Friday, December 4, 2009

Jo Davis Brings The Heat...

Interview by Suzanne

Suz: Jo, welcome back to the Bandit Lair. It’s been a few months since we last looked into the lives of the Station Five fire fighters.

Jo: Hi, Suz and the rest of the Bandits! It’s great to be back!

Suz: HIDDEN FIRE is the third in the series and features one of my favorite crewmembers, Julian Salvatore. Who is the lucky woman to win the heart of this Latin lover?

Jo: When Julian met cool attorney Grace McKenna, Kat’s sister, sparks flew! I couldn’t wait to get these two together.

Suz: We met Grace in TRIAL BY FIRE. Why has it taken so long for Grace and Julian to hook up? What is her reaction to seeing him after all this time?

Jo: Grace wants sexy Julian badly—but she doesn’t want a man she has to “fix.” He’s got a reputation as a ladies’ man who won’t settle down and she doesn’t need that in her life. Still, there’s a vulnerability in him that calls to her and she knows there’s more to him than meets the eye. He’s like a drug she can’t resist…

Grace McKenna, after months of turning down Julian Salvatore for a date, has just decided to accept when she learns he was injured on the job and hurries over to see him…



Grace turned into Julian’s complex and located the correct building with little difficulty. The buildings were set back in the trees, older and not as fancy as her own, but very well-sculpted, trimmed and neat. Parking a couple of spots down from his lower-level unit, she hoped she wasn’t taking up anyone’s assigned space. Maybe she should move.

“Quit stalling,” she muttered to herself, grabbing her purse. What’s the worst he could do, shut the door in her face? Wasn’t as though it hadn’t happened before, though with clients and witnesses, never with friends or lovers.

What am I doing here? They had nothing at all in common.

Save for one lovely kiss on a beautiful fall night, months ago.

Even so, she found herself knocking on his door, fidgeting with her purse strap, breathless with anticipation like a silly fifteen-year-old girl. The seconds crawled, became a minute and more as she bounced between concern and the urge to flee. Glancing at the cars parked in the closest spots, she realized she didn’t know what he drove. Had he made it home yet? What if he was inside, sick or unconscious because he’d left the hospital too soon—

Then the lock scraped and the door opened to reveal Julian standing on the threshold, gaping at her, scratched, bruised, rumpled.

And half-naked.

The man was just over six glorious feet of taut, tanned skin stretched over cords of lean muscle. Her gaze slid down his strong throat to the beautiful gold cross resting on his smooth chest, to the dark, pebbled male nipples, to the impressive ridges of his abdomen, south to the drawstring cotton sleep pants hanging way low--holy shit, no underwear--on slim hips that she’d bet her life savings could make a woman scream when in full Elvis rotation.

“You want to talk to me, my face is up here, querida,” he said in amusement, his accented voice husky, smooth as hot butter. “Unless it’s not conversation you have in mind?”

Suz: WOW! Like I said, Jules is one of my favorite heroes in this series. So how does he react to getting a second chance with Grace?

Jo: Once she shows the slightest inclination toward giving in to his seduction, the gloves are off. Julian will stop at nothing to win her permanently. The trick is to convince her that he’s serious and doesn’t see her as another notch on his bedpost and show her he can be a real partner. One who will help her achieve her dreams and not hold her back.

Julian turns up the heat, then proves he’s a complete gentleman…

“Wasn’t that good for you?”

She blinked into his earnest eyes, covering her confused thoughts. “Are you kidding? I think I disintegrated.”

“Ah,” he said, a satisfied grin curing his lips. “Success, then.”

“Oh, yes.” She smiled, smoothing his hair out of his face. “In spades. But what about you? I’d like to return the favor.”

An odd expression flickered across his face, and was gone. “I’m good, bella. That was for you,” he said softly. “Because I wanted to, not because I expected anything in return.”

“But—”

“Shh, no worries.” Reaching down, he fished around for something, then handed over her shirt.

