Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 23

5 FAST, FUN, FOOTBALL FACTS - PART 2

Welcome back! Time for part 2  in our fun football facts post and another teaser from GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK. I've been asked if my football romance book has real football scenes in it and the answer is "yes" it does, as do the others books in the FIRST & TEN series.


Football Facts 
1. Where do all those footballs come from? Wilson Sporting Goods Company in Ada, Ohio has been the official supplier to the NFL since 1941. They make over 2 million footballs every year!
2.  Only two players have caught, rushed, and thrown a touchdown against the same team in the same game: Walter Payton in 1979 and David Patton in 2001.
3.  Originally, football was most popular in Midwestern industrial towns, its spread and rise in popularity around the U.S. is most often traced to the 1958 NFL Championship game, which has been called the “Greatest Game Ever Played.”
4. That game was played in Yankee Stadium. The game between Baltimore and New York went to sudden death overtime. Final score? Baltimore 23, NY 17. Why was this game so popular? It was televised nationally on NBC. 
5. Another fact that sent this game into star status were the 12 receptions by Raymond Berry for 178 yards and a touchdown. This record stood for 55 years until Demaryius Thomas broke it with 13 receptions in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wow! 
(Thanks to randomhistory.com)  ********Now for 2 short teasers from GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK (caution, locker room language ahead):
1.

With Spike tucked securely under his arm, Griff pushed open the door to the workout room at the stadium.“No dogs allowed, Montgomery. And that includes your girlfriend,” snickered Aloysius “Trunk” Mahoney, defensive linebacker.“Very funny. I’m gonna die laughing.”“What if he shits in here?” Mahoney cocked an eyebrow at Griff.“He already took a dump in your helmet, asshole.”  2.
“Quite a welcoming committee. Aren’t you going to introduce me?”“To these animals? Never. Come on.” He took her arm, turning her toward the parking lot and escorting her to her car.“Some of them are kinda cute. ’Specially the one with the blond hair,” she said, fishing around in her purse.“Buddy? He’s the biggest man-whore of them all.”She chuckled as she pulled out her car keys. “Bigger than you?”“He leaves me in the dust.”Lauren stopped, her eyes wide. “Wow.”********Summary

He wanted a wife. She didn’t want to get married – ever.  Not exactly a match made in heaven. Ten years ago, Griff Montgomery, star quarterback of the Kings and womanizer, became a stand-in father for his widowed sister’s kids. After they moved away, Griff wanted his own family. But where does a “player” go to find his ideal mate?

Having sworn off marriage forever, Lauren Farraday barely kept her life together after her divorce. With her career shaky and depression closing in, the last thing she needed was a courtroom battle with a sexy athlete.
Wary of Griff’s reputation with women, and hiding a secret, Lauren holds on to her heart.  Can the quarterback handle the truth or will he walk away, like he has in the past?     
Buy links:
SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS
ITUNES/APPLE
AMAZON U.K.


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5 FAST, FUN FACTS ABOUT FOOTBALL!

