Hot History Facts and Hot Fiction

Saturday, February 15, 2014

M/M Flash Fiction: Blindfolded

As promised today's blog post is my M/M historical flash fiction...

House of Manlove decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day by publishing some sexy flash fiction. When I heard about this fun hop I jumped on board. I don't write enough flash fiction. You never know when a short idea could spur something longer!

Here’s my offering "Blindfolded."




1877
Maison de Vénus
New Orleans, Louisiana

Robert stood at the window, looking out at the full summer moon. In August it stayed light late into the evening. On a night like this as a boy he would have gone swimming or horseback riding, enjoying the warm breeze. Unfortunately, those carefree outings had ended at a young age. His life turned upside down first by the war and then the hardships that came after.
On quiet evenings, especially in summer, his mind often drifted to the past. That was a dangerous place to be. He needed to focus on the present and make the best of each day, accepting his new life.
A knock at the door drew his attention.
Robert turned around and watched Madam Bernadette enter. “I have a special request.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
The woman smiled, her black hair pulled back and falling down in a cascade of soft curls. “Rather a client has a special request. He wishes for you to be undressed, blindfolded, and waiting for him when he enters,” she said, her voice lightly accented with French.
Robert ran his fingers through his hair. “I won’t get to see him?”
The busty creole woman in a tight red silk dress watched him with an appraising eye. “Only if he desires you to.”
Robert gave a short nod knowing she wouldn’t entertain any protests. Normally he got at least a quick glance at his client for the evening before the sex games began. The idea of a mysterious man fucking him sent his heart racing.
Madam Bernadette’s gaze swept his slight frame. He hoped he’d pass inspection. She required all her ladies and the two men in her employ to dress and conduct themselves with the upmost refinement.
A beautiful woman like her usually made men hard, especially considering the low cut of her dress, but he’d never been with a woman, and it seemed his body had gotten used to deriving pleasure from men.
 He began shedding his clothes exposing his white skin and lean muscle.
“He will not hurt you, Robert,” Madam Bernadette said in a calming voice. “I take care of my merchandise.”
“I-I know.” Robert drew a deep breath, but his stomach remained in knots. It wasn’t like he knew his clients even when he saw their faces, but their demeanor and the way they were dressed gave him some idea of who he’d be bending over for. A small man, he’d have a hard time protecting himself if someone got rough.
He’d only been at Madam Bernadette’s Maison de Vénus for two months. The upper class men he serviced paid well and Madam Bernadette let him keep a good portion of his earnings. Compared to the last establishment where he worked he had no complaints.
Folding his clothes, he set them on the seat of his chair. Once naked, Robert stood in the middle of the room, arms at his sides, attention on Madam Bernadette. A quadroon, she had flawless nearly pale skin and bright hazel eyes which betrayed her wit. Many nights he’d wondered about her past doubting it was a sordid as his own.
She walked over to the sideboard and opened a drawer pulling out a green silk blindfold and then proceeded to wrap it around eyes. “This wealthy man is a good friend of mine, Robert,” she said. “You will entertain him well this evening. You must do everything he asks and he will be kind to you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He’d heard this speech every night. This however was the first time he’d entertained one of her friends. He better be on his best behavior. Madam Bernadette was not crude. She did not use the word slave, but he knew that was what he was. A sex slave.
Vision now shrouded in darkness, he listened to the rustle of her skirts as she left the room. Head bowed, he waited for his client.
A few minutes later a knock sounded at the door and then he heard the door creak open. The door closed softly followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. A powdery, spicy cologne wafted in the room. He’d smelled this popular cologne many times.
The man approached, the heat of his body coming closer and closer. Robert swallowed hard. Madame Bernadette was right. He should not be afraid, especially considering this man was a good friend of hers, but the nerves continued.
Two large hands rested on the top of his shoulders, and he raised his head although he could not see his client. He sensed the man was tall, his large hands hinting at his bulk.
“Let me take in your beauty,” a baritone voice said. Two thick fingers lifted his chin a little higher.
When he pulled his hand away, Robert bowed his head. He’d learned the art of submission over the years, continually trying to perfect his performance.
The tall man circled him, taking in his nakedness from all sides. Standing behind him, the man pressed against his backside. The bulge confined in his client’s trousers poked against his ass.
“You are not to speak unless I give you permission to do so. Is that clear?”
Robert nodded.
“Good.” The man leaned over and whispered in his ear. “You are not allowed to come until I tell you it is time to come. Do you understand?”
Robert nodded again. At least the man hinted he would allow him to come. Some clients denied him that release.
The man grabbed his wrists and pulled them behind his back. “Hold your hands here. I will get a tie.”
Not being allowed to speak, Robert nodded again. A minute later he felt the cool silk circling his wrists.
“Now get down on your knees,” his client ordered.
Robert complied, his pulse battering his veins.
The man walked around and stood in front of him. Then Robert heard the sound of him opening the fastenings of his trousers. The tip of his client’s freed cock, already wet with pre-cum, brushed over Robert’s lips. Robert sighed and resisted the urge to taste him until given leave to do so.
The man ran his cock across Robert’s lips several times, teasing him mercilessly. “Lick the head,” he finally said.
