Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 29

SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING CONTEMPORARY BLOG HOP

 
Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. Scroll down for the link back to the other blogs in this hop. First, meet the men from my newest series, The Manhattan Dinner Club. Leave a comment &your email address and be entered to win your choice of any of my books. I will pick 2 winners Sunday night at eleven. 
  This is Dr. Hack Roberts. He accidentally mows Rory Sampson down with his bike in Central Park, breaking her arm and her pug, Baxter's, leg.  He's a handsome, smug, veterinarian who comes up against a sarcastic, smart woman. Who will win this contest of wills? Or will mutual attraction trump hostility? Find out in RESCUE MY HEART.
******  Meet. Whitfield Bass, broadcast journalist and player. He's got a different model on his arm every Saturday night. Then he moves across the hall from baker extraordinaire, Bess Cooper. Will the gorgeous, damaged, marriage-phobe cook up more than mocha cake with the tempting lady across the hall? Find out in SEDUCING HIS HEART.  ******
Meet Preston Carpenter, screenwriter. He's crushing on Brooke Felson, Ruth Quincy's sexy granddaughter. But Brooke only has eyes for a successful, Mr. Corporate America. Pres is not in her league, until her life falls apart. Being there to help her pick up the pieces gives him center stage. But will the call of Hollywood break up his play for her?  Find out in SHINE YOUR LOVE ON ME. (Releasing May 9)





BACK TO THE HOP HERE TO MY WEBSITE HERE
Remember to leave your email address. I can't pick you to win if I don't have that. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!


















This is Brooke

TUESDAY TALES - FLYING

Welcome, thanks for stopping by. This week is a continuation of a new football romance. There's no title yet. Scroll down to get back to Tuesday Tales.  
****   After practice, Griff sat on a bench in the locker room, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. He pulled out his cell phone and sent a text to Lynn, his Los Angeles girlfriend.


            Flying in Thursday night. You free Friday or Saturday?

“Texting that chick in L.A. with the big tits?”  Defenseman Lance Corcoran sprayed deodorant under his arms as he spoke to the quarterback.“Like that’s any of your business.”
“Just wondering if she has a friend. One who wears the same bra size.”
“Like I’d ever let a normal girl near you, weirdo. Fuck off.”
“Keeping all the good stuff to yourself?”
“She’s not ‘stuff’, asshole.”
“Ask him in Minneapolis, Miami, Seattle or Dallas. He’s got girls in every city,” Teammate Buddy Stoddard said.
“Impressive, Montgomery.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Griff finished dressing, combed his hair then headed for the parking lot.
He’d have a hot night of good sex with Lynn, but that's all. She had been getting too clingy. Lynn wasn’t his type. She was okay for a bed buddy, but not a lifetime. A ding on his phone interrupted his thoughts.    

            How about both nights?
He cringed. Could he spend two nights listening to Lynn prattle on about clothes, movie stars and gossip? 
     Fine. Pick a movie. I’ll text you from the hotel.


He shut his phone. A movie will keep her quiet. It’s been a long time. As he drove home, Griff admitted to himself that continuing his old lifestyle without his family didn’t make sense. He needed more. He needed his own woman. Fulltime. In his bed. In his kitchen. In his life. And he needed his own kids. Feeling restless, Griff went for a run. As he rounded the bend, he heard a noise. He slowed down to cool off and stopped when he heard scratching and a whimper. There was a small dog at the back door of what appeared to be an empty house. When Griff approached the property, the pug turned and growled a warning.
BACK TO TUESDAY TALES
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NEW SPRING FLOWERS - DAFFODILS

Daffodils are among my favorites. They are always the precursors of spring along with crocuses and snow drops. Here are some spring flower pictures, taken this spring, to brighten your day.

 Crocus







These pictures were taken mostly in Central Park. Many are 9/11 daffodils, from bulbs given to NYC by Holland after the 9/11 tragedy. A fitting living memorial. Are daffodils a favorite with you, too? Comments are always welcome.

My website

FREE SHORT STORY.

