New Reviews – Page 135 – Read-Love-Blog

Review….Snowbound by Larissa Ione

Synopsis:

Passion hot enough to melt the slopes and their hearts.

Thanks to a devastating medical diagnosis, ski patroller Sean Trenton has endured two years of celibacy. Two long years that have chipped away at his confidence. Now, with the career opportunity of a lifetime on the line, he’s ready to remedy the celibacy situation, and sexy snow bunny Robyn Montgomery is just what the doctor ordered.

Unfortunately, the last thing reliable, intense radio station manager Robyn Montgomery wants in her suddenly turbulent professional and personal life is a thrill-seeking former Olympic skier-even if he is a total hottie. She’s had it with guys who hog the spotlight and leave her in the shadows. So why is it that even an icy blizzard cant temper the combustible heat between them?

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My review:

Being a huge Larissa Ione fan, I knew I had to read this book. Well, I finally got the chance this past week and abso-freaking-loutely loved it!

Robyn Montgomery is chairing her high school reunion’s charity auction this year and is already dreading it when her jerk of an ex, and her current boss, backs out of emceeing the event at the very last minute. Of course. It didn’t make any difference to him that she hated her high school years and that her way of getting back at all of the catty women she knew was to show off her success as a New York radio station manager. Having the ex use his fame as a media prince was going to help her shut them, and all of their hurtful teasing, up for good. Known for being the overweight, brace-face, glasses wearing nerd, this was supposed to be her chance to show off how she’d grown into a beautiful and successful woman. Now she’s stuck heading to her hometown lacking an emcee and in jeopardy of losing her battle with the emotions she’s fought off since the day she graduated.

Sean Trenton has left the world of competitive skiing behind. After a terrible medical issue two years before, he’s traded his Olympic gold medal hopes for a medical kit and a read ski patroller’s parka. He loves what he does now but there’s just something missing. He needs a woman. Sean is ready to jump back in the saddle after swearing off sex since his diagnosis. It should be easy for the self –assured, fun-spirited, sexy patroller….but what he wasn’t expecting was wanting more than a one night stand the minute he lays eyes on Robyn.

What a great story this was. The build up and sexual tension between Robyn and Sean was absolutely delicious. I do believe I groaned out loud on more than one occasion while reading this book. Sometimes I get so frustrated when the back and forth between the two characters lasts and lasts, but in Snowbound it was the perfect amount. Sean is what every hero should be…compassionate, cheeky, gorgeous, sexy, funny, kind, and a guy you want to root for. He’s not perfect, and makes his share of mistakes, but that made me love him even more. He’s believable and real in a way some characters never get to be. Robyn is no less believable than Sean. She has been put through the “mean girls” wringer, something I’m sure a lot of us can relate to. She’s not one to just jump in with both feet and tends to take things more cautiously. I really felt for her. I so wanted her to succeed and really stick it to all the morons that still act like they are in high school. The ending to this book was just *dreamy sigh* freaking perfect. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, sexy, heart-felt read! Thank you, Larissa, for yet another incredible story!

Four Loves

ARC Review & Blog Hop….The Winemaker’s Dinner: Entrée (The Winemaker’s Dinner, #2)

Overview:

Dr. Ivan Rusilko has got it bad. He’s in love—with life, his work, and his baby girl, Jaden Thorne. The nearly 3000 miles between Miami and L.A. that once threatened their happily-ever-after now seem nothing more than a mere geographical challenge—nothing a few hours on a plane and a sexy weekend rendezvous can’t trump. No time apart is too long to keep him from wanting her in his arms and in his bed. He’s absolutely sure Jaden is his dream come true.

Jaden Thorne is living the life she’s always wanted. She’s got her one-in-a-million job on a TV cooking show, she’s achieved celebrity chef status, and she’s in a committed relationship with her perfect guy… Then the network’s surprise decision to add a co-host to her show takes a bite out of her perfectly balanced life and career. With a new man in the mix, living the dream gets a whole lot more complicated both personally and professionally.