Robert’s lips parted and his tongue snaked out softly touching the tip. The man sighed and it encouraged him to lick further. He worked his tongue into the slit, and tasted a drop of pre-cum. A little salty, he tastes good. Robert slid his lips over the tip, continuing to lave the sensitive skin.
His client curled his fingers into his hair, pulling him further onto his cock.
Robert felt the man’s rod slide into his mouth. The large member filled him quickly and he knew it would be impossible to take him all.
“Suck it until I come,” the man commanded.
Robert sucked hard. He loved to suck cock, and this man’s large rod was a treat. His client continued to grasp his hair, pulling harder as he got excited. The pinpricks of pain went straight to Robert’s own swollen member. It throbbed, begging for attention, but Robert focused solely on pleasing the man paying for his services.
His client fucked his mouth and moaned, his breath coming in bursts. “I’m close,” he said, continuing to pant.
After being in the business as long as he had, Robert already knew this. His lips slid up the shaft, eager for the man to explode in his mouth.
“Swallow,” the man ordered as he shot a thick load.
The creamy come slid down Robert’s throat and he worked to swallow every drop.
His client grunted and pulled him off his cock. The rough treatment didn’t hurt, just took him by surprise.
Robert heard the man fastening up his trousers again. Was that all? This mysterious stranger had bought his services for the entire evening. Madam Bernadette did not pay by the hour.
Still kneeling, Robert lowered his head.
His client slid a warm palm across his cheek. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I did not mean to be so gruff. You have permission to speak.”
Robert licked the last of the come off his lips. “I am fine, master.” His hard cock throbbed, but he ignored the discomfort.
“Call me, Sir. I do not like to be called master.”
“Yes, Sir,” Robert said, his breath catching in his lungs. The man’s commands aroused him more than any others he’d received. Though he hated to admit it, he liked being dominated.
His client’s fingers trailed down Robert’s chest and then he took his cock in hand.
“I want to hear you moan,” he said, and stroked Robert’s cock.
He inhaled sharply, not expecting the intimate caress. The client increased his pace, and Robert mewed, leaning forward to offer encouragement.
“You are not to come until I say,” the man reminded him.
This man’s deep voice, his control stirred him. He’d played these games before. “Yes, Sir.”
Robert felt himself building up to orgasm and wished the man would increase his pace to bring on his pleasure, but then he couldn’t come. Yet. He gritted his teeth, edging off the nearing climax. He moaned loudly, denying himself release was nothing short of torture. And yet he enjoyed every second. His balls drew up tight and he didn’t know how much longer he could hold off.
The man’s face came closer, his warm breath containing an undertone of tobacco. Robert waited, praying for a kiss.
“You may come,” the dominant man said and then pressed their lips together.
Robert instantly came, shooting come onto the wood floor. The man continued to stroke him, slowing his pace. Robert gasped and then shot another load.
His client let go of his softening cock. The sound of splashing water told Robert the man was washing his hands. When he returned he petted his hair, and Robert arched into the caress, satisfied. If only he could see the man who had sated him. Or at least learn his name.
The man grabbed his shoulders and helped him to his feet. Robert lowered his head, not knowing what would happen next.
His client walked behind him and untied the bindings on his wrists.
“May I take my blindfold off, Sir?” Robert whispered.
“No.” The man’s rough response tightened Robert’s stomach. He did not want to sully the moment.
His client led him over to the bed. Still holding his hand, the large man sat on the mattress and then he pulled him into his lap. The bed dipped under their weight, mostly from the dominant man.  Robert didn’t weigh much even when soaking wet.
“Wrap your arms around me,” his client said.
He readily complied, circling his arms around the man’s neck. He snuggled against the man’s chest, delighting in their closeness. Many of the men fucked him and left without indulging in cuddling. They desired to sate themselves and then leave, putting distance between themselves at the whore.
The blindfold didn’t fit with the way this master conducted himself. He delighted in being in control, but offered tender treatment. There has to be a reason why he doesn’t want me to see him. Robert’s mind raced with possibilities. Was he terribly scarred from an accident? Maybe he was older and did not want to show his gray hair. He did not feel old though. He felt strong and virile.
Robert parted his mouth, allowing his client’s tongue to slide within. The dominant man placed a hand on both sides of Robert’s face holding him still while he plundered his mouth. Usually Robert couldn’t wait for the night to end, but tonight he wanted this man to have his way with him. Without seeing him his touch and voice kindled a lustful fire in his gut. Only more time with this man would put out the growing flames.
His client’s strong arms surrounded him, making him feel protected, safe. This dominant man continued to love his mouth and Robert felt a heady rush. This must be what it is like with a lover and not just have your body used. Robert’s cock thickened, coming to life again. If he was this aroused he figured the other man was as well.
His clients usually only cared about their own pleasure and seldom bothered with kisses, viewing them as a waste of time. This passion, their strong connection was almost overpowering. Drunk on passion, the lightheadedness gave him a better buzz than any liquor. Damn. It was just as addicting. In the back of his mind Robert knew this care would only last one night, but it would be a night worth remembering.
His client broke the kiss. “I want more of you,” he said in a low growl.
Robert’s heart thudded in his chest. Yes. Yes. Please.
The man ran the pads of his fingers across Robert’s swollen cock “I see you want more of me as well.”
“Yes, Sir.” Thankfully we have all night.


