Friday, February 20, 2015

Forgive me, Fandom, for I have sinned...

This blog post was first posted on Roxanne's Realm on 2/20/15. To see more of her post click on the link.



They say confession is good for the soul so here goes.
“Forgive me, fandom, for I have sinned. I have lusted over Jesse in Pitch Perfect, who is not a book boyfriend.”
Seriously, I am in love with his character! I mean, who doesn’t love a straight guy who can sing, dance, AND make you laugh? Not to mention, he’s adorable. Trust me folks, I had my fist in the air by the end of that movie. (Only awesome people will understand that reference.) It remains one of my all time favs and you better believe I will be first in line to get Pitch-slapped when the second movie comes out.
Though I could write an entire blog about the thousand reasons to love Jesse/Skylar, I shall refrain. Instead I will focus on the moment that he won my heart forever.
Like most of you, I was friggin impressed with Anna’s performance of “Cups”. (Go girl!) My nine-year-old daughter memorized it as did most of the pre-teens/teens of America. I, however, was swooning over Jesse’s reaction. Remember? He stared, awestruck, and uttered one word.
“Wow.”
That one word, so overused and overlooked in most situations, hit me like Cupid’s arrow. What girl in her right mind wouldn’t want a man who is so impressed, so enamored, so dumbfounded by her talents that he is left with his jaw hanging to the floor? Wow. Instantly I turned to my poor husband and asked if he’d ever had that kind of moment with me. God bless him, he smiled sweetly and like a seasoned pro answered, “Every day, baby. Every day.” (That’s good training for you, ladies.) After I laughed at his obvious lie, I let it go. But I did secretly fantasize over such adoration.
I realized the writer of Pitch Perfect had caught me up in a love affair that would affect my next novel. My heroine deserved a love like that. Amilynn needed a love like that to sweep her off her feet and make her feel worthy and worshiped. I wanted Ezekiel, the sexy wolf shifter hero of BREAK HER FALL to have a Jesse-Wow moment.
The following scene was born. Amilynn goes to the small stage in the alpha house to dance her stress away before her first official date with Ezekiel. She thinks she is alone with the music, but she has an audience. I hope you love it as much as I do!


(I found this online, it did not come from my brain but it's perfect.)

Ezekiel made it all the way back to his apartment and through his shower before he realized he had no clue what to wear to a Latin dance club. Usually, he didn’t care. But this was for Amilynn and if he had to dress up a bit, she was well worth the effort.

He found Melissa still in the kitchen, talking to Vivian. The two of them were laughing when he came in. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey yourself.” Vivian smiled at him, her hazel eyes full of mischief. “You and Ami put on quite a show today. Have fun?”

“Yeah, actually. I think your compadre broke my ribs, but what the hell.” The ladies both chuckled at him. “And thanks to Melissa, here, I have to accompany said warrior princess to a dance club.”

Vivian gave Melissa a grin.

Ezekiel continued. “And now you have to tell me if I’m supposed to dress fancy for this shit.”

Melissa hugged him around the waist. “Jeans and a nice shirt should be fine, sweetheart. No heavy boots.”

“Thanks. Anything else I should know? Like don’t step on her toes or she’ll gut me?”

“That’s a given,” Vivian said with a one-shouldered shrug. It was all in good fun, but he felt like there might be a hint of truth behind the joke.

“Great.” He rolled his eyes and headed downstairs to his apartment with Vivian and Melissa giggling behind him. At least someone was amused by his suffering.

He passed by the closed doors to the theater and heard music. If his little brothers left the sound system on again, he was going to kill them. The music came from behind the closed curtain and he went around to the side of the stage.

The woman behind the curtain made his breath hitch. He slid into the shadows where he could watch. The song changed and a lovely smile crossed her face. She closed her eyes and slowly lifted her arms into the air, going up on the points of her toes.

Amilynn was a woman of many talents, as he discovered. Being more of the athletic type, Ezekiel hadn’t had too much exposure to ballet, but he recognized it for what it was. He never would’ve thought to mix ballet with a rock ballad. She did it effortlessly. “When You Love Someone” played and Amilynn’s smooth movements and soft lines were the most elegant thing he’d ever seen. She cast a spell with each step, entrancing him and holding him in place. He was afraid to breathe, afraid it would break the magic.

This was a whole new side to his chosen mate. He’d seen the warrior, the seductress, the teacher, the stubborn ass. This? This was the angel, a part he assumed not too many had the pleasure of knowing. Observing her now, no one would believe her to be anything more than a genteel lady. She leapt, her legs extending in opposite directions, her arms over her head, and her back perfectly straight. It made his heart skip. She was amazing. The lyrics to the song were perfection. They told everything he wanted for them and more.

