D

D
As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
***********************************************************

Friday, October 4, 2013

Travel back in time with Paranormal Romance Author Eva Gordon and 'Lycan Gladiator'




Melissa stands in front of a small, dark blue building. The words "POLICE PUBLIC CALL
BOX" are written in white letters upon a black background across the top. A four-directional light tops the roof and double doors are located on one side.

"Ladies," Melissa addresses the assembled hostesses of the Author Roast & Toast. "Today we'll be traveling back through time to celebrate Eva Gordon's paranormal romance, LYCAN GLADIATOR. Our destination is ancient Rome, 95 A. D. In honor of the grand event, everyone will be wearing a toga."


"I need a few extra years of fabric to preserve my dignity," Mary says, trying to adjust the toga to cover her enormous boobs. "The girls are feeling a mite exposed."

"At least these sandals fit my 'huge' feet," Lyn says.

"Wonderful! Gosh, I can envision the fun we'll have!" AJ gushes with enough bubbly farm girl enthusiasm to rival a Texas oil geyser. She immediately whips out her iPhone and snaps a picture of the group.

Vonnie rolls her eyes. "AJ, hon, get it under control."

Frowning, Mac looks confused. "How are we going to travel through time?"

"Easy! Fairy magic!" Foster chirps.

"Unicorns have magic too," Lyn says, clutching Cuddles to her bosom.

"Good question!" Melissa says. "Morena has a helpful pamphlet explaining the basic physics of time travel. Before we leave, we'll do a quick review of string theory and quantum dynamics."

"Well, this should be interesting, " Mary says dubiously.

Vonnie snorts and giggles.

Morena hands out pamphlets.  When she reaches Lilly, T.T. the maltipoo barks and growls at the teenage werewolf. "Hey," Morena says, frowning at the animal.

"T.T., shush!" Lilly exclaims, waving a reprimanding finger at her little dog.

Morena shows her wolf teeth to T.T. "Knock it off or I'll eat you."

"Morena, you promised to stop eating dogs!" Melissa shouts.

"You'll notice how Nibbie is much better behaved than T.T.," Mary brags, earning a sharp glance from Lilly.

"What's that big blue thing behind Melissa?" AJ asks, squinting as she waves her phone about, snapping random pictures. "Is it a huge mailbox?"

"Stop that!" Lyn mutters. "My feet are not for photographing."

"This big blue box is called a Tardis," Melissa explains. "It is our time travel machine. Following extensive Internet research, I discovered that the English have the market cornered on time travel machines. It was either this or H.G. Wells' two-seater."


"How the heck is everyone going to fit in there?" Vonnie demands, sizing up Creighton. The bear shifter is big enough to fill up the call box all by himself.

"I admit, I'll be a bit cramped but this was the best ride available," Melissa assures everyone.  "Now, someone may need to get to know Mary's girls in a whole new way. And we'll have to work to make sure Lyn's feet aren't against another hostess' nose, but I'm sure we'll manage."

After much groaning and moaning, the entire assemblage crowds into the Tardis. With an enormous effort, Oliver manages to shove the double doors shut on the hostesses and their familiars.

"Woot! Off we go!" Melissa shouts, throwing the switch and pushing the button.

With a chitty-chitty bang-bang, the time machine transports everyone to an ancient Roman bathhouse. The building is made of white marble, tall columns supporting a high ceiling. There is a huge rectangular pool and lounge chairs arrayed about the patio. Lilting harp and flute music echoes throughout the chamber.





Attractive servants bear platters stacked high with food.

Choices include bread, olive oil, cheeses, lentils, peacock brains, grapes, dates and fresh meat. 











There are lead based cups full of wine.

LOTS AND LOTS of wine.


"Okay!" Melissa says as people pile out of the Tardis. "Just so everyone knows, the vomitorium is to your right!"


Without further ado, let's welcome Eva Gordon and her great new book 'Lycan Gladiator'.
LYCAN GLADIATOR
By: Eva Gordon
Published By: Corvallis Press
Purchase on Amazon Kindle
Published: Aug 18, 2013
ISBN # 9781625289803
Word Count: 95,000
Print Length: 282 Pages
Book tagline:
A lycan gladiator in Rome's brutal arena vows to claim his forbidden mate … but her secrets may seal their doom.

