Clare London talks vanilla – but not in the way you think!
As a younger woman, I was a vanilla lover. In ice cream, that is! (what else were you thinking? LOL). But over the years I’ve branched out into exploring all sorts of flavours. I’m also a guilty fan of exotic, sweet cocktails. So what could be better than mixing the two together?
When Sue Brown and I first discussed writing a series of romantic stories together, we were probably wishing we were in a fashionable bar, listening to soft jazz music and chatting over margaritas, rather than sitting in my canvas conservatory, drinking coffee and listening to a loud game of hockey from the nearby school! But when she described the alcoholic ice cream shop she’d once seen in London – well, we were sold on that setting.
The series is based around an ice cream shop/café, With A Kick. The ice creams there aren’t just creamy and sweet. Their “Adult” menu ices contain real, strong-flavoured alcohol. What could be better for our guys in search of romance than to find it over a boozy bowl of Rum Barbarella, Ice Bergman, or – as in this first story of mine – A Twist and Two Balls?
You’ll have to read the story to find out what gives the dessert its name – and whether the recipes work for our characters’ sweet and sexy tastes! I hope you enjoy the tale.
ABOUT THE WITH A KICK SERIES: “A new and enticing ice cream franchise, with a unique blend of full flavour, mischief and romance. Patrick and Lee are struggling to make a success of their alcoholic ice cream shop in the centre of tourist London. At the same time, their business partnership may take a turn towards the personal – if either of them can find the time and nerve to go for it! Meanwhile, they cater to the wild and wonderful range of customers in the area, many of whom have their own romantic agenda. Will ice cream be the final ingredient they’re all looking for?”
Each story will have a self-contained romance, but will follow the history of the shop throughout. So come along and sample the refreshments at With A Kick and meet the men who are all seeking ice cream and romance – a perfect combination!
JUST FOR FUN: Today’s random ice cream fact: Historians remember that Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) loved to eat snow flavoured with nectar and honey. And Elvis Presley is said to have loved ice cream – apparently his favourites were chocolate milkshakes and peach ice cream.
(So it’s not just me LOL).
Clare is offering a FREE download today of the first book, A TWIST AND TWO BALLS, penned by her.
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ABOUT TWIST AND TWO BALLS – With A Kick book #1
BLURB: Eduardo Mancini is going to be a star of the London stage and screen. Or that was the plan. His alter ego Eddy March hasn’t got further than the chorus and a bit part in a TV series. His parents aren’t supportive, his agent can’t place his particular skills, and he’s finding it hard to hang onto his young dreams. Things go from bad to worse when he’s late for an important audition, hasn’t got enough money to pay the taxi fare, and is chased across the streets of Soho by the irate driver.
Eddy reaches what he believes is sanctuary – With A Kick, a store where ice creams are blended with alcohol and imagination, and where his friends can help him. But Nuri the taxi driver is persistent in his steady pursuit, above and beyond the money he’s owed. Despite their very different characters and background, Eddy and Nuri’s relationship goes from a complete unknown to a wary balancing act. There are still mistakes to be made, and hurdles to clear. And both of them have to admit that their life so far hasn’t gone the way they planned.
But maybe being caught by Nuri was just what Eddy’s career needed – both for his job and his heart.
Follow the series at www.clarelondon.com Cover art by Lou Harper at www.louharper.com
Buy Links for A Twist and Two Balls:
NEW ARRIVALS + COMING SOON:
Book #2: Hissed as a Newt by Sue Brown, released on Sep 29.
Blurb: “All guys do emotional just in different ways. I eat ice-cream, you get drunk in the gutter…” A drunk clown rolling around in the gutter is not what David Wright expects to find as he walks to With A Kick, his favourite ice-cream shop. David has had a lousy day. A literary agent has crushed his dreams and all he wants is the consolation of alcoholic ice-cream. He’s about to walk away when he realises the clown has been dumped by his boyfriend. On a whim, David takes the clown into With A Kick before he gets arrested. Underneath the smeared make-up, he meets Stan, who has just found his boyfriend and best friend getting more than friendly. Over ice-cream, David and Stan discuss their problems and discover maybe they can help each other.
Buy Links for Hissed as a Newt:
Book #3: Slap and Tickle by Clare London, will be out on Oct 29.
Blurb: Bryan is an accountant who admires order and self-discipline. When he literally bumps into Phiz outside With A Kick, Phiz’s lifestyle and behaviour appear totally chaotic. But they each recognise something in the other that they need. Bryan needs a lover who welcomes his secret desire, and Phiz needs a firm hand – in every way. They both agree that Bryan may be just the man to provide it.
Read Donna’s review on A Twist and Two Balls here
I enjoy a nice dish of ice cream. Nothing better.
I like almost all ice cream flavors except for a few of the seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie and apple pie, but a good creamy vanilla is still my favorite.
LOVE Clare’s books, and I enjoy making and eating ice cream (made a dark chocolate bourbon flavor last week, as a matter of fact). This sounds fantastic!
I love rocky road and cookie and cream ice cream. I’ve only made ice cream once before and it wasn’t with a machine…it was fun but a little time consuming.
peppermint choc chip is the only flavour worth drooling over lol
Who doesn’t love ice cream!
Chocolate Fudge from Baskin Robbins is one of my favorites.
I love ice cream but I’m sitting here freezing right now. I’d still love to read about it, though!
I love chocolate chip ice cream.
I love making ice cream, not only do I know exactly what is in it but I can make any flavor I’d like! 🙂