Growing up with Romance

Available HERE

When I was a teenager way back around 1980, my mom belonged to the Harlequin Readers Service and she would receive a box of romance books every month. She would pour over those books with a hunger only another book lover would understand. Sometimes I snuck a book and hid in the basement to discover the adventures that lay within the pages.

Mom’s favorites were historicals with brawny manly men such as cowboys and damsels in distress, or rich educated hunks such as a doctor and an established woman in search of a man accepting of her liberation.

As I grew as a reader, then became a writer, I came to appreciate the variety of characters behind well written romance stories. Personally, I don’t care for the wimpy gal who can’t tie her shoe without help. However, a gal does have the right to be doted on by a loving man…as long as she tends to her own footwear. Unless he’s taking off said footwear to give her peds some undivided attention.  After all, who doesn’t love a good foot massage?

Anyway…..back to my original trail of thought.

Available HERE

Creating characters is actually pretty fun. That is until they take over a writer’s mind and keep thus writer up all night until a scene or story is finished.  Let’s take the overly confident guy who helps a meek gal find her inner sensuality and eventually turns the table on him. He becomes empty and she is the only one who can fill him. This is much like my characters in Crow Magic.

Let me teased with a couple characters…. a hot cop with a dominate personality and a big city lawyer who is passive. Which do you think is the man and which is the woman? In my story Handcuffs & Silk, the rough, tough female cop learns a bit about herself when she has a one night stand with a hot male lawyer who’s a bit submissive.

I’m a sucker for a good romance story with well built characters (not referring to muscular build…well maybe. Duh!). Nonetheless, I believe heroes can have weakness and leading ladies can be strong.

What kinds of characters in leading roles do you prefer?

As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. She has written two books for the 1 Night Stand series and has many more flowing through her mind.

Website http://maryquast.com

Blog Romantic Interludes http://maryquast.blogspot.com/

Twitter @MaryQuast 

Let a Sexy Crow Shifter Carry Your Spirit

Crow Magic available HERE

By Mary Quast

After the Civil War, my ancestors settled in Michigan near a large tribal trading post and since then Native American legends, lore and herbal medicine are woven into the fabric of my heritage. My grandmother fascinated us with tales of spirit animals. With a toothless whisper she would often say, “Hush children. Crows are spirit carriers and you don’t want them hear you speak ill of the dead. The crow in the tree above us may be carrying the spirit of the person you are speaking of.  ” I remember watching a handsome crow in her backyard and imagined it carried Grandfather’s spirit to visit her.

I have crows nesting in the woods on my property and they are truly magnificent creatures to behold. My muse has wings and enjoys frolicking with the creatures. A crow landed with a gentle thump on the ground not far from where I sat one day. He tilted his head and watched me. Perhaps he expected a treat. I wondered whose spirit he carried. With a flutter of his wings he boasted his size. A vision of black silken feathers brushing seductively against pale skin tickled my mind’s eye. When the crow morphed into a drop-dead sexy man with is obsidian eyes, long black hair and tanned skin covering delicious muscles came to me, I couldn’t refuse his story. 

The intelligent gaze, silken feathers, strength of flight led my imagination to create the hero in Crow Magic. Tecumseh, aka Seth Crowe, is a Shawnee shaman who guides people out of the spiritual darkness of their lives, but at a cost on his own stability. He is naturally charming, but from his demanding 'work' his family fears he’s on a path of becoming bad-tempered and destructive. His family convinces him to use Madame Eve and her 1Night Stand service to find a special woman.

When the time comes for his date, the mischievous crow in animal form visits unsuspecting Lucy who opens her heart to the creature. Seth is moved and his spirit animal is drawn to her.  Once he makes his appearance as a man for their date, he uses his magic to draw out her fears and carries more than just her spirit out of darkness.

Now, my advice to you…never speak ill of anyone, especially when a crow is around. However, they are great listeners of dark secrets.

***************

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Check out another 1NS story from Mary Quast,  Handcuffs & Silk

Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both. 

Have a Romantic Halloween

Crow Magic available HERE

By Mary Quast

October has been one very full month. My tough football players wore pink socks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. I promoted my hunky crow shifter in Crow Magic to celebrate paranormal romance. AND we had one heck of a birthday party for the 1 Night Stand series! Now the month ends with the dark holiday of Halloween.