Blurb:
During a time of bloody gladiator games and treacherous schemes, a secret society of lycans live amongst the Romans.

When Ulric, a lycan gladiator, meets a mysterious human woman with green eyes, he’s drawn to her fiery beauty, enraptured by her alluring aroma. Unfortunately, Ulric and the beauty are slaves. To make matters worse, he can mate only with someone marked with the sign of the wolf.
Cassia’s hidden wolf mark burns in the presence of the handsome gladiator. While her heart yearns to be near Ulric, logic warns her against it—having a slave as a mate is against the lycan society’s plans for her.
In spite of the lycan society’s rules and the emperor’s brutal plots, their love grows … but their passion just may cost them their lives.
 Excerpt:
“Baaa!”

His fangs emerged and drool pooled in his mouth. Fresh kid. People in his way quickly stepped aside lest they be caught in his blood lust. He smiled. What did it matter if he started the performance earlier with a fresh kill? Let them know the ferocity of a wolfen. His claws sprang out, and he stalked his prey. Ready to break its neck. His low growl silenced the frozen bystanders. A woman screamed and he hesitated. He stiffened, thunderstruck at the vision of the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“Egidius!” The woman dressed in a fine, white gold-laced tunic and matching palla dashed from the alleyway. Her veil askew, she knelt by her goat and covered him with her arms. She glared at him with intense, captivating green eyes. A sprig of green in the dust-ridden market. “You will not eat my goat!”


He forgot his fangs were out and drool dripped from his lower lip. Realizing his beast-like state, he cupped his hand over his mouth like a bashful child. A curled strand of her rich brown hair slipped from its upswept style and hung down her exquisite long neck. Her figure, slender like a swan.

Her hand gripping her goat’s rope, she stood. He did not smell fear, most unusual for a Roman woman facing the infamous wolf man. Her emerald eyes pierced through his hardened soul. He sniffed her aroma. Her divine scent made him forget his hunger, at least for food. Something about her calmed him. What manner of spell had she cast? He felt drunk with wine, not to the point of belligerence, but enough to make him relax and nap. She appeared to be upper class, a woman unavailable to him not only for his status but also because of his kind. Yet she did not look Roman. Was she from Gaul or perhaps the north? He gave her a wolfish grin. “If you are off to the butcher, I would love to share a bite of meat with you.” He gently guided her from the major thoroughfare.

She frowned and adjusted her fallen veil with her free hand. “Egidius is my pet. I brought him to have his hooves trimmed.”

He boomed a laugh. “A goat for a pet?” He glanced down at her beautiful face. He heard the loud beat of her heart even in the din of the passing crowds. The sound pleased him. Was she his mate? Not possible. She did not wear the red cloak of the wolf maiden.

Her green eyes met his. “I have heard of you, gladiator.” She scoffed. “Ulricus, wolf king of the Verspilles.”

If only he could tell her he was not what the Romans called a monstrous wolf man but rather a lycan from the north, but she would not understand the difference. Like an adolescent boy, he boasted, flexing his biceps. “Come tonight and witness the Wolf Hunt.


Where to purchase Lycan Gladiator
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
All Romance


ISBN: 9781625289803
Coming Soon to Apple and in Trade Paperback.
Author Bio:
I write fantasy and paranormal novels with a strong romantic element. I love to create stories that combine my passion for mythology, romance and werewolf lore. I also write steampunk and Victorian era historical and 
alternative novels. Busy sending them out to agents and publishers.
Apocalyptic Moon is the first in my After the Bane series. Coming soon will be Lycan Gladiator in my paranormal wolfish romance historical series, The Wolf Maiden Saga.
I have a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. I have taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in my den writing, I enjoy world travel, steampunk conventions, hiking, raptor rehabilitation and wolf sanctuaries.
I also teach online workshops on wolf lore ancient falconry and animal lore for Romance Writers of America and other writer groups. If you are interested in my workshops, please contact me.


Other links for Eva Gordon
Paranormal Romance/Fantasy Author
Animal Lore Specialist/Raptor educator

Praises for Lycan Gladiator:

“A fast-paced, historical Roman adventure filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense and sizzling hot passion!”

Ann Charles, Multiple Award-winning Author

If you like your paranormal romance with jagged edges and tension as taut as a garrote, strong characters and larger than life conflict, this new series is going to rock your world as you are pulled back in time and find yourself standing in the arena hearing the shouts for blood. Eva Gordon knows how to make a bold paranormal statement!