She took it from him and pulled it on, more confused than ever. Since when did a lover not expect his attentions to be reciprocated? The idea caused a warm flutter in her middle.

Why did Julian have to be so damned gallant?

Nothing about the man was what she’d expected so far. Quite the contrary. She’d never felt so off-balance around a man, and wasn’t sure she liked it.

She pulled on her jeans as well, at a loss as to what to do or say next. My God, what a fabulous orgasm! More coffee?

“Thank you.” Feeling ridiculous, she crossed her arms, watching as he stood, smiling.
“For you, anything.”

“You really mean that, don’t you?”

His smile softened, his dark eyes warm as he laid his palms on her shoulders. “I never say anything I don’t mean.”

“No man has ever put my wishes first,” she said, and felt a blush stain her face. What on earth made her admit that to him?

“I’ll always put you first, Grace. No matter where our relationship goes.”

Suz: Fanning myself here. Uhm…where were we…oh yeah, In the Station Five Firefighter series, you always give us a suspenseful, as well as sexy, plot line. Can you tell us a bit about the suspense plot and how you came up with the idea?

Jo: From the beginning of the series, I knew Julian harbored a terrible and shameful (to him) secret. While researching serial killers, I read in one of my research books that it’s not uncommon for serial killers to work as a team. I thought of the countless victims in history of our most infamous killers and thought to myself, “What if very early on, one victim got away? What if he never realized how close he came to death?” I knew then I had my suspense story.

Suz: Can you give us any hints about what else happens in HIDDEN FIRE?

Jo: Hmm, shall I tease you a bit? In this book, Julian reveals that his narcotics officer brother, Tonio, would like to move to Sugarland and join the police department. Readers might recall a mention of Tonio from TRIAL BY FIRE. Also, look for a town favorite to play a bigger role in HIDDEN FIRE and even bigger role yet in LINE OF FIRE coming out on May 4, 2010. Could this favorite hottie spin us into a new series? We’ll see…



Suz: What’s next for the Station Five A team?

Jo: HIDDEN FIRE marks a turning point in Captain Sean Tanner’s battle against alcohol and consuming grief that will carry over into LINE OF FIRE and result in disastrous consequences for one of the A-shift team. Each of their lives will be altered irrevocably. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!



*Read Michelle Buonfiglio’s Feature Review of HIDDEN FIRE at BarnesandNoble.com. http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Heart-to-Heart/Playing-with-Fire/ba-p/412846

***Suddenly the door to the bar opens. And what do my wondering and rather lusty-filled eyes see? Oh yeah, the sexy latin lover in jeans and tight black t-shirt, strutting right over to the booth Jo and I are sharing. With a quick kiss to each of our cheeks, he slides in beside Jo (I am SOOO jealouse!) and asks if we're talking with the Banditas again. When we answer yes, that devilish look fills his eyes and he leans closer to talk into the mike...***

Julian Salvatore: Lovely ladies, are you having a good time? I’d like to ask…what is your idea of the perfect way to win a woman’s heart? I need some help in this area and I’d love to know!



Jo is also starting a 3-book erotica suspense story in the spring for those of you interested in pre-orders. This is a trilogy involving a super secret spy organization that officially doesn't exist, but fights homeland terrorists. The first book is titled, I SPY A WICKED SIN. No firefighters, dear readers, but oh is it hot!!


And Jo is giving away a signed copy of HIDDEN FIRE to one lucky commentor.

78 comments:

mariska said...

me !

Fedora said...

Woot, Mariska!!

Ooh, hi, Jo!! Loved the excerpts and the hints about possibilities for coming books--goodie!!

And hi, Julian! Welcome to the Lair! The perfect way to win a woman's heart? It depends on the woman! Listen and listen carefully, and be willing to give of yourself to give her what she wants (even when she doesn't say it)! It helps if you're a mind reader ;) , but even if you aren't, being considerate and generous (not just to her, but to others in general) will go a long way towards winning her affections.