The melody of the song heightened, bringing the listener to that point of emotional precipice. Each drumbeat raised his pulse. Ami turned, her body fluidly spinning round and round, propelled by one powerful leg until he lost count of the rotations. She ended, just as the song did, in a graceful split, her hand slowly rising above her head, her face full of rapture so deep it brought him to his knees.

Ezekiel let out the breath he’d held and blinked rapidly to clear his eyes.

If he ever looked back on their courtship, retelling their story to their children or grandchildren, Ezekiel would say this was the moment he fell madly, hopelessly in love with Amilynn. He would tell of how he stood paralyzed by her beauty and talent and untamed spirit while she danced her way into every corner of his heart.


Swoon! For more of Ezekiel and Amilynn, check out BREAK HER FALL on Amazon, Nook, or AllRomanceeBooks.

If you haven’t read book one, PRIDE BEFORE THE FALL, grab it now while it’s on sale for .99!

I’d love to hear about any Jesse-Wow moments you’ve had!
Lovingly,
Jo

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Interview with Amilynn & Events!

Interview with Amilynn:

My darling Ami was interviewed today! Get a glimpse into her life by clicking the image below!Diane’s Book Blog 
For more info on the BREAK HER FALL blog tour going on right now, visit Bewitching Blog Tours.
Bewitching Tours
  Print copies available at B&N, Amazon coming soon!

Houston Author Bash!

If you live in the Houston, TX area, please come visit me Feb 28th in Katy, TX! HAB 20515 Authors


Adventures in Fiction! March 14th

If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive way to mingle with a handful of authors, consider joining me at this event. Click HERE for more info.

Friday, January 30, 2015

I'm Cheating!

Today I'm totally cheating as a blogger! Break Her Fall is featured on Karen Swart's blog. There's an excerpt, an interview with yours truly, and a GIVEAWAY!!!!! So instead of me telling you all this stuff, go check her site out!

Click HERE!!Karen Swart - Portals to new worlds 



Lovingly,
Jo

Friday, January 23, 2015

Break Her Fall- Blog Tour!

Book 2 in the Blake Pride Series is here and it's causing a roar! Join me on my blog tour as we celebrate Break Her Fall!

January 26
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

January 27
Lore Lush Books
Www.lorelushbooks.com

January 28
Mama Knows Books
http://mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com

January 29
Mommabears Book Blog
http://www.mommabearsbookblog.blogspot.com

January 30
Author Karen Swart
www.authorkarenswart.blogspot.com

February 2
Books N Pearls
http://booksnpearls.com/blog

February 4
Paranormalcravings
Www.paranormalcravings.com

February 6
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

February 9
Share My Destiny
http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com

February 10 
feedmeinbooks
www.feedmeinbooks.wordpress.com

February 11 
Science Fiction and Such
www.sciencefictionandsuch.com


February 12
Diane’s Book Blog
http://dianes-book.blogspot.com

February 13
Deal Sharing Aunt
www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

February 16
Eclipse Reviews
www.totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

February 18
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
www.pratr.wordpress.com

February 18
CBY Book Club
http://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk

February 19
Lisa’s World of Books
www.lisasworldofbooks.net

February 20
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannerhoads.com

February 23
Inner Goddess 
http://www.InnerGoddessForum.com

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

CELEBRATE! A New Year- A New Book!

Happy New Year!

I hope 2015 is rocking for you like it is for me! This past weekend I had the privilege to speak to the NOLA Stars, a North Louisianan Chapter of Romance Writers of America. They were a marvelous crowd. I'm excited to participate in their conference in March. If you're looking for a good place to start your adventure into publishing, I encourage you to attend! Two years ago this convention set my feet on a new path. It's worth it! Learn more HERE!

Houston Author Bash!

Once again I will travel down to Katy, TX on February 28th, for the HAB! I had such fun last year! Come meet authors of every genre and load up on books for 2015! More information to come.

Break Her Fall Party and Blog Tour!

Release Day Party on Facebook! 

To celebrate the January 20th release of the Blake Pride Series book 2, BREAK HER FALL, I'm hosting an online party with a few of my awesome author friends. Join the party on Facebook for author chats, freebies, and fun!


Blog Tour!

The tour starts Jan 26th! Hope to see you at one of the following stops!

