Diane’s Book Blog: Jean Joachim

Showing posts with label Jean Joachim. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Al "Trunk" Mahoney, Defensive Lineman by Jean Joachim

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – AL “TRUNK” MAHONEY, DEFENSIVE LINE SERIES – FIRST & TEN AUTHOR – Jean C. Joachim GENRE – Contemporary/Sports Romance PUBLICATION DATE – Jan. 9, 2016 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 68,156 words PUBLISHER – Moonlight Books COVER ARTIST – Dawné Dominique

BLURB

When his wife walked out on him, Al “Trunk” Mahoney’s plans for the family he’d never had went up in smoke. A top-ranked defenseman in the NFL, Trunk’s success on the gridiron didn’t translate to the rest of his life. Hooking up with women was easy for the sexy lineman, but Trunk’s secret closed the door to marriage. Would the happiness he yearned for always be just beyond his reach?

Beautiful Carla Ricci, bar owner and independent woman had her choice of men. A love-‘em and leave-‘em lady, she’d made a decision that ruled out 99.9% of men for marriage. She didn’t care. Then Trunk Mahoney came along. Carla resolved to remain true to herself. Could her willpower hold indefinitely, or would she settle for an affair that would break her heart?

EXCERPT

Carla hoped Trunk hadn’t noticed the flush she’d sensed in her face when he said he’d move in. Thankfully, new customers arrived, giving her the chance to escape. She made her way to the three tables, took their orders, and scurried back to the kitchen to slap burgers on the grill.

The heat from the cooking food was nothing compared to the heat in her body from Trunk’s news. He was like a magnet, drawing her to him for the past two years. The way his shirt pulled over his wide shoulders, his lean waist, powerful biceps, and what she guessed were tight abs, invaded her dreams at night. Of course, he had a cute butt, which she tried not to notice. A couple of times he’d caught her checking him out. She always had a snappy retort that made him laugh. But she saw the lusty light in his eyes, and it made her shiver.

She remembered the first day he’d come in. She’d been joking with Griff Montgomery that he never brought his good-looking teammates in for a beer. Then, Trunk Mahoney had walked through the door, and Carla hadn’t been able to speak. Her mouth had gotten dry while other parts had gotten damp. His powerful body, barely concealed in tight jeans and T-shirt, coupled with his confident swagger, had made her knees weak.

He’d flashed a sexy grin and raked her body with a smoldering gaze from beautiful, light blue eyes. If he had ripped the clothing from her, she couldn’t have felt more naked.

Trunk Mahoney was sex on wheels, and she’d wanted him, until she’d checked out his left hand. There it had been, the colossal mood killer—his wedding ring. So, Carla had locked up her feelings and swallowed the key. Her ‘no touch’ policy applied to all married men, no matter how attractive they were. And that included Al Mahoney.

SNIPPETS

In the locker room, Trunk noticed Griff slapping something on his face.

“You’re married. Still use that stuff?”

“Drives Lauren wild. Not that she’s in any condition to be wild, right now,” Griff said, chuckling. “But she likes it, so I use it.”

“What’s it called?”

“Midnight for Men. Now that you’re single again, better get used to using this shit. Women love it. Try it.” He passed it to Al.

Trunk finished shaving, wiped the shaving cream remnants from his face, and opened the bottle. He took a whiff. “Nice. Okay. I’ll give it a shot.”

“Just stay away from my wife, will ya?”

**********

Orphaned at thirteen, he had turned to football to deal with his anger at his parents’ death. Shuffled from one relative to the next, he had learned to stomach insecurity. He had succeeded at the sport, making a name for himself in every town he called home at one time or another. Being a football star meant a big welcome from each new school he’d attended.

Having nothing, Al had gone to work young, doing odd jobs—raking leaves, mowing lawns, running errands. Sports had anchored him. His coaches had helped him stay on a good path, avoiding drugs and crime. Being a hero fed his heart, but he never outgrew the yearning for someone to care about him. He thought he’d found it in Mary, but he had been wrong.

LINKS

BIO

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. She writes mostly contemporary romance, which includes sports romance and romantic suspense.

Dangerous Love Lost & Found, First Place winner in the 2015 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, International Digital Award contest. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued pug, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here. Sign up for her newsletter, on her website, and be eligible for her private paperback sales. Find The Author Here: Facebook | Website

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Sunday, September 13, 2015

Devon Drake, Cornerback by Jean Joachim: Character Interview & Giveaway

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Devon Drake - Cornerback SERIES – First & Ten Series AUTHOR – Jean Joachim GENRE – Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Devon Drake, star cornerback, has it all: hot super model girlfriend and pro football career, or does he? A childhood friend wanders back into his life, upsetting his ideal existence. Is it finally time to tell her the truth about what happened fifteen years ago?

