Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 51
August 22, 2012
Tara Mason from Love, Lost & Found
Love, Lost & Found is the military romance I wrote with Ben Tanner. It's due to be released in September. I'm offering a little background each week on the heroine, Tara Mason, before the book appears. Find out a bit about who she is before you read her full story. Here is this week's installment.
PHILADELPHIA - JUNEThe sound of her mom’s favorite song signaled Tara Mason to pick up her cell phone.“Before you ask, yes, Ma, I’ve been to all the lectures and workshops. It’s four… I’m ready to bag it. Back to the hotel. These shoes are killing me! What? Yeah. I miss Paul. How are the wedding plans? I’ll call you tonight. Love you, too.” She clicked off and glanced at her watch.Spying a wing chair in an empty ballroom, she sat down and toed her shoes off before retrieving her phone. Her fingers flipped through photos, searching for naughty pictures of parts of her body she took the night before in her hotel room. Tara selected the most revealing one then sent it to Paul. She chuckled realizing he’d get it during his afternoon wrap-up meeting. Tara never used to do things like that, but Paul chipped away at her Victorian attitudes about sex. He loved to look at sexy pictures, so she sent it as a reminder of what he was missing. She opened a bottle of water while she sat back expecting a sexy text from Paul. She didn’t have long to wait. The message read:Had a great time last night. Meet me at Gotham Arms at 7 to continue.She suddenly felt lightheaded, felt the color drain from her face.This must be a mistake. She read it again.The truth landed on her like an icy avalanche. Paul didn’t realize the picture of the body part she sent was from her. Her mind went numb, her hands started shaking so much, she nearly dropped her phone. Tara calculated she’d be at The Gotham Arms back in New York City at seven as Paul instructed, if she left immediately. She gathered her things then rushed into a taxi. You bet I’ll be there at seven, you bastard. Surprise! To be continued... To check out my other books, click here for my website.
PHILADELPHIA - JUNEThe sound of her mom’s favorite song signaled Tara Mason to pick up her cell phone.“Before you ask, yes, Ma, I’ve been to all the lectures and workshops. It’s four… I’m ready to bag it. Back to the hotel. These shoes are killing me! What? Yeah. I miss Paul. How are the wedding plans? I’ll call you tonight. Love you, too.” She clicked off and glanced at her watch.Spying a wing chair in an empty ballroom, she sat down and toed her shoes off before retrieving her phone. Her fingers flipped through photos, searching for naughty pictures of parts of her body she took the night before in her hotel room. Tara selected the most revealing one then sent it to Paul. She chuckled realizing he’d get it during his afternoon wrap-up meeting. Tara never used to do things like that, but Paul chipped away at her Victorian attitudes about sex. He loved to look at sexy pictures, so she sent it as a reminder of what he was missing. She opened a bottle of water while she sat back expecting a sexy text from Paul. She didn’t have long to wait. The message read:Had a great time last night. Meet me at Gotham Arms at 7 to continue.She suddenly felt lightheaded, felt the color drain from her face.This must be a mistake. She read it again.The truth landed on her like an icy avalanche. Paul didn’t realize the picture of the body part she sent was from her. Her mind went numb, her hands started shaking so much, she nearly dropped her phone. Tara calculated she’d be at The Gotham Arms back in New York City at seven as Paul instructed, if she left immediately. She gathered her things then rushed into a taxi. You bet I’ll be there at seven, you bastard. Surprise! To be continued... To check out my other books, click here for my website.
August 20, 2012
TUESDAY TALE, STORY WRITTEN TO THE PROMPT, "BOOK"
A sample of my WIP, "The Dating List." While Colin is the main hero, we can't ignore Grey and Carrie. So here they are:
Grey paced in front of the fireplace in his townhouse in Manhattan, then looked at his watch. “Colin should have been back hours ago.”“I’m sure he’s fine,” Carrie, his fiancée, said as she arranged some flowers in a vase. “What could happen to him? He’s with Leah.” Carrie slipped a slender lily into the vase.“He could be in bed with her, that’s what could happen,” Grey snickered.“Oh, stop.” Carrie gave him a soft punch in the arm.“Look, just guessing here.”“Isn’t he a little young for her? She’s thirty-four and he’s twenty-nine, right?”“Maybe, but Colin has the Andrews charm. Women love him.”“Oh? Andrews men wrote the book on charm?” Carrie cocked an eyebrow at him in mock anger.“Won you over, didn’t I?” He moved closer to deliver a kiss.“You certainly did.”“Dammit, wish he were home.”
