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.
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Friday, September 24, 2010

Elaine Cantrell, Hollywood, and A Fantastic Book Signing Gala!

The excitement in the air is palpable. Mary and Lyn arrive at the party and book signing for Elaine Cantrell. It follows the Hollywood premiere of Michael Douglas' new sequel, Wall Street-Money Never Sleeps. Their limousine is right behind Elaine's which follows Michael Douglas, as he arrives with his beautiful wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is dressed in a black floor length gown with spaghetti straps and looks lovely as usual. They move up the red carpet with an army of guards around them.

Elaine steps out and looks fantastic in her shimmering smoke blue floor length evening gown by Versace. Her eyes are as big as saucers as she takes in the stars who are all around her. After the premiere, a wonderful book signing has been arranged at one of the after premiere parties. Her handsome escort gently escorts her as she glides into the party.

"It's amazing Lyn. Just look at the tons of people here to celebrate with Elaine." Mary loves her long emerald,empire waist, green gown. It accentuates her assets. She is wearing contacts to match and can barely see in them.


"Just don't break your neck, you know those contacts are not prescription. I can't believe you are wearing them." Lyn is beautiful in her own long maroon gown. Swarski crystals glisten as she stands on heels much too tight and much too high for her.

"You should talk, you can barely stand." Mary chuckles and grabs Lyn's arm. "Come on, Sharon wouldn't want us to argue today. Her quest keeps her from being with us. But don't kid yourself, she has eyes everywhere."



The huge room where the signing party is taking place is so Hollywood.

Beautiful dresses, suits, tuxedos, clothing made by the greatest designers fill the place. The evening decor is enchanting. Faery like lights cover the ceiling, reminiscent of fireflies. Tables are covered with crystal, china and silver.

There is a pastel and white theme all around the room and the clusters of palms, schaefflera trees, and different sized ferns give the feeling of being outdoors in a fantastic garden.

 Oliver,  nods approvingly. His instructions have been followed to the letter.

There are so many kinds of foods. Fresh fruit compliments the many dishes, and there is sherbert to cleanse the palate.

Endive and smoked trout with papaya relish, mini chicken and three cheese quesadillas with coriander fused sour cream, Parmesan pear crisps with Forme d’Ambert blue cheese, Moo shu wraps of orange beef rolled with celery, green onion and red bell peppers, Straws of applewood-smoked bacon-wrapped asparagus, Grape tomato, fresh basil and seasoned mozzarella (on toothpicks),




and for desert the richest of Chocolate lava cakes with creamy french vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries, just to name a few mouthwatering dishes that are to be served this evening. Flutes of champagne are carried on trays and handed to guest after guest.

After the book signing, there will be dancing and socializing all nite long.


The girls find their table near Elaine's and waste no time in welcoming her and wishing her luck on her new release, Return Engagement.

"Lyn, do the honors will you dear friend." Mary is a bit shy, believe it or not. She is also nervous, everything has to go well tonight, but there is suspense in the air.
Lyn clinks her silver spoon against her glass to get everyone's attention.

"Attention. Attention everyone!!
We are here to welcome and introduce our guests." She nods to the celebrities all around the room. Brad Pitt cannot help a whistle and gets a pat from Angelina Jolie. "Elaine Cantrell is signing her new book as I speak." Then, "let the dancing and celebrating begin!" she exclaims with a thrill in her voice

Loud applause follows as Elaine starts to sign her book for the long line that immediately forms around her book table.

"This is gonna be a hollywood blockbuster party Lyn!" Mary excitedly tells Lyn, but when she turns, Lyn has already taken her place in line and is flirting shamelessly with the guy behind her.Mary raises her glass and Lyn winks back! Let the roast begin!!

Excerpt: Return Engagement This takes place after Richard and Elizabeth have met on a California beach ten years after his father broke them up.

Richard tugged on her hand. “Let’s sit down and watch the moon awhile.”

Elizabeth willingly sank into the damp sand and cuddled close beside him. My gosh, the man had muscles she hadn’t known even existed!

“Richard, about this evening…”

“Elizabeth, about Alex…”

“You go first,” Elizabeth urged. Her shoulders marginally relaxed. She wasn’t looking forward to telling him she couldn’t see him again.

