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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, February 28, 2014

Unforgettable Heroes visit the Author Roast and Toast for a virtual party,and Giveaway


You can pick up this whole collection for a short time at the Giveaway price of only 99c -Leave a comment for your chance to win an e-copy or a boxed set.


The hostesses step out of the fairytale Cinderella carriage and Oliver escorts them into the beautiful enchanted castle.  They gasp as they catch sight of eight absolutely gorgeous males, before they are swiftly ushered into the immense dining hall to meet the eight wonderful authors of UNFORGETTABLE HEROES.

These amazing authors have penned eight stories of sexy, utterly irresistible heroes and the whole collection is currently on sale now at only 99c! Wow!  You can find out more about this collection and the special offer and the authors  further down this page.
The authors are already in the dining hall, waiting for them, dressed in enchanting, long medieval gowns.

The tables groan with appetizers: including Blue crab stuffed mushrooms, oysters on the half shell and shrimp mini-quiches (for sexuality and virility) and mixed cheese trays, Salads -mixed greens, Caesar, artichoke hearts and hearts of palm. Then there are

Entrees:  Salmon, Whole smoked pig, the carving station includes Prime rib (plus au jus) and Smithfield ham. Don't forget the sides: Fresh steamed asparagus, roasted red potatoes, broccoli with hollandaise sauce available on the side, hot apples with cinnamon.

The hostesses are beside themselves with delight, spoiled for choice, AJ almost drops her phone when she burns her fingers on freshly carved smoked pork, Mary is dripping hollandaise sauce all down her more-than-ample cleavage and Mac and Melissa squabble over the oysters, although really there is plenty for all.  

Meanwhile Lyn and Lilly positively drool over the desert table. The decadent chocolate  cake with double fudge icing is crowned with a replica of the 'Immortal Heroes' book set, a pound cake is resplendant with strawberries on the side, Lemon meringue pie, Tiramisu, Fresh fruit compote with whipped cream are there to tempt - as if the eight hunky heroes weren't enough!                         
Oliver stands behind the bar, and serves the guest authors with a wink and a flashing smile.Mimosas, Mojitos,Champagne cocktails, vintage red and white wines and a range of his special Maritinis (near the bottom of the sidebar on the right for any visitors who fancy one!) 






So now, without further delay, lets meet the authors of this amazing anthology. Perhaps they'll allow their hunky Immortal Heroes to leave a comment or two and tell us about themselves.

Don't forget you can pick up this whole collection for a short time at the Giveaway price of only 99c - and leave a comment for your chance to win an e-copy or a boxed set.



Amie Denman lives in a small town in her native Ohio with her husband and sons. Her two cats and large yellow Labrador are kind enough to share a sunny office where she lets her imagination run wild. Reading books was her favorite escape as a child, and growing up four houses away from the community library encouraged her addition. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and running outside. The helpless victim of a lifetime of curiosity, she’s been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what’s going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.

Please visit Amie at www.amiedenman.com and say hello.
Also by Amie Denman:

Blue Bottle Beach
Her Lucky Catch
Her Lucky Prize

A native Virginian, Bobbye Terry, writing as Daryn Cross, is a multi-published author who writes romantic fantasy and Science Fiction. She is a voracious reader of anything from novels to tabloids in the grocery line; a collector and depository of strange and unusual trivia and observed behavioral idiosyncrasies of strangers, and a connoisseur of rich dark chocolate, fine roasted coffee and smooth red wine.




Cat Shaffer, the daughter of a poet and a teacher/librarian, grew up in northwest Ohio, finally saw the light and moved to Kentucky, the land of beautiful horses and far better weather. Her household consists of three rowdy cats and a Sheltie who loves to herd them, and she could not continue to live if coffee disappeared from the planet. Check out her website or visit her on Facebook.

Raised as Navy brat, and the second of four children, Janet Eaves sometimes felt lost in the shuffle of daily life when she was young. Moved every couple of years, as is the life of a military child, and continually making then losing friends, was often more painful than learning to be alone.

Her dolls became friends that moved with her, each having a purpose and place in her life. She created a history for each, a personality for each, and played with them in a different land, dealing with different situations on any given day. Over the early years this time of self-imposed fantasy developed and nurtured an imagination that stays active to this day.

Run Baby Run was the first novel she ever read, and sparked a love of reading that soon became an obsession. Bodice Ripper jacketed books soon followed, the hero dashing, the heroine brave and beautiful, and just enough historic reality to make it easy to step into the past. Contemporary novels, both large and small soon led to paranormals that are to this day her favorite.