 Here's a sneak peek at my free short story. Link to the pdf follows. Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment, if you are so inclined.
 SWEET LOVE REMEMBERED

“Get out of the car.” “What’d I say?” “Get out.” Perri shifted the car into drive. “Look, Perri, the kid’s been gone for five years already. When are you gonna let go?” Ike closed the door but leaned on the open window, in no hurry to leave. “Mike. The kid’s name was Mike,” Perri said as she peeled out, depressing the gas pedal almost to the floor. “Asshole.” Perri slowed down when she crossed the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey. She forked right onto the Palisades Parkway, then leaned back against the rich leather seat of her BMW. The drive to Pine Grove was so familiar she could do it in her sleep. You’d be five today, Mikey. If you had lived. It’s five years since we scattered your ashes in Cedar Lake. June twenty-second, the day before Mikey’s birthday, was the day of Perri’s annual trip to Pine Grove. She took a shaky breath. SIDS took four-month-old Michael Jessup. The son of Perri and Sergeant Matthew Jessup…once her husband, now her ex.   Perri pulled into the driveway of the Pine Grove Guesthouse facing Cedar Lake. She had a standing reservation for the same week every year. Lacy Ryan, gray-haired owner of the guesthouse, had Perri’s room ready. She took a freshly baked cookie off the plate Lacy was holding. “Room’s ready, Perri.” Lacy hugged the pretty brunette. “What’s all that lumber in old Doc Branford’s yard?” Perri munched on her cookie. “Doc moved to Florida. Somebody bought the place. Fixin’ it up too.” Lacy took the plate into the kitchen. “Coffee’s still hot.”
****  Continue reading the story HERE

TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

Welcome to Tuesday Tales. This week is a picture prompt. While this pic didn't fit into my current stories, it does fit well into one I'm planning. The story doesn't have a title yet, but it does have a plot. Thanks for coming. Return to Tuesday Tales and the awesome writers there HERE .  
****Kay pulled the car off the road onto the shoulder. Risa opened the door and threw her backpack out onto the scruffy grass.  She looked at the mountains and sighed. "Now that's a skyline."
"You sure I'm not going to get arrested for this?" Kay asked.
"Nope. I'm over twenty-one. All you did was give me a lift. You had no idea I wasn't going back."
 Kay put her hand on her niece's arm. "Do you have to do this?"
Risa smiled. "Yep. From here on, I'm not Marisa. Just Risa, a cowgirl with no past."
"Do you have to walk away from everything?"
"I'll be in touch. But only if I think you're phone isn't tapped." She laughed. "It's easy walking distance to town from here."
"Your mother's gonna kill me."
"She'll never know it was you, unless you tell her."
"My lips are sealed. I like living." Kay grinned.
She leaned over to hug her aunt then pushed out of the car. 
"Do you need this?" Kay held up a tutu.
"Nope. Got my leotard and stuff. No more tutus. Jeans and plaid shirts from now on." Risa straightened up and stretched her arms above her head. A slight breeze ruffled her long brown hair
"Wait!" She reached in and grabbed a scissors. After throwing her hair over her head, she combed it as even as she could, then cut straight through it. Bouncing her head back, she smiled. "Now no one'll recognize me."
"Holy crap. Did you have to do that?"
"Damn straight." She tossed her unevenly bobbed hair, then hid it beneath a hat. 
"Your mother..."
Risa held her finger to her lips, shut the car door and pointed her scuff-toed cowgirl boots toward town. 
"Good luck, Baby," Kay called. Risa blew her a kiss and kept on walking.
**** Check out my books on my website HERE

FREE STORY MILITRY ROMANCE, SWEET LOVE REMEMBERED

 
This beloved story is part of CALL OF DUTY,  the Secret Cravings military romance anthology. It's a favorite of mine. The story grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I finished it. It's only 10,000 words, 30 pages, but it was written non-stop. I love the characters and the emotion here. It's FREE, so I hope you will download it and read it.  A bit about the story Matt and Perri had fallen wildly in love and married when he was on leave years ago. But a tragedy drove them apart. Five years later, they bump into each other accidentally. Will the hurt and anger that drove them apart continue to create a gulf between them as wide as the Delaware River, as Perri says?
You'll find the free PDF HERE

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Best regards,
Jean
PS You can find the CALL OF DUTY anthology for 99 cents on Amazon, BN and where all fine ebooks are sold. 