****

14th: Jena Wade and Heloise West

15th: Amelia Bishop and Mina Kelly

16th: Kimber Vale and Shiloh Saddler

17th: Eva Lefoy and Azalea Moone

18th: Dakota Trace, Jade Crystal, and Crane Hana

19th: JT Hall and ND Wylders

20th: Evelise Archer , Kate Lowell, and Skye Jones

Cover Reveal: Silk & Scorn by Cassandra Dean and Giveaway

I'm excited to let you know about Silk & Scandal by fellow Decadent Publishing author Cassandra Dean. It is an Early Victorian Sweet Romance. And you know I like my historical romance!
SilkAndScorn_600x399


No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him.


His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to.


Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?


The Silk Series, Book 2


Early Victorian Sweet Romance


Coming 19 February 2014


Decadent Publishing


Excerpt:


15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall.


He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established.


At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth.


Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome.


Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.”


Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.”


“Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.


Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.”


Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall.


Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?”


With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk.


Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck.


Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.”


The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no.


The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized.


Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.


======================================


About Cassandra :


Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.


Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.


So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.


The love affair exists to this very day.


Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.


You can find Cassandra at:


CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter


Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com


CLICK BELOW TO ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY – AND GOOD LUCK!


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba0e5715/

Friday, February 14, 2014

House of Manlove Blog Hop

House of Manlove Blog Hop #flash #fiction 14th – 20th #MM #romance

House of Manlove badge
Above is the schedule for participating authors.
Be sure to check out my post on the 16th if you like M/M historicals!
~Shiloh

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Fairies and Music - Daisy Banks Guest Blog

It is my pleasure to welcome Daisy Banks to my blog. She is on her Valentine Wishes blog tour. Can you believe it is already February? Soon it will be Valentine's Day. If you are looking for a romance read for the holiday I recommend hers!



Fairies and Music

As part of my Valentine Wishes blog tour each of my blogs is about fairies and elements of fairy lore. This post is about the link between the world of the fae and music.

A while ago while I was visiting the beautiful city of York, I had a bit of a revelation regarding the power and importance of music. I love music of all kinds and always have, but to be woken in the morning by the forceful sound of a single thumping drum beat as a drummer passed my window really made me think. The sheer power of that drum got me peering out of the window. The drum was an advert for a group of actors about to perform. They were literally, ‘drumming up custom’.

Today we are surrounded by music at the touch of a button, sadly when I’m out and about I find not all the music on offer is lovely, but it is still a part of our world. In the past music was a precious thing available rarely to ordinary people, apart from those who sang or played instruments at home. Music touched people in the past as it touches us now, but more so in my opinion because of its scarcity. This is what I think lead to the belief that the fairy folk made uncanny music of great power, and great danger to mortals.