Welcome! For the next three weeks, I'm going to be posting new fun facts about football and short teasers, every couple of days, from my brand new book, GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK, first book in the First & Ten series. 
In addition to being a romance writer, I'm also a rabid football fan.  Even though I'm a big fan, I still had to do tons of research. I guess you could say it was a labor of love. 
Watch for the announcement of a new post on Twitter, or follow my blog and you'll be notified automatically when a new post is up. Thanks for stopping by.
  Football Facts
1.  American football sprouted from a combination of rugby and soccer - both from England. This bastard sports child called football took hold on college campuses in the 1800's, and grew from there to capture many U.S. hearts.
2. In the late 1800's a coach named Walter Camp became known as the "father of football" when he created rules regarding downs, distances and scrimmages.
3. The NFL started out in 1920 as the American Professional Football League. Two years later, it changed its name to the National Football League, which is what it's known as today.
4. The Super Bowl is the most watched television event, surpassing the Oscars, March Madness basketball, the World Series (one game) and the Stanley Cup Playoffs (one game).
5. Pigskin? Think again. Footballs are made from cowhide. It takes about 600 cows to make enough footballs for an entire season of NFL games. 
******Here's a snippet from GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK, my brand new football romance novel: “What else are you good at, besides grilling and throwing a football?”“Do you want the PG version or X-rated?” He snickered, his dark eyes dancing with mischief as they skimmed over her skimpy robe, making her shiver.She laughed.Griff slipped his hand over her free one. “Or should I show you?” His gaze settled on her lips.She finished chewing and sat back, checking him out again. His muscles were nicely defined, and the sprinkling of dark chest hair tempted her fingers. She ached to touch him, but resisted. He’s a womanizer. He’ll leave you. He’ll hurt you. “Don’t think so.” She removed her hand to cut another piece of meat.
All buy links HERE
Brief synopsis: He wanted a wife. She didn’t want to get married – ever.  Not exactly a match made in heaven. Ten years ago, Griff Montgomery, star quarterback of the Kings and womanizer, became a stand-in father for his widowed sister’s kids. After they moved away, Griff wanted his own family. But where does a “player” go to find his ideal mate? Having sworn off marriage forever, Lauren Farraday barely kept her life together after her divorce. With her career shaky and depression closing in, the last thing she needed was a courtroom battle with a sexy athlete. Wary of Griff’s reputation with women, and hiding a secret, Lauren holds on to her heart.  Can the quarterback handle the truth or will he walk away, like he has in the past?     
*****Thanks for coming. If you'd like to know more about me and my books, here's my website and my free newsletter . Please follow the blog for more 5 fast facts.

Trip to San Antonio - Chapter One

YES! I did see the Alamo. It was fascinating  and,surprisingly, very small. I didn't expect San Antonio to be so tropical. But there are palm trees, and 65 degree temperatures! It's lovely and the people are friendly.

I was delighted to see horse-drawn carriages lit with beautiful colored lights at night, gliding along like Cinderella's carriage. This is what they looked like during the day.












THE CONFERENCE


I can't say much about the activities at the Wild Wicked Weekend con, because what happens in San Antonio must stay in San Antonio. But I can share a pics of  the hottest cover models around: Kelli, Axl, Taylor, and Cole.
 
 And singer Jackson Young was there. Here he's with Cheryl and Maranda. Jackson is going to be singing at the Day with the Authors event in Nashville. Whoopee! Love that man!


















This is Cole. He'd be the perfect model for the Devon Drake cover, 4th book in the First & Ten series.

THE HOTEL
The Mengar Hotel is beautiful, old, elegant and haunted! Yep. That's right. Haunted. And I had my first ghostly experience there. But first a few pics of this gorgeous place.
The historic lobby.






















































 Gorgeous stained glass window in the ceiling.






















THE SUPERNATURAL
     I'm not a huge believer in ghosts and stuff. I wasn't. But I am now. Saturday night, I got back to my room before eleven. I went to work, writing because the Internet was spotty. When I got into bed, I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was at an angle, I could only see the 2 on the display and assumed, because of the angle, the one wasn't visible. It was after midnight.
    I woke up and rolled over to glance at the clock. It read 7:41a.m. I was surprised I had slept so late. I pulled back the covers and padded over to the window. After peeking behind the curtain, all I could see was darkness. Something was wrong. Either we were in world's biggest storm or...well, something was wrong.
    I picked up my watch. It read 5.41 a.m.! Yep. And it was right. Someone or something moved the clock ahead by two hours. That's right, TWO HOURS! The clock had been right on target all weekend. I had been in the room the whole time.
    Being too sleepy to think, I fixed the clock and got back in bed. It wasn't until breakfast that I realized what had happened. When I fixed the clock, I noticed you had to hold down the buttons to make the hour move. There was something in that room with me. And it moved the clock two hours ahead. I am a believer.

THE RANCH
I'm on the ranch now. Will update tonight or tomorrow with pictures. It's cold and raining, so we're huddled inside, writing. Hope you have a great day!Comments welcome!!

Yep! I'm headed off to the Wild Wicked Weekend in ...