Tome Tender Book Blog Dii’s 5 Star Review

Praises for Eva Gordon’s other book, Apocalyptic Moon (review snippets) in After the Bane Series
Over 21 5 Star Reviews on Amazon!


Ms. Gordon has put her own spin on the often-used lore of zombies, werewolves and witches, making them attractive and new even to the most jaded reader. The dry sense of humor mixed with suspense and action is well-balanced and the point-of-view switches go smooth, adding depth to the characters and story. I love this read. It has kept my attention till the end, and I would suggest it to anyone tired of the same old zombie and werewolf stories.
Coffee Time Romance - 5cups

 “The world she painted of life after zombies took over the world was so clearly written I could picture every scene she depicted.”
Book Obsessed Chicks - 5 stars

“This story is full of awesome characters. You have Witches, Zombies, Werewolves, Shifters and magic! Plus a budding romance in the making. What more could you ask for?”
By Brenda R. at Love All Things Books Reviews - 5 butterflies


“Yes, you read the genre correctly.  I consider this a dystopian story - one with zombies taking over the world and civilization crumbling.”
“Dora has become one of my favorite heroines, her snarky attitude and determined mindset were a perfect fit for this story.  Loaded with all the action you could ask for, and plenty of hot werewolf all along the way, I finished hoping for more - and I hear there's a second in the works and I can't wait!”
Reviewed by: Jasmyn, at Bitten By Paranormal Romance      

 “Where was this gem hidden? How didn’t I find it before? I’m a paranormal junkie who loves a good end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it theme! Apocalyptic Moon has it all! Werewolves, wait, let me re-phrase that, a HOT Alpha werewolf, a strong female who lives under a family curse of an early death, who discovers she is more than a mere human, humans acting inhumanely, and zombies."
“Add to that, the fabulous writing talent of author Eva Gordon, who has nailed this story to the wall and I’m in book heaven!”
My rating: 5 of 5 stars  Dianne at Tome Tender Blog

 “If Paranormal is your genre, do not go pass Apocalyptic Moon. This one will surpass your expectations. It did mine!”
“Eva Gordon spins a wonderful tale, with blistering indulgence in sensual pleasures, interesting characters, and a twisty, unpredictable plot that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.”
Musing Maddie on Goodreads 

 “Apocalyptic Moon is a great book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book set in this world.”
Busy Mom Book Reviews.

“Apocalyptic Moon (After the Bane) is an action-packed adventure with plenty of drama and suspense for all of the paranormal adrenaline-junkies out there. Peppered with witty, dry humor to alleviate some of the most contentious moments, the novel will keep you spell-bound and clamoring for more.”
Barbara Ann at Sun Mountain Reviews, 5 stars.

***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Eva's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

38 comments:

  1. Greeting and Salutations Good People of Rome,
    I love the Roman Baths and your choice of cuisine. I will be bringing my own wine goblets, to avoid the lead.

    I'll be going to yoga for an hour and then return before lunch to enjoy the festivities. Yoga helps me fit in my toga. Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning everyone. Hi Eva! This is my first skit so I hope you enjoyed it. I had no clue what I was doing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Whew! (Vonnie waves her hand in front of her nose). My curiosity got the best of me and I checked out the vomitorium. Girls, you don't even want to go in there. That's some nasty stench... Ohhhh, look! Gladiators!!! I'm checking them out next. Mac, wanna come along?

    ReplyDelete
  4. *hikes up her toga so she can move more quickly and hurries after Vonnie, calling over her shoulder*

    Hiya chickies! Eva, your book sounds awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great skit, Melissa, I love time travel and a hunky Gladiator. Can we say Gerard Butler? I hope we can wear bathing suites in that Roman bath. And don't worry, Vonnie, I have no plans of checking out the vomitorium. Ewww!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi everyone - Lyn hugs her sister hostesses and blows air kisses to Eva.

    Your book sounds wonderful Eva - and I also love the idea of 'yoga helping to fit into a toga'

    You did a great job, Melissa, but I think I will definitely avoid the vomitorium! I'm off to check out the gladiators, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. PS Did you notice the great button Eva did for this week's roast?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Where's the wine? I just finished talking to one of the Gladiators. He all but gushed about having Eva as the author of their story. Heaven's I didn't know Gladiators could gush...well, except for blood during a battle, but he was quite enamored of Eva.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, i got that impression too, all the gladiators were raving about her, Vonnie! I'm quite jealous actually, but then I shouldn't be, after all they do owe their lives to her!

