Cover Reveal…Lockout by Maya Cross

Introducing:

Lockout by Maya Cross

Lockout releases the end of May 2013

Synopsis:

This is not a standalone story. It is the sequel to Locked, which should be read first. Locked is currently available for just $0.99. (Buy it from Amazon ~ Buy it from Barnes & Noble)

Who is Sebastian Lock?

Sophia had never felt attraction like that before. Raw. Electric. Irresistible. Swept off her feet by the dashing, enigmatic billionaire Sebastian Lock, she was taken on a journey of self-discovery, taken to places she never dreamed she’d go.

But things are never as simple as they appear. Sophia’s trust is a fragile thing, and Sebastian seems insistent on testing it. He has his own demons to battle, and nobody has brought them to the fore like she has.

As their relationship deepens, and Sophia begins to break down his walls, all that greets her are more questions. Why is Sebastian fighting so hard to keep her at a distance? Who is the girl on the background of his phone? And why does the strange tattoo on his chest seem so familiar?

These puzzles plague her, but as Sebastian’s mysteries begin to unravel, she must face an entirely different truth. Staying in the dark may be painful, but finding the answers could be deadly.

Teaser:

As the first song ended, the music changed. The new tune was slower, more sultry, and Sebastian was quick to adapt. A delicate twist of his wrist and I was spinning away, then suddenly snapping backwards to rest against him once more, this time with my back against his chest. With torturous softness, his hands began to trace their way across my sides and down my thighs, flirting with the hem of my dress. Such intimacy in a public place should have made me balk, but the sensuality in the air was infectious. I was utterly lost in the moment. I could feel his breath hot on my skin as his lips teased the air just above my neck, tantalising but never touching. With every vacillation of our hips my ass grazed against his pants, letting me know that I wasn’t the only one finding this to be a powerfully erotic experience.

Other couples were throwing propriety to the wind too. Several men swept passed us with open shirts, their chests glistening with sweat, their partners slicing the air with their skirts like fans. One woman had shed her top all together and was twisting from side to side in just her bra like a belly dancer. All around the room, people were laughing and clapping and cheering in time with the beat. I’d never been part of such an unrestrained expression of joy before.

“You look stunning,” Sebastian breathed into my ear.

“Do I now?” I replied.

“You do. Although it might have something to do with the fact that everything you’re doing right now, I’m imaging you doing it naked.”

I laughed. “Is that so? Well then, I probably shouldn’t do this.” Slipping free of his grip, I turned once more and began to glide around him in a slow circle, swaying my hips provocatively and dragging my hands slowly up and down my body.

A low, masculine sound escaped his throat. “God, I can only restrain myself so much, Sophia.”

I grinned, but didn’t stop. It was thrilling putting on that kind of show for him in the middle of a crowded room. I could see the outline of his excitement pressing urgently against his pants. The truth was, with all the electricity that was coursing through my veins, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to restrain himself. I’d had the elaborate foreplay, now I wanted what that promised.

About the author:

Maya Cross is a writer who enjoys making people blush. Growing up with a mother who worked in a book store, she read a lot from a very young age, and soon enough picked up a pen of her own. Her previous work spans many genres including horror, science fiction, and fantasy, and she has now started this pen name as an outlet for her spicier thoughts (they were starting to overflow). She likes her heroes strong but mysterious, her encounters sizzling, and her characters true to life.

She believes in writing familiar narratives told with a twist, so most of her stories will feel comfortable, but hopefully a little unique. Whatever genre she’s writing, finding a fascinating concept is the first, and most important step.

The Alpha Group is her first attempt at erotic romance.

When she’s not writing, she’s playing tennis, trawling her home town of Sydney for new inspiration, and drinking too much coffee.

She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to follow her on any of her social media channels. And don’t forget to check out her website. You can sign up to her mailing list there, to hear about new releases and any promotional sales she might be running.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Shelfari

Cover Reveal…Lifeless by J.M. La Rocca

Introducing:

Lifeless by J.M. La Rocca

Synopsis:

After graduating from the University of South Alabama, Scarlett Moore finds out her boyfriend of five months is actually married with a kid on the way. Feeling used and heartbroken she decides it’s time to take her best friend Jules’ advice to move in with her, but she’ll have to move to Atlanta. There, Jules helps her get a job at Entertainment Atlanta where she works as an entertainment insurance agent. It’s nothing Scarlett dreamed of doing with her life, but it’s better than not having a job at all and who wouldn’t mind working with famous people, right.

But then she gets assigned EA’s newest client Kade Evans, rock star turned actor. Not only is he a drug addict, he’s also known for never dating the same girl twice. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, has an amazing voice, and good acting skills, but he’s also arrogant and intense.

After their first meeting the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The love that comes later is unexpected.

But Kade’s life is full of secrets. His past has now become his present and when Scarlett finds out what his secrets are, deception hits.

Excerpt:

Kade captured my mouth in a hard kiss then stood up, taking off his jeans and boxers.

“Stand up, Scarlett,” he commanded as he kicked his clothes out of the way.