 
Yep! I'm headed off to the Wild Wicked Weekend in San Antonio with a bunch of romance writers and readers tomorrow. On Sunday I'm heading to The Silver Spur dude ranch to soak up everything I can about cowboys and cowboy country for a future cowboy romance series.  There will be horses. And fields, grass, trees and fences...and 
did I mention cowboys?   Lots of cowboys.
 I hope you'll stop by and share a laugh with me about my adventures or misadventures in San Antonio and Bandera. I'll write what I can, but what happens in San Antonio stays in San Antonio, unless it makes a good plot or character for a book. LOL!
Adios, until tomorrow!
Jean

TUESDAY TALES - PROMPT "GREAT"

 Welcome! This week the word prompt is "great". I'm sharing a sneak peek of the third book in the First & Ten football romance series, Pete Sebastian, Coach. 
******
“Would you like to come in for coffee? I think maybe the wine was a bit too much, eh?” She nodded, relieved the shadows of night hid her blushing face. He unlocked the door and turned on the lights. He took their coats and hung them on hooks by the door. “Regular?” He asked, dropping his keys in the bowl by the door and ambling toward the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves.“Regular. Plenty of caffeine.” She followed him.“Maybe Espresso?”She waved it away. “That’s too strong.”Once they had filled two mugs, he headed toward the window, leaving the lights out.
“Come. Take a look.” He reached out his hand to her.
Jo took it and allowed him to tuck her right under his arm.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” He asked, folding his arm over her shoulders.
She looked out over the shiny path across the water made by the moon. The sea always calmed her, and this moment was no exception. Feelings of safety and acceptance surrounded her heart. While skeptical thoughts attempted to push away the happiness, Jo refused to listen.
They drank in silence, staring at the sea, listening to the lullaby of the waves.
“I love the water.”
“Do you?” He bent his head to make eye contact.
She nodded. I went to the beach at my grandmother’s place. She lived in Westchester. My parents shipped me off to her house every summer. It was great.”

He kissed the top of her head. Jo finished her coffee and put her mug on the windowsill. Turning she snaked her arms around his middle and rested her face on his pecs. Heat from his chest penetrated the fine cotton fabric to warm her cheek. His scent, male mixed with freshly ironed shirt, and spicy aftershave, teased her nose.  
He put his mug down, too, and closed both arms around her. They stood, clinging to each other for a quiet moment. Pete cleared his throat. The vibration made her body hum. He looked down at her, staring at her mouth. He bent his head slightly as if to kiss her, but stopped.“Do you? I mean…would it be okay?” Sweat broke out on his forehead. “I just don’t want to get sued for sexual harassment.”

She reached up to tug him toward her. “I won’t sue you if you don’t sue me.”
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Welcome! Take a peek at my shiny, brand-new newsletter! Here's what's inside:Coming attractionsBlurb about Griff Montgomery, QuarterbackProfile of GriffProfile of Lauren Farraday (heroine)Football quarterback eye candy Free Books A blast from the pastSweet RomanceHollywood HeartsOriginal Word Search puzzle you can print out!Click on NEWSLETTER to go right to it.
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GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK. GIVEAWAY!

Because I'm so excited about the release of my kickoff book in the First & Ten series, I'm going to give away 5 4" x 5" fridge magnets of the luscious cover to 5 lucky folks who leave their favorite football team and email address in a comment. Drawing will be held tonight at 9pm.
Here are some quotes from the book.  


His friend shook his head. “I don’t know if you’re a man of great willpower, or an idiot.”
“Neither do I,” said the quarterback.
Griff wasn’t ready to face the fact that he was giving up good, steady road trip sex for a woman who didn’t want to get married.




“What else are you good at, besides grilling and throwing a football?”“Do you want the PG version or X-rated?” He snickered, his dark eyes dancing with mischief as they skimmed over her skimpy robe, making her shiver.
She laughed. Griff slipped his hand over her free one. “Or should I show you?” His gaze settled on her lips.

“Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that. Wonder what she’d think if she knew?”
“Don’t, Carla. Please don’t. I’m begging you.” Griff reached for her arm, but she shook him off.
Buddy faced the quarterback. “What the hell did you do?”
“You don’t wanna know.”
“Oh no. You didn’t?” His eyebrows rose.
Griff nodded. “Guilty.”

