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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, January 31, 2014

Passions Sacred Dance - Juli D. Revezzo's celebration in the Snow in Florida

                                         

The hostesses and their sidekicks pile out of the snow covered taxi cab  and rush to greet
JULI D REVEZZO, 
at the open door of the Florida Guest House where they are holding a party to celebrate her wonderful new release PASSION'S SACRED DANCE.

 She ushers them inside and they stamp the snow off their boots.


















"Snow in Florida," Mary enthuses, I can hardly believe it!"
"Juli's story takes place in present day Florida during one of our worst winters ever," Lilly tells them.

"I can't wait to read this," Mac says, "there are Irish warriers and ancient battles and legends, and the actual, final battle is only a few days away on February 2nd..."

"Shh, don't give the plot away," A J cautions, pausing for a moment in her incessant tapping on her i-phone.

"You must be cold.  We'll eat in a moment, but first let's have something to warm us all up," Juli says and rings a bell.

"That's a great idea," Melissa agrees.

Immediately The irresistable Oliver appears, with glasses of comforting hot Irish coffee for everyone. He opens the door into the dining room where there are tables laden with steaming Brigid's Broth, and slices of Irish Sunday teacake. 

 Lyn's eyes light up when she spots several flaggons of Mead.
Brigid's Broth
"Mmmmm - and did you know mead is known  as the'honeymoon drink'? she asks.





















A knock at the door sounds, and moments later, Oliver appears again and anounces two very special guests - the hero and Heroine of Juli's book, Stacy and Aaron.

The hostesses rise to greet the lovely Stacy, then they see Aaeron following closely behind.  There is a collective sigh and a thump as together they swoon and flop back onto the settee.  Juli - your hero is GORGEOUS!

While the hostesses recover, let's wish JULI D REVEZZO  huge success with PASSIONS OF THE SACRED DANCE and learn a little more about her wonderful new paranormal romance. Don't forget to watch the video at the end of this post as well - and PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT  if you wish to be put in the draw for a copy of her book.

Synopsis
The all important buy link: http://smarturl.it/xc5d


Battling mounting debt, Stacy Macken is determined not to lose her historic art gallery. When Aaron Fielding appears and offers to help, she fights to keep the attraction sizzling between them from clouding her judgment. He may be her savior in disguise--but can she trust him?

Aaron intrigues her with tales of the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors who protect humanity from the monsters seeking their destruction. If Aaron can prove what he claims, she would give up anything to help--even the gallery he claims is sacred ground. But with her property set to stage the next epic battle, she needs answers. An old family diary will confirm the ancient legend is true, if only they can find it in time.

If the battle is lost, the enemy will take control of Earth for the next five hundred years. Stacy and Aaron's budding love might only complicate things.



Excerpt.

Can you love a man without knowing who or what he is? Can there be love without trust? she wondered.

Been there, done that. Don’t want to do it again.

Good looks, bad temper. She had scars on her body to prove some handsome men couldn’t be trusted. She mentally shook her head to erase the memories flooding back and yet absently scrubbed her left foot against the old wound marring her right calf. “I’ve had some restless nights lately,” she said.

“I understand. Been there myself.” He tapped his temple. “Battles tend to stick, now and then.”

“Yeah. You should see some of the ones I’ve seen.”

Aaron’s brow rose.

She sniffed, but didn’t say more. “Are you ready to explain what that was about, yesterday?”
“I’m not sure to what you’re referring.”

How to put this? “The discussion you had with the lawyer?”

“Actually,” he said, “I rather hoped we could forget that nonsense ever happened.”


“Like I wish I could forget Janeus and Miller are offering for my place.” She waved a hand around the room. “I’m sorry for yelling at you, yesterday. Can you forgive me?”

“Forgive you for what?” Aaron wrapped his empty arm around her shoulders.

She suddenly couldn’t breathe steadily or remember where they were. She blinked and licked her lips, hoping for a kiss. Someone cleared a throat and Aaron pulled away. Stacy glanced at the student watching them.


“Come on,” Aaron said and tugged her toward the stairs. Did she see the student smile?

“Let’s see what your archivist might’ve found,” he urged.

Downstairs, Stacy chose a reading table and set her purse down. She cocked her head, reading the title of Aaron’s book as he set it beside her purse.


“Self-Mastery?” she read. “Don’t you know all about that?”


