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

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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My free newsletter is out! Take a peek. Do the word search puzzle.

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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TUESDAY TALES - RUTHLESS

Welcome! This week's prompt is "ruthless". I'm continuing my nameless story that will become the fifth book in the Dinner Club series. It's Kate's story. Thanks for coming. Click HERE to return to awesome Tuesday Tales writers.  ******** “Take him for every cent he has,” Rory advised her friend.
All the Dinner Club women advised Kate to be ruthless. Tracy’s the one who broke her heart. After twenty-five years, he wanted out. She had been stunned. Hurt and anger accumulated like a poison inside with no way out. Miranda encouraged her to join a gym. Kate went every day, not to run or lift weights, but to abuse the punching bag. She’d hit and hit and hit until she was exhausted.
After a three weeks, she stopped fighting and left the gym. She met her new friends for dinner at Bess’s house. Sharing a bottle of wine, the women asked Kate for an update. “Ruthless? You want me to be ruthless and my lawyer does, but it isn’t in me.”
“But you have a right to things. Stuff. Money. After all those years,” Brooke said.
“I do. Only my fair share. I just want what’s mine and to be left alone. The pain is beyond bearing.” Kate took a large sip of her Cabernet.

Bess put a small bowl of artichoke tip and some cut up pita in front of her friend. “Try this. Food heals.”“So what’s the latest?” Brooke asked.
“He wants to switch apartments.”
“Switch? I thought you only had that one place?” Miranda asked.
“So did I. He had a love nest. A studio, on 77th. He’d meet her there. Now he wants to give me that and keep our two bedroom.”
“A love nest? The rat. Give me ten minutes with him,” Rory said, her voice seething with anger.
Kate patted her friend’s hand. “That’s okay, Rory. I get it. I told him if he clears everything out of there and gives me money to furnish it, then okay.”

“That’s a rotten deal. The two bedroom is worth a fortune and a studio? Not much.”“I don’t care. I just want this to be over.”
“Ruthless? Seems to me, he’s the one being ruthless,” Bess said, as she stirred her spaghetti sauce.
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AFI MOVIE QUIZ - PUT THE MOVIES IN THE RIGHT ORDER

The American Film Institute (AFI) ranks movies.  Here is their list of the top ten. Oops, something's wrong. The list is out of order! Can you put it in the proper order? More on book of the week and the correct order below. 

AFI'S  LIST OF THE TOP TEN MOVIES (Hint: one movie is in the right place.) 1)     THE WIZARD OF OZ 
2)     GONE WITH THE WIND 
3)     CASABLANCA
4)     CIIZEN KANE
5)     LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
6)     THE GODFATHER
7)     RAGING BULL
8)     SCHLINDER’S LIS
9)     SINGING IN THE RAIN 
10)   VERTIGO
BOOK OF THE WEEK
 NAF1, a Love Story, it's FREE! Here's a bit about the book:

Can Callie Richards turn her life of tragedy and heartache around on the campus of Kensington State University? Braving the school on her own, Callie meets the handsome dean, Mac Caldwell. 

As she and Mac draw closer and she makes new friends, a deadly campus drug ring sets their sights on her with heart-breaking results.  An emotional story, this is not a cookie-cutter romance. You’ll laugh and cry as Callie struggles to make a new life, and find love.The book is still FREE, click HERE . 
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Oh, yes, you're looking for the correct list of AFI movies?  Scroll down.







Here you go?

1) CITIZEN KANE 2) THE GODFATHER 3) CASABLANCA 4) RAGING BULL 5) SINGIN' IN THE RAIN 6) GONE WITH THE WIND 7) LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 8) SCHINDLER'S LIST 9) VERTIGO10) THE WIZARD OF OZ

STATE CAPITALS - A QUIZ - HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR STATE CAPITALS?

