Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 20

TAKE A PEEK AT COACH BASS, NEWEST FIRST & TEN SERIES BOOK

Come look inside, read a few snippets from Coach's book and I think you'll want to read more.


* * * * 

He wiped his palm on his shorts, which weren’t necessarily clean to begin with, and blushed when he remembered. Her grasp was firm, confident, just right, and the skin on the back of her tiny hand was soft under his calloused fingertips. He tried not to crush it, but forgot to let go.“Lyle tells me the team calls you Coach Bass? Can I call you that too?”His throat closed up, and his heartbeat doubled. He nodded.She laughed again and gently slipped her hand from his. “What can I do for you?”All he could do was stare. His mind went blank. Christ, I’m forty-two years old, not thirteen. Talk. Say something. What the hell am I doing here anyway? Shit. I don’t remember.The silence grew as he rummaged through his brain for the reason he was there.


* * * *  
“Well, Coach, did you tell Parker where he could stick it?” Bullhorn Brodsky asked.“Parker is not a he, but a she. And no, I didn’t. Why don’t you guys open your minds a little? This is going to be a pioneering program. We’re going to be the first in the NFL to give our players some help dealing with anger.”“Program? I thought it was one fucking seminar. An hour and that’s it,” Griff Montgomery said.“Keep an open mind, Griff. I’m going to be helping the lady put this together. At least give the thing a try, will ya?”The men snickered. “So, Parker is a woman, eh? Bet she’s hot too. Isn’t she, Coach?” Trunk Mahoney teased.Pete frowned. The last thing he needed was ribbing about Jo Parker from the guys. He sensed heat creeping into his face. “She’s smart. And she’s not giving up. That’s all you need to know.” Pete snatched his gear off the bench and headed for the door. Retreating like a fucking coward. Sebastian, what’s happening to you? Manipulated by a pretty face and embarrassed by your men. He shook his head as he climbed the stairs and turned down the corridor leading to the conference room. His heartbeat quickened. He straightened his tie for the third time, took a deep breath, and entered the room.

* * * *  
He picked up speed, breathing hard, pushing his body. She was in his blood, and no amount of running would get her out. He was infected with her, like a virus that would have to play through all the way. No antidote, no cure, existed. Falling for Jo Parker put him in limbo, sailing on uncharted seas, giddy, excited, scared silly, but, like a roller coaster, he was forced to ride it through to the end.Pete returned home at eleven, showered, and slid into bed. Sleep came quickly, bringing luscious dreams of lovely Jo. He awoke refreshed, having spent the night making love to her in his dreams.



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MEET COACH BASS!

Here's an excerpt from the book, PETE SEBASTIAN, COACH, from the First & Ten series: 



As he climbed the stairs from the workout room, Coach Pete Sebastian’s temper flared. Stupid idea. Just bullshit to get the media off our necks. Parker is obviously an asshole who doesn’t know our team. He’s judging everyone by two rotten apples. The more he thought about the unnecessary upset to his men, the more he burned.The lines on his forehead deepened. His light brown eyes clouded as his step quickened. I’ll teach this jerk something about how to deal with my team. He rounded the corner and stopped at the office next to his. Raising his arms to rest his hands against the doorframe, he leaned his trim, sweaty, six foot two inch body into the space.Pete stared at the person sitting at the desk and raised his brows. “I’m looking for Joe Parker?”A woman, facing the window, swiveled in the desk chair and leveled her gorgeous, big, blue eyes on him. “Yes?” She scanned his body, which was clad in only gym shorts and a tank top, before she rested her gaze on his face.“No, Joe Parker.”“That’s right. Jo. J-o. Short for Josephine. What can I do for you?” She rose from her chair, and Pete’s mouth went dry.Even wearing high heels, she wasn’t over five foot six. She wore a turquoise silk suit, the jacket open, showing a white, silk blouse underneath. The scoop neck revealed enough creamy cleavage to capture his attention.He lowered his arms and stepped inside. Her hips were slim,  and her legs slender, but not skinny. Raising his gaze, he noticed blonde hair that seemed to glow, framing an oval face. Her peaches and cream complexion showed a slight blush around her cheek bones, and her kissable lips shined with a bright pink lipstick.Pete had never seen a woman so beautiful in all of Monroe before. Sweat started under his arms as he realized that in a wife-beater and shorts, he was practically naked and sweaty as hell. He probably reeked, like a skunk, and hadn’t shaved. He rubbed his hand along his stubbly chin, as if to hide the wiry scruff there.“And you are?” As she approached him, the subtle, floral scent of expensive perfume wafted across the room, teasing his nose.
“Pete Sebastian. Coach Pete Sebastian. Head Coach Pete Sebastian,” he stammered. Smooth. Very smooth, asshole.

