D

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

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

Friday, 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)

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Karen's winners are:


Karen is generously giving away two (Kindle or PDF, reader's choice) copies of her contemporary romance, SATIN PLEASURES, and one $10 Amazon gift card. Drum roll, please....

Kate Lockridge and Cynthia Young, you've both won a copy of SATIN PLEASURES!

Michelle Willms, you've won the $10 Amazon gift card!

Congratulations, ladies! Please send Karen an email at karendocter@ymail.com so she can arrange to send your prizes.

Thanks to  Karen Doctor  for being such a wonderful and generous guest of honour, and to everyone who commented and made this Roast such fun.

The hostesses appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow
They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.



"Just another Author Roast and Toast!"


Join us again on Friday 28th February, when our Guest will be
  BOBBYE TERRY AND THE AUTHORS OF 'UNFORGETTABLE HEROES'


Friday, February 21, 2014

Satin Pleasures - a beach party celebration with Karen Doctor

Welcome to our Roast Party for Katren Doctor to celebrate  the second anniversary of her book 'Satin Pleasures' Don't forget to leave a comment to be in the draw to win one of the prizes she has generously offered this week.

"Ooooh!" Lilly scrunches the bouffant curls on either side of her head as she and the other hostesses hop from their dune buggies to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary release of Karen Doctor's Satin Pleasures. "Look there's a beach band!"

"Cool! You guys line up and I'll take a picture!" AJ squints into her phone and snaps off a few photos of the parking lot. "We all look so cute in our fifties garb and teased hair."

"Over here, AJ." Mac grabs her shoulders and turns AJ toward the beach. Sighing, she adjusts the pink scarf knotted at her neck. "The band is by the tiki bar and crab shack. Over there, by where all those people are dancing the twist."

AJ tips her phone sideways and takes a picture of some folded chaise lounge chairs leaning against the side of the weathered building.

"Oh, and look at those wonderful drinks!" Mary's poodle skirt swings at her ankles as she rubs her hands together with glee. "They have orange slices and strawberries skewered in them with... What are those? Little surf boards?"

"Karen asked we have the bar make her guests some delicious Chi-Chi's." Lyn links her arm through Mary's as the hostesses start across the sand toward the dancing crowd. "They're like Pina Coladas, but instead of rum, they're made with vodka."

"Vodka! Vodka!" Mac chants. 

"Or the guests can have Mai Tai's or Bahama Mama's or Sex on the Beach." Melissa elbows Mac with a smirk before pointing
toward the large bonfire and pit turning slowly on it's outdoor rotisserie. "And we have a roasted pig and with veggies. Get it? A pig roast for Karen's roast?"


Mac rolls her eyes as AJ snaps off a few pictures of a beach umbrella. "I'm so excited for this party. Did you know Satin Pleasures won a RomCon Reader's Crown Finalist Award in the Contemporary Category and was a Golden Heart
Oliver
Finalist for Best Short Contemporary Romance by the Romance Writers of America? Karen has a lot to celebrate!"



"And she also write romantic suspense." Lilly sighs as she scans the tanned crowd. "This party is just like a scene straight out of an Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon movie."

"Right!" Lyn nods at Mary and the hostesses squeal in excitement as the crowd parts and Karen dances her way over to greet them. "It's time to party until the sun goes down!"

"And don't forget the s'mores and rich, dark chocolate cake!" Karen smiles as she tosses her arms around the hostesses and they laugh as they all make their way into the party.
Bustiers, Birds, and the Blues…

Dan McDonald walked away from the American dream, a life full of money, glamorous women and power. Now nothing can lure him back into the corporate death trap. Except….

Dan’s scheming aunt snares him into opening a lingerie shop in Tess Emory’s shopping mall. Tess is everything Dan has vowed to avoid…sexy, smart, and obsessed with work.

Tess is determined to make her life a success and right the wrongs of her past, no matter the cost.

They’re both going to discover that true love breaks all their rules.

** RomCon Reader's Crown finalist ~ Contemporary Category
** Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finalist ~ Best Short Contemporary Romance


Excerpt:
Dan shook his head when he realized he'd pushed his old life behind him far enough to find amusement in the scene.  He'd come a long way in the past year.  Was it far enough?  He'd been happy—well, content enough—with his solitary lifestyle...until his aunt tracked him down in Florida a couple of weeks ago.

She'd convinced him she and his mother needed him in California through June. However, he'd had three thousand miles to wonder if his temporary return to the rat race might prove to be the biggest mistake of his life.  His impulse to turn the truck around had grown with each passing mile and he wondered if this traffic snarl was his last chance to save himself. 

He certainly couldn't complain about his first glimpse of San Francisco Bay.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.  The sun stirred bright color into the murky waves and streaked light across mirrored office buildings on the opposite shoreline.  A light, salty breeze gave wing to a variety of raucous sea birds over his head and teased long tendrils of toffee-rich hair out of his brunette's French twist.
His brunette.

