Category Archives: MacQuire Women

First Dates…

My dear writing friend and multi-published author, Susan A. Wall  is celebrating 20 years of togetherness with her man ( which is wicked awesome, isn’t it??!) and that got me to thinking about relationships and first dates.

I’ve been very open about my first date with hubman because it set the tone for our relationship and marriage. For those of you who don’t know the story – and there can’t be many because I talk about it ad nauseam!  –  for our very first date we flew to Boston for the day from NYC. I’d never been on a plane before so it was uber exciting from that standpoint alone, but we toured the city and then wound up in the North End for a delicious, multi-course dinner.  Believe me, I was not watching the calories at that meal! A quick flight back to NYC because he had to work the next morning, and I had knew I was in love forever.

When I write about first dates, I always try to give the couple something memorable to do. In my newest release FIRST IMPRESSIONS, Pat and Clarissa’s official first date out and about is when they go to a Boston Red Sox game. It’s her first professional ballgame and it signifies a big change in their relationship when the game ends. Here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ from the day:

When Quentin handed her the huge chocolate ice cream laden with rainbow colored sprinkles, stuffed into a plastic baseball cap with the team’s logo on the side, Moira grabbed him with her free arm and kissed him soundly.

Pat snuck a glance at Clarissa, and, while he handed her a soda and sat down, whispered, “I’d like to think I’d get the same kind of thank-you from you if those two weren’t around.”

Without even thinking about the consequences, Clarissa snaked a hand around his neck and pulled him in for her own kiss.

When her lips spread over his warm and full mouth, she didn’t care who saw them or knew what they were doing. He felt so damn good and tasted even better.

“Oh. My. God!” she heard Moira cry.
“Don’t look now,” Quentin said, a laugh flowing out of him, “but you two are on live television.”

Clarissa pulled back when the words registered. She quickly found the jumbotron across the backfield wall and sure enough, she and Pat were front and center. The entire stadium shouted catcalls and cheers. Before she could take a breath, Pat grinned and pulled her in for another kiss, this one heart-stoppingly hot. She could hear the cheers reaching a fever roar, and the irony of the situation pushed through her mind.

When Pat pulled back, grinning, her hand still around his neck, she took a moment to catch her breath.

Clarissa experiences many firsts with Pat throughout the book that set the tone for their relationship….much the way that first date flight to Boston did for my hubby and me.

So, what was your first date with your significant other? Memorable? Laughable? Regrettable or unforgettable? Details, please, so let’s discuss….

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Skating on the edge of romance

Today is wednesday, so that means it’s  MFRWBookHookBlogHop day! Click on the link down below to find your new favorite author… but first

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here’s a snippet from my very first book SKATER’S WALTZ. Tiffany and Cole are visiting their family home in Carvan, Ct and things are getting heated and hot between them….

Her finger roamed down to the corners of his mouth, outlining them, then on to the small dent in the middle of his chin. An impish grin fanned across her face. “I remember being little and wondering if I smoothed this line away would I be able to see inside you, like it was a door or some kind of opening to your insides. Dumb, huh?”

“Sweet,” he said, softly. “Little girl sweet. Never dumb.”

Her eyes traveled up to his and locked there.

“When I got older I wondered what it would be like to kiss it.”

His breath hitched.

“Would it taste like soap, left over from shaving, or would it be all spiky and nubby because you missed a few hairs. Or would it taste uniquely like you do. I still wonder about that.”

“Tiffany.”

Knowing what he was about to do, and to whom, should have sent him jumping off the couch, running in the other direction. Instead, when his head came down to hers all Cole could think about was how much he wanted to taste her again, how he wanted to lose himself in her, and how both those feelings somehow seemed right, even though he knew they shouldn’t.

Her body tensed as he inched closer. When his lips finally captured hers, she turned fluid under his hands.

Her smooth, small body slackened beneath him as his lips gently moved across hers, tasting them, savoring them. Releasing his grip on her arms, he leaned on his elbows and ran his fingers into her hair, cupping her face while holding fistfuls of the glorious mane.

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Virtual Book Tour Begins…

Hey, Peeps – I’m starting my Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour today on Reading Romances. Click on the link to read my interview and if you leave a comment you will be entered into a rafflecopter drawing! Sweet- visit me, maybe win a prize.