SHARING A SEXY SCENE

I started Now and Forever, Love's Journey with a sexy and funny scene that takes place at a lake in the summertime. I wanted to share it with you. It's long and I apologize for that.



Chapter One The Caldwell house on Lake Onondaga in Pennsylvania just over the border from New York. The August heat was still oppressive at midnight, but Callie Caldwell’s nerves made her shiver as she and her husband, Mac, tiptoed down to the edge of the water.“Mac, are you sure no one can see us?” Callie looked around. The only house with lights on was theirs, almost directly across the lake from where they were standing.“Shhh! The Wilsons aren’t home. Come on.” He ripped his T-shirt over his head and dropped his shorts then his boxers.Callie pulled her shift up and off. She stood stark naked, trembling.“You weren’t w­earing anything under that all this time?”She nodded.“Damn! Now you’re cold?” “Scared.”“It’s fine. Come on.” Mac took her hand, and they slowly waded in.The water cooled her skin, reducing her body temperature and relaxing her as it swirled around parts usually shielded by cloth. When they reached the deep part, Mac lifted Callie. She wound her legs around his waist, and he continued out toward the middle. He cupped her bottom with one hand and brushed her long, chestnut hair out of her eyes with the other.Callie clung to Mac’s shoulders. The hair on his chest tickled her nipples, sending pleasing sensations through her body. She leaned over and kissed his neck, then put her lips on his shoulder, sucking before licking.“You taste good.”He laughed and stopped. “This is far enough.” Moonlight shone down on the couple, making Mac’s hair a shiny blue-black. His deep-set, blue eyes were darkened by shadows, but Callie felt the heat of their stare on her body.“Shameful.” He shook his head. “Skinny-dipping in front of the neighbors to be alone with my wife.”“Do what you gotta do.” She chuckled.Mac slid his hand up to her back and pressed her against him. His mouth descended on hers in a hungry kiss. His tongue explored, possessing, while he moved to massage her breast.Callie reached down to find him hard as a rock. Before she knew it, he had slipped inside her and they were joined. She gasped and closed her eyes. Even after ten years of marriage, Callie found lovemaking with Mac exciting. And to be doing it wantonly in the lake at midnight was intense. He moved her up and down, trying to keep the splash to a minimum. Lost in their ecstasy, neither one noticed lights going on in the Wilson’s house.Mac’s mouth was buried in Callie’s neck, muffling his grunts and groans. But Callie got carried away. She raised her head high and gave out a short, guttural cry as she climaxed in his arms. Mac followed. For a moment, there was silence. Then, the creaking of a rusty screen door hinge alerted them. Callie dropped her legs and sank down until only her eyes were visible above the water.“Hey. Someone out there?” a male voice called out.“It’s probably a coyote, Herb. Close the door before he gets you.”“I heard a human cry. Mebbe someone needs help,” the man said.“Close the damn door, you’re letting in mosquitoes!” the woman yelled. Mac crouched down slowly to avoid making noise. A sudden cold spot surrounded Callie. She trembled then it happened. She sneezed. “That’s it. I heard it again, only different this time. I tell you, it’s human!”“For God’s sake, go investigate, Herb, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”Callie’s heartbeat raced as the man moved through his front door, brandishing a big flashlight.“Mac! Crap!” Callie whispered. She panicked like an animal caught in a trap. She gripped Mac’s arm with all her strength.“Ow, Callie. Easy,” he whispered. “Stay where you are. Don’t move.” Mac quickly hid Callie behind him.