“All right, I will.” Richard turned slightly, an almost angry look on his face. “What the hell do you think you’re doing getting yourself engaged to Alex Crawford? It’s obvious to a blind man that you don’t love him. You’ve been teasing me and flirting with me all evening. You’ve even kissed me.” He stirred up the butterflies in her stomach when he gently caressed her shoulder. “Right now your body language makes me think if I wanted to take this snuggling any further you’d be willing.”

“Wha…” Elizabeth sputtered.

“You don’t strike me as the type of woman who’d pick a man for a night of sex and then go back to her fiancĂ© like nothing had happened. If that’s true I don’t think you love Alex as much as you think you do. The question is: what are you going to do about it?”

Elizabeth moaned and hid her face in her hands. Richard expected this surprise meeting to lead to something more than a hot dog on the beach, a casual meeting between two old…friends. I’ve done enough damage for one evening; I’m going home before I cause any more trouble. I’ve betrayed Alex and given Richard hope for a relationship with me when there is no hope.

She tried to jump up, but Richard grabbed her and held her close. “The wind is cold, and you can think just as well, no better, in my arms.”

Elizabeth gave up the effort to get away from him. There was no way she could argue with those hard, muscled arms. “Yeah, right. Being in your arms clarifies everything! I’m so confused I don’t know if I’m coming or going,” she cried. “I do love Alex. I do! That’s why I agreed to marry him, but with you I feel like a different person.

“I know I shouldn’t have flirted with you and kissed you, but I couldn’t help myself.” Her eyes misted with tears. “I didn’t want to help myself. It’s like it was ten years ago only better because now nobody can accuse me of corrupting a minor. You asked me what I’m going to do, but to tell you the truth, I don’t know. The only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t think I can stand it if you walk away again.”

Elizabeth threw her hands over her burning face again. “What kind of woman am I? I haven’t seen you in ten years, yet here I am leading you on and encouraging you to… What’s wrong with me!”


Purchase 'Return Engagement'
Biography: Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writer’s of America and EPIC authors.

Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books. At present she teaches high school social studies. She spends her spare time collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.

http://www.elainecantrell.com/
http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/


Friday, September 17, 2010

Tailgate Party for Celia Yeary



Lyn and Mary drive up to the parking lot at the Cowboy's Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. A fantastic party has been arranged, a traditional tailgate party for our guest this week, Celia Yeary.


"Hey Lyn, this SUV is really cool, I am so glad you let me drive." Western music fills the air and Lyn bobs her head to the sound of LeAnn Rimes as she sings, "Swinging'

"Mary, you don't need four wheel drive for this so take it off, you're sliding all over the road. We should have had Oliver drive."

"Puullleeasse Lyn, we're here already, hold on to your pants. No wait those short, shorts, will reveal more than you want if you try to hold onto them." Mary laughs and ducks Lyn's hand as she swats at Mary.


They find the right party in the lot and pull up to the circle of SUV's, stationwagons and trucks. Lawn chairs, umbrellas, coolers and tables are setup and filled with food. Grills are blazing and the aroma of Jumbo Texas shrimp, burgers, steaks and hot dogs, make their mouths water.

Oliver is handsome as ever, even though he misses Sharon. He looks smashing in his tight jeans, cowboy boots and checkered Western shirt. He just shakes his head and laughs at the two of them. He will have to take the boxes of Celia's new release, Texas Promise, and set up a table where she can sign them.


Lyn is dressed in shorts and a sexy, blue top, Mary is wearing a T shirt that says, 'I don't know why they say I have ADHD, oh look a chicken'. Her big boobs make the shirt tight across the top. She is wearing her favorite jeans, and brown suede cowboy boots.

Lyn has on large, white, cowboy boots, and a bandanna about her neck. They both look great.  Too bad Lyn doesn't know much about a Texas Tailgate Party. She is in for the time of her life, Texas style.  She is dressed to participate in the half time show with the cheerleaders.

Lyn eyes the baked potatoes and drools over the vast array of toppings, from cheese, red hot chili, and hot peppers, to the standard sour cream and bacon. Mary dips a huge chip into fresh Mango salsa, then her eyes water as she tries the hot tomato salsa.
Large pans of Texas chili, are cooling in the shade of an umbrella.
"Oh look Mary, guacamole, pecan pie, and what is that, Blue Bell Ice cream? Mmmmmmm." A dozen strawberry covered coconut pound cakes and huge chocolate sheet cakes, wait for that made in Texas, Blue Bell, ice cream.

"This peach iced tea is wonderful Lyn. I see you like the home made beer? Look at all the varieties, try the Fosters, you might like it. Look at that - Texan wines!"