How about a “1 Night Stand” with your honey? Halloween should be seen as more than a night of candy and costumes for kiddies, but as a season to add some spice to your love life. Use the opportunity to bring guilty pleasures to life. Hide behind a mask, dress in a sexy outfit and role play. Become a sex kitten and explore fantasy for one night.

If that sounds a bit too risqué, then perhaps a simply romantic evening is in order. Light some cinnamon candles, pour dark red wine and carve a pumpkin together. Have fun in the kitchen and rediscover what all your hands can do to/for each other.  Hand out candy while sitting on the porch… snuggle on the step or sit on your honey’s lap. Once the porch light is out and the children have sorted their treasures, retire to the bedroom. Let your honey unwrap your Halloween surprise!

Always take time to add some spice to your romance. This is the perfect opportunity to offer your honey a change from the norm and find a new way to celebrate Halloween!

Romance author and artist, Mary Quast will be celebrating Halloween watching scary movies with her two eldest sons then taking her youngest trick or treating. She looks forward to relaxing with her husband in front of a fire and drinking Witches Brew.

When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “RomanticInterludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Connect on Facebook 

Twitter @MaryQuast  

1 Night Stand Books

buy Handcuffs & Silk HERE

buy Crow Magic HERE

  

Sneak Peek Sunday – Crow Magic

Crow Magic available HERE

By Mary Quast

Enjoy six paragraphs from Crow Magic and today is the last day to enter the Crow Magic Contest.

Hearing her name, she focused on him. He had removed his shirt, his bare chest shining with sweat while his arms commanded the night. As every muscle rippled, he emitted supernatural power, sending erotic shivers through her. With a quick bow, he began an ancient dance, moving in a series of mystical twists and turns. Through the graceful movements, he became god-like in the candlelight. Not able to take her eyes off the shaman dance, she caught sight of a large tattoo of black wings covering most of his back with the wing tips hidden under the edge of his pants.

The flames continued to stroke her without pain. Tongues of pleasure lapped her skin. She closed her eyes, the vision of black feathers embracing her returned. Was it her crow spirit or his? Power coursed through her veins and the inferno absorbed fear and apprehension. The face of a crow appeared and whispered her name. A violent renewal of forgotten vigor and confidence emerged. Inhibitions developed into sexual recognition. Fiery fingers caressed her torso and cupped her breasts. Her back arched in pleasure.

“May the flame continue to burn and always remind Lucy of her power as a woman.”

His voice drew her attention. She managed to open her eyes. Firelight painted his rigid muscles in gold and bronze. A lean warrior stood his ground, calling upon the elements to do his bidding. Silken wings emerged from his back and flexed behind him and in one fluid motion he unlocked his grasp and with his palms turned, plunged his arms downward.

“So be it!” His voice roared with the blare of many voices.

He held her gaze. The flames extinguished and electricity shot through her in a sudden piercing pain, followed by a wave of emotional warmth and comfort. The fire destroyed the demons of her past. Never again would she be harmed by a man or her fear. She commanded her own sensuality. Love poured from her inner core and encompassed her.

The hero in this story is a Native American Crow/Shifter. If you had an animal spirit which would it be? Enter the contest with your answer.

Rafflecopter code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Special Visitor

Crow Magic available HERE

by Mary Quast

The hero in Crow Magic is a Native American Crow/Shifter. The story came from stories a family friend would tell. “Indian Dave” taught the spirituality side of the gifted animal shifters. Even today when I see an animal, I wonder if it is a shifter or not.

A couple days ago a young hawk took a tumble while hunting in our wood. He found a quiet perch to dry off and rest, allowing my son and I a rare opportunity for a friendly visit. We approached him carefully and spoke to him in Chippewa. His reaction surprised us as he calmed down and simply watched us. He gazed at us as if settling in for conversation. At one point he showed curiosity regarding my cell phone.

Hawks are considered messengers. I asked “Gekek” (Chippewa for Hawk) if he had a message for me. Words entered my mind. “You need to begin writing a Hawk/Shifter story.”

I told him as soon as I finish my Eagle/Shifter, I will obligate his request. I only have one more chapter to write!

After several hours, he flew over my house with a call. What a blessing to have had him for the day!

Don’t forget to enter the Crow Magic Tour Contest to win one of three prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

13 Native American Spirit Animals

Crow Magic available HERE

By Mary Quast

Crow Magic came from the stories told every summer around the campfire at our family cottage in Michigan. Our neighbor, Indian Dave, used history, legends, and spiritual lore to weave fantasy and reality into timeless tales. My favorites included Spirit Animals and Shifters.