I looked at him with wide eyes, wondering what he was going to do. I got up from the couch and stood next to him, staring him in the eyes. The look he was giving me was pure, unadulterated lust. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy.

“Take your clothes off then get on your knees on the edge of the couch and lean forward,” he commanded as he started stroking his length back and forth.

I just stood there and watched him. He was so beautiful. I was mesmerized by the movement of his hands. I licked my lips wanting to drop to my knees so I could please him again.

“Now, Scarlett,” he growled at me.

Not wasting another minute, I lifted the t-shirt over my head and hurriedly took off my panties, watching him stroke himself the entire time. Kicking my soaked panties out of the way, I turned and kneeled on the edge of the cushion and braced my hands on the back of the couch.

“Like this,” I asked, turning my head to look behind me.

“Spread your knees further apart.”

I did as he instructed.

“Yeah, baby, just like that,” he said roughly as he moved closer behind me.

About the author:

My name is Jennifer La Rocca and I’m a stay at home mom of 3yr old twins. I’ve been married for 7 years and I just recently moved from Pensacola, FL to Atlanta, GA. I started writing Lifeless three weeks after our move and just recently finished it. I’ve had a passion for writing since I was a little girl, writing poems and short stories. My mother has always told me that I should start taking writing seriously, but I always thought of it as just a hobby until a couple years ago. Now that I’ve finally written my first book I wish I would have listened a long time ago. Lifeless will be released July 9th and I can’t wait for you to meet Kade and Scarlett.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review & GIVEAWAY…Summer in Napa by Marina Adair

To celebrate the release of Marina Adair’s Summer In Napa, the second in her St. Helena Vineyard Series, I am so happy to offer a signed paperback copy to give to one lucky winner (US residents only)!

The rafflecopter is posted below my review with all of your chances to win!

Good luck!

Summer in Napa releases May 14

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

When Alexis “Lexi” Moreau caught her husband, Jeff, sampling the sous-chef’s more intimate wares in their New York restaurant, she ran—all the way back to her hometown of St. Helena, California. Six months later, Lexi has no husband and no restaurant. But she does have a three-step plan: First, convert her grandmother’s bakery into her dream bistro. Second, ignore Grandma’s matchmaking attempts. And third, avoid Marco DeLuca, her ex’s commitment-phobic, distractingly sexy best friend.

In school Lexi was off-limits for Marco. After all, she was his buddy’s girl. But she’s still as smart and as gorgeous—and apparently as immune to his charms—as she used to be. Yet the simple fake romance they agree upon to dodge Lexi’s grandmother’s matchmaking plans soon turns deliciously complicated. And the sultry summer might bring together all the right ingredients for Marco to win the only woman he’s ever wanted.

My Review:

This is the second installment of Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard Series and follows Kissing Under the Mistletoe. I was so excited and looking forward to this story after loving Kissing Under the Mistletoe and it lived up to every expectation I had….and more!

Lexi Moreau is back in her hometown of St. Helena and looking for a new start after leaving her ex-husband, ex-restaurant and ex-dreams behind in New York. What she isn’t looking forward to is running into all of her old friends and having to deal with all of their questions….and worse, their pity. What she REALLY isn’t looking forward to is a calendar bursting at the seams with blind dates set up by her grandmother and her grandmother’s friends. Lexi has a lot on her plate with trying to re-build her life and find a new future, certainly she won’t have time for love, but when she starts seeing old friend Marco DeLuca more and more, Lexi realizes that he may have been “the one” all along.

Marco DeLuca is up to his eyeballs in work. He’s trying to get the old hotel, his hotel now, the one in the center of town, up and ready to showcase at the Summer Wine Showdown…which is the biggest event in St. Helena every summer. What he isn’t planning on is running into a very stuck Lexi Moreau hanging ass first out of her grandmother’s bakery window. He always had a thing for her, but she had married his best friend, and even though they weren’t together any longer, she was still off-limits. Man code dictated she was still off-limits. So he should walk away, but Marco was never known to walk away from a beautiful woman. His shoulder just may be the shoulder she needs to cry on….and he may end up realizing he should have never let her marry his dumb-ass of a former best friend.

Together, Marc and Lexi have more obstacles to hurdle than most. Grandmothers determined to set her up, long-buried feelings, town snoops, bitter ex-girlfriends and an ex-husband that turns out to have a laundry list of dishonest deeds that threaten to ruin what Marc and Lexi have just begun to realize as a love they have denied themselves since they were teenagers at prom.

