Read-Love-Blog

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

by Jilly

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!

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Exclusive Giveaway May 2013

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

by Jilly

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.

Frisky Friday May 2013

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

by Jilly

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

May 2013 Quick Audio Bytes

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

by Jilly

“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

Facebook ~ Groovy Times ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ The Winemaker’s Dinner Page ~ Website

Book Tour Giveaway May 2013 New Releases New Reviews

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

by Jilly

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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April 2013 Cover Reveal New Releases

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ARC Review…Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas

by Jilly

Famously Engaged releases May 13

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from Barnes & Noble

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

April 2013 New Releases New Reviews

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Review…Lover Undercover by Samanthe Beck

by Jilly

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from Barnes & Noble

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.

website ~ twitter ~ Facebook

April 2013 New Releases New Reviews

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ARC Review….Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

by Jilly

Midnight Secrets releases April 30, 2013

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy form Barnes & Noble

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.

Five Loves

April 2013 New Releases New Reviews

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Guest Review….Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

by Jilly

Happy Monday!

Motorcycle Man is a story I just finished and was a recommended to me by a dear friend, and up and coming author, Phoebe Chase. (you can find out more about Phoebe at the bottom of this post)

I loved, loved, loved Motorcycle Man…five loves to be exact! I was so thankful for the recommendation that I asked Phoebe to write a guest review for Read-Love-Blog and she was sweet enough to do so! YAY! So, without further adieu…Phoebe Chase’s review of Motorcycle Man:

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Stuck in a colorless world, Tyra Masters decides to chuck her old life and starts searching for something. She doesn’t know what it is until she meets her dream man. The goateed, tattooed, muscled, gravelly voiced motorcycle man who plies her with tequila and gives her the best sex of her life. But she knows it isn’t the tequila and sex talking. He’s it. He’s who she’s been daydreaming about since she could remember.

Until he makes it clear she isn’t who he’s looking for.

Tyra slinks away from his bed, humiliated. The problem is, he’s her new boss. She just may or may not have forgotten to tell him that part.

Kane “Tack” Allen has a rule. He doesn’t employ someone he’s slept with. And he lets Tyra know that in his motorcycle man way. Tyra fights for her job and wins it using sass and a technicality. Tack challenges her that if she hits his bed one more time, she loses her job.

Tyra is determined to keep her job and keep away from Tack. But she makes a big mistake. During their head-to-heads, she lets it all hang out and shows Tack she is who he’s looking for. And Tack has had a good woman slip through his fingers, he’s not about to let that happen again.

Although Tack colors Tyra’s world with a vibrancy that’s blinding, being with him means she has to live in his Motorcycle Club world. Full on, no holds barred. And since Tack’s world, not to mention Tack, is a little scary, Tyra isn’t so sure.

It’s Tack’s job to convince her.

Phoebe’s Review:

Motorcycle Man is the last in the Dream Man series by Kristen Ashley but can be read as a standalone. And I suggest you do just that if ridiculously hot bikers and fun, wild stories are your thing.

Ashley takes a rough and tumble biker, Tack, and makes you love him, faults and all. In the first quarter of the story, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. Tack was a dick. He bends Tyra’s will to his through scare tactics and intimidation. I was almost ready to give up when the author introduced Tack’s children and a kick ass storyline with the Russian mob. I continued reading and eventually Tack’s faults were shown for what they were: human nature. What turned it around for me was how real this couple felt. Tack says hurtful things when he’s mad; Tyra wants to bail. Tack says something that in his mind is crystal clear; Tyra hears something completely different and internalizes her feelings, keeping Tack in the dark, and keeps trying to bail. Once this pattern was established something struck me – it felt like my life (but on a much less interesting scale, of course.) Communication between men and women is a minefield. And until a couple learns to talk things out and make sure what they’re saying is what the other is hearing, misunderstandings will happen. It was a joy to watch these two get to that place. This is the first book in a long time where I had actual heartache watching them struggle to stay together.

Motorcycle Man sets a blistering pace. If it isn’t crazy hot sex it’s a rollercoaster thrill ride with Russian mobsters and crazy ex-wives and a great cast of supporting characters. You’ll love Aunt Bette!

This was the first book by Ashley that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last.

Five Loves

About Phoebe:

Phoebe Chase sneaks in writing during the daylight hours while wasting away in a cubicle and then again after the sun has set at home, the gecko has been fed, and the children put to bed. She hopes to fight her way out of the cubicle one story at at time.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

email Phoebe: phoebe.chase.writes@gmail.com

April 2013 New Reviews

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In Stone by Louise D. Gornall…eBook & Kindle fire GIVEAWAY

by Jilly

To celebrate her upcoming release, Louise is giving away an ecopy of IN STONE and a Kindle Fire to one lucky reader! One runner-up will also win an ecopy of IN STONE. UK and US residents are eligible to win the Kindle Fire. If you live outside the UK or US and your name is drawn, you will receive an Amazon gift card valued at £160 (GBP) instead. The winners will be announced July 29. Good luck!