When the emotional, mental, and physical paths of true love’s course collide with frustration, secrets, and assumptions, will Ivan and Jaden pay the price? Does their dream-come-true cost something neither can afford?

The Winemaker’s Dinner: Entrée is a decadent meal of passion, sex, and secrets, inspired by the real romantic life of Dr. Ivan Rusilko. Authors Everly Drummond and Dr. Ivan Rusilko have turned up the heat in this emotional follow up to The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers, expertly executing their unique recipe for blending fact and fantasy, with more than a dash of passion and sex.

My Review:

*long, drawn out dreamy sigh* Oh, I’m supposed to be writing my review! Must. Stop. Daydreaming. Ok, I think I’m ready now…..

The Winemaker’s Dinner: Entrée is the second book in the Winemaker’s Feast Trilogy and satisfied the palate that Appetizers whet our appetite for!

This installment picks up where TWD: Appetizers left off and puts the reader on course for a trip through the highs, and lows, of Jaden and Ivan’s blossoming relationship.

Jaden is enjoying her new career in L.A. as the host of One Hot Kitchen, her cooking show and chef’s dream. Despite the stresses of daily life in the spotlight and a new pain-in-the-ass co-host, Jaden appreciates it all and feels like the luckiest girl in the world.

Unfortunately, Ivan is still in Miami tending to his own thriving medical career. They’re both determined to make it work though. Twice monthly interludes filled with surprises, romance and lust are sure to keep this love affair on the right track. Surely nothing can come between Ivan and Jaden and ruin the amazing thing they’ve found….or can it?

I freaking loved this book. Jaden is a kick ass heroine with a strong personality with a soft side for the important things in life….family and love. Ivan is, well, Ivan! He’s delicious! I mean who doesn’t love a guy who is enchantingly romantic one minute and chopping down trees the next? Talk about the perfect combo! And, I’m sure by now you’ve all seen the package it all come in?! Hello!? *dreamy sigh….oops! Got lost in a daydream again*

This book had everything a story should have….an amazing couple, romance the oozes off the pages, HOT scenes that practically set the reader on fire, humor, a villain you love to hate and a cliffhanger at the end that leaves the reader filled with emotion and longing for the next book. Without giving any spoilers away I will say this….have a box of tissues on hand for the last quarter of the book and get ready to spend the rest of the day with puffy eyes and a book hangover (and any book that makes me feel that way is a great book in my opinion!)

Once again, Ivan and Everly have nailed this fact-based fiction and have made this reader a happy camper!! Thank you both!

Five Loves

Giveaway: Omnific Publishing is running an AMAZING giveaway that includes:

(1) Kindle Fire Pre-loaded with APPETIZERS, ENTRÉE, RSVP, and NO RESERVATION

(2) Signed Print copies of APPETIZERS and ENTRÉE

(1) Signed 18X24 Poster of Dr. Ivan

(10) Signed Winemaker’s Swag Packs

(2) Miama Beach Sea Turtle Key Chains

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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(Omnific is running the Rafflecopter below and will be choosing the winners)
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Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour for fun interviews, guest posts and more! Here’s the list of the participating blogs:

About the authors:

Dr. Ivan Rusilko, DO, CSN, PT, is an accomplished weight loss, wellness, physical enhancement and sexual health physician in Miami, Florida. A certified sports nutritionist, champion bodybuilder, international male fitness model, and former Mr. USA 2008 & 2010, Dr. Ivan graduated from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010 and sits as the national media and public relations expert and spokesperson on diet, exercise and sports nutrition for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Dr. Ivan has been a feature health writer and lifestyle coach for numerous magazines and online publications including The Washington Times and Quarter Life Health.

In addition to health and wellness, he has a variety of interests and activities including event coordination, photography, writing, and politics.