What a fantastic, feel good, honest and true romance read. I freaking LOVED this book. What Marina gives the reader is truly a gift. I felt for each character. Every laugh and every cry and especially every minute of sexual pull between Lexi and Marc. Dear God….the heat from Marc was palpable. There’s a scene in this book, in the pantry, that ranks as one of my fave hottest moments (a Frisky Friday post, perhaps?). Marc has such a way with words that I don’t doubt for one minute that any woman would be putty in his hands. He is sex on a stick and has such a big heart that when he finally finds love, you know it’s all-in, forever. Lexi is a freaking dream character! I love her! I don’t love many heroines as much as I love Lexi. The fact that she eats her weight in éclairs through this book and finds the strength to smile in the face of adversity all while still giving love a chance is so admirable. I had more than a few laugh-out-loud-at-work moments while reading this story. Lexi and Marc are a book couple I will be looking for in future installments in this series…they are just too great together! Oh, and don’t even get me started on the grandmothers! Those ladies are the best and I wish we all had women like them in our lives! Talk about fan-freaking-tastic characters!! Spunky, no-nonsense, loyal ladies with a love of life and their families….love those old biddies!

Marina is such a phenomenal storyteller. I am lucky to have been giving the chance to read Summer in Napa Valley and be able to bring my voice to all of you in recommending it. If you love love, happy endings and paddling through countless emotions to get to that happy ending, this is a book for you. Thank you, Marina, for doing what you do….and don’t ever stop! Can’t wait to have another visit to St. Helena in the future!

Five Loves

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Every author can identify the exact moment of inception, when the skies parted, the heavens sang, and a divine being came forth, anointing them one of the chosen, blessed to spend the rest of eternity weaving stories of ‘ever after’ for mass consumption.

For me, it wasn’t so much a moment, but an intervention.

Sophomore year, my fellow Blockheads sat me down and explained that I had an addiction. I was a NKOTB–A-holic. Afraid of becoming enablers, they refused to listen to another one of my never-ending stories about our passionate intrigues with Jordan, Joe, Jon, Danny, and Donnie. What they didn’t understand was that New Kids on the Block wasn’t my obsession—they were my current romance-medium of choice.

Twenty years later, my romance addiction is a hard, bodice-ripping, half-dozen books per week. When I’m not reading it or watching it, I am writing it—or workshopping it—or editing it—or strategizing how my hands to get more of it.

In 2010, I realized I was closer to menopause than prom and got serious about my career, writing my way toward a post-graduate degree in creative writing (in the off chance that the first one didn’t stick) and becoming a published romance author.

January of 2012, I sold my first novel, TUCKER’S CROSSING, to Kensington Books and The St. Helena Vineyard series to Montlake Romance. KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, the first in the series is a National Bestseller and #1 Romance Series bestseller. SUMMER IN NAPA releases May 14, 2013 and AUTUMN AT THE VINEYARD releases October 2013. In 2014 the first in the Sugar Series, BUT SUGAR’S TWICE AS SWEET, will release from Grand Central’s Forever line.

I live with my husband, daughter and three neurotic cats in Northern California.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website

Interview with Dr. Ivan Rusilko from The Winemaker’s Dinner Series & Giveaway

I was extremely lucky to catch up with Dr. Ivan from The Winemaker’s Dinner Series recently at the 2013 Romantic Times convention, fresh off of the release of Dessert. Thanks to your help on Twitter, and help from the two great gals with me, we were able to get a little bit of insight into the mind of the delicious Dr. Ivan!

Oh, and what interview wouldn’t be complete without a fun giveaway? I have a set of paperback copies of The Winemaker’s Dinner Appetizers and Entree to give away along with a signed goodie from Ivan and Ivans-you-can-eat (his adorable face on M&M’s!) YAY! Enter to win in the rafflecopter below….enjoy!

Interview with Ivan:

What are you afraid of? Any phobias? “SPIDERS!! Arachnophobia….obviously ;-)”

What was engraved in that ring? “No spoilers……”

How do your parents feel about being in the books again? “They don’t know they are In this book yet, but they love being in the other ones”

What made you decide to call your inner demon “freak”? “Korn’s Freak on a Leash”

What prompted you to use your real first name in the book? “Who says that’s my real first name? Haha! …..because it’s a real story”

How was it writings book that showed you as not the perfect guy, but as a flawed man? “It’s great to write true nonfiction….”

Still some unanswered equestrians when it comes to Jaden’s family. Another book? “The series is not over :-D”

How does it feel knowing Dessert debuted the highest if the series? “It feels special, very special….it’s my favorite in the series”

Apples or oranges? “Green apples”

What writes influenced you? “C.S. Lewis”

Build your ultimate sandwich: “asiago cheese bread, lettuce tomato, pickle, mustard, Italian dressing and chicken OR two brunettes”

Do you see yourself writing any other books besides TWD? If so, main character again or total fiction? “Yes, more books…still erotica. Yes, I’d still be the main character, but introduce some new characters.”

Favorite aspect of writing a book? “Physically creating a reality that’s not real; like a lucid dream in a way. But, overall, it’s meeting the fans”

Favorite guilty pleasure? “Saying in one night and not doing anything. I’m constantly doing three things at the same time and multitasking…it’s rare that I just shut the world out.”