January 26
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

January 27
Lore Lush Books
Www.lorelushbooks.com

January 28 
Mama Knows Books
http://mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com

January 29
Mommabears Book Blog
http://www.mommabearsbookblog.blogspot.com

January 30 
Author Karen Swart
www.authorkarenswart.blogspot.com

February 2
Books N Pearls
http://booksnpearls.com/blog

February 4
Paranormalcravings
Www.paranormalcravings.com


February 6
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

February 9
Share My Destiny
http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com

February 10
feedmeinbooks
www.feedmeinbooks.wordpress.com

February 11 
Science Fiction and Such
www.sciencefictionandsuch.com

February 12
Diane’s Book Blog
http://dianes-book.blogspot.com

February 13
Deal Sharing Aunt
www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

February 16 
Eclipse Reviews
www.totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com


February 18
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
www.pratr.wordpress.com

February 18
CBY Book Club
http://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk

February 19
Lisa’s World of Books
www.lisasworldofbooks.net

February 20 
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannerhoads.com

February 23
Inner Goddess 
http://www.InnerGoddessForum.com


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

MUMMY-WRAP-UP PARTY!

 

Happy Halloween!

Yeah, it's a bit early. But we are going to celebrate the season and have some fun. 

Thanks for joining me and all the Love Potion No. 11 authors this month. It's been great sharing their stories with you. 

Now for the fun! Enjoy this glimpse of our seasonal celebrations. 

Make sure to post in the comments to *WIN* a copy of Love Potion No. 11!

 Olivia Hardin in high school with her sisters (above) and recently with her nieces (below). SO cute! Isn't she adorable? Do you still dress up as an adult? Post your best or worst costume ideas!
 Stephanie Nelson sent over an easy recipe for all of us to enjoy! Have you tried this? I might have to, it looks easy and yummy. What's your favorite holiday delight?
 The intriguing and oh so lovely, Liz Schulte could be stirring up a cauldron of trouble? What do you think? Have you ever played a Halloween Trick? Tell us!
 And who doesn't love Potter? Hello! Classic costume by Melinda VanLone! What was your favorite Harry Potter book/movie?
 Tawdra Kandel is totally rocking the Pink Ladies gig. Which Pink Lady are you most like? Take this quiz and find out. Post your results in the comments! Pink Ladies Quiz
 Autumn Dawn has more time to write during this season. What about you? Do the holidays bring a lighter or heavier work load for you? (Lots of baking, huh? I'm coming to your house!)

And finally, yours truly a couple years ago at a party dressed as a flapper girl! I had a blast until that feather fell in my face. LOL! Have you ever had any costume malfunctions?

Well, my ghosts and ghouls, I hope you have a safe and joy-filled Fall! Thanks for joining in on the fun. Don't forget to comment to win a digital copy of Love Potion No.11- available for a limited time.

I would also like to say a very special thank you to all my fellow LPN11 authors: 

Liz Schulte, Melinda VanLone, Myndi Shafer, Olivia Hardin, LK Rigel, Tawdra Kandle, LP Dover, Melissa Lummis, Autumn Dawn, and Stephanie Nelson. 

Y'all ROCK! 

Until next time, 

Lovingly,

Jo

Monday, October 27, 2014

Stephanie Nelson wraps up LPN11


 Stephanie Nelson provides the perfect conclusion in

Love Potion No. 11!

Join us on October 29th for a Mummy-Wrap-Up Party! 

Pick up your copy at iBooks, Amazon, Smashwords and Nook or

Enter to *WIN* a free copy at FreshFiction.com!


 

Meet Stephanie!

 She resides in Illinois with her husband and their furry children. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong, fishing, reading, and spending time with her family.
*Stephanie is also a talented designer. She has done two covers for me(Divine Awakening & The Roles We Play) and I adore them!*


Picture

Taming The Wolf

Picture


Attacked by a wolf while hiking, Anna Avery's life just got a little hairier. Living in the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, with a group of werewolves who are more animal than human, Anna must try to hold onto her human side. It's not easy when the alpha continues to persuade her into his bed, while another wolf is chomping at the bit to become her mate. To top it all off, dead bodies are showing up and it just so happens that Anna was the last to see them alive. She'll have to work to prove her innocence and taming the wolf who bites first and asks questions never.

JoAnna's Review:

As some of you know, I'm a huge fan of were-anything. Wolves, Bear, Felines, it doesn't matter. SO I've read a lot of werewolf books. I have to say, I *LOVED* this story. From the moment you meet Anna you connect with her. There were a few places where I assumed one thing would happen, but Stephanie threw me a  twist. And Adam, YUMMY! Can you say sexy alpha male? When it looks like the odds are stacked against them, Nelson still delivers an ending that will make you smile-and buy the next book. Buy Love Potion No.11 for this story alone. It's worth that whole 99cents!

Wednesday, October 29th is our Mummy-Wrap-Up Party! Join us and see Halloween pictures from the LPN11 authors. I'll be giving away a FREE digital copy of Love Potion No.11!

Lovingly, 

Jo