Desire coiled deep in his belly as he watched her wiggle her bottom onto the hood of her car.  With one hand resting on the driver’s side mirror on the open door, she talked briskly into her phone, her expression hidden behind sunglasses.  The straight lemon skirt and fitted jacket she wore accentuated her rich, dark hair, full breasts, and slender waist.  Spiked heels showcased legs long enough to fuel a man's fantasies for months.  Her hand waving in emphasis to whatever point she was making spoke to Dan of urgent caresses and wild passion.

The blend of cool professionalism and hot sensuality fostered the illusion a man only had to peel away one layer to expose the passionate woman beneath.  He'd never seen a woman who made him feel so needy, so primitive, with barely one look...which is why he hadn't bothered to pursue a woman since Charlotte Betham opted for her career over him last year.  He might have made an effort to change her mind if she’d turned his crank this way!

Only a caveman would dream of ripping the phone from his lady's hand.  Only a cretin would throw it into the bay before he dragged her away to his cave for a year or two.  Only a sex-starved man would allow such idiotic impulses to get out of hand.

"Maybe Aunt Mary dragged us back to civilization in time."  Dan scratched behind his dog's ears.  "Maybe I should go out on a date or two while we’re here.  Take the edge off."
Colby barked, and then rested his muzzle on the dashboard, pointing the way.
"No, it won't be with my sexy brunette."

  

Bio: 
Karen Docter won the Category (Series) Romantic Mystery Suspense unpublished division of the 2005 Daphne du Maurier Award.  She's a four-time Golden Heart finalist and a charter member of The Golden Network & RWA® PRO®.  Also a member of Colorado Romance Writers and Kiss of Death Romance Writers, she writes romantic suspense (Women hunted by killers…men who’d die to protect them ~ www.kldocter.com) as K.L. Docter, and contemporary romance (Romance…With a kick of humor ~ www.karendocter.com) as Karen Docter. Two genres, one blog: www.karendocter.com/blog/. Karen loves chatting with fans daily on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Docter-Author/112017712223396 and https://www.facebook.com/kldocter
  
Romantic Suspense by K.L. Docter: Killing Secrets, Coming Soon!
Romantic Comedy by Karen Docter: 
www.karendocter.comSatin Pleasures http://amzn.com/B0078VSY6G Catch That Santahttp://amzn.com/B00ACDF0EG
Contact: kldocter@yahoo.com Twitter: @KarenDocter


***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Karen's book, or a $10 Amazon voucher,  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)

Friday, February 14, 2014

'Summertime Dreams' by Babette James with a Valentine's Gift for You!



“Wow! This place is like stepping into the past. The decorations,
crepe paper, now that makes a party.  And so patriotic with the red, white and blue colors. Fourth of July in Falk’s Bend belongs in a Norman Rockwell painting. I remember as a kid…” Lyn phases out in a blast from the past.

“Besides the parade, there will be fireworks later on. That’s my favorite part.” AJ smiles, lost in thoughts of cascading colors that will soon fill the sky.








“I’m looking at the food! Barbecued steak, hamburgers, fried chicken, salads, ice cream, blackberry pie, apple crumb pie, coconut cake,chocolate cake. 


Apparently, according to Babette every resident took this day as some unofficial cook-off challenge, not settling for the usual picnic fare of hot dogs and hamburgers, but offering up ribs and anything else that could be barbecued, fried chicken, every variety of casserole, salad, pickle, condiment, and dessert.” Lilly gazes down at her now flat stomach. “I’m gonna regret the tight jeans, I just know it.”

“Well there is just about any summer drink you could imagine. I’ll try that lemonade, it looks home made.” Mac drools as she thinks about the sugary sweet lemonade she longs for.

“I’m looking for Babette, she promised to introduce us to some of Christopher’s friends. I love him as a hero in Summer Time Dreams.” Melissa grins at Babette as she approaches.



“Hi ladies welcome to the Fourth of July celebration here in Falk’s Bend. Isn’t there one of you missing?”

Babette gazes over the crowded streets. “We’ll have to hurry is we want a good seat in one of the grandstands.” Babette points to seating along the main road where the parade is soon to pass. “Well she’ll have to catch up with us.” The group quickly follows Babette and seats themselves in the front row. The cacophony off sounds goes off scale as the first of the marching bands begins its way down the street to cheers and good natured calls.

The band approaches, majorettes twirl their batons in short skirts and colorful costumes.
Shouts for the local high school band fill the air! The cheerleaders march in unison and stop to perform as small skit in front of the bandstand.

“Wait a minute,” Mac whispers to the others isn’t that Mary?” She points to a majorette in a baggy costume and with huge pom poms glued to her front that shake radically as she clumsily tries to twirl the baton. “Is that? No, it couldn’t be…It is!!!”

