Things I learned when I moved to New York from Texas...
by Lisa Renee Jones

- Coffee is not Coffee. It's CAWFFEE.

- Apparently, if you ask for a ‘pizza’ in New York you are obviously from Texas (aka another planet) like me! It's PIE. You want a PIE. Fortunately, there is no special size terminology--no Venti or Grande PIE--small, medium, large still apply.

- According to New Yorkers who swear they are the ones who KNOW ALL--Barbers, Bartenders, and Deli owners of which there are many--the problem with the rest of the world is that they are simply TOO nice. They aren't willing to do whatever it takes to get whatever they want. New Yorkers are. Personally, I think New Yorkers just get tired of being pushed and shoved in the subways, so they shove back. I've acquired that trait easier than expected!

- Pizza is the New York Taco but there is actually really good authentic Mexican Food in New York. Unfortunately, authentic Mexican food does not include good Queso, so I have to make my own. Did I mention I am a horrible cook but still mine is better than what you get here?

- The view from Battery Park is gorgeous and happy hour is indeed quite happy as you sit and overlook the water.

- Diners, DINERS, DINERS! What is the deal? There is a place called ‘DINER’ on every Long Island corner.

- In Manhattan, everything has the calorie count on it. In concept, this is great, but, man, it can really ruin a good cookie and coffee! Sometimes I just DON'T WANT TO KNOW!

- I wore shorts at Christmas in Texas. A week ago, I had a floor heater on in my house in Long Island. Something tells me this winter is going to be long and cold.

But I know how to HEAT things up! ALLURING TALES 2 is out in November--HOT WINTER NIGHTS!! Can't wait until then? No worries! Preorder at amazon: Click Here!

In the meantime, I wish you many sizzling good summer reads!

Lisa Renee Jones