With his debut novel, “The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers,” book one of a planned three book series due out in the summer of 2012, Dr. Rusilko is excited to offer a male voice in a predominantly female authored genre. Always one with a story to tell, he hopes to continue writing, exploring new genres and projects, as well as field future entertainment opportunities.

He is proud to bring two of his passions, his medical wellness and sexual health background and writing together in this unique project. He hopes that the “The Winemakers Feast Trilogy” will help spark an enthusiasm and liberation among women, inspiring them to bring their sexual health into focus and achieve a better quality of life.

Dr. Ivan Rusilko | Twitter | Facebook

As a student of the Centennial College Social Service Worker program, and the Trent University Biology program, Everly Drummond had a previous life in administration and transportation before launching her career as a writer. Everly’s other writing projects include City of the Damned, a paranormal romance series, and Blood of the Ancients, a YA paranormal romance. All four novellas in the City of the Damned series have appeared on the Amazon.com bestseller list. Everly resides in Toronto, Ontario, where she is currently working on the third installment to The Winemaker’s Dinner with co-author, Ivan Rusilko.

Everly Drummond | Twitter | Facebook

Review and SIGNED ARC Giveaway…Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Marina Adair

Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything—her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry—after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley. With her dream job, dream home, and her daughter enrolled in a wonderful new school, she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true.

But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

This is the first book in Ms. Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard Novel Series and I am so honored to have had the chance to read it before it hits the shelves!

Regan is a gal who is no stranger to disappointment. She is also no stranger to strong character and certainly isn’t one for letting the bad outweigh the good that she does have in her life. After all, she has a beautiful daughter and is about to start a new life in a new town. Things are looking up, until her past threatens to come back and ruin things yet again.

Gabe is determined to make sure the home wrecker that ruined his sister’s marriage gets pay back in spades for what she’s done. He’s been making sure her life has been less than easy for the past six years and yet here she is, in his town, working for his family’s business. Although now, he starts to think that maybe this isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe now, if he puts his charm on, he can get some info on where his cheating ex-brother in law may have run off to….with his family’s money. Too bad he has no idea that he will in fact be the one who gets charmed and not the other way around. Can he risk falling for the woman responsible for causing his sister so much pain?

From the very first page, I was brought in by the emotion coming from Regan. She is such an amazingly strong character but not in an overbearing way that some heroines can come off as. She’s strong in a way that is so admirable and has such poise and confidence that she is a character I won’t soon forget. She’s been through some difficult times but is able to maintain her dignity and reminds us that sometimes you have to keep your chin up, square your shoulders and give it another try.

Gabe is loyal to a fault. He’s been keeping his family together since the death of his parents and isn’t sure there’s any other option for him. He is fierce and protective and sexy as hell. He’s your girlfriend’s sexy, responsible older brother you would oogle when you went over to her house. He knows exactly how to push buttons…the ones that annoy and the ones that make you melt. He’s so convinced that always figuring things out and having the answers for his family is enough for him….until Regan makes him start to want more.

Together they have an emotional ride ahead that if they choose to believe in each other, and not other people’s opinions, they can have a chance at something real and something they both deserve. They also have help from unlikely allies who have big personalities and equally big hearts.

I loved this story. Ms. Adair had my heart hurting so many times throughout this book but only because she did such an amazing job at telling Gabe and Regan’s story. I felt so much for both of them and it truly was an enjoyable read with humor along with the heartache! This is a must read for any romantic! Thank you, Ms. Adair, for an amazing story and I look forward to more in this series.

Oh! One last thing…the PTA mentions and shenanigans were HILARIOUS, and not entirely false (but you never heard that from me! *wink*)

Five Loves

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Review….The Fangover by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love

When rock-god vampire Johnny Malone commits suicide, the rest of The Impalers gather for an Irish wake and jam session to send their bandmate off in style. But alcohol-laced blood and grief make for one hell of a combination…

When her brother, Johnny, dies, Stella Malone’s grief lands her in the buff arms of The Impalers’ bass player. While her tryst with Wyatt had some serious bite, Stella isn’t looking for a relationship, especially after a tipsy argument leads to her getting stuck in bat form at the wake. The rest of the hungover Impalers are in no shape to help her, meaning that Stella’s one night stand is the only one who can help her figure out what really happened last night. Only Wyatt doesn’t have a clue what happened last night, either, nor does he know that Stella is the bat currently dive-bombing his head. But he does have her purse and that has to be a start, right? Or not.

