Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 31

1ST ANNUARY ACADEMY OF ROMANCE BOOKS AWARDS & GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to our first Academy of Romance Books Awards! Here's how to win. Adora Smutz and I have nominated characters from my books to win in each category. Each nominee gives a sentence as to why he or she should win.
*  *  *  *  * To be entered, you must select one winner in each category, post it in a comment with your email address, so we can contact you. 
Adora and I will select winners at random to win their choice of ANY of my books in ebook or pdf. This is a two-day event. A winner will be chosen each day. 

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* * * * * Don't forget to leave your choices for each category plus your email in a comment! Thank you for stopping by. Here are a few of my newest book covers.

TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

Welcome back! It's picture prompt day on Tuesday Tales. And we are limited to 300 words. Here's another installment of my WIP


The Scent of Love Jory eased herself into a seat at the big table in the library. Since her sister had turned over letter writing duties to her, she had come here to do it in privacy. With reporters coming in and out and the publisher breathing down her neck, Jory couldn’t express herself honestly. Bryce had crept into her life letter by letter, almost unnoticed. He started as another burden, a responsibility she took over from her sister. Before long, polite chatter had become more personal. Bryce hinted at his life dreams as did Jory. They danced around the things that mattered most to them. Jory took a deep breath, deciding to be the first to confess.             She wrote:                 I never wanted to stay in this dusty little town. After   college, I wanted to go to Paris and write like, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. And maybe drink too much and have affairs with gorgeously, devastating  rakes. But my parents died in a car crash and I had to take care of my little sister. Now I can’t leave. But someday I’m going to do something more. What’s your dream? Do you want to stay in the military and become a general? “This is where you’re hiding out,” a male voice said. Jory looked up into the frowning face of George Barton.“What do you want?” She squinted. “Writin’ a letter?” “None of your business.”  "You’re my girlfriend. That makes it my business.” “Don’t pretend to be tough, George. This isn’t about you.” Jory looked down. “I didn’t mean to make you mad. It’s Wednesday. Burger and beer night.” He looked at his feet. Jory sighed. She folded the paper and put it in her purse. “Let’s go.” He fell into step with her as they headed to the parking lot. Back to Tuesday Tales To my website