Carrie put the last flowers in the vase and placed it on the counter.“I love when you bring me flowers in the winter. They’re so damn cheerful. Reminds me what spring looks like.”“You’re as beautiful as spring,” he said.She gestured to him. He leaned over to accept her kiss, then folded his newspaper before picking up half a corned beef sandwich and taking a bite.“You’re right. Artie’s does make the best corned beef,” he said when he was done chewing.Grey sat on a stool at the counter next to Carrie while she cleaned up the cut stems and extra leaves. He leaned over, nibbling on her neck.“After I finish this sandwich, I’m gonna take a bite out of you.”She grinned at him.“Is that a promise?”“You bet, baby.”He put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, placing her lips on his. They lingered in a sweet kiss. “Why are you worried? “I hope Colin didn’t do something stupid…” “Like?” She wiped the counter with a sponge, then raised her gaze to his. “Like making a pass at Leah or something.” “He wouldn’t, would he?” Carrie raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t you see him stumble all over himself?” “Yeah, so he was a little impressed by her…” “Not impressed, hot for her. He practically had a boner.” Carrie laughed. “Come on. Leah is much older than he is and so much more sophisticated. She’s been dating big Wall Street guys…she’d never be interested…” “You know that, I know that but Colin doesn’t. He’s looking for a ‘woman’, not a girl and Leah fits the bill perfectly.” “She’ll let him down easy…she won’t break his heart.” “Unless he does something stupid.” “Like what?” Carrie asked. His lips rose in a mischievous grin. “Like this!” Grey picked her up in his arms and swooped up the stairs. He raced through the hall, into their bedroom, shutting the door with his foot before dropping her on the bed. Carrie laughed until she almost couldn’t breathe. He fell down next to her on the bed.
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TUESDAY TALES
CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY WEBSITE.
Grey paced in front of the fireplace in his townhouse in Manhattan, then looked at his watch. “Colin should have been back hours ago.”“I’m sure he’s fine,” Carrie, his fiancée, said as she arranged some flowers in a vase. “What could happen to him? He’s with Leah.” Carrie slipped a slender lily into the vase.“He could be in bed with her, that’s what could happen,” Grey snickered.“Oh, stop.” Carrie gave him a soft punch in the arm.“Look, just guessing here.”“Isn’t he a little young for her? She’s thirty-four and he’s twenty-nine, right?”“Maybe, but Colin has the Andrews charm. Women love him.”“Oh? Andrews men wrote the book on charm?” Carrie cocked an eyebrow at him in mock anger.“Won you over, didn’t I?” He moved closer to deliver a kiss.“You certainly did.”“Dammit, wish he were home.”
Carrie put the last flowers in the vase and placed it on the counter.“I love when you bring me flowers in the winter. They’re so damn cheerful. Reminds me what spring looks like.”“You’re as beautiful as spring,” he said.She gestured to him. He leaned over to accept her kiss, then folded his newspaper before picking up half a corned beef sandwich and taking a bite.“You’re right. Artie’s does make the best corned beef,” he said when he was done chewing.Grey sat on a stool at the counter next to Carrie while she cleaned up the cut stems and extra leaves. He leaned over, nibbling on her neck.“After I finish this sandwich, I’m gonna take a bite out of you.”She grinned at him.“Is that a promise?”“You bet, baby.”He put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, placing her lips on his. They lingered in a sweet kiss. “Why are you worried? “I hope Colin didn’t do something stupid…” “Like?” She wiped the counter with a sponge, then raised her gaze to his. “Like making a pass at Leah or something.” “He wouldn’t, would he?” Carrie raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t you see him stumble all over himself?” “Yeah, so he was a little impressed by her…” “Not impressed, hot for her. He practically had a boner.” Carrie laughed. “Come on. Leah is much older than he is and so much more sophisticated. She’s been dating big Wall Street guys…she’d never be interested…” “You know that, I know that but Colin doesn’t. He’s looking for a ‘woman’, not a girl and Leah fits the bill perfectly.” “She’ll let him down easy…she won’t break his heart.” “Unless he does something stupid.” “Like what?” Carrie asked. His lips rose in a mischievous grin. “Like this!” Grey picked her up in his arms and swooped up the stairs. He raced through the hall, into their bedroom, shutting the door with his foot before dropping her on the bed. Carrie laughed until she almost couldn’t breathe. He fell down next to her on the bed.
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TUESDAY TALES
CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY WEBSITE.
August 16, 2012
LOVE'S A BEACH BLOGHOP!
Welcome to Love's a Beach blog hop! Leave a comment and I, Adora Smutz, will select 3 winners to pick their choice of book to receive for free. "Hi, I'm Adora Smutz, famous journalist in Jean's mind. Like my new bikini? I'm down here on the beach where Jean's characters from her books are sunbathing, swimming and trying to get a little nookie under the boardwalk. I'm interviewing a few today, asking them one, simple question: Which other couple from Jean's books would you like to share a summer house with?
Who's gonna be first. Let's see...hmm, hey you, yeah, you, Gavin Dailey from April's Kiss in the Moonlight. Put down your girlfriend and commere." *Gavin stops kissing April*. What couple would you most like to share a summer house with?"Danny and Eliza from Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny.""Why?""I'd like to learn hand-to-hand combat from Danny.""Doesn't have anything to do with that sexy Eliza does it?""Adora! April will hear you!" *Gavin runs back to April.*
"Danny, Danny Maine! Let Eliza alone and come over here!"*Danny groans*"What do you want, Adora?""Which couple would you most like to share a summer house with?""Is this a trick question?""It's me, Danny. Of course not." *bats her eyelashes at him.*"Tunney and Kit.""Why? Kit's bra size?""Adora! No. I'd like to learn some carpentry from Tunney.""Yeah, right. Carpentry for 'mover of the year' like you. I almost believe that!" *Danny escapes to rejoin Eliza.*
"Tunney! Tunney Nichols from The Renovated Heart!"*Tunney removes his hand from Kit's behind and trots over*"What is it, Adora?""What couple would you most like to share a summer house with?""Grey and Carrie from The Marriage List.""Why?""Like to be in with another guy who's got a few bucks.""Doesn't have anything to do with the fact that Carrie loves sex, does it?""Adora! Kit will here you! Kit loves sex. Oh, crap. She's gonna kill me!" *Tunney slinks away.*"One more."