On the other hand, there is a priest passed out in the bathtub and an alcoholic parrot squawking about a chapel of love…

Which might explain the ring on Berto Cortez’s finger. How did a night of rock ’n’ roll debauchery result in him turning sexy washboard player Katie Lambert into a vampire and then marrying her? He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. But he can’t quite remember, exactly. Which means these four friends turned amnesiac couples have only one choice: hit the famed Bourbon Street for some answers…

So, I happened upon this book while stalking Kathy Love’s Facebook page. Kathy has written two series that I adore, The Young Brothers Series and The New Orleans Vampire Series. Well, I was so excited to see something new from her and Erin McCarthy that I ran right out and bought it. It turned out being exactly what I had hoped for…a fun, cheeky read with humor, hot sex, love, mystery and vampires.

This is a paranormal version of The Hangover meets Bridesmaids, and with chapter titles like “A Parrot, A Priest and the Slight Problem of an Extra Vampire” and “Find a Beer or Your True Love, Whichever Comes First”, I’m sure you can only imagine the debauchery that ensues with a bunch of vampire band mates in New Orleans. I loved the characters and all of the bizarre circumstances they had to piece together to figure out what had happened the night before and how they had ended up in the mess they were all currently in. Missing fangs, passed out priests in bathtubs and marriage?! Talk about one hell of a night!

However, don’t let the humor turn you away…there’s plenty of steamy moments that will satisfy your smutty urges. WIth two main couples and the writing talents of Erin and Kathy, you can count on some hot scenes that are sure to have your undivided attention. Countertops, couches and alleys…oh my!

All in all, if you’re looking for a light, entertaining read, I recommend this title be on your list!

Thank you Kathy and Erin!

Interesting note: While the authors conceived the story and timeline together, Kathy and Erin each took a couple from the book and wrote their stories separately before combining the pieces and making this book into a whole. Awesome!

Four Loves

Review……Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat

Well, it seems as though the holiday season is once again upon us. Bring on the holiday parties, family gatherings, cookies and cheer! And in some cases….people you want to punch in the throat.

I came across a blog post from a gal named Jen last year about a curious (and creepy) little elf that goes around messing houses up while kids sleep and the moms who were really responsible for this. I found myself reading and nodding in agreement to every damn word she had written. I thought: “this foul mouthed, sarcastic mom, Jen, is a friggin GENIUS”! I then realized there were more posts from her besides just this one….in fact, there were TONS! Tons of snarky gems filled with sarcasm and oozing with back-handed humor and at it was at that point that I became part of the People I Want to Punch in the Throat following.

I’m sure you can just imagine how freaking thrilled I was when I found that Jen had put out a book. I mean, really…..combining all of the things I love about her blog and putting it into my favorite thing on this earth: a book! Could it get any better?!? Nope! I immediately knew I had to share this find with you all. Mainly so you all could laugh yourself through this cookie-baking, card-making, gift-buying, and if I’m being honest, INSANE time of year. Jen gives us stories ranging from her toddler rant that became family legend to those oh-so-enjoyable cookie exchange parties. With chapter titles like “White Trash Dollhouse” and “Like a Neon Virgin in Guess Jeans and Swatch Watches” and all the hilarity in-between, this is a MUST read for all of you! So bust out the vino and get to reading….you WON’T be disappointed!

Oh, and thanking all that is holy, it includes my favorite chapter, and the blog post that introduced me to the world of the throat punch: “Over Achieving Elf on a Shelf Mommies”.

