What inspired me to write Red Hot Roaster, the first tale from the Chocolate Lab Café?

That’s easy—you. If you’re anything like me, during stressful times, you look for a little break, a little treat, a little escape from reality. Right?

Reading has been that escape for me—mystery, fantasy, science fiction and romance, always romance. So after decades as a health marketing consultant and after recent years of uncertainty, I decided to create my own dose of healthy escape to offer you and other readers like us.

I built on three in-real-life inspirations for my contemporary romance series set in the fictional Portland neighborhood of Dogwood:

• My family’s adventures in running the original Chocolate Lab Café in a small Wisconsin town.
• My love for the red hot—yet not roaming—coffee roaster who heats up my heart and home.
• My affection for a long line of smouchy pups, starting with Bix, Frisky, Perky and Schnitzel in my youth and continuing with Hildy, Pirate—yes, there was an IRL Pirate!—Bonny Lass and our new Chocolate Lab rescue Scout.

Where do I spend my time when I’m not reading and writing?

You’ll find us strolling the sidewalks with Scout and hanging out at cafes in our Portland neighborhood–coffee in Portland, who knew? When we get the chance, we’re off to enjoy our favorite beaches, the nearby wine country and the central Oregon mountains. Or we’re planning our next trip to visit our son and French daughter-in-law on the west coast of Ireland—but that’s a romantic tale for another time.

How does my three-cherry rating system work for Manhattans…and other escapes?

To pluck the coveted three cherries rating, a Manhattan must balance the spicy with the bitter and the sweet.

• Rye whiskey in all its spiciness and 100 proof strength
• Sweet vermouth with both sweet and piquant notes
• Bitters that pack a pungent punch
• Cherry syrup with its dark, jammy goodness
• Cherry garnish on a pick—either sweet, plump maraschinos or sweet, soaked cherries
• Orange peel curl to add that citrusy edge
• Serve up or with a huge ice cube—even better, chill the glass beforehand

To earn the lackluster two cherries rating, a Manhattan must still make a valiant attempt to balance the bitter with the sweet. Yet this drink misses a key ingredient for that spicy, strong touch—100 proof rye whiskey. And where is that citrusy edge, where is the extra cherry?

To end up with the tasteless one cherry rating, a Manhattan—or its maker—must have lost the plot. The whiskey is weak at 80 proof. The bitters are missing entirely that make the drink all that more sweet in the end. The cherries, syrup and solid, have left town. And too much ice cuts the intensity.

Just a reminder: drink—and rate—responsibly. Whether it be Manhattans or good reads or great escapes.

And drop by my table anytime to talk romance.