Book releases 6/19 Pre-order or buy it here:

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TUESDAY TALES - MAGGIE'S STORY

This week is picture prompt week. Maggie's story continues. Read on:

Maggie loved Anne Roberts and her husband, but when they took two weeks in the Caribbean in the winter, they made her dream come true. Now Maggie and John became Penn’s substitute parents.They rose early to play with the youngster before school. The seven-year-old  giggled with glee as he ran from room to room, searching for John in the massive apartment. Maggie fixed his favorite pancakes and took extra care packing his lunch. While the three ate breakfast,  John quizzed the bright boy on addition and subtraction. Maggie taught him a new vocabulary word every day at supper.The took turns reading him a bedtime story, but both tucked him in. And if he had a nightmare, he climbed into bed with them. Penn was a charming child, quick to smile, affectionate and curious. When he was safely bedded down, the couple sat in front of the fire, sipping fine wine, gifted to them by their employer. “I’ve been pinching myself all day,” Maggie said snuggling down with John on the massive sofa. A distant cry grabbed her attention. They both went to check on Penn. His face was flushed, he was crying softly in his sleep. Maggie felt his head. He was burning up. “Call the doctor, John. Our boy is sick.”“Mommy,” the boy wailed. “I’m here,” she whispered. “I want Mommy. Not you.”The pain felt like the little boy had thrust a spear into her chest. She choked back tears.“I’m sorry, Penn. She’s not here. She’s away, son.”His red-rimmed eyes pleaded with her. “It’s all right. John’s fetching the doctor. I won’t leave you.”She kicked off her shoes and slipped into bed next to the lad. He cuddled up to her, resting his head on her chest while she stroked his hair. 
* * * * * * * *
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MEET PETE! COACH BASS SNIPPETS

Pete Sebastian, Coach, is up for preorder. It doesn't release until next Friday. So I'm going to post snippets, teasers, and a bit of profile here, on my blog, until the Coach can make his appearance. 

I hope you'll join me for a few sneak peeks. Here's one for today:

Pete tried to throw it off, but Jo Parker had been bugging him for days. She was such perfection that he was curious to see where the cracks were. Nobody is that buttoned up. Every day, she’d show up in another colorful outfit, hugging her sumptuous body, teasing him. And he’d notice every curve, every hill and valley, his appetite for her growing.
Still, he kept his distance. Pete was a professional too and not about to start a ruckus because he couldn’t keep it in his pants. There had been enough of those kinds of incidents involving the team. No way was he about to make the same mistake.
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COACH BASS TAKES THE 20 QUESTION QUIZ!

  
   Pete Sebastian, known affectionately as "Coach Bass", steps up to take the 20 question quiz. Find out a bit about who he is.

    1.     Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, or course. 
    2.     Airplane or train?    Airplane. I hate to waste time.
    3.     Walking or driving? Running. Was that an option?
    4.     Red or Blue?              Blue, a boy color.
    5.     Country or Rock?     Country.
    6.     Dog or cat?                 Pug, funniest dog ever. Did you know                                                 they snore? 
    7.     Lemonade or Iced Tea?  Lemonade with a shot of vodka.
    8.     Vodka or Whiskey?    Vodka. So versatile.
    9.     Mounds or Almond Joy? What? You don’t expect me to                                                        answer that in public, do you?
    10.   Action movies or Thrillers? In the bedroom or in life?                                                                 Action. I’m a man of action.                                                             Just ask the ladies.
    11.   Men – brunette or blond?    Light brown, actually.
    12.   Women – brunette, blonde or redhead? Blonde, about five                                                           three, nice rack.
    13.    Steak or lobster?  Steak – cooked on the grill.
    14.    French fries or Salad? Fries, I’m not playing anymore.                                                     Don’t have to keep my weight down.
    15.    Pistachios or Peanuts?  Pistachios. Never liked peanuts.
    16.    Beer or Wine? Beer. Ice cold. I’m getting thirsty.
    17.    Beach or Mountains? Beach. Hell I live right on the water. Doesn’t get better than that. The sounds of the waves crashing while you’re in bed. You get the picture, right?
   18.    Oatmeal or scrambled eggs? Chocolate chip pancakes.
   19.    Sausage or Bacon? Bacon. Goes better with chocolate.
20.    Pretty or Witty? Both – smart. Gotta be smart and love football. Sexy wouldn’t hurt. Wait. Maybe that should go first? Nah. Smart first.