“It’s an ongoing struggle, no matter how advanced you are.”


“No matter how old?” she teased.


“Or how youthful.” He spun the book so she could get a better look. “Would you like to read it?”


BIO
Juli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl, with a love of fantasy, science fiction, and Arthurian legend, so much so she gained a B.A. in English and American Literature. She loves writing stories with fantastical elements whether it be a full-on fantasy, or a story set in this world-slightly askew. She is an author of paranormal fantasy, and has been published in short form in Eternal Haunted Summer, Dark Things II: Cat Crimes (a charity anthology for cat related charities), Luna Station Quarterly, The Scribing Ibis: An Anthology of Pagan Fiction in Honor of Thoth, Crossing the River: An Anthology in Honor of Sacred Journeys, and Twisted Dreams Magazine. She recently released her debut paranormal romance novel, Passion’s Sacred Dance.
Come learn more about her at http://julidrevezzo.com


***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Juli'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.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)

33 comments:

  1. Good Morning, Juli, and welcome to your Roast. Congratulations on the release of 'Passions Sacred Dance' it sounds like a wonderful read - and I just loved the video too!

    Brrrr, it's cold outside, I wonder if Aaeron would share some of that mead to warm me up - although I'm starting to feel warmer already, just looking at him!

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  2. Really, Juli? My first time in Florida in over twelve years and it's snowing? I left NC hoping to find that famous sunshine. I mean, I've been to Florida in November before and had to go shopping because I didn't pack short sleeves and shorts. Now, I'm regretting leaving my boots and gloves at home. Please, Lyn, pass me one of those Irish Coffees to warm my hands, you know. *wink, wink* Love the book trailer, Juli.. I'm not too happy with the weather at the moment. It was 12 degrees when I left NC! Our coldest winter in 14 years. Nope. I'm not liking this snow one bit. More Irish coffee! And how about a hot excerpt?

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  3. Hello Lilly! *Lyn hugs her sister hostess* Tell you what, Irish coffee made with a dash of mead is SOOOOOOOOO warming! :) Another hot excerpt would help even more!

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  4. Good morning. I hope everyone is having a happy Friday. :-)

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  5. Good Morning Melissa! *Waves and hugs^ Have you had some of that lovely hot Irish coffee - (or are you still looking at that lovely hot hero of Juli's! :) )

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  6. Aww...I know Lily, right? 12 degrees? I hope it doesn't get that cold here (Aaron says wait a day or two...After the battle things should *knock on wood* get better.) Hywela, can I have a taste of that coffee, please? I need to warm up the ole typing fingers. I'll see if I can get Aaron and his pals to share some of that mead. ;) I'm sure they will, kind gentlemen that they are! ;)

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  7. Good morning, chickies! *air kisses all around*

    Hiya Juli. So sorry I missed you in Fla last week. Family stuff kept me hopping but next time... Hopefully there won't be any snow on the ground then. I don't DO snow. :-) Congrats on the release of Passion's Sacred Dance. It's waiting so very patiently on my kindle. Now to find the time to dig in and read.

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  8. Hi Juli! Hi Mac *hugs all round*

    Oliver's headed in your direction with some Irish coffee right now, although he's looking a little disgruntled because all the ladies are smitten by Aaron. I yes, I had some of that mead *hic* it certainly helps keep out the cold (together with his smouldering glances) Mac - I have to say 'do' snow a lot better than rain - it hasn't stopped raining in the UK for a week!;

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    1. LOL Lyn. I don't do rain very well either. I get jittery if the sun doesn't come out. Forty-eight hours of clouds and I'm coming out of my skin. That's why I have to live in the valley of the sun. :-)

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    2. Aaron is hot. Then again, I grew up in the 70's so I have a thing for men with long hair. Guess that's why I have a soft spot for Oliver.

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    3. LOL Lily! I think you'r right - although that fashion for long hair in a man still survives and it certainly adds something to a man's appeal when it looks as good as Aaron's|! (And Oliver's too, of course.)

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  9. And a how de do to everyone! Where was the snow in Florida? It's been hot here. Maybe cause of Aaron. Oh Momma! I'm in love. And I'll fight yous all over him! He's taken??? NOOOOOOO!

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  10. Hugs Mary - and you're right unfortunately, Aaeron seems to have eyes for no-one but Stacy - I'm going to have some more mead to cheer myself up!

