Risking Love - #Cooking #Romance #GreekFood #Giveaway @Callie_Carmen

 Image by Jeff Velis from Pixabay

By Callie Carmen (Guest Blogger)

My first date with my husband, which I mention in my novel, Patrick, was at a Greek diner. The food there was excellent, so I was happy that he had chosen that restaurant for our brunch. The strawberry cheesecake and Spanakopita there were to die for.

Our next date was at an Italian restaurant which happened to be my favorite type of food - it better be as I am Italian. We shared a quite good pizza, but when my husband asked the waitress for mustard and then proceeded to spread it all over his pizza, I was appalled. I looked him in the eyes, and said, “Please don’t ever do that again when you are out with me.” He smirked then reached across the table with a slice. “Here take a bite then tell me not to do it again.” I leaned in and took that bite, and it tasted great. The smile on his face when he saw that I liked it was adorable.

Also mentioned in Patrick was the first and last meal that my husband had ever made for me. It was a few months into our relationship and was the worst meal I’d ever eaten, and I’ve tried my mother’s favorite food liver and onions which I hated, so that was saying a lot. He never cooked, so his effort in making that dinner was greatly appreciated and sexy.

Patrick did, however take Jaq on a dinner cruise and they had filet mignon, lobster, and wine and it was heavenly.

Nicolas, in my Risking Love series, was raised by his Greek parents that owned a successful Greek restaurant. Their cooking skills rubbed off on all their children, especially his brooding, hot brother Damon. Nicolas made supper for Carlie, and it was delicious. But when Damon, the chef of their family restaurant, cooked a meal fit for a king for her, she was floored. She yearned to be part of Nicolas’s lively, loving, family full of hot, charming men.

Contest and giveaway – Free book! For a chance to win a free ebook of either Patrick or Nicolas, just leave a comment on this post! I will select the winner from those who have commented.

I hope you enjoy this Greek food excerpt from my book Nicolas.

Excerpt from NICOLAS

A large shadow hung over me. I looked up and saw who I assumed was another brother—the most gorgeous brother of them all. His shoulders were even broader than Nicolas’s. Even through the white chef’s jacket, I saw he had a strong muscular build. His brooding face and silence were a bit intimidating though. As if that wasn’t bad enough, when we locked eyes I saw that he was judging me. He made me shiver.

Their father saved me from his scrutiny as he swooped in and kissed me first on one cheek, then the other.

“Carlie, it’s so nice to meet you. Welcome to our home away from home. Nicolas has told us so much about you. I hope you enjoy your dinner, and if my Nicky gives you any trouble you come and see me,” his dad said with a wink.

I could see where his sons got their charm. I thanked him and took my seat, completely overwhelmed with the warmth of Nicolas’s family. They were all so outgoing, so accepting, and I could tell they were a close-knit family that loved to razz each other. I glanced back up and found that the shadow-maker still stood there with his stoic stare. Well, maybe they weren’t all warm and accepting.

Nicolas introduced his brother Damon.

“I’ll be making your dinner personally. If you don’t see what you want on the menu, feel free to make a special request,” Damon said, though it sounded more like a command.

“That’s so generous of you, Damon. I appreciate it. Nicolas told me that you’re an amazing chef. I’d love to hear what you recommend.”

I saw a little sparkle in his eyes as he gave Nicolas a smidgeon of a smirk. God forbid he lose the brooding look entirely.

“In that case, I’ll start you off with Garides Tourkolimano Shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, covered in feta cheese, and served with crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce, with a drink of ouzo.”

I rubbed my hands together and said, “Yummy.”

“Next, I’ll serve a mix of side dishes and main entrées that you can both share—Souvlaki marinated pork tenderloin and grilled veggie skewers. Also Spanakopita —a rich pie stuffed with spinach, onions, cheese, and herbs in flaky phyllo dough. Then Baked Asparagus and Feta, with lemon and a little chili pepper kick.”

My eyes felt like they were growing bigger by the second as I rubbed my tummy and licked my lips.

“You have to try Chicken Kozani with prunes and onions to lend sweetness; paprika adds a smoky flavor served over steamed rice. Then I can’t let you miss out on Lamb Feta Peppers—a savory combination of lamb, rice and feta cheese, stuffed in sweet green peppers and smothered with sauce. All served with Greek wine.”

“Oh my God,” I gasped.

“And for dessert, Baklava—a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.”

I slumped down in my chair like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. How was I supposed to walk after eating all that delicious food?

“Damon, that all sounds amazing, but there’s only two of us. How could we possibly eat all that?”

“No worries. My brothers will stop by and pick at the food, as they torture Nicolas about bringing home a special woman for the first time. Don’t be surprised when Mom and Dad stop by again too. Anything you don’t finish I can send home with you in a doggie bag.”

At that point, my mouth hung open in disbelief. Here I was in a sea of gorgeous Greeks, with a man I’d only spent four hours with the night we met, yet they were treating me like I was someone special. I didn’t even know Nicolas. How on earth was meeting his entire family a good idea for a first date?

Nicolas reached over and gently closed my mouth by pushing my chin up. Then he chuckled.

One dish after the next came out of the kitchen, always with a different member of the family. Each time they’d tease and bust Nicolas’s chops, and the ouzo and wine just kept coming. I enjoyed the food and company so much; I couldn’t believe how relaxed and at home I felt with these boisterous, loving people.

