by: Jennifer Bonds
Series: Risky Business
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 2, 2016
Publisher: Entangled ~ Brazen
He’ll break her three-date rule or go down in flames trying…
Firefighter Jackson Hart is back in Brooklyn and on the hunt for the girl who’s kept him burning for ten long years. The girl he left, in a total prick move, without saying goodbye. Now he’s determined to make it right, to hell with her three-date rule.
But Becca’s not ready to forgive and forget. In fact, she seems determined to stoke his fire every chance she gets. She wants to avoid sexy distractions like him? Fine. Because what she doesn’t know—yet—is that Jax isn’t the kind of man to give up when he wants something. And he always gets what he wants.
Hi Jennifer, welcome back to Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Hi, Kim! Thanks so much for hosting me on the blog today!
Your newest release is Seducing the Fireman. What can you tell me about this story?
It. Is. Smokin’. (No pun intended.) I had so much fun writing Jax and Becca’s story, and not just because of the sexy fireman. Initially the third book in the Risky Business series was going to be about a matchmaker, but I stumbled across the FDNY Calendar of Heroes while I was procrast—err, researching—one day, and the rest was history.
One look at that calendar and all I could think about was a young, free spirited photographer shooting an old flame for the sexy fundraiser. The idea took root and I had no choice but to scrap the original concept so I could tell Jax and Becca’s story. I just adore Jax. He’s strong, sexy, and has a bit of an ornery side, doing whatever it takes to get under Becca’s skin and into her bed. I should also mention he has the world’s most lickable abs. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing. (wink)
Seriously though, as the wife of a combat-wounded veteran, I have so much love for the men and women who serve, which is why I’m donating 10% of the first month’s sales for Seducing the Fireman to the FDNY Foundation, an organization dedicated To Better Protect New York.
Jackson disappeared from Becca’s life 10 years ago, in a total prick move. What have these two been up to during this time?
They’ve been busy…growing up. Sort of.
Jax has always been a bit of a rolling stone, moving up and down the east coast and focusing on his career in an attempt to outrun the ghosts of his past. Returning to New York and landing a job with the FDNY is a dream come true. It’s also the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the girl he’s never quite been able to let go.
Becca’s been making a name for herself as an up and coming photographer, doing her best to convince her very protective, very Italian family that she’s grown into a capable, independent young woman. Something she’s finding is easier said than done, especially when Jax seems determined to protect her at every turn.
Why does Becca feel the need to have a three-date rule?
Let’s just say she has terrible luck with the opposite sex and her dating track record suggests that the fourth date will always end in disaster. Always. Think of your worst date ever and that’s basically Becca’s fourth date M.O. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst frenemy, but each of those dating disasters have helped shape Becca into the kind of strong heroine I adore and I hope readers will love her spirit (and funky t-shirts) as much as I do!
What do you love about these two?
I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers because there’s nothing more fun than writing snarky, push-pull dialogue between the hero and heroine. This *usually* leads to those sexy moments laced with tension and an epic battle of wills between two equally stubborn characters who can split my sides with their crazy antics.
Jax and Becca were no different, but what made them unique from the other couples in the Risky Business series was that they actually had history. (Jax knows all about Becca’s sweet tooth and he’s not above using it to get his way.) Their history added a layer of complexity and I loved the way they challenged (read: antagonized) one another as they became reacquainted. Even with the past nipping at their heels, their chemistry was burning up the pages!
Did you encounter any surprises while writing Seducing the Fireman?
I don’t know that there were any surprises in the storyline (I’m a diehard plotter), but I learned so much about the FDNY and firefighting in general. Telling Jax’s story and giving an authentic day in the life of an FDNY firefighter required a lot of research. (And no, I’m not talking about drooling over half-naked firefighters on Pinterest, although I did plenty of that, too.) It was really important to me that Jax’s struggles and fears were accurately represented and I hope I’ve delivered a story that will not only touch readers hearts, but also given them a little more insight into the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve.
What’s next for you?
Lol. My editor keeps asking me the same thing! I wish I could tell you for sure, but I have a couple of ideas I’ve been toying with and I haven’t quite decided which direction to go yet. It will most definitely be a new adult or hockey series. After all, Ryan Douglas’ teammates from Once Upon a Power Play are itching to tell their stories and I’d love to try my hand at writing a book entirely from the hero’s POV.
Thank you for taking time to answer some questions for me.
Thanks so much for having me at Read Your Writes today and for giving me the opportunity to dish on the sexiness that is Jackson Hart! (wink)
When he finally found her in a supply closet, she was bent over with her rear in the air, her dark leggings showcasing the perfection of her ass. Not quite what he was expecting, but damn if his cock didn’t swell at the sight. The mental picture of taking her from behind was front and center in his brain as he watched her, eyes glued to her backside.
“Stop staring at my ass,” she said, twisting to confirm her suspicions, “and help me find my phone. I thought I left it on the shelf in here, but I can’t find it. Maybe it fell on the floor?”
She continued to rummage through the boxes and bins on the lower shelves, so he joined her, using his own phone to brighten the dim room as he looked under the rusty shelves. Crawling around in a dirty supply room wasn’t exactly how he imagined spending an evening with the sexy woman beside him, but better him crawling around on the floor than her. Spotting a dark lump beneath the shelving unit, he reached under, hoping like hell he wasn’t about to catch a case of lockjaw for his trouble, and pulled out the phone.
“Got it.”
When he turned to stand, he found Becca right behind him. They collided, his face going straight to her lady bits as her hands tangled in his hair, holding him tight.
They both froze.
The sexual tension in the room was so damn thick they’d need the Jaws of Life to cut through it.
Fuck it.
He gripped her ass, cupping those round cheeks and using them as leverage to pull her close. She remained silent, as if waiting to see what he’d do next. Keeping their bodies flush, he climbed to his feet slowly, savoring the feel of her soft curves against his chest. Their eyes met, and damn if he didn’t want to lose himself in those dark depths. The way she was looking at him, like he was the answer to a prayer she’d never voiced aloud? It nearly stripped him of his restraint. A lesser part of his brain told him to take it slow—the last thing he wanted to do was spook her—but he ignored it, letting instinct take over. Their attraction? It wasn’t cerebral. It was primal.
“Don’t even think about it,” she warned, making no move to separate their bodies, although they stood so close he could feel the rise and fall of her breasts with each breath.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” She rolled her eyes and shifted her weight. Was it wishful thinking or had she actually gotten closer? “Don’t be coy.”
“Are you seriously going to pretend you don’t feel that?” He smirked. “The sexual tension in this closet is so thick we’re both drowning in it.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Now who’s being coy? One word, Becca.” He paused. “Yes. That’s all you have to say.”
**10% of First Month’s Sales go to the FDNY Foundation**
Purchase Seducing the Fireman from:
The Risky Business Series:
(Clicking on the book cover will take you to Amazon.)
Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she's not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.
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