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

 I will be posting some chapters from my new romance, "Someone Like You" here in this blog. I'll probably update with new chapters weekly, or every other week. If you're interested and want to keep up on these free reads, I suggest you follow the blog so you'll be notified when a new chapter has been posted. 

Please leave comments. I will be looking for feedback on this book as it's still in progress and can be edited and updated. I'm loving this story. If you do as well, please tell me! Encouraging comments inspire me to keep writing. 

l'll post the first chapter tomorrow. Probably only half a chapter, since my chapters are about ten pages. Stay tuned!

Best regards, 

Jean

  FREE - football romance - GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Book 1 of 9 in the "First & Ten" series. 

In the captivating novel, Griff Montgomery, Quarterback, author Jean C. Joachim delivers a poignant blend of romance, sports fiction, and drama. This novel is a must-read for those who crave stories rich with character development and emotional depth. Set in the world of professional sports and small-town life, it explores themes of loneliness, personal growth, and the quest for meaningful connections. With its unique narrative that intertwines the lives of a star quarterback and a woman at a personal crossroads, this book promises to resonate with readers who appreciate the complexities of human relationships.

DOWNLOAD GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK FREE HERE: 
SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

FIRST  & TEN SERIES

                               Plus a Christmas book.      

 Now that "Sam's Decision" has been released, the trilogy is complete. There will be one more book coming in the Catskills Saga of sweet historical romances. But now you can get all three -- all available in Kindle Unlimited here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9HT3PD?...

Dive into Colonial America with the Chesney family as they move to Fitch's Eddy and their adventures begin. Steeped in the flavor of the times, this authentic series will captivate your heart as you watch pioneer folks grapple with the struggles of life in 1786 America. 

Dance with the people of Fitch's Eddy at the Harvest Festival, run from Zacaria Lee's mad bull, eat the fabulous baked goods from the hands of grandmother Martha Chesney, and fall in love with Abigail, Sarah and Sam. 

If you loved "Little House on the Prairie" you'll love The Catskills Saga.    Free in Kindle Unlimted.

 Made friends with a squirrel in the museum park yesterday. He kept coming back for more peanuts. He'd come right up to me and take the peanut in the shell from my fingers.

But when I switched hands, to the hand with the watch on the wrist, he hesitated. How interesting that he noted that and wasn't sure it was safe. Didn't know anything about the watch. When I went back to holding the peanut in the other hand without the watch, he didn't hesitate. He must have taken 7 or 8 peanuts from me.Who knew squirrels were so observant.

 Have you ever regretted letting go of someone you dated years ago? 

HEATHER & MIKE

Mike Sullivan’s dating Amy, the perfect woman. Everyone says she is, even his best friend, Bill. She urges him to move in with her, and he agrees. To Mike, living together means getting engaged. He’s picked out the ring and is ready to pop the question, isn’t he?

If Amy is the one, why can’t Mike forget Heather? He’d spent a magical ten days with her on Fire Island, ten days that changed his life. Then he’d screwed it up. As quickly as she entered his world, Heather disappeared, blocking his calls, and leaving him bereft.

That was five years ago. Finally ready to accept the fact that he’ll never see Heather again, Mike’s poised to take the big step -- until a magazine article turns his universe upside down.

The story is only $1.99 Find it here: 

AMAZON U.S.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5FRKPG

APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/heath...

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heat...

If you like it, go on to read all the books in the ECHOES OF THE HEART series, all second-chance romances! 

 DAN ALEXANDER, PITCHER - FREE UNTIL MIDNIGHT 3/17!

In "Dan Alexander, Pitcher", the worlds of romance, suspense, and sports fiction collide ina captivating tale of love and redemption. Holly Merrill, a woman on the run from her past, finds herself in witness protection, hiding from the dangerous Flash Kincaid. Her new life in New york City leads her to a job at the Nighthawks stadium, where she crosses paths with Dan Alexander, the team's star pitcher. As Holly struggles to adapt to her new identity, she is drawn to Dan, whose own life is marked by superficial relationships and a longing for something deeper. Their connection grows amidst the backdrop of thrilling baseball games and the looming threat of Holly's past catching up with her. Get the free ebook here: With themes of identity, trust, and second chances, "Dan Alexander, Pitcher" explores the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to face one's fears. Will Holly and Dan find solace and safety in each other's arms, or will the shadows of the past tear them apart? Dive into this engaging narrative to discover a story of passion, suspense, and the pursuit of a new beginning.Series available free in Kindle Unlimited.Get the FREE ebook here: AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Pitcher.../dp/B01M0UT7CS/AMAZON U.K. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0UT7CSAMAZON CANADA – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M0UT7CSAMAZON AUSTRALIAhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01M0UT7CS

Follow my blog to be the first to hear about special deals, like free books!