Writing herself for years now, Janet rarely gets a chance to read very often, but still loves to find a good book and get lost in someone else’s fantasy for a while. But it isn’t long before the call to create pulls her away…

A spark of thought, a line of dialogue, a scent, a scene, or even a sound is all it takes to begin what will later develop into a story just begging to be told.




I have aspirations to be Wonder Woman, but find high-heeled boots uncomfortable. However, I appreciate that she values truth and that she doesn’t know a bad hair day.

I have the heart of a writer and am blessed to be able to write both professionally and recreationally. I reside in the southern United States with my awesome family. They’re okay with me not being Wonder Woman, as long as I take a break from the fictitious worlds I create and join them for supper.

You can read more about me and my books by visiting my web site. booksbyjenniferjohnson.com

Also by Jennifer Johnson from Turquoise Morning Press
Double Dog Dare
Rescue Me
Rescuing Riley
“The Imposter” in the Men in Uniform anthology

Whether writing traditional contemporary romance or building paranormal worlds, bestselling romance author, Maddie James, pens stories that frequently cross a variety of romantic sub-genres. Sweet or spicy, suspense or comedy, western or time-travel, her heroes and heroines are always chasing one thing—the happily-ever-after. Whether they realize it or not.

Maddie is a Food Network junkie, a wannabe gardener, a by-the-seat-of-her-pants cook, and a closet hermit. She works/writes every day in her converted sunroom office, and wouldn’t have it any other way. She frequently rescues stray pets and plants and an occasional antique wicker table. All of these quirky topics, and more, make their way into her books.

Her first book, THE WILD WEST, a Kensington Precious Gems romance, received a Calico Trails Cameo Award. RED: A SEDUCTION TALE, claimed first place as the Romance Book Scene's favorite novella of the year. A four time nominee for a CAPA/Psyche Award from The Romance Studio, she wonders if she is the Susan Lucci of romance, although she has received a number of Top Pick, 5 Star, and Best Read reviews from various reviewers. Her books have landed on Amazon Top 100 Paid Bestseller lists, including BROKEN, a #1 bestseller in western romance, and CRAZY FOR YOU, which reached #8 in contemporary romance.

Visit Maddie's website: www.maddiejames.com
By day, Margaret Ethridge is buried in spreadsheets. At night, she pens tales of people tangling up the sheets. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, you only have to scratch the surface of this mild-mannered married lady to find a naughty streak a mile wide.


She writes true-to-life women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and has been known to dabble a bit in the paranormal. Titles include Paramour, Inamorata, Contentment (An after Happily Ever story) and Commitment from Turquoise Morning Press and Spring Chickens.

Coming soon: Containment (An after Happily Ever story)

Find her online and on Twitter and Facebook

Renee Vincent holds a passionate interest in Norse history. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields. From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

Other books by Renee Vincent:
Emerald Isle Trilogy
Ræliksen, Book One
Mac Liam, Book Two
The Fall of Rain, Book Three

Warrior Saga Series:
The Temperate Warrior, Book One

Renee also writes lighthearted, fancy-free Women's Fiction/Chick Lit as Gracie Lee Rose. For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

Jamett & Joseph Series:
The Start of Something Good
The Road to Something Better
The Gift of Something Grand

Where The Wind Blows

Learn more about Renee and her writing at www.reneevincent.com



Available now at:

                                 Only 99¢ (for a limited time)

8 Sexy, Strong, Irresistible and UNFORGETTABLE Heroes in one!


***GIVEAWAY***

Each author will donate an e-book copy of theirs from the TMP collection and they will also give away one boxed set of 
Unforgettable Heroes
To be entered for a chance to win one of these fantastic prizes, 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)

144 comments:

  1. Wow! This looks fabulous! My hero, Zack, didn't even tell me he was coming. That sly one!! Watch him ladies. He's a charmer. I have invited all my friends. If anyone is here, come on in.
    Bobbye.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Bobbye! Zack is over here by me, love....

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    2. I was hoping to be the filling in a Zack/Jack sammich, Bobbye. ;)

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  2. Welcome ladies, and your amazing unforgettable heroes! Congratulations on this collection, what a fantastic special offer too! Wishing you all collectively and individually, much success and many sales.

    Now...how about some of that choclate cake? :)

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    Replies
    1. Bobbye, it's great to see you - and Zack! I think he's already stolen a few hearts already!

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    2. Oh he's in sales, and he will sell himself in a minute!

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    3. You ladies really put out the spread. I think I need a mimosa while I'm deciding what to eat.