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  11. Greetings everyone! Sorry I'm a tad late to the roast. Duty calls and all that jazz! Juli the excerpt for this book had me chomping at the bit for more!!! Now pass over the mead let me snuggle in with a blanket. I've downloaded Juli's book to my phone and plan to read on this snowy day!

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  12. Mac, I look forward to your next visit. *hugs* Mary, the snow was in the panhandle ...I want to say two maybe three days ago? (Not here in our neck of the woods). It's been chilly to me!

    Oh, yes, Hywela, Aaron's smitten for sure. We'll just have to tortur--er, snuggle Oliver. *pinches Oliver's cheeks* Dear, please bring us all some more blankets and mead. And Hello, Melissa! (I see you eyeing Aaron there! ;)) This has been fun. Anyone try the cakes yet?

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  13. Mmm, you';re right Juli, these Irish Sunday teacakes are almost as delicious a Aaron himself! :)

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  14. Snow in Florida...Wow! We've had enough of the cold and white stuff up here in Pennsylvania. We could all use some Irish coffee. lol

    Congrats and best of luck with your new release! Sounds like a winner!

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  15. Hi Susan, how lovely to see you - Oliver is rushing over with some Irish coffee and a slice of teacake. When I went across the pond in September, Pennsylvania was a barmy 80 -90 degrees!

    Judi's books certainly does sound like a winner and Aaron has been keeping us all warm with his sultry looks! :)

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  16. Aw, thanks for your kind words, Susan. *passes a cup to Aaron* Please give this to Susan. ;) Here you go, dear. I think this will help warm you up.Snow! Here? I know... right? What an odd thing! The last time we had any here, If I remember correctly, it overwhelmed the power grid. I think that's where Passion's Sacred Dance might've originated!

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  17. Hywela asked for another excerpt. Sorry this took so long to post. I hope you enjoy it.

    The question of what had happened in the courtyard, and memories of her dreams stabbed Stacy with a shock of grief. She slumped in the seat. God, what was she going to do now?
    “I’m sure your insurance will take care of that damage,” Aaron said.
    God love him for trying, but she wasn’t in the mood to be cheered up. “Maybe,” she grumped.
    “This isn’t just about the diner, is it?” A strong hand smoothed down her arm. “What’s the matter?”
    “I had a nightmare, about death.”
    “Death?” Aaron chewed his lip. “Everyone does now and then I suppose. Everyone dies.”
    “What about dreaming of ancient battles?” Her voice broke. “Does everyone do that?
    His breathing hitched. “Ancient what?”
    “Battles. My God, it was awful! It was—” She sobbed, “Horrible.”
    Cold shot through her. She needed warmth—something the artificial heater wouldn’t give. She took his hand in hers.
    Aaron jumped but soon relaxed, his fingers entwining with hers. After a moment, the despair dissipated, replaced with something else—intrigue, the desire to touch him,
    the craving to sample his mouth.
    “I have a better idea than meeting this Mr. McDunn. How about at the next light, you pull over or turn around or something?”
    “Stacy.”
    “Okay, if you don’t want to then—”
    “I didn’t say that.”
    He found a spot at the side of the road and leaned in to kiss her.Savoring the soft pliancy of his lips and the sweet mint taste she detected, she slipped her
    tongue between his lips. Her fingers moved up to his
    broad shoulders, and as his arms tightened around her,
    pulling her closer, she welcomed the feeling of his heart
    thudding in his chest, reverberating through hers. His
    left hand moved down her back to her waist as his right
    arm held her tightly around the shoulders.
    He smelled wonderful, like fresh sweet seas and
    crisp wind.
    Her fingers tested the hem of his scratchy wool
    sweater and beneath, caressing the hard, warm surface
    of his lower back.
    His laugh sounded low in his throat, curling her
    toes.
    “Ticklish?” She dove back into the kiss, deciding
    she liked it. Loved it, actually.

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  18. Juli how about favoring us with another excerpt! I'd love to hear more and -- heavy sigh -- am happy to keep Aaron occupied while you post... *eyebrow waggle*

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  19. That excerpt was just terrific! Aaron better watch out for AJ, she's a real cougar and
    there could be problems. See there she is trying to neck with the poor guy! AJ, No more mead for you!!! Lyn, is that you in the punchbowl? Poor Juli, seems I am the only one behaving at this party!!!