I’m talking about my new release FIRST IMPRESSIONS, book 3 in the MacQuire Women. This is Padric Cleary and Clarissa Rogers’ story.

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Enjoy!
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Our Sexy Date ~ #MySexySaturday

Welcome to the 112th week of My Sexy Saturday.

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This week’s theme: Our Sexy Date

A sexy date could be anything: the day they first went out, the day they first kissed, the day they got married. It could be a couple’s sexy anniversary date or maybe a date they met for the very first time. It could be a date in space, a foreign country or just around the corner. Now matter the particulars, just make it sexy, sexy and sexy. We did mention sexy…right?

Sexy can be anything, such as romantic moments like walks on the beach, a home cooked meal or even in another galaxy. It could be two lovers here on Earth dreaming about the day where they go on a magical vacation to another planet. Or staying right here at one of those wonderful places we can find in our own world.

Readers want to see those characters, the ones who can’t get enough of each other as well as ones who are fighting their way back to being part of the world once again. These are the types of characters they can’t forget, the one they want to take home and keep forever. Readers love the kisses, the looks or touch of each and every one of our characters.

Sexy has nothing to do with looks or status or even wealth. It doesn’t demand perfection and it isn’t pretentious but it does make us want to read those books.

We know that everyone has their own idea of sexy and we all love sexy! CLick on the link down below and hop to other sexy blogs.

But first, here’s a SEXY DATE between Clarissa and Pat from my newest release FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Who knew picking apples could be so much fun…or so sexy?

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“Come on. Let’s pick.”

They strolled along row after row of apple-laden trees, looking for the perfect additions to put in their pail. The fresh, pungent smell of the fruit ripening on the trees, the cool, subtle fall breeze billowing about them, even the riot of changing colors in the panorama of hills surrounding them, all had Clarissa thinking this was a perfect day. She wanted to memorize every part of it.

At one point, Pat pulled out his phone and said, “Let’s get a picture of your first time.” He pulled her in close and with the orchard framed behind them, held up the phone.

“A selfie? Really?” She laughed out loud. “How old are you?”

“Sixteen. Smile like you’re having fun and enjoying this.”

“I am,” she said, facing the camera and doing as he asked.

She heard the shutter click several times before he lowered the phone. “How many did you take?”

“A couple.” He played with the phone for a few seconds, then stuck it into his back pocket. “You need a few to get the perfect shot.”

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Take me out to the Ballgame…

 

Welcome to MFRWBookHookBlogHop. Click the link down below to join the hop…maybe you’ll discover you next favorite author.

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 Before you do, here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ from my newest release FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Baseball is America’s sport and when Pat takes Clarissa to her first professional game, well, more than just the balls fly…sparks do as well. Here’s a taste of the day….

When Quentin handed Moira the huge chocolate ice cream laden with rainbow colored sprinkles, stuffed into a plastic baseball cap with the team’s logo on the side, Moira grabbed him with her free arm and kissed him soundly.

Pat snuck a glance at Clarissa, and, while he handed her a soda and sat down, whispered, “I’d like to think I’d get the same kind of thank-you from you if those two weren’t around.”

Without even thinking about the consequences, Clarissa snaked a hand around his neck and pulled him in for her own kiss. When her lips spread over his warm and full mouth, she didn’t care who saw them or knew what they were doing. He felt so damn good and tasted even better.

“Oh. My. God!” she heard Moira cry.
“Don’t look now,” Quentin said, a laugh flowing out of him, “but you two are on live television.”

Clarissa pulled back when the words registered. She quickly found the jumbotron across the backfield wall and sure enough, she and Pat were front and center. The entire stadium shouted catcalls and cheers. Before she could take a breath, Pat grinned and pulled her in for another kiss, this one heart-stoppingly hot. She could hear the cheers reaching a fever roar, and the irony of the situation pushed through her mind.

