GUEST BLOG POST - Malia Mallory

Top Five Most Romantic Places in the United States

Naming a top romantic location is a subjective endeavor to be sure. However, I don't come to this uninformed. I've lived in thirteen states and visited twenty-six more. So, I've only missed eleven states. While there are many other romantic locations, here are my top five within the United States.

1. Hawaii - From the pristine beaches to year-round temperate weather, Hawaii has all the elements needed to spark romance. Beautiful star-filled skies highlight moonlit walks on the beach. The roaring waves of the ocean provide soothing sounds. Hawaii is a place where you can away from it all - literally. Hawaii is about as far away as you can get from everywhere else! Seriously though, Hawaii provides relaxation in abundance and being stress free certainly sets the stage for romance.

2. New York City - There is adventure to be had in the city that never sleeps. Wonderful food can be found even at 4:00 a.m. Dancing, clubs, shows - all are wonderful couple activities. Central Park is a sanctuary in the middle of the city - perfect for strolling or relaxing. Why not feed the ducks in one of the lakes? You can also take in your choice of every type of museum. New York City gives you the chance to indulge in whatever you are interested in - art, science, food, ocean (beach in Brooklyn!), plays, sightseeing and much more.

3. San Francisco - San Francisco is compact. It's limited in spread by its location on a peninsula. Though you can't get everywhere on foot, you can certainly see many things that way. Depending on where you stay, Chinatown or the wharf might be a short distance away. Sharing a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge or dipping your foot in the ocean are fun experiences. Don't forget to ride a cable car, stumble down Lombard (the world's most crooked street) and stop at Alcatraz. A prison might not seem romantic at first blush, but when you get scared, it's a good opportunity to clutch onto your sweetie! Remember, it's the unique experiences that create good memories.

4. New Orleans - French Quarter - do I need to say more? Just kidding, from yummy food (jambalaya) to unusual food (alligator!?!), New Orleans has tasty eats. Depending on when you go, you might even find a party! New Orleans is another city where the romantic walk sets the mood. Meander through historic areas and then settle in to people watch at a sidewalk café.

5. Las Vegas - Las Vegas has the marvelous ability to morph into whatever you want it to be. If you like hazard, you can certainly get your fill. However, you can enjoy an entire vacation in Vegas without gambling and have a very good time. Las Vegas has natural elements for outdoor enjoyment like Red Rock Canyon and rafting the Colorado River. Every kind of cuisine is represented somewhere in Las Vegas from In-N-Out Burger to high-end steakhouses. I've had many of my best meals ever here - and I lived in NYC for fifteen years. There is great nightlife from shows to dancing. Whatever kind of activity you and your sweetie enjoy, from roller coasters to indoor sky diving, you can find it here.

I admit, I've just scratched the surface. In all honesty, anywhere can be romantic. It's who you are with and what you are doing. What is your suggestion for the most romantic spot in the United States?

Tabitha Quinn's Hawaii vacation was anything but ordinary. Dominant billionaire Marcus Granger saved her life, swept her into his bed, and then left her heartbroken. Now she's back in New York, mourning the man she's sure she'll never see again.

Marcus may have left handprints on her skin, but Tabitha's left handprints on his heart: he tracks her down, and they resume the sizzling affair they began in the islands.

Tabitha belongs to Marcus body and soul in bed, but she worries she doesn't belong in his high-stakes world. They've already dodged a murder attempt, and now Marcus is fighting off a competitor's takeover. When the rival company obtains critical information, suspicion falls on Tabitha. She has to prove she's innocent--and worthy to wear Marcus's collar.

Marcus tapped his stomach. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry. If you fix something, I'll reward you later. Deal?"

"Sure." Tabitha pulled chicken from the refrigerator as Marcus left her to find her way around the kitchen. She planned to cook something quick and easy on the stovetop. She located onions, chopped them and tossed them into a sauté pan. Further searching turned up rice and spices. A little saffron and cardamom and she'd have something tasty.

Once everything was in the pan, she tracked down the makings of a salad. That would do, she thought, chicken and rice with salad. Simple but appetizing.

As she set the table, Marcus reappeared, towels in hand. "I thought you might want one for sitting." He spread one on the chair at the head of the table and the other on the chair to the side.

Tabitha handed Marcus the salad bowl. "This whole nudity thing. I'm not sure if I'd get used to it. Might get chilly."

Marcus stole a carrot slice out of the salad and tossed it in his mouth. "I imagine so. But it can be a fun change of pace."

"Yes." Tabitha brought the chicken and rice to the table, and they settled in.

Marcus gazed on the food with appreciation. "This is great. I'm starving."

"I hope you like it. I make it quite often."

Marcus placed one hand on her thigh as he took a bite with the other.

Tabitha's fork stopped in mid-air as heat flooded her. She was glad for the towel underneath her. The last thing she wanted was to stain the upholstery.

Marcus massaged her skin and slid his hand between her thighs.

Tabitha set down her fork. "Marcus!"

He continued eating. "Yes?"

"I can't eat when you do that."

"You can't?" He took another bite of chicken, clearly enjoying it. His fingers searched her intimate recesses.

Tabitha pursed her lips, displaying an amused frown. "No. I'm too distracted."

"Mmm. That is unfortunate. This meal is wonderful."

"It's hard to think about eating right now."

Marcus maintained his innocent air while he explored her moistening skin. "Really? I'm having no trouble at all." He ingested another bite.

Malia Mallory lives in Hawaii with her husband and daughter. She's been working with words since alphabet blocks rolled into her crib, not only writing her own work but copy editing and proofreading the work of others. She has loved to read about relationships since she first sneaked off with her mother's Harlequin.

Malia Mallory is the best-selling author of The ABCs of Erotica series, which covers the erotic spectrum from BDSM to ménage and everything in between. More releases in the series are on the way. She has also released the Mia's Cop Craving series and Santa's Backdoor Baby. Malia’s books have hit the bestselling erotica lists at both Amazon and iTunes. Her books are available in electronic format at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes& Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Smashwords and AllRomance Books.

For a free copy of B is for Beach from The ABCs of Erotica, head to her website and sign up for the newsletter at http://www.maliamallory.com/Join_My_Mailing_List.php.

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