“Who is it? Who’s out there?” Herb called as he approached the lake.Closer and closer he came. Terror filled Callie’s heart as the prospect of total humiliation grew. The beam of light whipped back and forth across the water until it hit Mac’s face. Instinctively, he raised his hand to shield his eyes.“Well, I’ll be goddamned! Who the hell are you? And what the hell are you doing in my lake at midnight?” Herb’s tone got belligerent.“Herb. Quiet. It’s okay. Only me, Mac Caldwell from across the lake.”“What the hell? Why aren’t you swimming on your side?”Slowly, Mac moved aside. Callie waved briefly before ducking behind her husband again.“Well, shit for brains! Callie, is that you? Better be Callie, Mac, or I’m gonna have to blow the whistle on you.” Herb shone the light in Mac’s eyes again.“Of course it’s Callie, Herb. Don’t be ridiculous.”“Get on out of there. It’s too late for this stuff.”“It’s hot.”“But why aren’t you on…” Herb stopped as his shoe hit something. It was one of Callie’s sandals, lying next to a pile of discarded clothes. He looked down on the ground, then up at Mac, then down again and burst out laughing. His guffaw was so loud two more lights went on.“Quiet, Herb!” Mac hollered from the water, but Herb kept chuckling.“Why the hell didn’t you say so, Caldwell. Carry on!” Herb doused his light and turned around.Two other neighbors came out on their front porches and called to Herb.“Go back to bed. Nothing but a coyote,” he called out. As soon as everyone was gone, Mac and Callie started wading back to shore.“Last time I listen to you, Mac Caldwell. ‘We’ll have an adventure. No one will know. They’ll be asleep. Come on. It’ll be fun.’ Fun? I’ve never been so humiliated! I’ll never be able to look Joan Wilson in the eye again. And who else are they gonna tell? I’ll have to wear a disguise to the grocery store!” Once on land, they dressed in record time and ran to their car, hidden in the bushes. Mac drove.
“You told your dad we were going for ice cream. Now, we come home soaking wet? I don’t think I can stand another humiliation tonight. Think of something.”They continued down the road in silence for a mile or two. “I’ve got it!” Mac turned the car into The Creamery’s parking lot just as the last folks were leaving. He begged them to stay open for one more order. He delivered a chocolate marshmallow cone to Callie and put a bag on the front seat.When they got home, Sam, Mac’s dad, was awake though his wife, Pat, had gone off to bed.“The kids were fine. What the hell? You’re all wet. Both of you.” Sam’s gaze flew from Mac to Callie and back to Mac. Callie’s emotions bounced from fear of embarrassment to practically uncontrollable giggles.Mac looked his father in the eye. “Dad, I have a pint of vanilla fudge ice cream here. You have a choice. You can either forget we’re wet and have the ice cream, or demand an explanation…which you probably won’t like, and which won’t even be the truth. Which is it?”Callie saw the struggle on Sam’s face. Knowing him to be a scientist, like her husband, and immensely curious, she was aware how hard this decision was.“Vanilla fudge? From The Creamery?” Sam asked, licking his lips.“Your favorite. From The Creamery,” Mac answered.“What happens to the ice cream if I opt for the explanation?”“I eat a bowl then throw it in the lake.”Sam gasped. “You wouldn’t.”“I would.” Mac kept a completely straight face. Callie stared at the two men in awe.“Okay, okay, you win. I’ll take the ice cream. Don’t bother with a dish, just give me a spoon. And who gives a damn why you’re soaked…though I can guess.” Sam chuckled as he shook his head. Mac handed his father a spoon and the bag before grabbing two wine glasses. He plucked a bottle of Chablis from the fridge and nodded to Callie. She pulled the corkscrew from the drawer before bidding goodnight to Sam.“You kids are a hoot, the way you think you invented sex,” he laughed. “I got the ice cream, anyway.”Callie could hold the giggles no longer, and she laughed as she climbed the stairs to the master bedroom.

