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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, October 16, 2015

A Halloween Masquerade Party for Tena Stetler's book - A Demon’s Witch

It's October! The Halloween month, so we're celebrating a little early and you're all invited to Tena Stetler's Halloween Masquerade Party!

“You’re Cinderella, but you’ve missed the turnoff to the ball?”

Lilly rolls her eyes at Lyn’s suggestion. The Roast hostesses have spent the whole trip to Tena Stetler’s Halloween masquerade party coming up with characters, each one more ridiculous than the last.

“If I were, those feet of yours would make you one of the ugly step-sisters wouldn’t it?” she asks sweetly.

Lyn pretends affront and pouts, the move making her zombified made-up face even more alarming. Just then, the taxi pulls to a stop before an imposing turreted building. They walk up the path, dusk turning everything into shadows, lending an eerie feeling to the night. The hostesses pair up and link arms until they reach the entrance.

“I love the way you Americans go all out for Halloween, but why do there have to be cobwebs?” LaVerne shudders and waves a hand to indicate her fellow hostess to go first. “After you, Debby.”

“You do realise they’re fake?” Mary inquires from the back.

“Doesn’t make it any less creepy,” LaVerne mutters, not moving an inch from her position at the side of the entrance. “It makes me think of spiders and my skin starts to crawl.”

“You and your skin, girl.” Shaking her head, Debby steps forward, only for the hair she’d spent the best part of the evening teasing into a gravity-defying ‘do' to snag. “Gah!”

“What’s the holdup?” Mac pipes up from the back. “Come on, guys, get a move on, I’m starving. Tena promised prime rib and baked potatoes at her Roast party and it smells like she delivered.”

Just then, Oliver glides up to the entrance to see what the commotion was about. With a wry grin and a shake of his head, he places the tray of blood-red drinks down onto the hallway table and in a matter of seconds, has Debby freed from the fine thread. She flutters her lashes at him, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

“Thank you, Oliver. What would we do without you?”

He gives a courtly bow and smiles, his top lip lifting just enough to give a glimpse of fangs then disappears back into the crowd. The hostesses watch him go, the red-lined black cape he wears billowing behind him and sigh in unison.

 “It’s always nice to see him, but boy, is it mighty fine to watch him leave.”

“Always right on the money, Mary,” Lilly agrees with a laugh, then lifts her head and sniffs the air.
 
Mac snaps her fingers. “Now I see it. You’re Samantha from Bewitched!”


Lilly groans. “No. But I spy Tena over by the food. It looks awesome. There’s even cupcakes and bat-shaped cookies. I hope they’re chocolate. Yum. Ooo - even yummier, it looks like she managed to get Bruce along to party with us too.”


“Oh, my,” breathes Mary. “He’s a gorgeous one, isn’t he? I wonder if he’s taken.”
Lyn nods as he pulls a stunning looking woman close. “I’d say so. That’s Angelique.” She assesses Mary’s black dress and cone hat and scoffs. “I’ve got it on good authority, she’s a real witch. A lovely girl, but I wouldn’t want to get in her bad books.”

 
Tena glances over and steps towards them, her smile wide. “Ladies! Drinks are to your left. Grab one and join us. Oliver mixed us up Witches brew cocktail and Black Devil Martinis for the adventurous sorts, or if you prefer a non-alcoholic drink try the Dragon’s Blood Punch. It’s delicious.” 


 After selected their drinks of choice, introductions are made. It is soon obvious how perfectly matched Bruce and Angelique are for each other. The tender touches and adoring glances exchanged between the couple have the hostesses smiling. 

Debby lifts her glass. “Let’s raise a toast to Tena, Bruce and Angelique, and the release of their book, A Demon’s Witch.” Glasses are raised into the air. “Congratulations for releasing your magic into the world.”
 
Today's introductory skit was written by LaVerne





Blurb - Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C., is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.  

Bruce’s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation. The undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.

Excerpt: 
Suddenly, he felt the magic aura shirt and switched his attention to the front door. She breezed in, hair like spun gold flowing to her waist, with a seductive yet regal body and a sway to her hips that should be illegal even in DC. She wore a snug rose and cream colored sweater, cut low enough he could see the swells of her rounded breasts, tailored black slacks that fit her cute ass like a glove and four-inch spike heels. She paused in the center of the salon, wet from the sudden spring storm, and lowered the briefcase she’d used as an umbrella. Her sparkling violet eyes glanced up to the mezzanine where Bruce stood watching. Blatantly her gaze wandered over his well-muscled body, undressing him piece by piece, until he felt naked. He shook his head slightly and smoothed his shirt and slacks with his hand, just to make sure he was still wearing them.



Author Bio – With the majestic Rocky Mountains for a backdrop, Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of eleven, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Tena finds stories in the strangest places, while camping, kayaking, or hiking in the mountains. Even at the hair salon ie,
A Demon’s Witch.  So far, she’s only found one dead body (imagined not real) during a camping trip, turned it into an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that’s nearly complete. For many years, Tena worked as a paralegal for a criminal law firm. You won’t believe the tales she can spin from that experience! Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  She loves the adventure of a road trip. Together with her husband and their companion animals, they have logged thousands of miles in their RV visiting over 3/4 of the United States.  The great northeast is still on the bucket list. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. 
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Tena'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)


60 comments:

  1. Welcome to your Roast, Tena - love your masquerade costume! It's always such a pleasure to be able to host a fellow Wild Rose Press author. 'A Demon's Witch sounds like a wonderful red, wishing you many, many sales. Oooh, I must try one of those chocolate bats....