Stormy Gregory is on the run from an abusive man. Her best friend offers her a safe place at the shelter for abused women and children. Grateful to be out of harm’s way, Stormy helps with a charitable event, not expecting to run into Devon Drake, her friend’s brother. Will she run again rather than face rejection?

Cracks in his perfect world threaten the cornerback’s starting lineup status. An unwelcome surprise short-circuits Stormy’s attempt to build a new life. Can they pull together or will the secret that separates the former friends keep them on a downward spiral?

EXCERPT

Devon plopped down on the couch and rubbed his neck, attempting to ease the tension in the muscles. The Kings had fought like wild men to reach this point in their quest to capture the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. Coach Bass, usually relaxed around the team, had been increasingly moody and tense as the day of the big game drew near. The footballer chuckled to himself. Coach was getting married after the season ended. Maybe that’s making him nervous. Jo Parker, Coach Bass’s fiancée, was one beautiful woman. He got goofy around her sometimes, making the team snicker and tease. The cornerback’s thoughts turned to his girlfriend. Why don’t I behave like that around Jackie?

CHARACTER BIO

Devon Drake - Devon Drake spent his childhood running, playing and hanging with his little sister, Samantha, and her friend, Stormy. When he hit junior high, football became his passion and he moved on from his young, adoring female friends.

With hard work and determination, Devon became a star. Always the fastest runner on any team, he chose to become a cornerback. His huge high school success led to an offer, after college, from the pro team, the St. Louis Sidewinders.

In St. Louis, he earned the reputation as a “shut down cornerback” – the guy who could out run, out-perform any wide receiver.

He opted to join The Connecticut Kings. At a charity event, he met Jackie Lawrence, a super model. They dated, much to Devon’s surprise. A humble young man, he never quite saw what she saw in him. But super models don’t achieve success hanging on the arm of attractive football players. So Devon had to content himself with a long distance relationship

Fifteen years after his last encounter with Stormy Gregory, they meet again. Devon knows his behavior to her at their last meeting had been atrocious. Maybe now he could make amends.

His former childhood friend had turned into a beautiful young woman who was fleeing an abusive man. Devon’s heart was touched. Could he make it up to her for the bad way he had behaved? Devon Drake discovers that old feelings don’t die. Can he convince Stormy he’s sincere? And what about Jackie? Read Devon Drake, Cornerback, book 4 in the First & Ten series and find out.

Character Interview

Please welcome Devon from Jean Joachim's Devon Drake, Cornerback to Diane’s Book Blog.

What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?

My name is Devon Drake. My family and friends call me Dev. I’m named after my mother’s uncle. His name was David, but my mom didn’t like that. Said it was too ordinary and that I’d never be an ordinary kid. She was right about that. Still, David would have avoided a lot of fights in the school yard and I wouldn’t have to spell it, either.

What is in your refrigerator right now? On your bedroom floor? On your nightstand? In your garbage can?

Fridge? Beer and a ton of salad stuff. Veggies, fruit, rabbit food. Gotta keep my weight down. Bedroom floor? snickers, not sure I should say that here. If you know what I mean. Same with the nightstand. Well maybe that one. Clock, condoms, dirty book. In my garbage can? That’s a sacred place. Holds many secrets. I’m not telling what’s in there.

Who are the people you are closest to?

Again, you’ll have to read my book to find that out.

What is your biggest fear?

That my sister will hook up with Bullhorn Brodsky. He’s a player.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not a stuff kinda guy. My legs, I guess. They’re the fastest and they’re what brought me to fame playing football.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

You’ll have to read my book to find that out!

What is your favorite journey?

To the bedroom, of course. Can I say that? I mean with some chicks it’s a short trip, but with others it’s much longer! laughs But it always ends up being a worthwhile journey, if you know what I mean, unless you do it solo. Uh, can I say that?

Which living person do you most despise?

Horse Jackson. He’s a defensive linebacker for the Columbus Bobcats. He tries to hurt quarterbacks and other players, on purpose. It pisses me off that he gets away with it. Yeah, so he gets a fifteen yard penalty. Big shit. Meanwhile he’s hurt a man’s career. What a bastard! He’s a lowlife in my book. I hope they kick him off the field for good.

What is your greatest regret?

I know I sound like a broken records here, but you’ll have to read my story to find out. It’s a big regret. The biggest.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d give my left nut to be able to sing. Well, maybe not that. But something. I’ve always wanted to sing, but I can’t carry a tune.

What is the quality you most like in a man/woman?

Honesty. I gotta be able to count on them to tell me the truth. Even if it hurts. Otherwise, what’s the point?