"Mac! Get over here! Mac from Now and Forever 1, a Love Story!" *Mac puts down Callie and joins Adora.*"So which couple would you most like to share a house with?""Jim and Sarah from The Renovated Heart.""Why?""Sarah is Callie's sister...and Jim and I work...""So you want a threesome with Callie and her sister? Pretty kinky for a college dean!""Adora! I never said...""Didn't have to. Two hot sisters. Wow! Mac, you take the cake."*Mac returns to an angry Callie standing with her hands on her hips.*"Adora Smutz here. That's it for our interview. Remember to leave a comment and your email addy to be entered to win your choice of any of Jean's books or the Grand Prize - A NOOK SIMPLE TOUCH WITH GLOWLIGHT! Check out Jean's books on her website. Have fun in the sun and don't forget your sunblock!"
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO JUST ROMANCE ME
August 15, 2012
TAKING TEA WITH LEE & DISCUSSING HIS NEW BOOK
One of my favorite author friends, (an extremely talented writer), Lee Brazil, is visiting today. Please welcome him. How do you take your tea, Lee? Oh, I forgot, you prefer coffee. And you brought your own! And pastry, too...how lovely! LOVE your cover, btw.
Good morning everyone! I'm Lee Brazil, author of mm romance with Breathless Press and Silver publishing. Most of my work is contemporary, but I have at times ventured into the realms of paranormal and historical fiction. *sips coffee* Help yourself to some coffee...and pastry, if you don't mind sweets in the am. That smell is the delightfully spicy scent of apple pie.
I'm here today to talk about my new release, It's Simple, Simon. It's Simple, Simon is a new venture for me in that it is based on a nursery rhyme. I know. Odd base for an erotic romance, huh? Six months ago, if you had asked me where to look for inspiration, I would not have directed you to Mother Goose. Today, I just might. But back to the pie. Are you a fan of fruit pies? We are at my house. Blueberry, blackberry, peach...You name it, we consume it. But there is perhaps nothing better than traditional apple pie.
When I was a child pumpkin and pecan pies were reserved for holidays. But an apple pie often graced our dessert table just because. I reckon it's because apples were cheap and plentiful. Even the simplest meal became a much anticipated feast when Mom baked an apple pie for dessert. The house filled with a delicious cinnamon scent hours before the pie could be eaten. That smell alone would bring us all trooping through the kitchen to peer through the tiny window on the stove and demand "Is it done yet?"Once the pie was removed from the oven and set to cool on the counter top, the temptation was even worse. In addition to the scent, there was the object of our desire "in the flesh" to deal with, so to speak. It sat in front of everyone who wandered through the kitchen, golden brown and perfectly formed, prissily crimped edges teasing, just begging to be broken off and sampled. Most pies made it to dinner unscathed...And so, given the temptation that pie has always been, how could I resist writing about a baker who specializes in pies? It's Simple, SimonBy Lee BrazilM/M contemporary romanceBreathless Press's Naughty Nursery RhymesSimon Carter has achieved unimaginable success and he owes it all to a man from his past whose scorn set fire to his ambition.
"It's Simple, Simon. You lack ambition."
Chase Garvin's jibe had sent Simon Carter on unexpected paths and brought him unimaginable success. No longer a penniless musician, the highly paid investment banker is going home for the first time in years. He plans to rest, relax, and spend a little time rubbing his ex-lover's nose in his success. A visit to the Renaissance Fair brings this not-quite-so-simple- Simon nose to nose with his past and somehow revenge doesn't seem quite so attractive.
Chase Garvin, Denver, Colorado's very own Pie Man, is still incredibly handsome. What's more, the more mature Chase is very appreciative of Simon's talents.
When the old attraction flares between them, Simon and the Pie Man get caught up in tasting the wares, and neither counts the pennies.