Favorite sport? Team? “Ice Hockey (watching and playing…he was almost A professional hockey payer and was quite the bruiser!) and the Penguins [are the fave team]”

Next tattoo? “Not sure yet, but it will involve medicine in the design somehow”

Fave band? “Pink Floyd”

Fave medical procedure to perform? “Lips”

Boxers, briefs or commando? “Depends on the woman and what’s planned for the evening”

Are you intimidated by anything? “Approaching and talking to a single woman”

Most attractive thing a woman wears? Says? “Wears….short, tight skirt for a night out and baggy jeans with holes in them during the day. As far as what a woman says….anything an educated woman says is attractive.”

Do you want kids? “Yes…two boys. I would like them to be athletic, learn a second language and learn/play an instrument….being well rounded is important.”

Worst interview question? “Is it in yet? haha! just kidding…I’ve never been asked that 😉 Basically just being asked the same questions at interviews.”

What was your favorite video game growing up? “Goldeneye for Nintendo 64….or Duck Hunt or Paper Boy”

What’s your advice for a guy looking to pick up a gal? “It’s a game; learn how to play it.”

Are we your favorite interviewers? “By far!” (good answer, Ivan!)

______________________

Many thanks to Ivan for taking the time to sit down with me and my friends to chat and answer our questions, and many thanks to those that contributed to my interview on Twitter! Ivan is incredibly charming, gracious, wonderfully idealistic, open and funny….loves “that’s what she said jokes” and has managed to accomplish a great many things before hitting the big 3-0. Oh, and ladies, he’s a Pisces. If my interview is reaching you and introducing you to Dr. Ivan and The Winemaker’s Dinner Series for the very first time, I can’t recommend this book series highly enough….so grab a copy, a glass of wine and enjoy the ride!

……And another huge thanks to Micha….for being Micha <3

Enter to win a paperback copy of Appetizer and Entree as well as a signed Ivan picture and Ivans-you-can-eat!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frisky Friday featuring Zach and Savannah from Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

This Frisky Friday features Zach and Savannah from Ella Grace’s Midnight Secrets. I absolutely LOVED this book and highly recommend this yumminess!

Enjoy!

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from Barnes & Noble

Savannah didn’t wait for him to open the car door but pushed it open and came to met him as he rounded the car. She held her hand out to him, and they practically ran to the back door. She opened the door, slammed it shut, and his mouth was back on hers.

Zach had never been this turned on or felt such urgency in his life. Savannah was right there with him. Within seconds, they were ripping the clothes off of each other. The mudroom wasn’t exactly the most romantic location, but damned if hed stop. When his hands met silk-smooth skin and he realized she was completely naked, Zach knew he could wait no longer. “I’ve got condoms in my pants.” Which were unfortunately on the floor and he’d have to let her go to get to them. Something he didn’t want to do.

“No. No condoms. I’m on the pill. We’re fine.” The words were said between gasps and moans.

“You’re sure?”

Her hands closed around him, held him tight, and then rubbed his length up and down. He heard an “Uh-huh” and then he couldn’t think any longer. Savannah was on her knees. Hot, moist breath was a warning and then her mouth closed around him. Zach held her face in his hands and watched as she took him deep and then withdrew, over and over. They had never done this before. She had kissed and caressed him there but nothing like this. How in the hell was he going to stop? The only thing he wanted to do was continue surging and retreating until nothing mattered except filling her moth and letting go. Teeth gritted, he reminded himself that he’d been waiting for this moment forever, and pulled out.

The passion and want gleaming in her eyes almost made him reconsider.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you like that?”

“Oh hell yeah, I liked it…too much.” He grasped her under her arms, pulling her to her feet. Kissing her softly, thoroughly, he tasted himself and he almost came. “I want to be inside you when I come. We’ll save the playing for later.”

She nodded, the glassy look in her eyes telling him she was already concentrating on something else, namely his fingers that were plucking at her taut nipples. Zach leaned down and captured a peak with his mouth and sucked hard. A soft gasping squeal was his reward, the she held his head as he concentrated on each breast, giving each one equal treatment. When he lifted his head, he was gratified to see both nipples wet and gleaming, distended even more. Tempted to go back for another taste, he stopped when she said, “I want you inside me. Now.”

He wanted that, too, but there was something he had to do first. Whirling her around, he pressed her against the wall and went to his knees.

“Hey, no fair,” she said breathlessly.

“You said you wanted me inside you.” He parted her legs and speared her with his tongue, thrusting deep. Withdrawing, he growled, “This is me.” He licked and thrust again. “Inside you.”

Her hands went to his hair; apparently sh’d decided not to argue. As he plunged, retreated, licked, and then thrust once more, her soft gasps and moans coming from abpve were the most beautiful sounds imaginable. Her fingers weaved through his hair as she undulated, riding his tongue, her moans growing louder. Zach thrust harder, deeper…Savannah’s entire body tightened and then she came, throbbing sweetly against his mouth.

Unable to wait any longer, Zach went to his feet and grabbed her butt. Picking her up, he pressed her against the wall and then plunged deep, impaling her to the hilt.

“Wrap your legs around me.” He muttered.