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    1. That's okay, Mary. It's a party. They can misbehave a little.

      How's that supply of mead holding up? I'm not sure I've actually got to sample any! ;)

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    2. That's cause Lyn is hogging it all. Share the mead Lyn!!!

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  20. Oh what a gorgeous excerpt -loved it Juli, I really must have this on my want list!

    As for Mary - you behaving? That'll be a first then! :)

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  21. Niiiiiice, Juli. Pay no attention to Mary. She's a stinker, blaming AJ when she's the one you need to watch out for. ;-)

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  22. Aaron's got a few years on all of us, so AJ's okay, ladies, trust me! (Although if Stacy catches them, I dunno. Let' see.... another excerpt? Stacy's gallery was the scene of an odd event the previous night. She's not sure she didn't dream the whole thing, and in this excerpt, she's just arrived at work at her gallery when Aaron shows up looking for something. (And for those who are counting, there's another nod to FL in this part. ;))

    Her events assistant, Jim, ducked in the office door. “You have a visitor.”
    When she saw who stood near the light sculpture on the southwest side of the gallery, she had the urge to pinch herself. Aaron Fielding had returned. Good.
    Maybe she could drag him into the office, lock the door, and finish where her dream kept leaving off.
    She shook her head. **No, no. Bad businesswoman. Don’t seduce the patrons.
    Why not? ** Screamed another little voice in her head.
    She cleared her throat and assumed a casual stance as she greeted him. “Did you have fun last night?”
    His light red brow quirked. “Yes, definitely. But it seems I left something behind. Have you seen a—” He held up his hand, thumb and forefingers drawn together
    an inch or so apart. “A small plastic alligator head? I had it on my keychain yesterday, I’d swear. Yet, when I got home, gone.”
    “Did you check with your office?”
    “I did, but my janitor said he hasn’t found it.”
    His janitor?
    “So I thought it might be here.”
    “Hang on.” She turned to the office hallway and noticed he followed her. She shrugged off the question of why he thought it was here and led him inside where
    she pulled a cardboard box from a closet, setting it on her desk.
    “If anyone found it, it’ll be in there.”
    He tugged the box close, searching through the contents as she returned to his side.
    “Oh, by the way, an interesting thing happened here last night.” She lowered her voice. “I don’t remember much of it, but it triggered an intriguing
    dream.”
    “This is something I’d be interested in?”
    “I think you might.” Her gaze remained steady, seeking any signs he knew she’d caught him. “You took center stage in it.”
    “I did?” There was no question in his eyes.
    Nothing. His statement was simply a question to urge her to continue. If she saw anything there, it was a flash of interest. The way his gaze traveled across her face
    reminded her of the look he’d given her last night. The one she couldn’t stop thinking about. The one that set her heart racing. She didn’t miss the mischievous glint
    in his eye, and it pushed her blood pressure up with the erotic ideas flashing through her mind.
    She nodded, and let out her breath.
    “I hope it was a good dream,” he said, his voice tinged with that interest she did and didn’t know how to justify.
    She bit her lip, tamping down her growing need for this man. She wondered if she could claim a headache and rush home for a cold shower.

    ***
    hehe

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  23. Curses, foiled again... story of my life. But, the excerpt made me feel a lot better!!!
    Good stuff Juli, grabbing!!

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  24. Good morning all! Just catching up a reading the excerpts. Wow! Another book to add to my TBR pile. Hmm. Morning means coffee so another cup of the Irish coffee for me!

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  25. 'Morning all, Hi Lilly, I'm catching up on excerpts too! Juli, that last one is so intriguing, thanks for sharing, I fancy Aaron more and more! :)

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  26. Hi All!
    Juli,
    I love tales about the Tuatha dé Danann and mythic warriors of Ireland. Your story has me intrigued! I wish you the very best success!

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    1. Sorry, I was late, Karen. Preparing for a battle is hard work! *g* Thanks for coming by and your kind words. I hope you enjoy the story. (Lyn, I think i can get the kitchen help to dig up more mead....hang on... ;))

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  27. Hi Karen welcome to Juli's party.Help yourself to drinks and cake. (plenty of Irish coffee left, not so sure about the mead)

    Yes, Juli's book sounds fantastic doesn't it, I really want to read this book!

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