destiny”

​Leo Garvey can wreck Leah Spenser’s life. She knows it, but he hovers like a spy drone on a target. Escape is not an option unless she can duck his radar.

Melinda de Ross, “Celebrity”

Kendra sets out to remake her life Hollywood-style. ​But the City of Angels harbors more demons than she imagined.

Donna Fasano, “Reclaim My Heart”

Utter desperation is the only reason Tyne seeks the help of attorney Lucas Silver Hawk–the father of her 16-y-o son who needs his help.

Colleen Connally, “Fragmented”

When a killer sets his sites on Cameron, she seeks help from the man she shared one unforgettable night with, a detective who’s trying to arrest her brother for a crime he didn’t commit.

Carmen DeSousa, “The Depot” and “The Pit Stop”

When a murder mimics a cold-case murder, and it appears entities are working from beyond the grave, detectives Canale and Waters wonder if life and death can cross tracks…

Aurora Springer, “Super Starrella”

After Estelle Wright gains superpowers in an accident, she juggles college classes with fighting alien menaces on the city streets.

Mimi Barbour, “Sweet Retaliation”

Cass intends to put away her brother’s killers–dead or alive. Unfortunately, the annoying detective who took a bullet for her won’t leave her alone.

Debra Burroughs, “The Betrayal of Lies”

Can sassy private-eye Emily and hunky police detective Colin uncover the truth before their wedding planner winds up dead?

Susanne Matthews, “Same Time Next Year”

Fifty years after the boy Twyla loved didn’t return her desperate call, she returns to the scene to write her memoirs. Will discovering the answer heal her broken heart or make things worse?

Rebecca Talley, “Imperfect Love”

A rocky marriage, a baby on the way, and a devastating diagnosis changes everything… Amidst her shattered life, can Lauren find a happily ever after?

Julie Frayn, “It Isn’t Cheating If He’s Dead”

When Jemima’s long-missing fiancé is found dead, hot detective Finn Wight is on the case – and in her bed. Then she meets a homeless man whose secrets could change everything…

This special Fall deal will run from September 10-15. My suggestion…grab yourself some great books, a pumpkin latte, and settle in for a cozy weekend.

Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail

Paranormal Romance at its Finest for Only 99 Cents!

by Leave a Comment

Paranormal Romance at its Finest for just 99 cents.
Believe, a paranormal romance, is just 99 cents.

“Believe,” a paranormal romance and the first book in the Chasing Shadow series, is just 99 cents throughout the summer months.

This is a very special book to me. At its core, it’s a love story because that’s what I’m all about. But when you dig deeper, you’ll also find that it’s a tribute to the brave men (and women) who serve our country. At the center of the story is Nate, who survived Afghanistan and returned to his love only to fall victim to a tragic accident.

Nate’s love, Ella, has trouble moving on and then decides she doesn’t want to when she discovers a connection to Nate’s ghost. The inspiration for the story came from one of my favorite movies, “Ghost,” starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. By no means is “Believe” a re-telling of that wonderful 1990 film, but it shares the same hope and positive message that our loved ones watch over us once they pass.

My story differs in that Ella’s family members insist she seek professional advice for her mourning. When she meets Ethan, her therapist, a connection forms for Ethan has also experienced loss.

One other piece of trivia revolving around “Believe” is its gorgeous cover. This was a live model shoot in which the fabulously talented PhatPuppy Designs arranged for the model, the setting, the clothing and everything. I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome.

Believe is a ghost story and love triangle wrapped up in one wonderful, 99 cent package. Grab a copy today.Facebooktwitterredditpinteresttumblrmail