When she complied, he held her ass in his hands and began a quick rhythm of plunge and retreat that continued on and on. Every second he held on, he took as a gift. Savannah’s eyes glittered up at him, the intensity of her expression one he’d remember even in his old age. And then she came…Zach knew he’d never seen anyone more beautiful or perfect. The next second, he couldn’t think at all. Climax almost blowing his head off, he let out a growl of fulfillment that could probably be heard all over the house.

Still feeling the urgency, he gave them no time to recover. “Let’s find a bed.” Holding her trembling body tight against him, he said, “Think we can stay attached?”

She tightened her legs around him and whispered, “Let’s try. Just don’t let go.”

“Never.” With each step, he grew harder. They made it to the stairway but there was no hope of going up the stairs as aroused as he was. Turning so he could sit down, he plopped down on the first step, kept her legs tight around her waist, and growled, “Ride.”

Looking both intrigued and excited, Savannah balanced on her knees and began a slow, steady ride. They kept their eyes focused and fixed on each other, and each plunge inside her caused ripples through both of them. Finally, as her moves became quicker and less coordinated and her breath started coming in rasps, Zach grabbed her hips and pushed her down until he was buried as deep as he could go. She came on a wail of ecstasy, and seconds later, Zach followed.

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland

Please give a warm welcome to my good friend, Rina, and her Quick Audio Bytes: Audiobook Reviews in Short!

She will be popping in with her fabulous, short and sweet audiobook reviews of her latest listens! Enjoy!

Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues

By Diana Rowland

Narrated by Allison McLemore

Story: 4 1/2 stars

Performance: 4 stars

Overall: 4 1/4 stars **Rina’s Audio Honorable Mention**

Genre: Horror, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Duration: 8 HRS 45 MINS

“Hello, my names is Angel and I will be your zombie today.”

Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland, progresses right where My Life as a White Trash Zombie leaves off. And yes, I suggest listening to the series in order, otherwise the listener will be completely lost. Angel is back, working as a driver for the parish morgue and has adjusted to her life as a member of the walking undead rather nicely. However, her luck takes a turn for the worse when she loses the body she picks up from a recent crime scene. Desperate for answers, she much search for clues as to why, and stop her troubled past from coming back to bite her and putting her much needed job in jeopardy. Angel is witty, funny and real. I found myself actually laughing out loud and listening way past my bed time, on several occasions.

I read the eBook version of the first White Trash Zombie novel, but decided to give the audiobook a try for the second. I’m so glad I did. I loved how the narrator performed the story so much, I went back and picked up the first book on audio as well. Allison McLemore is simply wonderful and portrays Angel’s laid back, sarcastic attitude to a tee, making her all the more lovable. So much so, she is on my short list of favorite female book leads.

The third book in the series, White Trash Zombie Apocalypse, releases this July and I just can’t wait to get my ears on it.

~Rina

Review, Blog Tour & Kindle Fire Giveaway…The Winemaker’s Dinner: Dessert by Dr. Ivan Rusilko

“Love is beautiful and so are you. A life without you is a life without purpose. You’re the happy ending to my books of purpose, fantasy and hope” ~ Dr. Ivan Rusilko, Desserts

I am honored to be a part of The Winemaker’s Dinner: Dessert blog tour and Giveaway!

Below, you’ll find my review, an excerpt and the rafflecopter to enter to win a Kindle Fire loaded with the Winemaker’s Dinner Books (Appetizer, Entree and Dessert) courtesy of Omnific Publishing!

And finally……Dessert is served!

Synopsis:

Left on bended knee, with nothing but a ring in his hand and a gaping hole in his chest, Ivan Rusilko lost everything when Jaden Thorne said, “I can’t.”

Now, six months later and despite her endless attempts to reach him, finding forgiveness for Jaden’s indiscretion is last on his list of things to do. Dr. Ivan is married to his career now, and his professional success is taking him places he’s never been before. But even the glow of accomplishment can’t heal his devastated heart. Determined to recover, to move forward at any cost, he now finds moments of respite in distractions that leave him emotionally bankrupt. He’s empty, a shadow of his former vibrant, life-loving self. On the outside, he may seem to be the man he always was. But inside, a terrible desire threatens to rip him apart and ruin him forever.

Meanwhile Jaden is haunted by the memory of the moment she saw the light wither and die in Ivan’s eyes. She knows it died at her hand. After months of trying to explain herself, of begging for mercy, she takes herself back to Miami, back into Ivan’s path, for one last chance at redemption. Can she entice him back into her arms? Convince him to give her a second chance? She’s determined to do whatever it takes to find forgiveness—even if all that’s left is forgiving herself.
In this final book of The Winemaker’s Feast Trilogy, The Winemaker’s Dinner: Dessert, author Dr. Ivan Rusilko is writing solo, drawing freely on his own life and love experiences to craft a heartbreaking and wildly erotic tale about lost hope, desperation, contrition, and—if it’s possible—the quest for a perfect ending to a real-life love story. True to its title, Dessert serves readers an indulgent, decadent last course, rich with twists, turns, and tantalizing truths.