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  3. Ah, good morning, all. So glad to be here with you. I'd love a piece of cake.Wow, it looks too good to cut and eat. I haven't had breakfast yet. Is it terrible to eat cake for breakfast?

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    1. It isn't at a party. I'm already drinking. :)

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    2. Bobbye, my hero is Scott. He's the one with the scowl on his face. Still good looking though. We're really going to have to work on the attitude. *eye roll*

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    3. Cake and martinis - a power breakfast. :-)

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    4. Give him a drink. Maybe that will help.

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    5. Haha. He's not much of a drinker. Yeah, I think a drink is just the thing.

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  4. Wow! Where do I start - now that I've downloaded eight rocking romances for a buck? Talk about a smoking deal. Oh, Oliver, you hunk of martini delivering man, thank you so much. *air kisses all around* Welcome to your roast, ladies!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the welcome, Mac! This food is enticing. But then there are the men...

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    2. I always say start with the cowboy. They usually aim to please. :) And well, I like the way they say "Ma'am." :)

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    3. Thanks, Mackenzie. Wow! I feel so important. Y'all throw a wonderful roast. :-)

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  5. What a beautiful Blog! Thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity to promote our boxed set of UNFORGETTABLE HEROES!

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    1. Join in and get some food, Janet. It's yummy!

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    2. Hiya Janet. We're thrilled you're all here and who wouldn't love a boxed set full of Unforgettable Heroes?

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  6. Mimosa or Mojito? I cannot decide? Maid Maddie here (the maid is tongue in cheek, obviously!) saying hello and looking for Thad. Thad? You said you would be here. Where is that dang elusive Alpha cowboy when you need him....

    Oh! Hello everyone and thanks for welcoming us. I usually do desert first so I'm heading over there to check out that table....

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    1. Thad;s probably off roping some filly, Maddie. Better tell him it's too early for that. Excuse me while I get some of that cake. I'll eat some pork later....

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    2. The cake is out of the world, Maddie. I think I'll have another piece.

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    3. Bobbye, sigh... you are probably right. That man is up before the sun. Oops! I won't give away anything personal here....

      Jennifer! I'm heading that way. Bobbye's Zack sort of distracted me....

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  7. It's so nice to be here today with you ladies (and of course Oliver)
    *raises hand to snag his attention* Hello, good sir. May I have an Irish Coffee?

    I'm looking forward to celebrating and discussing our UNFORGETTABLE HEROES Boxed Set with all the fantastic romance readers here today. Let the festivities begin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come over here and check out the men. I mean...menu.

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    2. Hi Renee! Good to see you here chickee. I can't wait to hear more about your yummy Latin dancer dude

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    3. That's right! Haven't heard about Renee's hero.

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  8. I'm torn between the pig and the cake.... haha, Let's see what would Phillip eat? Oh, yeah, he's pretending to be a starving artist...

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    Replies
    1. Bring him over and introduce him. I love the creative types!

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  9. Thanks, Mackenzie! I agree! It is an honor to have Phillip included with all these hunks... ;) and an even bigger honor for me to be included with all the fabulous authors.

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  10. Phillip put down that paintbrush and get over here!

    Hi, Ladies! Sorry about the mess but that's what happens when I'm turbo charged with my subject. Right now I'm knee deep in oils. It's all over me, the floor and.... I'm so captivated with my subject I can barely force myself to stop... she's really something. I just wish I knew her name... but then, she doesn't really know mine either.

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    Replies
    1. Janet, the oils are all over you? Prey tell, say more.

      And Renee, speaking of oils, I wonder if you will share that yummy excerpt of your artsy duo? I seem to recall a little spillage of oil paint in your book, too....

      Delete
  11. Hello, I'm finally here! Technical problems … or so I claim. Actually I had to take a spin in that gorgeous restored car of Wes's.

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    Replies
    1. Ah, Cat Shaffer is in the house. Grab onto your men, ladies!

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    2. Hi Cat! Sorry I didn't come over sooner. I was sampling. Now I need to go look at the food.

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  12. *Lilly slurps up an oyster and then reaches for a champagne as Oliver passes by with a tray* Mmmm. Champagne and oysters. I hear they are an aphrodisiac. Double check that info on your phone, AJ. I might want to rethink how many I have. *Lilly looks around the elegant ball room and frowns* Wow! What a crowd. I stepped out of the hall for less than an hour and look at the crowd that has arrived. And wow! Look at those heros! Truly drool worthy. Congrats ladies! These hunks really are unforgettable heroes! Definitely adding this collection to my TBR list!