“Once a man opens himself to the Great Spirit, a guardian spirit in the form of an animal will be gifted upon him. This animal is a part of his soul. Some may choose his animal spirit, others will be born with theirs; the spirit within the chosen gives the body the ability to shift from human to animal The man may need to control instinctive urges as well as listen to the animal’s wisdom. The animal spirit can sense good and evil as well as the man’s one true love, the mate for both man and beast. ” – Indian Dave

Here is a list of my favorite Native American Spirit Animals taken from Tribes of the Great Lakes Region.

Crow

Golden Eagle

Bald Eagle

Hawk

Brown Bear

Wolf

Cougar

Owl

The Great Hare

Fox

Otter

Bobcat

Great Blue Heron

1

In honor of Native American shifters and my book, I’m giving away three awesome prizes this month. Please enter the Crow Magic Tour Contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Name a Hero Contest!

Buy Crow Magic HERE

By Mary Quast

When I finished writing Crow Magic, a lovely story featuring a Shawnee Crow shifter, an eagle visited me. The large bird sat on my porch railing looking me over with golden eyes and flexed his powerful talons. Through a mist the creature shifted into an incredibly sexy man. His eyes were the same gold as the eagles. His appearance dominated my porch but he moved in a graceful manner. He stood tall with a barrel chest dressed in baggy jeans and worn boots. His shoulder length black hair tipped with grey and a bit of white brushed his forehead. He ran his hands through the silky layers and explained like the eagle, his hair will change to white as he ages but he is assured me he’s in the prime of his life. I couldn’t agree more. Wowza!

This hot Jay Tavare look-a-like comes from a Chippewa tribe and is currently a Conservation Officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in a secret division used to catch wildlife poachers. He is looking for a good woman to live in his heart, warm his bed and love him for who/what he is. A friend told him to fill out an application for 1 Night Stand. He is seriously contemplating the idea.

He has a story to tell but he needs a name.

Leave your idea for a name. If it is chosen it will be the hero’s name forever and you will be acknowledged in the book. Thank you. I will send you a free copy of the book and a special handmade beaded bracelet.

When you leave your idea, make sure I can contact you if you’ve won.

Author Bio:

Erotic romance author Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. She is currently writing for the 1 Night Stand series from Decadent Publishing and her short stories can be found cheap on Smashwords.


Visit Mary's website http://www.maryquast.com/ or her blog http://www.maryquast.blogspot.com/

Thursday 13 - Sex tips to boost your love life

Buy Handcuffs and Silk HERE

By Mary Quast

It’s important to remember that sex should be fun.

1. Text him
Build up the suspense throughout the day by sending him messages telling him what you want to do to him and what you want him to do to you

2. Make noises
Moaning will not only make you concentrate on what’s going on, it’ll make him feel excited and want to do more.

3. Wear high heels
Very few men can resist a woman in heels and what’s more, recent research suggests it can do wonders for your pelvic floor muscles. They also make your legs look longer and shapelier. A guaranteed turn-on for your fella.

4. Suck his finger
Do it in public (if your religion’s teachings allow this). Just take his little finger in your mouth and swirl it around. It doesn’t look like much to anyone who sees you do it, but believe us, it’ll get him pretty turned on.

5. Talk dirty
It doesn’t have to be an epic, but try imagining the most dirty, erotic story you can think of it and then tell it. We know it may feel weird to start with, but only you and him will hear it, so just go for it. Make sure he can’t touch you while you’re telling it, as well.

6. Use food
The use of the contents of the fridge in the film 9 1/2 Weeks is well-known, but it shouldn’t be reserved for films. Eating with your hands and using food you can smear on each other’s bodies is fun and sexy.

7. Be naughty
Men are primitive beasts and they love something a little different - whether it’s a little light smacking, dressing up, or even going out wearing no knickers (if your religion’s teachings allow this) and then whispering it to him when you’re in the middle of a big crowd.

8. Take a bath together
Dim the lights, light the candles, use some nice, scented bubble bath and hop in. It’s another way to get close to each other and build up suspense. If your bath isn’t big enough…

9. Share a shower.
Wash each other all over with a sponge without any intimate touching - it can be very erotic and will get you both in the mood.

10. Take photos of each other
Either get hold of a cheap Polaroid, or now we’re in the 21st century, you could send him a saucy snap taken on your mobile. Get him to return the compliment. It’s a very effective form of foreplay.

