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Sunshine State #2
Just for Joy: Beyond Achievement
What's the most stupid mistake an FBI agent can make? Falling in love with his suspect.
Widowed physician Joy Clayton is the ultimate overachieving good-girl who’s always followed the norms and has never done anything crazy. Or has she?
A secret romance with alluring Richard Fields was more than Joy bargained for—after all, he was an undercover FBI agent investigating her. A heart-break and six months later, all she wants is to move on. But when she finds herself shoved in the middle of his investigation, it seems clear that destiny has other plans.
FBI agent Richard Fields is on the brink of a career breakthrough in the great city of New York. Yet his heart stayed behind in the small beach town of Ft. Sunshine, Florida. There remains the only woman who’d ever made him reconsider his vow of never settling down again: Dr. Joy Clayton.
When his investigation brings him back to Ft. Sunshine, Joy holds the key to solve his case—and the key to his heart. Yet she's the same woman he must desperately stay away from, at risk of losing his career or ending up in jail.
This enthralling story will keep you glued to the page with its uncommon mixture of meaningful romance, heart-racing suspense, and splashes of comedy.
This is a stand-alone book connecting the Sunshine State Series and the Beyond Romance Series. All books can be read out of order without major spoilers. No cliffhangers.
Widowed physician Joy Clayton is the ultimate overachieving good-girl who’s always followed the norms and has never done anything crazy. Or has she?
A secret romance with alluring Richard Fields was more than Joy bargained for—after all, he was an undercover FBI agent investigating her. A heart-break and six months later, all she wants is to move on. But when she finds herself shoved in the middle of his investigation, it seems clear that destiny has other plans.
FBI agent Richard Fields is on the brink of a career breakthrough in the great city of New York. Yet his heart stayed behind in the small beach town of Ft. Sunshine, Florida. There remains the only woman who’d ever made him reconsider his vow of never settling down again: Dr. Joy Clayton.
When his investigation brings him back to Ft. Sunshine, Joy holds the key to solve his case—and the key to his heart. Yet she's the same woman he must desperately stay away from, at risk of losing his career or ending up in jail.
This enthralling story will keep you glued to the page with its uncommon mixture of meaningful romance, heart-racing suspense, and splashes of comedy.
This is a stand-alone book connecting the Sunshine State Series and the Beyond Romance Series. All books can be read out of order without major spoilers. No cliffhangers.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
309 pages, ebook
First published May 7, 2018
461 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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May 13, 2018
The perfect blend of mystery and romance! I really loved this book. The characters were fleshed out and believable, and I loved their individual arcs and growth--especially Richard's eventual self-realization. And how the characters overcome their own false perceptions about what's possible in order to be together. Uuughhh so good!
Carl is one of my most favorite characters EVER. His teachings and philosophies really hit me on an almost cellular level.
The side characters are well developed and I cannot WAIT for Fe's story. I even want a story for Allison because she's so interesting and flawed, and I want to know more about her!
I especially enjoyed the way the mystery was solved and the clues all came together at the end. I was second guessing the entire way up to the final moment--which is exactly how a mystery should be! If you like a compelling mystery blended with a sweet and slightly spicy romance, this is the book for you <3
Carl is one of my most favorite characters EVER. His teachings and philosophies really hit me on an almost cellular level.
The side characters are well developed and I cannot WAIT for Fe's story. I even want a story for Allison because she's so interesting and flawed, and I want to know more about her!
I especially enjoyed the way the mystery was solved and the clues all came together at the end. I was second guessing the entire way up to the final moment--which is exactly how a mystery should be! If you like a compelling mystery blended with a sweet and slightly spicy romance, this is the book for you <3
November 1, 2018
D. Pichardo-Johansson, ‘Just for Joy, Beyond Achievement’.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. I promised an honest review. Here it is.
English is not my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 5 (of 5) stars.
In general: Fine psychological, romantic thriller
Main characters:
- Joy Clayton, psychiatrist in Fort Sunshine, Florida. Widow of Michael O’Hara, her husband who was murdered 3 years before. She has 3 sons: Arthur (7) and the twins Edward and Alex (3).
- Special Agent Richard Fields (FBI New York). Divorced from Sandy, the girl he married when he was very young. They have a son Ray (14), living with his mother in Florida but she’s not giving him enough attention.
Other characters:
- Carl Andrews, psychiatrist, Richard’s friend and Joy’s mentor. He helps both to overcome the mental problems from their unhappy past.