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  13. Haha! Maddie! The oils are all over Phillip! He's a hot mess! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Ah. I see! I do remember reading how hot he was in a couple of scenes....

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  14. Did someone say chocolate cake? I'm in! Thanks for having us here today!

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    Replies
    1. I didn't even see you come in! Hello fellow author. Where is Jack?

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  15. Hmm... What else does Philip do? VBG

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  16. Morning folks. It's raining here and the kids have the day off school. Prediction: 0% productivity with a chance of housework.

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    1. Well, then, party first! That's my motto!

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    2. Melissa, I am trying to get my party in early today... three grandkids coming after school for the weekend. And we are supposed to have an ice storm on Sunday. Dare say this weekend is shot! (but I also need to clean the house...)

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    3. Bobbye, I've had two cups of coffee. Does that count?

      Maddie,
      We're in the middle of renovations to the house so I'm hoping I can slide on that excuse for why the house is so messy for a while. *G*

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    4. Melissa, I did that in 2013! I used that excuse forever. But now, well...

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    5. Melissa, we are so glad you're here with us. I say, forget that housework. It'll always be there tomorrow. Today is the beginning of the weekend and we should just sit back and relax a bit. Pour ya some more coffee, or make it an Irish Coffee - like myself - and take a load off!

      Delete
  17. You ladies have fun. Phillip and I have to pop out for a bit, but we'll be back after he cleans himself up! :) Considering the number of colors.... this could take a while.

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  18. Bobbey, before we go... Phillip can DO quite a lot of interesting things as he's quite naughty at times... so I had to tame him a little even to let him come on with me. Haaaaa...But I digress.

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  19. Jack from Long Distance Love is, like, my ultimate hero! Smart, sexy, and he's willing to go the 'distance' for the woman he loves. What more could any girl ask for? Gimme a piece of Jack any day! :D Congrats to all the ladies on a fabulous collection! :)

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    1. Thanks for coming, Jules. I agree that Jack is quite a catch.

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    2. Ah, Jack and Ellie... *Sigh* I love those two....

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  20. So, any of your heroes have foibles we ought to talk about? I'd like to compare notes.

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    1. Zack has a nasty habit of evading the truth. That has a way of back-firing on him. Especially when he doesn't even see the truth about his own feelings. How about Scott?

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    2. Thad. The man is ice. Stubborn. And even if it means losing the love of his life, he isn't about to break a rule. Especially his own rule. He let Kim walk out of his life because of it... but he does redeem himself in the end... ( won't say how...)

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    3. Ooh the brooding type! Love those.

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    4. Scott is a hard man to get to know. He has a lot of secrets, but he gets involved because he has a compulsion to help even if it means putting his own life in danger.

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    5. Phillip is a good guy at heart, but he's young, and so tired of people liking him because of who his family is, he's made a bit of a mistake by deceiving the heroine into thinking he's a poor artist from the get-go. Unfortunately, that isn't the only tangled web he has to deal with.

      Delete
  21. Wow! I out for a while to check out the hunks - er - I mean the books and the room is swarming. Hello everyone. 'Unforgettable' authors, it's so great to meet you and your lovely heroes. Feel free to post any more snippets or info about them you care to share. I'm off to get my share of the gorgeous guys! (The Download I mean, what did you think? :) )


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    1. Okay, here's an excerpt from This Magic Moment:

      Quickly she reached in the shower and turned on the water. Letting it run for a minute, she tossed off her clothes and held out a hand to feel the water pressure. Nice and hot. Then again, maybe she should make it cold. Tossing that thought aside in favor of creature comfort, she stepped under the spray.
      As she massaged shampoo into her hair, she thought about his massaging her shoulders the same way. Not just her shoulders but across her breasts, her nipples. Between her legs. She shivered, despite the temperature of the water. Jeeze, how had her mind wandered in this direction in such a short time?

      As she got ready to rinse out the shampoo, the lights flickered. Even with her eyes closed, she could tell the difference. Okay that was just once. She winced as they went out a second time, her eyes burning as a little soap got in her right eye. She brushed at the soap, silently praying they wouldn’t go off three times because when they did go out it would be … Blackness engulfed her. She sighed. Yep, three times they went out for good.

      Isn’t this just hunky-dorie?

      At least the water still ran, but better hurry up before it went cold. In total darkness, bending under the shower head to get the remaining soap out of her hair, she felt for the side of the shower stall. Once the soap had rinsed off, she groped her way to the front and felt outside for the towel on the counter. Where was the blasted thing? There, her hand met terry cloth. She grabbed it, letting it drape down and began to dry off. Stepping out cautiously, her foot hit the mat. One down. As her other foot joined it, something ran over the first one.