Love is beautiful, guys like this really do exist, and the power of real romance is something we can all believe in.

My Review:

This is the third installment in the Winemaker’s Dinner Series and picks up where Entrée left us…an emotional a puddle of mush on the floor.

We are back in Miami with Ivan six months after the disaster proposal that crushed his hopes and dreams. He has thrown himself into his career and, in theory, he should be happy with the success he has. He is, in a way. But in those quiet moments that work and patients and new expansion plans can’t fill is when the pain takes over. The Band-Aid Ivan has found to help get him through those moments is just that, a temporary fix to cover a wound that refuses to heal. He’s been through broken hearts before…surely he can get over this, too, right? Unfortunately, right now, it isn’t looking that way.

Jaden has just wrapped up filming her successful season of One Hot Dish and is beyond happy to close that chapter in her life and say a long-awaited adios to her prick co-host, Damian. Damian, the self-centered egotistical ass that ruined her life…well, she was just as much to blame now, wasn’t she. With the season wrapping up, she will be headed back “home” to Miami for a two-month break. Now she will just have to decide on what to do with her time there….hide or take a stand and fight for the man she left behind, broken.

Together they will need to find their ways back to a sense of peace and, ultimately, happiness…whether it’s together or apart. You have to go through Hell to appreciate Heaven and the journey they have ahead of them, even six months after the last night they saw one another, is going to be a rough one.

Let me start my part of this review by saying this book took the exact opposite direction I assumed it was going to take….and at the risk of sounding like a cold-hearted bitch, I have to say I am beyond happy it went in this direction. This book is considerably darker than the others in the series. That being said, I don’t think I would have been satisfied if this book wasn’t dark. Ivan is reeling and broken. He was ready to spend his life with Jaden and she threw his love and adoration back in his face when she declined his proposal and confessed her “adultery”. It would be unbelievable, albeit less painful, if he was sad for a month and then got back to a business-as-usual attitude. I was sobbing by page 16, but as you know, those are the kind of books I love most. I love to feel what the character feels…and to feel Ivan’s utter defeat was truly an experience I won’t soon forget. I was a bundle of anxious nerves through this read…until the very last 10ish pages. Damn…those last few pages are some I carry with me for quite some time. Ivan is truly an artist with words. There are a few paragraphs that are so well written and the words are spoken with such love behind them I must have read them twenty times after finishing the book. Freaking perfect!

So here I am…all sad that I’m finished with the book and, of course, am dying to hear what’s next for Ivan but I can’t help but think of one of Ivan’s favorite sayings….”Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. Thank you, Ivan for an amazing finish to a series I will continue to recommend to all of the new readers I come across and thank you for, well, just being you!

Five Loves

Excerpt:

“Jaden grabs a first full of his hair and yanks his head back, forcing him to look at her as she seemed to search for something he wasn’t communicating. Her breath heavy and unsteady, she ran gentle fingers across his face and jaw. Ivan brought his hand around to the back of her neck and tilted her head, his teeth ripping at her bottom lip. Her body responded as it always had, and she clutched his hair with both hands.

Releasing her bottom lip from his teeth, he held her face between his hands, studying her face, her reaction as held he against the bricks with his body. She was every bit as beautiful as he remembered, but he could not look at her now without feeling the pain of having been ripped in two. But this was not the time for feelings. He looked he up and down and marveled at her beauty as the freak within trembled in excitement. Satisfaction.”

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About Ivan:

Dr. Ivan Rusilko is the Medical Director and Co-Founder at the new Club Essentia Wellness Retreat at Delano. Dr. Rusilko specializes in creating healthy lifestyles that support longevity and improved overall quality of life through medically supervised and customized diagnostic and treatment programs, with an emphasis placed on personal patient attention and follow-up.

His debut novel, The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers, is the first book of a three book series which debuted July 31, 2012. The second installment “Entree” was released on December 18, 2012 and the final book, “Dessert” will be out April 30th. He 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, medicine and writing, together in this unique project. He hopes that The Winemakers Feast Trilogy will help spark an enthusiasm and ignite liberation giving women the power and the courage to reclaim their sensual side, focus on their own sexual health and ultimately achieve a better quality of life.

   ”The best cosmetic procedure is adding a smile” -Dr. Rusilko

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway…His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey

I am thrilled to bring you the cover reveal of Tessa Bailey’s latest: His Risk to Take.

Talk about a DELISH cover!

Also, Entangled is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card…yay! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below!

His Risk to Take releases May 13

Synopsis:

The greater the risk, the hotter the reward?

Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control?until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into O’Hanlon’s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her, risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

Pre-order His Risk to Take at Amazon and Barnes & Noble TODAY!

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ARC Review…Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas

Famously Engaged releases May 13

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Synopsis:

Rock star royalty’s favorite son, Jake Olsen, couldn’t help but interfere after listening to his future brother-in-law talk non-stop about his ex-wife, Beth Carlisle. Jake decides that the only way to get the groom’s mind off his ex-wife is to give her a fake fiancé.