"Oh look there's Celia, boy she looks great." Mary nudges Lyn. As they walk to where Celia is talking with friends, they both look around them, amazed at all the things to eat.

Folding tables hold a further array of foods, including potato salad, cole slaw, and chips.



Lyn and Mary pass them by and run to hug Celia and congratulate her. Celia looks radiant in her snug, well worn jeans, her black leather cowboy boots and her own T shirt that says, Kiss An Author on it. She hugs them both, then Oliver, just a tad too long. So Mary pulls him away, and sends him to set up the book table.
Lyn blows a whistle to get the attention of the dozens of guests.




"Hello everyone, welcome to Celia's celebration. Please enjoy yourselves before the game. I know you men are looking forward to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. I got my white boots, my shorts, and my top, I'm ready." She holds up her hands to silence the whistles and cheers.
"Let the party begin!"

Blurb FOR: Texas Promise:
After two years, Jo Cameron King’s life as a widow abruptly ends when her husband returns home to Austin. Unable to understand her angry and bitter husband, she accepts a call to travel to the New Mexico Territory to meet her dying birth father whom she knows nothing about. Her plan to escape her husband goes awry when he demands to travel with her.
Dalton King, believing lies his Texas Ranger partner tells him about Jo, seethes with hatred toward his wife. Now he must protect Jo from his partner’s twisted mind, while sorting out the truth. Jo’s bravery and loyalty convince him she’s innocent. But can they regain the love and respect they once shared?

EXCERPT


After a few minutes of puttering around in the kitchen, she heard the boots on the stairs.
"You're going? Tell me you're not making this trip. Who's going with you? Surely you're traveling with someone." His voice rose once more.
Now, she really did fly off the handle. There was no reasoning with him, no normal conversation. All he could do was accuse, question, and demand. Well, she'd had enough. She slammed out the back door into the twilight.
In instant motion, Dalton slammed out right after her.
"You come back here and answer me!"
She whirled around and leaned from the waist. Pointing a finger at him, she said, "You... you can go to... perdition!"
He came close, spread his legs, and hooked his fingers on his hips. Thrusting his head toward her, he said, "What? I've never heard you talk like that. And the word is 'hell,' lady, 'hell!' Say it! Tell me to go to hell!"
"You... you can go to... hell! There, I said it! That's the only place for you now! It's certainly not with me! You... you abandoned me! And, and you humiliated me! Furthermore...you--" The tears bubbled up from the crack in her heart, spilled over, down her cheeks, and into the corner of her mouth. Sobbing and shaking, she made one last attempt at getting her point across. "I...I ha-a-t-e you!"
Before she could swing around and run to the house, Dalton captured her with firm arms, but ever so gently. He kissed all her tears away from her face and her eyes. Last, he licked and sucked every teardrop away from her mouth. He reached in a back pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. "Here, blow," he instructed, as he held it to her nose.
She did, and then leaned forward to wipe her face on his shirt. In doing so, she smelled his strong scent, male smells, mixed with sweat and grime. Oh, how heavenly. She burrowed her face in his chest.
Dalton's resolve unraveled. She felt it. He hugged her tightly, lifted her chin, and kissed her full on the mouth. He turned his head this way, and that way, gaining complete entrance by thrusting his tongue into the warm, wet cavity. Around and around he swept, tasting the moisture from her mouth, and feeling the texture of her recesses and teeth. Pulling back, he whispered as he smoothed her damp hair from one side of her face. "Now, you're going to do what I say and stay here, aren't you?"
She shook her head. He placed his big hand on the back of her head and manipulated it up and down, mimicking 'yes'. Again, she shook her head. And once more, he bobbed her head up and down. Her forehead bumped his chest each time. A small giggle escaped from her throat.
Dalton sighed heavily. "All right, then, Miss Priss, I'll go with you."
Miss Priss. The name he called her when they were children, usually when he knew he'd been beaten but still wanted to play.





Bio: Celia Yeary
Celia Yeary is a seventh-generation Texan, and her life revolves around family, friends, and writing. San Marcos has been her home for thirty-five years. She has five published romance novels, four “coming soon” novels, and published essays with a local magazine. The author is a former science teacher, graduate of Texas Tech University and Texas State University, mother of two, grandmother of three, and wife of a wonderful, supportive Texan. Celia and her husband enjoy traveling, and both are involved in their church, the community, and the university as retired faculty.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Jennette Green's European Holiday at the Moulin Rouge

The hostesses are on holiday and have been touring Paris. They've seen the Louvre




the Arc de Triomphe
The Eiffel Tower















and taken a cruise on the Seine.