      Screaming at glass-breaking pitch, she hopped from foot to foot, and lost her balance, slipping on the mat and falling to the floor. The towel fell out of her hands and plopped on the floor somewhere out of her reach. Crandall’s breath came in gulps, realizing her whole unclad body was now in vermin territory. The damned things were probably waiting to scurry all over her like some horror movie right off late night TV. By the thousands in regiments. She was mortified of mice. Damned thing that had attacked her was probably a rat. Jumping to her feet in fear, she bumped into the toilet. Thank God. Quickly, she climbed on top. Now what did she do? Wait for the lights to come back on?

      The door banged open and Zack stood there holding a flashlight like a spotlight on her naked body. “Sorry, are you sure you’re okay?” She saw his head dip as his eyes drifted from her bust line downward. The man didn’t budge an inch.

      Seeing the towel, she jumped down and grabbed for it, wrapping it around her torso and then jumped back on the toilet lid. “The least you could have done was turn around like a gentleman.”

      “Who said I was one?” He grinned. As she glared at him, she heard him chuckle. “Okay, already, I’m turning. I thought you were in trouble.”

      Delete
    2. Oh, Bobbye. Was there really a rat there? *shivers* I'd scream too.

      Delete
    3. Teehee. Love it! I wonder what happens next....

      Hey guys. I gotta split for just a little while. But I will be back before the grandkids hit the door!

      Thanks, again, to our hostesses and especially to Oliver. *kisses*

      Delete
    4. It was a mouse, but to Crandall it was a rat. If you're afraid, you're afraid. Still, mice bring these two together....

      Delete
    5. Thanks Hywela! So nice to be here. My goodness do you gals know how to throw a party!

      Delete
  22. Hi Evelyn, welcome to the party. Just about to purchase my copies so I'll reserve judgement on Jack until I've had time to check 'em all out, LOL. They all sound so drop dead gorgeous!

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  23. I'd love to share an excerpt from my book Holding Out for a Hero.

    Ready?

    Here goes....

    “I’m scared enough without your lecture. I do get it, okay?”

    A smile quirked his lips. Raising his face, he studied my ceiling for a few seconds. Then his eyes finally settled on me. Hunger swirled in their dark depths, and not for food, for me.

    My breath caught in my throat. The intense stare from his eyes struck me like lightning, and I felt tingling throughout my whole body. In a swift movement, he stood and the chair turned over. I stood as well. Stalking over to me, he stopped just shy of touching me. His breath warmed my cheek, the heat of his body radiated outward.

    Was he going to kiss me?

    He moved so that his mouth was near my ear. The hair of his beard brushed my cheek. What was he waiting for? What was he going to do? What should I do?

    Little stars danced before my eyes, and I realized I was holding my breath. I willed myself to suck in some air, and when I did, my breasts touched his chest. There were barriers of clothing, but in that moment it didn’t matter. I knew the second he felt me, because his breath hissed. His hands reached up and gripped my elbows, his knee pushed itself in between my legs.

    “Good. I want you to be scared. I want you to get it. But I don’t think you do. The men at the shelter talk about you. They wonder what you taste like.” His low voice reverberated through me.
    He paused and let that bit of information sink in. My heart skipped a few beats.

    “You should stop making yourself so available,” he whispered before stepping away, picking up the paper wrapped food, shoving it in his pocket, and letting himself out of my apartment.

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    Replies
    1. I can't wait to read this one front to back! I'm sorry I haven't read it yet, Jennifer. I love the premise!

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    2. Oh was a fascinating character. Jennifer. IHe sounds a little dangerous but very intriguing. Can't wait to read all these stories. I've downloaded the set, now all I need is the time!

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  24. Here is an excerpt from RAWHIDE & ROSES-- Or, how Kim met Thad:

    Panicking at the horse’s faulty back-stepping up the mountain, Kim let her hands fall to the saddle horn, just to get a tighter grip. The sudden stopping of the horse’s backward movement jarred her for just a second, until the horse moved again—forward, and with a mite more speed than Kim wanted—searching for a tail to put her nose into. The panoramic view of the valley below, that she had so leisurely perused moments earlier, now whisked by in a blur as Rosie took off like a shot and galloped over the hill.

    “Oh, freakin’ hell!”

    She knew she was in trouble. Then she didn’t have time to think about it.