Sounds like you're well on your way to winning Grace's!

Anonymous said...

Yay !! I'm so glad this one is finally coming out !!
This is a fantastic series you've been writing, really Congratulations !
I don't know about the perfect way to win a woman's heart, but the bes way to win ME, is to make me lough. I know I'm easy, but I can't resist a witty funny guy ;-)

Jane said...

Hi Jo,
Congrats on the new release. I can't wait to read Julian's story. Will you write Shane's story?

Laurie G said...

Honesty is so important to me.

I'd have to be able to trust someone before I could give my heart and open up my soul.

Reliability too. Actions must showcase their words.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

My, my, what a way to start my day, needless to say I will be a bit distracted while crunching numbers. I have got to have this book! I am very sure it will keep me warm this winter.
Julian, welcome to the lair, all women are different as I am sure you know, but I believe most women just want to be heard. Like flchen1 said it helps to be a mind reader since we can't put into words what we want sometimes but listen with your heart and you will figure it out.

s7anna said...

Hi Jo,
I always love reading stories with firefighters in them... total YUM! The book covers are simply gorgeous.

Happy Reading
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca

Gannon Carr said...

Hi, Jo! Fantastic excerpts! Whew! I love me some firefighters! :)

Hellllo, sexy Julian! I think the fact that you told Grace that you'll always put her first shows that you're on the right track. Very wise!

Caren Crane said...

Go, Mariska!

Jo, it's so great to have you back. Julian's book sounds like a sizzler! And the new I Spy sounds even hotter. Yowza!

I can't believe Julian has to ask the best way to a woman's heart. Every man should know it involves taking her to exceptional restaurants on a regular basis, then having great sex later. Duh!

Jo Davis said...

Good Morning, ladies! It's so great to be back! Did you know I was up at 1 am thinking I'd get the Golden Rooster? Boy, was I wrong!! You have to get up really early to beat the Bandits. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Mariksa!
Flchen, Thanks so much! I do love to drop hints at what's coming without spoiling the surprises too much. :)

Jo Davis said...

Emmanuelle,
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series. It does my heart great to hear readers say that.

I love a funny guy, too! Laughter is so important. :)

Deb said...

Hi, Jo! Thanks for popping in today. HIDDEN FIRE sounds really good! I can't wait to check it out. We women do seem to have a fascination with firefighters, don't we? :) Julian sounds ultra-sexy and hot.

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jane!
I'm smiling as I write this because now that we're looking at the final 2 books in the series coming out in 2010, I'm starting to get more and more emails about our hot detective, Shane Ford.

I LOVE this man and I'd love nothing better than to write his story...I have something planned for him and if all goes well, perhaps I'll be able to make an announcement in the spring... :D

Fingers crossed, eh?

Jo Davis said...

Hi Laurie,
yes honesty is at the top of the list. I can forgive just about anything as long as I know the score up front.

Hi Dianna,
I hope you enjoy Julian's story! Nothing like a hot fireman to ward off the winter chill... :)

Jo Davis said...

s7Anna,
I love firefighter books, too! There's just something about these guys...they have the "it" factor for me as heroes, big time!

Thank you, I love my covers! My publisher makes gorgeous ones. The blue flames on this one were my idea--I wanted something that would pop on the shelf color-wise! And blue flames burn the hottest... :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Gannon!
Great to see you again. A fireman for the holidays. yay!

Hi Caren,
Good to be back! Thanks, I hope readers enjoy Julian's scorching escapades. :) I'm excited about the SHADO Agency series, too! I SPY A WICKED SIN comes out Feb. 2...sort of an erotic Bourne Identity meets James Bond. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Deb!
Should you give the seriews a try, I hope you enjoy my Station Five boys. They know how to treat their ladies... :)

Luv me some firemen.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, y'all! Hey Jo! Welcome back to the Lair....Sorry I'm late. Just got home because people actually want me to help deliver babies at the end of my shift! hehehe

Hey Julian!! Waiving madly at the gorgeous latin hunk!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Congrat on nabbing the Golden One, Mairska! How are things in your part of the world today? It's cold here in Texas...but hot with the firefighters to warm things up!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Fedora! Have you read the first two Station Five Firefighter books?