HAS ADORA SMUTZ MET HER MATCH? ADORA INTERVIEWS GUNTHER QUILL

ADORA SMUTZ INTERVIEWS GUNTHER QUILL, HERO OF LOVERS & LIARS AND FAMOUS HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER ~~~~~
AS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome famous Hollywood Producer and notorious bad boy, Gunther Quill!Gunther walks into the room, nods to the audience and sits down. 
AS: Well, well, Gunther Quill. *looks him over* you are a nice hunk of man.
GQ: Thanks. You’re not bad, either, Adora. If I were a single man, I’d give you a pop. Love older women.
AS: Really? Maybe we can get rid of Erica for an afternoon.
GQ: I see you’re wearing a wedding ring, Adora. What about your hubby?
AS: *blushes*, Shhh. What he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. Herb and I have an ‘understanding’.
GQ: He understands you put the make on every guy you interview? *cocks an eyebrow*AS: Where did you hear that? *starts to sweat*
GQ: I’m your biggest fan, Adora. I never miss your interviews. Besides, us guys from Jean’s books talk. You know what gossips men can be. And you’re a favorite topic.
AS: *bats her eyelashes* You men really talk about me?
GQ: Hell yeah! We’ve even got a bet going.
AS: A bet? About me? What is it?
GQ: The guys bet me you’d be grilling me about my sex life and have me running out of here in ten minutes.
AS: What? They’ve got their nerve!
GQ: That’s what I said. Nobody chases Gunther Quill out of anything. Besides, Jean said if I stuck this out with you, she’d put me in the next book in the Hollywood Hearts series.
AS: She did, did she? *hums to herself for a moment*. So tell me, Gunther, what’s it like to sleep with a gorgeous actress every night.
GQ: *bares his chest* Are you kidding? Getting between the sheets with Erica is every man’s wet dream.
AS: *stares at him* Really? Details. Come on, give. Women out there want to know what makes a sexy hunk like you quiver.
GQ: Not getting the third degree from a horny, married lady like you! Ask Erica. She’s an expert. *laughs* She’s gonna kill me.
AS: You think that’s the third degree? You ain’t seen nothing yet. *places hands on hips*
GQ: *leans over and kisses Adora on the lips* Now, now. You don’t want to do that, do you? 
AS: *Eyes closed* Hmm? Wha? You say something?
GQ: *Wicked grin and evil snicker* Gotta go, Adora.
AS: *Sighs and fluffs her hair* Do that again. I dare you.
GQ: *Shakes fist in the air* Jean, you’re gonna pay for setting this up. Adora, I gotta leave. Don’t want to keep my beautiful lady waiting.
AS: Gunther, I don’t know why they say bad things about you. You’re the best!
GQ: *Stands up, heads for the door* Never met the babe I couldn’t tame. See ya, Adora.
AS: Any time, Gunther. Any time. *swoons* 
GQ: Guys you owe me. Jean, I'd better get a BIG part in that new book for doing this.
 ~~~~~ Please leave a comment. Adora loves to hear from her fans!
Check LOVERS & LIARS and all my book on my WEBSITE 

TUESDAY TALES, WRITING TO THE PROMPT "MEAT"

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. Today's tidbit comes from my WIP. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales.
SCENT OF LOVE Jory slapped the small steak on the barbecue as Juliet came out. She’s wearing her pouty face. Sulking. Do I even want to know? Probably not.“What’s eating you?” Jory asked, check the meat with a spatula.
"I don’t know what to write.” Juliet sucked on a pen as she plopped down in a lounge chair.
“This is your project. You couldn’t wait to write to that hottie, Bryce.”
“I know, I know. Rub my nose in it, why don’t you. Help me, Jory.
You’re a writer. Give me some mushy poetry or something.”
“My life seems to be about bailing you out.”
“You haven’t done anything for me lately.”
“Oh?” Jory cocked an eyebrow. “I seem to remember peeling you off that sailor when you had a few too many at Manny’s.”
“That was a week ago.”
Jory burst out laughing. “You win. Set the table, get the potato salad the cole slaw and steak sauce while I write your letter.”
“All that?”
“That’s the deal.”Juliet’s pout got bigger, her expression darker as she dragged into the kitchen. Jory sat down and took the pen in her hand. 
“Dear Bryce. I’m Juliet. I’m writing to you through the Military Pen Pals program in Pine Grove. Please write and tell me all about yourself. I’m in hairdressing school. Do you have any brothers and sisters? I have an older sister. She’s the smartest woman in town.”

Juliet unloaded everything on the picnic table. “Here’s your letter.”
“Thanks.” Without reading it, Juliet signed it, and put it in an envelope. Jory smiled to herself and transferred the charred meat to a small platter. “Dinner’s ready.”
BACK TO TUESDAY TALES My website

LOVE IS IN THE AIR - BLOG HOP - RESCUE MY HEART!

WELCOME! I'm highlighting my newest series, THE MANHATTAN DINNER CLUB , with a giveaway of the first book in the series: 
RESCUE MY HEART ABOUT THE BOOK One smug veterinarian on a bike runs into one sharp-tongued dog walker, literally! Injury leads to insult. Adversion leads to attraction. Pug rescue brings them together. A funny, sexy, sarcastic, heart-warming ride.  ');

TUESDAY TALES