They all laugh and nod to those around them who are hysterical at the antics in front of them.

“Just pretend you don’t know her.” Lyn whispers as they as they watch the spectacle. “It wouldn’t be so bad if she had worn a top that wasn’t so bright and gaudy and those pom poms...”

Babette squeals in delight as she runs over, joins Mary, grabs a baton, and tries to twirl it. “Come on, she yells, it’s fun.”

The girls look at each other and sigh. AJ jumps up and yells, “Are you game?”

 “If you can’t beat ‘em, join, ‘em!”  They chorus and run to join the fun. “It’s a Summer Time Dream!”





Bio: Babette James writes sweetly scorching contemporary fantasy romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. A teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! She lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and extremely spoiled cats.

Blurb: 
The Fourth of July is over, but for these summer lovers the fireworks have just begun. 

An unexpected inheritance brings business consultant Christopher Gordon from Los Angeles to quaint Falk’s Bend. He’s carved a week from his demanding schedule to list his great-grandparents’ house for sale and explore his roots. However, disturbing family secrets and the sweet temptation of writer Margie Olsson derail his plans, challenging him to seize the elusive dream missing from his hectic life— love. 

http://viewBook.at/SummertimeDream
A recent brush with death shook Margie’s life, but not her dreams and she’s ready to move forward. Only, standing up to her loving, over-protective family isn’t easy. Helping Christopher explore the derelict mansion and unravel his grandmother’s mysterious past should be a harmless fun taste of independence. But when her experimental summer fling ignites into unexpected love, how can her small town dreams work with his big city life? 





Excerpt – 
Margie touched his shoulder and had him turn away from the mess to focus on the view toward the river. 
Here the picturesque natural beauty of the property began: the land sloped gently down past the ancient summer house and purple martin houses to the reedy pond where a duck flew in and landed with a quack, and stretched on through weedy tangles of wild blackberry and rogue saplings to the ancient apple and plum trees sagging with unripe fruit, and beyond to the river invisible in the distance, marking where the Engberg’s farm began on the far bank. 

Appreciation softened his tense face. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it? I fell so in love with this place when I was little and dreamed I’d live in a house like this someday.” Margie laughed. “Of course, in my dreams it was a bit less rundown.” 

“I’d imagine so. Interested in buying?” 

“Oh, if only I could, I would in an instant. I’m sure the property alone is worth far more than I can afford.  It’s a huge piece of land. And the repairs and restoration...” Longing swelled. She sighed. Someone else would buy and live in her dream home. 

Quiet fell between them for a while. Bees buzzed in the clover. Birds sang, chirped, and flitted. A hummingbird whizzed past. Two more ducks joined the first amid quiet bickering quacks. Dandelion fluff drifted by on an unfelt breeze. 

A truck rattled down the lane, breaking the moment. 

“Suppose we ought to head back...” Christopher turned, so close their arms brushed, but instead of retreating, he hesitated. Their eyes locked. Where dismay and frustration had filled his green eyes, want simmered. The heavy air electrified. 

You need a change. 
On a surge of bewildering crazy courage, she stretched up and kissed him. The brief brush of lips to lips left her shaken and her heart pounding, like she had  just come up for air.

His eyes widened in his serious, craggy face. 

No, oh, no. Blowing out an unsteady breath, she pressed a hand to her stomach. She’d carried her day’s adventure one impetuous step too far. Her heroines were the daring part of her. She’d never even kissed on a first date before, and this wasn’t even a date. 

Before the apology fluttering in her mind could break free, he cupped her cheek and touched his mouth down on hers. 

Thinking faded as feeling soared. His gentle touch sweet and fascinating, his lips warm and firm played over hers, unhurried in his caresses and enticing brushes. He laced his fingers into her hair, cradling her head in his hand. He tenderly nipped her lip and licked at her mouth, inviting her rather than taking. 

She sighed, delighting in this lovely, reckless rush. Yes. Yes. Yes. Forget that they had just met. She could want again.

Gripping his shoulder, she accepted the heady invitation, and the kiss deepened into perfect.


***GIVEAWAY***

Come fall in love at the river! I have a Valentine’s Day gift for you all today. Summertime Dream is FREE on Amazon Kindle February 11-15, 2014: http://viewBook.at/SummertimeDream
And one lucky commenter will win an PDF copy of Clear As Day, the next book in the series.



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)

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
authorroast@btinternet.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE OUR GUEST? DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR NEW RELEASE OR EVEN AN OLDER ONE?IF YOU FANCY BEING GUEST OF HONOUR AT ONE OF OUR PARTIES JUST EMAIL US AT THE ADDRESS in 'OLIVER'S RULES'!(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 'G' RATED BLOG SO NOTHING HIGHER THAN THIS RATING, PLEASE.)