And Julian may be the latin lover of the group, but he wants to do things right to win Grace's hand. And you know, a man who treats people well in general is a man worth loving, isn't he?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Emmanuelle!

Isn't this one of the sexiest series you've ever read? I love reading about firemen, especially the guys in this crew!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jane!

I have it on good authority, that Shane is a character near and dear to Jo's heart, so look to see a bit more of him in coming books!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Jo, isn't it great to have reader's want to read secondary chacters like Shane's story?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Diana! Julian's half naked body on the cover of that book had a few nurses distracted from their work last night, too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna Shah!

The heroes inside those books live up to the covers, believe me!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Gannon!

Don't you just love Grace's reaction to seeing Julian, half naked answering the door? Oh Mama!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Caren!

The Spy series should come with an asbestos cover, the story is that HOT! And it is a very cool suspense series, to boot! (I even gave her a title for one of them!)

Gillian Layne said...

Those excerpts are steaming up the computer screen! (And it's 11 degrees outside right now, so that's a good thing.)

Win a woman's heart? Be kind to her parents/children/pets. Listen without interrupting or explaining how to solve her problem. Bring her hot tea and biscuits without asking. Go get her oil changed, do the grocery shopping, figure out what her favorite funny movie is and rent it. Rub her feet! :)

By the way, I Spy A Wicked Sin is a killer good title!

Gillian Layne said...

Hey Suzanne! I know it's cold in Texas (I'm in Kansas), we saw they had snow! Did you get any white stuff?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

hey Deb!

Maybe it's the real heroism those firefighters show. I mean most of run OUT of burning buildings while they run IN!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Gillian!

We got snow Wednesday morning. My car had about 2 inches on it when I came out of work that morning. But it was all melted by noon!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

By the way everyone...you know Jo's firefighters, one or two might pop in today to say "hi!"

Jo Davis said...

Hey, Suz, good morning! Hope all of your babies came into the world healthy. :)

Yes, it's great to have readers asking for secondary characters' stories. I even got one email a few months ago asking for Joaquin Delacruz's story (Cori's brother from HIDDEN FIRE)! I thought, "Wow, he's so mean! Can I redeem him?!" LoL. It's fun to think of branching off with other characters, and I like to do that. :)

Jo Davis said...

Meant to say Joaquin is Cori's brother from UNDER FIRE... Arg, more coffee! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Gillian!
Good morning. You know, I actually toned down those scenes so nobody's computer would burst into flames. :) hehe

Makes one wonder what I took out... :D

jo robertson said...

Hi, Jo! A hearty welcome back to the Lair for you and your Station Five fire fighters!

Love the hunks you conjure up, Jo.

Maureen said...

Congratulations Jo on the new book! Those covers are great and the story looks good too!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jo! Thanks so much, i always love dropping by!

Hi Maureen,
Thank you for the congrats. I love the cover, too! :)

Louisa Cornell said...

Yay, Mariska! Nice catch!

Glad to see JO is back burning down the house!!

That Julian is SMOKIN'! The excerpt set off all the smoke alarms in my house!

I love this series and can't wait to get my hands on Julian, I mean, NOPE ! I mean Julian. Period!

The way to a woman's heart is to pay attention and REMEMBER the little details. Little things she says about a problem she has or something she meant to pick up or forgot. Something she is always running out of.

Flowers and candy are great, but if a guy remembers I said the back porch light is out and I will have to find a taller ladder to change it and HE changes it FOR me. Very sexy!

If I say I like a certain kind of bagel, but they only sell it way across town and I never get the chance to drive over there and then HE shows up with a bag of those bagels. Trust me. He's getting VERY LUCKY.

It's in the details, Julian. The devil and devilment are ALL in the details!