    “Ro-sie...slow...down!”

    Her brain whirred.

    Pull on the reins! Pull! Pull on them!

    The words banged around inside her skull as she flew down the Rocky Mountain terrain at what seemed the speed of light.

    Pull on the stupid reins? Where in the hell are they?

    As a stand of trees flew by, she risked a glance to her hands wound tight around the saddle horn, the reins woven through her fingers, her ten perfectly manicured fingernails digging into her palms. Painfully. She couldn’t move. Rosie descended at a pretty fast clip.

    Everything around her seemed contradictory, like silent slow motion and fast-forward, all at the same time. By now everyone in the string of horses in front of her had stopped at the sound of her screams. Someone raced up the mountain toward her, shouting. She couldn’t tell who, or what. She didn’t give a damn. All she knew how to do was hold on for dear life and pray she made it to the end of the string. Intact. She felt like flopping fish holding onto a bucking bronco—and knew it wasn’t pretty.

    And when this thing was through, she was going to kill Jillie Abernathy for bringing her to this godforsaken Colorado backwoods. Even if she was her best friend.

    Kim fought back a funny clutching at her throat. Huffing out one thick breath after another, she suddenly felt dizzy...and a little nauseous. She wasn’t going to make it.

    “Lean back in your saddle!” someone shouted. “And hold on!”

    Only—a—few—more—feet.

    Good old Rosie…she headed straight for Muffin’s tail. Abruptly, the horse met her mark.

    Unfortunately, Kim didn’t.

    In a blur, she rolled over the horse’s neck and landed in an unflattering position on her fanny at Rosie’s front hooves with a “Humph!”

    Hooves?

    Or were they...boots?

    Dazed, Kim shook her head, then looked again.

    Boots. Definitely boots.

    The toes of a pair of dirty brown boots were the first thing she saw after the dust clouds subsided and she’d rid her brain of the haze and fuzz. Or most of it, anyway.
    Faded denims, slightly raveled and worn at the hem, fit tight over the dusty boots. Her gaze traveling upward found the Wrangler’s stretched over firm, muscular thighs. A braided leather belt with a dull silver and turquoise buckle wove through the waistband of his jeans. He wore a denim western-cut shirt with pearl snaps. His hands were balled into fists and parked on either hip. The cuffs of his shirt were rolled back to reveal wisps of dark hair on tanned skin.

    She gulped. A strange, sinking sensation yanked at the pit of her stomach.

    Squinting, she brought her hand up to shield her eyes, and searched for his face. The sun glared behind him, reflecting off the clear blue of the afternoon, so all she saw was a dark shadow framed by a black cowboy hat.

    And all she heard was the deep resonance of his voice as it bounced across mountain and valley.

    “What in the hell did you do to my horse!”

    His horse? What did your precious horse do to me?

    Kim jumped to her feet.

    The last coherent thought she had then, before the bright lights sparked and the blackness claimed her, was that Cowboy Thad seemed a mite upset.

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  25. Whoo Hoo! This place is rockin! I love seeing how much fun everyone is having and welcome to the Roast, ladies! Jennifer Johnson, I am LOVING those shoes you have on in your author picture!!! Want! Need! So fabulous to have you all here!!!

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    1. Hi, AJ, and thank you. They are beautiful shoes, but they KILL the feet. Isn't that always how it goes?? I wear a 7 1/2. You're welcome to borrow them. hehe.

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  26. Looks like a great anthology! Congrats to all! I can't wait to read each and every story.

    Morgan Malone

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    1. Thanks, Morgan. I'm so glad you came.

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    2. Thanks Morgan/Deborah! Looks like you and I have something in common - multiple personalities! I also write as Gracie Lee Rose ha!

      Glad you dropped by and I hope you are enjoying the party.
      *waves to Oliver* My dear sir, get this woman a refreshment!

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  27. Hi Morgan *Waves* and hi to all the other visitors and my sister hostesses. Wow! What gret excerpts., I've loved reading about all you talented ladies and your hunky heroes. Oh Maddie, as a horse lover your excerpt struck a chord with me - and I;ve done the 'out the front door bit myself when my mare stopped dead at a jump and I didn't. I stuck to 'Western' style and no jumping after that!

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    1. I actually had an experience very similar to that which gave me the entire idea for the book. Truth is stranger than fiction????