       Welcome to Pine Grove! Take a walk on Main Street in the small town for people with big dreams. Step into Gramps old General Store and meet Deke Walsh, Rachel Cohen, and Gramps, of course! 

 

In a world where the glitz of Hollywood often overshadowsthe quiet strength of small-town life, Jean C. Joachim's latest novel, For You and You Alone, offers arefreshing narrative that bridges these contrasting worlds. This contemporaryromance, infused with drama and the nuances of personal growth, invites readersinto the life of Deke Walsh, a celebrated actor grappling with the isolatingnature of fame. Targeted at fans of character-driven stories, this novel delvesinto themes of redemption, family, and the quest for authenticity, setting itapart with its heartfelt exploration of love and belonging.

Jean C. Joachim's ForYou and You Alone is a masterful blend of romance and drama, set againstthe charming backdrop of Pine Grove. The novel follows Deke Walsh, a Hollywoodstar whose life is a whirlwind of red carpets and flashing cameras, yet hefinds himself yearning for something more substantial. When a call from hispast beckons him back to his roots, Deke's journey becomes one of introspectionand transformation.

At the heart of this narrative is Deke's relationship withRachel Cohen, a woman who embodies the simplicity and sincerity he craves.Their dynamic is a dance of tension and chemistry, offering readers acompelling exploration of love's complexities. As Deke confronts hisgrandfather's frailty and the dilapidated family store, he is forced toreconcile his glamorous lifestyle with the authenticity of his origins.

Joachim's storytelling shines through her vivid depictionof Pine Grove, a town that becomes a character in its own right, representingthe warmth and challenges of community life. The novel's themes resonate deeplywith readers who appreciate stories of personal transformation and the enduringimpact of familial bonds.

In the words of Jean C. Joachim, 'Deke's journey is one ofpeeling back the layers of fame to find the core of what truly matters—love,family, and authenticity.' This sentiment is echoed in early reviews praisingthe novel's emotional depth and relatable characters.

For You and YouAlone is a must-read for those who seek narratives that are as emotionallyrich as they are entertaining. It is a testament to the power of returning homeand the profound changes that can occur when one dares to embrace their trueself.

                                                    **********************************

The ebook is only $1.99 for a few days only. And only on Apple Books and Barnes & Noble, not Amazon. It's a private sale. Tell  your friends about it, but please don't post it on Facebook. Thanks. Here are the links:

Apple Books

https://books.apple.com/us/book/for-y...

Barnes & Noble 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-...

Comments are always welcome!

 I am re-activating this blog! I will be posting snippets of current books of mine, faves, classics, and along with snippets, inside information regarding how the books got written, personal experiences that went into developing the characters, cool details about the small towns and big cities where the books take place...including pictures!! 

So stay tuned, romance coming your way. The first new installment will be posted TOMORROW!!

 

Howdy! Today we start a new story, "Two of Hearts." It's a woman's fiction story and different from anything else I've ever written. Sorry that the opening excerpt is so long. It was necessary to include all this to establish who Terry is. Caution: there is bad language and sexual references in this story. If that b bothers you, then stroll on by. 

The word prompt is "cold." Don't forget to hop on over and read all the other fabulous stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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At six a.m., the creature breathing on Terry’s ear shouldhave been his wife, Clare, not their pug, Queenie, placing her cold nose against his temple.  His wife, an early riser, always took the dogon the early morning walk. But he’d put Clare on a plane to Los Angeles the daybefore. Terry grumbled as he pulled on sweats, slipped on a wind breaker, andharnessed the pooch.

“Whatthe fuck, Queenie? Why do you have to go out so God damn early, anyway?”

Heshuffled down the hall to the elevator, dog prancing alongside. His wifeoccupied his thoughts. An acquaintance got her into some dumbass west coast script-writinginternship program. Exactly what would she’d be doing there? He had no clue. Ridingdown to the lobby, Terry recalled his conversation over dinner with Clare.