Excerpt He sniffed the golden pies. Mmm. Chase had always been talented in the kitchen. The aroma was intoxicating. Delicious. As he ate, savoring the flaky crust and rich fillings, he contemplated the man who'd treated him to the pies. Chase was one hot baker. He'd always been sexy, but there was no way that hunk of beef could fit into his old Renaissance garb. Chase had put on muscle. His shoulders had broadened, his biceps bulged, and mmm.... The rest was hidden behind that voluminous apron, but Simon doubted that it had changed much. Best of all, Chase still seemed to find him attractive. That was just icing on the cake. The sugar on the pie? He chuckled softly. Whatever it was, he liked it. Liked the idea that Chase might still be interested in him sexually. As he licked the sugary filling off his fingers, he contemplated abandoning his plan. After all, Chase hadn't meant to hurt him years ago, and he'd certainly seemed welcoming enough, even though to all appearances Simon hadn't changed over the years. Yeah, there really wasn't any reason to prove to Chase how successful and ambitious he really was. He should just come clean.On the other hand, he felt like enough of an idiot for hiding his success in the first place. He bit into the next pie, feeling the juice trickle down his chin. He licked at it, chewing and swallowing, scrabbling absently for a napkin to wipe his chin. It would be horribly embarrassing to go back to that booth and offer to pay for the pies, to tell Chase why he hadn't wanted to pay in the first place. "Here, I'll get that for you." Chase grabbed his napkin. To his surprise, Chase dropped down onto the grass next to him. Instead of dabbing his chin with the white paper napkin, the man leaned forward, his breath a warm buttery scented breeze as he hovered close for a moment before gently licking the juice off Simon's skin.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK
Good morning everyone! I'm Lee Brazil, author of mm romance with Breathless Press and Silver publishing. Most of my work is contemporary, but I have at times ventured into the realms of paranormal and historical fiction. *sips coffee* Help yourself to some coffee...and pastry, if you don't mind sweets in the am. That smell is the delightfully spicy scent of apple pie.
I'm here today to talk about my new release, It's Simple, Simon. It's Simple, Simon is a new venture for me in that it is based on a nursery rhyme. I know. Odd base for an erotic romance, huh? Six months ago, if you had asked me where to look for inspiration, I would not have directed you to Mother Goose. Today, I just might. But back to the pie. Are you a fan of fruit pies? We are at my house. Blueberry, blackberry, peach...You name it, we consume it. But there is perhaps nothing better than traditional apple pie.
When I was a child pumpkin and pecan pies were reserved for holidays. But an apple pie often graced our dessert table just because. I reckon it's because apples were cheap and plentiful. Even the simplest meal became a much anticipated feast when Mom baked an apple pie for dessert. The house filled with a delicious cinnamon scent hours before the pie could be eaten. That smell alone would bring us all trooping through the kitchen to peer through the tiny window on the stove and demand "Is it done yet?"Once the pie was removed from the oven and set to cool on the counter top, the temptation was even worse. In addition to the scent, there was the object of our desire "in the flesh" to deal with, so to speak. It sat in front of everyone who wandered through the kitchen, golden brown and perfectly formed, prissily crimped edges teasing, just begging to be broken off and sampled. Most pies made it to dinner unscathed...And so, given the temptation that pie has always been, how could I resist writing about a baker who specializes in pies? It's Simple, SimonBy Lee BrazilM/M contemporary romanceBreathless Press's Naughty Nursery RhymesSimon Carter has achieved unimaginable success and he owes it all to a man from his past whose scorn set fire to his ambition.
"It's Simple, Simon. You lack ambition."
Chase Garvin's jibe had sent Simon Carter on unexpected paths and brought him unimaginable success. No longer a penniless musician, the highly paid investment banker is going home for the first time in years. He plans to rest, relax, and spend a little time rubbing his ex-lover's nose in his success. A visit to the Renaissance Fair brings this not-quite-so-simple- Simon nose to nose with his past and somehow revenge doesn't seem quite so attractive.
Chase Garvin, Denver, Colorado's very own Pie Man, is still incredibly handsome. What's more, the more mature Chase is very appreciative of Simon's talents.
When the old attraction flares between them, Simon and the Pie Man get caught up in tasting the wares, and neither counts the pennies.
Excerpt He sniffed the golden pies. Mmm. Chase had always been talented in the kitchen. The aroma was intoxicating. Delicious. As he ate, savoring the flaky crust and rich fillings, he contemplated the man who'd treated him to the pies. Chase was one hot baker. He'd always been sexy, but there was no way that hunk of beef could fit into his old Renaissance garb. Chase had put on muscle. His shoulders had broadened, his biceps bulged, and mmm.... The rest was hidden behind that voluminous apron, but Simon doubted that it had changed much. Best of all, Chase still seemed to find him attractive. That was just icing on the cake. The sugar on the pie? He chuckled softly. Whatever it was, he liked it. Liked the idea that Chase might still be interested in him sexually. As he licked the sugary filling off his fingers, he contemplated abandoning his plan. After all, Chase hadn't meant to hurt him years ago, and he'd certainly seemed welcoming enough, even though to all appearances Simon hadn't changed over the years. Yeah, there really wasn't any reason to prove to Chase how successful and ambitious he really was. He should just come clean.On the other hand, he felt like enough of an idiot for hiding his success in the first place. He bit into the next pie, feeling the juice trickle down his chin. He licked at it, chewing and swallowing, scrabbling absently for a napkin to wipe his chin. It would be horribly embarrassing to go back to that booth and offer to pay for the pies, to tell Chase why he hadn't wanted to pay in the first place. "Here, I'll get that for you." Chase grabbed his napkin. To his surprise, Chase dropped down onto the grass next to him. Instead of dabbing his chin with the white paper napkin, the man leaned forward, his breath a warm buttery scented breeze as he hovered close for a moment before gently licking the juice off Simon's skin.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK
August 13, 2012
TUESDAY TALES - PIC PROMPT!
Thanks for stopping by. My story snippet is from a WIP titled, Under the Midnight Moon. This will be the third sweet romance in the moonlight series. Release date has not been set yet.