Several tales tell of young men and women lured away from their homes and families by the sweetest music heard at twilight in the precincts of known fairy paths.

In the tales the young people often fall asleep to the sound of the compelling fairy musicians, some tales tell that these individuals awake in the world of the fae, or at a fairy court. Other tales tell of music lessons given to the mortals who become wonderful players and can’t bear to leave the land of fairy to return home.

There are stories of those who do eventually find their way back to their mortal home and discover to their horror many years have passed while they have lingered listening to fairy music in what seemed to them only one night.

Like so many things associated with fairies and their ways the music remains a mystery and something to lure our interest. I do know when I have been walking the hills it has been very easy to imagine the sound of fairy music as an accompaniment to the sunset.



Music plays a part in my story Valentine Wishes published by Liquid Silver Books is available on the 10th of February.


Music in the story helps set the scene for romance and magic. Here is a little snippet from the story to tempt you. I am also offering a giveaway today of my ghostly love story, Your Heart My Soul, to one randomly selected commentator on this blog.

“There yer are, I knew yer were here. I’ve been waiting for ye all night.” She spun around at the velvet caress of a voice she remembered so well. “No,” she squeaked.

Him!

Not possible.

Her stomach knotted and she wanted to crawl away and hide. His golden hair glinted in the glow of the colored lights and he smiled wide in greeting. She could hardly keep herself in the air. A wave of heat scorched her face.

“Poppy, ’tis me, Cedar Heartwood. Yer remember me, don’t ye, darlin’?” He flew a little closer, and she nodded as she sank down toward the lawn.

Her knees sagged.

Jellified.

I remember you…who couldn’t? You haven’t changed at all.

His eyes still entranced with hazel gleams. She ached to throw her arms around him, and as she steadied herself, she swept her gaze up to his face again. He still had the most enticing lips she’d ever seen.

Oh, by the wind in the leaves. How many hours did I sit among the daisies and wonder what it would be like to kiss him?

She shook herself, torn between long held hopes and tonight’s despair. He had to go, at least until later. “I can’t speak with ye now, Cedar. I’m busy.”




You can pre-order a copy of Valentine Wishes here and get an early bird discount. http://bit.ly/1l0mX2Y


You can find out more about Daisy Banks and her stories at the following places.

Twitter @DaisyBanks12





Thursday, January 30, 2014

Author Spotlight - Gina Gissendaner - Unmasking the Wolf

It is my pleasure to welcome Gina Gissendaner to my blog today. And she brought the hero from her recent romance release Unmasking the Wolf with her. Luke Mason was kind enough to agree to a quick interview.



Character Interview – Luke Mason – Unmasking the Wolf

1. It must be nice living the life of luxury in Boston. How did you make your fortune?
It’s certainly different than my early life in Mississippi. After we left home, I made a few savvy investments, mostly small real estate and such, until I’d amassed quite a bit of money. After that, I branched into medical research.

2. Is there something you don’t like about being a millionaire?
It’s a lonely life actually. I can’t really be sure who wants me for me. But I would be a fool to say the money isn’t nice, especially when I experienced such poverty growing up in Jackson.

3. What was the first thing that attracted you to Gina?
I know at first glance that Gina was my mate, so I would guess science first attracted me to her. Beyond that, it was her big blue eyes and lovely red hair.

4. I see that you’re a wolf shifter. Where is your pack from?
Originally I’m from Jackson, MS. Most of my family lives there.

5. Where do you rank in your pack? And how did you gain that rank?
We’re not very “political” as most of my family is only lunar wolves, which means they can only shift during a full moon. Luckily I can shift at will. We don’t have rankings, but I would be one of the more powerful wolves for sure.

6. What is like being a wolf shifter in a big city?
It’s hard. At home in Mississippi, it was easy to shift and run about undetected. With so many people around in Boston, I can’t do that. Sometimes I miss the freedom I had back home.

7. What do you do for fun?
For fun…hmm…that’s a hard one. I’ve stayed so busy with my business after my sister’s murder that I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like to have fun. It is nice to ride in my private helicopter though. I’m still getting used to the luxury toys.