My family was nothing like this. We were less talkative and a lot less outgoing and friendly. We were usually wary of strangers. Of course, in the neighborhood where my family lived, that was necessary, or you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

One family member after the next had told me a hilarious story about Nicolas—from his diaper days all the way through his high school years. I learned so much about him. The more I learned, the more my heart softened toward him.

My favorite was the one Seth told about when they went to visit the Easter bunny at the mall. Nicolas, eight at the time, had claimed he was too old to believe in the Easter bunny. To prove his point, when the man wearing the suit bent down to pick up little Aaron, Nicolas had pulled the bunny head off the guy. There were screams from all the young children that were standing in line. Nicolas had been so proud of himself for being right that he hadn’t noticed his actions had terrorized all the other kids. He’d stood with his hands on his hips, a smug grin on his face, and eyes that had twinkled up at his mother and father. Priceless.

My sides ached from all the laughing I did. I could only imagine how his brothers were going to pay for their embarrassing storytelling. If they knew what was good for them, they wouldn’t bring a woman home anytime soon. Nicolas would make sure that what they’d dished out would be given back tenfold.

When I stood up to say my goodbyes, my body swayed a bit. Nicolas took me by the elbow and walked me over to each family member. When I reached Damon, he still had a brooding face, but I didn’t care one bit. His food had been too magnificent not to give the man a big hug and a kiss on the cheek to thank him.

He stood there, not making a move, except for a flinch of his cheek when I stood on my toes and kissed him. Aaron and Seth busted his butt, and Nicolas pulled me back to his side mouthing a silent “Mine” to his older brother.

Nicky’s mother smiled at her sons’ antics as she packed up enough food to last me the rest of the week.

I sighed. What I wouldn’t give to have a family like that.

NICOLAS (Risking Love Book 2)

Carlie planned to finish at the top of her class, get a corporate job, and work her way up the ladder. She refused to risk having a life of poverty ever again. Within her plans there was no room for a relationship. So she had sworn off men; especially the good Dr. Nicolas Antonis.

Nicolas had other plans. They included her becoming his.

As if Nicolas wasn’t a big enough distraction; Carlie had to worry about her roommate’s, abusive ex-boyfriend, coming for her too.

Nicolas is the second novel in the Risking Love series. The stories chart a group of friends through life and love. These steamy stories will have you laughing, crying, and have your heart racing.

Buy Link:  http://books2read.com/u/mqVGQv 

I hope you enjoy this first and last meal excerpt cooked by Patrick.

Excerpt from PATRICK

Oh, my goodness, Patrick's dinner was dreadful. He had fried the thick steaks instead of grilling or broiling them. It was like chewing rubber. I put my right index finger over my eyebrow, and the rest of my hand hung over most of my face so he couldn’t see my expression of revulsion. After gnawing on one piece for a good two minutes, I swallowed. I forced down another two pieces, then moved on to the spinach which I wanted to spit out. He’d poured it out of a tin can, and that was just how it tasted. My appetite was gone.

When I looked across the table and saw the dejected look on his handsome face, I gave him my brightest smile and said, “Thank, God, there's something you're not good at, and more importantly I’m a better cook than you. So there.”

He went from looking miserable to wearing a giant smile, then he leaned his head back and bellowed in laughter. This, of course, filled me with joy.

“You make me happy. I could kiss you.”

“Please do, but first what's for dessert? I'm back to being hungry again.”

He dished out two huge bowls of vanilla ice cream. Poured hot fudge, which was heated in the microwave, all over it.

“Yummy. It looks like you can cook after all.” He bent down and licked some hot fudge off my lips then gave me a sweet kiss. Something so simple yet desire shot through me like raging rapids rushing over boulders. Geesh.

PATRICK (Risking Love Book 1)

Jaq had no interest in a serious relationship because life at an early age had taught her that men weren't to be trusted. But she met Patrick who soon had her thinking about risking her heart. For Patrick the time for Jaq dating other men had ended. He wanted her all to himself. But would she stay if she knew the secrets of his past? Patrick wasn't the only man who wanted Jaq, and the other man was willing to kill to have her. Patrick is the first novel in the Risking Love series. The stories chart a group of friends through life and love. These steamy stories will have you laughing, crying, and have your heart racing.

Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/3krqEW 

Coming This Fall

Box Set Link: To pick up a deal on Patrick & Nicolas get the box set at https://amzn.to/2NXMDz9 at a discounted price.

About the Author

I started in the book business as a bookstore manager which was the perfect place for me since I was an avid reader. After two years, I moved to the corporate office as a buyer and eventually became a senior book buyer. This was a rewarding career that I loved.

Along the way, I decided to become a stay home Mom. I couldn't give up working around books altogether. I volunteered to run the book fairs in our small farm town, six per year. At the same time, I started and ran, A Child Oasis Company, with the sole purpose of placing a small book library in the homes of all the needy children in the nearby city. As my children became teens, I found I needed more in my personal life than the volunteer Mom for the schools. I sat down at the computer one day and Patrick, book one of the Risking Love series, was born. Book two, Nicolas is now available and receiving five star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

I am lucky that I found my soul mate and married him. Like my characters, I am a firm believer in true love and love at first sight.

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I hope you enjoyed this food blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win either a ebook copy of Patrick or Nicolas. Please include your email address so I can find you.