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.
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.
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.
Social
Media Links:
Website
link https://www.calliecarmen.com/
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.