    Wine, yes, there are dozens of flaggons of the stuff. Let's drown our sorrows and raise a toast to 'Lycan Gladiato May it have many, many sales.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Whoops, who stole my 'r'? Cuddles, come back with that missing letter at once!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Everyone!!
    Melissa, I loved your play.

    Thank you, I love genre bending paranormal with historical with a dash of epic fantasy.

    I just stepped into the hot baths with Ulric (my gladiator) and he is working out the kinks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What music should we listen to?

    The soundtrack from the HBO series Rome or The Gladiator?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Intro Music from series, Rome.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihh3sGL59XY&list=ALBTKoXRg38BCMo5nCkjnwPnS95tevMA65&index=1

    For the Action scenes I listened to Gladiator.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Today's my 5th anniversary with Mr. Snark. I'd feel a mite guilty about cuddling in a hot tub with gladiators while Mr. Snark is at work.

    Wine though, would hit the spot. Unfortunately, it's only 10AM here. :D

    Eva, are there any hunky wolf lads in your upcoming novels for your Alpha females to claim?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi,
    The alpha females have plenty to choose from but they really love the Lupercii men (humans who serve the Lupercal).

    My next novel takes place in King Arthur's Court and on Avalon. My saga novels are always about Alpha wolfish men and their wolf maiden mates. Side characters do get to play but not as much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Phew. I'm back. Ahem. Sorry I was gone for a bit. I was putting the "Glad" in that hunky Gladiator over there. *finger waves*

    Okay, I need a drink. Is there any mead, Lyn? And for music, I keep hearing that song from Animal House. Must be the togas. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Toga party!

    Ulric likes the ladies but lately is drawn to that mysterious woman over there by the fountain.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lucky lady by the fountain!:)

    I love the sound of your next book too, Eva, I love the Arthurian legends.

    Happy Anniversary, Mr and Mrs Snark!
    Mac - there's always mead at the Roasts, I have a secret supply!

    Ok, let's have a wander over to watch the gladiators strutting their stuff again - and I'll see if I can get that soundtrack up on the main post!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yes in my next book, A Wolf in King Arthur's Court, we will serve plenty of mead.

    Since Ulric is a Chattian werewolf (from a werewolf tribe in Germany) he loves beer so we should also order a keg.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi ya ladies! Sorry, I'm late! I got lost in the mist from the baths and couldn't see my way out! Thankfully I stood my the fountain for a while and Ulric found me. *Bats lashes* Eva, your books sound as yummy as the eye candy parading around this venue. Oooo...I love a man in a toga! Now, where's the wine. I'm parched!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi AJ,

    There's plenty of wine. Loads of fresh bread and olive oil for dipping.

    You have already found the eye candy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oliver is at this very moment ordering that several kegs of beer be brought for Ulric!

    ReplyDelete
  23. It appears 'embedding' has been disabled for this soundtrack, so I;ll just put the link up on the main page, as it's so evocative!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you Oliver!

    Yes, I love that soundtrack. I pictured so many scenes with.

    I'm curious about historical paranormal genre. At one time publishers would not touch it with a ten foot pole. Do you think it's gaining popularity? Most of what I see is contemporary or urban fantasy.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I LOVE historical paranormal. It's one of my most favorite genres. I have no idea if it's gaining popularity or not though. It seems just about the time I get my head wrapped around what's selling, the rules all change.

    Eva you said three of my favorite words in the same sentence. Olive oil...bread. That's right up there with chocolate and vodka. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  26. Happy anniversary, Melissa! Eva, I think it is gaining popularity. That,Steam Punk, and Young Adult. So, how about an excerpt from Lycan Gladiator?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hmm. Why not?

    Excerpt:
    “Baaa!”