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  2. Good Morning everyone, Afternoon to those across the pond. Thank you so much Hywela for coming to my Masquerade Ball today. Angie and Bruce are thrilled to meet you, though I believe they have wandered over to the food. They invited Stefan, Assassin for the Vampire Council. So we need to keep an eye out and instruct him, no warm bloods on the menu today.

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  3. Everyone should have an over active imagination. Congratulations.

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  4. Welcome to your roast, Tena, and welcome to you too Maddy! I do love a good Halloween party, and an over-active imagination isn't a bad thing at all. Let's toast Tena's release. I am dying to try the Witches' Brew AND the Black Mountain martini. Don't judge! *Lilly smiles* I'm fun when I drink, and not overly chatty at all. *crosses fingers behind her back*

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    1. I love chatty people Lilly! Thanks for coming!

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  5. Absolutely love the cake! Halloween is my favorite time of year, so you know I had to fly on over. ;) Wishing you all the best with your book.

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  6. Thanks to LaVerne for the wonderful observations at my party! This is so cool.

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    1. It's a pleasure, Tena! Your cast of characters really make the party - I'm dying to meet them and now I've downloaded your book, I can't wait! Woot!

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  7. Don't you just love it when a party comes together? Where is that LaVerne? Ah ha! She's over by the food giving Bruce the eye. I hope Angie doesn't catch her looking. lol!

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  8. You and me both, as far as Angie looking, LaVerne could become a toad in very quick order. LOL

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    1. Uh, oh LaVerne! Better be careful! But don't worry, Tena, the hostess always look but we never touch. Our husbands make sure of that. lol!

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    2. Don't worry, ladies - Angie and I had a chat while downing a couple of glasses of Witches' Brew. No touching, but drooling is fine! :)

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  9. Hi Lilly, Hi Mary, Hi Maddy. Ooh, I think everyone's giving LaVerne the eye! He's one hot looking guy isn't he. I'm not so sure about the Stefan the Assassin though. I've instructed Oliver to keep a close eye on him! (No offence Stefan, really!)

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    1. Stefan says, none taken, he ate before he boarded the plane, so he's good.

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    2. Phew, that's a relief! Hey Stefan, how about a dance, I promise not to tread on your toes! :)

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    3. Make him promise not to nibble on your neck, Lyn!

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  10. So what I want to know is, why can't I be a vampire, or a zombie? Like the one on IZombie? Still functioning and eating brains!!
    I'd be sooo smart then. Tena love the story. How do you like your party?

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    1. No Mary, no. One zombie is enough at this party, and I think you have competition in the zombie stakes. You make a perfect witch though!

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    2. This party rocks! Bruce and Angie gave it their nod of approval too. Stefan, well, he's just hanging out, sipping the bloody mary Oliver fixed for him, with O-positive warmed to 98.6 degrees..

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    3. So glad Bruce and Angie are enjoying it. Yes, Oliver is able to cater to all tastes! :)

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  11. Phew! Here I am. Sorry, ladies. I was helping LaVerne get the fake cob webs out of her hair. And I thought I was a weenie! Sheesh. *Air kisses all around*

    Hiya, Tena, and congratulations on the release. I LOVE the cover, blurb and excerpt! A Demon's Witch just landed on my TBR pile. And I am so glad Stephan ate already. I'm currently using my blood and wouldn't care to share. :-)

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    1. So glad you found the blurb and excerpt intriguing. Thanks for putting it in your TBR pile, I know you'll enjoy it!

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  12. Hi Mac, there you are! I agree, that is a pretty stunning cover, isn't it!

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    1. Hi there Mackenzie! So glad you made it. Don't worry, you'll be able to keep your blood, Oliver fixed a Bloody Mary especially for Stefan! However, I do see him scoping Hywela out, not sure what that's all about.

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    2. Bruce and Angie are a pretty stunning couple. I absolutely love the cover! Kristian Norris outdone herself. She gave me exactly what I wanted. Couldn't be happier. Speaking or Bruce and Angie, I better go check on them. Stefan seems to have disappeared too. Uh oh.

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    3. I agree! It's so rare to get a cover that you really love!! And it's terrific Tena.
      I know where they went. On the third floor there are some rogue misfits. Not sure what they are. But, I think they are looking into the chaos up there?
      Lyn seems to have disappeared too. Wonder if Stefan scoping her out was the cause??? Let's go find them?

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    4. Did you hear that, Lyn? Stephan was scoping you out and now he's disappeared. Wait. Lyn? Lyn? LYN? Uh-oh Houston, we may have a problem.

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    5. LOL Mary. Are you reading my mind again?