- Blair Sanders. Reporter, having her own local TV show. Daughter of one of Joy’s patients, Lucia, a severe grief case frequently making suicide attempts. Joy saves Blair’s mother’s life a few times.
Joy and Richard met during Richard’s investigation of Michael’s murder. They fell in love, but had to keep this love a secret, for a FBI agent will lose his job when he has a relationship with a suspect or a witness in a FBI-murder case. Reporter Blair Sanders discovered that Richard made a false testimony in the case and blackmails him. To avoid more problems Richard returns to New York without an explanation to Joy, breaking her heart.
However, the FBI-murder case forces Richard to go back to Fort Sunshine and Joy’s hospital.
There’s a lot of misgivings and misunderstandings on both sides, but Richard and Joy try to find love again.
The author, Mrs D. Picardo-Johansson, - with a lot of understanding and feeling - gives a fine description of the developments in their relationship. And in the meantime she creates a exciting story (with many unsuspected turns in the plot) of the murder investigation. In both, love-story as crime investigation, the reader finds credible characters and a lot of action and suspence. So the book is a real page turner, almost to the last sentence.
R. Huiszoon.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. I promised an honest review. Here it is.
English is not my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 5 (of 5) stars.
In general: Fine psychological, romantic thriller
Main characters:
- Joy Clayton, psychiatrist in Fort Sunshine, Florida. Widow of Michael O’Hara, her husband who was murdered 3 years before. She has 3 sons: Arthur (7) and the twins Edward and Alex (3).
- Special Agent Richard Fields (FBI New York). Divorced from Sandy, the girl he married when he was very young. They have a son Ray (14), living with his mother in Florida but she’s not giving him enough attention.
Other characters:
- Carl Andrews, psychiatrist, Richard’s friend and Joy’s mentor. He helps both to overcome the mental problems from their unhappy past.
- Blair Sanders. Reporter, having her own local TV show. Daughter of one of Joy’s patients, Lucia, a severe grief case frequently making suicide attempts. Joy saves Blair’s mother’s life a few times.
Joy and Richard met during Richard’s investigation of Michael’s murder. They fell in love, but had to keep this love a secret, for a FBI agent will lose his job when he has a relationship with a suspect or a witness in a FBI-murder case. Reporter Blair Sanders discovered that Richard made a false testimony in the case and blackmails him. To avoid more problems Richard returns to New York without an explanation to Joy, breaking her heart.
However, the FBI-murder case forces Richard to go back to Fort Sunshine and Joy’s hospital.
There’s a lot of misgivings and misunderstandings on both sides, but Richard and Joy try to find love again.
The author, Mrs D. Picardo-Johansson, - with a lot of understanding and feeling - gives a fine description of the developments in their relationship. And in the meantime she creates a exciting story (with many unsuspected turns in the plot) of the murder investigation. In both, love-story as crime investigation, the reader finds credible characters and a lot of action and suspence. So the book is a real page turner, almost to the last sentence.
R. Huiszoon.
May 15, 2018
We’ve met Dr. Joy Clayton and FBI Agent Richard Fields in earlier books by gifted author D. Pichardo-Johansson. Those books are well worth reading, but if you haven’t read them yet, you can easily pick up Just for Joy and just enjoy it! This is a captivating book that successfully blends romance, a medical mystery thriller, and positive spirituality.
At the beginning of the book, Joy is in Florida and Agent Fields is in New York and they haven’t communicated for six months. They need a miracle to save their love. Joy survives because she loves her medical practice at the Hospice Home and because she has a sisterhood of friends. Agent Fields focuses on a case that involves national security.
Both of the main characters are complex, well-drawn, interesting and attractive. Their friends and family add to the pleasure of the story.
The author presents romance scenes with the right amount of heat and the mystery-thriller is exciting and fascinating with the medical focus.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Joy is shopping for a little black sheath dress and her friends encourage her to try on a vibrant, flowing sundress. This dress is Richard Joy thinks. She realizes it’s easy to always shop for the same old outfit, when she really needs to embrace the new. It’s easier to search for happiness endlessly rather than accepting it once we find it. Can Joy and Richard learn to live just for joy?
I also liked learning this spiritual principle: Know what you want; focus on the gratitude; let go of attachment. I am a big fan of Author Pichardo-Johansson’s series because her books are a well written gift, with engaging stories and ideas that make me think, all wrapped with a bow of romance. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
At the beginning of the book, Joy is in Florida and Agent Fields is in New York and they haven’t communicated for six months. They need a miracle to save their love. Joy survives because she loves her medical practice at the Hospice Home and because she has a sisterhood of friends. Agent Fields focuses on a case that involves national security.