    His fangs emerged and drool pooled in his mouth. Fresh kid. People in his way quickly stepped aside lest they be caught in his blood lust. He smiled. What did it matter if he started the performance earlier with a fresh kill? Let them know the ferocity of a wolfen. His claws sprang out, and he stalked his prey. Ready to break its neck. His low growl silenced the frozen bystanders. A woman screamed and he hesitated. He stiffened, thunderstruck at the vision of the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

    “Egidius!” The woman dressed in a fine, white gold-laced tunic and matching palla dashed from the alleyway. Her veil askew, she knelt by her goat and covered him with her arms. She glared at him with intense, captivating green eyes. A sprig of green in the dust-ridden market. “You will not eat my goat!”
    He forgot his fangs were out and drool dripped from his lower lip. Realizing his beast-like state, he cupped his hand over his mouth like a bashful child. A curled strand of her rich brown hair slipped from its upswept style and hung down her exquisite long neck. Her figure, slender like a swan.

    Her hand gripping her goat’s rope, she stood. He did not smell fear, most unusual for a Roman woman facing the infamous wolf man. Her emerald eyes pierced through his hardened soul. He sniffed her aroma. Her divine scent made him forget his hunger, at least for food. Something about her calmed him. What manner of spell had she cast? He felt drunk with wine, not to the point of belligerence, but enough to make him relax and nap. She appeared to be upper class, a woman unavailable to him not only for his status but also because of his kind. Yet she did not look Roman. Was she from Gaul or perhaps the north? He gave her a wolfish grin. “If you are off to the butcher, I would love to share a bite of meat with you.” He gently guided her from the major thoroughfare.

    She frowned and adjusted her fallen veil with her free hand. “Egidius is my pet. I brought him to have his hooves trimmed.”

    He boomed a laugh. “A goat for a pet?” He glanced down at her beautiful face. He heard the loud beat of her heart even in the din of the passing crowds. The sound pleased him. Was she his mate? Not possible. She did not wear the red cloak of the wolf maiden.

    Her green eyes met his. “I have heard of you, gladiator.” She scoffed. “Ulricus, wolf king of the Verspilles.”

    If only he could tell her he was not what the Romans called a monstrous wolf man but rather a lycan from the north, but she would not understand the difference. Like an adolescent boy, he boasted, flexing his biceps. “Come tonight and witness the Wolf Hunt.”

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oops, I see I already have my allowed excerpt up on the roast page.

    Smiles sheepishly

    ReplyDelete
  29. Drat - I did reply a couple of hours ago, Eva, but it looks like Cuddles ran off with that one too!

    We love authors to share excerpts with us, so if you fancy posting a different one up for us to enjoy, feel free!

    It's getting late this side of the pond, so I'm going to ask Oliver to make me a nightcap and I'll be back tomorrow - our parties last over the weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Just won my fight with the internet gods! They kept me prisoner and I missed all the fun. When I finally got here, all I could hear was Toga, toga, toga, and I hid when I saw how wild the party got. Hey, wait, was I at the right party? I did love the excerpt. Do I get to watch the wolf hunt?
    And I'm all for another excerpt if you want to share one with us! Sorry ladies, I was indisposed. Oh the humanities!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. PS: No way am I eating the peacock brains. What no snack food for these people? Who brought the chips? And where are they hidden?
    Oh, well, nite I have this toga guy who wants to party. WOOHOO!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Greetings Mary, grab a glass of wine and meet at the arena for the beast games.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'd love to see another excerpt if you feel like sharing, Eva. The one above was outstanding!!! xo

    ReplyDelete
  34. I do need to get another one but at the moment I turned off my laptop and using my ipad. The look inside on amazon might be fun.

    Movie night but sneaking social networking. ;)



    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you so much for the great party. Good wine, games, bread and eye candy.

    Thank you Oliver.

    Many more books to come so I hope to see all in the near future. Where ever I might be. Back in the zombie apocalypse, the Middle Ages, or in alternative Victorian England.

    No I'm off to box birds for our raptor education program this morning.

    See you soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. You've been a joy to host, Eva, we've loved having you. Raptor education sounds fascinating - birds or prey are usually so beautiful.

    We'll keep the party open a bit longer in case any latecomers turn up. (And let's face it, most of the gladiators and some of the hostesses are still sleeping off all that wine and beer! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Paranormal romance is not my bag but I enjoyed the roast all the same. I can't say enough how your book blog is head-and-shoulders more creative than most.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you so much for the lovely compliment, Howard - glad you enjoyed the Roast - and you might just be surprised at what a great read paranormal romance can be, especially one as intriguing as 'Lycan Gladiator'! :)

    ReplyDelete

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