HIS STORY:
Pete Sebastian, Coach Bass to his team, thought he had his life under control until smart, alluring Jo Parker sashayed into a front office job with the Connecticut Kings. He locks horns with the beautiful female when she implements new ideas to clean-up the team’s rep. Was she there just to push him around or was she the one woman he’s been seeking?
Struggling toward success in the man’s-man world of the NFL, Jo Parker has relied on her brains and determination to get ahead. But her new job at the Kings has one hurdle she hadn’t counted on – a sexy coach standing in her way. How can she kept her mind on her job when all she wants is to get closer, much closer, to the coach?
Can Coach Bass handle a woman in the boardroom and bedroom? Can he keep his heart safe or will the revelation of a secret destroy his dreams, leaving him alone once more?

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Welcome! This week's word prompt is "boredom." I'm contin...

Welcome! This week's word prompt is "boredom." I'm continuing with Maggie's Story. Thanks for coming. Click on the link below to return to the great Tuesday Tales writers.
***************Maggie stared out the window facing Park Avenue. It was Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and the traffic was bumper to bumper. A slight drizzle fell, coating the window. The temperature was forty and a winterish wind slipped  through the cracks in the old windows, making her shiver. She put the kettle on for another cup of tea. Her thoughts turned to her husband, John, who was navigating his way through the dense clutch of cars, bringing Mr. Roberts home from a meeting downtown. She checked her watch. Won’t be home for another half hour, most likely. She perused her list one more time. Everything for tomorrow’s celebration that could be prepared ahead was ready. Anne had ordered Chinese food for tonight’s dinner to give Maggie a break.The whistling of the kettle drew the cook’s attention. She perched on a stool and sipped.  It’s five years now. Five years married. No baby. She sighed and finished her tea. John entered the kitchen and stopped to kiss his wife. “Beastly out there. This damned American holiday. Messes up every avenue and street,” he muttered. While she loved John even more than when they had first married, boredom with her life had set in. The only bright spot came running into the kitchen.“I’m hungry, Maggie,” said little Penn.The six year old trained his beautiful, expectant blue eyes on her and she melted. Reaching into the fridge, she plucked out a stick of string cheese.“Now you’ve got to promise to eat your supper, my boy,” she said, waving the cheese wand in front of him. He nodded and she let him grab the stick. He shot a brilliant grin at her. “Thank you,” the little boy said.She ruffled his hair before he raced out as fast as he’d come.“Little bloke knows just how to get what he wants from you,” John observed, sipping the cup of Earl Grey Maggie had made for him. “Damn right. He’s not stupid, that one. Smart as a whip. Gonna do big things one day, like his father.” She smiled with pride. “He’s not yours, you know.”“Yes, he is. He’s ours as much as he’s theirs.”John put his arm around his wife. “I hope you know that isn’t true.”“Maybe not legally, but in here,” she said, pounding in her chest, “in here, he is.” “Some day…”But Maggie pushed away from him. “Stop it!”“Some day we’ll have our own.” Maggie put her hand over his mouth. “Stop sayin’ that. Ain’t gonna happen. There ain’t gonna be a some day. We’ve been tryin’ for three years, John. Ain’t happened yet and ain’t gonna.”She slipped into his embrace. They stood in silence, clinging to each other. “Still, we’ve much to be thankful for, Maggie.”“That we do.”“I hope you don’t mind if I keep on trying?”“You’d better! As long as you’re doin’ it for the fun of tryin’ and stop askin’ me if it took.”“Agreed, lassie,” he whispered.
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TUESDAY TALES - GIGGLE