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  28. Okay... I had to replace the excerpt that I had planned to use for this one... I was told the other far exceeded the rating... ;P

    Sins of the Father excerpt:
    “Cats or Dogs?”
    Phillip took a cleansing breath to stabilize his equilibrium and walked over to the patio table and chairs and motioned for her to sit before seating himself. “Easy. Cats.”
    Surprise lit her eyes. “Why?”
    Phillip shrugged. “They’re on the…” He coughed into his fist to cover his blunder. He’d nearly said they were on his family’s crest. “Sorry about that.” He cleared his throat. “Cats are low maintenance.”
    “Awww. So you’re lazy.”
    Phillip sat up straighter. “No. I just don’t want some dog needing me all the time. You know, let me in, let me out, pet me, feed me, I’m thirsty, and on and on. I’m busy.”
    She tilted her head again, obviously considering his statement. “Are you in school?”
    Phillip shook his head.
    “What do you do?”
    “Paint.”
    She sat up a little straighter, real interest in her eyes. “What do you paint?”
    Phillip felt excitement stirring as it always did when he thought about his passion. “Portraits, still-life, animals. Anything and everything. It’s like I put a brush in my hand and that’s it. This world falls away and I’m somewhere else. I’m someone else.”
    She flashed him that pearly white smile. “I know how you feel. The same thing happens to me when my fingertips touch a certain material. Suddenly an outfit comes to mind and I run for my sketchpad. Nothing and nobody matters until I nail the design. When I actually put theory to test, and it works out as I envisioned it…”
    She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as her lips took on the satisfied tilt of a woman post-orgasm.

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  29. They are, Bobbye. They are both stretching their wings (and doing it with each other) after both have lived lives of differing constraints. And they are both early twenties... oh.... to be early twenties again....

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  30. And let's just say it, they end up having their own food party... ;)

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  31. Well, gotta go take care of real world business, but will be back after while to play in the enchanted castle!!

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  32. Lol, yes we have to be a careful about the excerpts, Janet, but I liked that one very much, Very tantalizing!

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  33. LOL Bobbye - great excerpt. (Sounds a bit like a guesthouse I once stayed at actually, minus the hunk and the mice) It's such fun getting to know these gorgeous hunks and see how they react in certain situations!

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  34. Thank you all for attending! Like Bobbye, I have to step out for a bit, too. Under deadline and should be writing "the next great American novel"... hahahaha! Check back in soon!

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  35. I'm going to have to pop out for a while too, but I'll be back - oh all right Oliver, I will have another slice of your everlasting chocolate cake and a chocolate martini to go with it before I leave.

    Oh I forgot to say - it's one of the guest author's birthday today isn't it? Which one? Happy Birthday. Hope you've having a great day!

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  36. Sorry to be late to the party. My internet gods are not working well today. Wow! What a great group we have today. Any chocolate cake left for me??

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    1. Hi Mary! Thanks for coming. Glad to meet you!

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    2. Welcome to our playland. Having fun I hope? I promised I'd behave this week. So, this is an unusual day for sure! Good luck with sales ladies!!!! Pass the cake, or did Lyn eat it all? I know she drank the mead...

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    3. Hi, Mary! I'm back now. It looks like the party is still going full swing!

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    4. Mead? Did you say mead, Mary?
      Sorry, I"m a Viking romance author too so I can't help but get a little excited at the mention of mead. You know what they say...Give a Viking mead, and he'll...well, he'll....oh heck, I can't remember but I'm sure it he'll do something worth quoting LOL

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    5. That's all I need to know. GET MORE MEAD!!!!!

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  37. Who's birthday is it? Hope it's a terrific one for whomever it is!!! AHH! Finally the hunks have arrived. My goodness. Look at them all! Is Gerard Butler here today? Colon Ferrell? Who wants to meet some hot hero's, we got a whole bunch today. Wonder which of the stories hero's is the best???

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    1. Mine of course. :) He's a tease, but deep down he's a hunk with a heart made for only one woman. Sigh!

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  38. Waaaa! Chickies, all these teases are breaking my heart since I can't stop right now and grab me some time to read. Is there any chocolate cake left? Maybe that'll help until I can curl up with your stories.

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    1. Hey, save some chocolate cake for me too, Mackenzie! I'm in dire need of sweets right now. I've been writing all day and just got back from picking up my daughters from school, so I could use a sugar fix!

      And coffee....please say there is coffee left! OLIVER!!!

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    2. Don't go near the mead. Stay with coffee. Trust me,

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  39. I think I'll go over here and have some dessert. Which hero should I have? Oh, my, did I say that out loud?

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  40. Well, family is coming in, so I'm going to have to sign off, but thank you so much for hosting and visiting with us today! Happy Reading Everyone!