“Aren’tyou a little old for an internship?” He’d asked, refilling their wine glasses.

“It’snot for neophytes. Only for experienced writers.”

“Oh.” Henodded.

“This isa once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to break into the movies.”

“Isn’tthat a bit cliched?”

“Veryfunny.”

“Sorry.”

They’d polishedoff the bottle, then Clare had led him to the bedroom and seduced him. Hechuckled to himself --not like it was difficult.  After great sex, Terry couldn’t deny heranything. She used lovemaking to get her way, but he didn’t care. He loved Clarewith all his heart.

“Howlong is this deal?” He’d asked, lying next to her.

“Sixmonths. That’s all. It’ll pass quickly.”

“Andyour freelancing?”

“Sarahsaid I could take a leave of absence.”

“Andyour job’ll be there when you get back?”

“That’swhat she said. We live on what you make anyway. My dippy shit little salary won’t bemissed.”

“It’snot the money. I’ll miss you.”

“You cancome on weekends. Please, Terry? I may never get another chance.”

With thepleasure from release still floating through his veins, he hadn’t been thinkingclearly. Sure, he’d fly out there at least once a month, catch up on theirlives and screw their brains out. If he made love to her eight times over threedays, that would average out, over a month, to twice a week –more than someguys got. It was only for six months, right? Easy peasy, he’d thought.Obviously he’d gone brain dead.  

“You’llhave Queenie,” Clare had said.

Hearing hername, the animal had jumped up on the bed. After breathing in his face, she circled,nudging her way between them, and plopped down, resting her chin on Clare’sleg. He admitted Queenie had wrapped her little self around his heart, but shewas no substitute for his wife.

“Okay.Six months. Only six months. Then you come home, right?”

“Right.Thank you. I love you madly, truly, dearly,” she’d said and slid down his body,arousing him once more.  

Once hismind worked again, he’d spent the next month looking for ways to back out ofthe deal. But he’d never seen Clare happier. She sang in the morning, initiatedlovemaking every night, and created mouth-watering dinners. How could hedestroy her hopes?

Did hebelieve she’d have a dazzling career as a scriptwriter? He doubted one coursewould turn her into Steven Spielberg, but kept his misgivings to himself. 

Thefirst time the alarm went off at six instead of seven, he regretted hisdecision. Six months of getting up early, six months of walking the damn dogbefore he’d had his second cup of coffee, and six months of no sex –what thefuck had he been thinking?

That's it. Thanks for stopping by. 

 

It's summer and time to scoop up incredible books for your summer reading list. Here are some I especially recommend because they are quick, short reads, or suspenseful reads, or just heart-warming love stories. Take your pick! 
Looking for the audiobook versions? Scroll down. 

Let's start with summer's biggest sport - BASEBALL! 

DAN ALEXANDER, PITCHER (baseball romance)

Fed up withcheating women, Dan Alexander, star pitcher for the New York Nighthawks, grewrestless. Searching for something more than a bar babe, he zeroed in on a girlin the stands. He never expected to see a beautiful chick pushing frankfurters.But the hot dog girl looked as smokin’ as the food she was selling.

Holly Merrill found a place to hide inplain sight, as a vendor at Nighthawks’ stadium. Keeping her secret safe andsimply happy to stay alive, she never considered finding love an option. Afterall, a bad girl doesn’t deserve a decent guy, does she?

Coming off his best season ever, Dan wentinto the playoffs, hell bent on winning the pennant and playing in the WorldSeries. But could he maintain his focus on the field, where everything wasgoing right, when off the field everything was falling apart?  Locker room language. Full novel. 

  https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Pitcher-Bottom-Ninth-Book-ebook/dp/B01M0UT7CS/

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940153518251

 

APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id115...

 

KOBO

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9780997183399

 

SMASHWORDS

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/667364

AMAZONU.K.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0UT7CS

                                ***************************************************

DANGEROUS LOVE DUET

Dangerous missions, a desertedisland, terrorists –and heart-stopping love affairs with strong, sexy men willkeep you up nights, turning the pages to find out what happens next. The twofull-length romantic suspense novels, LoveLost & Found, and its sequel, DangerousLove, Lost & Found, come together in one volume, bursting with actionand romance. This rip-roaring saga of two Marine buddies will keep you on theedge of your seat. 