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty. They gotta have my back or they’re not friends.

Which living person do you most admire?

Joe Montana. Best living quarterback. Okay, Namath, too.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US KOBO BARNES & NOBLES NOOK iTUNES

AUTHOR BIO

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued put, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE WEBSITE BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER GOOGLE+ PINTEREST GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

PETE SEBASTIAN, COACH BY JEAN JOACHIM

PETE SEBASTAIN, COACH
By: Jean Joachim

Release Date: 6/19/2015

About the book: Love Stories that take your breath away.

Pete Sebastian, Coach Bass to his team, thought he had his life under control until smart, alluring Jo Parker sashayed into a front office job with the Connecticut Kings. He locks horns with the beautiful female when she implements new ideas to clean-up the team’s rep. Was she there just to push him around or was she the one woman he’s been seeking?

Struggling toward success in the man’s-man world of the NFL, Jo Parker has relied on her brains and determination to get ahead. But her new job at the Kings has one hurdle she hadn’t counted on – a sexy coach standing in her way. How can she keep her mind on her job when all she wants is to get closer, much closer, to the coach?

Can Coach Bass handle a woman in the boardroom and the bedroom? Can he keep his heart safe or will the revelation of a secret destroy his dreams, leaving him alone once more?

Secret Cravings Publishing * Amazon * Amazon UK * B&N

Excerpt

“I’d never hurt you. Never. No matter what happened,” he said, leaning back against the wall.

“Even if I broke it off between us and started dating someone else? Someone on the team?”

He sucked in a breath. “That would be tough to swallow. I might be pissed off, plenty pissed off, but I’d never try to get you fired or anything.”

“Or sabotage me? Or a project I was working on?”

“Nope. Not my style. In fact, I’m usually the one to leave.”

She laughed again. “Really? That’s funny. Then, you have no experience and don’t know what you’d do.”

“Hell, I’ve been living with myself for forty-two years. I know what I wouldn’t do.”

She sauntered over to him and gazed up into his eyes. “It’s funny what passion turned backward can do.”

“Not remove all my standards.”

“You like to win.”

“On the field.”

“In life.”

“I’ve had enough women to know each one is not necessarily the last.”

“Ouch!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you,” he said, and hugged her to him.

“God, you smell good,” he whispered into her hair.

“You didn’t. I get it.”

“You’re different.”

“Oh? I thought I was just another woman who came along.”

“Nope. You’re beautiful, smart, and know the game. That’s unique.”

“Thanks.” She closed her eyes and lost herself in his arms again. He stroked her back. Jo lifted her head and eased out of his embrace.

“Coffee’s done its job. I think I’d better go…while I can.”

He nodded. “I’ll get your coat and walk you to your car.” He held her wrap while she slipped her arms in the sleeves then closed his around her, bent, and kissed her neck. Jo shifted her head back to rest on his shoulder. The feather-soft feel of his lips made her tremble.

“Sorry,” he said, straightening up. “I must have been a vampire in another life. Can’t resist a pretty neck.”

When she turned, he grabbed her and kissed her with raw passion, angling his head to deepen it. He stole her breath. Then, it was over.

Eyes bright with lust met her own. One more date and I’m a goner. He opened the door and let her go first.

“Thank you for the dinner.” He shut her car door.

She rolled down her window, but before she could speak, he was kissing her again, his hand cupping her cheek. Then, there was nothing but cool air.

“Call me when you get home. So I’ll know you arrived safely.”

She nodded and shifted into reverse. Driving down the lonely road home, thoughts tumbled through her mind. Disorganized, jumbled, sensuous, hormonal ideas flashed before her. Jo had always been buttoned up. She had learned by the time she was eight to keep her room in order and her school projects as well.

Organization is the backbone of success, she’d told herself a thousand times. But now, she was a muddled, unorganized mess, a mass of feelings that ran the gamut from happy to terrified. It was as if she had tried to put her foot in a shoe that was the wrong size. This manner of being wasn’t the Josephine Parker she knew. This was a primitive animal that wanted to give in to lust, no matter what the cost.

But the sight, the taste, the feel, and the scent of the man were beyond tempting, mesmerizing her, seducing her. His confidence, his slow kiss, promised a bedroom experience like none she’d ever had before. And she wanted it. She wanted him. She wanted to give herself to him, all night long, to taste and be tasted by, to reach ecstasy with, and to make love to until sunrise.

This new feeling shook her to her roots. A part of her broke through the controlled, distant, untrusting, business-like Josephine Parker and became the lusty, sensuous Jo Parker who had to have this man—damn the consequences. It scared the crap out of her.

Author Bio

The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.

Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com