WELCOME DYLAN BOND AND ARIELA PERRINE FROM IN LOVE AND WAR

We are very lucky to have with us today the fascinating and scintillating Dylan & Ariela from Tara Mill's IN LOVE AND WAR. Welcome!

Dylan, let's start with you. Tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? Why?

Hi M.J..  My name is Dylan Bond. I’m a journalist. I guess I got my start in high school. I wrote a column for the student newspaper. Think of The Onion and you’ll get an idea of what my sense of humor and sarcasm were like at the time. Once I got to college, I started taking journalism more seriously. Now it’s very important to me, but it can be physically and emotionally grueling.

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get down to the juicy part. How did you two meet? And what was your first impression of Ariela?

I saw Ariela get hit by a bike messenger when he shot out of a parking lot. One minute she’s was walking down the sidewalk, the next, she’s sprawled on her back. He’d knocked her out so obviously I was concerned. I remember thinking at the time that she looked so pretty. She reminded me of sleeping beauty. I actually wondered if a kiss could wake her. Not that I’d act on it, but I thought about it. Didn’t matter — my dog, Max, beat me to it.

         

Dylan, tell me, just what is it that you want out of life?

What I want most is a little calm in the violent storm of my life. Just a little normal in the chaos.  I’d love it if Ariela was there waiting for me. That’s up to her.

Has life handed you any major disappointments?

This has been a very tough year for me, personally, and professionally. I was regrouping and trying to decide my next move career-wise when I met Ariela. She was like a breath of fresh air and a welcome distraction when I needed it most.           

          

Now, for a less serious question. What CD is in your CD player right now?

Hero by Family of the Year.  Do you know it?  Love that song.

Can't say that I do. I'll have to check that out. Now Ariela. You've been waiting so patiently.  Tell me about yourself?  What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses?

Oh, it’s my turn? Sorry, he distracted me. Hi, I’m Ariela Perrine. I’m an interior decorator. My strengths? I suppose I’d say my creativity. Weaknesses? That’s easy, hero types – go figure! I’d already crossed them off my datable list.    

What’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

I lost both of my parents when I was twelve. My dad was a cop, killed on duty. My mom took her own life when he died. I was raised by my grandmother. I made a promise to myself that I’d never fall in love with someone in a dangerous job. It scared me. It still scares me. Turns out it isn’t a decision you can make. The heart makes the choice and you can’t stop that, not even to protect it.

          

Describe Dylan. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time?

Dylan is smart, funny . . . sexy. He’s so interesting because he’s been everywhere. I’m not kidding, he’s got stories. He’s incredibly compassionate and ethical. I trust him. My first impression . . . hmm. Well, everything was kinda hazy and the sunlight was right behind him. I remember the sound of his voice first. It was comforting— the tone, not the words. Then I finally saw his deep blue eyes and, well, I fell again. I liked him immediately. I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t help it.     

          

I like that! You "fell again." I can see why! But come on! Isn't there anything about Dylan that you would consider a flaw?

Oh yeah. He can be spare on details. He asks all kinds of questions but doesn’t give much out himself. That can get annoying. I understand why he does it. He doesn’t want to get caught up in lies, but it still irritates me. His middle name is obfuscation.  

  

I see! Interesting! I asked Dylan this, but what is it that YOU want out of life?

Like most women, I want love, marriage, and children.  I’m even starting to warm to the idea of a dog in the picture.

A dog like say, Max? If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

That’s easy. We’d sleep in late then take Max for a long walk around the lake. Afterwards, I suppose we’d go home, maybe open a bottle of wine on the patio and fire up the grill. I think I’d have to kick Dylan’s butt in some serious backgammon.  We’re both pretty competitive. I don’t know. I just like hanging out with him. That’s what I’d want to do. My perfect day.

Sounds very enjoyable. Now Dylan told us about his "Hero" song. What CD is in your CD player right now?

Funny you should ask. I was just listening to Head over Feet by Alanis Morrisette.  I totally understand where she’s coming from.

Well thank you for sharing with us today! It has been a delight talking to you both! Now here's a blurb from IN LOVE AND WAR. I see Dylan's pretty blue eyes on the cover!      

          

         Sometimes love really is worth fighting for, but picking

your battles isn't so easy—especially when lives are at stake. 

Ariela Perrine refuses to consider a certain type of man. She watched how loving a self-sacrificing hero destroyed her mother and left her orphaned at a young age. So yes, she does tend to go out with lackluster men—with predictable results. But she's safe. And bored, at least until an accident brings the interior decorator face to face with an unforgettable pair of blue eyes, a playful smile, and his overly affectionate dog.

Oh yeah, journalist Dylan Bond makes her sizzle, but dare she risk it? After all, he's just returned from Iraq--a war zone for crying out loud! Ariela’s weak resistance crumbles with his assurance that he's back to covering domestic stories and their relationship hits the tarmac at a dizzying speed. Unfortunately, an unexpected phone call lures Dylan back into danger and he falls off the radar outside the green zone. Sensing something’s gone desperately wrong, Ariela’s ready to make a deal with the devil to find him and bring him back. As the days of fear and panic stretch on, they’re both tested in ways neither expected. Will it bring them closer or destroy their fragile peace forever? 

In Love and War is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

You can read the first chapter and so much more by visiting Tara Mills Romance.  Tara’s also on Facebook, or you can follow her on Twitter.