Find out more about the book, including all buy links HERE.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this excerpt.

SNEAK PEEK SUNDAY

Oops! Sorry to be so late with this. I'm on overload. But here it is! A bit from NOW AND FOREVER 5, LOVE'S JOURNEY





The August heat was still oppressive at midnight, but Callie Caldwell’s nerves made her shiver as she and her husband, Mac, tiptoed down to the edge of the water.
“Mac, are you sure no one can see us?” Callie looked around. The only house with lights on was theirs, almost directly across the lake from where they were standing.
“Shhh! The Wilsons aren’t home. Come on.” He ripped his T-shirt over his head and dropped his shorts then his boxers.
Callie pulled her shift up and off. She stood stark naked, trembling.
“You weren’t w­earing anything under that all this time?”
She nodded.
“Damn! Now you’re cold?”
“Scared.”
“It’s fine. Come on.” Mac took her hand, and they slowly waded in.
The water cooled her skin, reducing her body temperature and relaxing her as it swirled around parts usually shielded by cloth. When they reached the deep part, Mac lifted Callie. She wound her legs around his waist, and he continued out toward the middle. He cupped her bottom with one hand and brushed her long, chestnut hair out of her eyes with the other. BACK TO SNEAK PEEK SUNDAY MY WEBSITE

MY FREE BOOKS!

Hollywood Hearts series starter.


A bit about the book

Fresh-faced quarterback Mark thinks he’s scored a touchdown after winning actress Penny Thatcher’s affection. But a public revelation soon threatens his chances…. Is love the one game he can’t win? 
Recent review:
"I just love an easy, enjoyable book that lets me leave reality for a little while. Both characters were very likeable and I loved the happy ending!" L. S.

Links to ebook retail stores for free download in all formats HERE

 Or download the PDF HERE 





Series Starter for the Now and Forever series

A bit about the book
A young girl faces tragedy in her teens. Callie wanders through her life rootless until she meets up with Kyle Maine. The handsome young man takes her under his wing. Love blossoms as Callie finds her way. But will Kyle's hunger for recognition in the military lead him to glory or to his demise? 

Link to retail ebook stores HERE





Do you prefer "sweet" romance? Free series starter to my sweet Moonlight series 

A bit about the book

Caroline "Sunny" Davis wants to please her mother, but hunting for a husband leaves her cold. Linda Davis knows she doesn't have much longer on this Earth and nothing would give her peace like knowing her daughter is well cared for. Together they find a wealthy man who wants to launch Sunny's career as an artist. But is he truly the right man for her?

Links to all ebook retail stores for a free download HERE  



Check out the rest of my books on my website, HERE Thanks so much for stopping by.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Along with romance and pugs, this book has some snappy dialogue. Just for fun, here are a few of my favorite quotes from 


RESCUE MY HEART (Manhattan Dinner Club series, book 1)


“Dr. Roberts, you’ll have to take some responsibility for this young lady…what’s your name, miss
“Aurora Sampson.
“Aurora? What an odd name,” muttered Hack.
“Oh? Like Hack is normal?” She replied.


 *****


Before long, they were in her tiny, studio apartment.
“Where’s the bedroom?” he asked.
“You’re standing in it. One room fits all.” She put down her purse and keys.

*****

“Sue me. Take me to court.” He dropped his hand from the dog who promptly nudged him to continue.She narrowed her eyes, “Maybe I will.” “It takes a lot of money to bring a lawsuit.” Baxter nosed his face under Hack’s hand. The vet continued to pet the pug. 
“Don’t be so confident I won’t. My brother is a lawyer. It’ll cost me zip-o to sue you.”He stood up. “I don’t mean to be rude, but…”"Rude? That’s exactly what you mean to be. You and Miss, Miss Toothpick of 2013. Nasty, self-satisfied, smug…” 

  
 ***** “Need The Toothpick’s approval?”
“Her name’s Felicia…” He couldn’t stifle a chuckle.
“Do you sleep with her? How can you have sex with someone who disappears when she turns sideways?”

*****

“Felicia,” he said.
 “Ah, Miss Pencil calling. Well don’t keep her waiting. Pussy-whipped."
”He shot a glare at her. Rory lounged on the arm of the sofa, sipping coffee from a pink striped mug,
listening to his conversation. 

*****

“Lunch break.” Hack pushed to his feet and stretched his arms and legs. 
“Someday I’m going to go into a major charley horse from that desk. Every muscle in my body is going to spasm.”
“I’ll call 911. Every muscle?” She cocked an eyebrow at him, then reveled in the blush that colored his cheeks. 

 Homer says, if you want to know more about this and my other 20+ books, take a peek at my website.Thanks for stopping by. We hope we gave you a chuckle.

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