8. Thank you for coming to today, Luke. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
Thanks so much for having me! It’s always a pleasure to chat. And I think that would about sum it up, but if you’re curious about me, you can find out my story in Unmasking the Wolf, now available from Taliesin Publishing. And psst…don’t tell Christy Gissendaner I said this…but I think she has a crush on me!  ; )


Unmasking the Wolf Blurb:


Gina Moretti is determined to escape her rural home of Clinton, Indiana, a place where wolves have met, married, and mated for generations. As the only daughter of the alpha, she’s lived her entire life under her father’s rule. No way is she ready to find a mate until she’s experienced more of the world. Against her family’s wishes, she goes to Boston where her scientist cousin, Dominic, has offered to give her a place to stay. She stumbles, quite literally, into her cousin’s gorgeous boss.


Short Excerpt

“Ahhh,” she cried out as she tumbled toward the floor. A pair of strong arms clamped around her and jerked her back to her feet. Embarrassed beyond belief, her cheeks flamed with the knowledge she’d just made a fool of herself. In front of Dominic’s boss, no less. It didn’t take a brain scientist to realize the handsome, make that extremely handsome, man before her was Luke Mason.

He was sex-on-a-platter hot. Chiseled cheekbones, firm jaw, unbelievably straight nose, and a teensy weensy dimple in the center of his chin. This man was a living, breathing Greek god.

“Are you okay?” Piercing green eyes locked with hers as Luke’s grip on her arms slowly loosened.

Gina felt a jolt in the pit of her stomach. Despite Dominic’s warning to blend in, she sniffed the air. She had to. Something about this man called to her animal nature. But there was nothing. Not a trace of the wolf scent. Despite his unbelievable height and incredible physique, only the scent of sandalwood and spice came to her. Disappointment swamped her. He was human.

Luke continued to watch her. Gina knew he waited for her to speak, but her tongue refused to budge. She’d known he would be good-looking, but the newspaper article hadn’t done him full justice. Instead of a suit, he wore casual jeans and a dark blazer. He had the sort of hair that would curl in the rain. She didn’t know how she knew it. She just did. The golden-brown waves were delightfully rumpled in the middle of his head, as if he’d just risen from bed.

Gina gave a tiny moan at the thought of him rising naked from the sheets. He would be gloriously golden, with a tight belly and even tighter buttocks. Physical need rocked her to the core. What was up with lusting after a human? Was it merely the fact he was every woman’s wet dream, or something more?

His sensual lips curved into a sexy smile as he scrubbed a hand over his belly. “Hell of sharp elbow you have there.”

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” Gina wanted to sink through the floor. Why was she always such a klutz?

“Don’t worry about it.” He drawled in a soft, slow tone.

She’d read he was originally from Jackson, Mississippi. The Southern accent was unbelievably sexy, but not nearly as sexy as the man himself. His face was a mixture of Hollywood leading man and mixed martial arts fighter. He was gorgeous, yet hard. She could easily visualize him serenading a woman one moment, and then fighting to protect her next.

About the Author:

Christy Gissendaner is a romantic comedy author and believes that laughter and love should go hand in hand.

Christy lives in Alabama with her husband and three sons. She’s always hard at work on her next novel, but in her spare time she loves blackjack, karaoke, and anything resembling a vacation!

To find out more, please visit http://christygissendaner.webs.com

http://www.twitter.com/christygis

http://www.facebook.com/christygis

http://www.goodreads.com/christygissendaner

Friday, January 17, 2014

Author Spotlight - Jo Thomas - The Oyster Catcher

It is my pleasure to welcome Jo Thomas to my blog today. She is on tour for her book The Oyster Catcher and what better way than to celebrate with oysters! I'm sure you'll enjoy these recipes.

Eating and cooking oysters.

On this blog tour I have talked about eating my first oyster, opening oysters, finding out if oysters really are the food of love and telling you about the festivals and competitions that celebrate the oyster.
Whilst I was living in Galway I was lucky enough to be invited to a charity gala dinner in a pop restaurant. It was an old church in Galway. It was to raise money for Galway Simon Community helping homeless people in the west of Ireland. It was a wonderful night. The room was decorated with white painted branches and candles, choirs sang and we ate a nine course meal created by some of the best chefs in Galway, including smoked Clarenbridge oyster mousette, a trio of beetroot, Connemara abalone, braised beef cheeks, alder and gooseberry sorbet, and rhubarb tartlet with wild burren hazelnut ice cream.  You’re getting the picture aren’t you? It was a meal that stayed with me.