Enveloped by the peaceful darkness around her, Mindy watched the midnight moonlight dance on the surface of the lake. She realized how vulnerable she was, alone in the sparsely wooded area abutting the lake, when she heard a twig crack. Fear produced moisture on her palms as a large figure approached. “Drew! What are you doing here?” A sigh of relief escaped her lips.He stepped out of the shadow of a tall pine tree. The moonlight caught the gleam of gold in his blond hair. His eyes were shadowed but Mindy felt the heat of his stare. “Came to see you. What else?”“You’re not supposed to be here.” she stepped back.“Why not? We can meet and…talk, can’t we?” He moved closer to her, his hand closing around hers.“Only talk… can we? If Angels, Inc. finds out…I’ll lose my grant.” “Who’s going to tell?” He inched closer, slipping his arm around her waist.“But it’s against the rules. If we get caught…”Her words died in the air as his lips closed on hers starting a tide of emotion. She rested her palms against his chest, intending to push him away. Instead, she slid them up until they circled his neck. He pulled her to him, deepening the kiss. The air stood still.Drew parted from her. One hand brushed through her dark hair while the other rested on her waist. “Too many people are counting on me.” Mindy stepped back. “This is too risky.”
“Meet me here every night, under the midnight moon,” he whispered.“But…”“I want to be alone with you…even if only for a few minutes. Here, every day...after the show.” She raised her lips to his, drifting into the bliss of another kiss.
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TUESDAY TALES CLICK HERE FOR MY WEBSITE
Enveloped by the peaceful darkness around her, Mindy watched the midnight moonlight dance on the surface of the lake. She realized how vulnerable she was, alone in the sparsely wooded area abutting the lake, when she heard a twig crack. Fear produced moisture on her palms as a large figure approached. “Drew! What are you doing here?” A sigh of relief escaped her lips.He stepped out of the shadow of a tall pine tree. The moonlight caught the gleam of gold in his blond hair. His eyes were shadowed but Mindy felt the heat of his stare. “Came to see you. What else?”“You’re not supposed to be here.” she stepped back.“Why not? We can meet and…talk, can’t we?” He moved closer to her, his hand closing around hers.“Only talk… can we? If Angels, Inc. finds out…I’ll lose my grant.” “Who’s going to tell?” He inched closer, slipping his arm around her waist.“But it’s against the rules. If we get caught…”Her words died in the air as his lips closed on hers starting a tide of emotion. She rested her palms against his chest, intending to push him away. Instead, she slid them up until they circled his neck. He pulled her to him, deepening the kiss. The air stood still.Drew parted from her. One hand brushed through her dark hair while the other rested on her waist. “Too many people are counting on me.” Mindy stepped back. “This is too risky.”
“Meet me here every night, under the midnight moon,” he whispered.“But…”“I want to be alone with you…even if only for a few minutes. Here, every day...after the show.” She raised her lips to his, drifting into the bliss of another kiss.
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TUESDAY TALES CLICK HERE FOR MY WEBSITE
August 3, 2012
FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY, THE RENOVATED HEART
Thanks for stopping by. This week my newest release, The Renovated Heart is in the spotlight. Come read the first chapter free and check out my latest feature, News, at the bottom of the post. Lots of new things are happening so stop by to check up on upcoming new releases and such.
A little bit about the book
Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, Sarah relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does another man from her past still light her fire?
CLICK HERE FOR THE FIRST CHAPTER
For more about my books, click here for my website
News
Update on The Dating List - I am writing the book now and expect to release it in mid September.
Another new release due in September! My first military romance and my first experience writing with a partner - Love, Lost & Found will be released in September. My partner, Ben Tanner, and I will be sharing the cover as soon as it is available.
Thanks for stopping by!
Buy links:
AMAZON
SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING
A little bit about the book
Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, Sarah relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does another man from her past still light her fire?
CLICK HERE FOR THE FIRST CHAPTER
For more about my books, click here for my website
News
Update on The Dating List - I am writing the book now and expect to release it in mid September.
Another new release due in September! My first military romance and my first experience writing with a partner - Love, Lost & Found will be released in September. My partner, Ben Tanner, and I will be sharing the cover as soon as it is available.
Thanks for stopping by!
