Monday Muse - Ivan Rusilko

Before getting to the eye candy, make sure you read what follows, because this is one special muse this week.

For a year, I kept my muse for one of my characters safely tucked away and secret. I liked that I'd found a hidden jewel very few authors knew about. He was the perfect muse for my character, too. Sexy; refined; ripped; boyish face; charming smile. And several of his pics portrayed him as a bad-ass you didn't want to mess with for fear of receiving his wrath. All qualities my ancient vampire needed in a muse.

But then Mr. Rusilko had to go and become an author, and now the secret's out. My muse's identity has been splashed all over Facebook and in writing circles everywhere. No more can I call him my best-kept secret. But that's okay. He's still my muse, but with a kicker: I now get to read his work. And I'm deeply humbled, because he's only the second of my muses I've actually communicated with, the first being Andrei Andrei, my muse for Micah Black and cover model for my debut novel, Rise of the Fallen. For smalltown me, that's pretty cool.

Mr. Rusilko's book, The Winemaker's Dinner, which he co-authored with Everly Drummond, comes out later this summer (July 31, I believe) and promises to be a compelling read, being that he has basically written a fictional account of his own life in what is promised to be an enticing erotic romance. Move over Fifty, Ivan's in town, and my money's on him. I can't wait to read The Winemaker's Dinner, and neither should you. Look Ivan up on Facebook (Ivan on Facebook). He has links to his blog, a fan page, and other interesting tidbits.

A bit about Ivan's pedigree: Ivan is a two-time Mr. USA (2008 & 2010), is a doctor who...well...is very interested in the connection between health and sexuality (God love him), and has an impressive resume too long to outline here, but it's on his FB page if you want to see it.

Ivan is the total package: brains, good looks, and what I can only surmise is a zest for life that shines like a supernova. How else would someone do all that he does and not keel over if not for a powerful drive for living. I mean, what hasn't this guy done or attempted to do? Mr. USA, body builder, model, doctor, personal trainer, sky diving, handstands everywhere (yes, I've included a pic of one of those below), and now he's adding author to his repertoire...and that's not even an all-inclusive list of his endeavors. And he does all this with an ever-present smile on his face. Unless, of course, he's posing for a sexy hot shot (see below for some examples of what I'm talking about). He knows how to work that face of his for a camera, for sure.

So, now that the cat is out of the bag about my muse's real name, I think he deserves to be shown off to the world in anticipation of the release of his book. What do you think? Get your scrolling finger ready, and a napkin in hand, because you're sure to drool just a little bit over the plethora of pics I've given you to drool over -- er, I mean, look at today. And, ladies, after getting a load of these pics, if you don't run and get The Winemaker's Dinner on your list of must-read books this summer, someone needs to check your pulse. Maybe Dr. Ivan. *wink*

[Mr. Rusilko, if you're reading this, if I've gotten any facts wrong or left anything out, feel free to add them in the comments, including any other links you'd like fans to have.]

Happy reading, writing, and...um...viewing.

One of my personal favorites. Simply breathtaking. -Donya