   Welcome back! This week the word prompt is "giggle". And Maggie's story continues. ***************   Maggie snuggled into John’s shoulder on the train ride back to Manhattan. Three whirlwind days living her dreams had taken her breath away. Now Mrs. John Armstead, she had left her old self behind. How delightful to meet you. I’m Mrs. John Armstead. John and I. Maggie Armstead. This is our son, Geoffrey Armstead.
   But Maggie was getting ahead of herself. They still had years to go before they could afford their own place and a child. She sighed as she watched small houses and lush trees whiz past the window. The gentle sway of the train and John’s nearness soothed her into a light sleep. John kissed her hair and murmured endearments so softly only she could hear them.
   The couple noted that Mr. and Mrs. Roberts weren’t at home. So John carried Maggie over the threshold and dropped her onto his bed. “My room’s bigger. Let’s stay here.”“Whatever you say, my husband.” Her words sent a tingle up her spine.He smiled rakishly at her and narrowed his eyes. “Falling in love with being missus already, dear girl?”She nodded. “That’s grand.” He climbed on the bed, stretching out next to her. “Fancy a go?”
Maggie turned on her side, cupping his cheek. “Good idea.”John slid his hand up her leg, under her skirt. Maggie giggled as he attempted to divest her of her panties, but was having trouble. “A hand would be welcome, lassie.”
   Getting her shoes, stockings, panties, bra and dress off proved to be a daunting task. They both roared with laughter as one thing after another stuck, or got caught on something. A loud banging on the door startled them, interrupting their fun. Maggie scooted under the covers, pulling the blanket up to her chin.“John! What’s going on in there?”John, stifling a laugh, replied, “Nothing, sir. Just a little fun. We’re not back on duty for another six hours, sir.”“Who’s in there with you?”Maggie and John couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m coming in.”
   A fit of the giggles grabbed Maggie and shook her. The door burst open. Mr. Roberts stood there, aghast, his mouth open, with his wife hiding behind him.“Maggie! John! What is this?” “It’s a honeymoon, sir,” John replied, trying his best to keep a straight face. ­­
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SEE WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT GUNTHER QUILL

Sometimes a story or a character will hit me hard. Gunther Quill, bad boy villain in two of my Hollywood Hearts books, did just that. He landed in my head and refused to go away until I told his story. And what a story it was! 
I put aside the last book in the series and wrote Gunther's story. My biggest challenge? Turn a bad guy into a hero. From what I'm seeing of the reviews, I was a success. Let me share a few readers' comments with you.  

Amy: "Why are 5 starts all I can give? Damn Jean, you have done it again!! I don’t know what I was thinking when I started this during my morning break at work. I thought I’d read just a chapter or so until I could get home and really dig in because it’s month end and I’m in accounting. Yep, you guessed it… I didn’t get anything done because I COULD NOT put this down. Guess that just means I will have to work twice as hard tomorrow lol.Oh, I hated Gunther in Movie Lovers, felt for him in Love’s Last Chance, but fell IN LOVE with him in Lovers and Liars. "

Sassy Beta Reading & Review: "Jean has done the near impossible.....she made me care for Gunther....even more than that, she made me CRY for Gunter...and I don't mean a few lil tears, I mean heart breaking sobs! I have never liked Gunther, thought he was a pervy, self centered, butt head, but what did Jean do....yep..she made him into a hero! We get more back ground on what makes Gunther tick (but had a few hints in previous books) but it wasn't enough to change my mind at the time. But now, well I am gob smacked, flabbergasted, flummoxed, befuddled and feel bamboozled! I LOVE IT!! Great Job Jean...you have done the unthinkable, the unobtainable, the unbelievable...made me care for Gunther."

Sara: "In the previous 2 books, Gunther was someone that I definitely didn't like, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about his story. Jean had me falling in love with him before the first chapter was over! Erica and Gunther are both very well written and have so many facets to them. Gunther is so much more than he comes off as in his appearance in the other books,"

SIK Reviews: "Never judge someone without really get to know them. There is always something beneath the surface that makes that person the way they are. You just have to find it. I think even though I never could like Gunther before this book, I love him now. I think he is one of my favorites of the series."

Judi: "I didn't believe that I would like this book because Gunther was not my favorite character but I changed my mind. This is a must read. I read it in less than 24 hours it's that good."