When we arrived I was introduced to a wonderful red headed lady, Mairin Ui Chomain, born and brought up in Connemara. She was a broadcaster and food writer with a special love for seafood, in particular oysters. Mairin had written a book Irish Oyster Cuisine. Well, we got on like a house on fire and have stayed in touch ever since. Her book combines the history of the oyster and its farming communities across the west of Ireland and gives wonderful recipes too. Not only does the book give you a flavour of the area, the history, the importance of oyster farming in the region but you get a flavour for the Irish language as well. In The Oyster Catcher my heroine Fi makes a mushroom and oyster soup. This is Mairin’s recipe;
12-18 oysters , shells removed, juices strained and reserved.

25g/1oz butter

225g/8oz onions, grated

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces

225g/8oz button mushrooms, chopped

225 ml/8fl oz milk

225 ml/8 fl oz cream

Dash of Tabasco

Salt, freshly ground black pepper

Paprika to garnish and fingers of hot buttered toast.

Melt the butter in the saucepan. Saute the onions over a moderate heat. Add potatoes and mushrooms until tender. Pour in the milk and mix well. Add the cream and carefully bring to the boil, mixing gently.
Reduce the heat. Add the oysters, juices, Tabasco, and seasoning and heat for 4-5 minutes.
Serve in warm bowls, sprinkle with paprika and serve with toast.
(Mairin says you can add a little white wine if the soup is too thick).

Or how about trying Kevin’s oyster pie (oyster and Guinness beef pie)

12 oysters, shells removed, juices strained and reserved.

2 tablespoons plain flour

Salt and freshly ground pepper

700g/1 ½ lb rib beef, cubed

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

1-2 onions, finely chopped

225g/8oz mushrooms, chopped

423 ml/15 fl oz Guinness

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

200g/7oz ready-made puff pastry

Serve with green salad or baked potatoes

Season the flour and toss the beef in it. Heat the oil and when hot, add the beef to seal it. Remove the beef and fry the onions and mushrooms and then return the beef to the pan. Add the Guinness, Worcestershire sauce and oyster juices and season. Cover and simmer for about 1 ½ hours and then remove and allow to cool. Add the oysters.

Preheat the oven to 200 C/400 F/gas mark 6. Grease a deep pie dish. Pour in the mixture and cover with pastry. Crimp the edges and cut an air vent in the centre.
Bake for 15 minutes in centre of oven and then reduce heat to 180 C/350 F/gas mark 4 and bake for a further 30 minutes until the meat is heated through.
Or how about an oyster shot to get the party started;

1 oyster

1 ½ teaspoons vodka

4 tablespoons tomato juice

1 tablespoon of lime juice

3 drops Worcestershire sauce

1 drop of Tabasco

Mix the ingredients except the oyster in a shot glass. Then drop in a fresh, raw oyster before serving.

Or you could just enjoy your oysters, on ice, with a squeeze of lemon and some good brown bread and a glass of something very cold.

However you like them, enjoy! And don’t forget to chew!
(Ref: Irish Oyster Cuisine by Mairin Ui Chomain published by A&A Farmar)