Welcome! This week's word prompt is "Field". Here's my story, from a WIP. Scroll down to the link to return to Tuesday Tales.\ Scent of Love   Jory slung her camera over her shoulder, leashed her pug and headed for the field on Pinkerton Street. She was searching for some signs of spring, daffodils, unfurling light green leaves on trees to snap for the newspaper where she was the managing editor.Her heart wasn't in it. She was thinking about Bryce, the soldier in the hospital in Oak Bend. Suffering from blindness that could be repaired by surgery, Bryce was building up his strength before the operation. Jory volunteered at the hospital, and had for years. She was reading to Bryce. They were deep into a political thriller. It was all she could do to train her gaze on the book and away from the handsome military man sitting up in a bed next to her.      Sometimes Bryce reached for her hand. Or he'd tug on her sleeve when she got up to leave. Once he asked to touch her face, to find out what she looked like. She flinched, stricken with fear. You'll never find out. You can't know who I really am.    She sighed and continued up the hill. Dandelions were in bloom and she spied an occasional Snow Drop or Jonquil. Setting her camera, she snapped away. Her pug nuzzled her leg, then ran in circles.    She planned to snap a picture of him when he didn't know it. When he's gone, I can remember what he looked like and how much I loved him.  TUESDAY TALES

SPORTS BLOGHOP, GIVEAWAY & FREE BOOK FOR ALL!

Welcome! I love sports romance, don't you? I wrote my first one and it's FREE! Here's a bit about the book, called HIS LEADING LADY. (For giveaway details, scroll down.)
How does a rookie quarterback react when faced with the truth about his leading lady? Is his play for her a touchdown or only a false start? A chance meeting with gorgeous actress, Penny Thatcher, has Mark Davis smitten. Luck breaks his way weeks later when he meets her on a blind date. After an all-out blitz to win her affections, the public revelation of an ugly secret intercepts his forward pass. Will Mark get tackled by the humiliation? Is he in the game to win or will he walk away from her, chalking it up to a fumble on the goal line?
 How about a brief excerpt, a tease? 
   Penny cracked her eyes open. There were colorful bars on the television, indicating that the movie was over.      Last thing she remembered was snuggling into Mark and resting her eyes. Just closed them for a minute.   She had fallen asleep cuddled up against him. His warmth comforted her. His hand rested behind her, and his legs pinned her between them, as if she was part of him. Her nose was touching his neck. She inhaled his delicious masculine scent and struggled not to give him a lick.
   Sharing space barely big enough for his large frame, and definitely not comfortable for two, put her in danger of falling off. She moved her hips an inch, stretched and then relaxed in his embrace. It was three o’clock. Mark shifted his position, almost throwing her to the floor. He rubbed his eyes.
“Too late to go home,” she said, rising from the sofa and extending her hand. Mark took it, and she led him into the bedroom. He pulled back the covers.
Interested? Get it FREE! Here are the links: AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE SMASHWORDS SONY ITUNES
LEAVE A COMMENT, YOUR OK TO RECEIVE MY NEWSLETTER, AND BE ENTERED TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF ANY OF MY BOOKS. I'LL PICK 2 WINNERS END OF DAY FEB. 5. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Thank you for stopping by. Check out my books on my WEBSITE

SECRET CRAVINGS ANNIVERSARY BLOG HOP - GREAT PRIZES!

 Thank you for stopping by.  PRIZES FROM SECRET CRAVINGS: 
    First Place: Ipad2 
    Second Place: Kindle HDX 
    Third Place: $50 Gift Certificate 
    Fourth Place: $25 Gift Certificate! 
To be eligible you need to gather all the letters, one on each Secret Cravings author's blog in this hop, and, once you have them all, send them to Dawne Prochilo. Check the instructions on the Secret Cravings main blog.  
You're looking for a letter from me. Browse a bit and I'm sure you'll find it. Meanwhile, here are a few words about my 3 newest books and prizes you can win here. 
GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment, and your email, which approves receiving my newsletter, and you'll be entered for a drawing of your choice of any of my books. I'll select 3 winners at the end. AND every day I'll pick one readers to receive a copy of HIS LEADING LADY.                                                 **************
HIS LEADING LADY
How does a rookie quarterback react when faced with the truth about his leading lady? Is his play for her a touchdown or only a false start? A chance meeting with gorgeous actress, Penny Thatcher, has Mark Davis smitten. Luck breaks his way weeks later when he meets her on a blind date. After an all-out blitz to win her affections, the public revelation of an ugly secret intercepts his forward progress. Will Mark get tackled by the humiliation? Is he in the game to win or will he walk away from her, chalking it up to a fumble on the goal line? LOVE'S JOURNEY  (NOW & FOREVER 5)
Risking it all in their journey for love, the Caldwells face unexpected obstacles. Taking chances, making sacrifices, and a huge measure of trust test their devotion. Chase Lawson returns to pursue Kaitlyn Baines. Can she forget the heartbreak he caused, and let him back into her life? 


  RESCUE MY HEART