Joan said...

P.A.S.S.

Point, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep..

That's the acronym in the hosptial for a fire extinguisher...that excerpt was HOT!!

Jo, welcome home to the Lair. Man, I think I'm with Suz on this one. Julian is to delicious for words.

I love the "If you want to talk to me, look up here" LOL

Winning my heart, hm? Showing tenderness/kindness to a child or an elderly person. Dogs, maybe a little, but to the vulnerable among us...THAT would score huge on my heart list.

And um, getting to ride his ladder....er truck, people!!!

limecello said...

Hi Jo! Thanks for visiting with us today :D Great post!
Well of course I'd go for the big romantic gestures - but you know, a guy that cleans. Doesn't leave a mess after himself. Clears the snow and ice off my car in the mornings that it's frozen over.

Otherwise, you know, a luxury weekend in Rome would do it too ;)

Addison Fox said...

Jo:

Welcome back to the Lair!! And Julian...you can drop in ANY time!

I am so excited to read this book - I've been waiting for this one. And seeing as how it's gone completely frigid in Texas this week through the weekend, I know EXACTLY who I'll be curling up with on my couch! :-)

Addison

Deb said...

I think what Louisa says is true....Tapping into one's Love Language (good book, BTW) is a sexy trait in a man. I'm glad my own hubby is like that. I try to do this, too, in return.
Suzanne is right, too. Heroism comes in many forms, but running into a burning building is at the top of the list.

Minna said...

Well, it definitely helps if the guy is helpful.


Bing Crosby - White Christmas (it doesn't look very white around here right now)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPfOjAw5Z0&feature=related

Last Christmas - Wham
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZhoF9Isf0o&feature=related

Hassisen Kone - On jouluyö, nyt laulaa saa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxPMHu-XOnU

Pave Maijanen:Kuokkavieras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2VkzK2LS8E

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Louisa!

So, a man who shows up with a case of lightbulbs, a ladder and a bag of the best bagels pretty has a shoe-in with you? :)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Joanie!

I love the "If you want to talk to me, look up here" LOL...and you no the handsom devil said that with a big disarming smile. But knowing Julian, his heart is beating as wildly as hers, because he realizes that having Grace there might, just might mean he has a second chance with her!AND THAT is what I love about the guy!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Lime!

When I lived in Ohio and we didn't have a garage, many a morning or evening, my hubby would do the snow/ice removal from my windshields and boy did I love that!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Addison!

Yes, I think curling up with Julian this weekend will definitely take the chill off for you!! AND you know Jo, always includes one special scene, (the hot tub scene for TRIAL BY FIRE, the dining room scene for UNDER FIRE), in each book. You'll have to let me know if you enjoy the one in this book, too!

Louisa Cornell said...

What can I say? I'm easily pleased! Especially if the guy looks like Julian!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Louisa,
It's great to be back! And aren't I a lucky woman to be so intimately acquainted with our Jules? :)

I hear you abou the bagels! Those little details are so important...

Jo Davis said...

Hi Joan!
Howz life treating you? Great, I hope!
Hmmm, isn't Jules yummy? I was going to say something about hose... but this is a PG 13 blog, after all!! :)

Love a man who's kind to the elderly and pets... :)

Lady_Graeye said...

What a great blog! Loved the except! Count me in!!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Limecello!
Oooh, Rome! I've always wanted to go, but I'm terrified of flying...maybe one day my man will just sweep me off my feet and take me there. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Addison!! (waving madly)

Thank you, but I can't wait for your new release, WARRIOR ASCENDED, to come out in March, my dear!! Talk about curling up on the couch indulging in pure pleasure... :D

Jo Davis said...

Hello Lady Graeye!
I hope you enjoy the series! If you love hot, sensitve heroes, well... :)

Thanks for stopping by!

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Jo!

I can't wait to cuddle up with Julian! I'm hoping he'll be waiting for me when I hit the store this weekend. ;-)

Honesty, a sense of humor and respect are musts for a guy to win my heart. My late dh cinched the deal by cooking for me. He was a wonderful cook!