Before Jake can convince Beth of his plan, he’s forced to move in with her to avoid the paparazzi. Their instant attraction makes for a sizzling “first date”, but soon Jake’s fame gets in the way and Beth wants out. Too bad Jake’s figured out just why her ex is so obsessed with her, and he’s afraid he’s not going to be able to give her up either.

Now it’s up to Jake to convince this chef together they make the perfect recipe.

Review:

This is the first work from Robyn Thomas that I have read and was honored to have received a copy of Famously Engaged from the publisher asking for an honest review. I am happy to say that it was a really enjoyable story!

Beth Carlisle is in one hell of an emotional rut after the recent death of her mother and is alone with her memories in her mother’s home and in desperate need of a hand to hold to help her through this awful time. Sure, she has her best friend…but he also happens to be her ex-husband and he is currently planning his wedding and surely doesn’t need to be here with her, drowning alongside her in her sorrows. What she needs is a distraction to keep the sadness at bay….what bigger distraction then a gorgeous rock star showing up on your door step explaining that he’s your new fiancé? Yep, that’ll do it!

Jake Olsen has had enough of hearing his sister’s soon-to-be-husband, Brad, talk incessantly about his ex-wife and is convinced Brad is still in love with her. He will not allow his sister to marry a man who can’t get an ex-wife out of his life. Sure, they say it’s just because they are best friends and as close as family, even after the divorce. But Jake can’t shake that something isn’t right and after seeing pictures of the ex-wife, and seeing how beautiful she is, he will do everything in his power to keep them apart until his sister is married. Enter: the fake fiancé plan.

Together, Jake and Beth are stuck in a hopeless situation thanks to the silly fake fiancé plan and now they are in danger of falling for one another…this could turn out to be anything but fake and everything very real.

This was a cute modern-day Cinderella story that had all the ups and downs of a fairy tale. Jake and Beth are in a ridiculous circumstance together, but it ends up being exactly what they both need. Fate clearly had a plan for these two characters. Beth needs someone to hold her up and give her a reason to keep going now that her beloved mother has passed and Jake, as it turns out, is very good at that role. What I liked best about this story was the way both Jake and Beth ended up filling the voids in one another’s lives even though neither one of them originally set out to do so.

I enjoyed this story and read it in a little over a day…it was a light and interesting read that had a fantastic happily ever after that we love best about fairy tales! Thank you, Robyn, for a great story and thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Review…Lover Undercover by Samanthe Beck

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Lover Undercover COVER

Synopsis:

He’s undercover. She’s in over her head.

Yoga instructor Kylie Roberts is the good twin. Or she was—until an accident prevents her sister from dancing at a posh Hollywood “men’s club,” and Kylie has to step into her twin’s sexy stilettos to make rent. But nothing could’ve prepared Kylie for the dead body in the club’s parking lot, a killer who only targets her clients, or the ridiculously hot detective assigned to the case. Too bad he thinks she’s her sister, because Kylie’s willing to volunteer for an intimate, full-body strip search.

Detective Trevor McCade needs Kylie’s help. His plan is to pose as a regular customer and draw out the killer. It means long nights undercover, and long dances where Kylie’s body tempts him with sensual promises. Dances that leave them both wanting more. But despite Kylie’s hidden identity and the danger lurking in the shadows, it’s only a matter of time before Kylie and Trevor take this undercover operation under the covers…

My Review:

This is the first book of Samanthe Beck that I have read and after finishing, I happily say she has a new fan. This story was delish!

Kylie Roberts has been known as the responsible twin her whole life. Always doing the right thing and always helping the saucy twin, Stacy, out when she was in a jam….even if that means pretending to be that saucy twin. Now, as Kylie finds herself standing on stage at a strip club getting ready to perform (after her saucy stripper sister broke her leg) she’s kind of wondering if is time “helping” her sister out has gone just a tad too far. This is way out of her comfort zone and way opposite of her nice and calm yoga instructor norm. Even worse is when she has to perform for the handsome stranger her gaze has been drawn to since she walked out from behind the curtain.

Trevor McCade can’t say he minds this part of detective work. Take away the fact that he’s trying to track down a cold-blooded killer, and he could actually almost enjoy himself watching the beautiful blonde dancing half-naked on stage in front of him. But he’s not here for a good time. He’s here to pose as a club regular, hopefully luring in, and ultimately catching the person responsible for two murders that took place here in the club parking lot….and he’s going to need the beautiful blonde dancer currently captivating him to help.

Together Trevor and Kylie will have to play parts neither one of them are comfortable with, especially because Trevor doesn’t know Kylie is already playing the part of her sister, Stacy. Catching a killer has never had such high stakes especially when an unexpected attraction, and love, become factors. Will they be able to solve the mystery and make something good come of these twisted roles they are both playing?