Buy links:
AMAZON
SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING
July 30, 2012
TUESDAY TALES - A PEEK AT THE DATING LIST
Writing to the prompt "blue", here's an excerpt from my newest endeavor, The Dating List, a work-in-progress. This scene takes place in a fancy men's clothing store in Manhattan where Leah, Grey & Carrie's friend, has taken Grey's brother, Colin, to buy some new clothes. Leah, in the fashion business, is outfitting our hero, not an unpleasant task:
“A shirt. Stan he needs a dress shirt. Can't tell about the fit with a t-shirt on.”“Right away…Miss, uh…Miss…”“Golden, Leah Golden.”“White?”She nodded.“I’d say he’s a…” Stan closed one eye as his gaze scanned Colin’s torso, “sixteen thirty-five?”“Think so,” Colin said. Before Colin could turn around twice in front of the mirror, Stan was back and unwrapping a fresh dress shirt. “T-shirt off!” Leah ordered, waving her hand at him.Colin handed the sports jacket to Leah and ripped his t-shirt over his head exposing a well-muscled chest covered lightly with dark brown hair. She coughed to cover her delight at seeing his fine physique. Her fingers itched to touch him.“Something wrong?” Colin questioned, his mouth drawn into a frown.“Shirt, Stan!” Leah commanded before sucking on her lower lip and balling her hand into a fist.Stan jolted out of his temporary reverie and thrust the shirt into Colin’s hands. Then he held up the jacket. As soon as Colin finished buttoning the shirt, he reached for his belt. Stan put his hand on the young man’s bicep and raised his eyebrows.“Shouldn’t you at least turn around or are you and the lady…uh…on…intimate terms?”Although he said it quietly, Leah felt her face grow hot. She turned around to give Colin privacy and hide her embarrassment.“You can turn around now,” Colin said, buckling his belt.Leah spun around slowly. He slipped the navy blue jacket on again. Leah approached him. This time she walked around back behind him. Her hands again smoothed out the small wrinkle made by the fabric being pulled taut across his shoulders, only more slowly this time, more sensuously. He stood completely still as she ran her hands back and forth across his shoulders.“This one pulls a little, Stan. Take it off, sweetie.”“With shoulders like that, they may all pull a little.”
Here's a sneak peek at the cover:
Click here ot get back to Tuesday Tales.
Want to see my website? Click Here.
“A shirt. Stan he needs a dress shirt. Can't tell about the fit with a t-shirt on.”“Right away…Miss, uh…Miss…”“Golden, Leah Golden.”“White?”She nodded.“I’d say he’s a…” Stan closed one eye as his gaze scanned Colin’s torso, “sixteen thirty-five?”“Think so,” Colin said. Before Colin could turn around twice in front of the mirror, Stan was back and unwrapping a fresh dress shirt. “T-shirt off!” Leah ordered, waving her hand at him.Colin handed the sports jacket to Leah and ripped his t-shirt over his head exposing a well-muscled chest covered lightly with dark brown hair. She coughed to cover her delight at seeing his fine physique. Her fingers itched to touch him.“Something wrong?” Colin questioned, his mouth drawn into a frown.“Shirt, Stan!” Leah commanded before sucking on her lower lip and balling her hand into a fist.Stan jolted out of his temporary reverie and thrust the shirt into Colin’s hands. Then he held up the jacket. As soon as Colin finished buttoning the shirt, he reached for his belt. Stan put his hand on the young man’s bicep and raised his eyebrows.“Shouldn’t you at least turn around or are you and the lady…uh…on…intimate terms?”Although he said it quietly, Leah felt her face grow hot. She turned around to give Colin privacy and hide her embarrassment.“You can turn around now,” Colin said, buckling his belt.Leah spun around slowly. He slipped the navy blue jacket on again. Leah approached him. This time she walked around back behind him. Her hands again smoothed out the small wrinkle made by the fabric being pulled taut across his shoulders, only more slowly this time, more sensuously. He stood completely still as she ran her hands back and forth across his shoulders.“This one pulls a little, Stan. Take it off, sweetie.”“With shoulders like that, they may all pull a little.”
Here's a sneak peek at the cover:
Click here ot get back to Tuesday Tales.
Want to see my website? Click Here.
July 23, 2012
TAKE MY PIX, PLEASE - STEVE JOACHIM
Welcome! This is the first of the "Take My Pix, Please" blogs carrying pictures for writers to take for free and use on blogs, for book covers, websites. No compensation, no attribution necessary. My son, Steve, took some incredible shots on his college study trip to the Colorado Plateau. I have received his permission to give these photos away. So he has the first blog. These 20 pix were all taken by Steve Joachim. I hope you enjoy them. Please let us know what you think.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Baby rattler.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
We hope you find these pix useful as well as enjoyable. Please let us know if this idea is worthwhile and you can use the pix. Thank you for stopping by.
My website
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Baby rattler.6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.We hope you find these pix useful as well as enjoyable. Please let us know if this idea is worthwhile and you can use the pix. Thank you for stopping by.
My website
July 21, 2012
SCP Summer Fun Scavenger Hunt!
Welcome to the Secret Cravings Publishing Summer Scavenger Hunt! Here's what you can win and how to win it:
Prizes include- Grand Prize- Kindle Fire First Place- $50 gift certificate to SCP's websiteSecond Place- $25 gift certificate to SCP's website3 commentors will win their choice of one of my books.
Please visit as many SCP authors' blogs as you can for more chances to win individual prizes as well as the Kindle Fire being offered by Secret Cravings Publishing. On each blog, find the summer/beach "badge" or picture hidden on the blog and make a note of it and where you found it (which blog). Please enter a valid email address and a comment at each blog stop. Please DO NOT leave the location of the picture in the comment section. Save all your answers and email to secretcravingspublishing@yahoo.com.*All answers for picture description must be in ONE email to the above mentioned email address.* Winners and main prizes will be announced on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 here and on Secret Cravings facebook fan page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Secret-... of my books will be announced Monday night.
Search for the picture on my blog, Jean Joachim, starting now: I went to the beach and was surprised to be surrounded by hunky young guys. They all wanted to know how to get girls. (Right! Like they'd have a problem?) My advice? Be different. Read a romance book. That'll bring girls flocking to your side. They asked me to suggest books, here's how I paired them up.