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    6. Oh, dear, Bruce, Angie and Stefan promised to be on their best behavior today. Just can't trust a demon. A vampire, well.... Lyn could be in trouble, hope she has extra blood. Stefan is partial to AB Neg. Anybody know her blood type? He just fed, so it shouldn't happen. Unless Lyn offered. shaking head and rolling eyes.

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    7. Oliver slipped over to me and suggested there was a rogue werewolf upstairs. Is that possible? He or she didn't come with me. I'm innocent!

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    8. There seems to be some Halloween mischief afoot!

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  13. Never underestimate the power of a large foot. She can take care of herself. Even against a rogue of any kind. As a matter of fact I see rogues flying down the stairs, one after another. Mac, grab the camera, people have to see Lyn handle werewolves. Will Stefan jump in and help her. Will he keep on scoping or join the cacophony? Yeah, I do know big words too! Tena, never claim innocence at a time like this!!! They go after innocents don't they???

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    1. Yeah, they go after innocents, but I got Bruce, Angie and Stefan, I'm safe. I hope. But Stefan may be helping Lyn, so....

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  14. I hope all those dog whisperer shows help me tame the werewolf upstairs. I hope he's small and fluffy! Why are they never chihuahuas? Must put down A Demon's Witch to watch my back, but I love the cover! If I get eaten it is all your fault, Tena.

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    1. Hi Maggie, glad you stopped by. Werewolves are never small and fluffy, usually big, muscular, rugged - Wipes her mouth, looks from side to side,hopes no one see the drool. OH, I'll watch you back, no need to put down A Demon's Witch. LOL I won't let them eat you, at least until you finish the book. LOL

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  15. Lyn runs down stairs rubbing her hands together gleefuly. Well that was fun!

    Hi Maggie, lovely to see you here. There's plenty of food around so I think you're fairly safe ... I think.

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    1. Yep, lots of great food and drink. So eat and drink up before the werewolves get down here, then it will all be gone..

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  16. Lyn, So glad you are back safe and sound. We were a little...um.. worried. Pats her shoulder. Thought maybe Stefan... ah.. well.. nothing. She sees Stefan's satisfied grin. and Lyn slides a grin in Stefan's direction. The food sure is good! Takes a long drink from her black Devil Martini.

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  17. Hey everyone!! Sorry for being late (when am I not??) but I just had to go and fumigate myself - spiders *shudder* Then I got caught up watching the action upstairs. Wow, Lyn! I'd no idea you were such a kick-ass.

    Welcome to your Roast, Tena! This is so much fun! Ooo, ooo, Lily! I know who you're dressed as now. Little Miss Muffett! Is that curds and whey you're eating?

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    1. Is Curds and Whey a new cocktail? If it is, I'll try it. lol!

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  18. Hi LaVerne, Thanks this is a fun Roast. Sorry about my characters running amuck all over the place. They don't get out of the book often, so.... I guess it's to be expected. LOL This cake is delicious! pops another fork full in her mouth and savors! Yum! The prime rib was scrumptious.

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  19. Let them eat cake! Lyn yells! As she grins in pure naughtiness. What did I miss up there! And why didn't you call me up to join in. Well lookie here, it's a handsome morsel that is over by the drink table. I'm on my way to sashay over and intro myself. He has a huge grin.

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  20. Why, yes he does, is the Roark of werewolf fame? He likes the women. Human women, witches too!

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  21. Sorry to be late, sounds like everyone is having a great time. Congratulations on the new release. The book is wonderful. I think I'll just jog over for a glass of that wonderful drink and some of the delicious looking cookies. So, I'll just chomp my way over. Congratulations Tena.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the book. Yeah, we've had quite a time, but there is still some food left. You're lucky, the werewolves left any. I think Bruce, Angie and Stefan are about ready to leave, they've behaved as long as possible and Bruce has pressing matters with Tristian.

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  22. I think I'll have a lemon drop martini...anyone want to join me??

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    1. Me, me! LaVerne lied about the curds and whey. Nasty stuff, that!

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    2. Hehehe, Lilly. *innocent smile* Here - *passes lemon drop martini* We'll join you, Betty - this is delicious!

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  23. Hi LaVerne - and hi Betty. Don't worry about being late - Oliver can always rustle up some food however much the other guests eat!

    By the way, I made some comments earlier on and they seem to have disappeared. Is there witchcraft in the air - or am I just still slightly hungover from the mead Stefan kept plying me with - he's a one isn't he! *smirk*

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  24. Cheers Betty *hic*, don't mind if I do!

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  25. Angie is giggling and whispering with Bruce as he holds her close. So... I'd suspect witchcraft is wafting through. LOL Stefan is quite the male.... knows what it takes to keep, well you know. So.... Great fun ladies!

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  26. That cake is to die for!!! loving all the amazing food too thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  27. Hi Mary - gosh there are a lot of Marys at this party aren't there - or am I seeing treble? Anyway, so glad you could come and am enjoying the food, I'm rather partial to cake myself! :)

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  28. Thank you all for coming. This has been great fun. I hope everyone will check out A Demon's Witch.

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  29. Sounds great Tena, certainly needs to be added to my tbr list! Thanks for being such a fun guest of honour.

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