15 five-star reviews out of 15 reviews on Amazon. Are you curious? Want to know what makes Gunther Quill tick and become so irresistible to readers? Found out here:
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WHO IS GRIFF MONTGOMERY?

Welcome! Who are Griff Montgomery and Lauren Farraday? Here's a little insight into the hero and heroine who rule Griff Montgomery, Quarterback, the first book in the First & Ten series.


Griff 

   His journey from the tiny town of Adams, Indiana to national fame as a top quarterback, playing for the Connecticut Kings, had been one of hard work and dedication to the game of football. He became a family man when he moved in with his widowed sister to help her raise her two kids.      Totally focused on his career and being a stand-in dad, Griff worked hard. He believed that allowed him to play hard, too, at least when it came to women. A natural athlete, handsome and sexy, he’d been called a man-whore with a girl in every road-trip city. But once his family left for the West Coast, his compartmentalized existence fell apart.
      Putting his life back together meant committing to a woman, marriage and kids. But could a “player” become a man-whore no more? He wouldn’t put money on a new beginning happening with a woman who had sworn off marriage for good. But there she was, beautiful and hiding something. He couldn’t ignore her, no matter how hard he tried.

LAUREN    Reeling from a personal tragedy and a recent divorce, Lauren wanted peace above all else. Tending to her ailing father, and trying to make a   living as a freelance decorator didn’t leave time or energy for men. Love had kicked her in the teeth, so she wanted no part of it. Not now. Not ever.    Forced, by the court, to let Buy links$4.99 for ebookAMAZONBARNES & NOBLEITUNESKOBOPAPERBACKALL ROMANCE EBOOKS
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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. HAPPY READING!

WELCOME HOLLY J. GILL!New ReleaseThank you so much for ho...

WELCOME HOLLY J. GILL!

New Release
Thank you so much for hosting me Jean on your site you are just amazing, wine and chocolates at the ready! I am delighted to be sharing the Innocence Series with you. I am truly excited by this contemporary sweet romance series being a different genre for me as I normally write erotica.
The series comes as:InnocenceInnocence of LoveBreaking InnocenceReturn To Innocence
Innocence Blurb Book 1
Calvin Edwards has everything he could dream about— perfect lifestyle, running the family real-estate company back in London. He takes a holiday up north to visit his parents only to find a young pregnant woman attempting to take her life. Wishing to help, Calvin becomes a friend to her, only fears he’s out of his depth. Just when he thinks he can do this his past resurfaces, sending his life crashing.
Kacey is pregnant and her life is out of control with nowhere left to go. She descends on her mum for one last chance for help, only to have the door slammed in her face. At her wits end, she is alone, scared, and helpless until Calvin comes along. He becomes a dear friend giving her kindness, something she thought no longer existed in the world. Only she finds what she’d pushed to the back of her mind through selfish pain is back. Her past with all its mistakes has come back to life!
Excerpt Calvin Edwards
Calvin had no idea what the hell he was doing. He walked into the car park pondering whether he should call the police, longing for someone else to take over the extensive mess he’d somehow found himself in. He reached into his jeans pocket for his mobile phone, contemplating to call the police and have her picked up, get her some serious help, but he feared for her and the baby, and what would happen to them.

Kacey Richards
While she stood, waiting for her mum to finally show her face, things had changed drastically for her from being the prim and proper young girl into a woman who had no respect, lost her elegance, rough with no courteous or any thought for others, until getting shit on herself. Well, who really gave a fuck?The only time people helped you was when they needed something in return, hell I learned the hard way, like always!
A Bit A bout Author Holly J. Gill A wife and a mum to three grown up children, and lives in the UK. Holly J. Gill is a romance writer, her main genre being erotic, romance and has recently been exploring new channels, paranormal and contemporary.

Where to find Holly Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjgillauthor?ref=hlErotic Holly :http://hollyjgill.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=b9ccabad8f15e367Romance Holly : http://hollyjodygill.blogspot.co.uk/Twitter : https://twitter.com/HollyJGillGoogle + : https://plus.google.com/u/0/107879443337932231480/postsGoodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860426.Holly_J_Gill
FIND HER BOOKS HERE:
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Thank you for coming, Holly! Best of luck with your new series.