Excerpt from The Oyster Catcher
Chapter One
The sea air hits me like mouthwash for the head. It’s clean, fresh, and smells of salt. I’m standing on the steps of the Garda station; or Portakabin really. The wind blows my hair and I hold my face up to it, letting any tears that may have escaped mingle with the damp air. With my eyes shut and my face held up to the wind I realise two things. One, I’m in a place called Dooleybridge and two; I am absolutely stranded wearing the only dress I have – the one I’d got married in.
I open my eyes, shiver and walk back towards the harbour wall where the camper van had been. There are some scuff marks on the wall and a headlight that had fallen off, but other than that there’s no real trace that it was ever there at all. I bend down and pick up the light. Oh, that’s the other thing I realised while being cautioned. There’s absolutely no way I can go home, no way at all.
I turn round and walk back towards the road; when I say walk, it’s more a hobble. My shoes are killing me and are splashing water up the back of my feet and calves. But then it isn’t really gold mule weather. It’s cold and wet and I couldn’t feel any more miserable than I already do. I head back up the hill and cross the road just below the Garda station and step down into a tiled doorway. I take a deep breath that hurts my chest and makes me cough. I have no other choice. I put my head down. I touch the cold brass panel on the door and with all the determination I can muster, push it open.
The door crashes against the wall as I fall in, making me and everyone else jump. As I land I realise it’s not so much the throng I was expecting but a handful of people. All eyes are on me. A hot rash travels up my chest and into my cheeks making them burn and inside I cringe. I feel like I’ve walked on to the set of a spaghetti western and the piano player has stopped playing. ‘Sorry,’ I mouth and shut the door very gently behind me. My stomach’s churning like a washing machine on spin cycle. I look round the open-plan pub. At one end is a small fireplace and despite it supposedly being summer there’s a fire in the grate giving out a brave, cheery, orange glow against the chilly atmosphere. There’s an unfamiliar smell in the air, earthy yet sweet. In the grate there are lumps of what look like earth burning on the fire. Back home I’d just flick on the central heating but home is a very long way away right now. There’s wood panelling all across the front of the bar, above it, below it and round the walls. When I say wood panelling, it’s tongue and groove pine that’s been stained dark. It’s the sort of place you’d expect to be full of cigarette smoke but isn’t. In the corner by the fire there’s a small group of people, all of them as old as Betty from Betty’s Buns. Or as it’s now known The Coffee House. Betty’s my employer, or should that be ex-employer?
Betty refuses to take retirement and sits on a stall at the end of the counter, looking like Buddha. She’s never been able to give up the reins on the till. She did once ask me to take over as manager but I turned it down. I’m not one for the limelight. I’m happy back in the kitchen. Kimberly, who works the counter, tried for the job but Sandra from TGI Friday’s got it and Kimberly took up jogging and eating fruit. The group by the fire is still staring at me, just like Betty keeping her beady eye on her till.
There are two drinkers at the bar, one in an old tweed cap and jacket with holes in the elbows, the other in a thin zip-up shell suit and a baseball cap. They’ve turned to stare at me too. With burning cheeks and the rash still creeping up my chest, I take a step forward and then another. It feels like a game of grandmother’s footsteps as their eyes follow me too. The barmaid’s wiping glasses and smiles at me. I feel ridiculously grateful to see a friendly face. It’s not her short dyed white hair that makes her stand out or the large white daisy tucked behind one ear. It’s the fact she’s probably in her early twenties I’d say, not like any of her customers.
A couple of dogs come barking at me from behind the bar. I step back. One is black with stubby legs, a long body and a white stripe down its front. The other is fat and looks a bit like a husky crossed with a pot-bellied pig.
I’m not what you’d call brave really. I’ve always thought it was better to try and skirt conflict rather than face it head on. I look for someone or something to hide behind but the barmaid steps in.
‘Hey, settle down,’ she snaps. She might be small but she’s got a mighty bark. Unsurprisingly the dogs return behind the bar, tails between their legs. I think I’d’ve done the same if she told me to.
‘Now then, what can I get you?’ she wipes her hands on a tea towel and smiles again.
‘Um …’ I go to speak but nothing comes out. I clear my dry throat and try again.
‘I’m looking for …’ I look down at the piece of paper in my hand, the back of a parking ticket. ‘Sean Thornton?’ I look back at the barmaid.

Blurb for The Oyster Catcher by Jo Thomas
According to a champion shell shucker, when trying to open an oyster you first have to understand what’s keeping it closed.
When runaway bride Fiona Clutterbuck crashes the honeymoon camper van, she doesn’t know what to do or where to go.
Embarrassed and humiliated Fiona knows one thing for sure, she can’t go home. Being thrown a life line, a job on an oyster farm seems to be the answer to her prayers.  But nothing could prepare her for the choppy ride ahead or her new boss the wild and unpredictable Sean Thornton.
Will Fiona ever be able to come out of her shell?
As the oyster season approaches, will there be love amongst the oyster beds of Galway bay? Or will the circling sharks finally close in?

Buying links:

Bio for Jo Thomas – The Oyster Catcher.
Jo Thomas started her broadcasting career as a reporter and co-presenter with Rob Brydon on BBC Radio 5, reported for BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and went on to produce at BBC Radio 2 working on The Steve Wright Show.  She now lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her writer and producer husband, three children, three cats and a black lab Murray.  She writes light hearted romances about food, family, friendships and love; and believes every story should have a happy ending.
Twitter: @jo_thomas01







Monday, January 13, 2014

Tara Quan Guest Blog: The Modern Sheikh

Guest Blog: The Modern Sheikh
by Tara Quan

I’d like to thank Shiloh for hosting me today. I recently interviewed her about Saltwater Lover (here), and now she’s invited me over to promote my new release. Delicious Delay is a contemporary multicultural romance that takes place entirely in a Middle Eastern airport. If I’ve managed to pique your interest, the blurb, excerpt and buy links are at the end of this post (or here).