Paris is such a beautiful city. Mary and Lyn have arranged for Jennette's roast to be held at the Moulin Rouge. The cabaret that made the can-can famous.

"There it is! I hope we aren't late. We have to make sure Jennette's table is the best in the place. Man, look at the big windmill! Why do you think they put a windmill on top of the place? Mary stops jumping up and down when Lyn gives her 'the look'.

The limousine pulls up to the portico, and the girls spy the words Moulin Rouge in lights on the top of the entrance. Red carpet lines the walkway, the atmosphere reminiscent of a gala movie premiere. Men in dark suits and ties and women dressed in lovely evening dresses.

"That looks like Gerard Butler that you are so in love with Mary," Lyn points to a handsome man with dark hair and a scruffy three day old beard.

"I like him better shaved. His face looks dirty. But, wow he is hot!"

Lyn drags Mary into the entrance as she slips sideways in her high heels. Someone behind them chuckles.


"If Sharon were here you'd never act so silly." Lyn, points out. "She better get back soon, it's not the same without her, she can control you. Watch out your floppers are popping out again. That dress is too low cut for you. All the men are staring at them. I saw one lady smack her husband in the head. Pul-lease!"

Mary discretely fixes her dress. The lovely Emerald green dress is covered with sequins on the bottom and the skirt flares as she walks. She loves the empire waist gown. Emerald earrings and an emerald necklace accentuate her dress.

Lyn is lovely in her dark blue frock. Lovely and slinky it hugs her figure like a glove. Sparkling diamond earrings match the sparkling Swarski crystals that surround her waist on a gold chain belted around her. The long chain hangs to her knees and beneath her long dress toes peek out and you can see flashes of her huge gold platform shoes as she walks.

They walk down the long entrance hall they see the word 'Feerie',in bright lights at the end their excitement triples as they spy Jennette waiting for them. She looks fantastic in her crimson Armani. Soft, lush, folds, billow around her as she moves. The form fitting dress flares at the waist and drapes to the floor around her. In her ears are brilliant rubies that match the antique necklace around her slim neck. She looks just fantastic. Her escort is a handsome fellow with steel gray eyes and chestnut colored hair. He is a true gentleman and leads the three of them into the theater. White linen tablecloths are covered with expensive china, crystal and candles in gold candelabras. Jennette greets her guests with a smile, signing her book for those who ask her to.


Oliver is serving champagne in crystal flutes, smiling and looking as sexy as ever, despite missing Sharon so much. The table before them is laden with Pâté, cheese, chèvre cheese, brie, camembert cheese, crackers, Chicken Divan


and fresh fruit, with French pizza and toppings of crème fraîche, capers olives, ham and feta. There is a special chocolate gateau with Jeannette's cover on it, in sugar paste,

Nougat glacé (light vanilla ice cream with bits of nuts and fruit served in a red fruit coulis)
Profiterolles, Tarte tatin served with chantilly cream,
Pain au Chocolat and chocolate eclairs.

It will all be washed down with sparkling apple cider, French wine,
Café au lait (with a decaffinated version for those who prefer it) Chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and Tisane or herbal tea


"Speessss, Lyn, do you think you can do the can-can. They invented it here!"


"I think I could kick pretty high. But, I don't want anyone to see my thong." Lyn lifts one shoulder and smiles.

"Thong?" Mary dissolves into a fit of laughter.


"Quiet, now, the show is about to start. Jennette and her date are coming to the table, behave will you. Look it's the cast of Feerie to begin the cabaret show."

Applause fills the packed theatre.

A lone clown on the stage bows and speaks.

"Please welcome author Jennette Green, she has a new release, 'Her reluctant Bodyguard'..."

When the renewed applause dies down he bellows. "Let the show begin." Curtains open and we welcome visitors who join the party!



For your chance to win a copy of 'Her Reluctant Bodyguard' leave a comment and tell uswhat song you'd like to dance the can-can to.
RELUCTANT BODYGUARD

by Jennette Green


Blurb



Alexa's dream job becomes a threat to her life...


When English pop star Colin Radcliff asks Alexa to write his biography and tour with him in Europe, she's thrilled. It all seems like a fairy tale come true—until she begins to receive death threats.