     He wanted a wife. She didn’t want to get married – ever.  Not exactly a match made in heaven. Ten years ago, Griff Montgomery, star quarterback of the Kings and womanizer, became a stand-in father for his widowed sister’s kids. After they moved away, Griff wanted his own family. But where does a “player” go to find his ideal mate?
     Having sworn off marriage forever, Lauren Farraday barely kept her life together after her divorce. With her career shaky and depression closing in, the last thing she needed was a courtroom battle with a sexy athlete.
   Wary of Griff’s reputation with women, and hiding a secret, Lauren holds on to her heart.  Can the quarterback handle the truth or will he walk away, like he has in the past?      NEWSLETTER SIGN UP-HERE  Buy links MY WEBSITE AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE   AMAZON U.K. ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING (ALL FORMATS)

GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK

GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK, is the kickoff book in the football romance series, FIRST & TEN.
A bit about the book

      He wants to find a wife. She doesn’t want to marry again –ever. Not exactly a match made in heaven. Ten years ago, Griff Montgomery, star quarterback of the Kings and womanizer, became a stand-in father for his widowed sister’s kids. His happy family life collapsed when she and her new husband moved to California.  Griff wants his own family. But where does a “player” go to find his ideal mate?
    Having sworn off marriage forever, Lauren Farraday barely kept her life together after her divorce. With her career shaky and depression closing in, the last thing she needed was a courtroom battle with a sexy athlete.     Forced, by a judge, into an uneasy truce, the pair denied their growing chemistry. Wary of Griff’s reputation with women, and hiding a secret, Lauren keeps him at arm’s length. Determined, Griff  marches toward his goal. Can the quarterback handle the truth or will he walk away, like he always has in the past?     
Meet SPIKE -- canine star of GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK. 
Lauren avoided his stare. “Well, sometimes a new book—” “Stop lying, Lauren. I know it’s not a book club. What the hell is going on?” “Nothing that concerns you.” She turned away from him. Griff gripped her upper arm, hard. “I disagree. We’re gonna talk. The truth. Now.” He sat her down in a chair in the kitchen while he retrieved a beer. “I don’t see where you—” “Last night gives me the right to know the truth. Talk.” He offered her a beer, too, which she accepted.

                          *********
“What else are you good at, besides grilling and throwing a football?” “Do you want the PG version or X-rated?” He snickered, his dark eyes dancing with mischief as they skimmed over her skimpy robe, making her shiver. She laughed. Griff slipped his hand over her free one. “Or should I show you?” His gaze settled on her lips. She finished chewing and sat back, checking him out again. His muscles were nicely defined, and the sprinkling of dark chest hair tempted her fingers. She ached to touch him, but resisted. He’s a womanizer. He’ll leave you. He’ll hurt you. “Don’t think so.” She removed her hand to cut another piece of meat.



“Do you want me to stay with you?” “Please. I don’t want to be alone.” He got in beside her and tucked her against his chest. She snuggled down. “Look there,” he said, pointing. “See the moon? It’s full.” She nodded. He was lying behind her, his arm around her middle, holding her fast. Lauren laid her hand on top of his. “I’m here. You’re safe. Close your eyes. I’ll be right here if you need me.” “Thank you,” she whispered and brushed her lips against his arm. Griff kissed her hair and tucked his knees up under hers. The warmth from his body soothed her. Her muscles relaxed as she stared at the moon for a moment before falling back to sleep.$4.99  My website AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE AMAZON CANADA AMAZON U.K. ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING (all formats) 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - RING

Welcome to Tuesday Tales. Thank you for stopping by. This week's prompt is "ring". I'm continuing with Kate's story from The Dinner Club. 
* * * * * * *
Standing in front of the mirror, Kate plucked at her hair as her nerves kicked up. Blind date? The ink is still fresh on the divorce papers.  