Well, I can add this book to my list of books I devoured in 24 hours! I absolutely loved it. From start to finish there wasn’t a dull moment. Between the murder mystery who-done-it and the sexual tension between Kylie and Trevor, I was glued to the pages the moment I opened the book. Trevor is delicious. The sexy and confident detective is done perfectly and he wears it well. He’s soft when it’s needed and delectably hard when the moment requires. Talk about the perfect balance. He is a character I will lust after for quite some time. Kylie, while strong and determined, is equally scared and unsure. She was written very real with real life feelings and worries. I appreciated her strengths and flaws. The chemistry they have together is beyond hot! Dear God…their first hot scene together had me fanning myself and trying not to drool on my e-reader. Total yumminess! Kylie and Trevor are a truly fantastic book couple. I was so pleased with how things turned out for them and the epilogue was freaking AMAZING! I actually “aww”ed out loud and earned more than a few funny looks from the people sitting around me!

If you’re looking for a fun and sexy mystery, then add this to your TBR list….you won’t be disappointed! Thank you, Samanthe, for a drool-worthy and truly enjoyable read! I look forward to reading more of your work!

*a copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review

Four-and-a-Half Loves

About the author:

Beach bum, book junkie, and award winning author of sexy contemporary romances, Samanthe recently signed with Entangled Publishing to write three novels for their Brazen line!

Sam was transfixed from an early age with any tale featuring a handsome prince, a great dress, and, of course, the all-important kiss, and eventually aspired to write her own happily-ever-afters. Naturally, she became a lawyer. The legal world heaved a sigh of relief a few years ago when Samanthe retired from law to take the plunge as a writer.

When not living the glamorous life of a romance author (i.e., chained to her computer), Samanthe keeps busy with the care and feeding of her extremely patient prince-charming of a husband, a not-so-patient ball of energy known as their son, a furry ninja named Kitty, and Bebe, the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. Their love, support, and willingness to eat Pizza Hut three or more times a week enables Samanthe to pursue her literary dreams.

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ARC Review….Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Midnight Secrets releases April 30, 2013

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Synopsis:

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

My Review:

This is the first book in the Wildfire Series by Ella Grace. I was lucky to receive this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review and here is my overall opinion: I. Loved. This. Book.

Savannah and her sisters are well-known in their small town of Midnight, Alabama. Not only are they part of the wealthiest family in Midnight and beautiful triplets, but also they are the girls whose parents died when they were 10 of a murder-suicide. Besides their loving grandfather, who has been raising them for the last 8 years, they’ve always had one another. Not many things are as strong as the bond between sisters.

Small-town-bad-boy Zach has awed Savannah since the minute she first laid eyes on him as a young teenager. Now, after literally saving her life at the worst senior prom a gal could have, she decides to act on her attraction. Zach can’t imagine how one of the Wilde sisters could possibly see anything in him. He’s been the town labeled riff-raff since he was a kid. His mother has an even worse reputation than he does. To see Savannah looking at him like he was so much more than the poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks is something he could have never have dreamed of. How had he gotten so lucky? Zach had planned to leave for the military around the same time Savannah was leaving for college and summer fling they have been enjoying ignites a spark in both of their hearts that no amount distance could snuff out. They were determined to make it work. Turns out the distance wouldn’t be the problem for them….it was the broken trust and hidden secrets that would keep them apart for the next ten years. Funny that secrets and broken trust would be the very things that bring them back together years later.

Savannah, back in Midnight dealing with her family’s affairs after her grandfather dies, can’t stop running into the man who shattered her heart when she was 18. Of course Zach would end up as Chief of Police in Midnight. Ironic, really…protecting the citizens of a town who were always quick to put him down. She had shored up her defenses and refused to dwell on what could have been had he kept his promises all those years ago….but those defenses don’t stand a chance when she sees him again.

Zach knew Savannah was coming back to town. Gossip flows like sweet tea in Midnight. He hoped he would have a chance to explain, and apologize, for breaking her heart all those years ago. Turns out he’d not only have the chance to apologize, but he’d also have the chance to save her life…again.

Ok….I said it in the very first paragraph of this looong review, and I’m going to say it again: I. Loved. This. Book! I couldn’t put it down. I wolfed it down in a little over 24 hours. Zach absolutely KILLED me. His childhood story had me bawling and my heart breaking for him. He is truly the epitome of a book hero. The guy with a bad rap who overcomes all obstacles to turn opinions around and show people just how honorable and kind he really is, and always has been. Not to mention, Zach is freaking delectably handsome with a body to drool over! Savannah has lost her way along her personal journey. The young and innocent girl we meet in the beginning had become cold and indifferent. Luckily she was willing to try to get back to her less cynical roots. The chemistry between Zach and Savannah is pure perfection. They are one of my favorite book couples. I think one of the things I liked most was Savannah and Zach’s willingness to admit their faults and try their best to forgive and move forward. They both realized their love wasn’t something to let go of. *dreamy sigh*

Add in a murder conspiracy and mystery to solve and this book was fan-friggin-tastic!

I will be (not-so) patiently waiting to see what the next books in the Wildfire Series holds for us! I am hooked! Thank you Ms. Grace, for giving me one of my new favorite series.