Synopsis:

Beau Bailey is suffering from a post break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife.

Until Eighteenth century gargoyle, Jack, shows up and saves her.

Jack has woken from a century long slumber to tell Beau that she’s accidentally been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races; Demons and Gargoyles. The knife she picked up is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau decides to go with Jack to Bulgaria in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is providing they can outrun the demons that are chasing them.

Enter the giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Louise is a graduate of Garstang Community Academy, currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English language and literature with special emphasis on creative writing. YA aficionado. Brit bird. Film nerd. Identical twin. Junk food enthusiast. Rumoured pink Power Ranger. Zombie apocalypse 2012 survivor. Avid collector of book boyfriends.

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

April 2013 Giveaway

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ARC Review….Kill Shot by Liliana Hart

by Jilly

Buy from Amazon ~ Buy from iTunes ~ Buy from Kobo

Releases April 30

Synopsis:

Grace Meredith is the CIA’s most deadly assassin. Too bad she’s gone off the grid and become a mercenary for hire. After the death of her daughter by a sniper’s bullet, Grace can no longer stomach the demands of agency life or keep herself from blaming the only man she’s ever loved. Her mind and body are fragile, and she knows she’s just a step away from breaking down completely.

Gabe Brennan hold’s the weight of the world on his shoulders. As one of the most brilliant black ops agents the CIA has ever employed, he knows it’s no one’s fault but his own that his child was gunned down in cold blood. He might not have been able to save his daughter, but he’s determined to save his wife. He only has to find her first.

Sexual tension crackles between Gabe and Grace from the moment they’re reunited, but between the man who is hunting them, a secret that’s been buried for eighty years, and a turbulent past—the odds are stacked against them.

My Review:

Kill Shot is the first in the Collective Series by Liliana Hart and WHOA! Talk about an action packed, hot and heavy suspenseful thriller from start to finish!

Grace Meredith is a gun for hire and trying to put her past far behind her. She had been one of the best assassin’s the CIA had ever seen, but that was her old life. A life she thought was perfect until it all came shattering down with the death of her daughter. Now where there once was joy, is just pain and determination for revenge….revenge against the terrorist that took her happiness away. With her target in her sights she is one step closer to her goal. The last thing she needs is a distraction in the form of a former fellow team member and ex-husband she left behind two years ago along with her shattered past.

Gabe Brennan is a ghost within the CIA. He’s been a black ops agent, and a ruthless one at that, for as long as he can remember. His life has always been about completing missions and he had been happy doing that with his wife by his side. But that was in the past. Now, there’s a gaping hole in his life since his daughter was murdered and wife walked out of his life two years ago. Now, his latest mission is to get Grace back, and act on her thirst for revenge, helping her take down the terrorist scum that took their child’s life. Easier said than done since Grace blames him and his role in the CIA for their daughter’s death. Convincing her to join him on his latest op may turn out to be his toughest mission yet.

Wow. Just wow. This book was amazing. From the very first chapter the personalities of Grace and Gabe were brilliantly developed. Grace is a tough as nails, no-nonsense, kick ass professional but as we got to see, had a softer side that as a woman reader, and mother, could identify with. A talent that Liliana brought to the character that is, in my opinion, difficult to do. Sometimes with a tougher female character, it’s hard to give a good mix of emotion to make her seem real. Grace, I think, represents that perfect balance. Gabe is the ultimate alpha male hero we all love. He is larger than life and can do anything. He also loves his wife, and that right there, is the finishing touch to a great hero! The chemistry between the two alternates between heart breaking and scorching hot. Because of their history, it was easy to jump into the hotter scenes. We bypassed the “meet and fall in love” time frame and it really worked for this story line. Grace and Gabe are a beautifully matched and complimentary couple.

The “mission” in this story is really, really well done. There were so many pieces of the puzzle that each fell into place at the perfect moments throughout the story. I didn’t feel like there were any boring moments! I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I will say if you love twists and turns with a lot of villains and possible outcomes, this is a story for you!

I am truly looking forward to seeing more from this series and from the characters on Grace and Gabe’s team we have been introduced to! Thank you, Liliana, for a wonderfully written, suspense filled, steamy thriller!

Five Loves

April 2013 New Releases New Reviews

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Book Promotion & Review

Interview with Ivan:

~Rina

And finally……Dessert is served!

Synopsis:

My Review:

Five Loves

Excerpt:

His Risk to Take releases May 13

Synopsis:

Famously Engaged releases May 13

Synopsis:

Review:

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Synopsis:

My Review:

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Synopsis:

My Review:

Five Loves

Synopsis:

Phoebe’s Review:

Five Loves

About Phoebe:

Synopsis:

Enter the giveaway here:

Releases April 30

Synopsis:

My Review:

Five Loves