Jo, Jules isn't the only one looking good. I love your new photo. You're looking fabulous, m'dear!

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Jo! Welcome back to the lair. Sorry I'm so late in posting - I had to wipe the droll off my keyboard - Talk about HOT covers!
Whew!

To win my heart, the guy has to have a good sense of humor, be confident enough to let me see his vulnerable side, and bring me chocolate! OH - and love to dance. He doesn't have to be a good dancer, he just has to recognize that I love it so that he's willing to stand up in front of strangers and dance with me. So I guess the way to a woman's heart is to sacrifice for her desires (and bring chocolate).

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, just swinging by quickly to say welcome back to the lair! We love it when you visit and the new story sounds hot, hot, hot!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Lady Graeye!!

There are so many great exerpts from this book and Jo chose two of my favorites to showcase how Grace and Julian feel about each other. (He is so drool worthy!)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey PJ!

Isn't a man who cooks the sexiest thing ever? Even better? A man who cooks AND cleans the kitchen up after himself!! WHOOHOOO!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Donna...(handing you a napkin...you missed a spot of the drool, dear!)

Watching men go out of their comfort zone to stand up for or with their women/family is another very sexy thing. Like the big burly Firefighter or cop that gets all weepy when I put their child in their arms for the first time. OH Man, does that make me get all weepy too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna C! Did it cool down down in Oz, yet? Or are you going to have a HOT Christmas?

Jo Davis said...

Hi PJ!
Haven't heard from you in a while! Hope all is great with you. :)

I love Jules and I hope you love his story, too!

Thanks--my daughter took my new publicity photos and did a great job! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Donna!
Thanks so much, I love my covers! Love the blue on this one, sort of electric.

HOpe all is great with you!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Anna!
Thanks, I love coming by and visiting the Bandits! You guys always make me feel so welcome. :)

Will you believe those were the tamest excerpts I could find, and I had to tone them down!

mariska said...

it's Saturday morning here. alright,i didn't read all the comments, so my answer maybe same with other women out there.

to win my heart ^_^, i need a man that can keep his promises, i can trust to him, and can listen to what i share to him.

and i found this on my HUBBY :)

Hey Jo. maybe it sounds lame, but You are a new author for me. and I really like to hang out here because the Banditas always introduce me to Lots of new Author, well it's still new for me!

Lady_Graeye said...

Great Post! Strange, but I have a friend who's name is also Jo Davis. Congrats on the new release

Nancy said...

Mariska, congrats on taking home the rooster!

Nancy said...

Jo, welcome back to the Lair! This book sounds wonderful, just like all the others. Those are tantalizing excerpts.

Pat Cochran said...

Oh,my, Jo,

I've certainly have enjoyed your
covers - they always leave me in
such a "warm" situation! It's
near freezing outside, but who
needs to have the furnace going?
Just gaze at these nice young
fellows!

Thanks for visiting today and
bringing Julian along!

Pat Cochran

Amber said...

Hi Jo! What a great interview. I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading "Hidden Fire". I also can't wait to read Captain Sean Tanner's book, what a great series.

I think Julian is doing great on his own in winning a woman's heart by putting Grace first. Just keep listening to her and standing by her no matter what.

Jo Davis said...

Hi Mariska,
I like hanging out here, too! And I sure love finding new authors to read. That's my favorite thing, to curl up with a good book when I have time. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Nancy,
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy Julian's story.

Jo Davis said...

Hi Pat,
Thanks! I do love my covers--it's not so cold here either with my firemen around. :)

I always love to visit!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Amber,
I hope you love spending a few hours with Jules.

I'm about to start writing Sean Tanner's story and I can't wait! This one is going to be explosive... :)

dmditt said...

Keep up the good work!

robynl said...

a lovely smile, a helping hand, caring and sharing, an arm around me when I'm sad: this draws me to a man.

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net