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Book signing reflections…

On Saturday, Sept. 26th I had my very first official book signing event. I know! booksigning1

It was wonderful seeing so many friends and a whole bunch of people I hadn’t connected with in a while. My heart was overflowing with the love and support that came my way for those 3 hours. It was hosted at Kristin’s Bistro and Bakery  in downtown Keene on one of the most beautiful Autumn days we’ve had so far. You all know I lovelovelove the Fall and  New England is without doubt the best place to be on the planet during the time of year. While I was able to visit with friends – new and old – Marsha (Kristin’s lovely mom) kept the chocolate chip and cranberry scones and cider coming and I swear I gained 5 pounds just from inhaling the delicious aromas wafting through the establishment.

booksigning2Sales were amazeballs, but aside from that, it was wonderful the amount of people who came out to support a local writer. After the radio interview I did on WKBK with Dan Mitchell on Thursday, I really did hope I’d get a good turnout, and I did. Never let anyone ever discount the power of the radio or word of mouth. It works.

So what did I learn from my first official signing I can take with me for the next one?
First and foremost, don’t be so nervous! I woke up that morning with a pain in my stomach like I was in labor again.  I couldn’t eat, my hands were shaking and all I could feel was a sense of doom – no one would show up, or people would and would laugh at me. Why? I have no idea, but it was running through my head the whole time. When I saw the first few people who came in were dear friends I hadn’t seen in a while, I started to feel a little less nauseous. The gig started at 11 and by 11:30 I was able to breathe again normally.

Second, thank everyone, even those people who just stop and take a free scone and don’t buy a book! Manners matter and the perception of how you conduct yourself, even with people who aren’t fans, is important.

Third, be gracious. I heard from several woman this phrase, “I’m so proud of you!” I kept thinking, “Why? I haven’t cured cancer or done anything noble.” The declaration was usually followed by another statement like this: “You took something you had a passion for and made it happen. Not many women take a chance like that.” This surprised me because most of the gals saying it, I consider movers and shakers and risk takers.

Fourth, have food and drink available for your guests. The scones were – no surprise – a big hit, but I heard so many people say how nice it was to have apple cider on a Fall day. Thank you again, Marsha, for your foresight!

Fifth, make sure you have all your media stuff  like bookmarks, postcards, business cards, available. A few people came in to Kristin’s just to get their daily baked goods, coffee, et al. They weren’t there to see me ( silly fools!),but several did stop and listen to me talk to someone I was signing for, then took a few business cards, or post cards with them, so perhaps they’ll get home and look me up on one of my media sites, and decide to give one of my books a try. ‘Nuff said.

Last, learn that it’s okay to promote yourself. I truly do not like talking about myself. It makes me feel…conceited somehow.  But if I’ve learned anything these past 6 months, it’s that as a writer in this present time, you  need to self promote as much as you can. How you do it -graciously and without being obnoxious – is as important as the need to do it. Writing is a crowded society right now. To stand out you have to write something good and be willing to put yourself out there to sell it.

All in all it was a wonderful day. Next one is the New Jersey chapter of RWA conference in October, where – Yippie – I’ll be signing again. Hopefully, my nerves will be much less then. We’ll see….

FirstImpressions_w9816_2_85FIRST IMPRESSIONS available now!!

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Reputation is everything…or is it?

 

MFRW BOOK HOOKS BLOG HOP is today!!!

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click on the link at the bottom and discover your next favorite author! But first…..

Here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ from my new release OUT TODAY, FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Clarissa sighed and settled back against the doorframe. “Can I be honest?”
“I would hope so.”
“I’ve been hearing about your reputation with women since I moved here, and I’m not looking to be the flavor of the week.”

He stared at her for a second as hurt washed through him. “When you say honest, you don’t pull any punches.”

She reached out and gripped his forearm. Her hand felt so good against his skin, he instinctively laid his own over it. He swore he saw a flash of lightning spark from underneath his fingers when he did.

Blurb: 
Family Practice Doctor Clarissa Rogers’ first impression of Padric Cleary is biased and based on gossip. The handsome, charming veterinarian is considered a serial dater and commitment-phobic by his family and most of the town. Relationship shy, Clarissa refuses to lose her heart to a man who can’t pledge himself to her forever.

Pat Cleary, despite his reputation, is actually looking for “The One.” When he does give his heart away, he wants it to be for life. With his parent’s marriage as his guidebook, he wants a woman who will be his equal and soul mate in every way.

Can Pat convince everyone – including Clarissa – she’s the only woman for him?