Thank you, Jen, for being appropriately inappropriate and giving me, among many, that “thank f@ck I’m not alone in having these thoughts!” moment. Happy Holidays!

Buy it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Spending-Holidays-People-Throat-ebook/dp/B009KYXYDW

People I Want to Punch in the Throat blog can be found here: http://www.peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.com/

Five Loves

My very fitting first post…..Review of Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

It seems only fitting that for my very first post, I share my recent review of Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione. It releases on November 20, so be sure to get it on your to-read list!

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The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues – and falls for – a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he’s also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian’s life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian’s neighbors are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he’s putting Jillian in danger. And once it’s revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

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Before I begin my review, I have to tell you I am a bit biased when it comes to this book. You see, I was the winner of the “name a character” prize Larissa had offered in a charity auction back in March of 2011. Originally is was to name a minor character in either the third or fourth book in this series but Larissa, being the amazingly kick ass person she is, gave me the option to wait and name the heroine of this book. After pinching myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming and jumping around my house while screaming like a loon, I obviously chose to wait…and picked my own name for Reseph’s heroine. This book holds a special place in my heart, not only for having a truly amazing personal story behind it, but because it lived up to every possible expectation I had. And so, without further delay, here is my review…..

This is the fourth book in Ms. Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series and is Reseph’s story.

Pestilence had finally been stopped. Through the efforts of Reseph’s family, he had been ended with a fatal blow to the heart with Deliverance, a thousands year old dagger thought to be the only weapon powerful enough to use against the Horsemen. Only Reseph wasn’t exactly dead. Pestilence may be gone for now but Reseph was in Sheoul-gra trapped in a prison not only made of stone, but prison in his own mind being terrorized by the horrific memories of what Pestilence had done. Memories of death and torture, and knowing that his hands did it all, were proving to be to most horrific punishment imaginable. A punishment that Reaver, their heavenly watcher, couldn’t stand to see. Reaver knew Reseph and he knew that Reseph was worthy of a second chance….and he decided right then that he was going to give Reseph that chance no matter what the consequences were.

Jillian Cardiff is trying to get past the nightmare she left behind. After a horrific demon attack that nearly left her for dead, and being let down by the man she loved, the solitary life she leads now was a welcome escape. All she needed was her animals and the snowy mountains…until she literally stumbles across an injured stranger in the snow and decides that she can’t turn her back on him.

After nursing the stranger back to health, he awakens to find he has no memory of whom he is or how he came to be buried in snow in the mountains of Colorado. Together they will have this mystery to solve and together they will have to heal one another of the emotional scars they both have endured and learn to be resilient once again.

I know what some of you may be thinking. You’re thinking that there is no way Reseph deserves a chance at redemption and he should rot in Sheoul-gra where he belongs. From the very beginning I disagreed with that and I knew that if anyone can change the minds of the naysayers, it was Ms. Ione. From the very beginning of this story, we get to see the untainted Reseph, thanks to his amnesia. The man who is playful and cheeky despite his lack of memory…the man who clearly would have never done anything that had been done when Pestilence had been at the wheel. This is the man who his siblings had been fighting to save since the very beginning. His journey has so many facets…self-loathing, retribution, self-discovery, acceptance and forgiveness. It was both heart breaking and heart warming to watch his struggle.

Jillian’s journey was equally as fascinating. She has had her share of heartbreak and despair that has led her to build up walls that no ordinary man will be able to penetrate. Thankfully, Respeh isn’t ordinary in any sense of the word!

I cannot express how much I loved this book. I finished it in 24 hours because I just had to see what happened next. I laughed, I cried, I got weird looks at the dentist for my audible gasps. Ms. Ione created such memorable characters and the moments that they share are ones that readers won’t soon forget. The emotions from Reseph and Jillian practically leap off of the page. This was the absolute perfect ending to Pestilence…and beginning to Reseph. Thank you, Ms. Ione, for an unforgettable story and for being the amazing author and storyteller that you are.