She paced and twisted the diamond wedding band on her finger, as she always did when she was tense. Her dinner club friends found someone they wanted her to meet.
Dragged some guy in from the gutter for me. Dusted him off. Bought him a new suit. It’s a waste of time. I’m a loser who can’t keep a husband of twenty-six years. She stopped in front of the looking glass and perused her outfit with a critical eye.
Nail polish? She fanned out her fingers and bam! There it was, glaring and glittering right in her face. Her ring, she couldn’t very well go on a fix-up wearing a wedding ring, could she? With a twist and a pull, it came right off. She smiled at the thought that the ten pounds she lost since splitting up with Tracy meant the ring wasn’t stuck any longer.
She took a deep breath, smoothed the wrinkles out of her skirt and picked up the ring. Her cell rang.“Hi, Bess.”
“Where are you? Jerry’s going to be here any minute. You are coming, aren’t you?” Kate heard the anxiety in her friends voice.
“Don’t worry. I’d never stand you up. I mean, Jerry.”
“Good. ‘Cause he’s Hack’s second cousin and I wouldn’t want to get Rory in trouble. What are you wearing?”
Kate launched into a description of her skirt, sweater and jacket for her friend before hanging up the phone. She twirled the ring on her first finger as she leaned over in front of a tiny, decorative bowl.
After a brief hesitation, she let the ring slide down and into the dish. She sighed as tears gathered in her eyes. Kate reached the tissue box and blotted her eyes so as not to ruin her makeup.
Her finger felt naked. She rubbed her hand over the whitish area where her ring had been as she went out the door and down the stairs. Heading for the bus, she gave herself permission to not like Jerry, if he wasn’t to her taste. Jerry isn’t important. Taking this first step to a new life is what’s important. The bus arrived and she got on.  
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DO YOU LIKE IMPERFECT HEROES? I DO.

IMPERFECT HEROES, MY KIND OF MEN I write contemporary romantic fiction from sweet to sizzling. A friend, a writer, said, “Your heroes are so imperfect.” Did I detect a note of awe in her voice? Yes, my heroes are imperfect and I’m in love with each and every one. Why write imperfect heroes? To me, it’s easier to love an imperfect man. They get caught doing things they are not supposed to be doing, they sometimes disappoint but they always beg for forgiveness. The reader watches them struggle over the course of the book to become better men and enjoys their triumphs when they succeed. Here are two from my Now and Forever series. Mac Caldwell, Hero of “Now and Forever 1, a Love Story” (FREE book)– my first hero and still very dear to my heart. He’s sexy, handsome, strong, intelligent, dependable, affectionate, sweet, generous and caring and also: demanding, jealous, overly protective, obsessively private and not always truthful or forthright or forthcoming…he hides stuff! I would go anywhere with him on any day at any time with no question and gladly spend the night! 
Danny Maine, Hero of “Now and Forever 2, The Book of Danny” is my second hero,  one I love deeply for all his accomplishments against overwhelming odds. While I think Danny is hot – he’s handsome as all my heroes are – he’s also: incredibly strong. Danny is sexy, protective, intelligent, warm, affectionate , sweet and funny as well as: hot-headed, deadly, damaged (perhaps irreparably) by his war experiences, slightly depressive, drinks too much (though not an alcoholic), was a womanizer (not anymore) and jealous. I would trust Danny with my life and consider any trip with him a very sexy adventure I’d never forget.

Now and Forever 1, a Love Story:  
Callie Richards was no stranger to heartache. Her parents were killed when she was sixteen. Left with her older sister, she fell into a romance with good-looking, Kyle Maine. They became engaged and Callie’s future was set until he was killed in Iraq. Two years later, she pulls herself together to get her Master’s degree and restart her life on her own.Working and studying at Kensington State University, Callie meets Mac Caldwell, the handsome dean. Together they fall in love, then fight a deadly campus drug ring with heart-breaking results. This is an emotional story, not a cookie-cutter romance, that will make you laugh and cry as Callie struggles to make a new life, find love and her happy ending. 
FREE!                                                           

All retail outlets for free download HERE


Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny:  Can the newest professor at Kensington State escape his previous life as a killer? Leaving the Army didn't mean the war left him so Capt. Danny Maine, now teaching English, must find a way to lead a normal life. Finding love and rekindling an old friendship are not enough to defeat old demons. Danny Maine fights to free himself from war memories and dangerous men, hoping that a new love and a new Glock will bring him peace. Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny is a heartfelt story of love, loss and ultimate triumph that will touch your heart.
Only $2.99 
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