I wrote Delicious Delay on a lark—I was stuck in an airport in Abu Dhabi, it was the height of summer, and I had an endless a view of the desert. As I sat there staring at a plane that wasn’t about to take off any time soon, I couldn’t help but wonder what a modern-day Sheikh romance would be like. I’d never tried writing an Arab hero before (living in the UAE for two years might have something to do with it), and giving it a whirl seemed like a fun challenge.

Many of us grew up seeing covers of Sheikh romances line drugstore shelves. Harlequin once (and might still) have an entire line dedicated to modern retellings of Arabian Nights. There’s something intrinsically romantic about rolling sand dunes and a quasi-royal billionaire with long dark eyelashes and midnight eyes. Even though I have come to associate flowing white robes with reckless driving, I must admit to still having a soft spot for them.

As I started writing Delicious Delay, I discovered the line between privileged royal and alpha-hole (yes, romance readers utilize such a term) can be surprisingly thin. While I take certain liberties when writing in the fantasy subgenre, I wouldn’t dream of making my modern-day heroine put up with behavior I would personally deem unacceptable.

Since my hero sees the world through an entirely different filter than a typical American, he’s arrogant, overprotective, accustomed to getting his way. The more I developed his character, the less charming my Sheikh turned out to be. Instead of fighting the inevitable, I embraced his flaws and had my heroine give him hell.

Delicious Delay

Stranded in a Middle Eastern airport, Michelle Day finds herself the object of interest for an abrasive, but all-too-sexy stranger—a stranger who tempts her with the forbidden in a land where indecency could get her killed. But how does one say no to such a deliciously, relentless pursuit?

Khalid Al Dehri takes one look at the red-headed spitfire in the business class lounge and knew he’d either been transported to heaven—or hell. Her tart response to his surliness intrigues him beyond all propriety and the longer he spends in her company, the more he can’t deny his forbidden attraction. But will she explore the sensuality between them or will society’s rules keep them apart?


Excerpt

He grinned. “So I have a proposal.”

She tried to get her breathing under control, without much success. “Why am I sure it’s an indecent one?”

He motioned his head toward the far end of the lounge. Latticed wooden screens gave that particular section more privacy. In an L-shaped room, the tucked-away location prevented a direct line of sight from the dining or reception areas.

He got up and offered her his hand. She hesitated for a long moment before taking it. With faltering footsteps, she followed him. More private or not, limits on how far this could go existed due to them being in an airport lounge. Since her self-control had chosen today to take a vacation, she appreciated the imposed constraint.

He lowered himself onto a plush leather sofa deep inside the cordoned area. With walls on either side and screens strategically angled, the space seemed to have been designed as a spot for people to nap.

On the brink of crossing a dangerous line, she hesitated. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“I’m just giving you the opportunity to have your way with me,” he offered, his face the picture of innocence.

She hadn’t expected that answer. “I don’t quite follow.”

He kicked one of his legs out and tangled it with hers. She stumbled and instinctively moved her hands forward to brace herself. Her palms flattened over his hard muscled chest when she landed.

She traced the shape of his pectorals. “What do you do all day? Work out?”

He chuckled, the low rumble all male. “I have access to the best personal trainers money can buy. They help keep me honest.”

She shook her head in disbelief as the man preened. “Have you heard of a concept called humility?”

“It’s not one of my virtues,” he admitted. “I’ve never understood the point.”

She sighed. “It’s the polite thing to do.”

He placed his forefinger under her chin and tipped her head up, his expression playful. “So what is a sweet, polite, goody two shoes doing on top of me?”

About Tara

Globetrotter, lover of languages, and romance author, Tara Quan has an addiction for crafting tales with a pinch of spice and a smidgen of kink. Inspired by her travels, Tara enjoys tossing her kick-ass heroines and alpha males into exotic contemporary locales, fantasy worlds, and post-apocalyptic futures. Armed with magical powers or conventional weapons, her characters are guaranteed a suspenseful and sensual ride, as well as their own happily ever after. Learn more at www.taraquan.com