This secondedition collaboration of an experienced romance writer and a retired Marine isaccurate to a fault, and weaves in two love stories that will leave yousighing. The second story won FirstPlace in the suspense category in the OklahomaRomance Writers of America International Digital Awards contest.  Caution: some cursing. TWO COMPLETE NOVELS IN ONE VOLUME!

AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07923H98W

 

AMAZON U.K.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07923H98W

 

 APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1438403142

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lost-found-a-military-romantic-suspense-duet-jean-c-joachim/1129709151;jsessionid=2CF706E2CC098A20DB8E0C67AB6C23D2.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=2940155730880

 

 

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-lost-found-duett

                      *********************************************************

HEATHER & MIKE: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY (Echoes of the Heart series, Book 1) 

Mike Sullivan’s dating Amy, theperfect woman. Everyone says she is, even his best friend, Bill. She urges himto move in with her, and he agrees. To Mike, living together means gettingengaged. He’s picked out the ring and is ready to pop the question, isn’t he?

If Amy is the one, why can’t Mike forget Heather? He’dspent a magical ten days with her on Fire Island, ten days that changed hislife. Then he’d screwed it up. As quickly as she entered his world, Heatherdisappeared, blocking his calls, and leaving him bereft.

That was five years ago. Finally ready to accept the factthat he’ll never see Heather again, Mike’s poised to take the big step -- untila magazine article turns his universe upside down.   Quick read novella.

AMAZON

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5FRKPG

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heather-mike-the-one-that-got-away-jean-joachim/1128750667;jsessionid=C92187063F27386C8A43F93160C8DD90.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=2940155581567

 

 

ITUNES/APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1387172571

 

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heather-mike

 

 

GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JYKKDwAAQBAJ

                 **********************************************************

UNMPREDICTABLE LOVE (Pine Grove series, Book 1)

When SSGT Trent Stevens receives a letter and hot picture from Jory Walker,he thinks his dreams have come true. Deployed in the Middle East, the lonelysoldier writes back right away and waits impatiently for a reply.  

Uh oh. Amber signed her sister's name on a pen pal letter to a Marine, andJory is stuck fixing the little white lie.  

As letters pour in from SSGT Trent Stevens, Jory has no choice but torespond, though, he's probably drooling over Amber's bikini photo, thinking it’sJory. What harm could it do if she sends him a few letters? After all, they'llnever meet, right?

When love sneaks up on Jory, will her charade boomerang? Is unpredictablelove destined to break two hearts? Full novel.

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DM4EOUW

 

BARNES& NOBLE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unpredictable-love-jean-joachim/1123604545;jsessionid=6E9E3C00CA6DC699E42AA48022A31180.prodny_store01-atgap08?ean=2940153168463

 

GOOGLEPLAY

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=SGKCDwAAQBAJ

 

APPLEBOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1098064633

 

KOBO

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/unpredictable-love

               ****************************************************************** 

LIZ & NICK: NO REGRETS (Echoes of the Heart, Book 3)

Called “the Odd Couple” in high school, athletic Nickand brainy Liz hit it off. From tutor and pupil to lovers, they formed a tightbond –until college. Heading off in different directions, they agreed to cut theirties with no regrets. That was the last time they saw each other.

Tenyears later, Nick still searches for a woman as smart at Lizzie who could lovea jock. He’s still single. Unable to find a big-hearted man who isn’tintimidated by her smarts, Lizzie remains unmarried. When Fate steps in, will thelovers find the answers to their dreams or is it simply too late?

Quick read novella. 

AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLBMPWF

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liz-nick-no-regrets-jean-c-joachim/1128885953;jsessionid=70560C6FA39FB3CD27C7BC383AACDBE1.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940155514824

 

APPLEBOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1396077000

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/liz-nick

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AUDIOBOOKS
These books are available in audio from Chirp: 
Dan Alexander, Pitcher 
Barnes & Noble 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940169081541

Love Lost & Found

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lost-found-jean-joachim/1122636941?ean=2940169081572

Dangerous Love Lost & Found

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-love-lost-found-jean-c-joachim/1121154969?ean=2940171809461

Heather & Mike: The One That Got Away

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heather-mike-jean-c-joachim/1140300554?ean=2940171809225

Liz & Nick: No Regrets

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liz-nick-no-regrets-jean-c-joachim/1128885953?ean=2940169081404

And here's a bonus -- Dan in a beefcake pose! 


ENJOY LOVE AT THE BEACH!