This young man was looking for a woman about his own age. I recommended, Now and Forever 1, a Love Story...
I offered to read it to him but he declined. Sigh.
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, find love and find her satisfying, happy ending.
These guys were all retired military. When I told them about Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny, they raced to get to their computers to order their copies. LOL!
A bit about the book
Can an Army expert sharp shooter, killer and womanizer create a normal life after the military? Danny retreats to a small town to teach English at the local college. He struggles to overcome his post-traumatic stress syndrome and make a new life. Will his progress be derailed when until his drunken, abusive father is released from prison and seeks him out? Determined to leave his horrific past behind, Danny attempts to forge a new path that includes love, success, friends and having his own family but dark forces coupled with emotional obstacles block his way. The Book of Danny is a poignant story of love, loss and ultimate triumph that will touch your heart.
This guy likes to read slightly longer books...& attract more than 1 chick! Menage? I recommended Now and Forever 3, Blind Love, my longest book yet. Sigh. I offered to read it to him, in bed, but he already has seven better offers...
A bit about the book:
Can a handsome, charming, womanizing professor win the heart of a temporarily blind ballerina? Love comes to the university as Peter Caldwell, dashing Art History professor and accomplished pianist meets Lara Stewart, ballerina. Peter can’t seduce with her with his devastating good looks because Lara can’t see. Obsessed with the one woman he can’t have, Peter has to learn how to love. Sam Caldwell joins Peter, Mac, Callie and his grandchildren. Witty and attractive, Sam isn’t looking for a woman but finds love isn’t only for the young but the young at heart as well. Small town secrets feed a blackmailer and blackmail on campus is paid with sexual favors. Blind Love is a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. This full length novel is three parts love and passion mixed with one part intrigue, stirred up with a twist of mystery and heated up to three flames.
This young man was so embarrassed to admit he was lonely, he wouldn't let me take his full picture. So...I got just the important parts. Ahem *clears throat*. I recommended my new release, The Renovated Heart.
A bit about the book:
Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, Sarah relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does her old college sweetheart still light her fire? Good luck! Don't forget to leave a comment with your email
addy!
Here is my beach "badge for this scavenger hunt.
TO GET TO THE OTHER BLOGS ON THE SCAVENGER HUNT,
CLICK HERE!
All books are available at the Secret Cravings Publishing website. Click Here!
Check out my website here
Prizes include- Grand Prize- Kindle Fire First Place- $50 gift certificate to SCP's websiteSecond Place- $25 gift certificate to SCP's website3 commentors will win their choice of one of my books.
Please visit as many SCP authors' blogs as you can for more chances to win individual prizes as well as the Kindle Fire being offered by Secret Cravings Publishing. On each blog, find the summer/beach "badge" or picture hidden on the blog and make a note of it and where you found it (which blog). Please enter a valid email address and a comment at each blog stop. Please DO NOT leave the location of the picture in the comment section. Save all your answers and email to secretcravingspublishing@yahoo.com.*All answers for picture description must be in ONE email to the above mentioned email address.* Winners and main prizes will be announced on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 here and on Secret Cravings facebook fan page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Secret-... of my books will be announced Monday night.
Search for the picture on my blog, Jean Joachim, starting now: I went to the beach and was surprised to be surrounded by hunky young guys. They all wanted to know how to get girls. (Right! Like they'd have a problem?) My advice? Be different. Read a romance book. That'll bring girls flocking to your side. They asked me to suggest books, here's how I paired them up.
This young man was looking for a woman about his own age. I recommended, Now and Forever 1, a Love Story...I offered to read it to him but he declined. Sigh.
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, find love and find her satisfying, happy ending.
These guys were all retired military. When I told them about Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny, they raced to get to their computers to order their copies. LOL!
A bit about the book
Can an Army expert sharp shooter, killer and womanizer create a normal life after the military? Danny retreats to a small town to teach English at the local college. He struggles to overcome his post-traumatic stress syndrome and make a new life. Will his progress be derailed when until his drunken, abusive father is released from prison and seeks him out? Determined to leave his horrific past behind, Danny attempts to forge a new path that includes love, success, friends and having his own family but dark forces coupled with emotional obstacles block his way. The Book of Danny is a poignant story of love, loss and ultimate triumph that will touch your heart.
This guy likes to read slightly longer books...& attract more than 1 chick! Menage? I recommended Now and Forever 3, Blind Love, my longest book yet. Sigh. I offered to read it to him, in bed, but he already has seven better offers...
A bit about the book:
Can a handsome, charming, womanizing professor win the heart of a temporarily blind ballerina? Love comes to the university as Peter Caldwell, dashing Art History professor and accomplished pianist meets Lara Stewart, ballerina. Peter can’t seduce with her with his devastating good looks because Lara can’t see. Obsessed with the one woman he can’t have, Peter has to learn how to love. Sam Caldwell joins Peter, Mac, Callie and his grandchildren. Witty and attractive, Sam isn’t looking for a woman but finds love isn’t only for the young but the young at heart as well. Small town secrets feed a blackmailer and blackmail on campus is paid with sexual favors. Blind Love is a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. This full length novel is three parts love and passion mixed with one part intrigue, stirred up with a twist of mystery and heated up to three flames.