Both of the main characters are complex, well-drawn, interesting and attractive. Their friends and family add to the pleasure of the story.
The author presents romance scenes with the right amount of heat and the mystery-thriller is exciting and fascinating with the medical focus.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Joy is shopping for a little black sheath dress and her friends encourage her to try on a vibrant, flowing sundress. This dress is Richard Joy thinks. She realizes it’s easy to always shop for the same old outfit, when she really needs to embrace the new. It’s easier to search for happiness endlessly rather than accepting it once we find it. Can Joy and Richard learn to live just for joy?
I also liked learning this spiritual principle: Know what you want; focus on the gratitude; let go of attachment. I am a big fan of Author Pichardo-Johansson’s series because her books are a well written gift, with engaging stories and ideas that make me think, all wrapped with a bow of romance. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 9, 2019
Slow beginning, satisfying ending. I would consider this a jaw breaker candy of the book world. Sweet, sometimes sour, hard to take in all at once but a satisfying journey to the end.
Joy Clayton wants what ever woman dreams of, peaceful calm marriage with happy, healthy children. She has happy, healthy children but her ex got murdered, she fell in love with the FBI agent and has gained the unwanted attention from the men in her work building.
FBI agent Richard, wants nothing more then to advance his career. That was before he set his eyes and his heart on Joy. The challenge? The number one rule of being in the FBI Is to not get involved with the suspect.
With a failure under his belt and a relationship started on lies can he win joys heart, keep his job and stay alive in the process?
Two different worlds colliding and coming together over murder and deceit.
While this book is within a series it is definitely a stand-alone.
Joy Clayton wants what ever woman dreams of, peaceful calm marriage with happy, healthy children. She has happy, healthy children but her ex got murdered, she fell in love with the FBI agent and has gained the unwanted attention from the men in her work building.
FBI agent Richard, wants nothing more then to advance his career. That was before he set his eyes and his heart on Joy. The challenge? The number one rule of being in the FBI Is to not get involved with the suspect.
With a failure under his belt and a relationship started on lies can he win joys heart, keep his job and stay alive in the process?
Two different worlds colliding and coming together over murder and deceit.
While this book is within a series it is definitely a stand-alone.
May 30, 2018
A captivating story you just can't put down
I really enjoyed this book. This story grasped me from the prologue. Just for Joy is an original and very entertaining romance with real-feeling characters with well-defined personalities, facing different life situations. Add to that realistic police-detective situations, medical knowledge and spiritual/inspirational elements and you have a truly unique story.
I really liked the interconnection with characters from previous books of the series, which can be read out of order.
Just like other books from this author, this is a captivating story you just can't put down.
I really enjoyed this book. This story grasped me from the prologue. Just for Joy is an original and very entertaining romance with real-feeling characters with well-defined personalities, facing different life situations. Add to that realistic police-detective situations, medical knowledge and spiritual/inspirational elements and you have a truly unique story.
I really liked the interconnection with characters from previous books of the series, which can be read out of order.
Just like other books from this author, this is a captivating story you just can't put down.
August 30, 2018
Wow, this book has so much going on that at times I went into system overload and had to put it down for a while. The characters are fresh and interesting, and the storyline is jam-packed with misdirections, angst, pain, hopeful longing, and action that keeps you guessing until the very end. My only complaint would be that there are so many red herrings in this book that at times it becomes sloggy and confusing, yet the writer always manages to bring you around and gets the plot kicking again. I read an Hidden Gems copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2018
I love a mystery that keeps me guessing. Tie it together with a compelling romance – make it even more irresistible by being a second chance for the couple – and you’ve given me a book better than catnip. The only complaint I have about Joy and Richard’s story is that I hadn’t read the book about their first “meeting”, not realizing that the book that starts their saga comes from a different series. This stands okay on its own, but there’s definitely some details and context missing without the other. Now I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the rest of these ladies.
October 15, 2018
Just For Joy
I seem to be reading the stories in a backward order, it started with Fe's story as an ARC & I was hooked! I can't wait to read Hope's story, she makes me laugh. I love her character. Anyway, back to this story.............the thriller side of this was engaging, but I did guess who the murderer was. Lots of action, I would have been kept wondering if it was to going to work out for Joy of I hadn't read the 3rd book first. This is a series of stories I'll gladly read again in the future.