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    1. It's been a pleasure!! We loved it!! Will be up tomorrow to say hey to last minute visitors. Come back soon!

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  41. Where did everyone go? Better check the martini table...

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  42. Whew! Just staggered away from the drinks--got distracted by an irresistible hero! This is one great party!

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    1. Lyn brought more mead. Here have a snip!

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    2. Watch the mead, Amie! Lyn brought me some of that before.

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    3. Mary, I think I just remembered that quote: Where there's mead, there's bound to be a Viking!
      *ahem* Give me a little mead and I'm bound to bind a Viking to my bedposts.

      Oops sorry....wrong heroes here. *smacks forehead*
      Modern day heroes, Renee! Get with the program woman!

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    4. I'll take a viking any day. But, must have muscles and a small tender part in his heart, for me...

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  43. My these are some hot excerpts ladies. *fans self* is it hot in here? Mary? Lyn? Melissa? AJ? Mac? Should we turn down the thermostat? *Lilly eyes the unforgettable heroes across the way and fans herself again.* Forget the thermostat! I'm moseying over there to get an eyeful...er...a drink!

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  44. Hey, y'all, I just got a look see at Oliver, and wow! Wait. I mean at Oliver's Martini menu. Very impressive. I wonder what's in a Sexy Devil Martini??

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  45. LOL, we can't tell you that Jennifer - that's a secret that was between Oliver and his creator, our dear sister the late Sharon Donovan! She'd have just loved this party with you gals! (Sorry I've been a bit quiet, I just had a wee drop of mead.) *hic*

    Happy Birthday Bobbye!

    *Hic* I'm going back for more mead!

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  46. It isnhn't *hic* I mean isn't your Birthday Bobbye? Sorry I thought you said it was.
    Whose is it then? Cummon, fess up so we can sing you 'Happy Birthday'! :)

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  47. Happy birthday to...Who are we singing to? Oliver dear, bring me one of those famous martinis!

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    1. Who cares? Right Lilly? Is it your birthday? Another lemon drop martini, Oliver. :) Please!

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    2. Who's burpday is nit. No moore meede. I feel a bit lightheaded. That was a sexy devil martini?
      What made it sexy??Maybe because I had a wardrobe malfunction and the girls fell off the shelf. I recovered quickly, honest!

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  48. Party is just getting started. Have a lot of virtual food to eat!

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  49. Oh, my gosh. This is so funny. Just letting you all know I'm taking lots of video with my cell phone.

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  50. You all are killing me here! Sorry to be AWOL for so long... had to go pick up the grands, feed them, then pick up the dog from her bath, and now... WHEW! What a great party and great day. So glad everyone could stop in, and a huge THANK YOU all for hosting us today! You all are great partiers.... (never did find out whose bday it is!)

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  51. Enjoyed myself immensely! Thanks to all of our wonderful hostesses!

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  52. LOL - perhaps it's everybody's birthdat! Or perhaps it's the book collection's brithday.
    Anyhow we're having a ball with you ladies - and we don't usually close the door on our parties until Sunday - so as long as the mead, wine, martinis and everything else is flowing, as long as Oliver keeps bringing out chocolate cakes, and as long as Mary's wardrobe malfunctions continue to keep the guys rooted to the spot - I for one am going to carry on, carrying on! :)




























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  53. Birthdat, what's a birthdat? I invented a new word! :) *Hic* more mead anyone?
    So glad you're enjoying the party Bobbye - I can't wait until I get time to sit down somewhere quiet and read all these hunky heros' stories!

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  54. Ok, obviously checking back in to see what I've missed. This has been a lovely Roast! I'm ready for one of those drinks now.... :)

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  55. Oh thank you Janet, Here comes Oliver with a large glass of your favourite tipple. How does he know? He knows everything!

    Happy Birthday to Cat
    Happy Birthday to Cat
    Happy Birthday dear CAAAA-AAT
    Happy Birthday to you!

    Lyn finishes singing and looks around: Where did everyone go?

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    1. Excellent singing! And Happy Birthday to Cat! I had an extra piece of cake and a glug of wine just for you.

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  56. Lyn, look this way. Smile. You're on candid camera. hehehe.

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  57. Hi Amie, Hi Lola, so glad you could join the party!

    Whaatg, Candid Camera? Where? I need more lippy!

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  58. Hi everyone, this was a wonderful gathering! I caught up with Cat last night and wished her a happy birthday. She was enjoying some cake with...ahem...some friends.

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  59. Hi Jennifer, glad Cat had a good birthday - and the company was good! :)

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