This young man was so embarrassed to admit he was lonely, he wouldn't let me take his full picture. So...I got just the important parts. Ahem *clears throat*. I recommended my new release, The Renovated Heart.
A bit about the book:
Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, Sarah relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does her old college sweetheart still light her fire? Good luck! Don't forget to leave a comment with your email
addy!
Here is my beach "badge for this scavenger hunt.
TO GET TO THE OTHER BLOGS ON THE SCAVENGER HUNT,
CLICK HERE!
All books are available at the Secret Cravings Publishing website. Click Here!Check out my website here
July 20, 2012
THE RENOVATED HEART - RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY!
My newest book, The Renovated Heart is available TODAY on the Secret Craving Publishing site! It will soon be on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARe and Bookstrand, too. Leave a comment and I'll select someone at random to receive a copy FREE!
A bit about the book Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, she relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does another man from her past still light her fire?
A SHORT EXCERPT: Kit Alexander ordered a Cosmopolitan, sat back, her heart racing in anticipation of tomorrow’s departure. After twelve years of marriage, a career in banking and raising an eleven year-old daughter, Kit was finally going to live her dream of becoming a published author.With their daughter safely enrolled in boarding school, she could accompany her husband on a world tour as the newest band member of Blue Waters band. Tagging along as a band wife,Kit planned to write a book about her experiences.A tinny version of Johnny’s favorite song came up. The familiar sound meant a text message arrived on her phone, causing her to put down her drink.Are you all packed? Is Johnny there yet? Wishing you an amazing trip, Hugs, Sarah.Kit typed in,Yes, no. Our first three cities are Amsterdam, London and Prague. Thanks, lady. Hugs, Kit.Sipping her Cosmo, Kit looked around La Nuit Française—a posh, intimate French restaurant decorated in turquoise, red and gold, tucked into the west side of Manhattan. Beautiful people dressed in expensive clothing pretending to be someone important filled the restaurant. In addition to paying through the nose for the good food, they were also paying to be seen. Save me from such pretention. Wearing a sexy dress in midnight blue silk, her dark cerulean blue eyes shining, her spun gold hair draping well below her shoulders in loose curls, she was the loveliest woman in the room. A man approach her table, she smiled at her husband, Johnny, as he plopped down in the empty chair across from her.He ordered a beer plus another Cosmopolitan for Kit.“You look great, Kit,” Johnny said, taking a swig of his beer. His gaze lowered to her neckline then returned to her face.“A fresh look for a new start…tomorrow I launch a new life. We both do.” She picked up the second Cosmo and took a sip.“We need to talk about tomorrow,” Johnny said, looking down at the silverware.
Don't forget to leave your email address with your comment. Winner will be selected Saturday morning!! Buy Link Secret Cravings Publishing Click to go to my website for into about all my books.
A bit about the book Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart. Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children? With her two children in tow, she relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does another man from her past still light her fire?
A SHORT EXCERPT: Kit Alexander ordered a Cosmopolitan, sat back, her heart racing in anticipation of tomorrow’s departure. After twelve years of marriage, a career in banking and raising an eleven year-old daughter, Kit was finally going to live her dream of becoming a published author.With their daughter safely enrolled in boarding school, she could accompany her husband on a world tour as the newest band member of Blue Waters band. Tagging along as a band wife,Kit planned to write a book about her experiences.A tinny version of Johnny’s favorite song came up. The familiar sound meant a text message arrived on her phone, causing her to put down her drink.Are you all packed? Is Johnny there yet? Wishing you an amazing trip, Hugs, Sarah.Kit typed in,Yes, no. Our first three cities are Amsterdam, London and Prague. Thanks, lady. Hugs, Kit.Sipping her Cosmo, Kit looked around La Nuit Française—a posh, intimate French restaurant decorated in turquoise, red and gold, tucked into the west side of Manhattan. Beautiful people dressed in expensive clothing pretending to be someone important filled the restaurant. In addition to paying through the nose for the good food, they were also paying to be seen. Save me from such pretention. Wearing a sexy dress in midnight blue silk, her dark cerulean blue eyes shining, her spun gold hair draping well below her shoulders in loose curls, she was the loveliest woman in the room. A man approach her table, she smiled at her husband, Johnny, as he plopped down in the empty chair across from her.He ordered a beer plus another Cosmopolitan for Kit.“You look great, Kit,” Johnny said, taking a swig of his beer. His gaze lowered to her neckline then returned to her face.“A fresh look for a new start…tomorrow I launch a new life. We both do.” She picked up the second Cosmo and took a sip.“We need to talk about tomorrow,” Johnny said, looking down at the silverware.
Don't forget to leave your email address with your comment. Winner will be selected Saturday morning!! Buy Link Secret Cravings Publishing Click to go to my website for into about all my books.
Stories of Love and Passion
I am a writer of contemporary romance series, some sweet and some spicy. I love to write and do it fulltime. I'm married, live in New York City with my husband, two sons and a rescued pug named Homer.
...more
- Jean C. Joachim's profile
- 588 followers