While walking her pug in Central Park, Rory Sampson is run down by a bike. She presses charges against arrogant biker, Dr. Hack Roberts, veterinarian. He plans revenge, only to find himself attracted to the sharp-tongued, soft-hearted writer, who rescues pugs. Will he ignore a previous commitment and voice his true feelings? An unexpected sentence from a judge puts arrogant Hack Roberts, and sarcastic Rory Sampson in a tight spot together. Will attraction trump attitude? (Releasing 1/17)
   Here's your letter! Leave a comment with your EMAIL, okay to receive newsletter, then back to the SCP Blog Hop HERE

TUESDAY TALES - "R" RATED!

Here's an excerpt of the second book I'm writing for my new series, Manhattan Dinner Club, with Secret Cravings. The book has no title as yet. This is a bit steamy, (with some rather warm pics too) so if that offends you, go back to Tuesday Tales. (link at the bottom of the page)
    This is Bess's first time in the bedroom with Whit, the hot next door neighbor. They've become friends and he's decided to take it to the next level. We enter in the middle.


“Wow,” slipped from her lips. He blushed immediately and chuckled. His gaze traveled slowly up and down her bare frame.
“You’re amazing. Great body,” he said, stepping closer and resting his hands on her hips. He pulled her up against him and ravaged her mouth while his hands got familiar with her curves.
“Your skin is like satin,” he said, gliding his hand along her thigh and over to cup her rear end. 
Wrapping her arms around him, she crushed her breasts into his chest. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once, coaxing her, caressing her, exciting her. An ache grew inside. She wanted him, now. 

Bess ripped the covers down on
her bed. Whit kissed her as he lowered her down gently. 
“I’m going to take my time…” 
“But you’re…” 
“Don’t care. No rushing this.” He smiled down warmly at her, then began his assault, first her mouth. He moved down to nibble on her neck, the further down to her chest. She sighed, closing her eyes, thinking only about what she was feeling. His expert touch slid over her silky skin, stopping to softly pinch a sensitive area. He devoured her breasts, with his hands, lips and mouth. 
“Models don’t have much upstairs, do they?” 
“Not like these. God, they’re gorgeous,” he said, panting. 
She gripped his shoulders, enjoying the feel of strong muscle and smooth skin. The smattering of hair on his chest tickled her abdomen. Try as she might, she couldn’t stifle a giggle. He raised his head.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re tickling me?”
Sorry to slam the bedroom door in your face, but it's time to cool down and move on to another Tuesday Tales writer. Click HERE 
My website? Click HERE   Thank you for stopping by!

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "TOES"

Happy 2014! It's so good to be back. Here's another snippet from my WIP, Echoes of the Heart. 

Dale dipped her toes in the steamy, sudsy water in the bathtub. Hot! She waited a minute before easing her tired body into the bubblebath. God that feels good. As she lay back, her mind flipped back to the time she dipped her toes in the lake in Oak Bend. It was the summer before she went off to college. She and Cliff had been out to the drive-in, then for burgers. 
It was midnight. They crept along the dock silently, hoping not to wake up anyone in the houses hugging the small lake. The teens had no right to be there. Cliff stripped down and slipped silently into the water. He motioned for Dale to join him.
Sitting naked on the dock, covering herself with her arms, Dale dipped her toes into the water. It was chilly.
“It’s warm once you get in,” he whispered. “Come on.” He motioned for her. The moonlight shone off his wet hair, putting his face in shadow. Dale climbed down the ladder until she was submerged. Cliff joined her. They treaded water together.
“Grab the ladder.” He placed his hand on her waist and pulled her along. Once they were both steadied, he brought his mouth down on hers. She cupped her free hand behind his head while he held her close. A shiver of desire shot up her spine at the touch of his naked body against hers.
“I see you!” A drunken, female voice knifed through the air.
“Dammit, Mary Lou,” Dale whispered to Cliff.
“Don’t move,” Cliff responded.
They remained motionless by the ladder. Mary Lou picked up Dale’s bra and panties and twirled them around her finger.
“You’re here with Cliff. He’s mine Dale. Leave him alone.” Dale had a hard time not shouting out to the jealous girl.
“Not talking? Okay. Then you won’t mind if I throw your stuff in the lake!” Dale gasped, but Cliff tightened his grip on her. As promised, Mary Lou tossed the underwear in the lake. She laughed a loud, mean, intoxicated laugh and turned on her heels. The clothes sank out of sight.
Dale lay back the soothing bathwater and chuckled. The trip home was nothing compared to explaining to her mom where her underwear went. The next day she found a condom on her nightstand with a short note. Her memory was interrupted by a young, male voice.
“Mom? I’m loading your stuff in the car. Are you ready to go?” 
Back to the city? Am I ready? I don’t know. Will I ever see Cliff again? Probably not. The memory of that evening at the lake popped and vanished, like a soap bubble. Dale reached for a towel. “Coming!” She hollered, pushing to her feet.
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