11. Tie each other up
We’re not suggesting heavy bondage - just use some silk scarves or stockings instead. You can then tease whoever is pinned to the chair/bed and leave them panting for more. Just make sure the knots aren’t too tight.

12. Get the feathers out
Get a couple of feathers out and use them on each other’s body during foreplay. The feeling of them on your skin will give each of you a sexy shiver.

13. Undress each other
Taking each other’s clothes off can be very sexy and, if you’ve planned it in advance, you can make sure you both have nice underwear on that looks and feels sensuous to the touch.

***********

Buy Crow Magic HERE

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance 1Night Stand stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Check out her latest 1NS story - Crow Magic 

Crow Magic

Buy Crow Magic HERE

By Mary Quast

Native American spiritual beliefs were once influenced by their methods of hunting, growing crops and various life cycles throughout the year. They lived their lives attuned to the cycles of nature, life and death. Rituals and practices were derived from family and tribal legends as well as their environments. Ceremonies were practiced to maintain balance in life from individuals of a tribe to their relationship with their environment.

Today, many of these beliefs and ceremonies are still performed mostly for educational and entertainment. However, some are still practiced by some with a deep devotion to nature and heritage.

In the story, Crow Magic, readers will meet Tecumseh, aka Seth Crowe, a Shawnee shaman who guides people out of the spiritual darkness of their lives. He has an inherited ability to shift from man to crow at will and is slowly becoming a creature with a darkening soul if he doesn’t find his spirit mate soon. While he performs a special ceremony in the dark woods of the Appalachian Mountains, his spirit animal reacts to the woman he’s “saving” in a way he’s never experienced.

I hope readers enjoy this wonderful book full of deep spirituality with nature, sensuality and erotic pleasure.  Warning: book contains erotic sex while flying… and I’m not talking about in an airplane.

********

CROW MAGIC – new release

BLURB:

Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men and turns to Madame Eve to give her a man for a night that will help her overcome her fears to feel like a real woman. Eve arranges a night tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach her to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.

Seth Crowe, a shape shifter and Keeper of the Spiritual Law, considers himself to be a carrier of souls from darkness to light and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic. When his brother refers him to 1 Night Stand he certainly didn’t expect to find a fiery angel sleeping in a sensuous body and experience the true balance of nature. 

********

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Let a Sexy Crow Shifter Carry Your Spirit

Buy Crow Magic HERE

By Mary Quast

After the Civil War, my ancestors settled in Michigan near a large tribal trading post and since then Native American legends, lore and herbal medicine are woven into the fabric of my heritage. My grandmother fascinated us with tales of spirit animals. With a toothless whisper she would often say, “Hush children. Crows are spirit carriers and you don’t want them hear you speak ill of the dead. The crow in the tree above us may be carrying the spirit of the person you are speaking of.” 

I remember watching a handsome crow in her backyard and imagined it carried Grandfather’s spirit to visit her.

 

I have crows nesting in the woods on my property and they are truly magnificent creatures to behold. My muse has wings and enjoys frolicking with the creatures. A crow landed with a gentle thump on the ground not far from where I sat one day. He tilted his head and watched me. Perhaps he expected a treat. I wondered whose spirit he carried. With a flutter of his wings he boasted his size. A vision of black silken feathers brushing seductively against pale skin tickled my mind’s eye. When the crow morphed into a drop-dead sexy man with is obsidian eyes, long black hair and tanned skin covering delicious muscles came to me, I couldn’t refuse his story. 

The intelligent gaze, silken feathers, strength of flight led my imagination to create the hero in Crow Magic. Tecumseh, aka Seth Crowe, is a Shawnee shaman who guides people out of the spiritual darkness of their lives, but at a cost on his own stability. He is naturally charming but from his demanding “work”, his family fears he’s on a path of becoming bad-tempered and destructive. His family convinces him to use Madame Eve and her 1 Night Stand service to find a special woman.

When the time comes for his date, the mischievous crow in animal form visits unsuspecting Lucy who opens her heart to the creature. Seth is moved and his spirit animal is drawn to her.  Once he makes his appearance as a man for their date, he uses his magic to draw out her fears and carries more than just her spirit out of darkness.

Now, my advice to you…never speak ill of anyone, especially when a crow is around. However, they are great listeners of dark secrets.

 

***************

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Also by Mary Quast:  

Handcuffs & Silk