 How well do you know your state capitals? Take this quiz and find out. Which city is the correct capital?
1)  California                             a) San Francisco  b) Sacramento
2)  Delaware                               a) Wilmington  b) Dover
3) New Jersey                            a) Trenton   b) Newark
4)  New York                              a) New York City  b) Albany
5) Florida                                    a) Tallahassee    b) Miami
6) Georgia                                   a) Atlanta   b) Macon
7) Arizona                                   a) Tucson   b) Phoenix
8) Ohio                                        a) Columbus  b) Cleveland
9) Kansas                                    a) Kansas City  b) Topeka
10) Maryland                              a) Annapolis   b) Baltimore
11) Missouri                               a) Kansas City  b) Jefferson City
12) Texas                                    a) Austin    b) Dallas
13) Minnesota                            a) St. Paul   b) Minneapolis
14)  Maine                                  a) Portland   b) Augusta
15) Washington                          a) Seattle       b) Olympia
Scroll down for the answers
New feature: Book of the Week           Since I'm going to see Hugh Jackman in The River this week, I picked Now and Forever, a Love Story to be the book of the week. Why? Because Mr. Jackman was the inspiration for Mac Caldwell, main hero in four of the five books in the Now and Forever series. Meet Mac Caldwell
 Mac is a man's man. He's chivalrous, smart, protective, hard-working and dedicated to the welfare of his son. He's divorced and although he was a bit of a player before his marriage, he's changed. Now he's a little awkward and shy about dating, conscious of being a role model for his toddler.    When he falls for Callie Caldwell, a new girl at  Kensington State University, he's not sure how to get close to her without being inappropriate. Oh did I mention he's gorgeous & sexy as hell, with bright blue eyes. If you want to read about him, the book is FREE! Click HERE . 
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Answers to the state capital quiz:
1)b 2)b 3)a 4)b 5)a 6)a 7)b 8)a 9)b 10)a 11)b 12)a  13)a 14)b 15)b

SECRET CRAVINGS ANNIVERSARY BLOG HOP!

Welcome! I'm Jean Joachim. I write contemporary romance and romantic suspense just skirting erotic at a three flame level. Writing, losing myself in a story is my favorite thing to do. 
One of the happiest days of my life was when I received my acceptance letter from Sandy Sullivan back in 2011 for Now and Forever, The Book of Danny. I was on top of the world, knowing that someone else loved my story and that I had found a home for my work. I have had story after story published there ever since. Thank you, Sandy, and SCP, for making my dream come true.

* * * * * * In honor of my publisher's anniversary, I'm giving away fridge magnets (4.5" x 5.5") to 10 lucky commenters (US only) and a $10.00 Amazon gift card (worldwide)! Here are the magnets and a bit about the books they represent:
LOVE'S LAST CHANCE

Questioning her decision to leave each of three attractive men five years ago in New York, Dorrie returns to the Big Apple for one more day with each. Was she hasty in her decisions to leave them behind? Will one of these men make her change her mind? Will her return to the past bring the love she is seeking or will loneliness propel her back into the arms of the one man who broke her heart?



LOVERS & LIARS Alone in the world, Erica Wheeler needed a job or face eviction. The aspiring actress harbored a lifelong dream of movie stardom. She knew she had the talent, all she needed was a chance. Her roommate, Amy, plotted revenge on her former boss, sexy, bad-boy producer, Gunther Quill, for firing her. Together she and Erica bent the truth like a pretzel to get her a job working for Quill. He surprised her. Was he the same meanie Amy described or was he simply a smart, ambitious man on his way to the top?
One thing Gunther Quill hated was a liar. Tough, seductive and brilliant, he prided himself on being truthful. With his sharp, new assistant, Erica Wheeler, he’d soon be the most powerful producer of musicals in Hollywood and on Broadway. Nothing could get in his way, except maybe, falling in love. 
* * * * * *  To receive advance info on my books and special offers and freebies, sign up for my Newsletter  Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address to be entered to win the magnets. Click HERE to hop to the blogs of our fine authors. Thank you for stopping by. Check out my website . Click HERE for my free books.