I seem to be reading the stories in a backward order, it started with Fe's story as an ARC & I was hooked! I can't wait to read Hope's story, she makes me laugh. I love her character. Anyway, back to this story.............the thriller side of this was engaging, but I did guess who the murderer was. Lots of action, I would have been kept wondering if it was to going to work out for Joy of I hadn't read the 3rd book first. This is a series of stories I'll gladly read again in the future.
July 2, 2018
Love this story
I love the ups and downs in this story about Richard and Joy. They had split up due to his FBI job. He was in NY she was in Florida. She was also part of his case. Joy seems so wonderful with three kids and she is a psychologist. Her friend's are trying to get her to forget him but it doesn't work. He comes back for more work on the case and the fun into each other. Love the mystery part and medical part of this story. Very fun and interesting. Loved it.
I love the ups and downs in this story about Richard and Joy. They had split up due to his FBI job. He was in NY she was in Florida. She was also part of his case. Joy seems so wonderful with three kids and she is a psychologist. Her friend's are trying to get her to forget him but it doesn't work. He comes back for more work on the case and the fun into each other. Love the mystery part and medical part of this story. Very fun and interesting. Loved it.
October 12, 2018
This book was such an enjoyable read from the very beginning. Mystery with your romance, a great combination.
There were so many possibilities for the bad guy that it was hard to figure out who it was until the end. Good story.
The storyline was well written and the characters were so likable and believable.
This was the first book that I have read from this author and it definitely will not be the last!
There were so many possibilities for the bad guy that it was hard to figure out who it was until the end. Good story.
The storyline was well written and the characters were so likable and believable.
This was the first book that I have read from this author and it definitely will not be the last!
November 1, 2018
Whew...this book was a doozy! Although it started out pretty slow, it picked up momentum as the storyline unfolded. The characters in this book were evenly matched—you loved them or you hated them. A really good read with lots of action and suspense...plus a terrific HEA. This one should be added to your TBR today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and really enjoyed it.) ❤️
November 3, 2018
Couldn't put this must read down!!!
I read a LOT of books, and this one had me glued to it until I'd finished it (and then I was sorry it was over)! The characters are amazing in their depth. The story reached me on many levels and generated multiple emotions from joy to sadness to anxiousness.
To say that I will be reading more books by this author is clear.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I read a LOT of books, and this one had me glued to it until I'd finished it (and then I was sorry it was over)! The characters are amazing in their depth. The story reached me on many levels and generated multiple emotions from joy to sadness to anxiousness.
To say that I will be reading more books by this author is clear.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 13, 2018
Excellent romantic suspense. Joy is an extremely intelligent psychiatrist. She meets Richard after her husbands death but she doesn’t realize he’s with the FBI there to investigate Her! The characters are very complex so it keeps the reader guessing who the real murderer is. I received a complementary copy of this book via Hidden Gems and chose to write a review. There is a wide variety of emotions on the journey reading this book.
April 27, 2020
JUST FOR JOY 4/10-13 5*stars
A STAND SERIES CAN BE READ OUT OF ORDER, GUARENTEED HEA, FUNNY, TEAR JERKING MOMENTS, UPLIFTING, INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE AND MILDLY SEXUAL. AFTER READING THAT ABOUT THE SUNSHINE STATE SERIES I FIGURED I COULD’NT GO WRONG. I’M GLAD I DID, WHAT A WONDERFUL ROMANCE, I REALLY ENJOYED IT. JOY WAS A BIT UNBLIEVABLE, TOO NICE, ALLISON WAS DISLIKABLE AND NOT VERY GOOD AT HER JOB. LOVED RICHARD. ;D
A STAND SERIES CAN BE READ OUT OF ORDER, GUARENTEED HEA, FUNNY, TEAR JERKING MOMENTS, UPLIFTING, INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE AND MILDLY SEXUAL. AFTER READING THAT ABOUT THE SUNSHINE STATE SERIES I FIGURED I COULD’NT GO WRONG. I’M GLAD I DID, WHAT A WONDERFUL ROMANCE, I REALLY ENJOYED IT. JOY WAS A BIT UNBLIEVABLE, TOO NICE, ALLISON WAS DISLIKABLE AND NOT VERY GOOD AT HER JOB. LOVED RICHARD. ;D
November 6, 2018
THis was an amazing story! The adventure, mystery, romance, anguish, emotions....it was so much and kept me involved the whole way through. I didn’t want to put it down! I hope to see what happens with Fe and Allison. This is even better for me since it’s close to home...literally!