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My Sexy Saturday109 – GirlfriendsRUs

This week’s theme: My Sexy Girlfriend

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This is our nod to all the sexy girlfriends out there. We know all about a sexy girlfriend and how their lover feels about them. There are the hidden looks, the longing gaze, the love shining in their eyes and all the things that come with love. The girlfriends can in all shapes and sizes because sexy has no bounds.  We love sexy and it’s always so fun to share.

Sexy can be anything, such as romantic moments like walks on the beach, a home cooked meal or even in another galaxy. It could be two lovers here on Earth dreaming about the day where they go on a magical vacation to another planet. Or staying right here at one of those wonderful places we can find in our own world.

Sexy has nothing to do with looks or status or even wealth. It doesn’t demand perfection and it isn’t pretentious but it does make us want to read those books.

We know that everyone has their own idea of sexy and we all love sexy!

This scene is from my new release FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

“Did you know about this?” Clarissa asked, her brown eyes moist as they peered up at him.

He nodded. “Moira and I talked about it at Alaina’s christening. I know you were shocked when we came through the door and saw everyone, but we really wanted you to have a party, Clarissa, and a surprise seemed fitting. I hope you’re okay with it.”

She squeezed his arm as shiny tears pooled in the outer corners of her eyes. Before he could say another word, she laid a hand across his cheek, and, with what he knew were several pair of inquiring, nosey eyes watching them, kissed him softly on the lips.

Somewhere behind them he heard his mother sigh.

“It’s the nicest, sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me,” she said. “Thank you.”

He wanted to tell her there would be a lifetime of parties from now on, since he was never going to let her go. She never had to worry again about being alone on her birthday, or any other day. The notion he wanted her with him, in his life, forever, shook him to his very core. But it wasn’t unease he felt. It was absolute joy.

With another nod, he said, “Okay then, let’s go have a party.”

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My Sexy Saturday Blog hop. Click on and find some Sexy new authors.

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MySexy Saturday # 108

 

Here’s a sexy scene from my upcoming 9/23/15 release FIRST IMPRESSIONS

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Her fingernails raked over the muscles of his torso, and with feather-light movements, twirled and dipped around his nipples, now as taut as hers.

He pulsed against her lap, hot and solid, and every time her tongue sucked at his, he grew even harder.

“I want to be inside you,” he whispered into her ear, taking the lobe between his teeth and biting, “pounding into you until we’re both senseless. But I want to go slow, too. I want to learn every beautiful inch of you, everything that gives you pleasure.” He pulled back and gazed into half closed lids, drunk and hooded with desire. “And then I want to make you come as many times as I can. Over and over.”

He watched her open those cocoa-colored eyes wide, so dark now he couldn’t see where the pupils ended and the color began, and swallowed. Hard.

Her cheeks flushed with a rosy pink hue, offsetting the paleness of her perfect skin. Skin he wanted to run his hands, his teeth, and his tongue across. And then do it again.
“No one’s ever said that to you before, have they?”

She shook her head, the movement causing her unsecured breasts to sway enticingly against his hands.

“I intend to say it to you as often as I can.” He took her face between his hands and gently rubbed her cheeks with his thumbs. “Clarissa. I want you so much. So much.”

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Dream a dream…wish a wish….

I receive a GOODREADS email/update almost every day – for which I am thankful. I lovelovelove Goodreads. One thing I’ve noticed in my notifications ( too much alliteration, there?) are the reader updates. A listing of what people I follow or my “friends” are currently reading.  If you have a KINDLE, the device – or I guess Amazon, really, plugs you into Goodreads when you start and finish the book so you can update your progress. I do this too, I list the book I’m into at the moment, and then mark it when I’m done as “read.” I always rate it, sometimes review it.

Yesterday, I received an email update with what 74 of my friends are reading. Goodreads lists the person’s name, along with book title and cover. Of those 74 updates ( and there were 531 books being read or added to my friend’s lists) I didn’t see mine, once. I realized, at that moment, how much it would really mean to me as an author to see my book cover and title plastered onto someone’s Currently Reading or Read column.

Conceited, much??

Nah, just a hopeful author looking for readers who like my work. So, if you’re on Goodreads and you’ve read one of my books……….

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