To her dismay, Colin puts her under the 24/7 protection of his Italian chief bodyguard, Jamison Constanzo—a man with whom she’s clashed from day one. If only she could spend more time with her perfect man, Colin, rather than spending all of her days with this black-hearted thorn in her side!


Alexa struggles to control her flip attitude toward Jamison. Why does opening up her heart to him feel almost as dangerous as dealing with the stalker’s threats?


But when the killer strikes, Jamison is the only one she can turn to…


Excerpt


Alexa crossed to poke her head into Jamison’s room. He’d just unzipped a giant suitcase—black, of course—and draped a clump of black, button down shirts on the bed. Some looked to be made of cotton, others of a silkier material.


“Are you color blind?” she wanted to know.


He glanced up. “You’re here to help me unpack?”


“Of course not!” Alexa felt embarrassed, but didn’t retreat. “We need to hash out


rules so we can live in peace.”


He pulled out a pile of black pants. Some jeans, some slacks.



“Would you stop that?” she demanded. “I’m trying to have a serious conversation.”


“I can’t unpack at the same time?”


Alexa gritted her teeth. “I have no desire to see any of your black…unmentionables.”



An actual smile curled his lips, and he stopped pulling items from his suitcase.


“Then wait in the sitting area. I’ll be five minutes.”


Alexa narrowed her eyes. She didn’t want to stay here, but she didn’t want to retreat, either. And she wanted to assert her rules first—before the bodyguard had a chance to make a power grab. “I’ll make it snappy,” she said, averting her eyes as he pulled smaller black items from the suitcase and tucked them in the dresser. “I have one rule. You leave me alone, and I’ll leave you alone.”


“Fine.” Jamison pulled a thick book from the bottomless suitcase and placed it on the bedside table. What was that? War and Peace? Certainly appropriate for their living situation.


“Well then,” Alexa said, pleased. “I’ll leave you to sort your outfits by color. I’m never sure—does black silk go with black cotton?” With this saucy comment, which likely sailed right over his unfashionable head, she turned to leave.


“I have a rule.”


Alexa turned back. She should have known her triumph had been too easy.


“You don’t leave this apartment without me.”


Alexa fell silent for one long beat, absorbing the full, horrifying implications of his statement. “Excuse me? I’m supposed to be chained to you night and day?”


“That’s what twenty-four/seven means.” He flipped the suitcase shut. The rasp of the zipper sounded like machine gun fire in the suddenly silent room. “If you want to run the stairs, I go with you. If you want to shop, I go with you. If you want to sight-see, I go with you. Think of me as your shadow.”


“Hence the black,” she said sarcastically. But further words evaded her. A sick feeling dropped into the pit of her stomach. She and Jamison, joined at the hip for almost five weeks? They couldn’t breathe the same air without fighting! Her fairy tale had officially transformed into a nightmare. She muttered, “We’re going to kill each other.”


“I promise I won’t kill you, princess. It’s not in my job description.” How could he look so amused?




Buy Paperback from Amazon
Kindle Version


BIO
Romance that touches the soul

http://www.jennettegreen.com/



"Writing has always been a passion of mine. I wrote my first story over thirty years ago. Since then, I've written numerous stories and have had several articles published.My first love, however, is writing romance novels. I write both inspirational and edgy).

In October 2008, my first historical romance, The Commander’s Desire, was published by The Wild Rose Press. It has received numerous accolades, including a "Top Pick" rating from "Romance Reader at Heart" and numerous five star reviews. In addition, the hero of the novel was designated "Reader's Favorite Hero" for 2009 at a popular blog. Also, a Thai publisher has indicated interest in translating the book and publishing it in Thailand!

I am blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, and three terrific children who put up with my crazy writing hours. When I am not writing, I love reading, photography, making videos, and creating and managing my websites."

Review:

Her Reluctant Bodyguard
"There are no words. Honestly, there are no words to explain how much I loved this book. This is probably one of the absolute best books I have ever read in my entire life. I just don't know where to begin."


Rebecca Lynn, The Pen and Muse ...full book review http://thepenmuse.net/?p=1251#comments


Travel on a journey of romance into medieval Scotland...
Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince’s battle-scarred Commander—the man who ended King Thor’s life with one filthy sword thrust through the back.

To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042HNBUS

 http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4832480/12890721

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
authorroast@btinternet.com
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