I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of the book.
I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of the book.
November 20, 2018
Dr. Joy Clayton and FBI Agent Richard Fields were involved 6 month before while he was investigating Joy’s husbands death. They kept their relationship secret as long as they could until he had to leave abruptly to New York saying good bye.
Now both are apart resenting and missing each other. Joy wanted to move on from Richard but it is not as easy for since she has three boys to raise and kept herself busy working in hospice and her medical practice.
While his investigating more in-depth of Joy’s husbands organization, it bring him back to Florida. Now they have to face each other again. They will have to set their feeling aside to work together to solve the mystery. They are still attracted to each other but will they willing to try again.
It was a bit slow in the beginning of the book yet once suspense surrounding the case, story picked up and pace moved a bit faster. I did ended liking Richard after he decided to put everything head of his job. Other characters like her besties and kids were great addition to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Now both are apart resenting and missing each other. Joy wanted to move on from Richard but it is not as easy for since she has three boys to raise and kept herself busy working in hospice and her medical practice.
While his investigating more in-depth of Joy’s husbands organization, it bring him back to Florida. Now they have to face each other again. They will have to set their feeling aside to work together to solve the mystery. They are still attracted to each other but will they willing to try again.
It was a bit slow in the beginning of the book yet once suspense surrounding the case, story picked up and pace moved a bit faster. I did ended liking Richard after he decided to put everything head of his job. Other characters like her besties and kids were great addition to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
December 12, 2018
I loved this story!!
This book really touched my heart, and kept my brain processing. The storyline and development of this story overall was extremely well done. The mystery kept me guessing and on edge. The characters were well developed, and their personal and relationship growth so real, and satisfying. I stayed up late to finish this book because I couldn’t put it down!
This book really touched my heart, and kept my brain processing. The storyline and development of this story overall was extremely well done. The mystery kept me guessing and on edge. The characters were well developed, and their personal and relationship growth so real, and satisfying. I stayed up late to finish this book because I couldn’t put it down!
June 3, 2018
An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 11, 2018
Long distance
I wish I had known about their prequel prior to reading this but I could tell from the prologue this was going to be a good read. There was some that drew these 2 together and kept them from forgetting each other.
I wish I had known about their prequel prior to reading this but I could tell from the prologue this was going to be a good read. There was some that drew these 2 together and kept them from forgetting each other.
November 23, 2018
Great story
This was my first read of this author and was not disappointed. Richard and Joy both had issues but I was happy to see them work through them. The characters were well developed.
This was my first read of this author and was not disappointed. Richard and Joy both had issues but I was happy to see them work through them. The characters were well developed.
May 24, 2020
Loved this story, a great mix of suspense, romance and holistic thinking. I think the later tripled my interest in the book. Loved the writing style, great flow and since this is my first read from this author I'll be easily reading her books in the future!
June 9, 2021
Great story
This was a great story filled with a lot of drama & excitement. The characters were great & kept you on the edge of your seat.You never knew what would happen next.Highly recommend.
This was a great story filled with a lot of drama & excitement. The characters were great & kept you on the edge of your seat.You never knew what would happen next.Highly recommend.
June 9, 2018
4 Stars
Totally different romantic read!! A lot of story with realistic characters. If you are looking for a different romantic mystery, then this is the book for you!
Totally different romantic read!! A lot of story with realistic characters. If you are looking for a different romantic mystery, then this is the book for you!
July 26, 2018
Great book
Lots of action but not so much that you get lost. Great storyline. Slow to start but would recommend reading.
Lots of action but not so much that you get lost. Great storyline. Slow to start but would recommend reading.
August 9, 2018
Just for Joy
Romance and mystery! My favorite combination! There were so many possibilities for the bad guy that it was hard to figure out who it was until the end. Good story.
Romance and mystery! My favorite combination! There were so many possibilities for the bad guy that it was hard to figure out who it was until the end. Good story.
October 22, 2018
Slow Mystery
Characters didn't really connect and story line was to long. I had a hard time finishing this book but did.
Characters didn't really connect and story line was to long. I had a hard time finishing this book but did.
April 4, 2020
Always looking for a love story and a mystery with lots psychological turns. Very good read.
May 6, 2020
Brilliant minds
Good for adults. This is a real brain teaser. With all the murders and attempted murders life is moving awfully fast.
Good for adults. This is a real brain teaser. With all the murders and attempted murders life is moving awfully fast.
June 20, 2020
Not my fav, not planning to continue with the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews